Midsole with heel cushioning

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a midsole (1) for a sports shoe, the midsole (1) comprising a plurality of tapered channels (2a-d) being arranged in a heel area (HA) of the midsole (1), the heel area (HA) having a curved outer periphery (3), wherein each tapered channel (2a-2d) extends from a channel opening (4a-d) at the curved outer periphery (3) towards a common position (5) in a central area of the midsole (1), wherein each tapered channel (2a-d) continuously and uniformly tapers along the majority of the channel extension from the channel opening (4a-d) towards the common position (5) in the central area of the midsole (1).

Description

[0001] P29274PC00

[0002] 1 / 22

[0003] Midsole with Heel Cushioning

[0004] Field of disclosure

[0005] The present invention lies in the field of footwear technology and relates in particular to a midsole of a sports shoe.

[0006] Background, prior art

[0007] Cushioning of the impact of the weight of a wearer upon treading during exercising is crucial to avoid both sudden and long term injuries. While in running sports longitudinal movements are the predominant forces, sideway or transversal forces are practically neglectable. Therefore, running shoe technology focusses primarily on the cushioning of the impact during running and thus mainly on forces acting vertically and also against the running direction. In other sports, however, such sideway or transversal forces are predominant and often a potential injury source. Examples for such sports are tennis, cross-fit, aerobics, basketball, badminton, agility training and the like. In contrast to running, persons practicing such activities perform side to side movements, crossover steps, split steps, stop and go movements, sliding movements and lunge steps. Unfortunately, cushioning such movements is difficult and often insufficient in common sports shoes. Another common problem with cushioning systems is that they generally decrease the hardness or stiffness of the shoe sole and are therefore a source of instability and also of energy loss. Hence, a satisfying cushioning system for a shoe sole should on the one hand cushion the forces occurring during movement which are mostly caused by the weight of the wearer and on the other hand still provide a stable feeling which prevents undesired movements, such as ankle twisting.

[0008] Summary of disclosure

[0009] It is the general object of the present disclosure to overcome the problems of the prior art fully or at least partially. In advantageous embodiments, a midsole is provided which allowsP29274PC00

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[0011] to cushion sideway or transversal forces and enhances the cushioning and wearing comfort for sports in which these forces occur (e.g. in tennis, cross-fit, aerobics, basketball, badminton, agility training and the like). In further embodiments, the impact absorption during aggressive heel impacts which may for example occur during split steps, lunges, sliding, etc., is improved. In additional embodiments, deformation of the midsole is controlled and instabilities caused by the cushioning system are avoided.

[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] An aspect of the disclosure relates to a midsole for a sports shoe. The midsole may in some embodiments be part of a shoe sole. In some embodiments, the midsole may comprise a plurality of tapered channels. The tapered channels may be arranged in a heel area and in particular only in the heel area, of the midsole. The heel area of the midsole may in particular have a curved outer periphery. As the skilled person understands, the outer periphery of the midsole refers to the outermost lateral and medial part of the midsole. The term “curved” means that when viewed along (or against) the vertical direction onto the midsole (e.g. in the worn state from the foot of the wearer), the outer periphery is curved, in particular around the heel area, respectively the rest of the heel area. It may be curved such that it describes a curve of essentially at least 180°.

[0014] Each tapered channel of the plurality of tapered channels may in some embodiments extend from a channel opening towards a common position. The common position may be arranged in a central area of the midsole and in particular of the heel area. The channel opening of each tapered channel may typically be arranged at the curved outer periphery of the heel area. In some embodiments, the tapered channels (e.g. their channel opening) may be open towards the environment. That is, the channel volume may be in fluid communication with the environment via the channel opening.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tapered channels may be filled with air and in particular air at atmospheric pressure which may for example be in fluidic communication with the outsideP29274PC00

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[0017] environment. It may also be possible that the tapered channels are filled with a different material, e.g. a polymer material, such as a foam. However, this material is usually different from the material from which the rest of the midsole is made and it may in particular be softer.

