Sole with cushioning in both horizontal and vertical directions

Abstract

It relates to a sole for a running shoe having an elastic midsole 1. The midsole has a number of channels 41, 42, 43 extending in its transverse direction Q and arranged front to back in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole, the channels 41, 41', 42, 43 or at least some of the channels each having a lateral and / or medial opening of the midsole, a front and a rear boundary in a cross section along a cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, and a main longitudinal axis 411, 411', 421. Along the main longitudinal axis, the channels extend in a slot-like manner from the respective rear boundary to the respective front boundary, such that the lateral and / or medial opening of the channel in each case narrows along the main longitudinal axis 411, 411' from the rear boundary 414, 414' to the front boundary 413, 413'.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of footwear technology, and particularly to a sole for running shoes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a plurality of running shoes with different cushioning systems are known. Sports shoes and leisure shoes having a sole with a gel core in the heel region to ensure vertical cushioning when stepping in are widespread. Further improvement in vertical cushioning characteristics has been achieved in that individual spring elements are attached in the heel region between the outsole and the insole.

[0003] Although the vertical cushioning of the shoes has been improved by the above-described sole, it has not been possible to achieve satisfactory cushioning against forces acting horizontally on the sole and the shoes. Forces having a large horizontal component are additionally intensified particularly on long-distance routes and represent one of the main causes of frequently occurring knee joint pain and hip joint pain due to lack of sufficient cushioning.

[0004] A sole having segmented groove-shaped elements protruding downward and having open sides is known from International Publication No. WO 2016 / 184920 by the applicant. Under the influence of the forces generated during running, the groove-shaped elements are deformable not only horizontally but also vertically until their side openings are closed. Due to this horizontal deformability, for example, forces acting horizontally on the sole and the shoe when running on an inclined terrain can also be efficiently buffered, thereby avoiding high loads on joints, particularly the knees and the hips.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the case of soles with segmented groove-shaped elements that protrude downward and have open sides, depending on the sole material used, material fatigue may occur if the usage time is long, resulting in a loss of the material's elastic properties after prolonged use, which can lead to reduced cushioning and irreversible deformation of the lateral openings of the groove-shaped elements. In the case of soles known from International Publication No. 2016184920, the groove-shaped elements also exist in all cases as individual elements protruding from the sole. Depending on the wearer's weight and foot position, this can result in irregular closing of the lateral openings, thereby causing the upper and lower layers of the groove-shaped elements to shift spatially relative to each other, for example, in the transverse direction of the sole, and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal or running direction, respectively, rather than remaining precisely stationary with respect to each other, and the wearer may experience a buoyancy effect.

[0006] The present invention is based on the general problem of further developing the prior art in the field of running shoe soles, preferably completely or partially overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art. In preferred embodiments, a sole is provided that, on the one hand, can mitigate the forces acting horizontally on the sole and shoe during running, while on the other hand, shows no material fatigue at all, or at least reduces material fatigue, even after longer periods of use. The occurrence of a levitation effect is avoided in further preferred embodiments. In some preferred embodiments, the cushioning effect in the heel area is increased compared to the prior art, but a lower cushioning effect is provided in the forefoot area compared to the heel area, so that the force lost during push-off is significantly reduced, and the force becomes virtually entirely available for the push-off process.

[0007] The general problem is solved by the sole as defined by the independent claim. Further preferred embodiments are derived from the dependent claims, specification and drawings.

[0008] In a first embodiment, a common technical problem is solved by a running shoe sole having an elastic midsole. The midsole thereby has several channels extending transversely and positioned longitudinally along the midsole. Thereafter, the channels, in particular all of them, or at least some of them (so-called first type channels), are each: The midsole has lateral and / or internal openings; in addition, each of them is The channel comprises anterior and posterior boundaries in a cross-sectional plane along the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, as well as a principal longitudinal axis. Along each principal longitudinal axis, the channel extends in a slot-like manner from each posterior boundary to each anterior boundary, such that in each case the lateral and / or medial openings of the channel narrow from the posterior boundary to the anterior boundary along the principal longitudinal axis of the channel.

[0009] The channels arranged in this manner have the advantage that, because the channel openings narrow from the rear boundary to the front boundary along the main longitudinal axis of each channel, forces acting vertically and horizontally during running can be efficiently buffered by the narrowing openings. Typically, the channels are completely defined by the soft elastic midsole in the lateral and medial regions of the midsole, i.e., at least laterally and / or medially. In a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole, the channels are particularly completely defined by the midsole. Therefore, in such embodiments, the channel walls can be completely formed by the midsole in the lateral region of the midsole. Thus, in a side view of the sole, the channels can typically be described as transverse openings in the otherwise preferably integral midsole. In some embodiments, the midsole does not have segmentation and is therefore not segmented. This significantly improves the durability of the sole because the midsole is generally formed to be significantly more stable compared to a segmented midsole. Fatigue in the soft, elastic midsole is further avoided or at least significantly reduced over the lifespan of the sole or running shoe. This allows the midsole's optimal cushioning effect to be consistently maintained over a long period.

