Sole plate sheet element

Abstract

Disclosed is a sole plate unit (1) for a running shoe sole (10) being configured for storing and releasing energy during running, the sole plate unit (1) comprising an elastic plate element (3) and a sheet element (2). The sheet element (2) is connected to the elastic plate element (3) at at least two connection regions (4a, 4b) of the elastic plate element (3) and the elastic plate element (3) and the sheet element (2) are spaced apart from each other in at least one area of the sole plate unit (1). The sheet element (2) is configured such that if a force (F) is applied on the top face (21) of the sheet element (2), the sheet element (2) bends in direction of the elastic plate element (3), and thereby pulls the at least two connection regions (4a, 4b) towards each other, and thereby elastically deforms the elastic plate element (3).

Description

[0001] P27949PC00

[0002] 1 / 21

[0003] Sole Plate Sheet Element

[0004] Field of disclosure

[0005] The present invention lies in the field of sport shoe technology and relates in particular to a sole plate unit comprising a sheet element for a running shoe, as well as a shoe sole comprising such a sole plate unit.

[0006] Background, prior art

[0007] Midsoles with elastic plates for reducing the energy required by the runner during running, or for delaying runner fatigue are known in the prior art. These plates are typically stiffer than the rest of the midsole, which is typically formed from a foamed polymer material, while the plates may comprise fibers, such as carbon fibers. Such plates are mostly arranged in the forefoot area and optionally in the midfoot area of the midsole. The elastic plates are bent in the direction of the ground during the foot strike, i.e. tread, and the roll-off process and are thus biased, respectively tensioned. Due to the elastic properties of the plate, it returns to its original, typically flat, configuration when the foot is pushed off the ground, thereby supporting the push-off movement and saving force.

[0008] Summary of disclosure

[0009] Soles with such plates known in the prior art can however only exploit a relatively small amount of the forces acting on the sole for the push-off movement. Further, energy transmission is therefore still relatively inefficient and it would be desirable to improve this efficiency.

[0010] It is therefore a general object of the present invention to advance the state of the art regarding sole plates and advantageously overcome the disadvantages of the prior art fully or partly. In advantageous embodiments, a sole plate unit and a shoe sole with such a sole P27949PC00

[0011] 2 / 21 plate unit is provided which allows to use a larger portion of the forces acting on the sole plate unit during running as compared to the prior art. In further advantageous embodiments, an improved forward propulsion is achieved and / or runner’s fatigue is delayed.

[0012] The general object is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the overall disclosure.

[0013] Directional indications as used in the present disclosure are to be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction LO of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole, is described by an axis from the heel area, respectively from the heel edge, to the forefoot region, respectively to the sole tip or midsole tip, and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole. Thus, the term “extending along / in the longitudinal direction” typically refers to extending towards the sole tip or midsole tip and the term “extending against the longitudinal direction” typically refers to extending towards the heel edge. The transverse direction TR of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole, extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the base layer of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole, or substantially parallel to the ground in the operative state. Thus, the transverse direction runs along a transverse axis of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole. In the context of the present invention, the vertical direction V denotes a direction from the base layer to the top layer of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole in the direction of the insole, or in the operative state in the direction of the foot of the wearer, and thus runs along a vertical axis of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe. Thus, the term “extending along / in the vertical direction” typically refers to extending towards the top layer of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole and the term “extending against the vertical direction” typically refers to extending towards the base layer of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole. The longitudinal direction, the vertical direction and the transverse direction may all be perpendicular to each other. The lateral side of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole is the outer perimeter of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole between the heel edge and the sole tip or midsole tip, which in the worn state rests against the outer instep of the wearer's foot. The indication P27949PC00

[0014] 3 / 21

[0015] “horizontal” refers to a plane extending in the longitudinal and the transverse direction and being perpendicular to the vertical direction. The medial side of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole, refers to the inner perimeter of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole between the heel edge and the sole tip or midsole tip, which is located opposite the lateral side. Thus, in a pair of worn shoes, the medial sides of the two shoes face each other and the lateral sides face away from each other. Furthermore, the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole may typically along the longitudinal direction be divided into a forefoot area, a heel area and a midfoot area being arranged between the forefoot area and the heel area. For example, the forefoot area extends from the sole tip or midsole tip against, i.e. opposite, the longitudinal direction to 30-45% of the total length of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole in the longitudinal direction. The heel area extends, for example, from the heel edge in the longitudinal direction to 20-30% of the total length of the sole plate unit, respectively the shoe sole in the longitudinal direction. The midfoot area extends directly between the heel area and the forefoot area, such that the length in the longitudinal direction of the midfoot area makes up the remaining portion of the total length, particularly from 15-50% of the total length.

