Sole component

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a sole component (1) for a shoe, the sole component (1) comprising an elastic plate (2), wherein the elastic plate (2) comprises a main portion (3) and at least one biased portion (4), wherein the at least one biased portion (4) is bent with respect to the main portion (3) into a biased position such that the at least one biased portion (4) is biased against a restoring force (FR). Furthermore, shoe sole with such a sole component and a method for providing such a sole component is disclosed.

Description

[0001] P29191 PC00

[0002] 1 / 29

[0003] Sole Component

[0004] Field of disclosure

[0005] The present invention lies in the field of shoe technology, in particular sole technology, and relates to a sole component for a shoe, a shoe sole comprising such a sole component and a method for providing a sole component.

[0006] Background, prior art

[0007] In recent years, rigid plates have been incorporated into midsoles with the goal to enhance force transmission and to provide a forward propulsion effect during running. Such plates are available in various different configurations. For example, it is known to use plates with bulges or plates with properties varying throughout the plate, such as yield strength or thickness. In general, the stiffer the plate, the higher the energy return during push-off from the ground. However, if the plate is too stiff, the plate does not bend during running and the desired forward propulsion effect cannot be achieved. Furthermore, it is desirable to reduce the number of parts in a shoe to enable a more efficient and sustainable production. This stands in contrast to employing additional functional features, such as rigid plates and in particular multi-component rigid plates. It is therefore desirable to provide shoe components which allow an improved support on the runner’s movement and in particular a more pronounced forward propulsion effect.

[0008] Summary of disclosure

[0009] It is the general object of the present disclosure to advance the state of the art in the field of shoe technology and in particular to overcome the disadvantages of prior art known sole components. In favorable embodiments, a sole component is provided, which can be produced in a more efficient and / or sustainable matter. In other favorable embodiments, a sole component is provided which provides an enhanced forward propulsion during running. P29191 PC00

[0010] 2 / 29

[0011] 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.

[0012] A first aspect of the disclosure relates to a sole component and a second aspect of the disclosure relates to a shoe sole including the sole component according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect. A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for providing or producing a sole component, such as a sole component as described with respect to any of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0013] The sole component is typically a sole component for a shoe, such as a running shoe or any other sports shoe. The sole component may in some embodiments comprise a plate, such as an elastic plate. The plate may be a rigid plate. That is for example, the rigid plate may have a higher rigidity as other materials of a shoe sole or the sole component, such as a polymer foam, the blocking component, the resilient component, the top sole portion and / or the bottom sole portion. The plate may also have a higher hardness as compared to other materials or elements of the shoe sole or the sole component (such as a polymer foam, the blocking component, the resilient component, the top sole portion and / or the bottom sole portion). In some embodiments, the plate may be elastic and / or incompressible. The plate may in some embodiments be anisotropic and / or may have an anisotropic bending behavior. For example, the stiffness of the plate may be different across one direction from the stiffness across another direction.

[0014] The plate may in some embodiments be a single-piece plate. That is, the plate is made from a single piece. For example, the plate may be devoid of interfaces, such as material interfaces as it is the case for components being welded together.

[0015] The plate may in some embodiments comprise a main portion. The plate may in some embodiments comprise at least one biased portion. It may for example be possible that the plate comprises only a single biased portion or it may be possible that the plate comprises more than one biased portions, e.g. two biased portions. P29191 PC00

[0016] 3 / 29

[0017] In some embodiments, the at least one biased portion may be bent with respect to the main portion into a biased position such that the at least one biased portion is biased against a restoring force. The term “biased position” may mean that the biased portion is forced into this position and has an inherent restoring force to return towards its unbiased position. The restoring force may be a force being directed towards or in the direction of the main portion. The restoring force may for example be configured to move the biased portion into the unbiased position. The restoring force may in some embodiments be an inherent force of the plate, e.g. the biased portion caused by the elastic property of the plate and the deformation (e.g. the bending). Bending a given element typically means that the element is bent about a bending axis. The at least one biased portion may in some embodiments be kept, respectively maintained, in the biased position. This may for example be achieved by a blocking component, such as the one described herein or by a ridge or wedge being clamped between the biased portion and the main portion.

[0018] In the unbiased position, the biased portion may be closer, in particular along the vertical direction (e.g. vertically), to the main portion as in the unbiased position. In the unbiased position, the biased portion may for example be aligned and / or flush with the main portion or it may even be beyond the main portion. “Beyond” means that the biased portion is in the unbiased position at least partially or fully arranged on the opposite side of the main portion as in the biased position. For example, the biased portion may be vertically on the same level as the main portion in the unbiased position and therefore be in the same plane (e.g. the main plane as explained below). In contrast, in the biased position in which the biased portion may be kept in the sole component according to the first aspect, the biased portion may be vertically offset and / or may be out of the main plane. The biased portion may, in some embodiments, be bent out of the main plane. Since the biased portion is kept in the biased position and may for example be prevented from returning into or towards its unbiased position, the biased portion of the sole component has an inherent material strain. This strain significantly enhances the forward propulsion experienced during running and therefore avoids or at least delays runner’s fatigue over time. P29191 PC00

[0019] 4 / 29

[0020] The main portion of the plate may for example define a main plane. The main plane may for example be in parallel with a top layer and / or a base layer of the main portion. The top layer describes the planar surface which delimits the plate in the vertical direction and the bottom layer describes an oppositely arranged planer surface which delimits the plate against the vertical direction. The main plane may also essentially extend along a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction of the sole component. It is thus understood that everything which is vertically offset of the main portion may be considered as out of the main plane. The unbiased position may in some embodiments be in the main plane.