[0018] The term “extending towards a common position” means that at least some or all of the plurality of tapered channels extend in the direction of the common position. Although this may in some embodiments generally be the case, this does not necessarily mean that the tapered channels must extend up to or until the common position. It may instead also be the case that the channels extend only in the direction of the common position and particularly end before reaching it. However, it is typically the case that a hypothetical extension of the tapered channels extends into or through the common position. The common position may in some embodiments be an area with a certain horizontal extension (i.e. an extension in the transversal and longitudinal direction and it may for example be angular, such as triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or trapezoidal, or round, such as circular or oval) or it may be point-shaped.

[0019] In some embodiments, each tapered channel may uniformly taper along the majority of the channel extension from the channel opening towards the common position in the central area of the midsole. Uniformly tapering channels are channels which taper for example evenly. Thus, the channel does for example not taper in a manner that the tapering is at a first area along the channel less pronounced than at a different area along the channel. The tapering may thus be considered as a linear tapering.

[0020] The term “along the majority of the channel extension” means that at least a portion of the channel length starting from the channel opening tapers in this manner. The majority generally means that at least 50% of the channel length (e.g. its extension along the channel axis) may be tapered in this manner. In some embodiments, it may also be at least 60% or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% or even 100% of the channel length. In the latter case, each tapered channel may uniformly taper from the channel opening towards the common position in the central area of the midsole.P29274PC00

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[0022] In some embodiments, the heel area may extend from the heel edge in the longitudinal direction to 15% to 30%, in particular 20% to 30% of the total length of the midsole in the longitudinal direction. It is understood that the heel area may typically extend over the complete transversal extension of the midsole.

[0023] In some embodiments, each tapered channel may continuously taper along the majority of the channel extension from the channel opening towards the common position in the central area of the midsole. Thus, along the channel extension starting from the channel opening, the channel continuously tapers and / or becomes narrower. Such tapering channels have the advantage that they have the largest cross-sectional open area at the outer periphery of the midsole. Thereby, excessive and sudden sideway or transversal movements are significantly cushioned as their forces typically act predominantly at the outer periphery. Due to the tapering to the common position in the central area, the midsole still provides sufficient stability and therefore a high wearing comfort. In some embodiments, the tapered channels may be devoid of parallel wall sections. Parallel wall sections are sections of the channel walls at which the channels do not taper.

[0024] In some embodiments, the tapered channels are designed such that a cross-sectional open area at a first position along the channel extension (or along the channel axis) being arranged closer to the channel opening than another separate second position along the channel extension (or along the channel axis) is always larger than the cross-sectional open area at the second position, in particular irrespective of where the first and second position are exactly located and as long as the first position is arranged closer to the channel opening than the second position. The cross-sectional open area may extend in a vertical plane. That is, a plane extending in the vertical direction.

[0025] Directional indications as used in the present disclosure are to be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction LO of the midsole, 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 midsole tip, and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the midsole. Thus, the term “extending along / in the longitudinal direction” typically refers to extending towards theP29274PC00

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[0027] midsole tip and the term “extending against the longitudinal direction” typically refers to extending towards the heel edge. The transverse direction TR of the midsole respectively the shoe sole, extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the base layer of the midsole, or substantially parallel to the ground in the operative state. Thus, the transverse direction runs along a transverse axis of the midsole. In the context of the present invention, the vertical direction V denotes a direction from the bottom layer to the top layer of the midsole 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 midsole respectively the shoe sole. Thus, the term “extending along / in the vertical direction” typically refers to extending towards the top layer of the midsole and the term “extending against the vertical direction” typically refers to extending towards the bottom layer of the midsole. The longitudinal direction, the vertical direction and the transverse direction may all be perpendicular to each other. The lateral side of the midsole is the outer perimeter of the midsole between the heel edge and the sole 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 midsole refers to the inner perimeter of the midsole 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 midsole 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 midsole tip against, i.e. opposite, the longitudinal direction to 30-45% of the total length of the midsole 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 midsole 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. The heel edge refers to the first position in the heel area along the longitudinal direction. The midsole or shoe sole tip is oppositely arranged thereto and refers to the last position along the longitudinal direction. Hence, the rest of the midsole or shoe sole mayP29274PC00

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[0029] along the longitudinal direction extend between the heel edge and the midsole tip, respectively shoe sole tip. The central area of the midsole may be sandwiched between the lateral and the medial side of the midsole within a horizontal plane in the longitudinal and lateral direction of the midsole.