[0010] The main longitudinal axis of the channel in all cases extends parallel to the slot shape in the longitudinal direction of the channel, i.e., the direction in which the channel extends, and passes through the center point of the channel in a cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. The main longitudinal axis lies in the V,L plane of the midsole, that is, the main longitudinal axis extends in the longitudinal and / or perpendicular direction of the midsole, rather than in the transverse direction of the midsole. In some embodiments, the main longitudinal axis can extend through the points of the channel walls that are furthest from each other in a cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. Thus, the channel walls of the channel can be farther from each other along the main longitudinal axis of the channel than along any further axis in the corresponding V,L plane of the channel.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will understand that a slot-shaped channel is a channel that lies in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and has an elongated, narrow profile in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, and thus provides an elongated, narrow opening in the midsole. Thus, the width of such a channel is greater than its height. Consequently, the extension of such a channel along a spatial direction is greater in the same spatial plane, particularly in the V and L planes, than in extensions along different spatial directions. Therefore, a channel having a square or circular shape in cross-section is not slot-shaped.

[0012] The anterior and posterior boundaries of the channel define the channel along the main longitudinal axis in both cases, in its frontal region, i.e., the region facing the tip of the sole, and in its posterior region, i.e., the region facing the heel edge. Thus, from the heel edge to the tip of the sole in the longitudinal direction, the anterior region of the channel is positioned upstream of the posterior region. However, this does not mean that the main longitudinal axis of this type of channel must be forced to extend parallel to the base surface of the midsole or parallel to the ground when worn. Even if this is possible, it is preferable that the main longitudinal axis of one or more channels has an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, particularly between 5° and 80°, with respect to the base surface or, when worn, with respect to the ground. Thus, the anterior and posterior boundaries can be formed, for example, in a cross-section along the cross-sectional plane, i.e., curved. Thus, in both cases, they are formed concave toward the channel center or channel center point, respectively.

[0013] In some embodiments, the channels of the midsole, and in particular all channels, can generally extend in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, increasing vertically from each nearest end of the heel edge or rear end region toward each nearest end of the toe-end or front end region, or extending parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, none of the channels of the midsole in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole preferably extend in a longitudinal direction decreasing vertically from each nearest end of the heel edge or rear end region toward each nearest end of the toe-end or front end region. Thus, the main longitudinal axis of each channel, and in particular all channels of the midsole, increases vertically or is parallel to the longitudinal direction toward the toe-end region from the heel edge. However, the main longitudinal axis of each channel does not decrease vertically toward the toe-end region from the heel edge.

[0014] The channel is typically formed such that the lateral and / or inner openings of the channel narrow along the main longitudinal axis from the rear boundary toward the front boundary, over the majority of the channel along the main longitudinal axis, particularly over at least 30%, particularly over at least 50%, particularly over at least 70%, and particularly over at least 90% of the total width of the channel in a cross section perpendicular to the transverse direction along the longitudinal direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the channel is configured to take an S-shape when fully closed, particularly in response to the complete closure of the lateral opening.

[0016] The channels in the midsole are typically located in at least the heel region, and optionally in the midfoot and / or forefoot regions of the sole. In some embodiments, the channels are located in the heel region, midfoot region, and forefoot region.

[0017] The directional indications used in this disclosure should be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction L of the sole is described by the axis from the heel region to the forefoot region and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The transverse direction Q of the sole extends across the longitudinal axis, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and substantially parallel to the underside of the sole or substantially parallel to the ground, respectively. Thus, the transverse direction extends along the transverse axis of the midsole. In relation to the present invention, the vertical direction or vertical direction V identifies the direction of the insole and the direction of the top surface from the underside or base surface of the sole, respectively, or the direction of the wearer's foot in the working state, and thus extends along the vertical axis of the midsole. The lateral side of the sole is the external outer definition of the sole that abuts against the outside of the wearer's foot in the working state. The inner side of the sole or midsole refers to the external inner definition of the sole located opposite the lateral side. Therefore, in the case of one pair of running shoes, when worn, the insides of the two running shoes face each other, and the sides face opposite each other.

[0018] The midsole can typically be divided into a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region directly positioned between the heel and forefoot regions when worn, i.e., along the longitudinal direction of running. The forefoot region extends longitudinally, for example, from the tip of the sole opposite the longitudinal direction to 30-45% of the total length of the midsole. The heel region extends longitudinally, for example, from the longitudinal heel edge to 20-30% of the total length of the midsole. Thus, the midfoot region extends directly between the heel and forefoot regions, and as a result, the longitudinal length of the midfoot region accounts for the remaining portion of the total length, particularly 15-50% of the total length.

[0019] A midsole can typically have a base surface that defines the midsole on the opposite side in the vertical direction, and an upper surface that defines the midsole in the vertical direction. During running, i.e., in motion, the base surface is understood to be in contact with the ground, and the upper surface is in contact with the wearer's foot or the insole, respectively.

[0020] The sole according to the present invention may consist of a midsole, or may comprise only a midsole. In the latter case, the sole according to the present invention may, in some embodiments, comprise further components, such as an insole and / or outsole made of a wear-resistant and / or contour material.

[0021] Elastic materials, particularly soft elastic materials for soles, are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, materials having a Young's modulus of about 0.0001 to 0.2 GPa, particularly 0.001 to 0.1 GPa, can be used, which can be considered, for the purposes of this invention, as elastic materials or soft elastic materials, respectively. Such materials typically include polymer foams. Polyolefins, polyolefin block polymers, polyvinyl acetate, particularly EVA, polyurethane, particularly thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), polyamides, such as PA-11, PA-12, nylon, polyether block amide (PEBAX®), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or mixtures thereof can be used as elastic materials or soft elastic materials, respectively.

