Sole component for a shoe

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sole component (1) for a shoe sole comprising a spring like element (2, 2'), which comprises a first at least partially circumferential base section (3), which defines a base of the spring like element (2, 2') and a second base section (4), which is vertically spaced apart from the first base section (3) along a center axis (x) and defines a plateau of the spring like element (2, 2'). The sole component (1) further comprises at least one beam (5), which interconnects the second base section (4) to first base section. In a top view along the center axis (x) onto the spring like element (2, 2') the second base section (4) and the first base section (3) are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and the first base section (3) at least partially encircles the second base section (4). The present disclosure further relates to a shoe comprising a sole assembly with the sole component.

Description

[0001] P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0002] 1 / 29

[0003] Sole component for a shoe

[0004] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a sole component for a shoe sole as well as a shoe comprising a sole with the sole component. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] Cushioning and energy return are important performance parameters of footwear, especially athletic footwear. Many different approaches have been developed to optimize cushioning and energy return. Some of the known approaches focus on energy return plates, such as plates with a specific geometry or shape, or made of a specific material that balances stability, rigidity and elasticity. These energy return plates are attached to or embedded in the sole assembly. Other approaches focus on the sole more broadly, using, for example, gel cores or air cushions in the heel area of the shoe to increase the cushioning of the shoe and thus reduce the strain on the wearer's musculoskeletal system. Another strategy explored in the prior art focuses on sole designs that include vertically arranged spring elements in the heel area. When walking, jogging or running, the sole typically makes initial contact with the ground in the heel area. The vertical spring elements are compressed under the influence of the wearer's weight and are released when the foot pushes off the ground. P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0007] 2 / 29

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] Known sole assemblies extend in a longitudinal direction from a heel area across a midfoot area to a forefoot area of the sole assembly. These sole assemblies typically comprise a midsole extending in a vertical direction from an upper surface configured to face a shoe upper to a lower surface configured to face an outsole. There are sole assemblies known which further comprise one or more tensile layers connected to the midsole. These one or more tensile layers usually extend along the longitudinal direction and / or along a transversal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Typically, the one or more tensile layers are arranged such that at least a portion of the respective tensile layer experiences a tensile force when the lower surface of the midsole is bent in a vertical direction away from the lower surface of the midsole. Typically, the tensile force is experienced in a general direction of extension of the tensile layer. For example, in some variants, the tensile force may be experienced in a direction essentially orthogonal to the vertical direction, such as in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transversal direction. During a gait cycle, the midsole is elastically bent in the vertical direction. More specifically, the lower surface of the midsole is bent outwardly during the gait cycle, which causes stretching of the lower surface of the midsole during the gait cycle.

[0010] While cushioning and energy return of the midsole can be influenced by these tensile layers, a more refined local influence is difficult to realize by the layers alone. Therefore, several local cushioning elements are known from the prior art. These include gel cores, air cushions, spring elements or bladders made from a first thermoplastic material, which are enclosed by the midsole material. One of P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0011] 3 / 29 the disadvantages of these additional elements is that they need to be arranged within the midsole or the one or more tensile layers in a separate process step.

[0012] One objective of the present disclosure can be seen in providing a sole component, respectively a shoe comprising the sole component, which provides local cushioning and energy return, and which can be made integral with the one or more tensile layers.

[0013] A sole component for a shoe sole according to the present disclosure comprises a spring like element, which spring like element comprises a first at least partially circumferential base section, which defines a base of the spring like element. The first base section does not have to be in the form of one completely circumferential closed element. Furthermore, the first base section does also not have to be circular. The first base section can be in form of any free-form, e.g. circular, oval, rectangular etc. Alternatively or in addition, the base section can comprise several segments. The first base section can be in form of a support ring, which is configured to act as support of the overall spring like element. Alternatively, the first base section can be made integral with at least one tensile layer of a midsole.

[0014] The sole component further comprises a second base section, which is vertically spaced apart from the first base section along a center axis and defines a plateau of the spring like element. The center axis may be arranged perpendicular to the first base section or angular with respect to the first base section. Analogous to the first base section, also the second base section does not have to be completely circumferential or circular. At least one beam interconnects the second base section to first base section. The first and the second base section both do P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0015] 4 / 29 not have to be planar. Preferably the first and / or the second base section comprises a contact area for bringing the first and / or the second base in contact with another shoe component or the underground while walking / running. In a top view along the center axis onto the spring like element, the second base section and the first base section are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and the first base section at least partially encircles the second base section. This allows that during compression, the first base section, the second base section and the at least one beam come to rest in one common plane in the fully compressed state.