[0016] A first aspect of the invention relates to a sole plate unit for a running shoe sole. Such a sole plate unit is preferably configured for storing and releasing energy during running. The sole plate unit may comprise, or consist of, an elastic plate element and a sheet element. The sheet element may comprise a top face and a bottom face. The sheet element may be connected to the elastic plate element at at least two, in particular only two, connection regions of the elastic plate element. The elastic plate element and the sheet element may be spaced apart from each other in at least one area of the sole plate unit, e.g. they may define a gap between them in this at least one area. The sheet element may be configured such that if a force is applied on the top face of the sheet element, the sheet element bends in direction of the elastic plate element, thereby pulling the at least two connection regions towards each other, and thereby elastically deforming the elastic plate element. The at least one area in which the elastic plate element and the sheet element may be spaced apart from each other, is typically arranged between two of the at least two connection regions. Typically, the connection regions may be spaced apart from each other, in particular along P27949PC00

[0017] 4 / 21 the longitudinal direction. Such a sole plate unit has the advantage that the runner’s foot initially deforms the sheet element, which then causes the elastic plate element to deform by pulling the at least two connection regions towards each other. Thereby a significant increase in the forward propulsion can be achieved during push-off.

[0018] It is generally understood herein that the term “comprising” is interpreted as meaning that it includes those features following this term, but that it does not exclude the presence of other features, as long as they do not render the claim unworkable. On the other hand, if the wording "consist of' is used, then no further features are present in the corresponding element apart from the ones following said wording.

[0019] It is further generally understood herein that the term “elastic” denotes the property of an element returning to its original shape upon bending, in particular back into its original shape opposing an external force after the force is not applied anymore. In other words, the unit returns to its original configuration after being biased by bending, for instance through an applied force or load. This in contrast to plastic bodies, respectively plasticity, which do not have this property.

[0020] It is further generally understood herein that the term “sheet element” denotes an element substantially extending in two dimensions, in other words with laminar extension. In some embodiments, the sheet element is in itself bendable and / or twistable without a back- compressing force to return to an or its original planar position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the energy is stored by elastically bending the elastic plate element upon applying a force on the top face of the sheet element, and the stored energy is released during push-off through the back-compressing force and / or back-tension force exerted by the elastic plate element returning into its original shape before elastic deformation. In some embodiments, the sheet element and the elastic plate element are made from different materials. In certain embodiments, the elastic plate element comprises a polymer material, in particular a massive polymer material, such as a polymer resin. In P27949PC00

[0022] 5 / 21 certain embodiments, the sheet element comprises a textile, such as a woven, knitted, or non-woven textile.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sheet element and / or the elastic plate element are continuously closed, e.g. they do not comprise any openings or through holes, in particular no openings or through holes having an open area being larger than 5 mm2, or larger than 1 mm2, or larger than 0.5 mm2.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sheet element and the elastic plate element are made from two parts. Thus, the elastic plate element and the sheet element are not integrally formed.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sheet element has a lower bending modulus than the elastic plate element. In particular, the bending modulus of the sheet element is at least 2x smaller than the bending modulus of the elastic plate element. This has the advantage that the sheet element can by itself be easily deformed. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the plate element is more efficient.

[0026] In some embodiments, the bottom face of the sheet element is facing the elastic plate element and the top face of the sheet element is facing away from the elastic plate element.

[0027] In some embodiments, the sheet element is connected to the elastic plate element in particular at only two connection regions of the elastic plate element.