[0022] In relation to the present invention, channels should be understood as recesses that can typically be formed in a tubular shape. Except for lateral openings, channels are generally fully or partially defined by their channel walls. Channels are typically empty. Channels can be particularly open and continuous, i.e., channels are preferably not blind holes. All channels, especially those in the midsole, preferably extend continuously from the lateral side of the midsole to the inner side of the midsole. In preferred embodiments, channels can extend substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the entire portion of the opening area of ​​the midsole, i.e., the entire portion of the lateral surface of the channel opening, may be smaller than the entire portion of the closing surface of the midsole, i.e., the entire portion of the outer surface of the midsole without channels. In some embodiments, channels are positioned only in the longitudinal direction, and therefore front to back from the heel edge to the toe of the sole. This does not exclude the possibility that some or all channels may be positioned offset from each other in the vertical direction. Preferably, in the vertical direction, channels are not positioned entirely and / or partially one over the other.

[0023] In some embodiments, the channels are arranged longitudinally back and forth from the heel edge of the sole to the toe tip of the sole, and at least two or more channels are arranged offset from each other in the vertical direction. In certain embodiments, the channels are arranged in at least the first and second horizontal planes of the lateral region and / or the inner region of the midsole. Thereby, the first and second horizontal planes are formed offset perpendicular to each other. By arranging the channels in at least the first and second horizontal planes, a significant improvement in the cushioning effect is achieved. Thereby, the cushioning property is additionally no longer limited to the individual segments of the sole and extends substantially over the entire midsole.

[0024] The horizontal plane of the sole represents a plane that is respectively aligned substantially parallel to the lower side of the sole or substantially parallel to the ground. It is understood that the horizontal plane can also be slightly curved. This can occur, for example, when the sole is slightly curved vertically upwards in the forefoot region and / or the heel region, as is typical for running shoes.

[0025] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the deformability of the channel can include, for example, bringing the channel walls together vertically and / or shearing the channel in the longitudinal direction. The upper and lower channel walls can typically contact each other under the influence of the forces generated during running, and as a result, the corresponding channel deforms until it closes laterally.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic midsole is integrally formed. Therefore, the elastic midsole preferably consists of a single material and is thus more stable than a midsole consisting of several components, especially components adhered or welded to each other.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the channel has lateral openings on the lateral and inner sides of the midsole. The channel preferably acts in the vertical and / or longitudinal directions and can deform vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction under the influence of the forces generated during running. These openings can be closed by the forces generated during running in that the channel walls of the channel come into contact, and in particular can be completely closed. Thus, the channels arranged in the heel region and / or the midfoot region and / or the forefoot region can be designed to completely close the lateral openings by the forces generated during running. The forces generated during running typically result from the force of weight based on the weight of the wearer, which can be, for example, 40 kg to 120 kg, particularly 50 kg to 100 kg.

[0028] The upper and lower channel walls can typically come into contact with each other under the influence of the forces generated during running.

[0029] In some embodiments, the channel is arranged such that each main longitudinal axis of the channel has a vertical component and a longitudinal component of the midsole. Thus, this type of slot-shaped channel and its corresponding main longitudinal axis are each in the longitudinal direction of the sole and in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, as seen from the base surface of the midsole in the side view of the sole, or extending longitudinally towards the toe end of the sole and vertically in the direction of the upper surface of the midsole. Such embodiments have the advantage that, due to the special arrangement of the channel combined with an opening that narrows towards the front boundary of the channel, in particular, the forces generated during running acting horizontally can be efficiently cushioned as the shearing of the channel walls is facilitated, and as a result, the lateral openings can be virtually completely closed under shear.

[0030] In some embodiments, the channels are in all cases oriented longitudinally along the midsole and formed substantially mirror-symmetric with respect to the main longitudinal axis of the channel, either along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole or in a side view of the midsole. This ensures that one channel wall rests precisely on the other, thereby achieving either no levitation effect or a significant reduction of such levitation effect when the opening is closed. This results in a stable standing posture for the wearer.

[0031] In some embodiments, each channel has two flanks positioned opposite each other and extending toward each other along the main longitudinal axis. Thus, the flanks can typically extend substantially linearly from the rear boundary to the front boundary in a cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane, thereby allowing the flanks to continuously approach the main longitudinal axis.

[0032] In some embodiments, the midsole may have a base surface defining the midsole on the opposite side of the midsole in the vertical direction, and a top surface defining the midsole in the vertical direction. Thereafter, the main longitudinal axis of each channel is positioned to intersect the base surface and / or a tangent thereto at angles of 5° to 85°, particularly 30° to 85°, and particularly 40° to 75° (if the base surface is not a flat surface but is formed to curve vertically, particularly in the area of ​​the sole tip and / or heel edge, i.e., convex to the ground when worn, those skilled in the art will understand that the tangent is applied to the intersection between the base surface and the main longitudinal axis). The larger the corresponding angle, the more efficiently horizontal forces can be absorbed. Therefore, a smaller angle is preferred in the midfoot region because, on the one hand, less cushioning is needed in the midfoot region because it is where the first contact typically occurs during running, and on the other hand, cushioning absorbs some of the force of the initial push-off, resulting in the energy loss during push-off that typically occurs in the forefoot and midfoot regions. In contrast, the heel region requires high cushioning and is not directly involved in the push-off process during running, so an angle of 30° or more is preferred.

