EP4340671A1

EP4340671A1 - Sole comprising a two-layer midsole

Info

Publication number: EP4340671A1
Application number: EP22729206.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Renaud DESPOTS ALLAIRE; Nils Arne ALTROGGE
Original assignee: ON Clouds GmbH
Current assignee: ON Clouds GmbH
Priority date: 2021-05-21
Filing date: 2022-05-17
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Also published as: WO2022243263A1; CN117377409A; CH718659A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a sole comprising a midsole (1) for a running shoe, the midsole (1) comprising a forefoot region (VFB), a heel region (FB), and a midfoot region (MFB) located between the forefoot region (VFB) and the heel region (FB), and the midsole comprising an elastic cushioning layer (2) and a base layer (3) located thereon, the base layer (3) having a greater hardness than the cushioning layer (2), and the cushioning layer (2) forming, in the heel region (FB) and optionally in the midfoot region (MFB) and/or in the forefoot region (VFB), a plurality of channels (21, 22) that extend in the transverse direction (Q) of the sole.

Description

Sole with two-layer midsole

technical field

The present invention relates to the field of shoe technology, in particular soles for running shoes for absorbing forces occurring when running. State of the art

A large number of running shoes with different damping systems are known in the prior art. Sports and leisure shoes with soles that have a gel core in the heel area to ensure vertical cushioning when stepping on are widespread. Furthermore, improvements in the vertical cushioning properties were achieved by attaching individual spring elements in the heel area between the outsole and insole.

While the vertical cushioning properties of the shoes are improved by the above-mentioned soles, satisfactory cushioning of forces acting horizontally on the sole and the shoe cannot be achieved. Forces with a large horizontal component are additionally amplified, especially on deviated routes and, due to a lack of sufficient damping, are one of the main causes of frequent knee and hip joint pain.

The applicant's WO 2016 184 920 discloses a sole which has segmented, channel-shaped elements that protrude downwards, are open at the side. Under the action of the forces occurring during running, the channel-shaped elements are deformable both vertically and horizontally until their lateral openings are closed. Presentation of the invention

A disadvantage of the soles known in the prior art is that the cushioning systems often increase the overall weight of the sole, which is the case in particular with soles with gel cores. Soles with cushioning channel systems offer the advantage that channels that are not filled, i.e. channels that are open to the environment in terms of flow and therefore only contain air, reduce the overall weight of the sole. This is the case, for example, with the sole known from WO 201 6 184 920. The channel-shaped elements disclosed there dampen both vertically and horizontally acting forces through the correspondingly designed channels. On the one hand, however, the problem arises that the channel-shaped elements are less resistant to wear and tear than conventional solid soles. Furthermore, there are indentations between the channel-shaped elements, in which stones or pieces of wood can become trapped when walking, which then have to be removed manually. The present invention is based on the general object of further developing the prior art in the field of soles for running shoes and preferably of overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art in whole or in part. In advantageous embodiments, a sole is provided which can dampen 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 dampen forces acting both in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction and is also light in weight.

According to one aspect of the invention, the general object is achieved by a sole with a midsole for a running shoe. The midsole has a forefoot area, a heel area and one between the forefoot area and the heel area arranged midfoot area. In addition, the midsole comprises an elastic cushioning layer and a base layer, in particular a base layer arranged on the cushioning layer. The base layer is preferably connected directly to the damping layer, or directly adjoins the damping layer in the vertical direction. In this case, the base layer has a different hardness, in particular greater hardness or lesser hardness, than the damping layer. The base layer can protect the cushioning layer from wear and tear, especially from friction when running, and also stabilize the step and push-off. The protective effect of the base layer is particularly advantageous if the base layer is harder than the damping layer. Furthermore, the cushioning layer in the heel area and optionally in the midfoot area and/or in the forefoot area forms 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 that occur when running. This not only enables vertical compression of the damping layer in the area of the channels, but also shearing, so that horizontally acting forces can also be absorbed.

Those skilled in the art know how to determine the physical hardness of a material, to which the term "hardness" as used herein 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. In particular, hardness is an inherent property of the material.

The damping layer is designed in particular to dampen the forces that occur when running by means of elastic deformation.