[0028] In some embodiments, the elastic plate element is shaped such that it defines a concavity, in particular in the forefoot area. Its shape may in particular be curved. The concavity may be defined towards the sheet element (i.e. when looking from the sheet element to the elastic plate, the viewer looks into the concavity).

[0029] In some embodiments, the sheet element and the elastic plate element are itself incompressible. Being “itself” incompressible means that the thickness of the sheet element and the elastic plate element is not reduced during running, i.e. when a male 80 kg runner P27949PC00

[0030] 6 / 21 with shoe size US 10 runs with shoes having a shoe sole with a sole plate unit according to the invention. In particular, this includes being inextensible in the same way. Obviously however, the distance between the elastic plate element and the sheet element can be reduced during running.

[0031] The hardness of the sole plate may be in the a Vickers Hardness (HV) in the range of 50 HV to 125 HV in particular in the range of 75 HV to 100 HV (see for example Ghani et al “Hardness, Tensile and Microstructure Assessment of Carbon / Glass Hybrid Composite Laminate” J. Mechanical Engineering 2018, 15(2), 91-105 and https: / / en.wikipedia.orq / wiki / Vickers hardness test).

[0032] In some embodiments, the sheet element spans over a curved portion of the elastic plate element. The curved portion extends, respectively is located, between the at least two connection regions. This may cause the elastic deformation of the elastic plate element in case a force is applied on the top face of the sheet element, which significantly increases the forward propulsion during push-off.

[0033] In some embodiments, the sheet element spans over the curved portion of the elastic plate element such that it extends along an even plane between the connection regions. In particular, in the neutral position, the sheet element spans over the curved portion of the elastic plate forming a planar extension, e.g. without ripples. The neutral position refers to the unloaded, unbiased state of the sole plate unit.

[0034] The two connection regions may in some embodiments each extend over the elastic plate element in the transversal direction, i.e. completely from a lateral to a medial side of the elastic plate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the neutral position, i.e. position at which no external force is applied on the sole plate unit apart from gravity, there is an initial tension of at least 1 N in particular at least 5 N, more particular at least 10 N, even more particular of at least 20 N on on the sheet element and the elastic plate element of the sole plate unit. The effect of increased P27949PC00

[0036] 7 / 21 forward propulsion during push-off can be even more pronounced if there is an initial tension on the sheet element and the elastic plate element of the sole plate unit.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sheet element and the elastic plate element are configured such that if a force of 450 N is applied, e.g. loaded, on the top face of the sheet element, the at least two connection regions are pulled together by at least 10%, more particular at least 20%, even more particular by at least 40%, of an unloaded distance of the at least two connection regions in which no force is applied on the top face of the sheet element. The unloaded distance is the distance present in the neutral position. In some embodiments, the sheet element and the elastic plate element are configured such that if a force of 450 N is applied, e.g. loaded, on the top face of the sheet element, the at least two connection regions are pulled together in the range of 10% to 80%, in particular 20% to 70%, more particular 30% to 60%, even more particular 40% to 60%, of an unloaded distance of the at least two connection regions in which no force is applied on the top face of the sheet element.

[0038] In some embodiments, the length of the at least one area, at which the elastic plate element and the sheet element are spaced apart from each other, i.e. its extension along the longitudinal direction, is at least 30%, in particular at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, of the total length of the sole plate, i.e. its extension in the longitudinal direction. In certain examples, the length of the area may be in the range of 50mm to 150 mm, in particular between 50 mm and 100 mm.

[0039] The height of the gap between the sheet element and the elastic plate element in this at least one area, i.e. its largest extension along the vertical direction, may in some embodiments be between 5 mm and 40 mm, in particular between 10 mm and 30 mm.

[0040] In some embodiments, the elastic plate element and the sheet element are spaced apart from each other in at least one area of the sole plate unit such that a compartment is formed between the at least two connection regions. P27949PC00

[0041] 8 / 21

[0042] In some embodiments, the compartment may be air-filled or a polymer foam element may be arranged within this compartment.