[0033] The acute angle feature between the main longitudinal axis of a channel and the base surface of the midsole can be additionally replaced by an obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and a vertical channel line passing through the center point of each channel. Thus, the vertical channel lines extend through the center point of the channel and are perpendicular to the base surface of the midsole or intersect the base surface of the midsole at substantially 90° angles to each other. In this case, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the heel region and its respective vertical channel line is also greater than the obtuse angle between the vertical channel line and the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the midfoot and / or forefoot regions. Therefore, in all embodiments described herein, the acute angle feature between the main longitudinal axis of a channel and the base surface of the midsole can be replaced by an obtuse angle feature between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and its respective vertical channel line. In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the principal longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the forefoot region, and in particular all channels located in the forefoot region, and their respective vertical channel lines is 90° to 175°, and in particular 90° to 165°. Those skilled in the art will understand that obtuse angles are 90° to 180° and acute angles are 0° to 90°.

[0034] In some embodiments, each channel is oriented longitudinally in the midsole and has a pentagonal, hexagonal, and / or drop-shaped, particularly lancet-shaped, contour along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole. Thus, it is possible that one or more channels in the midsole have a different contour from further channels in the midsole. The midsole can have up to five channels, in particular, with different contours. A drop-shaped contour refers to a shape substantially characterized by isosceles triangles and circular segments connected to isosceles triangles. Those skilled in the art will understand that these contours also include shapes with rounded corners, such as rectangles with rounded corners. Thus, a drop-shaped contour is particularly preferred, especially when a portion of the circular segments of the drop shape are aligned toward the base plane, because it can provide particularly large horizontal cushioning against forces acting horizontally during running. A drop-shaped contour further allows for particularly controlled closure of the channel, thereby avoiding a buoyancy effect. This is because, in particular, channels having a drop-shaped contour are configured to take an S-shape when closed. Therefore, it is understood that channels with a drop-shaped contour are particularly positioned in the heel region. In contrast, channels with different contours, particularly rectangular, pentagonal, and / or hexagonal contours, along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, may be provided in the forefoot and / or midfoot regions.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least some or all of the channels are configured to completely close their lateral openings due to the forces generated during running. On the one hand, this provides good cushioning through the collapse of the channels when stepped on, while on the other hand, complete closure prevents further displacement in the transverse and / or longitudinal directions, thus enabling a safe standing position at the moment of maximum load.

[0036] In some embodiments, the midsole is divided into a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region located between the heel and forefoot regions. Thus, the channels described in the embodiments above are located in at least the heel region and / or the midfoot region. These channels are preferably located in at least the heel region because the maximum load acts on this region during foot strike.

[0037] In some embodiments, the main longitudinal axis of a channel intersects the base plane or a tangent line abutting the intersection of the main longitudinal axis and the base plane at an acute angle. As a result, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the heel region and the base plane or the corresponding tangent line is greater than the acute angle between the base plane and the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the midfoot and / or forefoot regions. It has been shown that a significantly increased cushioning effect can be achieved in the heel region due to the elongated contour of the channels, and because the acute angle between the base surface and the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel is larger in the heel region than in the channels in the midfoot and / or forefoot regions, while a lower cushioning effect can be achieved in the forefoot and / or midfoot regions due to a smaller acute angle between the base surface and the main longitudinal axis, which has the effect of virtually no energy lost for cushioning during push-off, occurring entirely through the forefoot and optionally through the midfoot region. Each increase in the acute angle of one or more channels in the heel region further has the effect of achieving not only vertical cushioning but also greater horizontal cushioning against horizontal forces acting during running. Preferably, all channels in the heel region of the midsole have a larger acute angle between the base surface and their respective main longitudinal axis than all channels in the forefoot and / or midfoot regions.

[0038] The acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel and the base plane of the midsole can be additionally replaced by an obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and a vertical channel line passing through the center point of each channel. Thus, the vertical channel lines extend through the center point of the channel and are either perpendicular to the base plane of the midsole or intersect the base plane of the midsole at substantially 90° angles to each other. The center point of a channel generally lies on the main longitudinal axis. In this case, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the heel region and its respective vertical channel line is also greater than the obtuse angle between the vertical channel line and the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the midfoot and / or forefoot regions.

[0039] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channels located in the heel region, and in particular all channels located in the heel region, and the base surface is 35° to 85°, preferably 40° to 75°. Due to the relatively large angle, not only is good vertical cushioning achieved, but great horizontal cushioning is also achieved, as the channels can be closed by forces acting horizontally during running, particularly by contacting the channel walls of the channels.

[0040] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channels located in the heel region, particularly all channels located in the heel region, and their respective vertical channel lines is 110° to 175°, particularly 125° to 170°, preferably 125° to 165°. Due to the relatively large angle, not only is good vertical cushioning achieved, but great horizontal cushioning is also achieved, as the channels can be closed by forces acting horizontally during running, particularly by contacting the channel walls of the channels.

