JP2018516733A - Shoe soles for footwear and middle foot impact - Google Patents

Abstract

A shoe sole for footwear is described herein. The shoe sole extends in the longitudinal direction from the buttocks to the forefoot through the middle foot. The shoe sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface for attachment to at least one of the insole and the shoe upper and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The midsole includes a forefoot cushion element, a midfoot cushion element, and a heel cushion element. The outsole is disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defines a shoe ground contact surface. The shoe sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile so that the impact portion of the shoe sole is defined within the midfoot portion, and the midfoot cushion element is within the midfoot portion and directly above the impact portion of the shoe sole. Be placed.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The field relates generally to footwear, and more specifically to shoe soles used for footwear designed for midfoot impacts.

  Footwear, such as shoes, generally includes a shoe sole and an upper that is secured to the shoe sole and surrounds a foot resting on the shoe sole. Some known soles are designed to provide rotational motion to the user's feet and tend to have a destabilizing effect, more from the user's muscle and skeletal system compared to passive walking or running. Requires an active or “dynamic” response. Active gait compared to passive gait, muscle training that is normally ignored in passive gait, improved posture and gait patterns, back, buttocks, leg and foot disease and joints, muscles, ligaments There are many benefits, including alleviating tendon damage.

  Some known shoe soles are designed to provide rotational motion during walking and generally include a relatively soft material in the heel of the shoe sole. However, a shoe sole designed for walking does not provide optimal rotational movement for running, nor is it optimal cushioning and running support.

  In addition, one known shoe sole designed for running includes a soft element located at the heel of the shoe sole. For example, Muller, US Pat. No. 6,341,432, issued January 29, 2002, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and includes a sole on the sole of the sole. A shoe sole having a soft material arranged in a recess is described. However, the outer sole of the shoe has a relatively flat profile and thus promotes an impact along the shoe sole. As a result, the sole may provide cushioning and support that is not optimal for runners with a hit on the midfoot.

US Pat. No. 6,341,432

  Accordingly, there is a need for a shoe sole designed to provide dynamic rotational motion during running.

  This section of background art is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed below that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these descriptions should be read in this light and not as a prior art approval.

  In one aspect, a shoe sole for footwear is provided. The shoe sole extends in the longitudinal direction from the buttocks to the forefoot through the middle foot. The shoe sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface for attachment to at least one of the insole and the shoe upper and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The midsole includes a forefoot cushion element, a midfoot cushion element, and a heel cushion element. The outsole is disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defines a shoe ground contact surface. The shoe sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile so that the impact portion of the shoe sole is defined within the midfoot portion, and the midfoot cushion element is within the midfoot portion and directly above the impact portion of the shoe sole. Be placed.

  In another aspect, a shoe sole for footwear is provided. The shoe sole extends in the longitudinal direction from the buttocks to the forefoot through the middle foot. The shoe sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface for attachment to at least one of the insole and the shoe upper, and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The midsole includes a forefoot cushion element, a midfoot cushion element, and a heel cushion element. The outsole is disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defines a shoe ground contact surface. The shoe sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that the impact portion of the shoe sole is defined within the midfoot. The midsole has a first hardness on the forefoot, a second hardness smaller than the first hardness on the heel, and more than both the first and second hardness on the middle foot on the impact part. Has a small third hardness.

  In yet another aspect, a shoe sole for footwear is provided. The shoe sole extends in the longitudinal direction from the buttocks to the forefoot through the middle foot. The shoe sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface for attachment to at least one of the insole and the shoe upper and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The outsole is disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defines a shoe ground contact surface. The shoe sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that the impact portion of the shoe sole is defined within the midfoot. The outsole has a relatively stiff structure along the middle foot portion so as to form a rotation axis in the impact portion that is the center of rotation of the heel portion and the forefoot portion. The buttocks curve upward from the midfoot and have a radius of curvature from 390 millimeters to about 450 millimeters. The forefoot extends upward from the midfoot and has a radius of curvature of 360 millimeters to about 420 millimeters.

  There are various improvements to the features described in connection with the above-described aspects. Additional features can also be incorporated into the embodiments described above. These improvements and additional functions may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various features discussed below with respect to any of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above aspects, alone or in any combination.

1 is an outer side view of a shoe including an exemplary embodiment of a shoe sole. It is an inner side view of the shoe sole of FIG. It is a bottom view of the shoe sole of FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a top view of the sole of FIG. 1 illustrating one embodiment of a reinforcing element suitable for use with the sole of FIGS. FIG. 9 is a top view of another sole showing another embodiment of a reinforcing element suitable for use with the sole of FIGS. 1-8. FIG. 9 is a top view of another sole showing another embodiment of a reinforcing element suitable for use with the sole of FIGS. 1-8. FIG. 6 is an outer side view of another embodiment of a shoe sole. It is a bottom view of the shoe sole of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the shoe sole of FIG. 11 along the 13-13 line | wire of FIG. FIG. 6 is an outer side view of another embodiment of a shoe sole. It is a bottom view of the shoe sole of FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole of FIG. 14 taken along line 16-16 of FIG.

  Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

(Embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 1, a footwear shown in the form of a running shoe is schematically indicated generally at 20. The footwear includes a shoe sole, indicated schematically at 100, and a shoe upper 22. The sole 100 is secured to the shoe upper 22 by suitable attachment means such as an adhesive to form the footwear 20. The shoe upper 22 is used to secure the footwear 20 and the sole 100 to the wearer's foot using suitable fasteners, such as, but not limited to, shoelaces, buckles, straps. , Hook-and-loop fasteners, and other mechanical fasteners that allow the shoe upper 22 and sole 100 to be secured to the wearer's foot. In one embodiment, the shoe upper 22 is constructed from a relatively lightweight and breathable material, such as a mesh material. In other embodiments, the shoe upper 22 may be composed of a material other than a lightweight, breathable material.

  With further reference to FIGS. 2-8, the sole 100 extends in the gait or longitudinal direction 102 from the heel 110 through the metatarsal bone or metatarsal 112 to the thumb ball and tip or forefoot 114. Each of the heel portion 110, the middle foot portion 112, and the forefoot portion 114 extends in the longitudinal direction 102 over about one third of the length of the shoe sole 100. The heel portion 110 is adjacent to the middle foot portion 112 and extends rearward in the longitudinal direction 102 from the middle foot portion 112 to the heel 116 of the shoe sole 100. The forefoot 114 is adjacent to the midfoot 112 and extends forward in the longitudinal direction 102 from the midfoot 112 to the tip 118 of the sole 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-7, each of the heel portion 110, the midfoot portion 112, and the forefoot portion 114 has a respective width measured in a transverse direction 104 that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102. . The sole 100 also includes an outer portion 120 and an inner portion 122 disposed on both lateral sides of the sole 100. The outer portion 120 of the sole 100 generally refers to the outer side of the sole 100 that faces away from the wearer when worn on the wearer's foot, and the inner portion 122 is generally worn on the wearer's foot. When pointing to the inside of the shoe sole 100 facing the wearer's body. The thickness of the sole 100 and its components are measured along a vertical direction 106 that is oriented perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction 102 and the transverse direction 104.

  As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the shoe sole 100 generally includes a midsole 124 and an outsole 126. As shown in FIG. 4, the midsole 124 extends from the heel 116 of the sole 100 to the tip 118 of the sole 100. The midsole 124 includes an upper surface 128 for attachment to at least one of an insole (not shown) and the shoe upper 22 (FIG. 1), and a lower surface 130 disposed opposite the upper surface 128. Outsole 126 is disposed along lower surface 130 of midsole 124 and extends from heel 110 to forefoot 114. The outsole 126 defines the ground contact surface 140 of the shoe sole 100 and is constructed from a relatively hard wear resistant material. Suitable materials for configuring the outsole 126 include, but are not limited to, hard rubber. In some embodiments, the outsole 126 is molded with the lower surface 130 of the midsole 124 to provide a relatively lightweight structure and to provide a balance between wear and flexibility.

  In the exemplary embodiment, midsole 124 has a three-piece structure that includes forefoot cushion element 132, midfoot cushion element 134, and heel cushion element 136.

  A forefoot cushion element 132 extends from the forefoot portion 114 through the midfoot portion 112 to the heel portion 110 and defines an upper surface 128 of the midsole. In the exemplary embodiment, forefoot cushion element 132 extends the entire length of sole 100 from heel 116 to tip 118. The forefoot cushion element 132 is adjacent to the outsole 126 along the forefoot portion 114 of the sole 100 and is separated from the outsole 126 at the midfoot portion 112 and the heel portion 110.

  The forefoot cushion element 132 extends in the vertical direction 106 from the upper surface 128 of the midsole 124 to the lower surface of the midsole 124 at the forefoot portion 114. That is, the forefoot cushion element 132 fills the entire volume of the midsole 124 in the forefoot portion 114. The forefoot cushion element 132 also includes a thin portion or segment that extends rearwardly from the forefoot portion 114 to the heel 116 of the sole 100.

  The midfoot cushion element 134 is disposed within the midfoot 112 and is adjacent to the outsole 126 along the midfoot 112. The midfoot cushion element 134 is vertically disposed between the forefoot cushion element 132 (specifically, a narrow portion extending rearward) and the outsole 126, and between the forefoot cushion element 132 and the heel cushion element 136. Arranged horizontally.

