JP2019081036A - Soles for shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide improved soles for shoes, in particular for sports shoes.SOLUTION: In one aspect, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, is provided. The sole has: a cushioning element that includes randomly arranged particles of expanded material; and a control element. The control element is free from expanded material and reduces the shearing motions in a first region of the cushioning element compared to shearing motions in a second region of the cushioning element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a sole for shoes, in particular for sports shoes.

  Shoes have a number of properties depending on the sole, which can be specified to varying degrees depending on the particular shoe type. Primarily, shoe soles typically have a protective function. The sole is stiffer than the shoe shaft, thus protecting the respective wearer's foot against injuries caused, for example, by sharp objects that the wearer may step on. Furthermore, the shoe sole is generally resistant to excessive wear, as it is highly wear resistant. In addition, the shoe soles respectively improve the grip of the shoe on the ground and thus allow it to move faster. Another function of the shoe sole can be present in the provision of constant stability. Furthermore, the shoe sole can have a cushioning effect, for example, by absorbing the forces that occur while the shoe touches the ground. Finally, the shoe sole can also protect the foot from dirt and splashes and can provide several other functions.

  In order to satisfy many such functions, various materials from which shoe soles can be made are known from the prior art. By way of example, shoe soles made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) are mentioned here. Each of these various materials provides a special combination of various properties that are more or less suited to the specific requirements of the respective shoe type. For example, TPU is very wear resistant and hard to tear. Furthermore, EVA is characterized by high stability and relatively good cushioning effect. Furthermore, the use of expanded materials, in particular foamed thermoplastic urethanes (eTPU), has been considered for the production of shoe soles. Thus, for example, WO 2005/066250 A1 describes a method for producing a shoe in which the shoe shaft is adhesively connected to a sole based on a foam-like thermoplastic urethane. Foamed thermoplastic urethanes are characterized by being lightweight and having particularly good elasticity and cushioning properties.

  In addition to cushioning and absorbing the impact energy generated when the foot steps on the ground, i.e. vertically cushioning, the shear force is also horizontal during running, in particular the shoes have a good grip It is further known from the prior art that it also occurs on the ground, so that the shoe snaps with the foot when touching the ground. If such shear can not be absorbed at least partially by the ground and / or shoe sole, the shear is transmitted unabated to the movement organ, in particular to the knee. This can easily lead to excessive strain on the moving organs and promote injury. On the other hand, excessive shear capacity of the shoe sole causes loss of stability, especially during fast running, and increases the risk of injury. An increase in shear capacity can be undesirable because, in certain areas of the sole, that area acts to clearly stabilize the foot. In addition, shear resistance, for example, as it rises in the toe area of the midfoot, may give the wearer the sensation of slipping during running, which may reduce the wearing comfort. There is.

  In order to solve that problem, sole constructions are known from the prior art, for example from DE 10244 433 B4 and DE 10244 435 B4, which are able to absorb some of the shear forces occurring during running without overuse of the joints. However, the disadvantage of these constructions is that such soles are composed of several separate individual parts which are rather heavy, expensive and complicated to manufacture.

  In addition, US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0150132 A1 packs small beads in the insole so that the pressure on the insole by the user's foot during normal use can displace the beads Footwear (eg, shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) is disclosed. U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,397 (B2) discloses an article of footwear having a support assembly with a plate and a recess formed therein. U.S. Pat. No. 8,082,684 (B2) has at least one separation track between the areas of the sole unit, thereby separating those areas in response to the force due to contact between the foot and the ground Disclosed is a sole unit for shoes that enables it. DE 10 2011 108 744 A1 discloses a method of manufacturing a sole or a portion of a sole for a shoe. WO 2007/082838 A1 discloses foams based on thermoplastic polyurethane. US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0047720 A1 discloses a method of manufacturing a sole assembly for footwear. Finally, WO 2006/015440 A1 discloses a method of forming a composite.

WO 2005/066250 A1 DE 10244433 B4 DE10244435B4 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0150132 (A1) U.S. Patent No. 7,673,397 (B2) U.S. Patent No. 8,082,684 (B2) DE102011108744A1 WO 2007/082838 A1 US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0047720 (A1) WO 2006/015440 A1

  Thus, starting from the prior art, one object of the present invention is to provide a better sole for shoes, in particular for sports shoes. Another object is to provide an improved possibility that can selectively thereby influence the shear capacity of the shoe sole in certain areas of the sole.

  According to a first aspect of the invention, these problems are solved by a sole for shoes, in particular for sports shoes, comprising a buffer element comprising particles of foam material arranged randomly. The sole further comprises a control element in which no foam material is used, which reduces the shear movement in the first region of the cushioning element compared to the shear movement in the second region of the cushioning element Ru.

  The use of a cushioning element comprising a foam material is particularly advantageous for the construction of a shoe sole. That is because the material is very light, but at the same time it can absorb impact energy when the foot steps on the ground and return it to the runner. This improves the running efficiency and reduces the (vertical) impact load on the moving organ. Another advantage comes from the use of randomly arranged particles of foam material. This makes the manufacture of such soles very easy. This is because the particles are particularly easy to handle and their random arrangement does not require orientation during manufacture.

  The use of a control element which allows selective control of the shear capacity of the buffer element additionally absorbs and / or cushions horizontal shear forces which would otherwise have a direct impact on the moving organs, in particular the joints. It also makes it possible to build soles that can. This further improves the wearing comfort of the shoes and the efficiency of the runners, at the same time preventing injuries and joint wear. Preferably no foam material is used for the control element, so it has sufficient strength to follow its control function.

  In a preferred embodiment, the particles of the expanded material are expanded ethylene vinyl acetate (eEVA), expanded thermoplastic urethane (eTPU), expanded polypropylene (ePP), expanded polyamide (ePA), expanded polyether block amide (ePEBA), expanded poly One or more of oxymethylene (ePOM), expanded polystyrene (PS), expanded polyethylene (ePE), expanded polyoxyethylene (ePOE), expanded ethylene propylene diene monomer (eEPDM). According to the requirements profile of the sole, one or more of those materials can be advantageously used in the manufacture of the sole due to the unique properties of the substance.

  In another preferred embodiment, the control element comprises one or more of rubber, non-foamed thermoplastic urethane, textile material, PEBA, and foil and foil-like materials.

  In another preferred embodiment, the inherent shear resistance of the first region of the cushioning element is higher than the second region of the cushioning element. The use of such buffer elements with different inherent shear resistance areas in combination with control elements, which locally affect the shear capacity of the buffer element, gives more freedom in the construction of the shoe sole and various adaptations. The possibility of

  In one embodiment, the control element controls the shear movement of the cushioning element in the first area more than the second control area that influences the shear movement of the cushioning element in the second area. , With a large thickness and / or few holes. Based on the thickness and the number and size of the holes, for example, the bending and deformation resistance of the control element can be determined. These properties of the control element can, in part, influence the shear and bending capacity of various regions of the buffer element.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cushioning element is provided as a component of the midsole. In another preferred embodiment, the control element is provided as part of an outsole.

  By constructing the cushioning element as part of the midsole and / or the control element as part of the outsole, the number of different functional components of the sole and the shoe can be minimized while at the same time The possibility of adaptation and control can be improved. Thereby, for example, the structure of the shoe is simplified and its weight can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, no additional composites are required, such as adhesives to bond the various elements of the sole and the shoe. Thus, the production of the shoes is ultimately improved in function as well as more cost-effective, and furthermore, the possibility of recycling is improved since materials of a common material class are preferably used.