[0021] In specific embodiments, the disclosure relates to a sole component for a shoe, the sole component comprising a plate, such as an elastic plate and / or a single-piece plate, wherein the elastic plate comprises a main portion which defines a main plane and at least one biased portion, wherein the at least one biased portion is kept in a biased position in which the at least one biased portion is bent out of the main plane.

[0022] In other specific embodiments, the disclosure relates to a sole component for a shoe, the sole component comprising a main portion and a biased portion, wherein the biased portion is bent and biased into a biased position against a restoring force such that it is in the biased position offset, in particular vertically offset, from the main portion.

[0023] As understood by the skilled person, the term “elastic” or “elasticity” refers to the ability of a body to resist a distorting influence and to return to its original size and shape when that influence or force is removed. Thus, an elastic deformation, such as by bending, causes a restoring force to return in the unbiased position.

[0024] 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 matter unworkable. On the other hand, if the wording "consist of" is used, then no further features are present apart from the ones following said wording. P29191 PC00

[0025] 5 / 29

[0026] Directional indications as used in the present disclosure are to be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction L of the sole component, 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, and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole component. The transverse direction T of the sole component respectively the shoe sole, extends transversely to the longitudinal axis or substantially parallel to the ground in the operative state. Thus, the transverse direction runs along a transverse axis of the sole component. In the context of the present invention, the vertical direction V denotes in the operative state a direction towards the foot of the wearer, and thus runs along a vertical axis of the sole component 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 component is the outer perimeter of the sole component between the heel edge and the tip, which in the worn state rests against the outer instep of the wearer's foot. The indication “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 component refers to the inner perimeter of the sole component between the heel edge and the sole tip, which is located opposite the lateral side. Thus, in a pair of worn running shoes, the medial sides of the two running shoes face each other and the lateral sides face away from each other. Furthermore, the sole component may typically be divided along the longitudinal direction 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 tip (which is the foremost position in the longitudinal direction) against, i.e. opposite, the longitudinal direction to 30-45% of the total length of the sole component in the longitudinal direction. The heel area extends, for example, from the heel edge (which is the rearmost position in the longitudinal direction) in the longitudinal direction to 20-30% of the total length of the sole component 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- P29191 PC00

[0027] 6 / 29

[0028] The main portion of the plate may also be considered as a base portion of the plate, while the at least one biased portion may also be considered as at least one latch or tongue of the plate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the plate consists of the main portion and the at least one biased portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, the at least one biased portion may be biased such that it is exposed to a restoring force, which is configured to force the at least one biased portion into the main plane, respectively into the unbiased position. It is understood that this does not mean that the biased portion actually moves into the unbiased position (this can for example be prevented because the at least one biased portion is kept and / or locked in the biased position, e.g. by a blocking component, such as a resilient component), but that the biased portion is exposed to such a force, which may be an inherent material strain.

[0031] In some embodiments, the biased portion and the main portion from together a receiving portion. The receiving portion may for example be open towards the midfoot and / or heel area of the sole component. It may also not be open, respectively closed, towards the tip and / or forefoot aera of the sole component. The receiving portion may be configured such that a resilient component, e.g. as described herein, may be inserted into the receiving portion by sliding it into the receiving portion along the longitudinal direction, in particular from the heel area towards the forefoot area and / or between the biased portion and the main portion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the main portion and the at least one biased portion are partially separated from each other by a slit, in particular in the unbiased position. The slit may for example be arranged between the biased portion and the main portion.

[0033] In some embodiments, the main portion and the at least one biased portion are directly connected with each other in a connection region. In some embodiments, the main portion and the at least one biased portion are directly connected with each other in only a single P29191 PC00

[0034] 7 / 29 connection region. In some embodiments, the connection region may be a line, such as a linear line. The line may have an extension in only one dimension. In some embodiments, the slit partially separating the main portion and the at least one biased portion may, in the unbiased position and / or in the blank plate, start at the at least one connection region and extend from there as a loop back to the at least one connection region. The at least one connection region and / or the slit may therefore delimit the at least one biased portion, in particular in the unbiased position and / or in the blank plate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the at least one biased portion has a curved shape and in particular a curved shape in cross-section along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction.

[0036] In some embodiments, the at least one biased portion is bent out of the main plane about a bending axis. The bending axis may extend through the connection region. In some embodiments, the bending axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and / or may extend along the transverse direction.

[0037] The sole component may in some embodiments comprise a forefoot area which is configured to be arranged in and / or to form the forefoot area of a shoe sole with the sole component. The sole component may in some embodiments comprise a midfoot area which is configured to be arranged in and / or to form the midfoot area of a shoe sole with the sole component. The sole component may in some embodiments comprise a heel area which is configured to be arranged in and / or to form the heel area of a shoe sole with the sole component. Typically, the midfoot area is arranged between the forefoot area and the heel area.