[0016] The spring like element is preferably a kirigami structure in that in a planar projection along the center axis of the spring like element, the first base section, the at least one beam and the second base section are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and are free from overlapping with each other. Such a design has several advantages. First of all, it allows that the structure can be either cut out from flat, e.g. sheet or sheet like material or be placed in one plane. This is especially beneficial if the spring like element is made from a fiber reinforced composite.

[0017] The at least one beam may extend between a first fixed support and a second fixed support and may in a planar projection along the center axis of the spring like element be arranged between the first base section and the second base section. Fixed support is to be understood as the structural mechanical form of structural support. The first and second fixed supports maintain the angular relationship of the at least one beam between the first and second fixed support and P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0018] 5 / 29 provide both force and moment resistance. Both fixed supports exert forces acting in any direction and prevent all translational movements (horizontal and vertical) as well as all rotational movements of the at least one beam. The first fixed support and the second fixed support are preferably offset to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the center axis. This setup allows the beam to be placed between first base section and second base section.

[0019] The at least one beam can be attached at a first end to the first base section via the first fixed support in form of a bridge and / or at a second end to the second base section via the second fixed support in form of a bridge. The bridge can be designed as a protrusion or slab which extends away from the first respective the second base section. The bridge is typically in form of a cantilever that extends horizontally away from the first respectively second base section and is unsupported at the distal end, the end facing away from the respective base section. The at least one beam may be attached or integrally formed with the distal end of the bridge. The at least one beam may extend from the first fixed support to the second fixed support and thereby spans an angle (a) of 0° to 45°, preferably between 15° and 30°, more preferably 35° with respect to the first base section.

[0020] In a preferred variation, the sole component comprises at least two beams, more preferred at least three beams. This allows to distribute the load and therefore the resulting compression forces more evenly and also leads to a more uniform elastic compression of the spring like element. In case of two beams, the beams may be attached at their respective first ends via a common bridge to the first fixed support. The second ends of the two beams may extend away from the common bridge in opposite directions and may optionally each be attached to a P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0021] 6 / 29 separate further beam. Arranging two beams at a common bridge, which extend away from the bridge in opposite directions beneficially causes resulting torsional moments to cancel each other out. The further beams may connect the second ends of the beams with the second fixed supports of the second base section. There is no limit to the number of beams interconnecting the first base section with the second base section. So between further beam and second fixed support there may be additional beams.

[0022] The spring like element may comprise for example at least three beams, which are each individually attached at their respective first end via first fixed supports to the first base section. At their respective second ends the three beams can be each individually attached via second fixed supports to the second base section or to further beams. Three beams have proven to be a good compromise between flexibility and rigidity. The more beams the structure has, the more rigid the overall spring like element becomes. Good results can be achieved when the three beams are circumferentially equally distributed, preferably with 120° degrees between each other. In a planar projection each of the three beams can arranged on one of the sides of a triangle. This is not limited to the three beams forming a triangle in terms that the ends of the beams meet. The three beams can solely be arranged on the three sides of a triangle in a projection along the center axis of the spring like element. The first fixed supports and the second fixed supports of the at least three beams may be equally spaced in circumferential direction with respect to the center axis and are offset to each other with respect to the center axis. P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0023] 7 / 29

[0024] The at least one beam may have a curved shape, preferably a double curved shape with counter curves. The design of the beams and the curves typically influences the spring characteristics of the beam and therefore of the overall spring like element. The curved shape and a varying cross section of the at least one beam can be used to achieve a non-linear spring characteristic of the spring like element. The curves can be for example sinusoidal. The at least one beam may extend from the first fixed support to a connection point and a further beam may extend from the connection point to the second fixed support.