  In another embodiment, the outsole comprises a decoupling region not directly attached to the second region of the cushioning element of the midsole. This makes it possible to further influence and / or improve the shear capacity of the sole, as will be described in more detail further below. Thus, for example, the control element provided as part of the outsole can be coupled by means of a gel or the like to the buffer element provided as part of the midsole. The gel allows another shearing action between the control element and the buffer element, thus enabling to absorb higher shear forces.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the control element and the buffer element can be manufactured from materials of a common material class, in particular from thermoplastic urethanes. Thereby it is possible to simplify the manufacture of soles and shoes. Specifically, materials from a common material class can often be bonded together and can be processed together significantly easier than materials from different classes.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the first region is located in the inner region of the midfoot and the second region is located in the outer region of the heel. The shear forces generated during running occur especially when the foot touches the ground. This typically occurs in the outer area of the heel. For this reason, good shear resistance of the sole which absorbs shear is desirable there. However, in the inner region of the foot, it is often desirable to improve the support effect and stability. This allows the foot to push the ground well away and also to prevent pronation of the foot which may lead to inflammation and injury.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the control element further increases the bending resistance of the buffer element of the first region relative to the second region. In particular, control elements designed as part of the outsole can provide such functionality.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the sole further comprises a frame made of non-foamed material, in particular ethylene vinyl acetate, surrounding at least a part of the buffer element. Such a frame, for example, allows to further control the shear resistance and can also be used to improve the stability of the sole.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cushioning element enables a longitudinal shear movement of the lower sole surface of more than 1 mm, preferably of more than 1.5 mm, particularly preferably of more than 2 mm, relative to the upper sole surface. These values provide a good balance between the sufficient stability of the shoe sole and the high ability to absorb horizontal shear.

  Preferably, the control element is laser cut from the blank. For example, the control element can be provided in the form of an outsole or a portion of an outsole laser cut from a blank.

  In the simplest form, the blank can be provided, for example, as a layer of material comprising one or more of the materials suitable for producing the control element / outsole mentioned above. For example, blanks with pre-defined holes, ridges, etc. may be provided in various sizes, thicknesses, and may have a general outline of the foot or sole.

  Laser cutting of the control element can increase the design freedom of the control element. It also provides the opportunity for individual customization of control elements, soles, and shoes. For example, multiple fashion designs and individualization of each sole or shoe can be enabled. The customization may be sport-specific or may be due to typical movements of the customer or movements related to the customer. Furthermore, laser cutting can be largely automated, for example based on an on-line tool or other management method.

  However, the properties of customization and on-line management referred to above may be used with other embodiments of the sole and shoes of the present invention as described or contemplated herein, the control element is not necessarily blank to laser It does not necessarily cut.

  Another aspect of the invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising a sole according to one or more of the embodiments of the invention. Here, the individual aspects of the embodiments of the invention referred to can be advantageously combined with one another depending on the required profile of the sole and the shoe. Furthermore, it is possible to separate the single aspect if it is not relevant to the respective purpose of the shoe.

  In the following detailed description, presently preferred implementations of implementations and embodiments of the sole according to the invention are described with reference to the following figures.

1 is an embodiment of a shoe sole having a midsole and an outsole that selectively affects the shear and flexural strength of the midsole. The sole further comprises a reinforcing element partially embedded in the midsole and a heel clip. FIG. 10 shows a shoe with the different soles used for the measurements of FIGS. The vertical compression comparison of the eTPU midsole and the EVA midsole when the foot touches the ground is shown. The vertical compression comparison of the eTPU midsole and the EVA midsole when the foot touches the ground is shown. The vertical compression measurements of the eTPU midsole and the EVA midsole during the entire step cycle are shown. Figure 12 shows a comparison of local material elongation on the outer sidewall of eTPU midsole and EVA sole during rolling movement of foot from heel area to forefoot area during step. Figure 12 shows a comparison of local material elongation on the outer sidewall of eTPU midsole and EVA sole during rolling movement of foot from heel area to forefoot area during step. FIG. 8 shows the measurement of the relative displacement of two measurement points at opposite ends of the measurement section shown in FIGS. 7 a to 7 c during a complete step cycle for three different soles. FIG. 8 shows the measurement of the relative displacement of two measurement points at opposite ends of the measurement section shown in FIGS. 7 a to 7 c during a complete step cycle for three different soles. FIG. 8 shows the measurement of the relative displacement of two measurement points at opposite ends of the measurement section shown in FIGS. 7 a to 7 c during a complete step cycle for three different soles. The measurement points used for the measurements of FIGS. 6a-6c are located at the end of the measurement section shown in FIGS. 7a-7c, respectively. The measurement points used for the measurements of FIGS. 6a-6c are located at the end of the measurement section shown in FIGS. 7a-7c, respectively. The measurement points used for the measurements of FIGS. 6a-6c are located at the end of the measurement section shown in FIGS. 7a-7c, respectively. Figure 7 shows a comparison of horizontal shear applied to the sole material of three different midsoles when in contact with the ground in the outer heel area. Figure 7 shows measurements of shear in the heel region of the sole material of various midsoles in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) during the entire step cycle. Figure 7 shows another measure of shear in the heel region of the sole material of various midsoles in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) and in the inward direction (ML direction) during the entire step cycle. Figure 7 shows another measure of shear in the heel region of the sole material of various midsoles in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) and in the inward direction (ML direction) during the entire step cycle. Figure 7 shows another measure of shear in the heel region of the sole material of various midsoles in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) and in the inward direction (ML direction) during the entire step cycle. Figure 7 shows another measure of shear in the heel region of the sole material of various midsoles in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) and in the inward direction (ML direction) during the entire step cycle. The average value of several measurements of shear in the heel area of the sole material of the different midsoles in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) during the entire step cycle is shown. The average value of several measurements of shear in the heel area of the sole material of the different midsoles in the in-out direction (ML direction) during the entire step cycle is shown. FIG. 13 shows the sole action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles as the foot pushes off the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot area (see FIG. 13e). FIG. 13 shows the sole action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles as the foot pushes off the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot area (see FIG. 13e). FIG. 13 shows the sole action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles as the foot pushes off the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot area (see FIG. 13e). FIG. 13 shows the sole action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles as the foot pushes off the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot area (see FIG. 13e). FIG. 13 shows the sole action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles as the foot pushes off the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot area (see FIG. 13e). FIG. 14a shows a preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 14 b shows a preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the present invention. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 15a shows another preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the present invention. Fig. 15b shows another preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the present invention. 7 shows another preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the present invention. Fig. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a shoe sole having a midsole and an outsole that selectively affects the shear and flexural strength of the midsole. Fig. 6 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a shoe sole having a midsole and an outsole which selectively influences the shear and flexural strength of the midsole. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a possible embodiment of the outsole selectively affecting the shear and flexural strength of the midsole. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the ML direction through two embodiments of a midsole comprising first and second plate elements which can slide relative to one another. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the ML direction through two embodiments of a midsole comprising first and second plate elements which can slide relative to one another. FIG. 21a shows an embodiment of a shoe according to the invention with an embodiment of a sole according to the invention with control elements laser-cut from a blank. FIG. 21 b shows an embodiment of a shoe according to the invention having an embodiment of a sole according to the invention with control elements laser-cut from a blank. Fig. 6 shows another currently preferred embodiment of a shoe according to the invention having an embodiment of a shoe sole according to the invention. Fig. 6 shows another currently preferred embodiment of a shoe according to the invention having an embodiment of a shoe sole according to the invention. Fig. 6 shows another currently preferred embodiment of a shoe according to the invention having an embodiment of a shoe sole according to the invention. Fig. 6 shows another currently preferred embodiment of a shoe according to the invention having an embodiment of a shoe sole according to the invention.