[0030] In some embodiments the tapered channels may in the heel area be circumferentially arranged along the outer periphery of the midsole. In some embodiments, the tapered channels may be closed towards the ground. For example, the channels may be circumferentially closed with the exception of the channel opening(s). In some embodiments, the tapered channels may have a surface in contact with the environment, e.g. outside the midsole, only in a vertical plane.

[0031] In some embodiments, the midsole may comprise at least 2, or at least 3, or at least 4, or at least 5, or at least 6, tapered channels. In some embodiments, the midsole may comprise at most 10, or at most 8, or at most 6, or at most 5, or at most 4 tapered channels. In some embodiments, the midsole may comprise 2 to 8, in particular 3 to 6, more particular 3 to 5, tapered channels.

[0032] In some embodiments, the midsole may comprise a lateral side and a medial side. As noted above, the medial side and the lateral side are typically oppositely arranged to each other. In some embodiments, at least one tapered channel, respectively its channel opening, may be arranged on the lateral side of the midsole and / or at least one tapered channel, respectively its channel opening, may be arranged on the medial side of the midsole. By having tapered channels on both the lateral and medial side, sideway or transversal forces may be cushioned on both the medial and lateral side. In some embodiments, the tapered channels may be symmetrically arranged on the lateral side and the medial side. That is, the tapered channels on the medial side and the tapered channels on the lateral side may be symmetrically arranged to each other, in particular with respect to a symmetry plane. The symmetry plane may extend along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction. In other embodiments, the tapered channels on the medial side and the tapered channels on the lateral side may be asymmetrically arranged to each other, inP29274PC00

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[0034] particular with respect to this symmetry plane. Asymmetrically arranged tapered channels may for example be realized by having more tapered channels on the medial side as compared to the lateral side, or vice versa. Additionally, or alternatively, it may also be possible that the tapered channels on the medial side are offset to the tapered channels on the lateral side, in particular along the longitudinal or vertical direction.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least two tapered channels of the plurality of tapered channels, or in some embodiments all of the tapered channels of the plurality of tapered channels, may be connected with each other, in particular in the common position. It may for example be possible that at least two or even all of the tapered channels may merge into each other in the common position. Since such tapered channels are connected, their channel openings are fluidically connected. This has advantages for certain activities. For example, if tennis is played on clay, debris may accumulate in blind hole channels. In contrast, the connection in the central position allows for rapid and easy removal of clay debris. Furthermore, connecting the tapered channels enhances the cushioning also in the central area of the midsole at the common position. This is beneficial as for many movements this position carries a large portion of the weight of the wearer. Since the tapered channels may continuously and uniformly taper, there is still a high stability despite an increased cushioning.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least some or all of the tapered channels may be configured as blind holes. Typically, the common area is arranged outside these tapered channels. For example, it may be possible that the common position may along the channel extension be arranged beyond the channel. That is, the end of the tapered channel may be arranged between the channel opening and the common position. Such embodiments allow for a stable central area at the common position and concomitantly to cushion sideway or transverse forces on the medial and lateral side.

[0037] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of each tapered channel continuously decreases along the majority of the channel extension starting from the channel opening towards the common position in the central area of the midsole. As noted above, “along theP29274PC00

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[0039] majority of the channel extension” means that the cross-sectional area of each tapered channel decreases along least a portion of the channel length starting from the channel opening in this manner. The majority generally means that the cross-sectional area along at least 50% of the channel length (e.g. its extension along the channel axis) may decrease in this manner. In some embodiments, it may also be at least 60% or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% or even 100% of the channel length.

[0040] Additionally, or alternatively the cross-sectional area of each tapered channel uniformly decreases along the majority of the channel extension from the channel opening towards the common position in the central area of the midsole. As the skilled person understands, the cross-sectional area of the tapered channel represents the area between the channel walls in a plane perpendicular to the channel axis, respectively to the direction along which the channel extends. It may therefore be considered as the cross-sectional open area. When traveling from the channel opening of such a tapered channel towards the common position, respectively towards the channel end, the cross-sectional area may decrease, e.g. uniformly and thus in a steady and continuous manner.