[0025] The connection point is typically also in from of a fixed support. At the connection point the at least one first beam and the further beam may span an angle (a) of 0° to 45°, preferably between 15° and 30°, more preferably 35°. The beam and the further beam can be essentially V-shaped with respect to each other. In a top view onto the spring like element along the center axis, the at least one beam and the further beam may extend from the first fixed support to the second fixed support and together form a serpentine. In the top view onto the spring like element along the center axis, the at least one beam can be a first circular segment and the further beam can be a second circular segment. The first and second circular segment may be arranged in the form of two counter-rotating circular segments with respect to the connection point, which can be being designed as a hairpin bend. This allows a space saving design of the spring like element in the planar projection and leads to a small overall diameter of the spring like element, even with a larger number of beams. The diameter of the spring like element corresponds to the diameter of the layout of the spring like element in the planar projection. P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0026] 8 / 29

[0027] The at least one beam typically has an overall length between the first fixed support and the second fixed support between 5 mm and 80 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 40 mm and / or a width of 1 mm to 15 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 6 mm. These dimensions allow the spring like element to be embedded in or attached to a shoe sole. These dimensions furthermore provide a good balance between structural integrity and flexibility. The spring like element may have a largest outer diameter from 10mm to 130mm, preferably between 10 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 70 mm and / or a maximum height of 50 mm, preferably 40 mm, more preferably 30 mm.

[0028] The height is measured in a lateral view of the spring like element and corresponds to the vertical extension of the spring like element from first base section to the second base section. The dimensions of the spring like element are chosen to fit the respective region of the shoe sole. E.g. in the heel area the spring like element can be usually higher than in the forefoot or midsole area, while the forefoot area is usually wider and therefore suitable for a spring like element with a larger surface area and therefore wider beams. The length of the beam is thereby to be understood as the extension of the beam from first end to the second end in the planar projection. The width of the beam is the extension of the beam which is in the planar projection measured perpendicular to the length of the beam.

[0029] The spring like element can be made in an integral manner from a fiber composite material. Especially for high performance shoes for professional athletes a good balance between lightweight and performance of the spring like element can be achieved by a fiber composite material. To enable a multidirectional transfer of P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0030] 9 / 29 the compression forces, the fiber composite material may comprise multidirectional fibers with preferably one to ten layers of fibers. The fiber layers are preferably arranged at 0°, 45°, 90°, -45° in alternating orientations. The fiber layers can be either arranged on top each other and the geometry of the spring element is cut out from a full-surface layer of fibers. Alternatively, the fibers can be placed according to the flux of forces within the spring element. Good results regarding the mechanical properties of the finished spring like element and an efficient manufacturing process can be achieved, when the prepreg is made by tailored fiber placement and a matrix material or by printing a flat preform comprising a filament material of composite fibers and a matrix material, preferably a polyamide.

[0031] In particular, spring like elements made from prepregs made by tailored fiber placement and a matrix material have proven to be mechanically favorable. One of the main reasons is that the rovings and tapes are placed exactly where the structure of the subsequent component requires it. The properties of the finished components can also be significantly influenced by the production process, the so-called layup or fiber placement process. As the objects are not cast or pressed but laid up from fiber webs (tows or prepreg tapes), special reinforcement structures can be created using additional layers. If required, the fiber can be given more rigidity and strength at certain points without having to intervene in the construction. These additional layers and overlapping intertwined layers are particularly favorable at the first and second fixed supports as well as the connection points, as these are the points which experience the highest stress and strain.

[0032] The present disclosure further relates to a shoe comprising a sole assembly extending in a longitudinal direction from a heel area across a midfoot area to a P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0033] 10 / 29 forefoot area. The shoe comprises a midsole, which extends in a vertical direction from an upper surface, configured to face an upper, to a lower surface, configured to face an outsole. The midsole is typically made from a thermoplastic material, preferably in a foamed state. The shoe further comprises a sole component as described above in more detail, which is arranged at or in the midsole. The midsole can additionally comprise at least one tensile layer, which is connected to the midsole and extends along the longitudinal direction and / or along a transversal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The sole component may be interconnected to the at least one tensile layer and / or integrally formed with the at least one tensile layer.