  The following detailed description describes the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention related to sports shoes. However, it should be emphasized that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. The invention can also be used, for example, for safety shoes, casual shoes, trekking shoes, golf shoes, winter shoes or other shoes, as well as for protective clothing and pads for sportswear and sports goods. You can also

  FIG. 1 shows a sole 100 according to an aspect of the invention. The sole 100 comprises a buffer element 110 comprising randomly arranged particles of foam material, and a control element 130 which selectively influences the shear capacity of the buffer element.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cushioning elements 110 are each provided as a midsole or part of a midsole, as shown in FIG. The buffer element 110 comprises randomly arranged particles of foam material. In one embodiment, the entire cushioning element 110 comprises a foam material. However, different foam materials, or a mixture of several different foam materials, can be used here for different partial areas of the buffer element 110. In another embodiment, only one or more partial areas of the cushioning element 110 consist of foam material and the remainder of the cushioning element 110 consists of non-foam material. For example, the cushioning element 110 can comprise a central area of particles of one or more foam material, said central area being surrounded by a frame of non-foam material to enhance the stability of the form of the sole ing. By proper combination of the foam and / or non-foam materials, a cushioning element 110 having desired cushioning and stability characteristics can be produced.

  The particles of the foam material can specifically include one or more of the following materials: expanded ethylene vinyl acetate (eEVA), expanded thermoplastic urethane (eTPU), expanded polypropylene (ePP), expanded foam Polyamide (ePA), expanded polyether block amide (ePEBA), expanded polyoxymethylene (ePOM), expanded polystyrene (PS), expanded polyethylene (ePE), expanded polyoxyethylene (ePOE), expanded ethylene propylene diene monomer (eEPDM) . Each of these materials has specific characteristic properties, which can be advantageously used for the production of shoe soles, depending on the profile of requirements for the sole. Specifically, eTPU has excellent buffer properties, which does not change at low or high temperature. In addition, the eTPU is very elastic and, during compression, for example, almost all the energy stored when stepping on the ground is returned to the foot during subsequent expansion. EVA, on the other hand, is characterized, for example, by a high strength and is thus suitable, for example, for the construction of a frame surrounding a region of foam material or the entire cushioning element 110 so as to increase the stability of the cushioning element 110 .

  The use of different materials or mixtures of different materials for the production of the buffer element 110 makes it possible to additionally provide the buffer element 110 with areas with different inherent shear forces. In connection with the control element 130, as described herein, this significantly increases the freedom of design during construction of the shoe sole 100, whereby it is selective for the shear behavior of the shoe sole 100. Significantly increase the possibility of affecting

  In a preferred embodiment, the control element 130 is provided as an outsole or as part of an outsole, as shown in FIG. The control element 130 here preferably comprises one or more of rubber, non-foamed thermoplastic urethane, textile material, PEBA, and a foil or foil-like material. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the buffer element 110 and the control element 130 are manufactured from materials of a common material class, in particular from foamed thermoplastic urethanes and / or non-foamed thermoplastic urethanes. Thereby, for example, the manufacturing process is significantly simplified, as the buffer element 110 and the control element 130 can be provided as one integral piece in a single mold without further use of an adhesive. .

  In order to selectively influence the shear behavior of the buffer element 110, the control element comprises several protrusions 132 of various sizes, hardness and expansion and protrusions of various lengths, thicknesses and structures. Or having raised portions 135 and openings and recesses 138 of various diameters. By altering the design possibilities, the influence on the shear behavior of the buffer element 110 exerted by the control element 130 can be selectively controlled.

  16a-16b illustrate, for example, an embodiment 1600 of a sole for shoes 1610 according to the present invention. The sole 1610 comprises cushioning elements 1630 provided as a midsole and comprises foam material particles 1635 arranged randomly. FIG. 16a shows no load and FIG. 16b shows loaded after 1650 in contact with the ground. The sole 1610 further comprises a control element 1620 provided as an outsole, comprising several protrusions 1622 as well as several recesses / recesses 1628. Here, the material of the control element 1620 is preferably stronger / rigid than the material of the midsole 1630. For example, control element 1620 can be provided as a foil on which protrusions 1622 can be selectively applied. For example, the control element 1620 can be a foil made of TPU, on which a projection 1622 also made of TPU can be applied. Such preferred embodiments have the advantage that the foil and the protrusions can be chemically bonded, for example, without the use of an additional binder, and are extremely stable and resistant. In another embodiment, the control element comprises other / additional materials.

  As shown in FIG. 16b, the material of the control element 1620 is preferably stiffer / stronger than the material of the midsole 1630 as already mentioned, so that the protrusions 1622 contact 1650 on the ground and then the material of the midsole 1630 Pushed in. Regions 1660 and 1670 are thereby formed such that the material of midsole 1630 is compressed to varying degrees.

  In particular, the material of the midsole in the area 1670 where the protrusions 1622 are loaded and pushed into the midsole 1630 is compressed to a greater extent than the area 1660 in which the control element comprises the recess / recess 1628. The resulting different compression of the midsole material selectively affects the stretching capacity and / or shear capacity of the corresponding regions 1660 and 1670 midsole material. For example, the stretchability of the midsole material is smaller in the further compressed area 1670 as compared to the area 1660 of lower compression. Furthermore, it fixes the midsole 1630 in the outsole 1620, thus leading to an increased grip on the ground.

  Thus, the stretchability and / or shear resistance of the midsole 1630 can be selectively promoted or suppressed in individual subregions by different designs of the control element 1620 with different protrusions 1622.

  The protrusions 1622 can be of various designs. For example, the protrusions 1622 can be pointed, conical or pyramidal, can be cylindrical, can be hemispherical, the control element 1620 can be wave-like, etc. Protrusions 1622 now act as a type of anchoring point, which allows for targeted local compression of the midsole material. Here, if the distance between the protrusions 1622 is increased, for example, the extension movement of the midsole material can be larger than when the distance between the protrusions 1622 is decreased. Thereby, the shear resistance of the midsole 1630 can also be selectively affected.

  FIG. 17 shows a particularly preferred embodiment 1700 of a sole 1710 according to the invention. The sole 1710 comprises cushioning elements 1730 provided as a midsole and comprises particles 1735 of foam material randomly arranged in no load. The sole 1710 further comprises a control element 1720 provided as an outsole, said control element comprising several protrusions 1722 and several recesses / recesses 1728. The material of the control element 1720 here is preferably stronger / stiff than the material of the midsole 1730. The symmetrical wave-like design of the control element shown in FIG. 17, on the other hand, makes it possible, in particular, to fix the midsole 1730 to the outsole 1720 under load, as explained above, Thus, the grip on the ground is particularly good. Furthermore, the control element 1720 designed in this way can be introduced without problems into the mold used for manufacturing during the manufacturing process.

