Running shoe sole with channel cushioning

Abstract

To provide a sole for a running shoe having a soft-elastic midsole 1, the sole having an underside 2 coming at least partially into contact with the ground during running.SOLUTION: The midsole includes a plurality of channels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d extending in a transverse direction Q arranged in a lateral area LB of the midsole in a horizontal plane. At least some 3a, 3b of the channels are arranged in a forefoot area VFB of the midsole, at least some of the channels are arranged in a midfoot area MFB of the midsole, and / or at least some of the channels are arranged in a heel area FB of the midsole. The channels are each delimited in a longitudinal direction L by a front wall 31 and a rear wall 32 and have an elongated shape in cross-section along the running direction. The channels are deformable vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction L until closure of the channels under the action of forces occurring during running acting in the vertical and / or longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of footwear technology, in particular for sports and leisure shoes, and relates to the sole of a running shoe and the use of the sole for the manufacture of a running shoe. [Background technology]

[0002] Numerous running shoes with various cushioning systems are known in the prior art. Sports and leisure shoes with soles that have a gel core in the heel area are widely used to ensure vertical cushioning during stride. Furthermore, improved vertical cushioning properties have been achieved by arranging individual spring elements in the heel area between the outsole and the insole.

[0003] While the above-mentioned soles improve the vertical cushioning of the shoes, they are unable to provide sufficient cushioning against horizontal forces acting on the soles and shoes, which occur more frequently, especially on downhill slopes, and the lack of sufficient cushioning is one of the main causes of frequent knee and hip pain.

[0004] The applicant's sole is known from WO 2016184920 as being a sole with split channel-shaped elements that protrude downwards and open laterally. Under the influence of forces occurring during running, the channel-shaped elements are deformable both vertically and horizontally until their lateral openings close. The splitting of the sole also splits the cushioning effect, creating non- or low-cushioning areas in the sole. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In many sports activities, such as running, the heel region is where the shoe first contacts the ground. As a result, the passive forces acting on the shoe are significantly greater than in the forefoot or midfoot regions of the sole. In this context, passive forces refer to forces acting during a stride, while active forces refer to forces exerted by the wearer, for example, during a push-off. To take this into account, running shoes generally feature particularly pronounced cushioning in the heel region. While such designs can provide at least sufficient vertical cushioning, significant cushioning negatively impacts the overall weight of the shoe. As a result, running shoes known in the prior art have insufficient cushioning and / or a heavy weight.

[0006] Another drawback of known running shoe soles is their low durability, which often leads to a significant loss of cushioning effect over time, often due to fatigue of the cushioning material.

[0007] It is therefore a general object of the present invention to improve upon the prior art in the field of running shoes, and preferably to overcome one or more of the drawbacks of the prior art. In advantageous embodiments, a sole is provided that has improved cushioning, and which is preferably lightweight.

[0008] In a further embodiment, a cushioned sole is provided that exhibits improved durability over time.

[0009] The general problem of the present invention is solved in a general way by the objects of the independent claims.

[0010] Further advantageous embodiments emerge in each of the dependent claims and throughout the disclosure.

[0011] The sole for a running shoe according to the present invention comprises a soft elastic midsole having a lower surface that at least partially contacts the ground during running. The midsole further comprises a plurality of laterally extending channels arranged in lateral regions of the horizontal plane of the midsole. At least some of the channels (3a, 3b) are arranged in the forefoot region (VFB) of the midsole, and / or at least some of the channels are arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) of the midsole, and / or at least some of the channels are arranged in the heel region (FB) of the midsole. Each of the channels is bounded in the running direction by a front wall and a rear wall and has an elongated cross-section along the running direction. During running, under the influence of forces acting in the vertical and / or longitudinal direction, the channels can deform perpendicular to the longitudinal direction until they close. The elongated shape of the channels in the longitudinal cross-section, in contrast to channels without such an elongated cross-section, for example, circular or square, provides a significantly improved cushioning effect and does not cause a floating feeling due to a substantial loss of stability caused by the channels. In the running shoe sole according to the present invention, the cushioning of the midsole channel cooperates with the cushioning provided by the soft elastic midsole material. Due to the elongated shape of the channel, the cushioning effects are optimally matched to each other. Compared to other cushioning systems such as gel pads, the channel offers the advantage of significantly reducing the weight of the running shoe.