[0034] The at least one tensile layer typically extends along the longitudinal direction and / or along the transversal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Typically, the one or more tensile layers are arranged such that at least a portion of the respective tensile layer experiences a tensile force when the lower surface of the midsole is bent in a vertical direction away from the lower surface of the midsole. Typically, the tensile force is experienced in a general direction of extension of the tensile layer. For example, in some variants, the tensile force may be experienced in a direction essentially orthogonal to the vertical direction, such as in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transversal direction. An advantage of the one or more tensile layers is that the overall stiffness of the sole assembly may be optimized and increased, resulting in enhanced foot stability for the wearer. Depending on the application, the one or more tensile layers may be made of different materials. For example, in some variants, the one or more tensile layers are made of polyethylene with ultra-high-molecular-weight (PE- LIHMW), polyamide, carbon fiber, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyester, or a P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0035] 11 / 29 mixture or copolymer thereof. In some variants, the one or more tensile layers are made of a thermoplastic or a thermosetting polymer.

[0036] The sole component may be made integrally with the at least one tensile layer and may be arranged in the midsole. The midsole can comprise a top layer facing the upper of the shoe. The top layer can comprise an upper surface, configured to face the upper and a lower surface, configured to face an upper face of the at least one tensile layer. The midsole can further comprise a bottom layer, configured to face an outsole. The bottom layer can comprise an upper surface, configured to face a lower face of the at least one tensile layer and a lower surface, configured to face the outsole. The at least one tensile layer can be a flexurally elastic incompressible plate extending in a generally planar manner in the longitudinal direction from the heel area, across the midfoot area and through the forefoot area and in the transversal direction from an inner side to an outer side of the midsole. The flexurally elastic incompressible plate can in the vertical direction be arranged between and divide the top layer and the separate bottom layer. The tensile layer may comprise at least one spring like element arranged in the forefoot area. The spring like element can be arranged in a cavity of the bottom layer or may be embedded in the midsole, advantageously embedded in the foam of the midsole.

[0037] Directional indications as used in the present disclosure are to be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction L of the sole assembly, respectively the shoe, is described by an axis from the heel area, respectively from the heel edge, to the forefoot area, respectively to the shoe tip / toe tip, and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole assembly or shoe. Thus the term “extending along / in P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0038] 12 / 29 the longitudinal direction” typically refers to extending towards the shoe tip, respectively toe tip, and the term “extending against the longitudinal direction” typically refers to extending towards the heel edge. The transversal direction T of the sole assembly respectively the shoe, extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the ground in the operative state. Thus, the transversal direction runs along a transversal axis of the sole assembly, respectively the shoe. In the context of the present disclosure, the vertical direction denotes a direction from an upper surface of the midsole to a lower surface of the midsole, or in the operative state in the direction of the foot of the wearer, and thus runs along a vertical axis of the sole assembly, respectively the shoe.

[0039] Thus, the term “extending along / in the vertical direction” typically refers to extending towards the lower surface of the midsole, and the term “extending against the vertical direction” typically refers to extending towards the upper surface of the midsole. The longitudinal direction, the vertical direction and the transverse direction may all be perpendicular to each other. The indication “horizontal” refers to a plane extending in the longitudinal and the transverse direction and being perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lateral side of the sole assembly, respectively the shoe, is the outer perimeter of the sole assembly, respectively the shoe, between the heel edge and the shoe tip / toe tip, which in the worn state rests against the outer instep of the wearer's foot.

[0040] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0041] 13 / 29 are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The herein described disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the disclosure described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:

[0043] Fig. 1 a perspective view from top onto a first embodiment of a tensile layer comprising two circular spring like elements;

[0044] Fig. 2 a front view of the first embodiment of the tensile layer comprising two circular spring like elements according to Figure 1 ;

[0045] Fig. 3 a perspective view from top onto a second embodiment of a tensile layer comprising two circular spring like elements; Fig. 4 a front view of the second embodiment of the tensile layer comprising two circular spring like elements according to Figure 3;

[0046] Fig. 5 a perspective view from top onto a first embodiment of the spring like element;

[0047] Fig. 6 a top view onto the spring like element according to Figure 5; P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0048] 14 / 29

[0049] Fig. 7 a side view of the spring like element according to Figure 5;

[0050] Fig. 8 a perspective view from top onto a second embodiment of the spring like element;

[0051] Fig. 9 a top view onto the spring like element according to Figure 8; Fig. 10 a side view of the spring like element according to Figure 8;

[0052] Fig. 11 a perspective view from top onto a third embodiment of the spring like element;

[0053] Fig. 12 a top view onto the spring like element according to Figure 11 ;

[0054] Fig. 13 a side view of the spring like element according to Figure 11 ; Fig. 14 a schematic sectional view of a shoe comprising a sole with a sole component according to a further embodiment;

[0055] Fig. 15 a top view onto a prepreg made by tailored fiber placement comprising a layer of composite fibers.