[0043] In some embodiments, the compartment comprises openings on a medial side and / or on a lateral side of the sole plate unit.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the elastic plate element, in particular the top face of the elastic plate element, and the bottom face of the sheet element, are substantially parallel to each other and / or the elastic plate element, in particular the top face of the elastic plate element, and the bottom face of the sheet element are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the vertical direction runs parallel to the force of gravitation in the operational, i.e. worn, state.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sheet element comprises two opposing ends, which are each connected to one of the at least two connection regions.

[0047] In some embodiments, the elastic plate element comprises, or consists of, a posterior plate part towards the heel edge and an anterior plate part towards the sole tip. The part of the elastic plate element that is located between the connection regions forms the anterior plate part. A posterior connection region out of the at least two connection regions is located at a transition of the anterior plate part and the posterior plate part.

[0048] In some embodiments, the compartment has openings on the medial and lateral side, through which it is in fluidic connection with an environment. Typically, the compartment is continuously circumferentially surrounded - apart from the openings - by the sheet element and the anterior plate part of the elastic plate element. That is along the plane of these two parts, namely the plane in the vertical (V) and longitudinal (LO) direction, the compartment is continuously closed. P27949PC00

[0049] 9 / 21

[0050] In some embodiments, a posterior connection region out of the at least two connection regions is located in a forefoot area of the sole plate unit and / or in a midfoot area of the sole plate unit.

[0051] In some embodiments, the sheet element is connected, e.g. directly connected, to the elastic plate element by a force-locking, form-locking and / or material-bonding connection, in particular through an adhesive, welding and / or sewing.

[0052] In some embodiments, if the materials comprise a thermoplastic polymer, a materialbonding connection via welding is conceivable.

[0053] In some embodiments, the sheet element comprises, or consists of, a textile, in particular a knitted, woven or non-woven textile.

[0054] It is generally understood herein that the term “textile” denotes any fiber-based material, including fibers, yarns, filaments, threads, which material is processed to woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, braided fabrics, stitch-bonded fabrics, nonwovens and felts. It can also be cellulose- or cotton-based. In general, “textile” refers to a material with laminar extension. An alternative to the term “textile” is the term “fabric”. A textile is advantageous, because it is readily bend and therefore, a force being exerted on the top face of the sheet element can efficiently be used to deform the elastic plate element.

[0055] In some embodiments, the sheet element has a thickness of 0.01 mm to 3 mm, in particular 0.5 mm to 2 mm, more particularly 1.2 mm. The thickness is the extension of the sheet element in vertical direction, i.e. the distance between top face and bottom face of the sheet element.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sheet element has no inherent stability. This means that if a sheet element having a length (extension in the longitudinal direction) of 8 cm, a width (extension in the transverse direction) of 6 cm and a thickness (extension in the vertical direction) of up to 3 mm is secured at each of its two opposing longitudinal ends such that P27949PC00

[0057] 10 / 21 it extends perpendicular to the gravitational force vector and one of the two ends is released, the sheet element directly bends under the action of the gravitational force towards the ground completely by itself particularly such that the majority of the sheet element extends in parallel to the gravitational force vector. Such a sheet element is advantageous, because it is readily bent and therefore, a force being exerted on the top face of the sheet element can efficiently be used to deform the elastic plate element.

[0058] In particular, the sheet element is flexible in the sense that it bends and forms ripples in the direction perpendicular to its planar extension by the force of its inherent gravitational weight alone, and even more so upon a force larger than its inherent gravitational weight. In operational state, this direction is the vertical direction respectively the negative vertical direction.

[0059] In some embodiments, the sheet element does not stretch more than 5%, in particular not more than 2%, more particular not more than 1 %, of its length in the unloaded state to forces of 800 N being applied in direction of a line between the connection regions, respectively between the two opposing ends of the sheet element (i.e. along the longitudinal direction).

[0060] In some embodiments, the applied forces acting are tension / traction and compression forces. The sheet element material can be directionally strengthened for such applied forces.

[0061] In some embodiments, the sheet element has a tearing load to forces in direction of a line between the connection regions, respectively between the two opposing end of the sheet element (i.e. along the longitudinal direction) at least 10000 N, in particular at least 25000 N. It is generally understood herein that the term “tearing load” denotes the load resp. force a material can bear (in a specific direction) without tearing.

