JP2001178502A - Sole - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide soles for shoes, particularly running shoes capable of securely gripping the ground having different roughnesses. SOLUTION: The soles used for shoes, especially for the running shoes are provided with at least one of the first ground-engaging deformed elements having the first flexibility and at least one of the second ground-engaging deformed elements with the second flexibility. The second deformed elements have ridged or rib like forms, and the second flexibility is greater than the first one.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to shoes, and more particularly to soles for running shoes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The construction of a sole is particularly important when making shoes, especially running shoes. This part of the shoe has many functions. For one thing, the sole provides sufficient shock absorption and minimizes the stress on the human body as much as possible, depending on the intended use of the shoe. On the other hand, the structure of the lower part of the sole (outsole) determines the interaction between the shoe and the ground. One of the objects of the present invention is to optimize the grip of the shoe on the ground.

[0003] In this connection, the sole structure of the sole of a running shoe, ie, a variant arranged on the sole,
It has long been known that the number, distribution, shape and flexibility of (profile) elements strongly depend on the intended use of the corresponding shoe. The term running shoes includes all types of shoes with a sole in direct contact with the ground, such as jogging shoes or sprint shoes, as well as everyday shoes and hiking boots. For example, it is clear that hiking boot soles used on rough ground preferably have a coarser profile than sports shoes for indoor sports.

[0004] However, the exact place to use the shoes,
That is, it is often a problem with athletic shoes that the ground on which the shoes will be used cannot be clearly determined in advance. For example, running shoes for trail running are often used on a variety of different grounds.
In this trail running sport, athletes run long distances not only on asphalt roads but also on gravel roads or forest courses. Depending on the weather conditions, the ground may be more dry and hard or wet and muddy. This makes it desirable for manufacturers of such shoes to create a sole that provides sufficient grip on various grounds and enables the versatile use required for trail running shoes.

In the prior art, the use of soles having various components is known: see, for example, US Pat.
No. 634,283 discloses a golf shoe in which a metal tip is flexibly fixed to a sole to improve grip on soft ground such as lawn. When walking on hard ground, the grip is provided only by the rest of the sole, as the metal tip is pushed into the sole by the stress on the shoe due to the weight of the wearer.

A similar effect is shown in US Pat. No. 4,271,608 for a golf shoe in which a metal tip is tightly wrapped by a soft sole material. However, the purpose in this case is not to use on various grounds, but to a "self-cleaning effect": during running, the elastic sole material is compressed around the respective metal chips. Thus, the metal tip can penetrate the ground. After the shoe is subsequently lifted, the resilient sole material expands again, so that the metal tip is clean from the adhered dirt.

Further, US Pat. No. 4,398,357 discloses a shoe having a sole made of two materials having different densities. While a denser and therefore more durable material is used for the heel and ball of the foot, the mid-sole of the sole, located below the arch of the foot,
It is made of a less dense and therefore lighter material to reduce the overall weight of the shoe.

Finally, US Pat. No. 5,926,974 discloses a sole designed according to goat hooves. To this end, a number of soft projecting profiled elements are provided, surrounded by a series of relatively rigid projections mounted around the outside of the sole. The rigid projections limit the compression of the soft profile element and improve grip on irregular ground.

From a review of the prior art, it has been found that to date various sole materials have been used almost exclusively for use on ground with special stiffness, self-cleaning of profile elements and reducing the total weight of shoes. I understand. The issue of use on ground of varying roughness (asphalt ground or gravel) has not been addressed to date.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a sole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, which provides a secure grip on ground of different roughness.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a shoe, and in particular, wherein at least one first ground engaging profile has a first flexibility and at least one second ground engaging profile corresponds to a second ground engaging profile. The second profiled element has a ridged or rib-shaped configuration and the second flexibility is greater than the first flexibility.

[0012] The at least one second variant element may be a first variant.
The effect according to the invention for adapting to the roughness of the ground is achieved because it has a greater flexibility and a ridge or rib-like shape as compared to the profiled elements of: for example asphalt or gym ground On relatively flat ground
The first and second profiled elements together provide a large contact area sole required for strong grip.

However, on rough terrain such as gravel roads, at least one more soft ridge or rib shaped profile element is deformed by a protrusion on the ground, so that at least one first profiled element is formed. Gives a relatively coarse sole. In this state, the second variant element is
It can penetrate the ground or engage ground protrusions, thereby improving the grip of the sole under these ground conditions.

As a result, this property of the second profile element, which can also be characterized as a pleated structure, is that the sole according to the invention for the ground profile along with the less flexible first profile element is indispensable. Make sure you can fit.