[0012] The directional indications used in this disclosure should be understood as follows: The horizontal plane of the sole refers to a plane oriented substantially parallel to the underside of the sole and substantially parallel to the ground, respectively. It will be understood that the horizontal plane may also be slightly curved. This is the case, for example, when the sole is slightly curved vertically upward in the forefoot and / or heel regions, as is typical in running shoes. The longitudinal direction L of the sole is represented by the axis from the heel region to the forefoot region and therefore extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The lateral direction Q of the sole extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, respectively, and substantially parallel to the ground. The lateral direction therefore extends along the lateral axis of the midsole. In the context of the present invention, the vertical direction V indicates the direction from the underside of the sole towards the insole, or towards the wearer's foot in a moving state, and therefore extends along the vertical axis of the midsole.

[0013] Furthermore, the lateral regions of the midsole refer to the regions along the lateral medial and lateral lateral sides of the midsole of one running shoe of a pair of running shoes, which regions extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extension length of the lateral regions is a few centimeters, for example, 0.1 cm to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 3 cm. The medial region of the midsole refers to the region along the central longitudinal axis of the midsole, which in both cases extends in the lateral direction of the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extension length of the medial region is a few centimeters, for example, 0.1 cm to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 3 cm. Those skilled in the art will understand that the horizontal extension lengths of the lateral regions and medial regions may vary depending on the size of the respective shoes.

[0014] For the purposes of the present invention, a channel is a recess that may typically have a tubular shape. In this context, the channel extends laterally in the sole, i.e., is arranged essentially transversely to the running direction and parallel to the running surface, respectively parallel to the ground. Generally, the channel is wholly or partially bounded by a channel wall. Typically, the channel is hollow. However, in some embodiments, the channel can also be filled, for example, with an elastically deformable foam material or a gas.

[0015] According to the present invention, each channel is bounded by a front wall and a rear wall. The channel may further have a top wall and a bottom wall. The walls may be formed by flat surfaces, or the front and rear walls, in particular, may be formed by two or more surfaces forming one or more folded edges. The term "folded edge" also includes embodiments that are slightly rounded and therefore not perfectly square. Such folded edges consequently extend along the channel, thus extending laterally of the midsole and essentially transversely to the direction of travel.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that channel deformability may include, for example, vertical attachment of channel walls to each other and / or longitudinal shearability of the channel.

[0017] Additionally, the phrase "underside that contacts the ground during running" also includes embodiments in which the midsole is further coated with an underlying layer, such as a full or segmented outsole, in which case contact with the ground is at least partially established by such outsole.

[0018] The elongated shape of the transverse channels can have, for example, a rectangular cross section or an oval cross section.

[0019] Preferably, the midsole comprises 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.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the channel has a lateral opening in a lateral region of the midsole, and preferably the channel is deformable vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction under the action of forces acting in the vertical and / or longitudinal direction that occur during running until the lateral opening is closed.

[0021] Typically, the upper and lower channel walls may come into contact with each other under the influence of forces that occur during travel.

[0022] In a further embodiment, at least a portion of the channel is disposed in the heel region of the midsole, and a portion of the channel is disposed in the forefoot region of the midsole and / or a portion of the channel is disposed in the midfoot region of the midsole. Preferably, at least a portion of the channel is disposed in the forefoot region, a portion of the channel is disposed in the midfoot region, and a portion of the channel is disposed in the heel region of the midsole. Thus, in such an embodiment, at least one channel is disposed in each of the heel region, the midfoot region, and the forefoot region. Since a portion of the channel is disposed in the forefoot region, a portion of the midfoot region, and a portion of the heel region of the midsole, the channels are preferably distributed substantially throughout the midsole. This allows the recesses to reduce the weight of the sole. Furthermore, it has been shown that disposing the channel not only in the heel region and midfoot region but also in the forefoot region is advantageous for the riding feel, particularly the cushioning effect.

[0023] In some embodiments, the channel is completely bounded by the midsole, at least in the lateral regions, and being bounded optimizes the overall cushioning effect consisting of the cushioning effect of the soft elastic material of the midsole and the effect of the channel.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel is located in the heel region and at least a portion of the channel is located in the forefoot region. The channel in the heel region has a channel height greater than the channel in the forefoot region. The passive forces generated during running and that need to be cushioned are typically greatest during heel strike during running, and as a result, selectively increasing the cushioning effect by increasing the channel height is advantageous in this region. The channel height is defined as the maximum vertical distance between the channel boundaries, specifically between the channel walls, within the channel.