[0062] In some embodiments, the sheet element comprises, or consists of, a polymer, in particular a thermoplastic or a thermosetting polymer. P27949PC00

[0063] 1 1 / 21

[0064] In some embodiments, the sheet element comprises, or consists of, a yarn and / or polymeric fiber material.

[0065] In some embodiments, the sheet element comprises, or consists of, at least one of: polyethylene with ultra-high-molecular-weight (PE-UHMW), polyamide, carbon fiber, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyester.

[0066] It is generally understood herein that “polyethylene with ultra-high-molecular-weight (PE- UHMW resp. UHMWPE)”, also known as “high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE)”, denotes a polyethylene with long chains, with a molecular mass usually between 3.5 and 7.5 million amu. The longer chain serves to transfer load more effectively to the polymer backbone by strengthening intermolecular interactions. Alternatively or additionally, UHMWPE can be defined to have an average molecular weight of up to 6.000.000 g / mol, and a density of 0.8 - 1 g / cm3, preferably 0.87 - 0.94 g / cm3more preferably of 0.93-0.94 g / cm3.

[0067] Preferably, the UHMWPE has less than 1 side chain per 100 C atoms, more preferably less than 1 side chain per 300 C atoms.

[0068] Preferably, the polyethylene fibers have deniers per filament (dpf) in the range of from 0.1 to 50, more preferably from 0.5 to 20, most preferably from 1 to 10 dpf. The polyethylene yarns preferably are preferably from 200 to 50000, more preferably from 500 to 10000, most preferably from 800 to 4800 denier.

[0069] The tensile strength of the polyethylene fibers utilized in the present invention as measured according to ASTM D2256 in the version of 2010 is preferably at least 1.2 GPa, more preferably at least 2.5 GPa, most preferably at least 3.5 GPa. The tensile modulus of the polyethylene fibers as measured according to ASTM D2256 is preferably at least 30 GPa, more preferably at least 50 GPa, most preferably at least 60 GPa.

[0070] As an example, Dyneema® or Spectra® are known brand materials based on LIHMWPE. P27949PC00

[0071] 1 2 / 21

[0072] In some embodiments, the elastic plate element is made from a single piece, i.e. it is integrally formed.

[0073] A second aspect of the invention relates to a shoe sole. The shoe sole comprises, or consists of, a sole plate unit according to the first aspect of the invention, a midsole being connected to the sole plate unit and optionally an outsole and / or an insole. The outsole may for example be connected directly to the sole plate unit. If the sole plate unit comprises an insole, the sheet element is preferably arranged closer to the insole than the at least one area being spaced apart from the sheet element.

[0074] A third aspect of the invention relates to a use of a sole plate unit according to the first aspect of the invention during manufacturing of a shoe.

[0075] Brief description of the figures

[0076] The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:

[0077] Fig. 1 a perspective view of a sole plate unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0078] Fig. 2a, b a side view of the sole plate unit of Fig. 1 , wherein Fig. 2a shows the side view just before an external force acts on the sole plate unit, and Fig. 2b shows the side view after the external force acts on the sole plate unit;

[0079] Fig. 3 a shoe sole with a sole plate unit according to an embodiment of the invention. P27949PC00

[0080] 13 / 21

[0081] Exemplary embodiments

[0082] 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 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. For the sake of improved clarity in the drawings, where multiple of the same features are shown, not all instances of the same features may be labeled with reference numbers to reduce clutter.

[0083] Figure 1 shows a sole plate unit 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The sole plate unit 1 comprises an integrally formed elastic plate element 3 which is generally manufactured as a single piece. The sole plate unit 1 further comprises a sheet element 2 which is not integrally formed with the elastic plate element 3. The elastic plate element 3 and the sheet element 2 are configured such that they define a compartment 7 between them. The sheet element 2 is arranged above an anterior plate part 34 of the elastic plate element 3, i.e. it is in vertical direction V arranged above the anterior plate part 34. Along transverse direction TR, the sheet element 2 and the elastic plate element 3 are aligned with each other. It is apparent that the compartment 7 is arranged above an anterior plate part 34 of the elastic plate element 3 and it lies substantially in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction LO and the vertical direction V. Further, the compartment 7 comprises openings on a medial side and / or on a lateral side of the sole plate unit 1 , through which it is in fluidic connection with the environment. Typically, the compartment 7 is continuously circumferentially surrounded - apart from the openings - by the sheet element 2 and the anterior plate part 34 of the elastic plate element 3. That is, along the plane of these two parts, namely the plane in the vertical (V) and longitudinal (LO) direction, the compartment 7 is continuously closed. However, the compartment 7 comprises a medially sided opening (not visible, facing away from the viewer) and a laterally sided opening. Both the sheet P27949PC00

