Patent Application
20240365924
The present invention relates to the field of footwear technology, in particular to soles for running shoes for absorbing forces occurring during running.
A large number of running shoes with different cushioning systems are known in the prior art. Sports and leisure shoes with soles that have a gel core in the heel region to ensure vertical cushioning during treading are widely used. Furthermore, improvements in vertical cushioning properties have been achieved by placing individual spring elements in the heel region between the outsole and the insole.
While the above-mentioned soles improve the vertical cushioning properties of the shoes, they cannot achieve satisfactory cushioning of forces acting horizontally on the sole and the shoe. Forces with a large horizontal portion are additionally amplified, especially on deviated routes, and due to a lack of sufficient cushioning they represent one of the main causes of frequently occurring knee and hip joint pain.
A sole is known from WO 2016 184 920 A1 of the applicant which has downwardly projecting, open on the sides, segmented and channel-shaped elements. Under the effect of the forces occurring during running, the channel-shaped elements are deformable both vertically and horizontally until their lateral openings are closed.
A disadvantage of soles known in the prior art is that the cushioning systems often increase the overall weight of the sole, which is particularly the case with soles with gel cores. Soles with cushioning channel systems offer the advantage here that non-filled channels, i.e., channels which are fluidically open to the surroundings and therefore contain only air, reduce the overall weight of the sole. This is the case, for example, with the sole known from WO 2016 184 920 A1. The channel-shaped elements disclosed there cushion both vertically and horizontally acting forces through the correspondingly formed channels. However, there is the problem that the channel-shaped elements are less resistant to wear during use than conventional solid soles. Furthermore, there are notches between the channel-shaped elements in which stones or pieces of wood can get jammed during running, which then have to be removed manually.
The present invention is based on the general task of further developing the prior art in the field of soles for running shoes and preferably overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art in whole or in part. In advantageous embodiments, a sole is provided which can cushion forces acting both in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction and, in particular, has better durability. In further advantageous embodiments, a sole is provided which can cushion forces acting both in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction, while having a low weight.
According to one aspect of the invention, the general problem is solved by a sole with a midsole for a running shoe. In this regard, the midsole comprises a forefoot region, a heel region and a midfoot region arranged between the forefoot region and the heel region. In addition, the midsole comprises an elastic cushioning layer and a base layer, in particular a base layer arranged at the cushioning layer. Preferably, the base layer is directly connected to the cushioning layer or directly adjoins the cushioning layer in the vertical direction. The base layer has a different hardness, in particular higher hardness or lower hardness, than the cushioning layer. The base layer can protect the cushioning layer from wear, in particular from friction during running, and also stabilize treading and push-off. The protective effect of the base layer is particularly advantageous if the base layer has a higher hardness than the cushioning layer. Furthermore, the cushioning layer forms in the heel region and optionally in the midfoot region and/or in the forefoot region a plurality of channels running in the transverse direction, in particular exclusively along the transverse direction and optionally along the longitudinal direction, of the sole. Due to the elastic properties of the cushioning layer, the channels can be deformed by the forces occurring during running. This not only allows vertical compression of the cushioning layer in the area of the channels, but also shearing, so that forces acting horizontally can also be absorbed.
The skilled person knows how to determine the physical hardness of a material to which the term “hardness” used here refers, i.e., the mechanical resistance of the cushioning layer and the base layer. For example, the Shore hardness or the Asker C hardness can be determined and used for this purpose. The hardness is in particular an inherent property of the material.
The cushioning layer is designed in particular to cushion the forces occurring during running by elastic deformation.