[0041] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base plane, or the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and each vertical channel line, decreases from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole towards the toe of the sole, and in particular, decreases continuously over at least a partial area from the heel edge to the midfoot region. This allows the acute angle to be 0° throughout the forefoot region, i.e., the main longitudinal axis of the channels in the forefoot region is parallel to the base plane. Viewed channel by channel, the channels decrease in the direction from the heel edge to the toe of the sole. This allows for increased cushioning in the heel region, and in the forefoot and / or midfoot regions, the smaller acute angle between the base plane and the main longitudinal axis results in less cushioning, achieving the effect of little energy lost due to cushioning during push-off. Generally, the larger the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channel and the base plane, the greater the cushioning effect. Therefore, since the required cushioning effect is greatest at the heel edge, it is preferable that the channel located closest to the heel edge has the greatest acute angle. The further the channel is located toward the tip of the sole in the longitudinal direction, the smaller the required cushioning effect becomes, and as a result, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface is selected to be smaller.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base plane, or the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and each vertical channel line, respectively, decrease continuously toward the sole tip in the heel region, or even only in the heel region, from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole.

[0043] In some embodiments, the midsole has additional channels in the forefoot region, which are oriented longitudinally in the midsole and have a substantially rectangular contour along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole. Compared to the aforementioned channels which have lateral openings that narrow toward the anterior boundary, these channels can be described as a second type of channel, distinct from the first type of channel described above, in that they do not have lateral openings that narrow toward the anterior boundary. The midsole always has channels of the first type, but may optionally have additional channels of the second type. The cushioning effect of the second type of channel is lower than that of the first type of channel, so the second type of channel is preferably located in the forefoot region. In the heel region, the highest possible cushioning effect should be achieved, but this is undesirable in the forefoot region because the lower cushioning effect compared to the heel region prevents a significant portion of the runner's force from being lost during push-off, and therefore this force is effectively fully available for the push-off process.

[0044] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the forefoot region, and in particular all channels located in the forefoot region, and the base surface is 0° to 15°, in particular 0° to 5°, and in particular 0° to 2°. An angle of 0° means that the main longitudinal axis of the channel and the base surface are substantially parallel to each other. In the case of a curved base surface, this parallelism refers to a tangent that abuts the base surface, and the tangent abuts the lower base surface of the channel in the perpendicular direction. As a result of this type of small angle, sufficient cushioning is still provided and the wearer's joints are adequately protected, on the one hand, but on the other hand, the cushioning is not so great that a significant portion of the energy during push-off is lost due to the cushioning.

[0045] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the principal longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the forefoot region, and in particular all channels located in the forefoot region, and their respective vertical channel lines is 90° to 100°, and in particular 90° to 95°. An obtuse angle of 90° means that the principal longitudinal axis of the channel and the base surface are substantially parallel to each other. In the case of a curved base surface, this parallelism refers to a tangent line that abuts the base surface, and the tangent line abuts the lower base surface of the channel in the perpendicular direction.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the forefoot region, and in particular all channels located in the forefoot region, is positioned substantially parallel to the base plane.

[0047] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel located in the midfoot region and the base surface is 0° to 35°, preferably 0° to 25°. The midfoot region represents an intermediate area where, on the one hand, a certain cushioning effect is still required during foot strike, but on the other hand, the cushioning effect should not be too great, as the front part of the midfoot region is already used for pushing off the ground when viewed longitudinally toward the tip of the sole. The acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel directly connected to a channel in the heel region and the base surface is particularly preferably greater than 0°, for example, 10° to 35° or 10° to 25°. In certain embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface decreases continuously from the channel located in the midfoot region of the heel edge of the midsole toward the tip of the sole in the heel region.

[0048] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel located in the midfoot region and each vertical channel line is 90° to 120°, preferably 90° to 115°.

[0049] In some embodiments, each channel has a principal lateral axis. Thereafter, the principal lateral axis is typically perpendicular to the respective principal longitudinal axis of the channel and extends through the channel center point. Like the principal longitudinal axis, the principal lateral axis lies in the V,L plane and therefore does not extend transversely. Thereafter, the height, i.e., the direct distance of the channel wall of a channel along its principal lateral axis in the forefoot region is smaller than the height along its principal lateral axis in the midfoot and / or heel region. Thereafter, a high cushioning effect is achieved in the heel region. At the same time, the cushioning effect in the forefoot region is significantly reduced, thereby reducing the energy lost during push-off.

[0050] In some embodiments, each channel has a height of 0.1 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.1 cm to 1 cm, along the main lateral axis.

[0051] In some embodiments, each channel has a width of 0.5 cm to 3 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 2 cm, along the main longitudinal axis. The width describes the distance of the channel wall of the channel along the main longitudinal axis and, therefore, in some embodiments, represents the maximum in-plane cross section that crosses the transverse direction of the sole along the longitudinal direction.

[0052] In some embodiments, some, and in particular all, channels of the midsole can be tapered transversely from the lateral to the medial side of the midsole. Thus, the opening area of ​​such channels decreases transversely from the lateral to the medial side of the midsole in a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole along the longitudinal direction. This has the advantage of increasing the stability of the sole, especially during push-off, without significantly reducing the cushioning properties. Additionally or alternatively, some, and in particular all, channels of the midsole can be tapered transversely from the medial to the lateral side of the midsole. These two alternative configurations support different running styles of the wearer, depending on whether the sole is gradually loaded laterally or medially. For example, channels in the forefoot region can be tapered transversely from the lateral to the medial side of the midsole, channels in the heel region can be tapered transversely from the medial to the lateral side of the midsole, and vice versa. Furthermore, the channels in the midfoot region can, in either case, taper transversely from the lateral to the medial side of the midsole, or in either case, taper transversely from the medial side of the midsole to the lateral side.