The first profiled element is preferably slightly higher than the second profiled element. Thus, if the first profiled element is compressed by the weight of the athlete, both profiled elements contact the ground simultaneously on flat ground.

[0016] Preferably, a plurality of second shaped elements are arranged around at least one first shaped element. The result is an isolated first shaped element suitable for engaging rough terrain when the second shaped element is deformed as described above.

Preferably, the second profile element is from 1 mm to 2 mm.
Consisting of parallel ridges of width up to mm, preferably having a distance of 1 mm to 2 mm from each other. As a result, the bumps are deformed independently of each other on the rough ground, and the above-described effects can be reliably obtained.

[0018] Preferably, a plurality of first deformed elements are arranged in the forefoot and midfoot portions of the sole, which are the areas of the sole that determine the grip when leaving the ground. Preferably, the first profiled element is substantially sickle-shaped and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sole, particularly to assist in leaving the ground forward. Additional first profiled elements may be located along the outer edges of the midfoot and forefoot to improve lateral grip.

Further development of the sole according to the invention is the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0020]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a sole 1 having substantially two groups of profiled elements (see FIG. 1). For simplicity, two groups of merely exemplary variant elements 10, 20 are provided with reference numbers in FIGS. However, it is to be understood that the following description relates to all irregularities in each group and that variations in size and orientation within one group are possible.

FIG. 1 shows a view from below, in which a total of nine first profiles 10 are provided inside and on the side of the sole 1 in which a plurality of ridges or ribs profiles 20 are preferably embedded. It is preferable to arrange | position to the midfoot part on the side and the forefoot part on the body side. This arrangement of the elements 10, 20 is crucial for a strong grip, especially during the rolling-off phase of one step cycle and the step off the ground. To further assist the grip when the ground makes contact with the heel, additional profile elements 10, 20 may be placed on the heel of the sole 1 (not shown).

The profiled element 10 is preferably 0.5 mm higher in the original configuration than the second profiled element 20, so that both groups of profiled elements simultaneously contact the ground under compression due to the athlete's weight. The result is a relatively dense profile distribution, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2, which provides a strong grip on flat ground such as asphalt roads or gym ground. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the height of the profile element is about 5 mm.
It is. However, other dimensions, preferably from 1 mm to 10 mm, are possible.

The profile element 10 preferably comprises a material that is relatively rigid and therefore does not flex. The profiled element 10 deforms slightly under stress when grounded and can therefore penetrate the ground, on which the sole according to the invention is used.
Preferred stiffness is in the range of 65A.

In contrast, the ridge or rib shaped profile element 20 is preferably made from a soft, sticky rubber to provide great flexibility and strong grip even on wet ground. Preferred stiffness is in the range of 60A. Due to the greater flexibility, the profile element 20 deforms forward or backward (see arrows in FIG. 2). As a result, irregular elements
20 is retracted compared to the first variant element 10 and the first
It does not extend downward like the modified element 10 of FIG. This is especially the case when running on very rough ground, for example on gravel roads. Due to the deformation of the second profile element 20, a relatively coarse sole 1 is obtained, since the overall profile of the sole according to the invention is characterized by a stiffer profile element 10.

This function of the ridged or rib-shaped second profiled element 20 is shown parallel to FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably the ribs are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sole. Other shapes and arrangements of ridges or ribs of the second profiled element 20 are also possible. For example, the first variant element
Concentric circles around 10 or vertical units arranged randomly in any direction are conceivable.

Preferably, the single ridge 20 is 1 mm to 2 mm
And a distance from 1 mm to 2 mm as well. However, these figures are only approximate figures. In particular, the distance of the profiled elements 20 with respect to each other is determined from the fact that it is necessary not to interfere with each other when deforming and thus lose greater flexibility with respect to the required first profiled element 10. .

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first profiled element 10 has a substantially sickle-shaped design and, like the second profiled 20, extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole. A substantially vertical orientation. As a result, the first profile element 10 in particular assists the person wearing the shoe in leaving the ground forward. Other shapes and orientations of the first profiled element 10, for example in a Z-shape, are also possible.

In the following, a preferred embodiment of the sole according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 will be described in more detail.

Additional first profiled elements, preferably along the medial and body edges of the midfoot and forefoot, to assist in clearing the ground forward and lateral grip of the shoe 11 is arranged in a direction substantially along the edge of the sole 1. In addition, additional other isolated variants 12
At the forefoot, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sole, to provide a strong grip even at the end of a cycle.