[0041] In some embodiments, the tapered channels may have a pyramidal shape, a cone shape or a frustum shape. The frustum shape may be frustoconical or frustopyramidal. In general, these shapes may be right or oblique, e.g. it may be a right or oblique pyramidal shape, cone shape or frustum shape. In some embodiments, the tapered channels may be wedge shaped. A wedge, respectively a wedge shape may typically have two opposing parallel wall sections and two opposing tapering wall sections. For example, each tapering wall section may be arranged between one of the opposing parallel wall sections. The two opposing parallel wall sections may, for example, extend in the longitudinal direction and thus parallel thereto, or they may extend along the vertical direction and thus parallel thereto.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least on or more, or even all of the tapered channels may have one or more planar (i.e. even) wall sections. These wall sections are generally flat. In some embodiments, at least one of these wall sections may extend in parallel to a bottom side of the midsole, respectively in the worn and operative state in parallel to the ground or the footP29274PC00

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[0044] of the wearer. Having at least one such planar wall section parallel to the bottom side of the midsole ensures a stable stand even when the channels collapse, respectively when the channels are deformed such that their channel openings close. As the skilled person understands, the bottom side of the midsole is along the vertical direction arranged opposite of its top side. The top side and the bottom side delimit the midsole along the vertical direction. In the worn state, the top side faces to the foot of the wearer and the bottom side faces to the ground.

[0045] In some embodiments, the tapered channels may have a rounded, in particular elliptic or circular, or angular, in particular triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal or hexagonal, cross-sectional shape. This cross-sectional shape refers to the shape of the channel cross-section perpendicular to the channel axis. Typically, the cross-sectional shape of the tapered channel may be the same shape along each channel (however, it may have a different size as the channel tapers).

[0046] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of at least one, or all of, the tapered channels at the channel opening may be 20% to 75%, in particular 30% to 60%, in particular 40% to 55%, larger than a cross-sectional area of the tapered channel at 50% of the channel length. It is understood that each tapered channel may have a channel length. The channel length is the length from the channel opening along which the channel extends. It may for example be the distance between the channel opening and the channel end. The channel length may be defined in the direction in which the channel extends the most, e.g. has the longest dimension. The direction of the channel length may be the same as the direction of the tapering. The direction of the channel length may coincide with the direction along which the cross-section decreases or along which the channel tapers. It is generally understood that the channel end is oppositely arranged to the channel opening, e.g. along the channel axis and / or direction of the channel length. The direction of the channel length may coincide with the channel axis. The channel axis may be in the center of the channel, e.g. essentially equidistant from the walls of the channel. This cross-sectional area may be the same cross-sectional area as discussed herein with respect to embodiments whose cross-sectional area decreases.P29274PC00

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[0048] In some embodiments, each tapered channel may have a channel axis. The channel axis may for example extend through the center of the channel opening and / or may be perpendicular to the channel opening. The channel axis may in some embodiments extend through the common position in the central area of the midsole. In some embodiments the channel axes of at least some or all of the tapered channels may intersect each other in the common position and / or intersect a vertical common axis which extends along the vertical direction through the common position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the channel axes of at least two tapered channels intersect each other with an intersection angle different from 180°. In other words, the channel axes of at least two tapered channels do not lie on a common straight line. In some embodiments, the intersection angle between the channel axes of at least two tapered channels may for example be 5° to 175°, e.g. 15° to 165°, e.g. 90° to 175°, e.g. 95° to 165°. In some embodiments, the intersection angle between the channel axes of at least two tapered channels may for example be 185° to 365°, e.g. 200° to 350°. In some embodiments, the channel axes of at least two tapered channels extend towards the curved outer periphery with different angles. That is, the channel axes of at least two tapered channels may not be arranged symmetrically to the principal axes of the midsole, e.g. the longitudinal, vertical or transverse direction.

[0050] In some embodiments, the channel axes of at least two tapered channels intersect the curved outer periphery with different angles. As the skilled person understands, the intersection angle of such a channel axis with the curved outer periphery is measured when viewed along or against the vertical direction on the midsole. It may be measured as an angle between the channel axis and a tangent to the curved outer periphery at the intersection point between the channel axis. In this case, the channel axis may not be perpendicular to the channel opening.