[0025] In further embodiments, the channels are arranged in the heel region and / or the forefoot region and / or the midfoot region in a single horizontal plane. Thus, in such embodiments, all channels of the sole, at least in the lateral regions, lie in a single horizontal plane.

[0026] In some embodiments, the channel has a substantially hexagonal and / or pentagonal cross section. Typically, at least one corner of the pentagon or hexagon is arranged longitudinally, i.e., in the running direction, or arranged opposite to the running direction. For example, one corner of the pentagon or hexagon may be arranged in the running direction toward the tip of the sole, or in the opposite direction toward the rear of the sole. Furthermore, the pentagon or hexagon may have an asymmetry, for example, a side of the pentagon or hexagon in the running direction, i.e., a side extending essentially parallel to the ground, may be longer than the other side of the pentagon or hexagon. This asymmetry results in the elongated shape of the channel cross section according to the present invention.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the channel comprises two side surfaces in cross section, each essentially parallel to the lower surface, essentially parallel to each other, and essentially parallel to the bottom. These side surfaces correspond to the upper and lower walls of the channel. The angular shape of the channel in cross section has a positive effect on the deformability of the channel. Therefore, a hexagonal shape is preferentially suitable for improving the deformability of the channel. As a result, the deformability of each channel can be individually and flexibly adapted to the position of the channel and the specific forces acting on the channel by the correct shape of the channel.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the front and rear walls of at least one channel have front and rear folded edges, respectively, that are arranged in the running direction towards the tip of the sole and in the opposite direction to the running direction towards the heel edge of the sole, respectively.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ratio of channel height to channel width in the lateral regions of the midsole for each channel is in the range of 0.15:0.6, preferably 0.2:0.4, where the channel width is defined by the maximum horizontal distance between the channel separators within the channel.

[0030] Preferably, the ratio of channel height to channel width in the lateral regions of the midsole for each channel is greater in the heel region than in the forefoot region, e.g., the ratio in the heel region may be 0.35:0.4 and the ratio in the forefoot region may be 0.2:0.3.

[0031] In some embodiments, in the heel region, the channel width of each channel in the lateral regions, particularly in the region of the lateral openings, may be 15 mm to 20 mm, and the channel height of each channel in the lateral regions, particularly in the region of the lateral openings, may be 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0032] In a further embodiment, in the forefoot region, the channel width of each channel in the lateral regions, particularly in the region of the lateral openings, may be 9 mm to 16 mm, particularly 10 mm to 14 mm, and the channel height of each channel in the lateral regions, particularly in the region of the lateral openings, may be 1 mm to 5 mm, particularly 2 mm to 4 mm. Those skilled in the art will understand that the channel height and channel width may vary depending on the shoe size.

[0033] In some embodiments, each channel tapers from the lateral region of the midsole to the medial region of the midsole. For example, the cross-section, or respective cross-sectional area, of each channel in the medial region may be 8% to 20% smaller than in the lateral region, particularly in the region of the lateral opening. Thus, each channel has a greater width and / or height in the lateral region than in the medial region. In particular, the ratio of channel height to channel width of each channel may be greater in the lateral region than in the medial region of the respective channel.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the channel is fully compressible when run starting from a force of 1000N to 3000N, preferably 1500N to 2000N.

[0035] In some embodiments, the sole preferably includes an incompressible elastic plate extending across the entire midsole. Such a plate may extend across the heel, midfoot, and forefoot regions. Typically, the plate is a continuous plate and therefore does not have any recesses. The plate may be positioned vertically above the soft elastic midsole, thereby at least partially or completely covering the soft elastic midsole.

[0036] In a further embodiment, at least a portion of the channels in the medial region of the midsole, preferably the channels in the forefoot region, are bounded on one side by an incompressible elastic plate. Because the required cushioning effect is significantly lower in the forefoot region than in the heel and midfoot regions, in such an embodiment, the reduction in midsole material can reduce overall weight without significantly reducing cushioning effect. Generally, an incompressible elastic plate has the advantage of aiding the push-off process during running, as the plate stretches during running and returns to its original shape during the push-off process. Thus, the runner must exert less force per push-off than without the incompressible elastic plate.