  The heel cushion element 136 is disposed in the heel portion 110 of the shoe sole 100 in a vertical direction between the forefoot cushion element 132 and the outsole 126. Further, the heel cushion element 136 is disposed vertically between the midfoot cushion element 134 and the outsole 126. The heel cushion element 136 is adjacent to each of the forefoot cushion element 132 and the outsole 126 of the heel 110 of the sole 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the forefoot cushion element 132 and the heel cushion element 136 jointly define a recess 138 in the midfoot 112 of the sole 100. The midfoot cushion element 134 is disposed in the recess 138 and is disposed between the forefoot cushion element 132 and the heel cushion element 136 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The midfoot cushion element 134 is adjacent to the forefoot cushion element 132 along the top surface of the midfoot cushion element 134 and is adjacent to the heel cushion element 136 along the bottom surface of the midfoot cushion element 134.

  Each component of the midsole 124 is constructed from a relatively soft flexible material compared to the outsole 126 to provide the desired amount of attenuation. Suitable materials for constructing the components of the midsole 124 include, but are not limited to, polyurethane elastomer foams such as open cell polyurethane foams such as open cell polyurethane foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and A combination of them is mentioned. In the exemplary embodiment, forefoot cushion element 132 and heel cushion element 136 are constructed of a relatively stiff material compared to midfoot cushion element 134 to provide a low to moderate level of damping and shock absorption. Is done. The midfoot cushion element 134 is made of a material that is relatively soft, elastic and highly deformable compared to the forefoot cushion element 132 and the heel cushion element 136 to provide high damping and shock absorption. Yes. Suitable materials for constructing the midfoot cushion element 134 include, for example, but are not limited to, open cell foam, such as open cell polyurethane foam. In general, the midfoot cushion element 134 has a lower density and lower hardness than the forefoot cushion element 132 and the heel cushion element 136, respectively.

  In another embodiment, the heel cushion element 136 is composed of a relatively soft, elastic, and highly deformable material as compared to the forefoot cushion element 132 and the midfoot cushion element 134, Is the softest cushioning element. In such an embodiment, the heel cushion element 136 has a lower density and lower hardness than each of the forefoot cushion element 132 and the midfoot cushion element 134.

  In the exemplary embodiment, the forefoot cushion element 132, the midfoot cushion element 134, and the heel cushion element 136 are each composed of different materials, but in other embodiments, the forefoot cushion element 132, the midfoot cushion Two or more of element 134 and heel cushion element 1136 may have a monolithic or unitary structure.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the shoe sole 100 has a bottom profile that protrudes continuously upward. The bottom profile of the sole 100 is sized and shaped such that the impact portion 142 of the sole 100 is defined within the midfoot 112 of the sole 100. The term “impact” generally refers to a point or region along the ground contact surface 140 of the sole 100 that first strikes or contacts the ground during running.

  The bottom outline of the shoe sole 100 generally curves upward from the middle foot portion 112 to each of the heel portion 110 and the front foot portion 114.

  In certain embodiments, the heel 110 (specifically, the outsole 126 within the heel 110) curves upward from the midfoot 112 with a first radius of curvature 144 of about 220 millimeters (mm) to about 460 mm. More preferably between about 240 mm and about 350 mm. The forefoot 114 (specifically, the outsole 126 in the forefoot 114) is curved upward from the midfoot 112 with a second radius of curvature 146 between about 220 mm and about 440 mm, and more suitably , Between about 240 mm and about 320 mm. The midfoot 112 has a third radius of curvature 148 between about 800 mm and about 1040 mm, more suitably between about 840 mm and about 1000 mm. The radius of curvature of the heel 110, midfoot 112, and forefoot 114 may vary depending on the size of the shoe and the intended use of the shoe. In certain embodiments, the ratio between the radii of curvature of the heel 110, midfoot 112, and forefoot 114 is about 1.0: 2.0: 1.0 and about 1.1: 3.5: 1. It is between zero. In other embodiments, the heel 110, the midfoot 112, and the forefoot 114 have any suitable radius of curvature that allows the sole 100 to function as described herein. May be. In still other embodiments, the bottom outer diameter of the shoe sole 100 may have a single continuous radius of curvature that extends from the heel 110 through the midfoot 112 to the forefoot 114.

  When the sole 100 is in an unloaded (ie, resting) state on a flat reference ground plane (ie, a surface oriented perpendicular to the vertical direction 106) shown at 150 in FIG. A bottom profile of 100 results in an impact 142 that is the lowest point measured in the vertical direction 106 on the shoe sole 100. The state of the shoe sole 100 shown in FIG. 4 is also referred to as a reference state in the present specification.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the shoe sole 100 is in the reference state, the heel 116 of the shoe sole 100 is separated by a vertical distance 152 above the impact portion 142, and the tip 118 is a vertical distance from the impact portion 142. 154 apart. In certain embodiments, the vertical distance 152 between the heel 116 and the impact portion 142 is at least about 15 mm, more suitably at least about 25 mm, and even more suitably at least about 35 mm. Further, in certain embodiments, the vertical distance 154 between the tip 118 and the impact portion 142 is at least about 25 mm, more suitably at least about 45 mm, and even more suitably at least about 50 mm.

