FR2819693A1 - Shock absorbing support for sole of sports footwear has hollow head containing spring and piston with limiter pin - Google Patents

Abstract

The support, designed to be in direct or indirect contact with the ground, e.g. through wheels, has a hollow head (1) with an inner cavity (4) and skirt (6) containing a spring (10) and a piston (5) with a transverse limiting pin (8), and surrounded by a rubber shock absorber (15) fitted between the footwear sole and a shoulder (3) on the head. The pin (8) limits rotation and axial movement, and the shock absorber is conical in shape with a straight or convex outer surface and an annular groove (18).

Description

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 The present invention relates to a direct or indirect punctual support element on the ground shock absorber for sole of sports shoes applicable in particular as a crampon.

 In the case of football boot cleats in particular, these are traditionally rigid, and do not eliminate shocks. These known embodiments have a drawback, namely that repetitive shocks lead in practice, very often to joint and muscle injuries.

 However, patent WO 97 15 206 describes a crampon comprising a cavity opposite its wear surface to absorb changes in volume due to impacts, but with a limited stroke and a part in contact with the ground formed of material. shock absorber that will wear out quickly.

 In general, the soles with shock absorbing means of existing sports shoes are not always effective and absorb very little shock.

 The qualities that characterize this new system are elasticity and cushioning.

The elasticity makes it possible to absorb energy, the damping makes it possible to disperse the absorbed energy.

 The damping support element according to the invention provides the advantages of the various known solutions, without having the disadvantages, and is moreover applicable to various types of shoes usable in sports such as football, rugby, basketball, running. foot, inline skate (ROLLER).

 The innovation in the proposed solution compared to those already known, it is the capacity of damping and elasticity which act simultaneously thus preventing vibrations consecutive to the shock of the step on the ground, from infiltrating along the frame bone, harmful synergy that spreads throughout the body, thus producing perpetual and imperceptible microtrauma which often promotes: tendonitis, fatigue fractures, without sparing the joints, ligaments, muscle masses.

 The subject of the system according to the invention is a direct or indirect punctual support element on the ground shock absorber for sole of sports shoes which comprises a head having internally and axially a blind bore defining a bore forming a skirt into which is introduced a piston forming a body for fixing to a base with interposition between them of a means of locking in rotation and of limiting the sliding stroke, and which is provided externally with a damping block which comes by its front face in front support on an outer shoulder of the head and in rear support on the sole of the shoe peripherally to the body forming the piston so that said sliding head is in compressive support on said damping block in use phase in support.

 According to particular embodiments: - the means for locking in rotation and limiting the sliding stroke between the piston and the skirt of the head consists of a pin secured to the skirt of said head, moving at the inside an oblong hole which is made transversely in the piston.

 - the damping block has a frustoconical external profile with a straight or convex surface widening towards the base which improves the damping capacity.

 - The damping block has on its front face an external recess so as to define an annular shoulder in the form of a ring intended to be received in a groove allowing its fitting.

 - The rear shoulder of the head made in the groove can also be provided to allow a fully nesting of the flat front face of the damping block so as to avoid in both cases any risk of dislocation.

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- une gorge circulaire est réalisée sur la base'du cône du bloc amortisseur, améliorant de façon complémentaire la capacité d'amortissement et facilitant l'éjection de corps étrangers qui se logent sur celle-ci lors d'un mouvement de compression dans une phase d'appui.

- a circular groove is produced on the base of the cone of the damping block, further improving the damping capacity and facilitating the ejection of foreign bodies which become lodged thereon during a compression movement in a phase support.

 - A fixing washer is housed in a counterbore provided on the rear face of the damper block to maintain said damper block in elastic support on the shoulder of the head.

 the skirt is provided with a rear edge disposed at a distance such that in the depressed position of the head in combination with the maximum compression of the damping block, a clearance is left between the rear edge of the skirt on the one hand, and the fixing washer, and secondly between the bottom of the bore of the head and the face of the piston in which is interposed or not a compression spring.

 - The skirt is provided with a rear edge forming a support stop on the fixing washer at the end of the sliding stroke, so that in this recessed position of the head, a clearance remains formed between the bottom of the bore of the head and the face of the piston, space in which an additional compression spring is interposed or not.

 - The piston can be connected to the sole by a threaded rod and the fixing washer can be provided with a central thread for fixing on the threaded head and two lateral holes for its tightening by a lug wrench.

 - The body of the head is preferably frustoconical and its end face for bearing on the ground is preferably convex when the bearing element is applied to the production of a crampon.

 - Preferably, in this case the elements of the stud are made of plastic and the shock absorber block is made of rubber and the head has a hollow recess such as for example a slot to allow the screwing of the system on the sole.