[0084] 14 / 21 element 2 and the anterior plate part 34 of the elastic plate element 3 are continuously closed, i.e. they do not comprise and openings or through holes.

[0085] The large arrow depicts the direction of a force F, that, if applied, causes the sheet element 2 to bend in opposite direction of the vertical direction V, towards the elastic plate element 3. Such a bending is intensified due to the fact that the sheet element 2 has no inherent stability but remains firm to forces applied in direction of the line between the connection regions 4a, 4b. By applying the force F, the two connection regions 4a, 4b of the elastic plate element 3, which are connected to two opposite ends of the sheet element 2, are pulled towards each other, which elastically deforms the elastic plate element 3. Because the sheet element 2 remains firm to forces applied in direction of the line between the connection regions 4a, 4b, a great amount of the energy resulting out of the force F can be stored in the elastic deformation of the elastic plate element 3, and is released in when the elastic plate element 3 returns into its original shape.

[0086] Figures 2a and 2b show a side view on the lateral side of sole plate unit 1 shown in Fig. 1 . Figure 2a shows the side view just before an external force acts on the sole plate unit 1 (i.e. in the neutral, unloaded position), and Figure 2b shows the side view after the external force acts on the sole plate unit 1 , showing the elastic deformation of the elastic plate element 3. It is apparent that the elastic plate element 3 extends from the heel area HA through the midfoot area MA to the forefoot area FA. The heel area HA starts at heel edge 5 and ends at the beginning of the midfoot area MA. The forefoot area FA starts at the end of midfoot area MA and ends at sole plate unit tip 5. In contrast, the sheet element 2 only extends from the forefoot area FA to the midfoot area MA, but does not extend into the heel area HA. Sheet element 2 and elastic plate element 3 contact each other at only two connection region of the elastic plate element 3, namely at an anterior connection region 4a at sole plate unit tip 6 and at a posterior connection region 4b in the midfoot area MA. The anterior plate part 34 of the elastic plate element 3 is formed as a curvature with a turning point of the curvature lying in the most negative I smallest point with regards to the vertical direction V, and the two slopes running away from the turning point sloping in vertical direction. In P27949PC00

[0087] 1 5 / 21 this embodiment, this means a convex compartment 7 between sheet element 2 and anterior plate part 34 is formed.

[0088] Figure 3 shows a shoe sole 10 comprising a sole plate unit 1 and a midsole 11 , which in this embodiment comprises first upper midsole portion 11a being arranged on and above the sole plate unit 1 and second lower midsole portion 11b being arranged below the elastic plate element 3 of the sole plate unit 1. In addition, shoe sole 10 comprises an outsole 12, which is arranged such that it contacts the ground during running. It is apparent that the outsole 12 only covers certain portions of lower midsole portion 11b, and also a portion of the elastic plate element 3.