  The shoe sole 100 also has a thickness shape that promotes the impact portion 142 of the midfoot. Specifically, the thickness of the sole 100 measured along the vertical axis parallel to the vertical direction 106 from the upper surface 128 of the midsole 124 to the outsole 126 gradually increases from the heel 110 to the midfoot 112. , Gradually decreases from the middle foot portion 112 to the forefoot portion 114. Further, in some embodiments (eg, FIG. 13), the thickest portion of the sole 100 is at the midfoot 112 and is generally aligned with the impact 142. That is, the shoe sole 100 has a thickness of the middle foot portion 112 that is larger than the thickness of the shoe sole 100 in the heel portion 110 and the forefoot portion 114. The thickness of the sole 100 includes the midsole 124 and the outsole 126, and is measured along the vertical direction 106 from the top surface 128 of the midsole 124 to the grounding surface 140 of the sole 100 (ie, the sole 100's thickness). A direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102 and a direction perpendicular to the ground or reference surface 150 when in the reference state (see FIG. 4).

  In one embodiment, the thickness of the sole 100 at the heel 110 (specifically, the portion of the sole 100 that is located directly below the ribs of the foot when the sole is worn on the user's foot) is: Between about 13 mm and about 23 mm, more preferably between about 16 mm and about 20 mm. The maximum thickness of the sole at the midfoot 112 is between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, and more preferably between about 22 mm and about 26 mm. The thickness of the sole 100 at the forefoot 114 is between about 13 mm and about 23 mm, and more preferably between about 16 mm and about 20 mm.

  In another embodiment, the thickness of the sole 100 at the heel 110 (specifically, the portion of the sole 100 that is located directly below the ribs of the foot when the sole is worn on the user's foot) is , About 27 mm to about 37 mm, and more preferably about 30 mm to about 34 mm. The maximum thickness of the sole at the midfoot 112 is between about 26 mm and about 36 mm, more preferably between about 28 mm and about 32 mm. The thickness of the sole 100 at the forefoot 114 is between about 15 mm and about 25 mm, more preferably between about 17 mm and about 23 mm.

  In yet another embodiment, the thickness of the sole 100 at the heel 110 (specifically, the portion of the sole 100 that is located directly below the ribs of the foot when the sole is worn on the user's foot). Is between about 31 mm and about 42 mm, more preferably between about 33 mm and 39 mm. The maximum thickness of the sole at the midfoot 112 is between about 33 mm and about 44 mm, and more preferably between about 36 mm and about 41 mm. The thickness of the sole 100 at the forefoot 114 is between about 22 mm and about 32 mm, and more preferably between about 24 mm and about 30 mm. In one particular embodiment, the midfoot 112 is the heel 110 (specifically, the portion of the sole 100 that is located directly below the ribs of the foot when the sole is worn on the user's foot). Is about 1 mm to about 4 mm thicker.

  The exact thickness of the sole 100 at the heel 110, midfoot 112, and forefoot 114 may vary depending on the size of the shoe and the intended use of the shoe. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the sole 100 at the heel 110, midfoot 112, and forefoot 114 is about 1.0: 1.1: 1.0 and about 1.0: 1.7. : Between 1.0. In other embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the sole 100 at the heel 110, midfoot 112, and forefoot 114 is from about 1.3: 1.3: 1.0 to about 1.7: 1. 6: 1.0. In yet another embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the sole 100 at the heel 110, midfoot 112, and forefoot 114 is from about 1.2: 1.25: 1.0 to about 1.4: 1. .5: between 1.0.

  The bottom profile of the shoe sole 100, more specifically the curvature and thickness profile of the shoe sole 100, promotes the impact portion of the midfoot. As described in more detail herein, the components of the sole 100 provide optimal cushioning and shock absorption based on the impact portion 142 being located at the midfoot 112 of the sole 100. Designed to promote dynamic rotational movement while driving.

  The outsole 126 has a relatively rigid structure along the midfoot 112 to form a rotational axis 156 that is the center of rotation of the heel 110 and the forefoot 114 during use. In particular, the outsole 126 is relatively rigid along the rotational axis 156 compared to portions of the outsole 126 at the front and rear of the rotational axis 156 to provide a rigid region that is the center of rotation of the sole 100. Is expensive. Outsole 126 may be constructed from a relatively stiff material along rotation axis 156 and / or may include a reinforcing element such as a fiber to increase rigidity along rotation axis 156. The axis of rotation 156 is oriented substantially parallel to the transverse direction 104 and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation shaft 156 is in the impact portion 142 of the shoe sole 100, thereby facilitating continuous walking rotation until the tip is separated from the first landing point, and actively rotates at each step. Facilitate. In the exemplary embodiment, the axis of rotation 156 is disposed along one third of the center portion of the sole 100 in the longitudinal direction 102, and more specifically about the length of the sole 100 from the heel 116. Arranged at a longitudinal distance of 40% to about 60%.