Directional statements as used in the present disclosure are to be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction L of the sole or midsole is defined by an axis from the Described heel edge in the heel area to the tip of the sole in the forefoot area and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole, or in the running direction. The transverse direction Q of the sole or midsole runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis and essentially parallel to the underside of the sole, or essentially parallel to the ground. Thus, the transverse direction runs along a transverse axis of the midsole. In connection with the present invention, the vertical direction V designates a direction from the underside of the sole in the direction of the insole, or in the operative state in the direction of the wearer's foot, and thus runs along a vertical axis of the midsole. A horizontal plane of the sole or midsole describes a plane which is aligned essentially parallel to the underside of the sole or essentially parallel to the ground. It is also understood that the horizontal plane can also be slightly curved. This can be the case, for example, when the sole, as is typical for running shoes, is slightly curved vertically upwards in the forefoot area and/or in the heel area. Furthermore, the lateral area of the midsole designates an area along the lateral inner and outer sides of the midsole of the running shoe of a pair of running shoes, the area extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the midsole. The longitudinal axis separates the lateral inner side from the lateral outer side of the sole. In the operative, ie worn state, the outside is arranged closer to the wearer's little toe and the inside closer to the wearer's big toe. Typically, the horizontal extent of the lateral area is a few centimeters, for example 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. The medial area of the midsole refers to an area along the longitudinal axis in the middle of the midsole, which extends in the transverse direction of the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extent of the medial area is a few centimetres, for example 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. The forefoot area extends, for example, from the tip of the sole in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction to 30-45% of the total length of the midsole in the longitudinal direction. The heel area extends, for example, from the heel edge in the Longitudinally up to 20-30% of the total length of the midsole longitudinally. The midfoot area extends directly between the heel area and the forefoot area, so that the length in the longitudinal direction of the midfoot area makes up the remaining proportion of the total length, in particular 15-50% of the total length. Elastic materials for soles are well known to those skilled in the art. In the event of a deformation triggered by the action of a force, these essentially return to their original shape. 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 include polymeric foams. Polyurethane, in particular thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), polyolefins, rubber, such as natural rubber, polyamides, for example PA-11, PA-12, nylon, polyether block amide (PEBA, PEBAX ^® ), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or mixtures thereof. In the context of the present invention, a channel is to be understood as meaning a recess which can typically be elongate, preferably tubular. In a cross section along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, the channel or channels can be pentagonal, hexagonal, rectangular, oval or drop-shaped. In general, a duct is bounded in whole or in part by its duct walls, except at the side duct openings. Typically, the channels are continuous and open on both sides, ie only filled with air and fluidically connected to the environment, so that there is no overpressure in them or such can build up. A channel is preferably not a blind hole. A channel, in particular all channels, of the midsole preferably extends continuously from the lateral inside of the midsole to the lateral outside of the midsole. In preferred embodiments, the channels can run essentially parallel to one another. In some Embodiments, the total portion of the open area of the midsole, ie the total portion of the lateral areas of the channel openings, can be smaller than the total part of the closed area of the midsole, ie the total part of the outer peripheral surface of the midsole that has no channels. In some embodiments, the channels are arranged one behind the other exclusively in the longitudinal direction, ie from the edge of the heel to the tip of the sole. This does not rule out the possibility of the channels being offset from one another in the vertical direction, but the channels are therefore at least not completely and directly one below the other in the vertical direction, but are offset from one another in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the midsole has a multiplicity of channels, for example at least 5, in particular at least 7, in particular at least 10, in particular at least 14. Typically, the midsole can have 5 to 16 channels, in particular 7 to 14 channels, in particular 10 to 14 channels.

The cushioning layer preferably forms channels in the heel area, in the midfoot area and in the forefoot area of the midsole.

In some embodiments in which the channels have channel openings on the lateral side, the open area of a channel arranged in the heel area can be larger than the open area of a channel in the midfoot area and/or in the forefoot area. Preferably, the open area of a channel located in the midfoot area can be larger than the open area of a channel in the forefoot area. Such embodiments increase the efficiency of the cushioning and at the same time reduce the loss of power when running. The larger the open area of the channel openings, the higher the damping effect. However, a larger open area of the canal opening also makes the push-off inefficient as the canal opening must first be closed before a forceful push-off from the ground can be made, resulting in a loss of power. By reducing the side openings in the forefoot area compared to the heel area, this loss of power is minimized. However, this has hardly any negative effects on the cushioning, since the first contact when running occurs with the heel, so that the need for a high cushioning effect is most important in the heel area. In some embodiments, the channels may each have a transversely narrowing channel cross-section. In particular, the respective cross section can 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 area, in particular all channels in the heel area, each have a channel cross-section that narrows in the transverse direction from the lateral outside to the lateral inside of the midsole and/or the channels in the forefoot area, in particular all channels in the forefoot area , each having a channel cross-section that narrows in the transverse direction from the lateral inside toward the lateral outside of the midsole. In this way, in particular, the stability when the channel walls are closed or the narrowing of the channel cross section when running can be increased. It is generally preferred if the channels each have a channel cross section that narrows continuously in the transverse direction.