In addition, the medial and central portion of the forefoot preferably includes a stable rolling operating surface 31 extending from the sole upwards to the front of the upper of the shoe to extend the life of the shoe (shown). Zu). In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, this rolling surface 31 is rib-shaped, but other irregular shapes are also conceivable.

A continuous groove-like recess 40 extends between the forefoot and the midfoot, preferably from the inside to the side of the body.
Due to the indentation 40, the bending stiffness of the sole is selectively reduced, with little impairment of the natural rolling motion of the foot by the toes.

[0033] Preferably, an additional rib 50 is provided at the rear of the midfoot near the location of the first and second profiled elements 10,20. The additional rib 50 preferably has a mirror image orientation and shape with respect to the first profiled element 10. Therefore, slipping forward during the landing phase when the foot touches the ground is effectively prevented. The preferred profile elements 10, 20 mainly assist in clearing the ground forward, while additional ribs
The 50 helps slow down the shoe as it lands. Preferably, the additional ribs have a metal surface to improve grip on soft ground.

In order to increase the stability of the described sole having a plurality of profiled elements, a reinforcing element 60 is arranged between the midfoot and the heel, which at the same time supports the arch of the foot. The parts of the sole described so far are made of a more or less flexible material, which helps to improve the grip of the shoe, whereas the reinforcing element 60 is preferably made of a stable plastic material. Is preferably a rigid structural element. Preferably, the reinforcing element
60 wraps the sole 1 on the inside and thus has a three-dimensional shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
The reinforcement element extends to the heel and midfoot; however, the extent of extension may vary. Reinforcing elements 60 extending over the entire width of the sole 1 to the body side are also conceivable.

The heel portion of the sole is preferably on the side of the body, and most athletes first contact the ground at this portion of the sole, thereby creating maximum stress, and thus the damping element 70
It has. However, the damping element 70 can also extend over the entire heel. The surface of the damping element may comprise, as already mentioned, in addition to the midfoot and forefoot, a combination of the first and second profiled elements 10, 20 according to the invention; The form shows a simple grooved variant for simplicity. In a preferred embodiment, the additional ribs 80 are located inside the heel and are preferably oriented to prevent the shoe from sliding sideways immediately after the first touchdown.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 shows a simplified plan view of a preferred embodiment of a sole according to the invention for a left foot shoe; FIG.

FIG. 2 is a complete perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 first variant element 11 additional first variant element 20 second variant element 40 elongated recess 60 reinforcement element 70 additional damping element

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Matt Wesselhoff Germany 91054 Erlangen Schleifmühlstrasse 6A

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A shoe sole, comprising: a. At least one first ground engaging profile element having a first flexibility; b. At least one second ground engaging element having a second flexibility. C. The second modified element has a ridge or rib shape, and the second flexibility is greater than the first flexibility. Sole to do. 2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein said first and second profiled elements have substantially the same height. 3. The sole according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said second profiled elements are arranged around at least one of said first profiled elements. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said second profiled elements comprise parallel ridges having a sufficient distance from each other and having a width of 1 mm to 2 mm, wherein said single ridges can be deformed substantially independently. The sole according to claim 3. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ridges are between 1 mm and 2 mm
5. The sole according to claim 4, wherein the sole has a distance to the sole. 6. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the second profiled element is oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sole. 7. The sole according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the first deformed elements are arranged at a forefoot part and a midfoot part of the sole. 8. The sole according to claim 7, wherein said first profiled element is substantially in the shape of a sickle. 9. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the first profiled element is oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sole. 10. The sole according to claim 9, wherein the additional first profiled elements are arranged along the outer edges of the midfoot and the rear of the foot. 11. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first and second deformed elements are
Sole according to any of the preceding claims, having a height from mm to 10mm. 12. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first and second irregular elements are 5
The sole according to claim 11, having a height of mm. 13. An elongated recess provided between the forefoot and midfoot and extending from the body side to the medial side to facilitate a natural walking cycle with greater flexibility. The sole according to claim 1. 14. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element is arranged in the midfoot and supports the arch of the foot. 15. The sole according to claim 1, wherein an additional damping element is provided on the medial and / or body-side heel. 16. A shoe sole comprising: d. At least two first ground engaging profiles having a first flexibility; e. A plurality of second ground engagings having a second flexibility. F. Said at least two first deformed elements comprise said second
A sole disposed on the sole to be wrapped by the profiled element of g. Wherein the second flexibility is greater than the first flexibility. 17. A shoe having a sole according to claim 1.