  The midfoot cushion element 134 is configured to provide optimal shock absorption during travel and return energy to the user's foot as the user's weight moves from the midfoot 112 to the forefoot 114. In particular, the midfoot cushion element 134 is disposed within the midfoot 112 and is disposed directly above (ie, adjacent and vertically) the impact portion 142 and the rotational shaft 156. Further, the midfoot cushion element 134 absorbs energy from the initial impact of the sole 100 along the impact portion 142 and transmits energy to the user's foot on the sole 100 that rotates about the rotation axis 156. The midfoot cushion element 134 is adjacent to the outsole 126 along the impact portion 142 of the sole. Further, the midfoot cushion element 134 has a thickness measured in the vertical direction 106 that gradually increases from the heel 110 to the maximum thickness of the midfoot 112. Accordingly, the midfoot cushion element 134 provides most of the cushioning and shock absorption along the midfoot 112 and impact 142 and also provides some cushioning and shock absorption for the heel 110. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the midfoot cushion element 134 extends in the lateral direction 104 from the outer portion 120 to the inner portion 122 to provide cushioning and shock absorption across the entire width of the sole 100.

  As described above, the midsole 124 of the illustrated embodiment has a three-piece structure that includes a forefoot cushion element 132, a midfoot cushion element 134, and a heel cushion element 136. In certain embodiments, forefoot cushion element 132, midfoot cushion element 134, and heel cushion element 136 have different hardness values to provide a desired hardness distribution or profile along the longitudinal direction 102 of sole 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the shoe sole 100 has a three hardness configuration along the longitudinal direction 102 of the shoe sole 100 to facilitate aggressive rotational movement during running and also provide optimal shock absorption and energy transfer. Facilitate. Specifically, the forefoot portion 114 of the sole 100 has a first hardness, the heel portion 110 has a second hardness smaller than the first hardness, and the middle foot portion 112 has a first hardness and a second hardness. The forefoot cushion element 132, the heel cushion element 136, and the midfoot cushion element 134 have different hardness values so as to have a smaller third hardness. In another suitable embodiment, the hardness of the heel portion 110 (ie, the second hardness) is greater than the hardness of the forefoot portion 114 (ie, the first hardness) and the hardness of the midfoot portion 112 (ie, the third hardness). The forefoot cushion element 132, the heel cushion element 136, and the midfoot cushion element 134 have different hardness values such that the hardness of the midfoot part 112 is smaller than the hardness of the forefoot part 114.

  In some embodiments, the forefoot cushion element 132 has a first hardness, the heel cushion element 136 has a second hardness, and the midfoot cushion element 134 has a third hardness. In other embodiments, the forefoot cushioning element is such that the resulting combination of hardness values at the forefoot portion 114, the midfoot portion 112, and the heel portion 110 is a first hardness, a second hardness, and a third hardness, respectively. 132, heel cushion element 136, and midfoot cushion element 134 have different hardness values.

  In one embodiment, the ratio of the first hardness value of the forefoot portion 114, the second hardness value of the heel portion 110, and the third hardness value of the midfoot portion 112 is about 1.0: 1.0: 1.0. Between about 2.0: 1.75: 1.0, more suitably between about 1.2: 1.1: 1.0 and about 1.6: 1.4: 1.0. is there. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the first hardness value of the forefoot portion 114, the second hardness value of the heel portion 110, and the third hardness value of the midfoot portion 112 is about 1.22: 1.11: 1.0. It is. In another specific embodiment, the ratio of the first hardness value of the forefoot portion 114, the second hardness value of the heel portion 110, and the third hardness value of the midfoot portion 112 is about 1.33: 1.11: 1. 0.

  In one embodiment, the forefoot portion 114 (specifically, the forefoot cushion element 132) has a hardness of about 50 to 70, more suitably Asker C as measured with an Asker C hardness tester (hereinafter “Asker C”). And a hardness of about 50 to 65. The heel portion 110 (specifically, the heel cushion element 136) has a hardness of about 40 to 60 for Asker C, and more suitably about 45 to 55 for Asker C. The midfoot 112 (specifically, the midfoot cushion element 134) has a hardness of about 35 to 55 for Asker C, and more suitably about 40 to 50 for Asker C. In one particular embodiment, forefoot 114 has a hardness of about 55 on Asker C, heel 110 has a hardness of about 50 on Asker C, and midfoot 112 has a hardness of about 50 on Asker C. It has a hardness of 45. In another particular embodiment, forefoot 114 has a hardness of about 60 on Asker C, heel 110 has a hardness of about 50 on Asker C, and midfoot 112 has a hardness of about 45 on Asker C. Have