[0053] Further aspects of the present invention relate to shoes, particularly running shoes, that have a sole according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0054] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a sole according to one of the embodiments described herein for manufacturing shoes, particularly running shoes.

[0055] Aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail based on exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and corresponding descriptions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] [Figure 1]A schematic side view of the sole for running shoes according to the present invention, as shown in one embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Figure 2a] A schematic diagram of a side view of a drop-shaped channel in the V, L plane, as provided in an embodiment of the sole according to the present invention, is shown. [Figure 2b] A schematic diagram of a side view of a hexagonal channel in the V,L plane, as provided in an embodiment of the sole according to the present invention, is shown. [Figure 3a] The image shows a photograph of the heel area of ​​a shoe equipped with a sole according to the present invention, which has a drop-shaped channel in an unloaded state. [Figure 3b] A photograph shows the heel area of ​​a shoe equipped with a sole according to the present invention, which has a drop-shaped channel under load. [Figure 4] A schematic side view of a running shoe equipped with a sole according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5a] A schematic side view of a sole for running shoes according to the present invention, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Figure 5b] A schematic side view of a sole for running shoes according to the present invention, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Figure 6] A schematic side view of a shoe equipped with a sole according to the present invention for running shoes, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] A sole according to the present invention for running shoes is shown in Figure 1, which has an elastic midsole 1. The midsole 1 is defined by a base surface 2 on the opposite side of the vertical direction V and by a top surface 3 in the vertical direction V. The midsole 1 is further divided into a heel region FB, a midfoot region MFB, and a forefoot region VFB. As shown in the figure, these three regions are arranged longitudinally anterior to posterior, so that the midfoot region MFB is located between the heel region FB and the forefoot region VFB. The midsole 1 includes several channels 41, 42, and 43 that extend in the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1 and are arranged longitudinally in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 (for clarity, only three of the channels are identified). In the transverse direction Q, these channels can generally be arranged substantially parallel to each other. Thereafter, each channel has a lateral and medial opening in the midsole. Each channel, in addition, is located in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 and, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1, has a front boundary and a rear boundary (see Figures 2a and 2b), as well as a main longitudinal axis (411) (for clarity, only the main longitudinal axis of channel 41 is shown). Thus, in the cross-sectional planes V and L described above, it can be seen that channel 41 extends along the main longitudinal axis 411 in a slot-shaped manner from the rear boundary toward the front boundary, such that the lateral and / or inner openings of channel 41 along the main longitudinal axis 411 narrow from the rear boundary toward the front boundary. Thus, the main longitudinal axis 411 extends through the center point M of channel 41. Thus, channel 41 is positioned such that its main longitudinal axis 411 extends in the longitudinal direction L and the perpendicular direction V. Therefore, the main longitudinal axis 411 has a vector component that is not equal to zero in the longitudinal direction L and a vector component that is not equal to zero in the vertical direction V. As a result, the slot-shaped channel 41 viewed from the side of the midsole 1 extends from the base surface 2 in the vertical direction V and the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, from Figure 1, it can be seen that the channel 41 is formed substantially mirror-symmetric with respect to its main longitudinal axis, that is, the main longitudinal axis forms the axis of symmetry of the channel cross-section in the V,L plane.The main longitudinal axis 411 of channel 41 intersects the base surface 2 at intersection point S. Thus, the acute angle α-41 between the main longitudinal axis 411 and the tangent line abutting the base surface 2 at point S is 5° to 85°. In addition to the main longitudinal axis 411, channel 41 has a main lateral axis 412 positioned perpendicular to it and similarly extending through the center point M of channel 41. From the heel edge 5 toward the sole tip 6, the height, i.e., the distance between the channel walls of the channels from each other, decreases along the main lateral axis. The height of channel 43 located in the forefoot region VFB along the main lateral axis is therefore smaller than the height of channels 41, 42 located in the midfoot region MFB and / or heel region FB along the main lateral axis. The width of channel 41 corresponds to the distance between the anterior and posterior boundaries of channel 41 along the main longitudinal axis 411.

[0058] Figure 2a shows an enlarged view of channel 41 as seen along the transverse direction Q. Thereafter, channel 41 has a front boundary 413 and a rear boundary 414. A dashed line perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis 4111 indicates the boundary between the front boundary 413 and the rear boundary 414. As shown, the front and rear boundaries are in both cases formed in a curved shape or curved form, particularly concave toward the channel center in the cross section of the V, L planes. Two flanks 415, 416, positioned opposite each other, extending toward each other along the main longitudinal axis 411 and formed substantially linearly in the cross section along the V, L planes, extend between the front boundary 413 and the rear boundary 414. Thus, the shape of channel 41 along the V, L planes can be described as a drop shape, particularly a lancet shape. The contour of the drop shape consists substantially of an isosceles triangle with a rounded tip and a spherical segment which is a hemisphere in this case. By specially forming a channel with a lateral opening that narrows along the main longitudinal axis 411, the horizontal force F H That is, a horizontal force F acting in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction L. H , and vertical force F V , that is, a vertical force F acting in the vertical direction V. VThis allows for efficient cushioning, as the flanks 415 and 416 of channel 41 move toward each other, resulting in partial or complete closure of the lateral opening. This allows for complete cushioning against horizontally acting forces, even in the case of a channel that is entirely formed by the V,L plane midsole without segmenting the midsole. An alternative channel shape for channel 41' is shown in Figure 2b. The channel similarly has a front boundary 413' and a rear boundary 414', which in this case are not formed curving along the V,L plane, but can be described by the legs of an isosceles triangle. The flanks 415' and 416', positioned opposite each other and extending toward each other along the main longitudinal axis 411' from the rear boundary 414' to the front boundary 413', and thus narrowing the lateral opening of channel 41', are located between the front boundary 413' and the rear boundary 414'.