[0051] In some embodiments, the angle between the channel axes of the channels and the curved outer periphery (respectively a tangent at its intersection with the channel main axis) may be 60° to 90°, in particular 70° to 90°, more particular 80° to 90°.P29274PC00

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[0053] In some embodiments, at least two of the tapered channels which intersect the curved outer periphery with different angles are both arranged on the medial side or are both arranged on the lateral side of the midsole.

[0054] In some embodiments, some of the tapered channels are arranged on the medial side and some of the tapered channels are arranged on the lateral side of the midsole and the channels are arranged such that they are symmetrically arranged with respect to a symmetry plane extending through the common position, along the vertical and longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transversal direction. Thereby, wearing comfort is improved.

[0055] In some embodiments the common position is arranged such in the central area of the midsole that it has essentially the same distance to the curved outer periphery on the lateral side of the midsole and to the curved outer periphery on the medial side of the midsole, in particular along the transversal direction (e.g. an axis extending through the common position and extending along the transversal direction). Essentially the same distance may, for example mean that the distances are within a range of ± 5% or less. Additionally, or alternatively, the common position may be arranged such in the central area that it is spaced apart from the heel edge of the midsole by 10% to 25%, in particular 10% to 20%, in particular 15% to 20%, of the total length of the midsole. The total length of the midsole is given by the distance of a linear line through the heel edge and the sole tip. Additionally, or alternatively, the common position may be arranged such in the central area that it is spaced apart from the medial and / or lateral side of the midsole by 10% to 90%, in particular 30% to 70%, in particular 45% to 55%, of the total width of the midsole. The total width of the midsole is given by the distance of a linear line from the medial side to the lateral side, e.g. perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and vertical direction. In some embodiments, the common position may be within the midsole. The common position may be central in the transverse direction, e.g. the common position may lie on the longitudinal axis of the midsole. The common position may be central in the vertical direction.P29274PC00

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[0057] In some embodiments, the tapered channels extend from the common position towards their channel opening. For example, the tapered channels may together extend from the common position in a radial, in particular star-shaped, manner.

[0058] In some embodiments, the channel opening of the tapered channel may have an opening height. The opening height refers to the extension of the channel opening along the vertical direction. The channel opening may also have an opening width. The opening width may refer to the extension of the channel opening along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the opening width may refer to the extension of the channel opening in a vertical plane along the horizontal direction, e.g. along any superposition of longitudinal or transverse, e.g. along the tangent of the curved outer periphery. In some embodiments, the ratio of the opening height to the opening width may be 0.10 to 0.30, in particular 0.15 to 0.25. Such channel openings are slit-like and have a larger, e.g. significantly larger, width than height. This is beneficial, because the tapered channels can deform easier until closure of the channel opening.

[0059] In some embodiments, the tapered channels define in cross-section along a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction (but perpendicular to the vertical direction) of the midsole a total channel surface area, e.g. a horizontal total channel surface area, wherein the total channel surface area is 5% to 75%, in particular 5% to 40%, in particular 5% to 25%, of the surface area of the heel area in this cross-section. As used herein a “total surface area” refers to the sum of surface areas of all channels. In some embodiments, the tapered channels define in cross-section along the tangent of the curved outer periphery and along to the vertical direction of the midsole a vertical total channel surface area, wherein the vertical total channel surface area is 5% to 75%, in particular 5% to 40%, in particular 5% to 25%, of the surface area of the curved outer periphery of the heel area.

[0060] In some embodiments, the total closed surface area of the outer periphery of the midsole is larger as the total open area defined by the channel openings at the outer periphery, in particular at least 2x, in particular at least 3x, in particular at least 5x, larger. It is understoodP29274PC00

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[0062] that the total closed surface area of the outer periphery of the midsole does not include the channel openings.

[0063] In some embodiments, the tapered channels, in particular all tapered channels are arranged in a single horizontal plane, i.e. a 2D plane extending in the longitudinal and transversal direction. In some embodiments, the common position is arranged in the same horizontal plane as the tapered channels.