[0038] In some embodiments, the connection region, i.e. the connection region between the at least one biased portion and the main portion, is arranged in the forefoot area of the sole component. P29191 PC00

[0039] 8 / 29

[0040] In some embodiments, the at least one biased portion may be arranged in the forefoot area and / or in the midfoot area of the sole component.

[0041] In some embodiments, the main portion delimits at least one recess. The recess may for example have the shape of the outer perimeter of the at least one biased portion. Additionally, or alternatively, the recess may be configured such that it can accommodate the at least one biased portion. This means that the at least one biased portion can fit into the recess, in particular in its unbiased position. For example, if the at least one biased portion is bend back about the bending axis from the biased position into the unbiased position, it may be accommodated by the recess. In some embodiments, the recess is formed, in particular completely, by the at least one connection region and main portion or the slit as described herein above. In some embodiments, the biased portion is in the biased position arranged outside, in particular vertically offset, of the recess.

[0042] In some embodiments, the recess may have a rounded shape, such as an oval shape. The recess may in some embodiments be arranged in the midfoot area and / or in the forefoot area. The recess may in some embodiments have a total open area of 40% to 70%, in particular 50% to 70%, of the total surface area of the plate. It is understood that the total surface area of the plate refers to the surface area of the area within the outer periphery of the plate (and thus includes the area of the recess and of the rest of the plate) when viewed on the plate against the vertical direction.

[0043] In some embodiments, the main portion may be a frame portion. The frame portion may thus form a frame, which may in certain embodiments surround and / or delimit the recess. The at least one biased portion may in some embodiments be a central portion. As understood, a central portion is arranged in the center of the sole component. While it may in some embodiments extend to the outer periphery, in particular to the outer lateral and medial periphery of the sole component, it may in some embodiments not extend to the outer periphery of the sole component. P29191 PC00

[0044] 9 / 29

[0045] In some embodiments, the central portion is a latch or a tongue. The latch or tongue may be connected to the connection region.

[0046] In some embodiments, the frame portion may extend in longitudinal direction, e.g. from the midfoot area to the heel area. Thereby, the frame portion may partially form a lever.

[0047] In some embodiments, the plate may be formed by bending the at least one biased portion (respectively the portion to be biased, which can also be referred to as the second portion with regard to the blank plate) against a restoring force in a biased position and keeping or maintaining the at least one biased portion in the biased position. In some embodiments, the plate may be formed by bending the at least one biased portion (respectively the portion to be biased or the second portion) out of the main plane against the restoring force in the biased position and keeping or maintaining the at least one biased portion in the biased position. Keeping or maintaining the biased portion in the biased position against the restoring force may for example be achieved by a blocking component, such as a wedge or a resilient component, e.g. a foam. Forming the plate in this manner represents a way to ensure that the biased portion exerts a restoring force and / or is biased in the biased position. For example, it may be possible to bend the at least one biased portion against the restoring force in a biased position and insert the resilient component, wedge or directly a foam in between the biasing portion and the main portion. In particular, the resilient component, wedge or foam may at least be inserted between the biasing portion and the main portion on the lateral and the medial side. While it may be possible that the resilient component, wedge or foam extends completely from the lateral to the medial side, it may also be possible that it forms a void between the lateral and the medial side. This can be achieved by a gap or by forming the resilient component, wedge or foam from two separate parts on the lateral and medial side.

[0048] In some embodiments, the at least one biased portion is kept, respectively maintained, in the biased position by a blocking component, such as a resilient component. The resilient component may be configured such that the biased portion and the main portion are moved towards each other upon application of a load, e.g. impact forces occurring during running, P29191 PC00

[0049] 10 / 29 such as during tread (i.e. footfall). Upon applying the load, the main portion and the biased portion are forced towards each other, thereby compressing and / or biasing the resilient component. The rolling movement of the foot in preparation of the push-off movement then further biases the plate. Upon push-off, the resilient component and the plate (in particular the biased portion and the main portion) return to their original position thereby generating a forward propulsion for the runner. An extension of the frame portion in form of a lever further increases the restoring force during running. As the foot touches the ground and compresses the resilient component, the extension of the frame element into the heel area creates a leverage effect on the compression of the resilient component between the biased portion and the main portion. This may in particular be the case when the biased portion, or the recess formed between biased portion and main portion, is located in the midfoot or forefoot area. The leverage effect may be two-fold: it helps to compress the resilient component and thus more energy can be stored and additionally it helps to push the runner forward during push-off.

[0050] In some embodiments, the resilient component is forced locked, e.g. clamped, between the at least one biased portion and the main portion. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient component may be material bonded to the at least one biased portion and / or the main portion. The resilient component may for example be a resilient wedge. It is for example possible that the at least one biasing portion exerts a clamping force from a first side of the resilient component, such as a bottom side, and the main portion exerts a clamping force from a second side being different than the first side, on the resilient component. In particular, the second side may be oppositely arranged to the first side. The second side may for example be a top side. In some embodiments, the resilient component may be vertically arranged between, particularly sandwiched between, the at least one biased portion and the main portion.