Directional indications as used in the present disclosure are to be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction L of the sole or midsole is described by an axis from the heel edge in the heel region to the sole tip in the forefoot region and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole, or in the direction of running. The transverse direction Q of the sole or midsole runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, or substantially parallel to the ground. 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 underside of the sole toward the insole, or in the operative state, toward the foot of the wearer, and thus extends along a vertical axis of the midsole. A horizontal plane of the sole or midsole describes a plane oriented substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, or substantially parallel to the ground, respectively. It is further understood that the horizontal plane may also be slightly curved. This may be the case, for example, if the sole is slightly curved upwards vertically at the forefoot region and/or at the heel region, as is typical of running shoes. Further, the lateral region of the midsole refers to a region along the lateral inner and outer sides of the midsole of the running shoe of a pair of running shoes, the region extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the midsole. The longitudinal axis thereby separates the lateral inner side from the lateral outer side of the sole. In the operative, i.e., worn, state, the outer side is arranged closer to the wearer's little toe and the inner side is arranged closer to the wearer's big toe. Typically, the horizontal extent of the lateral region is a few centimeters, for example 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. The medial region of the midsole refers to a region along the longitudinal axis at the center of the midsole, each of which extends in the transverse direction of the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extent of the medial region is a few centimeters, for example 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. The forefoot region extends, for example, from the sole tip in the opposite longitudinal direction to 30-45% of the total length of the midsole in the longitudinal direction. The heel region 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 region extends directly between the heel region and the forefoot region, such that the length in the longitudinal direction of the midfoot region constitutes the remaining portion of the total length, particularly from 15-50% of the total length.
Elastic materials for soles are well known to those skilled in the art. These essentially return to their original shape when deformation is triggered by the application of a force. For example, materials with a Young's modulus of about 0.0001 to 0.2 GPa, in particular 0.001 to 0.1 GPa, can be used. Typically, such materials may comprise polymer foams. Elastic materials for such polymer foams may include polyurethane, particularly thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), polyolefins, rubber, such as natural rubber, polyamides, e.g., PA-11, PA-12, nylon, polyether block amide (PEBA, PEBAX®), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or mixtures thereof.
For the purposes of the present invention, a channel is to be understood as a recess which can typically be elongated, preferably tubular. In cross-section along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, the channel, or channels, may be pentagonal, hexagonal, rectangular, oval or teardrop-shaped. Generally, a channel is delimited in whole or in part by its channel walls except at the channel openings at the side. Typically, the channels are continuous and open on both sides, i.e., filled only with air and fluidically connected to the surroundings, so that no overpressure exists or can build up in them. Preferably, a channel is not a blind hole. Preferably, a channel, in particular all channels of the midsole, extends end-to-end from the lateral inner side of the midsole to the lateral outer side of the midsole. In preferred embodiments, the channels may extend substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the total portion of the open area of the midsole, i.e., the total portion of the lateral areas of the channel openings, may be less than the total portion of the closed area of the midsole, i.e., the total portion of the outer peripherally circumferential area of the midsole that does not include channels. In some embodiments, the channels are arranged in series exclusively in the longitudinal direction, i.e., from the heel edge toward the sole tip. This does not preclude the channels from being arranged offset from one another in the vertical direction, however, the channels are therefore at least not completely and directly one below the other in the vertical direction but have an offset from one another in the longitudinal direction.
In some embodiments, the midsole has a plurality of channels, such as at least 5, more particularly at least 7, more particularly at least 10, more particularly at least 14. Typically, the midsole may have from 5 to 16 channels, more particularly from 7 to 14 channels, more particularly from 10 to 14 channels.
Preferably, the cushioning layer forms channels in the heel region, midfoot region and forefoot region of the midsole.
In some embodiments in which the channels have lateral-side channel openings, the open area of a channel arranged in the heel region may be larger than the open area of a channel in the midfoot region and/or forefoot region. Preferably, the open area of a channel arranged in the midfoot region may be larger than the open area of a channel in the forefoot region. Such embodiments increase cushioning efficiency while reducing force loss during running. The larger the open area of the channel openings, the higher the cushioning effect. However, a larger open area of the channel opening also results in the push-off not being efficient, as the channel opening must first be closed off before a forceful push-off from the ground can occur, resulting in a loss of force. By reducing the size of the lateral openings in the forefoot region compared to the heel region, this loss of force is minimized. However, this has little negative impact on cushioning, as the initial contact during running is with the heel, so the need for a high cushioning effect is most important in the heel region.
In some embodiments, the channels may each have a channel cross-section that narrows in the transverse direction. In particular, the respective cross-section may narrow from the lateral inside of the midsole to the lateral outside of the midsole and/or narrow from the lateral outside of the midsole to the lateral inside of the midsole. It is particularly preferred that the channels in the heel region, in particular all channels in the heel region, each have a channel cross-section narrowing in the transverse direction from the lateral outer side towards the lateral inner side of the midsole and/or the channels in the forefoot region, in particular all channels in the forefoot region, each have a channel cross-section narrowing in the transverse direction from the lateral inner side towards the lateral outer side of the midsole. This can in particular increase the stability when closing the channel walls or narrowing the channel cross-section during running.