[0064] In some embodiments at least one lateral tapered channel (that is a tapered channel being arranged on the lateral side) and at least one medial tapered channel (that is a tapered channel being arranged on the medial side) are facing each other.

[0065] In some embodiments, the midsole or shoe sole may be made by injection molding. It may for example be possible that the midsole or shoe sole may be made from a single piece. In such embodiments, a mold may be provided which is equipped with protruding pins. Such pins may be configured to form the tapered channels. That is, the pins may have a shape that is complimentary to the shape of the tapered channels. The pins may therefore be considered as a negative to the tapered channels. In alternative embodiments, the midsole may be made from two or more separate parts. In particular, it may be possible that the midsole is made from two parts which are connected with each other at a horizontal interface. One of the two parts may comprise a plurality of grooves. The tapered channels may, for example, be formed by arranging the other part on top of the first part comprising the grooves, thereby closing the grooves and forming the tapered channels. This other part may, for example, comprise a flat bottom surface which is arranged on the first part comprising the grooves. The flat bottom surface may thereby partially form a wall section of the tapered channels.

[0066] Brief description of the figuresP29274PC00

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[0068] 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:

[0069] Fig. 1a-c a schematic representation of a midsole as a top view (Fig. 1a), a view on the medial side (Fig. 1b) and a view on the lateral side (Fig. 1c) according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0070] Fig. 2 a perspective view of a midsole according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view along a plane in the transversal and vertical direction of a midsole according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] Fig. 4a-f a schematic representation of different embodiments of midsoles according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0073] Fig. 5a-c measurement results for stiffness, heel deformation (both Fig. 5a) for three different samples of the disclosure compared to a reference sample lacking tapered channels as well as details on how such values can be obtained (Fig.

[0074] 5b and 5c).

[0075] Exemplary embodiments

[0076] Fig. 1a to c show a schematic view of a midsole 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Midsole 1 is divided into a forefoot area FA, a heel area HA and a midfoot area MA which is arranged between the forefoot and heel area. Midsole 1 comprises four tapered channels 2a-2d. Two of them (2a and 2b) are arranged on the lateral side of the midsole and the other two (2c and 2b) are arranged on the medial side of the midsole. As can be seen, each tapered channel extends from its channel opening 4a-d (see Fig. 1b and 1c) on the outer periphery 3 of the midsole towards common position 5. The length of each channel is the extension of the channel from the channel opening until its end, whichP29274PC00

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[0078] in this embodiment is arranged at common position 5. The channels extend radially from, respectively to, common position 5. It can further be seen that all tapered channels 2a-d are arranged in the heel area of midsole 1. In this or any other embodiment as described herein, the forefoot and / or midfoot area may be devoid of channels, such as tapered channels. Midsole 1 further comprises midsole tip 9 and heel edge 8. As can be seen from Fig. 1a, outer periphery 3 of midsole 1 is curved in the horizontal plane being defined by the longitudinal and transversal direction. In this embodiment, outer periphery 3 is curved such that it essentially undergoes a 180° turn around the heel area HA. Tapered channels 2a-d are open on the outer periphery 3, that is, they are in direct fluid communication with the outer environment via their channel openings, such as channel openings 4a-d as shown in Fig. 1b and 1c.

[0079] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a midsole 1 according to a different embodiment of the present disclosure. Midsole 1 also comprises tapered channels (in this view only tapered channels 2b, 2c and 2d are visible). The tapered channels may, in this, or any other embodiment described herein, be circumferentially arranged along outer periphery 3 of midsole 1 in the heel area. Each channel opening may have an opening height H and an opening width W. In the embodiment shown, opening width W is significantly larger than opening height H, which results in an efficient and stable cushioning behavior at the outer periphery of midsole 1.