It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the deformability of the damping layer in the area of the channels can include, for example, the vertical merging of the channel walls and/or shearing of the damping layer in the area of the channel in the longitudinal direction. Typically, the upper and lower canal walls may touch under the action of running forces, deforming the corresponding canal to the point of lateral closure. The person skilled in the art understands that the upper duct wall describes that part of the delimitation of the duct in the vertical direction and the lower duct wall describes that part of the delimitation of the duct opposite to the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the damping layer is designed in such a way that the lateral-side channel openings can be deformed under the forces occurring when running until the lateral-side channel openings are closed.

In some embodiments, all of the channels are only located in the damping layer and therefore not in the base layer. However, this does not rule out the possibility that the base situation partially limits channels. However, the base layer typically does not have any indentations itself, but is essentially designed as a flat surface.

In some embodiments, all or some of the channels, with the exception of the channel openings on the lateral side, can be completely delimited or formed by the damping layer. However, it is also possible that each channel or part of the channels is only partially delimited or formed by the damping layer and is 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 damping layer can be arranged directly above the base layer. Thus, the cushioning layer is in direct contact with the base layer. The cushioning layer is arranged in such a way that, when worn, it is arranged closer to the foot of the wearer in the vertical direction and thus the base layer is closer to the floor. Both the base layer and the cushioning layer typically extend essentially over the entire extent of the midsole in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction. Typically, the cushioning layer and the base layer are flat, i.e. the respective extent in the longitudinal direction (length) and in the transverse direction (width) of the midsole is greater than the extent in the vertical direction (thickness) of the midsole.

In some embodiments, the base sheet is formed as a substantially continuous sheet. Thus, in such embodiments, the base layer has no recess and covers the cushioning layer along the longitudinal direction and along the transverse direction of the midsole essentially completely, ie at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, in particular at least 95%. Such embodiments have the advantage that the cushioning layer is essentially completely covered 5 along a horizontal plane and is therefore protected from friction and wear from contact with the ground. At the same time, however, the additional damping level enables a flexible arrangement and design of the channels, so that both vertical and horizontal forces can be efficiently absorbed.

The base layer and the damping layer are typically not formed in one piece with one another. Thus, in such embodiments, there is a defined border area between the base layer, which is preferably connected to one another in a materially bonded manner, and the damping layer. In some embodiments, the base layer and the damping layer can be glued or welded to one another, for example. However, the damping layer itself can be formed in one piece. The base layer can also be designed in one piece.

In some embodiments, the hardness of the cushioning layer, in particular the material of the cushioning layer, is at least 10 units lower on the Asker C scale than the hardness of the base layer, in particular the material of the base layer. In particular, the hardness of the damping layer, in particular of the material of the damping layer, on the Asker C scale can be 0 to 10 to 20 units, preferably 13 to 16 units, lower or higher than that

Hardness of the base layer, in particular the material of the base layer. A difference in hardness of at least 10 units ensures that on the one hand good damping is achieved, but at the same time a strong push-off with efficient power transmission and a secure footing is made possible. This offers a particular advantage in embodiments in Figure 5 where, in general, the channels are only located in the cushioning layer and not in the base layer. In some embodiments, the damping layer, in particular the material of the damping layer, has a hardness of 40 to 50, in particular 37 to 48 Asker C. In some embodiments, the base layer, in particular the material of the base layer, has a hardness of 50 to 90, in particular 55 to 85 Asker C. In some embodiments, the material densities of the base layer and the cushioning layer can be different. For example, the material density of the damping layer can be lower than that of the base layer. Typically, the material densities are in a range from 0.1 to 0.3 g/cm ³ .