  FIG. 18 schematically shows another embodiment of the control elements 1800a, 1800b, 1800c and 1800d according to the present invention. Preferably, the embodiments 1800a, 1800b, 1800c, and 1800d provided as an outsole or as a part thereof include several protrusions 1810 and, for example, recesses and / or reinforcing protrusions 1820, which can connect the two protrusions to one another. Prepare. Here, the protrusions 1810 can have several different shapes, sizes, heights, etc., as already discussed above. The same applies to the depressions and / or the reinforcement projections 1820. In order to selectively influence the properties of the sole, for example, their width / thickness and / or depth / height and their position and orientation on the control elements 1800a, 1800b, 1800c and 1800d, respectively It can be adapted to the sole according to the requirements of Here, although the recess and / or reinforcement projection 1820 does not necessarily have to be arranged between the two projections 1810, it also works here as a stand-alone possibility to design the control element according to the invention Emphasize explicitly. In particular, such reinforcing protrusions improve the stability of the sole there in the inner metatarsal region (see 1455) and to reduce the shear capacity and the elongation capacity of the midsole material in that region It can be used conveniently.

  In addition, the control element, according to another aspect of the invention, comprises an additional functional element, such as, for example, a twisting element and / or an element for reinforcement, as a component and one piece integral therewith It can be manufactured as

  Furthermore, the control element can be provided as a complete outsole. However, in another embodiment, the outsole comprises several individual independent control elements that can also be connected to one another.

  In a preferred embodiment, the first region, which has a lower shear resistance compared to the second region, is located in the inner region of the midfoot and the second region is located in the outer region of the heel. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the control element 130 comprises, in particular, a stabilizing ridge 135 at the inner edge of the midfoot region, and several openings of larger diameter towards the heel and toe. The shear behavior of the cushioning element 110 thus adjusted advantageously supports the natural physiological processes of the runner's moving organs while minimizing the risk of injury, and the comfort and efficiency of wearing the runner Improve.

  In addition to affecting the shear behavior of the buffer element 110, the control element can also affect the bending resistance of the buffer element. For example, if the control element 130 is rigidly attached to the cushioning element 130 in a region, the bending resistance of the control element 130 affects the bending resistance of the cushioning element 110. The bending resistance of the control element 130 will vary in part depending, for example, on the design options of the control element 130 mentioned above. As such, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bending resistance of the heel and toe regions is lower than the midfoot region stabilized by the stiffening ridges 135.

  In another preferred embodiment, sole 100 further comprises separation region 160. In that area, the buffer element 110 and the control element 130 are not directly linked to one another. In one embodiment, there is no connection between cushioning element 110 and control element 130 in that area. In a preferred embodiment, the buffer element 110 and the control element 130 are joined in their area by a material having shear resistance. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the material having shear resistance includes, for example, one or more of the following materials: eTPU, foam material or gel. Thereby, it is possible to further shear the buffer element 110 relative to the control element 130, thus further creating the possibility of affecting the shear behavior of the sole 100. Such separation areas 160 are preferably located in the outer heel area. That is because in that area the strongest shear forces occur during running, as will be described in more detail below.

  In FIG. 19, there are medial-lateral orientations through an embodiment of a midsole 1900 according to the present invention, comprising particles 1910 of foam material randomly disposed, which can be advantageously combined with the other aspects of the present invention described herein. The cross section is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the entire midsole 1900 comprises a foam material. However, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that this is merely a specific example of a midsole 1900 according to the invention, and in other embodiments only one or more partial areas of the midsole 1900 are particles 1910 of foam material. Can be included. The midsole further comprises a first plate element 1920 and a second plate element 1930 which can slide relative to one another. Particular preference is given to a design in which the plate elements 1920 and 1930 can slide in several directions. In a preferred embodiment, the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 are completely surrounded by the material of the midsole 1900, particularly preferably by the foam material 1910 of the midsole 1900. However, in other embodiments, plate elements 1920 and 1930 are only partially surrounded by the material of midsole 1900.

  Preferably, the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 are arranged in the heel area of the midsole 1900 so as to be arranged diametrically opposite one another, as shown in FIG. In another embodiment, a lubricant or gel or the like is between the two plate elements 1920 and 1930, thereby counteracting the wear of the plate elements 1920, 1930 caused by the sliding movement and facilitating the sliding.

  By means of the sliding movement of the two plate elements 1920 and 1930, such an arrangement can respectively absorb or reduce horizontal shear forces acting on the wearer's moving organs, for example when the wearer steps on the ground. Thereby preventing joint wear and injury of the wearer, in particular when the wearer is running / walking fast. In other embodiments, the illustrated configuration can also be placed, for example, in different areas of the midsole 1900 to further support foot rolling when stepping.

  In another embodiment (not shown), the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 each further comprise a curved sliding surface. In a preferred embodiment, the curvatures of the two sliding surfaces are chosen such that the two sliding surfaces fit clearly. By appropriately selecting the degree and direction of curvature, it is possible to influence the direction in which the sliding movement of the first plate element 1920 preferably occurs relative to the second plate element 1930, for example when stepping on the ground Become. This again affects the shear force absorbed by the midsole or transmitted to the wearer, respectively.

  Another preferred embodiment of such a plate element, which can slide relative to one another and which can advantageously be combined with one or more of the embodiments described herein belonging to the invention, should be present in DE 10244 433 B4 and DE 10244 435 B4 .

  With regard to the functions just described here, it is further advantageous if the material of the midsole 1900 counteracts the sliding movement of the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 due to the restoring force. Preferably, such resilience is surrounded by the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 by the material of the midsole 1900, in particular by the foam material 1910 of the midsole 1900, the material of the midsole 1900 in the direction of the sliding movement Due to the compression by the movement of the first plate element 1920 and the second plate element 1930 in the area adjacent to the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 respectively. Due to the elastic properties of the material, in particular the foam material 1910 of the midsole 1900, a restoration that counteracts the sliding movement of the first plate element 1920 and the second plate element 1930, respectively, without the need for a complicated mechanism for this effect. Force is generated.

  FIG. 20 shows an in-out direction cross-sectional view of a variation of the embodiment just discussed with respect to midsole 2000 that includes randomly arranged particles of foam material 2010. The midsole comprises a plate element 2020 and a second sled-shaped element 2030. The two elements 2020, 2030 can make a sliding movement relative to each other. The sled design of the second element 2030 predetermines the preferred direction of such sliding movement. However, in the preferred embodiment, there is an air gap 2040 between the first element 2020 and the second sled element 2030, which causes the two elements 2030 and 2040 to slide slightly relative to one another. Is also possible and not in the preferred direction mentioned above. By adapting the size of the air gap 2030, the extent of such sliding movement not in the preferred direction can be individually adapted to the needs and requirements of the sole. Thus, the very small air gap 2040 allows the two elements 2020 and 2030 to slide almost exclusively in the preferred direction, which can improve the stability of the sole. However, a large air gap 2040 promotes pronounced sliding movement in undesirable directions. This allows, for example, the sole to better absorb horizontal shear forces when in contact with the ground.