[0080] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of midsole 1 in the heel area and taken along the transverse and vertical direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Midsole 1 comprises tapered channels 2a and 2d which directly face each other. Both tapered channels extend from their corresponding channel opening 4a and 4d at outer periphery 3 of midsole 1 towards common position 5. The channel length I is indicated for tapered channel 2a. In this embodiment, the tapered channel 2d comprises planar channel wall sections 6a and 6b, which may form the channel wall. Planar wall section 6b extends in parallel and / or coplanar to bottom side 7 of midsole 1, or in the worn and operative state to the ground. In this embodiment, the tapered channels 2a and 2d may have the shape of an oblique pyramid. If a wearer contacts the ground with the heel area and distributes his orP29274PC00

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[0082] her weight centrally, a stable feeling is experienced, because the channels taper towards common position 5. However, during aggressive sideways or transversal movements, the tapered channels allow closure of the channel openings on the outer periphery 3 and thereby cushion such movements and help to prevent sudden or long-term injuries.

[0083] Fig. 4a to 4f show various different embodiments of the heel areas of midsoles according to the present disclosure, which all comprise tapered channels that extend from their channel opening on the outer periphery in the heel area towards a common position. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4a, midsole 1 comprises four tapered channels, which are symmetrically arranged to each other. That is, along a symmetry plane extending along the longitudinal direction LO and the vertical direction (i.e. towards the viewer), the medial sided tapered channels are symmetrically arranged to the lateral sided tapered channels. Furthermore, the channel axes A1 and A2 which extend through the channel openings of two of the tapered channels are shown. It can be seen, that each tapered channel may taper in this, or any other embodiment described herein, along its channel axis. The channel axes of the tapered channels, in particular of all tapered channels, intersect each other in common position 5. In Fig. 4b, midsole 1 comprises only two tapered channels and thus has a less pronounced lateral-sided and medial-sided cushioning as the midsole shown in Fig. 4a. Fig. 4c shows a different embodiment of a midsole according to the disclosure. This midsole also comprises four tapered channels in the heel area which extend each from their channel opening on the outer periphery of the midsole towards a common position. However, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4a or Fig 4b, the channels do not meet, respectively their channel ends are arranged outside the common position towards which the tapered channels extend. The dashed channel axes A1 and A2 illustrate that the tapered channels extend towards a common position, namely the position at which axes A1 and A2 intersect each other, however, the channels are configured as blind holes and thus end before they reach the common position. Such a midsole has the advantage that the central area which comprises the common position has a higher stability. Thereby, a balanced tread without any medial or lateral bias will result in a more stable movement. However, due to the tapering channels, sideway and transversal movements can still be cushioned effectively. Fig. 4d shows yet another embodiment. In contrast to theP29274PC00

[0084] 17 / 22

[0085] embodiment shown in Fig. 4a, the three tapered channels are asymmetrically arranged withing the midsole. All three tapered channels are arranged in the medial side, while no tapered channel is arranged on the lateral side. Fig. 4e shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, only two channels extend up to the common position, while two channels end before reaching the common position. Fig. 4f shows an embodiment in which the heel area of midsole 1 comprises two tapered channels. In this embodiment, the two tapered channels are connected with each other and merge into each other. As a result, in this or any other embodiment as described herein, at least two tapered channels may be connected to each other such that the form together an hourglass shape. As can be seen, the tapered channels are connected with each other at the common position towards which the extend.

[0086] Fig. 5a shows the measurement results of the heel deformation and stiffness measured for three midsole samples according to the present disclosure compared to the heel deformation and stiffness of a reference midsole which does not have any channels at all under otherwise identical conditions. Fig. 5b shows the heel cushioning loading rate for the same three midsole samples according to the present disclosure compared to the same reference midsole. Sample 1 is a sample midsole as shown in Fig. 4a and has therefore four tapered channels. Sample 2 is a sample shown in Fig. 4b and has therefore two tapered channels, Sample 3 is a sample as shown in Fig 4e. It can be seen that sample 3 has the highest heel deformation as compared to the reference sample. Furthermore, both samples 1 and 3 are significantly less stiff as compared to the reference sample. The measurements can be taken on a ZwickRoell machine using the software Test Expert R. The test conditions were as follows: Impactor at point A in Fig 5b; Speed 2 Hz 60 cycles, calculate the results from the average of the last 10 cycles; applied force 1500 N. From a loading I unloading curve obtained in this manner (see Fig. 5c indicating a curve for sample 3), the heel deformation in mm is the difference between the maximum displacement (during peak loading force) and the minimum displacement (during the unloading phase). The stiffness (N / mm) is calculated by dividing the maximum force (see ®) by the maximum deformation (see ®>).