[0051] In some embodiments, the resilient component is slid between the at least one biased portion and the main portion. It may be possible that the at least one biased portion and the main portion are configured such that the resilient component can be slid along the longitudinal direction, in particular from the heel area towards the forefoot area, between P29191 PC00

[0052] 11 / 29 the at least one biased portion and the main portion of the plate. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one biased portion and the main portion may be configured such that the resilient component can be slid transversely from a medial side to a lateral side of the sole component or from the lateral side to the medial side of the sole component between the at least one biased portion and the main portion. In some embodiments, the resilient component is or comprises a foam, e.g. a polymer foam. This polymer foam can be material bonded to the at least one biased portion and / or the main portion. During production, the biasing portion can be maintained in the biased position (e.g. by a suitable holder or a clamp) and a foam, e.g. a polymer foam, may be inserted between the biased portion and the main portion. After the foam has been hardened and / or cured, the biased portion is maintained in the biased position by the foam. Likewise, it may also be possible that a foam precursor is inserted between the biased portion and the main portion followed by transforming the foam precursor into a foam by foaming. Again, after the foam has been hardened and / or cured, the biased portion is maintained in the biased position by the foam.

[0053] In some embodiments, a maximum vertical distance between the at least one biased portion and the main portion is between 5 to 40 mm, in particular 10 to 30 mm.

[0054] In some embodiments, the resilient component is a spring. In some embodiments, the at least one resilient component is an elastic polymer, such as a polymer foam. The at least one resilient component may in particular be a midsole portion being made from the elastic polymer, e.g. polymer foam. The elastic polymer or polymer foam may for example be selected from polyurethane (in particular thermoplastic polyurethane), polyamide, polyether block amide (PEBA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefins (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate) and mixtures thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, the resilient component is arranged below the recess delimited by the main portion. For example, the resilient component may cover the majority of the open area defined by the recess, e.g. at least 50%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the open area defined by the recess. P29191 PC00

[0056] 12 / 29

[0057] In some embodiments, the resilient component is arranged in the midfoot area and / or in the forefoot area of the sole component. Additionally, it may also be arranged in the midfoot area and the heel area and optionally also in the forefoot area.

[0058] In some embodiments, the resilient component comprises a central part which may in particular be wedge shaped. The central part may for example be clamped and / or inserted between the at least one biased portion and the main portion of the plate.

[0059] In some embodiments, the resilient component may comprise a lateral and a medial wing. The lateral wing may for example be arranged at the outer lateral periphery of the resilient component and the medial wing may for example be arranged at the outer medial periphery of the resilient component. The lateral and medial wing may encompass and / or engage with the plate. For example, while the central part of the resilient component may be clamped between the biased portion and the main portion of the plate, the lateral and medial wing may engage with the plate, in particular such that the plate is arranged between the lateral and medial wing. The wings may also clamp the plate between them. The wings may ensure that the plate is kept at the same position, even after extensive and prolonged movement. In some embodiments, the resilient component, or its wings, may at least partially extend up to the lateral and / or medial edge of the sole component. This may result in a better propulsion sensation.

[0060] In some embodiments, the resilient component and the plate delimit together a void. However, it may in other embodiments also be possible that the resilient component and the plate do not form a void together but may for example have complimentary shapes that result in direct contact without a void. The void may be filled with air and may optionally be in fluid communication with the outside environment. In some embodiments, the void may be arranged longitudinally in front of the resilient component. That is, the void may be arranged closer to tip of the sole component and / or the resilient component may be arranged closer to the heel area or the heel edge. Such a void allows an increased compression of the plate during running and thus enhances the forward propulsion. P29191 PC00

[0061] 13 / 29

[0062] In some embodiments the void forms a channel which extends along a transverse direction through the sole component. For example, the channel may completely extend through the sole component, e.g. from its medial side to its lateral side. The channel may in some embodiments have a channel opening on the lateral side of the sole component and a channel opening on the medial side of the opening.

[0063] In some embodiments, the void, and / or the channel may have a volume of at most 10 cm3, in particular 2 to 8 cm3.

[0064] In some embodiments, the main portion of the plate and the at least one biased portion of the plate are offset, in particular vertically offset, to each other, in particular without overlapping. The main portion of the plate and the at least one biased portion of the plate might therefore not be above one another. In particular, they might not overlap in the vertical direction. Any (virtual) vertical line through the sole component along the vertical direction may therefore cross only one plate, in particular without crossing a second plate or portion above or below said plate. This crossed portion of plate may be either a portion of the main portion of the plate or part of the biased portion of the plate.