[0037] In some embodiments, the midsole has a groove extending longitudinally from the heel region to at least the midfoot region. The groove may have a depth of 1 cm to 3 cm, preferably 1.8 cm to 2.5 cm. Those skilled in the art will understand that the depth of the groove may vary depending on the shoe size. In the lateral cross section of the sole, the channel may be V-shaped. Preferably, the cross section has a step, with the angle between the running surface and the groove being 40° to 60° in the running surface area and 75° to 90° in the step. This prevents stones from getting stuck in the channel. Generally, grooves have the advantage of substantially reducing the amount of material used in the midsole without substantially reducing stability. For example, the width of the groove may be 2 cm to 3 cm in the running area and narrow to 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.7 cm to 0.9 cm, vertically. Those skilled in the art will understand that the width of the groove may vary depending on the shoe size.

[0038] In embodiments with an incompressible elastic plate, the groove may be directly bounded by the plate, and therefore the incompressible elastic plate is directly exposed to the environment at least in the region of the groove.

[0039] Another aspect of the invention relates to a running shoe comprising a sole according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a sole according to any of the embodiments described herein for the manufacture of a running shoe.

[0041] Aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail based on examples of specific embodiments shown in the following figures and associated description, and the embodiments shown in the drawings should not be understood as limiting the invention as described in the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of a sole for a running shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a view of the underside of the sole shown in FIG. 1, showing the sole in the opposite direction. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view (along line AA in FIG. 2) according to a further embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The schematic side view shown in FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a running shoe sole having a soft elastic midsole 1. The soft elastic midsole is illustrated from the outside and has a lower surface 2 that comes into contact with the ground B, indicated by a dashed line, during running. Furthermore, the midsole 1 has eight channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d extending in the lateral direction Q in the lateral region of the midsole (for clarity, not all channels of the illustrated sole according to the invention are shown). FIG. 1 illustrates the lateral region of the midsole in a side view. As shown, the channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are arranged in a single horizontal plane. Since the sole has a slight upward curvature at the sole tip 7 in the vertical direction V, the first horizontal plane has a slight curvature, in this case a convex curvature when viewed from the ground. Based on the coordinate system, it is clear that the horizontal plane essentially lies in the plane of the lateral direction Q and longitudinal direction L of the midsole, i.e., ignoring the slight vertical curvature of the midsole. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels extend along the entire length of the soft elastic midsole. Thus, a first portion of channels 3a, 3b is located in the heel region, a second portion of channel 3c is located in the midfoot region, and a third portion of channel 3d is located in the forefoot region.

[0044] Each of the channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d has a lateral opening in the lateral region of the midsole 1. In the operating state, the opening can be deformed to the point of closure by forces occurring during running. Closure can occur through essentially vertical and / or longitudinal horizontal deformation, i.e., shearing of the channel. Furthermore, the channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are completely bounded in the lateral regions of the midsole 1 by the soft elastic midsole 1. Thus, all of the walls of the channels in the lateral regions are formed by the soft elastic midsole. Each of the channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d has a front wall 31 and a rear wall 32. Furthermore, the channels have a hexagonal cross section in the lateral regions of the soft elastic midsole 1. Thus, one corner of the hexagon points longitudinally in the running direction, and the other corner points longitudinally opposite the running direction. Each hexagon is asymmetrical, since the sides of the hexagon in the longitudinal direction are longer than the other sides of the hexagon. Thus, each channel has an elongated, flat shape. Furthermore, both the front wall 31 and the rear wall 32 of the channel each have a folded edge 33. In cross section, these folded edges correspond to the corners of the hexagon that are located toward the sole tip 7 in the direction of travel and toward the heel edge 4, opposite the direction of travel.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the underside 2 of a midsole 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It further illustrates the division of the midsole into a forefoot region (VFB), a midfoot region (MFB), and a heel region (FB). This division serves merely as a guide for those skilled in the art and is not intended to define the exact boundaries of the regions. The illustrated midsole 1 has a groove 6 extending from the heel region to the midfoot region. The groove is open toward the ground (B), i.e., toward the viewer in the view illustrated in FIG. 2, and is bounded on its lateral side by the soft elastic midsole 1 and at its base by the incompressible elastic plate 5. It can also be seen that the lateral side of the groove 6 is beveled so that it opens toward the viewer in a generally V-shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 6 extends throughout the entire midsole 1, i.e., from the heel region (FB) through the midfoot region (MFB) to the forefoot region (VFB).