[0087] List of designationsP29274PC00

[0088] 18 / 22

[0089] 1 midsole

[0090] 2a-d tapered channels 3 outer periphery 4a-d channel opening 5 common position 6a, b wall sections

[0091] 7 bottom side

[0092] 8 heel edge

[0093] 9 tip

[0094] A1,A2 channel axis

[0095] FA forefoot area

[0096] H opening height HA heel area

[0097] LO longitudinal direction LS lateral side

[0098] MA midfoot area

[0099] MS medial side

[0100] TR transversal direction V vertical direction W opening width

Claims

P29274PC0019 / 22Claims1. A midsole (1) for a sports shoe, the midsole (1) comprising a plurality of tapered channels (2a-d) being arranged in a heel area (HA) of the midsole (1), the heel area (HA) having a curved outer periphery (3), wherein each tapered channel (2a-d) extends from a channel opening (4a-d) at the curved outer periphery (3) towards a common position (5) in a central area of the midsole (1), wherein each tapered channel (2a-d) continuously and uniformly tapers along the majority of the channel extension from the channel opening (4a-d) towards the common position (5) in the central area of the midsole (1).

2. The midsole (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one tapered channel (2a-d) is arranged on a lateral side (LS) of the midsole (1) and / or wherein at least one tapered channel (2a-d) is arranged on a medial side (MS) of the midsole (1).

3. The midsole (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two tapered channels (2a- d), or in particular all of the tapered channels (2a-d), are connected with each other in the common position (5).

4. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least some of the tapered channels (2a-d) are configured as blind holes.

5. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein a cross-sectional area of each tapered channel (2a-d) continuously and uniformly decreases along the majority of the channel extension from the channel opening (4a-d) towards the common position (5) in the central area of the midsole (1).

6. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tapered channels (2a-d) have a pyramidal shape, cone shape or frustum shape, in particular a prism shape.P29274PC0020 / 227. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the tapered channels (2a-d) comprises one or more multiple planar wall sections (6a, b), wherein at least one planar wall section (6b) extends in parallel to a bottom side (7) of the midsole (1).

8. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tapered channels (2a-d) have a rounded, in particular elliptic or circular, or angular, in particular triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal or hexagonal, cross-sectional shape.

9. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein a cross-sectional area of each tapered channel (2a-d) at the channel opening (4a-d) is 20% to 75%, in particular 30% to 60%, larger than a cross-sectional area of the tapered channel (2a- d) at 50% of the channel length.

10. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein each tapered channel (2a-d) has a channel axis (A1, A2) extending through the center of the channel opening (4a-d) and the common position (5) in the central area of the midsole (1).

11. The midsole according to claim 10, wherein the channel axes (A1, A2) of at least two tapered channels (2a-d) intersect the curved outer periphery (3) with different angles.

12. The midsole according to claim 11 , wherein the at least two tapered channels (2a-d) intersecting the curved outer periphery (3) with different angles are both arranged on a medial side (MS) of the midsole (1) or are both arranged on a lateral side (LS) of the midsole (1).

13. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the common position (5) in the central area of the midsole (1) is arranged such that it has essentially the same distance to the outer periphery (3) on the lateral side (LS) and to the outer periphery (3) on the medial side (MS) of the midsole (1); and / or wherein the commonP29274PC0021 / 22position (5) in the central area of the midsole is spaced apart from a heel edge (8) of the midsole (1) by 10% to 25%, in particular 10% to 20%, in particular 15% to 20%, of the total length of the midsole (1).

14. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tapered channels (2a-d) radially extend from the common position (5) towards their channel opening (4a-d).

15. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the channel opening (4a-d) of the tapered channel (2a-d) has an opening height (H) and an opening width (W), wherein a ratio of opening height (H) I opening width (W) is 0.10 to 0.30, in particular 0.15 to 0.25.

16. The midsole (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tapered channels (2a-d) define in cross-section along a longitudinal direction (LO) and a transversal direction (TR) of the midsole (1) a total channel surface area, wherein the total channel surface area is 5% to 75%, in particular 5% to 40% of the surface area of the heel area.

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