[0065] In some embodiments, the plate may comprise, or consist of, a plate material, such as a polymer resin. The plate material can for example be selected from thermoplastic polyurethane, polyolefin, in particular polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester, e.g. polyester elastomers, polyamide, polyether block amide, carbon and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the plate can additionally comprise reinforcing fibers. Such fibers may be configured to increase the stiffness and thus the energy available for the push-off. These can be selected, for example, from linen, basalt, aramid, bamboo, hemp, cellulose, glass, palm, carbon fibers and mixtures thereof. The fibers may for example be embedded in a polymer resin. The fibers are typically arranged such that they are unidirectional, in particular within the polymer resin. In some embodiments, the fibers are unidirectional such that they extend in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the plate may comprise multiple layers, e.g. such as 2-20, or 3-15, or 5-12 or 5-10, or 8-10 layers. The layers may each comprise carbon. P29191 PC00

[0066] 14 / 29

[0067] In some embodiments, the plate may have a layer thickness, i.e. extension along the vertical direction of 0.5 to 2.5 mm, in particular 0.7 to 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the layer thickness may be uniform over the plate or it may vary, in particular within the ranges provided. The term “layer thickness” does not relate to the overall height of the plate, but to the thickness of the plate at a given position, such as at the biased portion or at the main portion. Since the biased portion is bent out of the main plane, the overall height may be much larger than the layer thickness of the plate. In the unbiased position, the overall height and the layer thickness of the plate may be the same.

[0068] In some embodiments, the sole component may comprise the plate, e.g. the elastic plate, wherein the elastic plate comprises a frame portion and at least one central portion, the central portion being biased against a restoring force into a biased position, wherein the central portion is bent into the biased position with respect to the frame portion of the plate.

[0069] The shoe sole according to the second aspect of the disclosure may comprise the sole component according to any of the embodiments as described herein, in particular with respect to the first aspect.

[0070] The shoe sole may comprise a forefoot area, a midfoot area and a heel area. The midfoot area may for example be arranged between the forefoot and heel area. In some embodiments, the shoe sole may have the contour of the human foot.

[0071] In some embodiments, the shoe sole may comprise a top sole portion. The top sole portion may be arranged vertically above the sole component. In some embodiments, the top sole portion may be in direct contact with the sole component.

[0072] The top sole portion may be made from a polymer, e.g. an elastic polymer, such as a polymer foam. The polymer or polymer foam may for example be selected from polyurethane (in particular thermoplastic polyurethane), polyamide, polyether block amide (PEBA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefins (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), P29191 PC00

[0073] 15 / 29 polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester elastomers) and mixtures thereof.

[0074] In some embodiments, the shoe sole may comprise a bottom sole portion. The bottom sole portion may be arranged vertically below the sole component. In some embodiments, the bottom sole portion may be in direct contact with the sole component.

[0075] The bottom sole portion may be made from a polymer, e.g. an elastic polymer, such as a polymer foam. The polymer or polymer foam may for example be selected from polyurethane (in particular thermoplastic polyurethane), polyamide, polyether block amide (PEBA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefins (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester elastomers) and mixtures thereof.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the top sole portion, the bottom sole portion and the resilient component may be made from the same polymer, e.g. elastic polymer, or polymer foam.

[0077] In some embodiments, the shoe sole may be a midsole. For example, the midsole may comprise, or consist of, the sole component and optionally the top sole portion and the bottom sole portion.

[0078] The top sole portion and / or the bottom sole portion may be glued to the sole component or they may be fused to the sole component.

[0079] The shoe sole may further comprise an outsole being for example connected to the midsole and / or the bottom sole portion.

[0080] The method as disclosed herein may be a method for providing a sole component according to any of the embodiments as described herein. The method for providing or producing the sole component may comprise the step of providing a blank plate, such as an elastic blank plate. It is understood that the term “blank plate” refers to a plate which is not yet in the form of the final plate of the sole component. For example, in the blank plate, there may not yet P29191 PC00

[0081] 16 / 29 be a biased portion, because the second portion has not yet been bent and biased into the biased position, such as out of the main plane. In contrast, the second portion may in the blank plate be in the unbiased position and / or may itself be unbiased. Otherwise, however, the blank plate may have the same features as the plate as described herein. For example, the blank plate may comprise, or consist of, the same plate material as the plate.

[0082] The blank plate may comprise, or consist of, a first portion and a second portion being separated from the first portion, e.g. by a slit. The slit may generally be a through-going slit. Such a through-going slit may fully penetrate the plate, in particular in the vertical direction. The first portion may later form the main portion and the second portion may later form (after bending) the biased portion of the plate. The first portion and the second portion are connected with each other in a connection region. The slit may for example extend from the connection region form a loop and extend back to the connection region. The first portion may define a main plane, such as the main plane described herein above.

[0083] The method may in some embodiments further comprise the step of bending the second portion with respect to the first portion and thereby biasing the second portion against a restoring force into the biased position. Thereby, the second portion forms the biased portion, and the first portion forms the main portion.

[0084] Before bending the second portion, the second portion may be in the unbiased position, such as the unbiased position as described herein above. Then, after bending the second portion against the restoring force, the second portion is biased and is thus considered, respectively forms, the biased portion.

[0085] In some embodiments, providing the blank plate includes: Providing a sheet, in particular a flat and / or planar sheet. In some embodiments, the sheet is continuously closed. That is, it does not contain any openings. In some embodiments, the slit is then cut into the sheet, for example by waterjet cutting. Thereby, the blank element and in particular the first portion and the second portion, may be provided. Alternatively, providing the blank plate may include molding the blank plate in a mold, wherein the mold comprises a rib which is P29191 PC00

[0086] 17 / 29 configured to form the slit of the blank plate. For example, the plate material may be introduced into the mold and then the blank plate is molded in the mold, e.g. by increasing the temperature and / or pressure.