 - when the support element is applied to shoes fitted with inline casters, a plurality of support elements are arranged in line under the sole and each support element forms or is connected to a plate or yoke individual support of a wheel, means being provided for mounting to allow permanent maintenance in parallel position of the axes of the wheels, interposed between the sole and each element.

 - when the support element is applied to running shoes or basketball shoes, the sole in contact with the ground is formed in at least two surfaces of flexible material joined together, on their face opposite to the surface in contact with the ground, of the head, preferably provided hemispherical, of a plurality of punctual shock absorbing support elements fixed to the main sole while being distributed within the perimeter defined by the at least two sole surfaces in contact with the ground, the latter then constituting sets spaced from the sole of the shoe which has semi-rigidity.

 - Preferably, in this case the periphery of the at least two sole elements mounted on the shock-absorbing support elements, is connected to the upper sole by means of a peripheral skirt forming bellows, preferably translucent, and furthermore are then provided ventilation means, between the interior space thus defined, and the exterior, allowing air transfers during the compression and expansion phases.

 The appended drawings FIGS. 1 to 15 illustrate the invention according to two variants, applied to the production of crampons for sports shoes: - FIGS. 1 and 9: show the head in section.

 - Figures 2 and 10: show in section the support piston.

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- les figures 3 et 11 : représentent en coupe le piston dans la tête.

- Figures 3 and 11: show in section the piston in the head.

- Figures 4 and 12: show in section the damper block.

 - Figures 5 and 13: show in section the damping block bearing on the shoulder of the head.

 - Figures 6 and 14: show in section the stud in the rest position with additional spring.

 - Figure 7: shows in section the stud in action, compressed with additional spring.

 - Figures 8 and 15: show in section the compressed crampon, in the case where it is produced without interposition of spring between the head and the piston.

 - Figure 16: shows a third exploded view variant applied to the production of crampons.

 - Figure 17: shows the device seen in vertical and transverse section applied to the individual support of at least one roller skate roller in line, and Figure 18 shows a side view of the assembly thus produced.

 - Figures 19 and 20: finally represent the application of the support elements to basketball type sports shoes, or running shoes on foot respectively in partially cut side view, and in bottom view where the elements are represented independent of the front, intermediate and rear sole respectively, and where the locations of the shock-absorbing point support elements appear on which the said sole elements are mounted.

 With reference to FIG. 1 and to FIG. 3, where the support element is applied to the production of a crampon, this crampon comprises a head (1) which has a wear surface on its base (2) , a support shoulder (3), a skirt (6) comprising two transverse bores (7) in which a pin (8) is inserted. It is also provided internally and axially with a non-through bore (4) which receives a piston (5).

 For a safe and proven assembly, according to Figure 2, it has been found expedient that the damping support element comprises a piston (5) provided with a non-opening bore (9) on its front face in which takes support a spring (10), and an oblong transverse slot (11) in which a pin (8) is inserted so as to allow the sliding to be limited and the rotation to be prevented between the piston (5) and the head (1 ).

 In this system, the piston (5) is in fact fixed, since it is integral with the sole, and it is the head (1) which slides on the piston (5) with external interposition between them of a damping block (15) .

 The piston (5) also has a base surface (12) serving as a support for a fixing washer (13), and a threaded part (14) at its free end, on which the fixing washer (13) is screwed. ) resting against the base surface (12).

 The threaded part (14) of the piston (5) is screwed into the sole of the shoe, preferably in a threaded insert embedded in it, and thus blocks the piston (5) in the sole, so that the head (1) of the stud slides on the piston (5).

 In a particularly preferred embodiment, according to FIGS. 4 and 5, the damping block (15) interposed between the head (1) and the piston (5) comprises, a frustoconical body (16) hollowed out to receive the rear skirt (6 ) of the head (1), and provided at its base with a recessed part of the counterbore type (17) receiving the fixing washer (13), moreover a circular groove (18) is produced externally near the base of the cone which improves the damping capacity. Its frustoconical body (16) is adjusted on the skirt (6) and is supported on an external shoulder (3) of the rear face of the head (1).

 The fixing washer (13) serving as a bearing surface for the base (12) of the piston (5) has a central thread (19) to be screwed onto the threaded part (14) of the piston (5) and

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 also two lateral bores (20) serving to block it, on the base surface (12) of the piston (5) using a lug wrench, and to pre-compress the damping block (15).

 The hardness of the rubber constituting the damping block as well as the presence or not of the complementary spring (10) and its stiffness are selected according to the weight of the user, so that the rear edge of the skirt (6) does not come up against on the washer (13), and the bottom of the head bore (1) and the front face of the piston (5).

 The present invention is intended for sports shoes, and makes it possible to obtain a long damping stroke with limited wear due, on the one hand, to the quality of the sliding guide of the head on the piston without possible rotation, and d on the other hand, the seal provided by the tight mounting of the shock absorber block on the head and on the sole, preventing any foreign bodies from entering.