  In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cushioning element 110 further at least partially encloses the element 120, for example a twisting element or an element for reinforcement. In a preferred embodiment, element 120 has a higher deformation stiffness than the foam material of cushioning element 110. Thus, the element 120 can act to further influence the elastic and shear properties of the sole 100. In another embodiment, the element 120 may be, for example, an element that acts as an optical design, and / or an element that receives an electronic component, and / or an electronic component or any other functional element. Element 120 preferably has a hollow region accessible from the outside, when it serves to receive another element, such as an electronic component. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, such a cavity may, for example, be arranged in the area of the recess 140. In a preferred embodiment, the element 120 is not connected to the buffer element 110, for example by means of an adhesive bond. Specifically, the element, in a preferred embodiment, does not comprise a connection between the buffer material 110 and the foam material. As the buffer element 110 partially encloses the element, such a connection for fixing the element 120 is not necessary. Thus, again, non-adhesive materials can also be used to produce the shoe. In another embodiment, the elements 120 can be connected / coupled with the control element 130 in individual areas, for example by bonding, eg adhesive bonding, or can be provided as one integral piece.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sole 100 further comprises a heel clip 150. Preferably, the heel clip 150 comprises outer and inner finger portions that are independent of one another and surround the outside and the inside of the heel. This makes it possible to fix the foot well on the sole 100 without simultaneously limiting too much space for moving the foot. In another preferred embodiment, the heel clip 150 further comprises a recess in the area of the Achilles tendon. This prevents the Achilles tendon from rubbing or rubbing, especially in the area above the heel of the upper edge of the heel clip 150. In a preferred embodiment, the heel clip 150 can also be coupled to the control element 130 and / or the element 120, for example by means of a bonding agent, or can be provided together with it as one integral piece.

  FIG. 2 shows four different shoes 200, 220, 240 and 260 of various materials used to make measurements of the elastic specification and shear properties of the sole. Their most important measurements are summarized in Figures 3-9 below.

  The shoe 200 is, for example, a shoe having an upper 205 and a shoe sole 210 and a sliding element 212, as described in DE 10244 433 B4 and DE 10244 435 B4.

The shoe 220 comprises an upper 225 and a midsole 230 made of eTPU, the midsole 230 being surrounded by a frame made of EVA. EVA can be, for example, a compression molded 020 55C CMEVA having a density of 0.2 g / cm ³ and an Asker C hardness of 55.

  The shoe 240 comprises an upper 245 and an EVA midsole 250.

  Further, the shoe 260 includes an upper 265 and an eTPU midsole 270.

  Figures 3a, 3b and 4 show the vertical (i.e. foot to ground) compression of the eTPU (shoe 260) and EVA (shoe 240) soles.

  For measurements of these and other discussed properties of various materials and sole designs, for each measurement, a large number (more than 100) of photographs called "stages" were taken during one step cycle. These were numbered consecutively from one. Therefore, for each measurement, the imaging number or "stage" and its imaging time in each step correspond one to one. However, there may be a fixed time offset for each stage between different measurements, ie stages with the same number from different measurements necessarily correspond to the same point in time in the steps where each measurement is measured Note that this is not always the case.

  Photos 300a and 300b of FIGS. 3a and 3b were taken while the heel was in contact with the ground. Figures 3a and 3b show the compression of the respective midsole area as a percentage compared to the unloaded state of the sole. As expected, no compression occurs in the forefoot area while the heel is in contact with the ground (see 320a, 320b). However, in the heel region, significant compression is evident with the eTPU sole (see 310a). Thus, according to their measurements, eTPU is yielding much more strongly than EVA under vertical loads. Furthermore, the energy stored during compression of the eTPU sole essentially returns to the runner during the step. This significantly improves running efficiency.

  This can also be confirmed in FIG. On the horizontal axis the number of each stage, ie the time, is indicated, and on the vertical axis the vertical compression of the midsole is shown. The measurements 410 for the eTPU sole 270 are shown as well as the measurements 420 for the EVA sole 250. When vertical loading is at a maximum, the EVA midsole 250 can only be depressed by about 1.3 mm, while the eTPU midsole 270 can be depressed by about 4.3 mm. Generally, the value of vertical compression for eTPU is 2: 1 to 3: 1 compared to EVA, and in some embodiments even larger.

  5a and 5b, also at the moment when the heel is in contact with the ground, compared to the unloaded condition of the sole in the outer sidewall of the eTPU midsole 270 (measurement 500a) and the EVA midsole 250 (measurement 500b). Sole Material Indicates local material elongation. However, in addition to showing the elongation of the material in percent as compared to the situation without sole loading, the photographs of FIGS. 5a and 5b also show the direction of elongation of the material in the form of an elongation vector. From these pictures, it can be understood that the eTPU midsole 270 has significantly greater material elongation than the EVA midsole 250. This is because the shear resistance of eTPU is better than EVA. Thus, eTPU is particularly suitable for producing cushioning elements that absorb shear forces during running. In the example discussed here, the elongation of the material in the case of eTPU is 2-3 times larger than in the case of EVA. More precisely, the elongation of the eTPU material is on average 6 to 7% elongation, the maximum elongation is 8 to 9%, the EVA material elongation is on average 2% elongation, the maximum The elongation is 3 to 4%.

  Furthermore, measurements show that the elongation of the material at the outer sidewall of the eTPU midsole 270 and EVA midsole 250 follows the natural shape of the metatarsal arch during running, ie the shoe follows the rolling movement of the foot It is clear to do. This is advantageous for wearing comfort and foot fit.

  In FIGS. 6a-6c, the measured values 610a, 610b, and 610f of the relative offset of the two measuring points respectively located at the opposite ends of the measuring sections 710a, 710b and 710c shown in FIGS. 7a-7c. Show 610 c in millimeters. Measurements 610a, 610b, and 610c each include a complete step cycle. 7a to 7c show the shoes used for each measurement at the start position.

  6a, 7a show measurement results and measurement points for a shoe 200 having a shoe sole 210 and a sliding element 212 as described in DE 10244 433 B4 and DE 10244 435 B4.

  Figures 6b, 7b show the measurement results and points for a shoe 200 having an eTPU midsole 230 and an EVA rim.

  6c, 7c show the measurement results and the measurement points for the shoe having the EVA sole 250. FIG.

  It is clearly apparent that the eTPU sole with the sliding element 212 of the shoe 200 and the EVA rim 230 allows the offset between the two measurement points to be significantly larger than the EVA midsole 250. This means that the shear capacity of the lower midsole surface relative to the upper midsole surface is good, and hence the ability to absorb shear forces generated during running is good. Note that offsets of up to 2.5 mm are possible for shoes 220 that are simple in construction (see FIG. 6 b), and that for shoes 200 with sliding elements 212 only offsets up to about 2 mm are possible (see FIG. 6 a) I want to be In contrast, a shoe 240 with an EVA midsole 250 can only have an offset value of up to about 0.5 mm (see FIG. 6c).

  8a-8c, a shoe 200 with a sliding element 212 (measurement 800a), a shoe 220 with an eTPU midsole with an EVA rim 230 (measurement 800b), and a shoe 240 with an EVA midsole 250 (measurement 800c). ) Shows another measure of the shear behavior of The local offset of the sole material at the moment when the heel touches the ground is shown relative to the unloaded condition.

  It is clearly evident that a shoe 200 with a sliding element 212 and a shoe 220 with an eTPU midsole with an EVA rim 230 are substantially higher in shear capacity in the heel area than a shoe 240 with an EVA midsole 250 It is.

