AT512793B1 - Sole with training element - Google Patents

Abstract

Shown is a sole (1) having at least one training element (3) projecting from the sole over the flat outsole (2) and forming at least part of the footprint of the sole. To enable similar training effects to disc-shaped balance training devices proposed that the training element (3) - or at several training elements whose common envelope - his or her greatest height in the middle longitudinal third (4) of the sole, wherein in horizontal alignment of the sole neither the front (5) nor the rear longitudinal third (6) make the sole part of the footprint.

Description

Austrian Patent Office AT512 793B1 2013-11-15

description

SOLE WITH TRAINING ELEMENT AND SHOE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a sole with at least one training element that protrudes from the sole away over the flat outsole and forms at least part of the footprint of the sole, and a corresponding shoe.

The term sole here refers to the so-called shoe bottom. This is the part of a shoe that is in contrast to the shoe upper below the human foot. The shoe bottom may consist of several layers or layers, which are also referred to as sole. The insole refers to the part of the sole, which lies within the shoe and comes directly into contact with the sole of the foot. The outsole or outsole is accordingly the outer part of the shoe bottom which is in contact with the ground. Between insole and outsole, one or more midsoles may be arranged, which are usually used for damping. The individual layers of the shoe bottom, referred to as soles, are generally essentially congruent and correspond to the shape of the sole of the foot.

Between the various layers of the shoe bottom, on the inside of the insole and / or on the outside of the outsole other materials may be provided which do not extend over the entire sole surface, such as cushion pads or heels.

The shoe bottom or the sole (s) are divided in the longitudinal direction into three areas: the forefoot area, in which the toes and bales of the foot come to rest, the metatarsal area, in which the arch of the foot is, and the heel area, in which the heel rests. Each of these areas comprises in the longitudinal direction about one third of the shoe bottom or the sole (s).

The footprint of the sole is that part of the sole, more specifically the outsole, which contacts the flat surface of the ground when the sole is placed on a ground. In this case, the sole will usually be aligned horizontally, with the training element in any case touches the ground.

By the term "flat outsole " is expressed that it has no elevations or heels, but just or, following the sole of the human foot, is slightly curved.

The term shoe here means both a closed shoe, where the shoe upper surrounds the entire foot, such as shoe, boots or boots, as well as an open shoe, such as a sandal or a slipper. When the shoe is open shoe sole surrounds only part of the foot.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known to provide for training of the musculature elements in or at various points of the sole, causing an instability of the sole and animate the wearer of the sole to movements that compensate for the instability.

For example, from US 2010/0251567 A1 shoes are known which have on the sole in the area of the heel and the forefoot bulges. These bulges cause a tilting movement or unsteadiness during walking, which must be compensated by the user, resulting in a training effect. The bulges can be filled with air or another fluid.

The US 2010/0269370 A1 shows a sneaker with sole, in which a bubble is installed, which contains air at a low pressure. This causes instability, which is 1/12 Austrian Patent Office AT512 793B1 2013-11-15

User must balance when wearing the shoes. In this way, the coordination ability and the musculature of the user are trained. By means of a valve, the air pressure in the bladder can be adjusted to the weight of the user. The bladder corresponds approximately to the length and width of the sole.

WO 2011/068782 A1 relates to shoe soles which have downwardly projecting, compressible elements of an elastomeric material, for example in the form of a spherical segment. These elements cause a natural instability, which has a training effect for the user with regard to their balance and musculature. The elements are provided in the area of the heel and in the area of the forefoot.

The CN 201860887 U refers to shoes that have on the outer soles air cushion, which protrude down from the soles. The air cushions result in a training effect for the user when standing, walking and running. It is an air cushion at the big toe, one at the ball and one at the heel.

In WO 2011/133686 A1 outer soles are shown, which have convex-shaped sections in the region of the forefoot and the heel.

A disadvantage of the soles of said publications is that they destabilize the foot only in the area of the forefoot and / or the heel, or that, as in US 2010/0269370 A1, the entire sole is destabilized. The soles or shoes described above are intended for everyday use for locomotion, but can thus only have a limited training effect.