[0056] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0057] 15 / 29 different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0058] Figures 1 to 4 show two embodiments of a tensile layer 114 comprising at least one spring like element 2. The tensile layers 114 each comprise spring like elements 2, which spring like elements 2 each comprise a first at least partially circumferential base section 3 defining a base of the spring like element 2. In the embodiments shown the respective base sections 3 are made integral with the respective tensile layer 114. The spring like elements 2 further comprise a second base section 4, which is vertically spaced apart from the first base section 3 along the center axis x and defines a plateau of the spring like element 2. The shown beams 5, 5’, 5” interconnect the second base section 4 to first base section 3. In a top view along the center axis x onto the spring like element 2, the second base section 4 and the first base section 3 are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and the first base section 3 at least partially encircles the second base section 4. The shown spring like elements 2 are kirigami structures in that in a planar projection the first base section 3, the at least one beam 5 and the second base section 4 are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and are free from overlapping with each other.

[0059] The shown at least one tensile layer 114 extends along a longitudinal direction LD and along a transversal direction TD which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction LD. The shown tensile layer 114 is arranged in a midsole such that at least a portion of the respective tensile layer 114 experiences a tensile force when P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0060] 16 / 29 the lower surface of the midsole is bent in a vertical direction away from the lower surface of the midsole. The tensile force is thereby experienced in a general direction of extension of the tensile layer 114. An advantage of the tensile layer 114 is that the overall stiffness of the sole assembly may be optimized and increased, resulting in enhanced foot stability for the wearer. The shown tensile layers 114 are made of carbon fiber reinforced composite material. The spring like elements 2 are arranged locally at the tensile layers 114 and made in an integral manner with the tensile layers 114.

[0061] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a tensile layer 114 comprising two circular spring like elements 2, 2’. The two circular spring like elements 2, 2’ are arranged in the forefoot area FA of the tensile layer 114 and are integrally made with the tensile layer 114. As can be obtained best from Figure 2, the two spring like elements 2, 2’ each comprise a beam structure with multiple curved beams 5, 5’, 5”, whereby the beams 5, 5’, 5” each extend between the first base section

[0062] 3, which is made integrally with the tensile layer 114, and the second base section

[0063] 4, which is spaced apart from the tensile layer 114. Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of the tensile layer 114 comprising one non-circular spring like element 2. The spring like element 2 of the second embodiment is also arranged in the forefoot area FA of the tensile layer 114 and is also integrally made with the tensile layer 114. As can be obtained best from Figure 3, the spring like element 2 extends essentially from one lateral side of the forefoot area to the opposite lateral side and has a non-circular cross-section. The spring like element 2 also comprises a beam structure with multiple curved beams 5, 5’, 5”, whereby P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0064] 17 / 29 the beams 5, 5’, 5” extend between the first base section 3, which is made integrally with the tensile layer 114, and the second base section 4, which is spaced apart from the tensile layer 114, as can be obtained best from Figure 4.

[0065] Figures 5 to 7 show a first embodiment of the spring like element. The shown circular first base section 3 forms the base of the overall spring like element 2 and typically forms part of a tensile layer, which is arranged in a recess of a midsole or embedded in a midsole. The shown three beams 5, 5’ and 5” each extend from the first base section 3 to the second base section 4. The shown beams 5, 5’, 5” extend between the first fixed support 6 and the second fixed support 7 in a manner such that in a planar projection along the center axis x they are arranged between the first base section 3 and the second base section 4, as can be obtained best from Figure 6. As can be obtained best from Figure 5, the first fixed support 6 and the second fixed support 7 are offset to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the center axis x. As can be obtained best from Figure 6, in a planar projection each of the three beams 5, 5’, 5” is arranged on one of the sides of a triangle.