  FIG. 9 again shows the measurement results of the measurement of shear in the longitudinal (AP direction) midsole material during a complete step cycle for four different shoes.

  Curve 910 shows the measurement results of FIG. 6a for a shoe 200 having a sliding element 212, which also has a maximum shear of about 2 mm when the heel is in contact with the ground. Curve 930 shows the measurement results of FIG. 6b for a shoe 220 with an eTPU midsole with an EVA rim 230, again with a maximum shear of about 2.5 mm while the heel is in contact with the ground. Curve 940 shows the measurement of FIG. 6c for a shoe 240 with an EVA midsole 250, again with the maximum shear being about 0.5 mm while the ground is impacted at the heel. Finally, curve 920 shows the measurement results of measurements performed in the same manner for a shoe 260 having an eTPU midsole 270, which has a maximum shear of about 1.8 mm while the heel is in contact with the ground.

  Thus, a shoe 260 with an eTPU midsole 270, and in particular a shoe 220 with an eTPU midsole with an EVA rim 230, has a very good shear resistance and is thus largely suitable for the construction of the midsole Can be recognized.

  Figures 10 to 13 show another measure of the shear capacity of the differently designed soles.

  Figures 10a-d show the measured values of the change in length of the measurement section. One of the measurement sections is arranged in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) in the heel area of the sole during the step cycle, and the other is arranged in the medial-lateral direction (ML direction). These changes in length provide information about the shear capacity of the soles of each sole.

  In FIG. 10a, for a shoe with an EVA midsole without an outsole, such as, for example, a shoe 240, the variation of the length 1010a of the measuring section 1015a extending in the AP direction and the length 1020a of the measuring section 1025a extending in the ML direction Indicates a change. The measurements show that the maximum length change is about 1.2 mm in the AP direction and about 0.3 mm in the ML direction.

  In FIG. 10b, for a shoe without an outsole and having an eTPU midsole, such as, for example, a shoe 260, the change of the length 1010b of the measuring section 1015b extending in the AP direction and the length 1020b of the measuring section 1025b extending in the ML direction Indicates a change. The measurements show that the maximum length change is about 3.5 mm in the AP direction and about 1.5 mm in the ML direction.

  FIG. 10c shows the change in length 1010c of the measurement section 1015c in the AP direction and the change in length 1020c of the measurement section 1025c extending in the ML direction, for a shoe having a sliding element, for example the shoe 200. The measurements show that the maximum length change is about 3.2 mm in the AP direction and about 0.7 mm in the ML direction.

  FIG. 10 d shows the measurement section extending in the AP direction for the preferred embodiment (see below) of the shoe 1400 according to FIGS. 1 and 14 a to 14 c comprising a midsole comprising eTPU and a control element 1450 provided as an outsole. The change of the length 1010d of 1015d and the change of the length 1020d of the measurement section 1025d extending in the ML direction are shown. The measured values show that the maximum length change in the AP direction is about 3.4 mm and the negative length change in the ML direction is about 0.5 mm. Specifically, a negative length in the ML direction means that the stability of the shoe in the midfoot region is very good, reflecting the influence of the reinforcement 1455 inside the control element 1450.

  FIGS. 11 and 12 show the average values of a series of measurements made similar to the measurements shown in FIGS. 10a-10d.

  In FIG. 11, a shoe with a sliding element such as shoe 200 (see curve 1110) and a shoe with an eTPU midsole such as shoe 260 (see curve 1120) and an EVA mid, such as shoe 240, for example. Figure 14 shows the variation of the average length of the measurement section extending in the AP direction during a complete step cycle for a shoe with a sole (see curve 1130) and a shoe 1400 according to Figures 14a-c (see curve 1140).

  In FIG. 12, a shoe with a sliding element such as shoe 200 (see curve 1210) and a shoe with an eTPU midsole such as shoe 260 (see curve 1220), and an EVA mid, such as shoe 240, for example. Figure 14 shows the variation of the average length of the measurement section extending in the ML direction during a complete step cycle with a shoe with a sole (see curve 1230) and a shoe 1400 according to Figures 14a-c (see curve 1240).

  As can be inferred from FIGS. 11 and 12, the shoe 1400 according to the particularly preferred embodiment has a maximum length change in the AP direction of more than 3 mm, and has the best shear capacity among all four tested shoe types. It is. At the same time, the shoe 1400 exhibits sufficient stability in the ML direction, as can be seen from FIG. Such a combination of properties of the shoe is particularly advantageous as foot bending / slip in the ML direction should be avoided as much as possible when shear forces occur mainly in the AP direction during running.

  In another preferred embodiment, the buffer element allows a shear movement in the AP direction of more than 1 mm, preferably more than 1.5 mm and particularly preferably more than 2 mm, relative to the upper sole surface. By choosing between different values of the shear capacity of the buffer element, it is possible to tailor the shoe sole to the needs and the physiological conditions of the runner. The values discussed here serve only as a guide run for the person skilled in the art in order to obtain an impression of the typical preferred value of the shear capacity of the buffer element. In individual cases, these values should ideally be specifically adapted to the needs and needs of the wearer.

  Elongation of the material of the soles of the various shoe soles as compared to the unstressed condition of the shoes at the moment of the foot pushing off the ground through the forefoot as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 13a to 13d in FIG. 13e. Is shown as a percentage. Figures 13a-13d further show extension vectors that locally indicate the direction of extension of the material. Figure 13a shows measurements 1300a for a shoe 240 with an EVA midsole, and Figure 13b shows measurements 1300b for a shoe 260 with an eTPU midsole. FIG. 13 c shows measurements 1300 c for a shoe having a sliding element, such as shoe 200, and FIG. 13 d comprises a control element 1450 provided as a midsole as well as an outsole comprising eTPU. 14 shows measured values 1300d for a preferred embodiment of a shoe 1400 according to 14a-14c (see below).

  As can be clearly understood from the figure, at this foot / shoe position (ie when the foot pushes the ground away on the forefoot area, see FIG. 13e), the main loads and deformations of the material of the shoes 240 and 260 are forefoot It occurs locally in the central part of the partial area (see FIGS. 13a and 13b) (in other foot positions, the main loads and deformations can also be observed in the heel area). However, in the case of shoes and shoes 1400 with sliding elements, the elongation of the material follows the shape of the outsole. In FIG. 13 d, in particular, the structure of an outsole 1450 having an opening 1452, a protrusion 1458 and a protrusion 1459 can be seen. Furthermore, FIG. 14 shows that almost all the elongation vectors of the forefoot region extend parallel to the AP direction, ie the material expands almost exclusively in the AP direction, while the stability in the ML direction is good Indicates that. This is desirable for dynamic release without losing stability. If the stability of the sole in the ML direction is insufficient, the foot may run into a risk of sliding or bending sideways, especially at high running speeds and, for example, on curved or uneven terrain.

  The control element 1450 contributes to forming a predefined zone, for example in the form of an outsole, which requires a particular shear behavior and / or an elongation behavior or a particular stability. The design of control element 1450 can be adapted to the requirements of each sport. Straight sports, for example, have different requirements on the shear behavior and stability of the sole than on sideways sports. Thus, the concept of control element 1450 and sole can be individually designed for a particular sport. For example, for sports such as (indoor) football, basketball, or running sports, the best important shear zones and stability zones can be determined and individually adapted. For example, in many applications, such preferred shear and / or extension zones are located under the toe and in the heel area of the foot. Furthermore, the inventive aspects described herein can produce a sole that can ideally simulate foot rolling, such as when walking barefoot.