WO 2006/107283 A1 shows a sole on which a rounded training element is arranged in the middle, which protrudes beyond the remaining standing surface.

Also known are training devices that have a disc on which both feet are placed, wherein the disc is curved at the bottom or a curved, approximately elastic, element is attached thereto. With the feet now the person standing on the disc must constantly by weight shifting try to reach a stable position and hold them. Although such training devices have a better training effect on the leg muscles than the aforementioned soles or shoes, but are relatively large and unwieldy and require a lot of storage space.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide soles or shoes that allow similar training effects as disc-shaped balance training equipment, but are less bulky than this.

The object is achieved by a sole according to claim 1, with at least one training element that protrudes from the sole over the flat outsole and forms at least part of the footprint of the sole, solved so that the training element - or in several training elements their common envelope - his or her greatest height in the middle longitudinal third of the sole has, wherein when the sole is oriented horizontally, neither the front nor the rear third of the sole form part of the base, and wherein the training element contains one or more damping elements.

The height of the training element is measured normal to the surface of the sole. That part of the training element that has the greatest height forms part of the footprint of the sole.

Since the training element according to the invention makes the sole so unstable, the sole accordingly generally has no equilibrium position and thus not a single footing (as a sole of a conventional shoe), but the sole or shoe according to the invention is even after at the front, tilt it back once, etc., when placing it on a flat horizontal surface. In this respect, the sole according to the invention is characterized in that, when arranged horizontally on a horizontal surface, it only touches this surface with the training element and not also with the outsole of the front or back the back longitudinal third of the sole. Only in this way can a tilting movement of the sole in the sense of balancing and a corresponding training effect be ensured.

If several training elements are provided, then their envelope takes the place of the contour of a single training element. The envelope then defines the footprint in a horizontal position of the sole, with the sole then actually standing on one or more of the training elements.

Characterized in that the greatest height of the training element (or the envelope of the several training elements) is located in the middle longitudinal third of the sole, the front or rear longitudinal third thus consequently has a lower part of the training element or no part of the training element, exists both Forward and backward instability of the sole, so that the wearer of the sole has to balance its weight at least in the longitudinal direction of the sole.

In this sense, it can be provided that in a longitudinal inclination of the sole of up to 5 °, preferably of up to 15 °, more preferably of up to 25 °, in particular of up to 45 ° - each of the horizontal Sole orientation measured - neither the front nor the back third of the sole forms part of the footprint. In other words, the position of the training element relative to the sole and the dimension of the training element are chosen so that when tilting the sole by the specified angle, the sole neither front (in the front longitudinal third) nor the rear (in the rear third) the (flat) bottom touched when the training element touches the ground. Of course, angles of more than 45 ° are possible.

The instability of the sole is enhanced when the training element is located exclusively on the middle longitudinal third of the sole, because then there is between the middle longitudinal third of the sole on the one hand and the front and rear longitudinal third on the other hand, a maximum height difference. The term " middle longitudinal third " expresses that the training element there, such as mechanical or magnetic, is connected to the sole, so anyway touches the outsole. However, the training element does not touch the anterior or posterior third of the sole. However, the training element could extend with increasing height in the region of the front and / or rear longitudinal third of the sole.

If it is provided that the training element is arranged exclusively in the middle longitudinal third of the sole, the training element touches neither the front nor the rear longitudinal third of the sole nor it projects into the region of the front or rear longitudinal third of the sole. It would be conceivable, however, that fasteners of the training element at the front or rear longitudinal third of the sole attack.

An embodiment of the invention provides that the training element - or at several training elements whose common envelope - in a central region of the training element or the envelope has a greater height than in an edge region. The contour of the training element or the envelope is thus approximately curved or multi-stepped, which facilitates a rocking on the training element.

Of course, the training element could also have a flat area greatest height, which then drops straight and normal to the surface of the outsole to this point. But this has the disadvantage that a rocking or balancing is hardly possible because you would tilt forward or back over the edge of the training element in a weight shift forward or backward.