[0089] P27949PC00

[0090] 16 / 21

[0091] REFERENCE SIGNS

[0092] 1 sole plate unit

[0093] 2 sheet element

[0094] 21 top face of the sheet element

[0095] 22 bottom face of the sheet element

[0096] 3 elastic plate element

[0097] 31 top face of the elastic plate element

[0098] 32 bottom face of the elastic plate element

[0099] 33 posterior plate part of the elastic plate element

[0100] 34 anterior plate part of the elastic plate element

[0101] 4a anterior connection region of the elastic plate element

[0102] 4b posterior connection region of the elastic plate element

[0103] 5 heel edge

[0104] 6 sole tip I sole plate unit tip

[0105] 7 compartment between the elastic plate element and the sheet element

[0106] 10 shoe sole

[0107] 11a, 11b midsole

[0108] 12 outsole

[0109] F applied external force

Claims

P27949PC0017 / 21Claims1. A sole plate unit (1) for a running shoe sole (10) being configured for storing and releasing energy during running, the sole plate unit (1) comprising an elastic plate element (3) and a sheet element (2), wherein the sheet element (2) comprises a top face (21) and a bottom face (22); wherein the sheet element (2) is connected to the elastic plate element (3) at at least two connection regions (4a, 4b) of the elastic plate element (3) and wherein the elastic plate element (3) and the sheet element (2) are spaced apart from each other in at least one area of the sole plate unit (1); and wherein the sheet element (2) is configured such that if a force (F) is applied on the top face (21) of the sheet element (2), the sheet element (2) bends in direction of the elastic plate element (3), thereby pulling the at least two connection regions (4a, 4b) towards each other, and thereby elastically deforming the elastic plate element (3).

2. The sole plate unit (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet element (2) spans over a curved portion of the elastic plate element (3), which curved portion extends between the at least two connection regions (4a, 4b).

3. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet element (2) and the elastic plate element (3) are configured such that if a force of 450 N is applied on the top face (21) of the sheet element (2), the at least two connection regions (4a, 4b) are pulled together by at least 10%, more particular at least 20%, even more particular by at least 40%, of an unloaded distance of the at least two connection regions (4a, 4b) in which no force is applied on the top face (21) of the sheet element (2).

4. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic plate element (3) and the sheet element (2) are spaced apart from each other in atP27949PC0018 / 21 least one area of the sole plate unit (1) such that a compartment (7) is formed between the at least two connection regions (4a, 4b).

5. The sole plate unit (1) according to claim 4, wherein the compartment (7) comprises openings on a medial side and / or on a lateral side of the sole plate unit.

6. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the elastic plate element (3) and the bottom face (22) of the sheet element (2) are substantially parallel to each other and / or wherein the elastic plate element (3) and the bottom face (22) of the sheet element (2) are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

7. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet element (2) comprises two opposing ends, which are each connected to one of the at least two connection regions (4a, 4b).

8. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic plate element (3) comprises a posterior plate part (33) towards the heel edge (5) and an anterior plate part (34) towards the sole tip (6), wherein the part of the elastic plate element (3) that is located between the connection regions (4a, 4b) forms the anterior plate part and wherein a posterior connection region (4b) out of the at least two connection regions (4a, 4b) is located at a transition of the anterior plate part (34) and the posterior plate part (33).

9. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a posterior connection region (4b) out of the at least two connection regions (4a, 4b) is located in a forefoot area (FA) of the sole plate unit (1) and / or in a midfoot area (MA) of the sole plate unit (1).

10. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet element (2) is connected to the elastic plate element (3) by a force-locking, form-P27949PC001 9 / 21 locking and / or material-bonding connection, in particular through an adhesive, welding and / or sewing.

11. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet element (2) comprises, or consists of, a textile, in particular a knitted, woven or nonwoven textile.

12. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet element (2) has a thickness of 0.01 mm to 3 mm, in particular 0.5 mm to 2 mm, more particularly 1.2 mm.

13. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet element (2) has no inherent stability.

14. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet element (2) does not stretch more than 5%, in particular not more than 2%, more particular not more than 1%, of its length in the unloaded state to forces of 800 N being applied in direction of a line between the connection regions (4a, 4b).

15. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet element (2) comprises a polymer, in particular a thermoplastic or a thermosetting polymer.

16. The sole plate unit (1) according to claim 15, wherein the sheet element (2) comprises at least one of: polyethylene with ultra-high-molecular-weight (PE-UHMW), polyamide, carbon fiber, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyester.

17. The sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic plate element (3) is made from a single piece.

18. A shoe sole (10) comprising:P27949PC0020 / 21 a. the sole plate unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims; b. a midsole (11) being connected to the sole plate unit (1); c. optionally an outsole (12) and / or an insole.

19. Use of a sole plate unit (1) according to claims 1 to 17 during manufacturing of a shoe.

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