  Figures 14a-14c illustrate a preferred embodiment of a shoe 1400 having a cushioning element 1410 and a control element 1450. Said buffer element is provided partially or as a midsole as part of a midsole and comprises randomly arranged particles of foam material, in particular eTPU, the control element 1450 being as a part of an outsole Alternatively, it may be provided as an outsole to reduce the shear capacity of the midsole 1410 in the medial foot medial region relative to the heel lateral region. Furthermore, the shoe shown in FIGS. 14 a-14 comprises an upper 1420. In a preferred embodiment, the shoe 1400 further comprises a heel clip 1430 as well as an additional twisting or stiffening element 1440 as already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 and the corresponding embodiment.

  In a preferred embodiment, the control element 1450 provided as an outsole does not comprise a foam material. It is particularly preferred that the control element is made respectively of rubber, thermoplastic urethane, textile material, PEBA, or foil and foil-like materials, or a combination of such materials. It is further advantageous if, as already mentioned above, the control element 1450 and the buffer element 1410 are manufactured from a material of a common class of materials. Furthermore, the control element 1450 preferably comprises several openings 1452 of various sizes, a ridge 1455 in the inner area of the midfoot, several projections 1458 and projections 1459. These elements, as already discussed, serve to influence the flexibility and stiffness properties of the control element 1450, which in part is the shear capacity and bending of the sole, in particular the midsole 1410. Affects stiffness. In particular, in the presently preferred embodiment the control element 1450 is provided as part of the outsole, so that the projections 1459 and the protrusions 1458 can further increase the grip on the ground.

  According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 a-14 c with the ridges 1455 in the inner area of the metatarsal area and several openings 1452 of non-uniform diameter, especially good shear capacity of the heel area, in particular the outer heel area As well as good stability of the inner metatarsal region. As already mentioned several times, this combination of properties is particularly advantageous for use in the case of running shoes. However, other combinations of properties are possible, and the design options and embodiments presented herein allow one of ordinary skill in the art to produce shoes having the desired properties.

  Figures 15a-15c illustrate another preferred embodiment of a shoe 1500 according to an aspect of the present invention. The shoe 1500 comprises cushioning elements 1510 provided as part of or as a midsole, the midsole comprising randomly arranged, foam material particles, such as eTPU. Furthermore, the shoe 1500 comprises a control element 1540 provided as part of or as an outsole, which selectively affects the shear strength and bending stiffness of the cushioning element 1510 as already repeatedly discussed. be able to. The shoe further comprises an upper 1520 and a heel clip 1530.

  21a-21b show another preferred embodiment of a shoe 2100 according to the invention. The shoe 2100 comprises a sole, which comprises cushioning elements 2110 comprising particles of foam material arranged randomly. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the cushioning element 2110 is provided as a midsole 2110. However, for example, it may be just part of it.

  The shoe 2100 further comprises an upper 2120. The upper 2120 can be made of various materials and by various manufacturing methods. Upper 2120 can be specifically warp knit, weft knit, woven, or braided and can include natural or synthetic materials, including fibers or yarns, multiple laminated materials, composite materials And so on.

  The sole of the shoe 2100 further comprises a control element 2150, in this case provided as an outsole 2150. In other cases, it may be just part of the outsole or part of the midsole. No foam material is used for the control element 2150. Suitable materials for the control element / outsole 2150 can include rubber, non-foamed thermoplastic urethane, textile materials, PEBA, and foil and foil-like materials.

  The control element 2150 reduces shear movement in the first region of the cushioning element 2110 as compared to shear movement in the second region of the cushioning element 2110. The reduction of shear occurs, for example, in the regions 2160, 2165 where the control element 2150 comprises a continuous region of material. It may also occur in the area of the "material web" 2170, 2175 interspersed with holes 2152, 2155, 2158 in the control element 2150. In the region of these holes 2152, 2155, 2158, for example, the shear movement may be relatively increased.

  Taking into account the description of the inventive concept of controlling the shear movement of the buffer element as described in this document, a continuous material area (such as areas 2160, 2165), “material web” (web 2170) Shear properties and other properties by selecting various designs and configurations of such as and holes (such as holes 2152, 2155, 2158), eg, bending stiffness of the midsole 2110 of the shoe 2100, torsional stiffness or It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the overall damping behavior can be influenced in a number of ways, as desired. As already described above, such effects can be further fine-tuned by possibly including ridges, protrusions, protrusions of the control element 2150.

  In this case, the control element 2150 is laser cut from a blank (not shown). This can be done before securing the control element 2150 to the rest of the sole of the shoe 2100, in particular to the midsole 2110, preferably at least to a large extent automatically. However, in principle, the blank may, for example, be placed first in the midsole 2110, then the blank is cut and finally the cut out portion of the blank is removed. To that end, a binder can be applied between the midsole 2110 and the blank. The binder does not cure completely immediately, but again provides sufficient adhesion to secure the blank to the midsole 2110 (or other portion of the shoe 2100) for cutting. For cutting, a shoe 2100 including a blank can be placed, for example, on a shoe mold to allow three-dimensional placement in the cutting device. It is still possible to remove the blank cutout piece as the binder is not fully cured, and after removal the binder may be left until it is fully cured, heating, cooling, energizing, Or it may be promoted by other means.

  In the simplest form, the blank can be provided, for example, as a layer of material comprising one or more of the materials suitable for producing the control element / outsole mentioned above. For example, it is also possible to provide blanks with pre-defined holes, ridges, protrusions, protrusions, etc. in various sizes, thicknesses, which can already provide a basic pattern that can be fine-tuned by the laser cutting process. Such basic patterns can, for example, be adapted to the particular movement patterns that occur during a particular sport activity, for example, and various blanks can also be used in the manufacture of shoes 2100 for various sport activities. Examples may include blanks for running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, football shoes, and the like. Such an approach can have the advantage that blanks can be rapidly and pre-produced in large quantities, where individual customization can be performed more efficiently and more quickly. To that end, the blank may already be provided with a schematic contour of the foot or sole.

  This may be particularly important when customization by laser cutting is performed, for example, at the shop floor where there is only limited space for cutting and manufacturing equipment, shops for sporting events, etc. .

  Laser cutting of the control element 2150 can increase the design freedom of the control element 2150. As already mentioned, the opportunity for individual customization of the control element 2150, sole and shoes 2100 can also be provided. For example, multiple fashion designs and corresponding personalization of each sole or shoe 2100 can be enabled. Such customization may be sport-specific or may be due to typical movements of the customer or movements related to the customer. Furthermore, laser cutting can be largely automated, for example based on an on-line tool or other management method.

  Although laser cutting has been mentioned throughout the description of FIGS. 21a-b, other techniques are in principle also possible. Examples include CNC cutting, punching and water jet machining.

  Finally, FIGS. 22a-22d illustrate another presently preferred embodiment of shoes 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, and 2200d according to the present invention.