In order to ensure a sufficiently large training effect, the greatest height of the training element should be 3 to 200 mm, in particular 10 to 100 mm. Of course, the training effect at a height of only 3 mm will not be particularly great and training elements with 200 mm height are probably little more than to save space. Thus, the preferred height of the training element is in the range of a few centimeters, ie 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 cm. It makes sense, too, to make the height dependent on the length of the sole, so that a similar training effect for different shoe sizes is present. For example, the height of the training element could amount to 1 to 60%, in particular 3 to 33%, of the length of the sole.

In order to further enhance the training effect, an instability in the transverse direction of the sole can be provided, as seen in the transverse direction of the sole, the training element - or at several training elements whose common envelope - has the greatest height in the middle of the sole , The height of the training element or the envelope thus also varies in the transverse direction, wherein the height in the middle of the sole has a maximum. Again, the training element - or in the case of several training elements whose common envelope - can have a greater height in a central region of the training element or of the envelope than in an edge region. The contour of the training element or the envelope in the transverse direction can thus be approximately curved or multi-stepped, which facilitates rocking on the training element in the transverse direction.

It can be provided in general exactly one training element, which is easier in the production and attachment of the training elements on the sole. With only one training element whose contour can be made in a simple manner steadily, ie without edges. For a variant with several training elements speaks that - in comparison to the contour of a single training elements - with the same envelope material and thus weight can be saved. So it could be achieved with less material the same footprint.

When the training element is releasably connected to the sole, successively different training elements can be attached to the same sole, which differ approximately in size and / or structure and thus cause a different training effect. As releasable connections are about screws, threads, magnets, Velcro, bayonet or the like in question. Of course, the training element may also be fixedly connected to the sole by being made in one piece with this or glued to it.

The training element or the training elements can be designed as a solid body, which has the advantage of ease of manufacture. Suitable materials include elastomers, such as rubber, which additionally contribute to the instability due to their elasticity. But it can also non-elastic plastics, wood or leather (in several layers) can be used. The individual materials can also be used in combination, for example in different layers.

If the training element or the training elements are each designed as a hollow body, material can be saved. If the hollow body are additionally designed to be elastic, they can be filled with gas, it being possible to set the degree of instability depending on the amount of gas. It can also be provided that the gas pressure, for example by means of valve, can be changed continuously.

In a single training element can be provided that the training element has the shape of a body of revolution, wherein the axis of rotation is aligned perpendicular to the sole. As a result, the training element has the same contour in all directions. When balancing or rocking then the same movement results, no matter whether in the longitudinal direction of the sole is rocking (forward-back), in the transverse direction (left-right), or a direction in between (diagonally backwards obliquely). Thus, the training element may have the shape of a spherical segment, in particular a hemisphere.

Alternatively, it may be provided in a single training element that it has different curvatures in different directions. Consider, for example, a segment of an ellipsoid that is not an ellipsoid of revolution, e.g. one half of a lengthened lens. As a result, the rocking behavior of the training element for different Austrian patent office AT512 793B1 2013-11-15

Directions be different. This can be further increased in the example, if the main axes of the ellipsoid segment do not run in the longitudinal and transverse direction of the sole. Of course, several training elements can be arranged, which have an envelope with different curvatures in different directions.

In order to obtain a good training effect, can also be provided that the training element - in addition to the damping element - one or more spring elements, such as cylinder springs contains. In this case, one or more spring elements may be arranged in an elastic body of the training element. But it can also be provided only one or more spring elements, each itself form a training element.