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a sole according to the present invention for a running shoe having a soft elastic midsole 1. It also shows a schematic division of the midsole into a lateral region LB and a medial region MB. These regions extend laterally, longitudinally, and vertically. However, the arrows in the figure do not define the exact boundaries of the regions. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the midsole 1 through the channel 3b in a first horizontal plane, which is completely bounded in the lateral region by the soft elastic midsole 1. The sole includes an incompressible elastic plate 5 that delimits a groove 6 in the medial region and is exposed to the environment in the medial region. Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows that the transverse cross-section of the channel is funnel-shaped and has a step. The first angle α between the lower surface 2 and the groove in the lower or running surface region is approximately 55°. At this step, the second angle β between the lower surface 2 and the upper section of the channel is approximately 85°. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 Soft elastic midsole 2 Bottom side 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d channels 4 heel edge 5 plates 6 ditch 7 ソールtip part 31 Anterior wall 32 Rear wall 33 twists and turns B Ground FB Heel Field L (long arm direction) LB side area MB inner field MFB midfoot area Q horizontal direction V Vertical direction VFB Forefoot Area

Claims

1. A sole for a running shoe having a soft elastic midsole (1) with a lower surface (2) that at least partially contacts the ground during running, The midsole (1) comprises a plurality of channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) extending in a lateral direction (Q), the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) being arranged in a horizontal plane in the lateral region (LB) of the midsole (1), at least a portion (3a, 3b) of the channels being arranged in the forefoot region (VFB) of the midsole (1) and / or a portion of the channels being arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) of the midsole (1) and / or a portion of the channels being arranged in the heel region (FB) of the midsole (1), and the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) d) are each delimited in the longitudinal direction (L) by a front wall (31) and a rear wall (32), said channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) having an elongated cross-section along the direction of travel, said channels having a hexagonal and / or pentagonal cross-section with two parallel sides corresponding to an upper wall and a lower wall, said upper and lower walls being configured to come into contact with each other during travel, said channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) being vertically and / or horizontally deformable in the longitudinal direction (L) until they close under the action of vertically and / or longitudinally acting forces occurring during travel, Each of the channels tapers from a lateral region to a medial region of the midsole. Sole.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) comprise lateral openings in the lateral regions (LB) of the midsole (1).

3. 3. Sole according to claim 2, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are vertically and / or horizontally deformable in a longitudinal direction (L) until the lateral openings close under the action of forces acting in the vertical and / or longitudinal direction (L) that occur during running.

4. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion (3d) of the channel is arranged in the heel region, at least a portion of the channel is arranged in the forefoot region (VFB), and / or a portion (3c) of the channel is arranged in the midfoot region (MFB).

5. Sole according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are at least in said lateral areas (LB) completely bounded by said midsole (1).

6. Sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the channels (3a, 3b) in the heel region (FB) have a channel height greater than the channels (3d) in the forefoot region (VFB).

7. Sole according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) in the heel region (FB) and optionally the channels in the forefoot region (VFB) and / or the midfoot region (MFB) are arranged in a single horizontal plane.

8. Sole according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the front wall (31) and the rear wall (32) of at least one of the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) comprise a front folded edge and a rear folded edge (33), respectively.

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

6.

10. Sole according to claim 9, wherein the ratio of channel height to channel width of each of said channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is in the range of 0.2 to 0.

4.

11. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are fully compressible during running starting with a force of between 1000N and 3000N.

12. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are fully compressible during running starting with a force of 1500N to 2000N.

13. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an incompressible elastic plate (5).

14. Sole according to claim 13, wherein the incompressible elastic plate (5) extends over the entire midsole (1).

15. 15. Sole according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least part of the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are bounded on one side by the incompressible elastic plate (5) in the medial region (MFB) of the midsole (1).

16. 16. Sole according to claim 15, wherein the channel (3d) in the forefoot region (VFB) is bounded on one side by the incompressible elastic plate (5) in the medial region (MFB) of the midsole (2).

17. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the midsole (1) comprises a groove (6) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) from the heel region (FB) to at least the midfoot region (MFB).

18. A running shoe comprising the sole according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Use of a sole according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for the manufacture of a running shoe.

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