In some embodiments, the thickness of the cushioning layer in the vertical direction of the sole, ie the extension 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 point along the longitudinal direction of the sole is greater than the thickness of the base layer at any point along the longitudinal direction of the sole. In some embodiments, the thickness of the cushioning layer can be the same at least at one point on the sole or at every point along the longitudinal direction of the sole or at least twice, in particular at least five times, in particular at least ten times, in particular at least 20 times greater than the thickness of the base layer at at least one or every point along the longitudinal direction of the sole. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the damping 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 sheet may be generally substantially constant along the longitudinal direction of the sole, except for manufacturing-specific variations. 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 total weight of the sole on the other, which reduces the effort required by the wearer when walking. 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, with the first and second horizontal planes being vertically offset from one another. By distributing the channels in horizontal planes that are arranged vertically offset from one another, the shear damping layer is facilitated up to the closure of the channels, since the damping layer is designed to be more flexible. As a result, on the one hand, horizontally acting forces 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 in relation to the channels in the second horizontal plane in such a way that they lie in different horizontal planes in the vertical direction of the midsole. Thus, the channels of the first horizontal plane are vertically completely offset to the channels of the second horizontal plane, or do not or at least not completely overlap in the vertical direction. This has the advantage that the deformability of the cushioning layer is not increased too much, which could lead to a spongy feeling when running and, in particular, to a high loss of power when pushing off. Typically, the channels in the first horizontal plane are arranged in relation to the channels in the second horizontal plane in such a way that the lower boundary of the channels, i.e. the boundary opposite to the vertical direction, in the first horizontal plane lies in the same horizontal plane as the upper boundary, i.e. the boundary in Vertical direction, the channels of the second horizontal plane.

In some embodiments, all of the channels in a lateral region of the midsole are arranged in only a single horizontal plane. For example, it is possible for the channels to be formed by corrugation, as described below. If the channels are only arranged in a single horizontal plane, then it is possible, for example, that the corrugation is only open towards the base layer, ie towards this is formed, while for example in the direction of the foot of the wearer, or the top layer, the damping layer is corrugated, or is flat and/or planar.

In some embodiments, at least part of the damping layer is corrugated in such a way that it forms a corrugation which forms at least part of the channels. It is possible that only part or the entire damping layer is corrugated. In addition, it is possible that the corrugation forms all or only some of the channels. Corrugation within the meaning of the present invention refers to macroscopic unevenness such as furrows, grooves, folds, and waves in the damping layer, as is known, for example, from corrugated sheet metal. In particular, the damping layer in such embodiments can be wave-shaped, such as e.g. sinusoidal, stepped or jagged. Such embodiments have the advantage that the damping properties of the damping layer are increased. The corrugation is preferably formed both on the side of the damping layer facing the base layer and on the side of the damping 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 damping layer facing away from the base layer or on the side of the damping layer facing the base layer. In certain embodiments, the corrugation can extend from the heel area in the longitudinal direction of the sole into the midfoot area and optionally to the forefoot area.

In particular, the corrugation can extend continuously from the lateral inside of the midsole in the transverse direction to the lateral outside of the midsole. In some embodiments, the midsole includes an upper layer. The cushioning layer is arranged in the vertical direction, ie when worn from the floor in the direction of the foot of the wearer, between the top layer and the base layer. Typically, the topsheet, cushioning sheet and/or basesheet have substantially the same longitudinal and/or lateral dimension, or are longitudinally and/or laterally aligned with one another. In embodiments with an upper layer, the midsole therefore has at least a three-layer structure. Those skilled in the art will understand that these layers are distinguishable, eg, by different chemical and/or physical properties, and/or by not being integrally formed with each other. In some embodiments, the sole has 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, in particular by gluing or welding. Alternatively, the outsole can also be sprayed 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 block amide (Pebax ^® ), Polyolefins or copolymers thereof, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. 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 than the thickness of the base layer. The outsole can have a profile to ensure a secure grip on slippery ground or sloping terrain, for example. In some embodiments, the outsole is arranged in such a way that the base layer in the operative state cannot come into contact with the ground when walking. For example, the outsole at least 50%, in particular at least 75%, in particular at least 90% of the surface of the base layer facing away from the cushioning layer must be covered by the outsole.