Finally, the subject invention includes a shoe by the sole according to the invention is connected to a shoe upper to a shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be explained by way of example with reference to the following schematic figures. Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 4 Fig. 6 Fig. 6 Fig. 8 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 Fig. 10 Fig. 12 Fig. 13 Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Fig. 15 [0054] Fig. 16 [0055] Figs FIG. 17 shows a sole with hemispherical training element in side view, the sole of FIG. 1 in rear view, the sole of FIG. 1 in bottom view, a sole with cylinder springs in the training element, the sole of FIG. 4 in rear view, a sole with dampers in the training element, the sole of FIG. 6 in rear view, a shoe with a sole according to FIG. 1 to 7, a sole with two training elements, the sole of FIG. 9 in rear view, the sole of FIG. 9 in bottom view, a sole with a rounded rubber block as a training element, the sole of FIG. 12 in rear view, the sole of FIG. 12 in bottom view, a sole with training elements in the form of discs, a sole with training elements in the form of columns, a sole with a training element projecting beyond the median longitudinal third; FIG. 18 a sole with a fastening element for the training element projecting beyond the central longitudinal third.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In Fig. 1, a sole 1 is shown with hemispherical training element 3 in side view. The training element 3 directly adjoins the outsole 2 and is no longer than the middle longitudinal third 4 of the sole 1. The front longitudinal third 5 of the sole 1 and the rear longitudinal third 6 of the sole 1 are free of training elements or other elements that are on the outsole 2 are attached, such as heels. However, it would be conceivable to provide lower elements (lower than the training element 3) at the front and / or rear of the outsole, which are elastic and support the return to the horizontal position of the sole 1. From FIG. 2, which shows the sole of FIG. 1 in rear view, it can be seen that the training element 3 occupies approximately the entire width of the sole 1. From Fig. 3, which shows the sole of Fig. 1 in a bottom view, this is also seen.

The training element 3 may be formed as a solid body, such as wood, plastic, leather layers, rubber or a mixture thereof. It may be formed as an elastic hollow body, which is filled with gas, or in which spring elements are arranged, see the corresponding cylinder springs 7 in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The training element 3 need not be formed as a full hemisphere, but it can also be several training elements in the form of individual discs 10 may be provided, the envelope of which results in a hemisphere. This is shown in Fig. 15, where the envelope is shown by dashed lines. The side view of the sole in Fig. 1 would also correspond to the side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15. Of course, the discs 10 could not only extend in the longitudinal direction of the sole 1, but also in the transverse direction or in any other direction.

The training element 3 could also be replaced by a plurality of training elements in the form of columns 11, as shown in Fig. 16. This embodiment would then have a grid-like arrangement of the columns 11 the same rear view as in Fig. 15. Of course, the columns 11 need not be arranged in grid form, they could also be arranged in mutually offset rows or in irregular shape. They may have round or angular cross-section. You could also be rounded at their free ends, which form the envelope.

With discs 10 or columns 11, of course, other shapes with other envelopes can be generated, such as block-shaped shapes as shown in Figs. 12-14.

4 and 5, the training element 3 is shown in each case cut open, so that its interior is visible. There four cylinder springs 7 are arranged in a square, which are inclined away from the sole 1 to the outside. They could also be arranged parallel and perpendicular to the sole 1.

In the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, a flat hollow training element 3 is provided, which is shown in each case cut and in which four damping elements 8 are arranged in a square. They are inclined outwardly from the sole 1, but could also have a different inclination or be arranged normal to the plane of the sole 1 (ie vertically downwards in FIGS. 6 and 7).

Of course, spring and damping elements 6, 7 can be arranged without a wrapping training element 3. Or it could be provided with a coating each of the spring and damping elements 6, 7, so that from the outside only individual columns 11, similar to FIG. 16, can be seen.

FIG. 8 shows a shoe with a sole 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 7 and with a shoe upper 9. The shoe is designed as a loafer with lacing, it could of course also be closed with Velcro straps or buckles. The shoe upper 9 could also be made open, consist only of bands, so that there is a sandal, which also allows a good grip with appropriate design.

9-11 show a sole 1 with two training elements in the form of pins 12, which are arranged along a diagonal to the longitudinal or transverse direction, as can be seen from the bottom view in Fig. 11. It is also conceivable that the pins 12 are arranged only at the middle longitudinal third 4, so they are connected only in this area of the sole 1 with this and touch them there However, the free end of the pins 12, as seen in an oblique position, seen in the longitudinal direction of the sole 1 extends beyond the middle longitudinal third In such asymmetrically arranged training elements 12 can generally be provided that these are arranged the same or mirror-symmetrical for left and right foot.