  As shown in FIG. 8, the sole 100 of the exemplary embodiment also includes a reinforcing element 160 embedded within the midsole 124 (specifically, the forefoot cushion element 132). The reinforcing element 160 is constructed of a suitably stiff elastic material that provides both flexibility and structural support (ie, rigidity) within the midsole 124. Suitable materials for constructing the reinforcing element 160 include, but are not limited to, fiber reinforced ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), carbon fiber composites, fiber reinforced polyurethane elastomers (TPU), glass reinforced composites, for example. , Nylon, and combinations thereof. The reinforcing element 160 may be embedded in the midsole 124, for example, by molding the midsole 124 around the reinforcing element.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the reinforcing element 160 includes a first protrusion 162 and a second protrusion 164 that have a generally U-shaped cross section and are connected to each other within the heel portion 110 of the shoe sole 100. Each of the first protrusion 162 and the second protrusion 164 extends in the longitudinal direction 102 from the heel portion 110 to at least the middle foot portion 112 in order to increase rigidity in the longitudinal direction 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, each of the first protrusion 162 and the second protrusion 164 extends in the longitudinal direction 102 from the heel part 110 through the middle foot part 112 to the forefoot part 114.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view of another sole 900 showing another embodiment of a reinforcing element 902 suitable for use with the sole 100 of FIGS. 1-8. The reinforcement element 902 shown in FIG. 9 is substantially similar to the reinforcement element 160 shown in FIG. 8 except that the reinforcement element 902 includes a cross member 904 that increases rigidity in the lateral direction 104. Therefore, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element. As shown in FIG. 9, the reinforcing element 902 includes a cross member 904 that extends between and interconnects the first protrusion 162 and the second protrusion 164. The illustrated reinforcing element 902 includes three cross members 904, but other embodiments may include more or fewer than three cross members 904. One of the cross members 904 is disposed on the heel 910 of the sole 900, one of the cross members 904 is disposed on the midfoot 912 of the sole 900, and one of the cross members 904 is disposed on the sole 900. It is arrange | positioned at the forefoot part 914. Cross members 904 located within the heel 910 and the midfoot 912 extend in a direction parallel to the lateral direction 104, respectively, and provide additional rigidity in the lateral direction 104 of the heel 910 and the midfoot 912. The reinforcement element 902 shown in FIG. 9 is particularly well suited for use in a sole having a relatively soft heel and midfoot, such as the sole 100 shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a plan view of a sole 1000 showing another embodiment of a reinforcing element 1002 suitable for use in the sole 100 of FIGS. 1-8. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the reinforcing element 1002 includes a first protrusion 1004 and a second protrusion 1006 connected to each other by a U-shaped connector 1008 on the heel part 1010 of the shoe sole 1000. Each of the first protrusion 1004 and the second protrusion 1006 extends in the longitudinal direction 102 from the heel part 1010 to the middle foot part 1012, but does not extend to the forefoot part 1014 of the shoe sole 1000.

  The first protrusion 1004 has a shape complementary to the inner part 1016 of the shoe sole 1000, and the second protrusion 1006 has a shape complementary to the outer part 1018 of the shoe sole 1000. The first protrusion 1004 and the second protrusion 1006 are disposed on the inner side in the lateral direction at a distance from the inner portion 1016 and the outer portion 1018 of the shoe sole 1000.

  The reinforcing element 1002 also includes a plurality of cross members 1020 extending between the first protrusion 1004 and the second protrusion 1006 and interconnecting them. Although the illustrated embodiment includes four cross members 1020, other embodiments may include more or fewer than four cross members 1020. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, two of the cross members 1020 extend at an oblique angle with respect to the lateral direction 104 and intersect each other approximately in the middle between the first protrusion 1004 and the second protrusion 1006.

  The reinforcing element 1002 also includes a forward projecting member 1022 that extends forward in the longitudinal direction 102 from a cross member 1020 located in front of the first and second protrusions 1004 and 1006. The front protrusion member 1022 is spaced laterally inward from the inner portion 1016 and the outer portion 1018 of the shoe sole 1000, and is spaced laterally inward from the first protrusion 1004 and the second protrusion 1006. Is arranged. Accordingly, the forward projecting member 1022 provides flexibility in the longitudinal direction 102 along the laterally outer portion of the sole 1000 at the forefoot portion 1014.

  The reinforcing element 1002 also includes a forefoot cross member 1024 located within the forefoot portion 1014. Each of the forefoot cross members 1024 extends in the lateral direction 104 across both the front protruding members 1022 and beyond the front protruding members 1022. Accordingly, the forefoot cross member 1024 increases the rigidity in the lateral direction 104 along the laterally outer side portion of the shoe sole 1000 in the forefoot portion 1014. Although the illustrated embodiment includes three forefoot cross members 1024, other embodiments may include more or fewer than three forefoot cross members 1024.

  11-13 are various views of another suitable embodiment of a shoe sole 1100 having a midfoot impact section. The sole 1100 is substantially the same as the sole 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 except for variations in dimensions. Therefore, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element.

  The shoe sole 1100 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 has a more prominent midfoot 112 compared to the shoe sole 100 of FIGS. 1 to 8. For example, the heel portion 110 of the sole 1100 (specifically, the outsole 126 in the heel portion 110) has a first radius of curvature 144 that is smaller than the first radius of curvature 144 of the sole 100 of FIGS. 1 to 8. Curves upward from the foot 112. In addition, the forefoot portion 114 (specifically, the outsole 126 in the forefoot portion 114) has a second curvature radius 146 smaller than the second curvature radius 146 of the shoe sole of FIGS. To curve.

  Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-13, the thickness of the sole 1100 at the heel 110 is about 17 mm to about 27 mm, more suitably about 20 mm to about 24 mm. The maximum thickness of the sole 1100 at the midfoot 112 is between about 33 mm and about 44 mm, and more suitably between about 36 mm and about 41 mm. The thickness of the sole 1100 at the forefoot 114 is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, more suitably between about 13 mm and about 17 mm. The ratio of the thickness of the sole 1100 at the heel 110, the midfoot 112, and the forefoot 114 is between about 1.4: 2.5: 1.0 and about 1.5: 2.6: 1.0. It is.

  14-16 are various views of another suitable embodiment of a shoe sole 1400 having a midfoot impact section. The shoe sole 1400 extends in the walking or longitudinal direction 1402 from the heel part 1410 through the middle foot part 1412 to the forefoot part 1414.

  A shoe sole 1400 shown in FIGS. 14-16 includes a midsole 1416 and an outsole 1418. As shown in FIG. 16, midsole 1416 includes an upper surface 1420 for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and a lower surface 1422 disposed opposite to upper surface 1420. The outsole 1418 is disposed along the lower surface 1422 of the midsole 1416 and extends from the heel part 1410 to the forefoot part 1414.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the midsole 1416 has a unitary structure. That is, the midsole 1416 of the sole 1400 is not formed from a separate piece or component. Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the midsole 1416 does not include a separate cushion element. That is, midsole 1416 can act as a cushioning element depending on the hardness of midsole 1416, but midsole 1416 has no separate cushioning element.

  Similar to the sole of FIGS. 1-8, the sole 1400 has a continuously upwardly convex bottom so that the impact 1424 of the sole 1400 is defined within the midfoot 1412 of the sole 1400. It has an outer shape.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the heel portion 1410 (specifically, the outsole 1418 in the heel portion 1410) extends from the midfoot portion 1412 with a first radius of curvature 1426 between about 390 mm and about 450 mm. Curved upward, the forefoot portion 1414 (specifically, the outsole 1418 in the forefoot portion 1414) is curved upward from the midfoot portion 1412 with a second radius of curvature 1428 between about 360 mm and about 420 mm. The foot 1412 has a third radius of curvature 1430 between about 970 mm and about 1030 mm.

  Further, the outsole 1418 has a relatively stiff structure along the midfoot 1412 to form a rotational axis 1432 around which the heel 1410 and forefoot 1414 rotate during use. The outsole 1418 is relatively rigid along the rotational axis 1432 to provide a rigid region in which the sole 1400 can rotate, particularly compared to the front and rear portions of the outsole 1418 of the rotational axis 1432. Is expensive. To provide increased stiffness along the rotational axis 1432, the outsole 1418 may be composed of a relatively stiff material along the rotational axis 1432 and / or may include reinforcing elements such as fibers. . The axis of rotation 1432 is oriented substantially parallel to the lateral direction 1404 of the sole 1400 (FIG. 15) and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 1402. As shown in FIG. 16, the rotation shaft 1432 is in the impact part 1424 of the shoe sole 1400, thereby facilitating continuous walking rotation until the tip is separated from the first landing point, and actively rotates at each step. To promote.

  The described shoe sole embodiments are particularly well suited for running and offer several advantages over the soles of known running shoes. For example, the shoe sole embodiments described herein have a contoured bottom profile that is contoured to promote impact or striking points along the midfoot of the sole rather than the heel. . Furthermore, the shoe sole described in the present specification is generally convex, and is curved upward from the middle foot portion to each of the heel portion and the forefoot portion. As a result, the shoe sole promotes a dynamic rotation operation during traveling when the weight of the user changes from the buttocks to the forefoot. In addition, the sole described herein includes a mid-foot rotation axis disposed along the impact portion of the sole, thereby providing continuous contact between the initial landing point or the point of impact and the tip. Promotes walking rotation. In addition, the sole described herein includes a relatively thick cushioning element disposed on the midfoot portion of the sole directly above the impact portion of the sole. Therefore, the shoe sole provides cushioning and soft landing with excellent shock absorption when landing on the middle foot, compared to a running shoe having an impact portion or a cushion element in the heel of the shoe sole. In addition, the sole described herein has three structures and provides three hardness configurations that facilitate dynamic rotational motion during running, facilitating optimal shock absorption and energy transfer.

  When introducing an element of the invention or an embodiment thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that one or more elements are present. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

  Since various modifications can be made to the above structures and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, all matters contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings are not meant to be limiting. It is intended to be construed as exemplary.