[0066] As can be obtained best from Figure 5, the shown three beams 5, 5’, 5” are each attached at first ends 51 , 5T, 51 ” to the first base section 3 via first fixed supports 6, 6’, 6” each. These supports are in form of bridges 61 , 6T, 61 ”. At their respective second ends 52, 52’, 52” the beams are attached to the second base section 4 via the second fixed supports 7, 7’, 7” which are also in the form of bridges 71 , 7T, 71 ”. The shown bridges 71 , 7T, 71 ’’are each designed as a protrusion in the form of a slab, which extends away from the first base section 3 in radial direction. The bridges 71 , 7T, 71 ” are in form of a cantilevers that extends horizontally P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0067] 18 / 29 away from the first base section 3 and are unsupported at their respective distal ends, with the ends facing away from the first base section 3. As can be obtained best from Figure 7, the beams 5, 5’, 5” extend from the first fixed support 6 to the second fixed support 7 and thereby each span an angle a of about 30° with respect to the first base section 3.

[0068] Figures 8 to 10 show a second embodiment of the spring like element 2. Similar to the first embodiment, the shown embodiment also comprises three beams 5, 5’ and 5”’, which each extend from the first base section 3 to the second base section 4. The shown beams 5, 5’, 5” extend between the first fixed support 6 and the second fixed support 7 in a manner such that in a planar projection they are arranged between the first base section 3 and then second base section 4, as can be obtained best from Figure 9. As can be obtained best from Figure 8, the first fixed support 6 and the second fixed support 7 are offset to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the center axis x.

[0069] As can be obtained best from Figure 9, in a planar projection each of the three beams 5, 5’, 5” is arranged on one of the sides of a triangle. As can be obtained best from Figure 8, the beams 5, 5’, 5” each have in a top view onto the spring like element 2 a curved shape C, preferably a double curved shape with counter curves C1 , C2. In comparison to the first embodiment, the shown three beams 5, 5’, 5” extend from the first fixed support 6 to a connection point 9 and a further beam 8 extends from each of the connection points 9, 9’, 9” to the second fixed support 7. The connection points 9, 9’, 9” of the three beams 5, 5’, 5” span an angle a of about 35°. P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0070] 19 / 29

[0071] Figures 11 to 13 show a third embodiment of the spring like element 2. The shown beams 5, 5’ are attached at their respective first ends 51 , 5T via a common bridge 61 to the first fixed support 6 and the second ends 52, 52’ of the two beams 5, 5’ extend away from the common bridge 61 in opposite directions and are each attached to a separate further beam 8 as can be obtained best from Figure 11. As can be obtained best from Figure 12, the spring like element 2 comprises at least three beams 5, 5’, 5”, which are each individually attached at their respective first ends 51 , 5T, 51 ” via first fixed supports 6, 6’, 6” to the first base section 3 and are each individually attached at their respective second ends 52, 52’, 52” via second fixed supports 7, 7’, 7” to the second base section 4 or to a further beam 8, 8’, 8”. The first fixed supports 6, 6’, 6” and the second fixed supports 7, 7’, 7” of the at least three beams 5, 5’, 5” are equally spaced in circumferential direction with respect to the center axis x and are offset to each other with respect to the center axis x.

[0072] As can be obtained best from Figure 13, the at least one beam 5 and the further beam 8 extend from the first fixed support 6 to the second fixed support 7 serpentine shaped, preferably in the form of two counter-rotating circular segments CR1 , CR2, with the connection point 9 being designed as a hairpin bend 91. As can be obtained from Figure 12, the at least one beam 5 and the further beam 8 extend from the first fixed support 6 to the second fixed support 7 and together form a serpentine. The shown at least one beam 5 is a first circular segment CR1 and the further beam 8 is a second circular segment CR2 which are arranged counter-rotating with respect to the connection point 9, which connection point 9 is in the shown embodiment designed as a hairpin bend 91 . P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0073] 20 / 29

[0074] Figure 14 shows a shoe 11 comprising a sole assembly 111 extending in a longitudinal direction LD from a heel area HA across a midfoot area MA to a forefoot area FA and comprising a midsole 112 extending in a vertical direction VD from an upper surface US configured to face an upper to a lower surface LS configured to face an outsole 113, being arranged on the midsole 112. The midsole 112 comprises at least one tensile layer 114 embedded in the midsole 112, which extends along the longitudinal direction LD and along a transversal direction TD orthogonal to the longitudinal direction LD. The sole component 1 is interconnected to the at least one tensile layer 114.