  The main purpose of FIGS. 22a-22d is to have a person of ordinary skill in the art better understand the scope and other possible embodiments of the present invention. Thus, embodiments 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, and 2200d will only be briefly discussed. For a detailed description of the individual aspects, the description of the embodiments of the shoes, soles, midsoles, cushioning elements and control elements according to the invention already described herein, in particular embodiments 100, 1400, See the discussion of 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800a-1800d, 1900, 2000, and 2100. The particulars, selections, and features discussed in connection with the embodiments also apply to embodiments 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, and 2200d, where applicable.

  The shoes 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, 2200d each have a sole with respective cushioning elements 2210a, 2210b, 2210c, and 2210d comprising randomly arranged particles of foam material. The cushioning elements 2210a and 2210b of the shoes 2200a and 2200b extend only over the forefoot area, while the cushioning elements 2210c and 2210d of the shoes 2200c and 2200d extend over the entire sole of the shoes 2200c, 2200d. The buffer elements 2210a, 2210b, 2210c, and 2210d shown here are provided as part of the respective midsole. However, other arrangements of cushioning elements are also conceivable.

  The soles of the shoes 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, and 2200d further comprise control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d, respectively, in which no foam material is used. Control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d, respectively, compared to the shear movement within the second region of each buffer element 2210a, 2210b, 2210c, and 2210d, respectively, the first of each buffer element 2210a, 2210b, 2210c, and 2210d. Reduce shear movement in the region of In the embodiments 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, and 2200d shown here, control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d are provided as part of their respective outsoles.

  Control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d can further serve to selectively increase the bending resistance of each buffer element 2210a, 2210b, 2210c, and 2210d.

  The control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d may be arranged in various configurations, shapes, sizes, sole areas, etc. to affect the shear movement and flexural rigidity of each cushioning element 2210a, 2210b, 2210c, 2210d or sole. It comprises several holes or openings 2252a, 2252b, 2252c, 2252d. The control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d further comprise "webs" or material meshes 2258a, 2258b, 2258c, 2258d between the individual openings 2252a, 2252b, 2252c, 2252d.

  The openings 2252a, 2252b, 2252c and the material mesh 2258a, 2258b, 2258c are configured in a diamond shape in embodiments 2200a, 2200b and 2200c, while the openings 2252d and the material mesh 2258d generally form a parallelogram. However, as already discussed and illustrated several times throughout this document, other configurations are also possible, for example in the heel area of the shoe 2200 d. Additionally, control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d can also include other protrusions, protrusions and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 22a, the control element 2250a comprises several protrusions 2259a.

  The repetitive configuration of the diamond-shaped or parallelogram openings 2252a, 2252b, 2252c, 2252d and the material mesh 2258a, 2258b, 2258c, 2258d specifically allow the sole to shear or bend mainly along it One or more preferred directions can be provided. The exact pattern and arrangement of the holes and areas of material allows one to adjust their preferred orientation to a given required profile for a particular sole or shoe.

  In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, another embodiment will be described below.

1 a. A buffer element comprising particles of foam material arranged randomly;
b. A sole, in particular for sports shoes, for shoes comprising a control element in which no foam material is used,
c. The control element reduces shear movement in the first region of the cushioning element as compared to shear movement in the second region of the cushioning element,
Sole.

2 The particles of the foamed material are expanded ethylene vinyl acetate, expanded thermoplastic urethane, expanded polypropylene, expanded polyamide, expanded polyether block amide, expanded polyoxymethylene, expanded polystyrene, expanded polyethylene, expanded polyoxyethylene, expanded ethylene propylene diene monomer A sole according to example 1, comprising one or more of

3. A sole according to one of the preceding examples 1 to 2, wherein the control element comprises one or more of rubber, thermoplastic urethane, textile material, polyether block amide, foil or foil-like material.

4. The sole according to one of the examples 1 to 3, wherein the inherent shear resistance of the first region of the buffer element is higher than the second region of the buffer element.

5 The thickness is greater in the first control area where the control element controls the shear movement of the buffer element in the first area than in the second control area where the control element controls the shear movement of the buffer element in the second area Sole according to one of the preceding examples 1 to 4 with a reduced number of holes.

6 The sole according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the buffer element is provided as part of a midsole.

7. The sole according to example 6, wherein the control element is provided as part of an outsole.

The sole according to example 7, wherein the outsole comprises a separation area not directly attached to the second area of the cushioning element of the midsole.

9 A sole according to one of the preceding examples 1 to 8, wherein the control element and the buffer element are manufactured from a common class of materials, in particular thermoplastic urethane.

10. The sole according to one of the preceding examples 1 to 9, wherein the first area is located in the inner metatarsal area and the second area is located in the outer heel area.

11. The sole according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control element further increases the bending resistance of the buffer element in the first area relative to the second area.

The sole according to one of the preceding examples, further comprising a frame made of non-foamed material, in particular ethylene vinyl acetate, surrounding at least a part of the buffer element.

13 The shock absorbers allow longitudinal shear movement of the lower sole surface with respect to the upper sole surface of more than 1 mm, preferably more than 1.5 mm, particularly preferably more than 2 mm. Sole described in one of.

The sole according to one of the preceding examples 1 to 13, wherein the control element is laser cut from the blank.

15. A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising a sole according to one of the preceding Examples 1-14.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 sole 110 buffer element 120 element, torsion element, element for reinforcement 130 control element 132 protrusion 135 protrusion, protrusion 138 opening part, recess 140 recess 150 heel clip 160 separation area 1635 particles of foam material 1735 foam material Particles 1910 Particles of foam material 2010 Particles of foam material

Claims (16)

a. A buffer element comprising particles of foam material arranged randomly;
b. A sole for a shoe comprising a control element in which no foam material is used,
c. The control element reduces shear movement in the first region of the cushioning element as compared to shear movement in the second region of the cushioning element,
In a first control area in which the control element controls the shear movement of the buffer element in the first area, rather than a second control area that controls the shear movement of the buffer element in the second area Large thickness and / or few holes,
The sole, wherein the control element comprises a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses.   The particles of the expanded material are expanded ethylene vinyl acetate, expanded thermoplastic urethane, expanded polypropylene, expanded polyamide, expanded polyether block amide, expanded polyoxymethylene, expanded polystyrene, expanded polyethylene, expanded polyoxyethylene, expanded ethylene propylene diene monomer The sole of claim 1, comprising one or more of   The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control element comprises one or more of rubber, thermoplastic urethane, textile material, polyether block amide, foil or foil-like material.   The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inherent shear resistance of the first region of the cushioning element is higher than the second region of the cushioning element.   The sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushioning element is provided as part of a midsole.   The sole according to claim 5, wherein the control element is provided as part of an outsole.   The sole according to claim 6, wherein the outsole comprises a separation area not directly attached to the second area of the cushioning element of the midsole.   A sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control element and the buffer element are manufactured from thermoplastic urethane.   A sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first area is located in the medial metatarsal area and the second area is located in the outer heel area.   10. A sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control element further increases the bending resistance of the buffer element in the first area relative to the second area.   11. A sole according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a frame made of ethylene vinyl acetate surrounding at least a portion of the buffer element.   12. A sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushioning element allows the lower sole surface to shear longitudinally in excess of 1 mm relative to the upper sole surface.   The sole according to claim 6, wherein the material of the control element is stiffer than the material of the portion of the midsole.   A method of manufacturing a sole according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising laser cutting the control element from a blank.   A shoe comprising the sole according to any one of the preceding claims.   The shoe according to claim 15, wherein the shoe is a sports shoe.