In general, it is preferred if the channels each have a channel cross section that narrows continuously in the transverse direction.
It is clear to the skilled person that the deformability of the cushioning layer in the area of the channels can comprise, for example, the vertical joining of the channel walls and/or the shearing of the cushioning layer in the area of the channel in the longitudinal direction. Typically, the upper and lower channel walls may contact each other under the action of the forces encountered during running, so that the corresponding channel is deformed to the point of lateral closure. The skilled person understands that the upper channel wall describes that part of the boundary of the channel in the vertical direction and the lower channel wall describes that part of the boundary of the channel against the vertical direction.
In some embodiments, the cushioning layer is configured such that the lateral-side channel openings are deformable under the forces encountered during running until the lateral-side channel openings are closed.
In some embodiments, all channels are arranged only in the cushioning layer and therefore not in the base layer. However, this does not preclude the base layer from partially delimiting channels. However, the base layer itself typically does not have depressions, but is essentially a flat area.
In some embodiments, all or some of the channels can be completely delimited or formed by the cushioning layer, with the exception of the lateral-side channel openings. However, it is also possible for each channel or part of the channels to be only partially delimited or formed by the cushioning layer and to be partially delimited or formed by the, in particular, flat, base layer.
The base layer and the cushioning layer are typically arranged one above the other in the vertical direction of the sole. In particular, the cushioning layer can be arranged directly above the base layer. Thus, the cushioning layer is directly in contact with the base layer. In this case, the cushioning layer is arranged such that it is closer to the wearer's foot in the vertical direction when worn, and thus the base layer is closer to the ground. Both the base layer and the cushioning layer typically extend substantially the full extent of the midsole in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction. Typically, the cushioning layer and the base layer are formed flat, i.e., the respective extent in longitudinal direction (length) and in transverse direction (width) of the midsole is greater than the extent in vertical direction (thickness) of the midsole.
In some embodiments, the base layer is formed as a substantially end-to-end layer. Thus, in such embodiments, the base layer has no recess and substantially completely covers the cushioning layer along the longitudinal direction and along the transverse direction of the midsole, i.e., at least 80%, more particularly at least 90%, more particularly at least 95%. Such embodiments have the advantage that the cushioning layer is substantially completely covered along a horizontal plane and is therefore protected from friction and wear caused by contact with the ground. At the same time, however, the additional cushioning layer allows flexible arrangement and formation of the channels so that both vertically and horizontally acting forces can be efficiently absorbed.
The base layer and the cushioning layer are typically not formed integrally with one another. Thus, in such embodiments, there is a defined boundary region between the base layer and the cushioning layer, which are preferably firmly bonded together. In some embodiments, the base layer and the cushioning layer may be glued or welded together, for example. However, the cushioning layer per se may be integrally formed. Likewise, the base layer may be per se integrally formed.
In some embodiments, the hardness of the cushioning layer, in particular the material of the cushioning layer, measured on the Asker C scale is lower than the hardness of the base layer, in particular the material of the base layer, by at least 10 units. In particular, the hardness of the cushioning layer, in particular of the material of the cushioning layer, measured on the Asker C scale can be lower or higher than the hardness of the base layer, in particular of the material of the base layer, by 10 to 20 units, preferably by 13 to 16 units. A difference in hardness of at least 10 units ensures that, on the one hand, good cushioning is achieved, but at the same time a strong push-off with efficient force transmission and a secure stance are made possible. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments in which the channels are generally arranged only in the cushioning layer and not in the base layer.
In some embodiments, the cushioning layer, in particular of the material of the cushioning layer, has a hardness of 40 to 50, in particular of 37 to 48, Asker C. In some embodiments, the base layer, in particular of the material of the base layer, has a hardness of from 50 to 90, in particular from 55 to 85, Asker C.