[0059] A running shoe equipped with the midsole according to the present invention in an unloaded state is shown in Figure 3a. When vertical and horizontal forces generated during running act on the midsole, it results in the closure of channels, which are substantially S-shaped and directed particularly in the longitudinal direction L. This allows for efficient damping of the horizontal and vertical forces generated during running.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a running shoe comprising a midsole 1 according to the present invention, which is a further embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to the midsole of Figure 1, the midsole 1 shown in Figure 4 has channels 41 and 42 (for clarity, only a total of three channels are identified), which have a partially hexagonal contour in the heel region FB and in the midfoot region MFB, in a cross-sectional plane along the V,L plane, and thus in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole, and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole. Thus, this contour is an irregular hexagon. The main longitudinal axis 421 of channel 42 extends through the center point of channel 42 in the V,L plane and extends longitudinally, i.e., parallel to the direction in which the channel extends. The main longitudinal axis also extends through the points of the channel walls that are furthest apart from each other in a cross-sectional plane along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. The channels in the forefoot region and the channels in the midfoot region have a rectangular contour with rounded corners, as shown for channel 43, for example. As a result, these channels located in the forefoot region are of a second type, namely, their lateral openings do not narrow from the posterior boundary to the anterior boundary along their respective main longitudinal axes, because the two opposing flanks of such channels extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] A further embodiment of the sole comprising the midsole 1 is shown in Figure 5a. The midsole 1 according to the present invention is defined by a base surface 2 on the opposite side of the vertical direction V and by a top surface 3 in the vertical direction V. The midsole 1 is further divided into a heel region FB, a midfoot region MFB, and a forefoot region VFB. As shown in the figure, these three regions are arranged longitudinally front to back, where the midfoot region MFB is located between the heel region FB and the forefoot region VFB. The midsole 1 comprises several channels 41, 42, and 43 extending in the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1 and arranged longitudinally in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 (for clarity, only three of the channels are identified). These channels can generally be arranged substantially parallel to each other in the transverse direction Q. Thus, channels 41, 42, and 43 each have an elongated profile in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole. In the illustrated coordinate system, the cross-sectional plane is the V,L plane, and each channel 41, 42, and 43 in a cross-section along the cross-sectional plane which is in the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q has a main longitudinal axis 411, 421 (for clarity, only the main longitudinal axes of two channels are shown). Thus, the acute angle α-41 between the main longitudinal axis 411 and each of the tangents at the intersection of the main longitudinal axis 411 and the base surface 2 for channel 41 located in the heel region FB is greater than the acute angle α-42 between the base surface 2 (or each of the tangents at the intersection of the main longitudinal axis 411 and the base surface 2) and the main longitudinal axis 421 for channel 42 located in the midfoot region MFB. As a result, the angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base plane decreases continuously from the heel edge 5 to the midfoot region towards the sole tip 6, and is substantially 0° in the forefoot region, i.e., the main longitudinal axis of the channel in the forefoot region VFB is parallel to the base plane 2. If the lateral opening narrows along the main longitudinal axis from the anterior boundary to the posterior boundary, the channel in the heel region and the partial channel in the midfoot region thereby represent the first type of channel.In contrast, in the forefoot region, the rectangular channels are arranged parallel to each other and have flanks arranged additionally parallel to the base plane 2. Thus, these channels represent a second type of channel. Each channel also has a principal lateral axis 422 that is perpendicular to the principal longitudinal axis and similarly intersects the channel center point (for clarity, only the principal lateral axis 422 of channel 42 is shown). The height of the channel is defined as the distance of the channel wall of the channel along the principal lateral axis. As shown in Figure 1, the height along the principal lateral axis of channel 43 located in the forefoot region VFB is smaller than the height along the principal lateral axis of channels 41, 42 located in the midfoot region MFB and / or heel region FB. Thus, the channels in the forefoot region VFB have a rectangular contour in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1.