In some embodiments, some or all of the channels are bounded by the cushioning layer and the base layer. In such embodiments, the 5 channels are delimited or formed circumferentially, with the exception of the channel openings on the lateral side, by the damping layer and the base layer. In certain embodiments, only the channels of the first horizontal plane, i.e. the layer closer to the base layer, are bounded or formed by both the damping layer and the base layer. The channels in the vertical direction above0 arranged second horizontal plane are in particular only by the

Damping layer formed, or limited.

In some embodiments, the cushioning layer and/or the base layer and/or the top layer consists of a foamed polymer, in particular ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU or eTPU), polyamide (PA) or polyether block amide (PEBA). Other possible foamed polymeric materials may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Particularly good results are achieved with EVA in terms of abrasion resistance and cushioning behavior.

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

A funnel shape, trapezoidal shape, V-shape and/or U-shape can be designed both in the direction of the base layer and rotated by 180°, ie 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 the base layer or formed by it, 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 designed as front flanks and rear flanks, which can perform a shearing movement up to the closure of the lateral side channel openings under horizontal force in order to absorb such forces. Preferably, the channels are trapezoidal. The two base sides of the trapezoid run essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction, or to the base layer of the midsole, or in other words, essentially parallel to the ground in the operative state. The legs of the trapezoid form the front wall and the rear wall of the channel.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the channels to be designed in the form of slots, that is to say have an elongated contour. However, the channels can also have a round, in particular a circular or oval, contour in the cross section mentioned above.

In some embodiments, the base layer has a thickness in the vertical direction of the sole of 2 mm to 12 mm, in particular 5 mm to 8 mm. In some embodiments, the cushioning layer has a thickness of 3 mm to 34 mm, in particular 6 mm to 24 mm, in the vertical direction of the sole. This thickness can apply in particular to a shoe with shoe size US 10, ie a length of approximately 27.5 to 30 cm.

In some embodiments, each channel is longitudinally bounded by a front wall and a back wall. The front wall is arranged closer to the tip of the sole and the rear wall is arranged closer to the edge of the heel. The front wall and the rear wall each run towards one another. 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 incline.

In some embodiments, the cushioning layer has a midsole that runs around the periphery at least on the lateral side and is concave towards the outside folding edge up. Such a fold edge has the advantage that the compression of the damping layer is facilitated and a controlled closure of the lateral channel openings is made possible, which is particularly advantageous in the shearing movement for damping horizontal forces. In some embodiments, the cushioning layer has only one such folded edge. The folded edge can have a height of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, in particular 1 mm to 2 mm, in the vertical direction. This height can apply in particular to a shoe with shoe size US 10, ie a length of approximately 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 inside and on the lateral outside. The channel is thus in fluid communication with the environment. The proportion of the open area formed by all channel openings compared to the closed area of the damping layer is 5% to 25%, in particular 10% to 20%. The person skilled in the art understands that the closed area in this case refers exclusively to the lateral, i.e. the peripherally encircling area of the damping layer. The greater the proportion of the open areas formed by all of the channel openings to the closed area of the damping layer, the easier it is to compress the damping layer. If the ratio is too large, a spongy feeling occurs or the damping effect is almost completely lost, since the damping layer is compressed even under very low loads. If the ratio is too small, the cushioning layer is not easy to compress, 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 designed to 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 roll-off process and returns to its original, flat shape when pushing off. This ensures that the runner's push-off is significantly supported, which means that less power is lost and the runner tires less quickly. In embodiments in which the panel is continuous, this effect is even greater, since the restoring force of the fiber composite panel to its original shape is significantly greater than in the case of a panel with recesses. The plate extends from the forefoot area at least into the midfoot area and optionally up to the heel area. In some embodiments, the plate can extend in the longitudinal direction, starting from the edge of the heel over the entire length of the sole up to the tip of the sole in the forefoot area.

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, in particular the incompressible and elastic plate, can be arranged above or below the cushioning layer in the vertical direction of the sole.

In certain embodiments, the damping 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, ie in the operative state seen from the floor to the wearer's foot, the base layer is therefore arranged first, then the damping 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 the vertical direction between the damping layer and the base layer. In the vertical direction, ie in the operative state viewed from the floor towards the wearer's foot, the base layer is therefore arranged first, then the plate and then the damping layer.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the plate, in particular the incompressible and elastic plate, can be arranged in the vertical direction between the cushioning layer and the top layer. In the vertical direction, i.e. in the operative state viewed from the floor towards the foot of the wearer, the base layer is therefore arranged first, then the damping layer, then the plate and then the top layer.