[0087] In some embodiments, providing the blank plate may include shaping the sheet. For example, the sheet may be shaped into a curved shape, in particular in cross-section along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction. Shaping may occur in a suitable device, such as a press or a mold. For example, shaping may include exposing the sheet to a pressure higher than 1 atm. and / or to a temperature higher than room temperature. Typically, the pressure and / or temperature are selected such that the sheet can be shaped. In some embodiments, shaping may be performed after formation of the slit, e.g. after cutting the slit into the sheet. In some embodiments, shaping may include shaping the second portion such that it protrudes, in particular vertically, from and / or beyond the first portion. Then, the second portion may protrude from the first portion in the unbiased state. Later, upon bending the second portion, the second portion passes the first portion (i.e. the main portion), in particular vertically passes the first portion) and is bent and biased beyond the first portion.

[0088] In some embodiments, step b. (i.e. bending the second portion with respect to the first portion and thereby biasing the second portion against a restoring force into a biased position so that the second portion forms a biased portion and the first portion forms a main portion) comprises sub-step b1). Sub-step b1) may comprise force-locking, e.g. clamping, the elastic plate, in particular its tip, e.g. only its tip, between a first and a second clamping jaw. The clamping jaws may be moveable towards and away from each other, in particular by a drive mechanism. In some embodiments, step b. may further comprise sub-step b2), which may for example be performed after sub-step b1). Sub-step b2) may comprise bending the second portion with respect to the first portion and thereby biasing the second portion against a restoring force into a biased position so that the second portion forms a biased portion and the first portion forms a main portion. Sub-step b2) is usually performed while the elastic blank plate is clamped between the first and second clamping jaw. After P29191 PC00

[0089] 18 / 29 bending, the blocking component may be inserted and the sole component may be released from being clamped between the clamping jaws.

[0090] Furthermore, the method may comprise keeping, respectively maintaining the second portion, respectively the biased portion in the biased position.

[0091] In some embodiments, keeping the second portion, respectively the biased portion, in the biased position comprises inserting and / or clamping a blocking component, such as a wedge and / or a resilient component, between the biasing portion and the main portion. The blocking component may in some embodiments be wedge shaped. In some embodiments, the blocking component may be a resilient component, such as the resilient component as described herein above.

[0092] In some embodiments, the plate and the blocking component, e.g. the resilient component, are glued together, in particular during inserting and / or clamping the blocking component between the biasing portion and the main portion.

[0093] Brief description of the figures

[0094] The herein described disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying figures which should not be considered limiting to the disclosure described in the appended claims. The figures are showing:

[0095] Fig. 1 a sole component with a plate according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0096] Fig. 2 a blank plate which can be used to produce a sole component according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0097] Fig. 3 a sole component according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0098] Fig. 4 a blank plate which can be used to produce a sole component according to an embodiment of the disclosure; P29191 PC00

[0099] 19 / 29

[0100] Fig. 5 an exploded view of a shoe sole with a sole component according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0101] Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transversal direction of a sole component according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0102] Fig. 7 a blank plate clamped between two clamping jaws during production of a sole component according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0103] Exemplary embodiments

[0104] Fig. 1 shows a sole component 1 with plate 2. Plate 2 comprises a main portion 3 and a biased portion 4. It can be seen that biased portion 4 is bent out of the main plane defined by main portion 3 and is vertically offset to main portion 3. The arrow indicates restoring force FRwhich acts towards main portion 3. Biased portion 4 is bent about bending axis A (dotted line) and biased against restoring force FR. Biased portion 4 and main portion 3 are connected with each other in one connecting region, namely connection region 6. Fig. 1 shows the biased portion in the biased position. Biased portion 4 can for example be kept or maintained in this position by any suitable blocking component. It can further be seen that the sole component is divided into a heel area, a midfoot area and a forefoot area. Biased portion 4 and main portion 3 are vertically offset to each other without any overlap. That is, biased portion 4 is in this embodiment arranged below recess 7 being delimited by main portion 3. Fig. 1 further shows the maximum vertical distance d between biased portion 4 and main portion 3.

[0105] Fig. 2 shows a blank plate 2’ which can be used to manufacture a plate 2 and a sole component 1 as shown in Fig. 1 . Blank plate 2’ has a thickness t. Blank plate 2’ differs from plate 2 shown in Fig. 1 that there is no biased portion yet. Plate 2’ comprises first portion 3’ which may after bending and biasing second portion 4’ be the “main portion”. Second portion 4’ is in its unbiased state and position, which in this embodiment is within the main P29191 PC00

[0106] 20 / 29 plane defined by main portion 3 (see Fig. 1), respectively by first portion 3’. In this unbiased position shown, first portion 3’ and second portion 4’ are aligned and flush with each other. To form a sole component as shown in Fig. 1 , second portion 4’ is bent with respect to first portion 3’ (e.g. about bending axis A, see Fig. 1) and thereby biased against restoring force FR. First portion 3’ and second portion 4’ are separated from each other by slit 5. Slit 5 extends from connection region 6 in a loop and returns to connection region 6.