In some embodiments, the material densities of the base layer and the cushioning layer may be different. For example, the material density of the cushioning layer may be less than that of the base layer. Typically, the material densities are in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 g/cm3.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the cushioning layer in the vertical direction of the sole, i.e., the extent in the vertical direction of the sole, is greater than the thickness of the base layer in the vertical direction of the sole. Typically, the thickness of the cushioning layer at any location along the longitudinal direction of the sole is greater than the thickness of the base layer at any location along the longitudinal direction of the sole. In some embodiments, the thickness of the cushioning layer at least one location along the sole or at any location along the longitudinal direction of the sole may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the base layer at least one or at any location along the longitudinal direction of the sole by at least 2 times, more particularly at least 5 times, more particularly at least 10 times, more particularly at least 20 times. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the cushioning layer to the thickness of the base layer is between 80:20 and 50:50, in particular between 75:25 and 50:50. Typically, the thickness of the base layer may be generally substantially constant along the longitudinal direction of the sole except for variations specific to the manufacture. Since the base layer has a significantly higher hardness, a significantly thinner base layer compared to the cushioning layer is sufficient to ensure a secure footing on the one hand and to reduce the overall weight of the sole on the other hand, which reduces the effort required by the wearer when running.
In some embodiments, the channels are arranged in a lateral region of the midsole in at least a first horizontal plane and a second horizontal plane, the first and second horizontal planes being vertically offset from one another. The distribution of the channels in horizontal planes arranged offset from one another vertically facilitates the shear cushioning layer up to the closure of the channels, since the cushioning layer is designed to be more flexible. This means that, on the one hand, forces acting horizontally can be absorbed efficiently and, on the other hand, the overall weight of the sole can be reduced.
In some embodiments, the channels in the first horizontal plane are arranged relative to the channels in the second horizontal plane such that they are in different horizontal planes in the vertical direction of the midsole. Thus, the channels in the first horizontal plane are completely offset vertically from the channels in the second horizontal plane, or do not overlap in vertical direction, or at least do not overlap completely. This has the advantage that the deformability of the cushioning layer is not increased too much, which could lead to a spongy feeling during running and in particular to a high loss of force during push-off. Typically, the channels in the first horizontal plane are arranged relative to the channels in the second horizontal plane in such a way that the lower boundary of the channels, i.e., the boundary against the vertical direction, in the first horizontal plane lies in the same horizontal plane as the upper boundary, i.e., the boundary in the vertical direction, of the channels of the second horizontal plane.
In some embodiments, all of the channels are arranged in a lateral region of the midsole in only a single horizontal plane. For example, it is possible that the channels are formed by corrugation as described below. If the channels are arranged in only a single horizontal plane, then it is possible, for example, for the corrugation to be formed only toward the base layer, i.e., open toward the base layer, while, for example, in the direction of the foot of the wearer, or the top layer, the cushioning layer is formed free of corrugation, or is planar and/or planar.
In some embodiments, at least part of the cushioning layer is corrugated in such a way that it forms a corrugation that forms at least part of the channels. It is possible that only a part or also the entire cushioning layer is corrugated. It is also possible that the corrugation forms all or only some of the channels. Corrugation in the sense of the present invention refers to macroscopic irregularities such as furrows, grooves, folds, waviness of the cushioning layer, as is known, for example, in the case of a corrugated sheet. In particular, the cushioning layer in such embodiments may be wavelike, such as sinusoidal, step-like or even saw-toothed. Such embodiments have the advantage of increasing the cushioning properties of the cushioning layer. The corrugation is preferably formed both on the side of the cushioning layer facing the base layer and on the side of the cushioning layer facing away from the base layer. In this way, it can be achieved that the correspondingly formed channels are formed in a first and a second horizontal plane. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the corrugation to be formed only either on the side of the cushioning layer facing away from the base layer or on the side of the cushioning layer facing toward the base layer.
In certain embodiments, the corrugation may extend from the heel region in the longitudinal direction of the sole into the midfoot region and optionally into the forefoot region.
In particular, the corrugation can extend from the lateral inside of the midsole in a transverse direction continuously to the lateral outside of the midsole.
In some embodiments, the midsole comprises a top layer. In this case, the cushioning layer is arranged between the top layer and the base layer in the vertical direction, i.e., in the worn state from the ground in the direction of the wearer's foot. Typically, the top layer, the cushioning layer and/or the base layer have substantially the same extension in longitudinal direction and/or in transverse direction or are aligned with each other in longitudinal direction and/or in transverse direction. In embodiments with a top layer, the midsole therefore has at least a three-layer structure. The skilled person understands that these layers are distinguishable, e.g., by different chemical and/or physical properties, and/or by the fact that they are not formed integrally with each other.