In some embodiments, the plate, in particular the elastic, incompressible plate, can be fitted into the damping layer. Thus, for example, the plate cannot be arranged above or below in the vertical direction, but at the same height or within the damping layer. For example, the plate and the damping layer can be injected together.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the general object is achieved by a running shoe, in particular an athletics shoe, comprising a sole according to one of the above-described embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

Brief explanation of the figures Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail on the basis of the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and the associated description.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a sole according to the invention for a running shoe according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a midsole according to the invention for a running shoe according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a midsole according to the invention for a running shoe according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a midsole according to the invention for a running shoe according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Ways to carry out the invention

FIG. 1 shows a running shoe with a sole according to an embodiment of the invention. The sole has a midsole 1, which is divided into a forefoot area VFB, a heel area FB and a midfoot area MFB arranged directly in between. The midsole 1 comprises an elastic cushioning layer 2 and a base layer 3 which is arranged directly on the cushioning layer or is directly connected to the cushioning layer 2 and which has a different, in particular greater or lesser, hardness than the cushioning layer 2. The cushioning layer 2 has a Thickness, ie the extent in the vertical direction V, which is greater than the thickness of the base layer 2. In general, the thickness of the base layer can be essentially constant along the longitudinal direction L and/or the transverse direction Q. In addition, the damping layer 2 has several channels 21, 22 running in the transverse direction Q in the heel area FB, in the midfoot area MFB and in the forefoot area VFB (only two of the channels are labeled with reference symbols for reasons of better clarity). In the longitudinal direction L, the channels are arranged one behind the other. As shown, the longitudinal direction L extends from the heel edge 5 to the tip 6 of the sole. In the embodiment shown, the channels are arranged in two different horizontal planes. Here, the channel 21 is arranged in a first horizontal plane in the L, Q plane and the second channel 22 in a vertical direction V offset thereto arranged second horizontal plane. All channels of the first horizontal plane are delimited by the damping layer 2 and the base layer 3 . The channels in the second horizontal plane, on the other hand, are delimited or formed exclusively by the damping 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 damping 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 damping layer. In the present case, the corrugation is essentially wavy. The corrugation extends continuously from the lateral outside to the lateral inside of the sole, so that the channels formed by the corrugation are also continuous. In addition to the midsole 1, the sole has an outsole 4, which essentially completely covers the base layer 3 flat towards the ground. In addition, the sole has the plate 7 which is arranged in the vertical direction V above the cushioning layer 2 and therefore the cushioning layer 2 is arranged between the plate 7 and the base layer 3 . The damping layer 2 also includes a folded edge 24 which is concave towards the surroundings, ie forms a bulge towards the center of the sole.

FIG. 2 shows a midsole 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Midsole 1 comprises, in addition to a cushioning layer 2 and a base layer 3, an upper layer 80 and an elastic, incompressible plate 7. The elastic, incompressible plate 7 is arranged in the vertical direction between the base layer 3 and the cushioning layer 2, and the cushioning layer 2 is in the vertical direction between the elastic, incompressible plate 7 and the topsheet 8 so that the topsheet 8 is positioned closest to the wearer's foot when worn. The damping layer 2 is corrugated and has corrugations both towards the top layer and towards the elastic, incompressible plate 7, which corrugations form part of each corresponding channel. The channels formed between the base layer 2 and the elastic incompressible plate 7 are thereby formed exclusively by the base layer 2 and the elastic incompressible plate 7 and the channels formed between the top layer 8 and the base layer 2 are formed exclusively by the base layer 2 and the top layer 8 .

FIG. 3 shows a midsole 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The midsole 1 comprises the base layer 3 and the cushioning layer 2, which have different degrees of hardness. The midsole further comprises the upper layer 8. The base layer has channels extending transversely from the medial to the lateral side of the midsole, such as channel 21 (only a single channel is referenced for the sake of clarity), all of which are contained in a single Horizontal plane are arranged. The person skilled in the art understands that a horizontal plane, as shown in FIG. 3, can be designed to rise slightly in the vertical direction due to the typical running shoe sole geometry in the forefoot area. The corrugation 23 of the damping layer 2 is open only towards the base layer 3, while towards the top layer 8 the base layer is corrugated-free or channel-free and therefore flat or planar. FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a midsole 1 according to the invention. The midsole 1 has the base layer 3 and the cushioning layer 2 . An elastic, incompressible plate 7 is fitted into the damping layer 2 . In this case, and optionally in every other embodiment described here, the elastic, incompressible plate 7 is embodied in the form of a wave, in particular in the form of a sine wave. The damping layer 2 and thus also the elastic, incompressible plate 7 fitted into the damping layer 2 are arranged in the vertical direction between the base layer 3 and the top layer 8 .