12-14 show an embodiment of the invention where a sole training element in the form of a rubber block 13 is arranged on the sole 1 in the middle longitudinal third 4. This has a square cross section, but could just as well have a rectangular, round or polygonal cross section. The lateral boundary surfaces are flat and normal to the plane of the sole 1. The footprint of the rubber block 13 is rounded, the more the curvature is made, the greater the instability.

The embodiment according to FIG. 17 has a sole with an oversized training element 14, which protrudes beyond the middle longitudinal third 4. The oversized training element 14 is thus arranged on the middle longitudinal third, that is, only attached to this, but protrudes with increasing distance from the sole 1 in the front and rear longitudinal third 5, 6 into it. The training element 14 may be rotationally symmetrical, but the standing surface could also be curved differently in different directions.

In Fig. 18, the training element 3, here again by way of example a hemisphere, although within the middle longitudinal third 4th However, it is not directly attached to the outsole there, but by means of a fastener 15, the only in the front and rear longitudinal third 5, 6 is attached to the sole 1, the training element 3 carries and is executed here in the form of a clamp. The fastening element 15 could also be attached to the outsole in the middle longitudinal third 4 or be supported there. The training element 3 could of course also have a different shape or be replaced by several training elements.

REFERENCE LIST 1 sole 2 outsole 3 hemispherical rain element 4 middle longitudinal third of sole 1 5 front longitudinal third of sole 1 6 rear longitudinal third 6 sole 1 7 cylinder springs 8 cushioning element 9 upper 10 shims 11 pillars 12 pin 13 rubber block 14 oversized training element 15 fastening element 7/12

Claims (16)

Austrian Patent Office AT512 793 B1 2013-11-15 Claims 1. Sole (1) with at least one training element (3, 10-14) projecting from the sole over the flat outsole (2) and at least part of the footprint of the sole forms, characterized in that the training element (3, 13, 14) - or at several training elements (10-12) whose common envelope - his or her greatest height in the middle longitudinal third (4) of the sole, wherein in a horizontal orientation neither the front (5) nor the rear longitudinal third (6) of the sole form part of the platform, and the training element (3) contains one or more damping elements (8). 2. Sole according to claim 1, characterized in that at an inclination of the sole (1) in the longitudinal direction of up to 5 °, preferably of up to 15 °, more preferably of up to 25 °, in particular of up to 45 °, neither the front (5) nor the rear longitudinal third (6) of the sole form part of the base. 3. sole according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the training element (3, 10-14) exclusively on the middle longitudinal third (4) of the sole (1) is arranged. 4. Sole according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the training element (3, 10-13) is arranged exclusively in the middle longitudinal third of the sole. 5. sole according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the training element (3, 13, 14) - or at several training elements (10-12) whose common envelope - in a central region of the training element or the envelope a greater height than in a peripheral area. 6. Sole according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the greatest height of the training element (3,10-14) 3 to 200 mm, in particular 10 to 100 mm. 7. sole according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that seen in the transverse direction of the sole (1), the training element (3, 13, 14) - or at several training elements (10-12) whose common envelope -the greatest height in the middle of the sole. 8. Sole according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that exactly one training element (3,13,14) is provided. 9. sole according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the training element (3,10-14) is detachably connected to the sole. 10. sole according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the training element (3,10-14) is formed as a solid body. 11. sole according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the training element (3,10-14) as, in particular elastic, hollow body is formed. 12. Sole according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the single training element (3, 13, 14) has the shape of a body of revolution, wherein the axis of rotation perpendicular to the sole (1) is aligned. 13. Sole according to claim 12, characterized in that the training element (3) has the shape of a spherical segment, in particular a hemisphere. 14. Sole according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the single training element (3, 13, 14) has different curvatures in different directions. 15. Sole according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the training element (3) one or more spring elements, such as cylinder springs (7) contains. 16. Sole according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it is connected to a shoe upper (9) to a shoe. 4 sheets of drawings 8/12