In some embodiments, the sole includes an outsole in addition to the midsole, which is arranged on the base layer. The outsole is typically formed separately and can generally be attached directly to the base layer, particularly by gluing or welding. Alternatively, the outsole may be molded onto the base layer. Such soles have a sandwich structure. The base layer is arranged between the outsole and the cushioning layer. While the base layer and the cushioning layer, and optionally also the top layer, typically consist of a polymer foam, or a foamed polymer, the outsole typically consists of an abrasion-resistant material, such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyether blockamide (Pebax®), polyolefins or copolymers thereof, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. In this case, the outsole protects the base layer from excessive abrasion. Typically, the thickness of the outsole along the vertical direction of the sole is less than the thickness of the cushioning layer and less than the thickness of the base layer. In this regard, the outsole may have a tread to ensure, for example, a secure grip on slippery ground or sloping terrain. In some embodiments, the outsole is arranged such that the base layer cannot come into contact with the ground during running in the operative state. For example, the outsole may cover at least 50%, more particularly at least 75%, more particularly at least 90% of the area of the base layer facing away from the cushioning layer.
In some embodiments, some or all of the channels are delimited by the cushioning layer and the base layer. In such embodiments, the channels are delimited, or formed, circumferentially by the cushioning layer and the base layer, except for the lateral-side channel openings. In certain embodiments, only the channels in the first horizontal plane, i.e., the layer arranged closer to the base layer, are delimited, or formed, by both the cushioning layer and the base layer. In particular, the channels in the second horizontal plane arranged above it in the vertical direction are formed or delimited solely by the cushioning layer.
In some embodiments, the cushioning layer and/or base layer and/or top layer comprises a foamed polymer, particularly ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU or eTPU), polyamide (PA), or polyether block amide (PEBA). Other possible foamed polymer materials may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). In terms of abrasion resistance and cushioning behavior, particularly good results are achieved with EVA.
In some embodiments, the channels are funnel-shaped in cross-section along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, in particular V-shaped or trapezoidal, U-shaped, round, in particular circular or oval. The funnel-shaped, trapezoidal, V-shaped and/or the U-shaped shape can be formed both in the direction of the base layer and rotated by 180° with respect thereto, i.e., formed opposite to the base layer. In the case of a trapezoidal shape, for example, the longer of the two base sides can be arranged closer to or formed by the base layer, or the shorter of the two base sides can be arranged closer to the base layer. U-shaped, trapezoidal or funnel-shaped channels have the advantage that the front wall and rear wall of the channel are formed as a front flank and rear flank, respectively, which can perform a shear movement until the lateral-side channel openings are closed when horizontal forces are applied in order to absorb such forces. Preferably, the channels are trapezoidal. Here, the two base sides of the trapezoid are substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, or base layer of the midsole, or in other words, substantially parallel to the ground in the operative state. The legs of the trapezoid thereby form the front wall and the rear wall of the channel, respectively.
Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the channels to be slot-shaped, i.e., to have an elongated contour. However, the channels can also have a round, in particular a circular or oval, contour in cross-section as mentioned above.
In some embodiments, the base layer has a thickness in the vertical direction of the sole from 2 mm to 12 mm, in particular from 5 mm to 8 mm. In some embodiments, the cushioning layer has a thickness in the vertical direction of the sole from 3 mm to 34 mm, in particular from 6 mm to 24 mm. This thickness may apply in particular to a shoe with shoe size US 10, i.e., a length of about 27.5 to 30 cm.
In some embodiments, each channel is delimited in the longitudinal direction by a front wall and a rear wall. The front wall is arranged closer to the sole tip and the rear wall is arranged closer to the heel edge. In this case, the front wall and the rear wall each run towards each other. This means that the front wall and the rear wall of a channel each run not only in the vertical direction but also in the longitudinal direction, in particular at an angle.
In some embodiments, the cushioning layer has a folding edge that peripherally circumferentially surrounds the midsole at least laterally and is concave toward the outer surroundings. Such a folding edge has the advantage of facilitating compression of the cushioning layer and allowing controlled closure of the lateral-side channel openings, which is particularly advantageous during shear movement for cushioning horizontal forces. In some embodiments, the cushioning layer has only a single such folding edge. In this case, the folding edge can have a height of 0.5 mm to 3 mm in the vertical direction, in particular of 1 mm to 2 mm. This height can apply in particular to a shoe with shoe size US 10, i.e., a length of about 27.5 to 30 cm.