Claims

patent claims

1. Sole with a midsole (1) for a running shoe, the midsole (1) having a forefoot area (VFB), a heel area (FB) and a metatarsal area (MFB) arranged between the forefoot area (VFB) and the heel area (FB). and wherein the midsole has an elastic cushioning layer (2) and a

Base layer (3), in particular a base layer (3) arranged on the elastic damping layer (2), wherein the base layer (3) has a different hardness, in particular a greater hardness or a lower hardness, than the damping layer (2); and wherein the cushioning layer (2) in the heel area (FB) and optionally in the midfoot area (MFB) and/or in the forefoot area (VFB), several in

Channels (21, 22) running in the transverse direction (Q) of the sole.

2. Sole according to claim 1, wherein the hardness of the damping layer (2) on the Asker C scale is at least 10 units, in particular 10 to 20 units, preferably 13 to 16 units, lower or higher than the hardness of the base layer (3).

3. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping layer (2) has a hardness of 40 to 50 Asker C and/or wherein the base layer (3) has a hardness of 55 to 65 Asker C.

4. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness along the damping layer (2) in the vertical direction (V) of the sole is greater than the thickness of the base layer (3) in the vertical direction (V) of the sole, in particular by at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times.

5. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (21, 22) in a lateral region of the midsole (1) in at least a first horizontal plane and are arranged in a second horizontal plane, the first horizontal plane and the second horizontal plane being offset from one another in the vertical direction (V).

6. Sole according to claim 5, wherein the channels in the first horizontal plane are arranged in relation to the channels in the second horizontal plane in such a way that the channels (21) of the first horizontal plane in the vertical direction (V) completely correspond to the channels (22) of the second

Horizontal plane are offset.

7. Sole according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein all the channels (21, 22) in a lateral region of the midsole (1) are arranged in a single horizontal plane.

8. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the damping layer (2) is corrugated, in particular wavy, sinusoidal, or jagged, so that the resulting corrugation (23) causes at least part of the channels (21, 22) to is trained.

9. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the midsole (1) additionally has an upper layer (8), the damping layer (2) being arranged in the vertical direction (V) between the upper layer (8) and the base layer (3).

10. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sole has an outer sole (4) which is arranged on the base layer (3).

11 . Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the channels (21) are delimited by the cushioning layer (2) and the base layer (3).

12. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushioning layer (2) and/or the base layer (3) and/or the top layer (8) consist of a foamed polymer, in particular of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, Polyamide, polyether block amide, polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate.

13. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (21, 22) in cross section along the longitudinal direction (L) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1) funnel-shaped, in particular trapezoidal or V-shaped, or U-shaped are trained.

14. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer (3) has a thickness in the vertical direction (V) of the sole of 2 mm to 12 mm, in particular of 5 mm to 8 mm; and/or wherein the cushioning layer (2) has a thickness in the vertical direction (V) of the sole of 3 mm to 35 mm, in particular of 6 mm to 24 mm.

15. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each channel (21, 22) is delimited in the longitudinal direction (L) by a front wall and a rear wall, the front wall and the rear wall each running towards one another.

16. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (21, 22) have lateral openings and the proportion of the open area formed by all channel openings to the closed area is 5% to 25%, preferably 10% to 25%.

17. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping layer (2) has a peripheral fold edge (24) which is concave towards the external environment.

18. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the midsole (2) additionally has an elastic, incompressible plate (7).

19. Sole according to claim 18, wherein the cushioning layer (2) is arranged in the vertical direction between the elastic incompressible plate (7) and the base layer (3); or wherein the elastic incompressible plate (7) is arranged in the vertical direction between the cushioning layer (2) and the base layer (3); or wherein the elastic incompressible plate (7) is arranged between the cushioning layer (2) and the top layer (8).

20. Sole according to claim 18, wherein the elastic incompressible plate (7) is fitted into the cushioning layer (2).

21. Running shoe, in particular athletics shoe, comprising a sole according to one of the preceding claims.