 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the damping block (15) comprises a frustoconical body (16) hollowed out, with a circular groove (18) on its base improving its damping capacity, and a countersink (17) is produced on its rear surface, in which is housed the fixing washer (13).

 When applied to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 to 7 of a crampon, the damping support element comprises a head (1) having on its base a wear surface (2), a rear support shoulder ( 3) to a damping block (15), a non-emerging bore (4) which receives a piston (5). In the head skirt (6) (1) are made two transverse holes (7) in which is inserted a pin (8).

 The piston (5) may have on its front face a non-through bore (9) very shallow in the manner of a countersink, in which a spring (10) is positioned, interposed between this front face and the bottom of the non-opening bore (4) of the head (1).

 The piston (5) further comprises an oblong transverse lumen (11), which receives the pin (8) allowing the limitation of the sliding and the blocking of the rotation between piston (5) and head (1). The base surface (12) of the piston (5) serves as a support for a fixing washer (13) of the damping block peripherally on the support piston (5).

 FIG. 8 shows a variant without bore (9) on the piston (5) and without interposition of spring (10) between the latter and the head (1).

 Figures 9 to 15 show views corresponding respectively to Figures 1 to 8 of a variant in which the head (1) further comprises on its front face a tightening impression by a tool of the screwdriver type, here illustrated in the form of a slot (22) and on its shoulder (3) a groove (21) produced in line with the skirt (6) in which is housed by interlocking a projecting part (23) produced on the central periphery of the front face of the damping block ( 15) so as to avoid dislocation of the head (1) relative to the damping block (15). It can also be seen in these figures that the counterbore (9) produced on the head of the piston (5) receiving the spring (10) is eliminated in order to increase the sliding stroke of the head (1) on the piston (5).

 Against by the helical spring (10) here present, can then take a straight shape of larger diameter in a frustoconical shape widened at its base to ensure good positioning.

 FIG. 16 represents an exploded variant corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 5 in which the damping block (15) has a straight front face received entirely in a groove (21) of the rear shoulder (3) of the head ( 1) possibly having on the outer flank of said groove a taper open towards the outside facilitating the fitting of the front face of the damping block (15).

 With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, illustrating the application of the indirect point support element to the ground, in this case supporting at least one caster, to shoes fitted with inline casters, the head (1) is either extended or made integral with a plate or yoke (A) which supports by a pin (B) a caster (C). In the illustrated case

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 each element supports an individual roller allowing the rollers to individually and elastically follow the profile of the surface on which they move while always remaining in line, the axes (B) remaining parallel to each other due to the presence of the pin (8 ) at each support element and means for holding in parallel position provided at the level of the sole, not illustrated, for example in the form of a longitudinal groove under the sole, and flat edges produced on the base of the pistons , having a corresponding width, allowing an interlocking in the groove, thus guaranteeing an in-line positioning of the rollers. The blocking is then obtained by the addition of nut on the screws, from above, prior to assembly of the upper of the shoe.

 Figures 19 and 20 illustrate the application of shock-absorbing support elements to sports shoes of the basketball or running type, in this case under the sole (G) provided semi rigid of the shoe are distributed a number support elements whose heads in this case preferably hemispherical, to better conform to the deformation of the sole upon impact, are embedded in housings (H) provided in the upper part of independent sole elements, for example covering the front part (D) corresponding to the soles of the feet, covering the zone corresponding to the heel (F), and finally (E) corresponding to the intermediate zone.

 For example, the front sole part (D) is supported spaced from the sole (G) of the shoe by four punctual shock-absorbing support elements of standard size distributed at the four angles and by a larger support element pruning in the central zone. The rear sole part (F) is it supported for example in the rear part by two punctual support elements of standard size shock absorbers arranged on either side, and by a larger front element, giving a triangular point arrangement forward to the whole. Similarly, the midsole zone (E) can be supported by two punctual shock absorbing support elements arranged laterally of standard size. These sole elements, spaced from the sole itself (G) of the shoe, make it possible to provide damping qualities over a large stroke corresponding as much as possible to the space existing between these sole elements, and the sole itself. , defined at least by the elastic driving stroke of the shock absorbing point support elements.

 In addition, a peripheral skirt may preferably be provided laterally, made in a translucent manner for its use on all terrains, at the same time providing an aesthetic role, forming a bellows connecting the edge of the at least two sole elements to the semi-rigid upper sole, of so as to avoid the penetration of foreign bodies into this area.

 Only means allowing the transfer of air in the compression and expansion phase, being provided between the interior chambers thus defined and the exterior.

 In general, the damping blocks will be identified by different colors, each assigned to a range of use weight; for example, five colors assigned to five weight ranges, thus providing precise and customized cushioning, avoiding any risk of mechanical abutment. The system is sufficiently dimensioned to ensure imperative stability, in order to better neutralize the violence of the shocks caused by the interaction Foot / Shoe / Ground.