Claims (20)

A sole for footwear,
The shoe sole extends in the longitudinal direction from the buttocks to the forefoot through the middle foot,
The shoe sole is
A midsole having an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper; and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface;
An outsole disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defining a contact surface of the sole,
The midsole includes a forefoot cushion element, a midfoot cushion element, and a heel cushion element;
The shoe sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that the impact portion of the shoe sole is defined within the midfoot portion, and the midfoot cushion element is within the midfoot portion, Arranged just above the impact part,
Shoe sole for footwear. The outsole has a relatively stiff structure along the midfoot, thereby forming a rotation axis in the impact portion on which the heel and the forefoot rotate, and the midfoot cushion element is Arranged just above the rotation axis,
The shoe sole according to claim 1. The midfoot cushion element is adjacent to the outsole along the impact portion of the shoe sole;
The midfoot cushion element is configured to absorb energy from an initial impact of the shoe sole along the impact portion and to transmit energy to the user's foot during rotation of the shoe sole about the rotational axis. ing,
The shoe sole according to claim 2. The forefoot cushion element and the heel cushion element jointly define a recess in the midfoot part of the sole;
The middle foot cushion element is disposed in the recess, and is disposed between the forefoot cushion element and the heel cushion element in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.
The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The forefoot cushion element extends to the thickness of the forefoot from the upper surface of the midsole to the lower surface of the midsole;
The forefoot cushion element is adjacent to the outsole along the forefoot portion of the shoe sole and extends from the forefoot portion to the heel portion;
The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The heel cushion element is disposed vertically between the forefoot cushion element and the outsole;
The heel cushion element is adjacent to each of the forefoot cushion element and the outsole of the heel of the shoe sole;
The shoe sole according to claim 5. The midfoot cushion element has a hardness lower than the hardness of each of the forefoot cushion element and the heel cushion element;
The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The midfoot cushion element has a first hardness;
The forefoot cushion element has a second hardness greater than the first hardness;
The heel cushion element has a third hardness smaller than the second hardness;
The sole according to claim 7. The midfoot cushion element has a first hardness;
The forefoot cushion element has a second hardness greater than the first hardness;
The heel cushion element has a third hardness smaller than the first hardness and the second hardness,
The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The sole includes an outer portion and an opposing inner portion;
The midfoot cushion element extends from the outer portion to the inner portion,
The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Further comprising a reinforcing element embedded in the midsole,
The reinforcing element includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion that are substantially U-shaped in cross section and connected to each other at the heel portion of the shoe sole,
Each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion extends in the longitudinal direction from the buttocks to at least the middle foot in order to increase rigidity in the longitudinal direction.
The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An upper fixed to the midsole;
With footwear. A sole for footwear,
The shoe sole extends in the longitudinal direction from the buttocks to the forefoot through the middle foot,
The shoe sole is
A midsole having an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper; and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface;
An outsole disposed along a lower surface of the midsole and defining a ground contact surface of the sole,
The midsole includes a forefoot cushion element, a midfoot cushion element, and a heel cushion element;
The shoe sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact portion of the shoe sole is defined within the midfoot;
The midsole has a first hardness at the forefoot part, a second hardness smaller than the first hardness at the heel part, and the first hardness at the middle foot part above the impact part. Having a third hardness smaller than both of the second hardnesses,
Shoe sole for footwear. The forefoot cushion element has a first hardness;
The heel cushion element has a second hardness;
The midfoot cushion element has a third hardness;
The sole of claim 13. The forefoot cushion element and the heel cushion element jointly define a recess in which the midfoot cushion element is disposed;
The forefoot cushion element extends from the forefoot to the buttocks;
The sole of claim 14. The midfoot cushion element has a hardness of about 35 on Asker C to about 55 on Asker C.
The sole of claim 14. The outsole has a relatively stiff structure along the middle foot portion so as to form a rotation axis in the impact portion that is the center of rotation of the heel portion and the front foot portion
The sole according to any one of claims 13 to 16. The ratio between the first hardness, the second hardness, and the third hardness is between about 1.0: 1.0: 1.0 and about 2.0: 1.75: 1.0. is there,
The sole according to any one of claims 13 to 16. The ratio between the first hardness, the second hardness, and the third hardness is between about 1.2: 1.1: 1.0 and about 1.6: 1.4: 1.0. is there,
The shoe sole of claim 18. A sole for footwear,
The shoe sole extends in the longitudinal direction from the buttocks to the forefoot through the middle foot,
The shoe sole is
A midsole having an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper; and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface;
An outsole disposed along a lower surface of the midsole and defining a ground contact surface of the sole,
The shoe sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact portion of the shoe sole is defined within the midfoot;
The outsole has a relatively stiff structure along the middle foot portion so as to form a rotation axis in the impact portion that is the center of rotation of the heel portion and the forefoot portion,
The buttocks curve upward from the midfoot and have a radius of curvature of from 390 millimeters to about 450 millimeters;
The forefoot extends upward from the midfoot and has a radius of curvature of from about 360 millimeters to about 420 millimeters;
Shoe sole for footwear.

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