[0075] Figure 15 shows a prepreg made by tailored fiber placement before it is impregnated by a matrix material. The prepreg is made by tailored fiber placement and a matrix material. The fibers are placed following the structure of the first 3 and second 4 base section and the beams 5, 5’, 5”. The shown prepreg is laid up from fiber webs (tows or prepreg tapes), special reinforcement structures can be created using additional layers. The fibers (not shown) give more rigidity and strength at certain points without having to intervene in the construction. These additional layers and overlapping intertwined layers are particularly favorable at the first 6, 6’, 6” and second 7, 7’, 7” fixed supports as well as the connection points 9, 9’, 9” as these are the points which experience the highest stress and strain. The finished spring like element 2 is made in an integral manner from a fiber composite material 10. The fiber composite material 10 comprises multidirectional fibers 101 with one to ten layers of fibers, which are preferably placed at 0°, 45°, 90°, -45° alternating orientations. P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0076] 21 / 29

[0077] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the Spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0078] P28337PC00 04.08.2025

[0079] 22 / 29

[0080] LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

[0081] 1 Sole component 112 Midsole

[0082] 2, 2 Spring like element 25 113 Outsole

[0083] 3 First base section 114 Tensile layer

[0084] 4 Second base section C Curved shape

[0085] 5, 5, 5” Beam C1 First curve

[0086] 51 , 51’, 51” First end (beam) C2 Second curve

[0087] 52, 52’, 52” Second end (beam) 30 CR1 First circular segment

[0088] 6, 6’, 6” First fixed support CR2 Second circular seg-

[0089] 61 , 61 ’, 61 ” Bridge (first fixed sup- ment port) L Length (beam)

[0090] 7, 7’, 7” Second fixed support W Width (beam)

[0091] 71 , 71’, 71” Bridge (second fixed 35 D Diameter support) H Height

[0092] 8, 8’, 8” Further beam LD Longitudinal direction

[0093] 9, 9’, 9” Connection point TD Transversal direction

[0094] 91 , 91’, 91” Hairpin bend (connec- HA Heel area tion point) 40 MA Midfoot area

[0095] 10 Fiber composite mate- FA Forefoot area rial LS Lower surface

[0096] 101 Fibers US Upper surface

[0097] 11 Shoe VD Vertical direction

[0098] 111 Sole assembly 45 x Center axis

Claims

P28337PC00 04.08.202523 / 29PATENT CLAIMS1. A sole component (1 ) for a shoe sole comprising a spring like element (2, 2’), which spring like element (2, 2’) comprises a. a first at least partially circumferential base section (3) defining a base of the spring like element (2, 2’), and b. a second base section (4) being vertically spaced apart from the first base section (3) along a center axis (x) and defining a plateau of the spring like element (2, 2’), and c. at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) which interconnects the second base section (4) to first base section (3), wherein in a top view along the center axis (x) onto the spring like element (2, 2’) the second base section (4) and the first base section (3) are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and the first base section (3) at least partially encircles the second base section (4).

2. The sole component (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the spring like element (2, 2’) is a kirigami structure in that in a planar projection the first base section (3), the at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) and the second base section (4) are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and are free from overlapping with each other.P28337PC00 04.08.202524 / 293. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) extends between a first fixed support (6, 6’, 6”) and a second fixed support (7, 7’, 7”) and is in a planar projection arranged between the first base section (3) and the second base section (4).

4. The sole component (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the first fixed support (6, 6’, 6”) and the second fixed support (7, 7’, 7”) are offset to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the center axis (x).

5. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) is attached at a first end (51 , 5T, 51 ”) to the first base section (3) via the first fixed support (6, 6’, 6”) in form of a bridge (61 , 6T, 61 ”) and / or at a second end (52, 52’, 52”) to the second base section (4) via the second fixed support (7, 7’, 7”) in form of a bridge (71 , 71 ’, 71 ”).

6. The sole component (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein two beams (5, 5’, 5”) are attached at their respective first ends (51 , 5T, 51 ”) via a common bridge (61 , 6T, 61 ”) to the first fixed support (6, 6’, 6”) and the second ends (52, 52’, 52”) of the two beams (5, 5’, 5”) extend away from the common bridge (61 , 6T, 61 ”) in opposite directions and are each attached to a separate further beam (8, 8’, 8”).

7. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the spring like element (2, 2’) comprises at least three beams (5, 5’, 5”), which are each individually attached at their respective first end (51 , 5T,P28337PC00 04.08.202525 / 2951 ”) via first fixed supports (6, 6’, 6”) to the first base section (3) and are each individually attached at their respective second ends (52, 52’, 52”) via second fixed supports (7, 7’, 7”) to the second base section (4) or to a further beam (8, 8’, 8”).

8. The sole component (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the first fixed supports (6, 6’, 6”) and the second fixed supports (7, 7’, 7”) of the at least three beams (5, 5’, 5”) are equally spaced in circumferential direction with respect to the center axis (x) and are offset to each other with respect to the center axis (x).

9. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of claims 7 or 8, wherein in a planar projection each of the three beams (5, 5’, 5”) is arranged on one of the sides of a triangle.

10. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) has a curved shape (C), preferably a double curved shape with counter curves (C1 , C2).11 . The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) extends from the first fixed support (6, 6’, 6”) to the second fixed support (7, 7’, 7”) and thereby spans an angle (a) of 0° to 45°, preferably between 15° and 30°, more preferably 35°with respect to the first base section (3).

12. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) extends from the first fixed support (6, 6’,P28337PC00 04.08.202526 / 296”) to a connection point (9, 9’, 9”) and a further beam (8, 8’, 8”) extends from the connection point (9, 9’, 9”) to the second fixed support (7, 7’, 7”).

13. The sole component (1 ) according to claim 12, wherein at the connection point (9, 9’, 9”) the at least one first beam (5, 5’, 5”) and the further beam (8, 8’, 8”) span an angle (a) of about 20° to 40°, preferably 35°.

14. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) and the further beam (8, 8’, 8”) extend from the first fixed support (6, 6’, 6”) to the second fixed support (7, 7’, 7”) and together form a serpentine.

15. The sole component (1 ) according to claim 14, wherein the at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) is a first circular segment (CR1 ) and the further beam (8, 8’, 8”) is a second circular segment (CR2) which are arranged counter-rotating with respect to the connection point (9, 9’, 9”), which connection point (9, 9’, 9”) is preferably designed as a hairpin bend (91 , 9T, 91 ”).

16. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one beam (5, 5’, 5”) has an overall length (L) between the first fixed support (6, 6’, 6”) and the second fixed support (7, 7’, 7”) between 5 mm and 80 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 40 mm and / or a width (W) of 1 mm to 15 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 6 mm.P28337PC00 04.08.202527 / 2917. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring like element (2, 2’) has a largest outer diameter (D) from 10mm to 130mm, preferably between 10 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 70 mm and / or a maximum height (H) of 50 mm, preferably 40 mm, more preferably 30 mm.

18. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring like element (2, 2’) is made in an integral manner from a fiber composite material (10).

19. The sole component (1 ) according to claim 18, wherein the fiber composite material (10) comprises multidirectional fibers (101 ) with one to ten layers of fibers, which are preferably placed at 0°, 45°, 90°, -45° alternating orientations.

20. The sole component (1 ) according to at least one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the prepreg is made by tailored fiber placement and a matrix material or by printing a flat preform comprising a filament material of composite fibers and a matrix material, preferably a polyamide.

21. A shoe (11 ) comprising a sole assembly (111 ) extending in a longitudinal direction (y) from a heel area (HA) across a midfoot area (MA) to a forefoot area (FA) and comprising: a. a midsole (112) extending in a vertical direction (VD) from an upper surface (US) configured to face an upper to a lower surface (LS) configured to face an outsole (113), andP28337PC00 04.08.202528 / 29 b. a sole component (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims being arranged at the midsole (112).

22. The shoe (11 ) according to claim 21 , wherein the midsole (112) comprises at least one tensile layer (114) connected to the midsole (112) and extend- ing along the longitudinal direction (LD) and / or along a transversal direction (TD) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (LD).

23. The shoe (11 ) according to claim 22, wherein the sole component (1 ) is interconnected to the at least one tensile layers (114) and or integrally formed with the at least one tensile layers (114).

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