[0107] Fig. 3 shows yet another embodiment of sole component 1. In this embodiment, sole plate 1 comprises in addition to plate 2 (which may be a plate as described above and shown in Fig. 1) a blocking component, such as resilient component 8. Resilient component 8 maintains the biased portion 4 in the biased position. This is achieved by clamping resilient component 8 between biased portion 4 and main portion 3. While main portion 3 is arranged vertically above resilient component 8, biased portion 4 is arranged vertically below resilient component 8. As a result, resilient component 8 is sandwiched between main portion 3 and biased portion 4. In general, main portion 3 and biased portion 4 exert a compression force onto resilient component 8. This compression force is due to restoration force FR.

[0108] Resilient component 8 comprises in this embodiment a central part 12 as well as medial wing 11 and lateral wing 12. Central part 12 is wedge shaped and inserted and / or slid along longitudinal direction L between main portion 3 and biased portion 4. It can be seen that medial wing 10 and lateral wing 11 encompass plate 2 and particularly main portion 3. Medial wing 10 and lateral wing 11 may alternatively or additionally clamp plate 2 between them. These wings are typically in direct contact with plate 2. They avoid that the plate and the resilient component shift with respect to each other. When a runner wears a shoe with such a sole component, the load caused by the impact of landing and the rolling movement causes the plate to tension, the biasing portion 4 and the main portion 3 to move towards each other and to compress resilient component 8. Upon push-off, the plate (in particular biasing portion 4 and main portion 3) and resilient component 8 return to their original configuration (e.g. before landing and / or deformation) and thereby propel the runner forward and off the ground. P29191 PC00

[0109] 21 / 29

[0110] Fig. 4 shows a blank plate 2’ which can be used to manufacture a plate 2 and a sole component 1 as shown in Fig. 1. Blank plate 2’ differs from blank plate 2’ shown in Fig. 2 in that second portion 4’ has been shaped such that it protrudes vertically from the first portion. It protrudes to the opposite direction as it will later be biased (see for example Fig. 4 or 1). This increases the restoring force further and thus improves the forward propulsion.

[0111] Fig. 5 shows an exploded and perspective view of a shoe sole 100 which comprises a sole component 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, sole component 1 may be a sole component as shown in Fig. 3. Shoe sole 100 further comprises top sole portion 101 and bottom sole portion 102. As understood, top sole portion 101 is arranged vertically above sole component 1 and bottom sole portion is arranged vertically below sole component 1. That is, sole component 1 is sandwiched between top sole portion 101 and bottom sole portion 102. Sole component 1 may in this or any other embodiment described herein be in direct contact with top sole portion 101 and / or bottom sole portion 102. Sole component 1 , top sole portion 101 and bottom sole portion 102 form together a midsole.

[0112] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a shoe sole 100 according to another embodiment, in the longitudinal-vertical plane. That is a cross-section along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction. Also in this embodiment, shoe sole 100 comprises sole component 1 according to any of the embodiments described herein, such as sole component 1 shown in Fig. 3. Shoe sole 100 further comprises top sole portion 101 and bottom sole portion 102 which sandwich sole component 1 from above and below. Furthermore, shoe sole 100 comprises outsole 103. Outsole 103 may be arranged at bottom sole portion 102 and in direct contact with it.

[0113] From Fig. 6 it can further be seen that sole component 1 and the whole shoe sole 100 contain void 9. Void 9 is delimited by two elements of the sole component, namely by resilient component 8 and by plate 2 (and more particular by main portion 3 and biased portion 4). The void extends along the transversal direction through sole component 1 and through shoe sole 100 thereby forming a channel. P29191 PC00

[0114] 22 / 29

[0115] Fig. 7 shows a step of the method for providing or producing a sole component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The provided elastic blank plate 2’ comprises first portion 3’ and second portion 4’ being separated from each other by slit 5. The tip of elastic blank plate 2’ is clamped, or generally force locked, between first clamping jaw 13 and second clamping jaw 14. Typically the bending axis is either not in the clamped area of the elastic blank plate or it is flush with at least one of the two clamping jaws. In a next step, second portion 4’ is bend with respect to first portion 3’ upon which it is biased against a restoration force into the biased position. Thereafter, it may for example be possible that a blocking component is inserted and / or clamped between the biased portion (formed from second portion 4’) and the main portion (formed from first portion 3’).

[0116] List of designations

[0117] 1 sole component

[0118] 2 plate

[0119] 2’ blank plate

[0120] 3 main portion

[0121] 3’ first portion

[0122] 4 biased portion

[0123] 4’ second portion

[0124] 5 slit

[0125] 6 connection region

[0126] 7 recess

[0127] 8 resilient component

[0128] 9 void

[0129] 10 medial wing

[0130] 11 lateral wing

[0131] 12 central part

[0132] 13 first clamping jaw

[0133] 14 second clamping jaw

[0134] 100 shoe sole P29191 PC00

[0135] 23 / 29

[0136] 101 top sole portion

[0137] 102 bottom sole portion

[0138] 103 outsole

[0139] A bending axis d maximum vertical distance

[0140] FA forefoot area

[0141] FRrestoring force

[0142] HA heel area

[0143] L longitudinal direction MA midfoot area

[0144] T transverse direction t thickness

[0145] V vertical direction

Claims

P29191 PC0024 / 29Claims1. A sole component (1) for a shoe, the sole component (1) comprising an elastic plate (2), wherein the elastic plate (2) comprises a main portion (3) and at least one biased portion (4), wherein the at least one biased portion (4) is bent with respect to the main portion (3) into a biased position such that the at least one biased portion (4) is biased against a restoring force (FR).