[0062] The embodiment shown in Figure 5a is shown in Figure 5b, but instead of the acute angles α-41 and α-42 between the main longitudinal axes 411 and 421 and the base surface 2, or the tangents at the intersections of the main longitudinal axes 411 and 421 and the base surface 2, an obtuse angle β-41 is shown between the main longitudinal axis 411 and the vertical channel line 413 of the channel 41. Thus, the vertical channel line lies on the main longitudinal axis 411 and extends in particular through the center point M-41 of the channel 41 from which the front and rear ends of the channel 41, or the front and rear regions, are equally spaced. The vertical channel line is additionally perpendicular to the base surface 2 or the tangents (see tangent T-41), and abuts the base surface 2 at the intersection of the vertical channel line (see vertical channel line 413) with the base surface 2. The obtuse angle β-42 between the main longitudinal axis 421 of channel 42 and the vertical channel line 423 of channel 42 is similarly shown. As a result, the obtuse angle β-41 of channel 41 located in the heel region FB is larger than the obtuse angle β-42 located in the midfoot region MFB.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a running shoe comprising a midsole 1 according to the present invention, according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The main longitudinal axis 421 of the channel 42 extends through the center point of the channel 42 in the V, L plane and extends longitudinally, i.e., parallel to the direction in which the channel extends. The main longitudinal axis further extends through the points of the channel walls that are furthest apart from each other in a cross section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. Thus, the channel is positioned longitudinally in the L direction from the heel edge 5 to the sole tip 6 and is positioned in at least the first and second horizontal planes of the lateral and / or medial regions of the midsole 1. Thus, the first and second horizontal planes are formed offset perpendicularly from each other. Thus, channel 41 is positioned in the first horizontal plane, channel 42 is positioned in the second horizontal plane, and the second horizontal plane is positioned offset perpendicularly from the first horizontal plane.

Claims

1. A sole for running shoes, comprising an elastic midsole (1), The midsole (1) comprises a plurality of channels (41, 42, 43) that extend in the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1) and are arranged front to back in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1), The channels (41, 41', 42, 43) or at least a portion of the channels are, The lateral and / or internal openings of the midsole, The anterior and posterior boundaries in a cross-sectional area along a cross-sectional plane that is in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1), as well as the main longitudinal axis (411, 411', 421) Equipped with, Along the main longitudinal axes (411, 411', 421), the channels (41, 41, 42, 43) in each case have lateral and / or inner openings of the channels that extend in a slot-like manner along the main longitudinal axes (411, 411') from the rear boundary of each channel (41, 41, 42, 43) to the front boundary of each channel (41, 41, 42, 43), narrowing from the rear boundary (414, 414') to the front boundary (413, 413'). The channels (41, 41', 42, 43) or at least a portion of the channels are located in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and have a drop-shaped contour along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1), The aforementioned drop-shaped contour means a shape substantially characterized by an isosceles triangle and a circular segment connected to the isosceles triangle, A portion of the drop-shaped circular segment is aligned toward the base surface of the midsole. The channel having the aforementioned drop-shaped contour is located in the heel area of ​​the sole.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein each of the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) is arranged such that the respective main longitudinal axes (411, 411', 421) of the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) have a component in the vertical direction (V) and a component in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1).

3. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) are in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and are formed substantially mirror-symmetric with respect to the main longitudinal axes (411, 411', 421) of the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) along the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1).

4. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) is positioned opposite to one another and has two flanks (415, 416, 415', 416') extending toward each other along the main longitudinal axes (411, 411', 421).

5. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the midsole has a base surface (2) defining the midsole (1) on the opposite side of the midsole in the vertical direction (V), and a top surface (3) defining the midsole (1) in the vertical direction (V), and each of the main longitudinal axes (411, 411', 421') of the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) intersects the base surface (2) and / or a tangent to the base surface (2) at an acute angle of 5° to 85°, particularly 30° to 85°, particularly 40° to 75°.

6. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) is located in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and has a drop shape, a pentagon and / or hexagonal contour along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1).

7. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) are configured to completely close their lateral openings when a force is generated during running.

8. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the midsole (1) is divided into a heel region (FB), a forefoot region (VFB), and a midfoot region (MFB) located between the heel region and the forefoot region, and the channels (41, 42) are located in at least the heel region and / or the midfoot region.

9. The sole according to claim 8, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the main longitudinal axis (411) of at least one channel (41) located in the heel region and the base surface (2) is greater than the acute angle (α-42) between the base surface (2) and the main longitudinal axis (421) of at least one channel (42, 43) located in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or the forefoot region (VFB).

10. The sole according to claim 9, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the main longitudinal axis (411) and the base surface (2) decreases from the channel (41) located closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1) to the sole tip (6), and in particular decreases continuously with each channel.

11. The sole according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the midsole (1) additionally has a channel (43) in the forefoot region (VFB), the channel (43) is located in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and has a substantially rectangular contour along the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole.

12. The sole according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface (2) of at least one channel (43) located in the forefoot region (FVB), ​​particularly all of the channels located in the forefoot region (VFB), is 0° to 5°, particularly 0° to 2°.

13. The sole according to claim 12, wherein at least one channel (43) located in the forefoot region (VFB), in particular the principal longitudinal axis of all such channels located in the forefoot region (VFB), is arranged substantially parallel to the base plane.

14. The sole according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the acute angle (α-42) between the main longitudinal axis (421) of the channel (42) arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) and the base surface (2) is 0° to 35°, preferably 0° to 25°.

15. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein each channel (41, 42, 43) has a principal lateral axis (412, 422), and the height of the channel (43) located in the forefoot region (VFB) along the principal lateral axis (412, 422) is less than the height of the channels (41, 42) located in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or heel region (FB) along the principal lateral axis (422).

16. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each of the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) has a height of 0.1 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.1 cm to 1 cm, along the main longitudinal axes (412, 422).

17. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each of the channels (41, 41', 42, 43) has a width of 0.5 cm to 3 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 2 cm, along the main longitudinal axes (411, 411', 421).

18. A shoe, particularly a running shoe, having a sole according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Use of a sole according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for manufacturing shoes, in particular running shoes.

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