Claims (14)

1) Direct or indirect punctual support element on the ground shock absorber for sole of sports shoes characterized in that it comprises a head (1) having internally and axially a blind bore (4) defining a bore forming a skirt (6 ) into which is inserted a piston (5) forming a body for fixing to a base with interposition between them of a means of locking in rotation and of limiting the sliding stroke, in that a damping block (15) comes by its front face in front support on an external shoulder (3) of the head (1) and in rear support on the shoe sole, peripherally to the piston body (5) so that said sliding head (1) is in compressive support on said damping block (15) during the support use phase.  2) direct or indirect punctual support element on the ground shock absorber according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for locking in rotation and limiting the sliding stroke between the piston (5) and the skirt of the head (1 ) consists of a pin (8) integral with the skirt of said head (1), moving inside an oblong slot (11) which is formed transversely in the piston (5).  3) direct or indirect punctual support element on the ground shock absorber according to claim 1 characterized in that the shock absorber block (15) has a frustoconical external profile (16) with a straight or convex surface widening towards the base which improves its depreciation capacity.  4) direct or indirect punctual support element on the ground shock absorber according to claim 3 characterized in that the damper block (15) has on its front face an external recess so as to define an annular shoulder (23) in the form of Ring.  5) direct or indirect punctual support element on the ground shock absorber according to claim 3 or 4 characterized in that the rear outer shoulder of the head (1) has a groove intended to receive by fully fitting the flat front face of the shock absorber unit (15) or the annular shoulder portion thereof so as to avoid any risk of dislocation.  6) direct or indirect punctual support element on the ground shock absorber according to claim 3 or 4 or 5 characterized in that a circular groove (18) is formed on the base of the cone of the shock absorber block (15), improving in a complementary way, the damping capacity and facilitating the ejection of foreign bodies which are lodged on it, during the compression phase.  7) direct or indirect point support element shock-absorbing ground according to one of claims 1,3, 4,5 characterized in that a fixing washer (13) is housed in a counterbore (17) provided on the rear face of the damping block (15) to maintain said damping block (15) in elastic support on the shoulder (3) of the head (1).  8) direct or indirect point support element shock absorbing ground according to claims 1 and 7 characterized in that the skirt (6) is provided with a rear edge disposed at a distance such as in the recessed position of the head (1) in combination with the maximum compression of the damping block (15), a clearance remains formed between on the one hand the rear edge of the skirt (6), and the fixing washer (13), and on the other hand between the bottom of the bore (4) of the head (1) and the face of the piston (5) in which is interposed or not a compression spring (10). <Desc / Clms Page number 7>  9) direct or indirect point support element to the shock absorbing sor according to claims 1, 7 and 8 characterized in that the piston (5) is connected to the sole by a threaded rod (14) and in that the washer fixing (13) is provided with a central thread (19) for fixing on the threaded head (14) and two lateral bores (20) for its tightening by a lug wrench.  10) Application of the direct or indirect point support element to the shock-absorbing ground according to any one of the preceding claims to the production of a shock-absorbing crampon for sports shoes, characterized in that the body of the head (1 ) is tapered and its end face for bearing on the ground is convex.  11) Application of the direct or indirect point support element to the ground shock absorber according to claim 10 characterized in that the elements of the stud are made of plastic and in that the shock absorber block (15) is made of rubber and in that the head (1) has a hollow recess such as for example a slot to allow the screwing of the system on the sole.  12) Application of the direct or indirect point support element to the shock-absorbing ground according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to shoes fitted with in-line casters characterized in that the shoe comprises a plurality of elements of support arranged in line and in that the head of each support element forms or is connected to a plate or individual support screed of a roller and in that are provided at each support element interposed between said element and sole, permanent holding means in parallel position of the axes of the rollers.  13) Application of the direct or indirect punctual support element to the shock-absorbing ground according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to a sole of a basketball or running shoe characterized in that the contact sole with the ground is formed in at least two surfaces (D), (F), (E) of flexible material integral, on their face opposite to the surface in contact with the ground, with the head provided preferably of hemispherical shape, d '' a plurality of shock absorbing point support elements distributed within the perimeter defined by the at least two surfaces (D), (F), (E) of the sole in contact with the ground then constituting vertically spaced assemblies of the sole (G) of the upper shoe having semi-rigidity.  14) Application of the direct or indirect point support element to the shock absorbing ground according to claim 13 characterized in that the periphery of the at least two sole elements mounted on the shock absorbing support elements is connected to the upper sole by means of a peripheral skirt preferably forming a translucent bellows and in that ventilation means are provided between the interior space thus defined and the exterior, allowing air transfers during the compression and expansion phases.