2. The sole component (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the restoring force (FR) is configured to force the at least one biased portion (4) towards the main portion (3) into an unbiased position.

3. The sole component (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one biased portion (4) and the main portion (3) are flush with each other in the unbiased position.

4. The sole component (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one biased portion (4) is in the unbiased position at least partially arranged on an opposite side of the main portion as in the biased position.

5. The sole component (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the main portion (3) and the at least one biased portion (4) are directly connected with each other in a connection region (6), in particular only in a single connection region (6), and wherein the main portion (3) and the at least one biased portion (4) are preferably otherwise separated from each other.

6. The sole component (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one biased portion (4) is bent about a bending axis (A) extending through the connection region (6).

7. The sole component (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the connection region (6) between the main portion (3) and the at least one biased portion (4) is arranged in a forefoot area (FA) of the sole component (1).P29191 PC0025 / 298. The sole component (1) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one biased portion (4) is arranged in the forefoot (FA) and / or a midfoot area (MA) of the sole component (1).

9. The sole component (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the main portion (3) delimits at least one recess (7).

10. The sole component (1) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one recess (7) has a shape corresponding to the shape of an outer perimeter of the at least one biased portion (4) and / or which is configured to accommodate the at least one biased portion (4).

11. The sole component (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the main portion (3) is a frame portion and wherein the at least one biased portion (4) is a central portion.

12. The sole component (1) according to claim 11 , wherein the central portion is a latch.

13. The sole component (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the elastic plate (2) is formed from bending the at least one biased portion (4), in particular out of the main plane, against the restoring force (FR) in a biased position and keeping the at least one biased portion (4) in the biased position.

14. The sole component (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one biased portion (4) is kept in the biased position by a resilient component (8).

15. The sole component (1) according to claim 14, wherein the resilient component (8) is clamped between the at least one biased portion (4) and the main portion (3).

16. The sole component (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the resilient component (8) is slid between the at least one biased portion (4) and the main portion (3), inP29191 PC0026 / 29 particular from a heel area (HA) of the sole component (1) to the forefoot area (FA) of the sole component (1).

17. The sole component (1) according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the resilient component (8) is a polymer foam, such as a midsole portion being made from a polymer foam.

18. The sole component (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the main portion (3) and the at least one biased portion (4) are vertically offset to each other, in particular without overlap.

19. A shoe sole (100), in particular a midsole, comprising the sole component (1) according to any of the previous claims.

20. The shoe sole (100) according to claim 19, further comprising a top sole portion (101) being arranged vertically above the sole component (1), and / or a bottom sole portion (102) being arranged vertically below the sole component (1).

21. The shoe sole (100) according to claim 20, wherein the shoe sole (100) comprises the top sole portion (101) and the bottom sole portion (102) and wherein the sole component (1) is sandwiched between the top sole portion (101) and the bottom sole portion (102).

22. A method for providing a sole component (1), in particular a sole component according to any of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising: a. Providing an elastic blank plate (2’) comprising a first portion (3’) and a second portion (4’) being separated from the first portion (3’) by a slit (5), wherein the first portion (3’) and the second portion (4’) are connected with each other in a connection region (6);P29191 PC0027 / 29 b. Bending the second portion (4’) with respect to the first portion (3’) and thereby biasing the second portion (4’) against a restoring force into a biased position so that the second portion (4’) forms a biased portion (4) and the first portion (3’) forms a main portion (3).

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein step b. comprises: sub-step b1) clamping the elastic blank plate (2’), in particular a tip of the elastic blank plate (2’) between two clamping jaws; and sub-step b2) bending the second portion (4’) with respect to the first portion (3’) and thereby biasing the second portion (4’) against a restoring force into a biased position so that the second portion (4’) forms a biased portion (4) and the first portion (3’) forms a main portion (3).

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein step b. further comprises keeping the biased portion (4) in the biased position.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein keeping the biased portion (4) in the biased position comprises inserting and / or clamping a blocking component, such as a resilient component (8), between the biasing portion (4) and the main portion (3).

26. The method according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein step a. comprises: providing a sheet and cutting the slit into the sheet.

27. The method according to any of claims 22 to 25 wherein step a. comprises: molding a molded blank plate in a mold, the mold comprising a rib being configured to form the slit.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, further comprising shaping the sheet or the molded blank plate into a curved shape.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein shaping includes shaping the second portion such that it protrudes, in particular vertically, from the first portion.P29191 PC0028 / 2930. The method according to claim 29, wherein during step b. the second portion passes the first portion and is in particular bent and biased beyond the first portion.

Images