In some embodiments, the channels, in particular all channels, have channel openings on the lateral side, in particular on the lateral inner side and on the lateral outer side. Thus, the channel is in fluidic communication with the surroundings. The portion of the open area formed by all channel openings compared to the closed area of the cushioning layer is 5% to 25%, in particular 10% to 20%. The skilled person understands that the closed area here refers exclusively to the lateral, i.e., peripherally circumferential, area of the cushioning layer. The larger the portion of the open areas formed by the entirety of the channel openings in relation to the closed area of the cushioning layer, the easier it is to compress the cushioning layer. If the ratio is chosen too large, a spongy feel will result or the cushioning effect will be almost completely lost, since the cushioning layer will be compressed even at very low loads. If the ratio is chosen too small, the cushioning layer is not easily compressed, so the cushioning effect is also lost. The range from 10% to 20% has proven to be particularly advantageous.
In some embodiments, the midsole also has an additional plate. In particular, this plate can be elastic and incompressible. Such a plate has the advantage that due to its elastic and at the same time incompressible properties, the plate is bent under the forces occurring during running during the landing and rolling process and returns to its original, flat shape during push-off. As a result, the runner's push-off is significantly assisted, resulting in less force being lost and less rapid fatigue. In embodiments in which the plate is continuous, this effect is even greater, since the return force of the fiber composite plate to its original shape is even greater than in the case of a plate with recesses. The panel extends from the forefoot region at least into the midfoot region and optionally into the heel region. In some embodiments, the panel may extend in the longitudinal direction from the heel edge along the entire length of the sole to the sole tip in the forefoot region.
In some embodiments, the sheet may comprise, or consist of, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, TPU, polypropylene, polyamide, polyether block amide (PEBAX®), and/or suitable composites.
In some embodiments, the plate, particularly the incompressible and elastic plate, may be arranged above or below the cushioning layer in the vertical direction of the sole.
In certain embodiments, the cushioning layer can be arranged in the vertical direction between the additional, in particular incompressible and elastic, plate and the base layer. In the vertical direction, i.e., as seen in the operative state from the floor towards the foot of the wearer, the base layer is therefore arranged first, followed by the cushioning layer and then the additional, in particular incompressible and elastic, plate.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, the plate, in particular the incompressible and elastic plate, can be arranged in vertical direction between the cushioning layer and the base layer. In the vertical direction, i.e., as seen in the operative state from the floor towards the foot of the wearer, the base layer is therefore arranged first, followed by the plate and then the cushioning layer.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, the plate, in particular the incompressible and elastic plate, can be arranged in vertical direction between the cushioning layer and the top layer. In the vertical direction, i.e., as seen in the operative state from the floor towards the foot of the wearer, the base layer is therefore arranged first, followed by the cushioning layer, then the plate and then the top layer.
In some embodiments, the plate, particularly the elastic incompressible plate, may be fitted into the cushioning layer. Thus, for example, the plate may be arranged not above or below, but level with or within the cushioning layer in the vertical direction. For example, the plate and the cushioning layer can be injection molded together.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the general problem is solved by a running shoe, in particular an athletics shoe, comprising a sole according to one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention described above.
Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the following figures and the accompanying description.
The channels in the second horizontal plane, on the other hand, are delimited, or formed, exclusively by the cushioning layer 2. In the embodiment shown, the channels 21, 22 are trapezoidal in cross-section along the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q. The cushioning layer 2 is partially corrugated in such a way that it forms the corrugation 23, which in turn forms the channels 21, 22 of the cushioning layer. In the present case, the corrugation is formed in a substantially wavelike manner. The corrugation extends continuously from the lateral outer side to the lateral inner side of the sole, so that the channels formed by the corrugation are likewise formed continuously. In addition to the midsole 1, the sole has an outsole 4 which substantially completely covers the base layer 3 in a planar manner towards the ground. In addition, the sole has the plate 7, which is arranged above the cushioning layer 2 in the vertical direction V and therefore the cushioning layer 2 is arranged between the plate 7 and the base layer 3. The cushioning layer 2 further comprising a folding edge 24 which is concave towards the surroundings, thus forming a curvature towards the center of the sole.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00583/21 | May 2021 | CH | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/063231 | 5/17/2022 | WO |
