JP2020146530A - Sole for shoe - 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 comprises: a cushioning element 110 that includes randomly arranged particles of an expanded material; and a control element 130.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to soles for shoes, especially sports shoes.

Shoes have many characteristics depending on the sole, the identification of which can be prominent 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 each wearer's foot from injuries caused, for example, by sharp objects that the wearer may step on. In addition, shoe soles are highly abrasion resistant and therefore usually protect the shoe against excessive wear. In addition, each shoe sole improves the grip of the shoe to the ground, thus allowing it to move faster. Another function of the shoe sole can exist in providing a certain degree of stability. In addition, the shoe sole can have a cushioning effect, for example, by absorbing the forces generated while the shoe is in contact with the ground. Finally, the shoe sole can also protect the foot from dirt and splashes and can provide multiple other functions.

In order to satisfy many of these functions, various materials from which the shoe sole can be manufactured are known from the prior art. Illustratively, shoe soles made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS) are referred to herein. Each of these various materials provides a special combination of different properties that is more or less suitable for the particular requirements of each shoe type. For example, TPU is very wear resistant and hard to tear. Furthermore, EVA is characterized by high stability and a relatively good cushioning effect. In addition, the use of expanded materials, specifically foamed thermoplastic urethane (eTPU), has been considered for the manufacture of shoe soles. Therefore, for example, WO2005 / 066250A1 describes a method for manufacturing a shoe in which a shoe shaft is adhered to and connected to a sole based on foamed thermoplastic urethane. Foamed thermoplastic urethane is characterized by being lightweight and having particularly good elasticity and cushioning properties.

In addition to buffering and absorbing the impact energy generated when the foot steps on the ground, that is, in the vertical direction, the shear force during running is also horizontal, specifically the shoe has good grip. It is further known from the prior art that it also occurs on the ground and therefore the shoe suddenly stops with the foot when it touches the ground. If these shear forces cannot be absorbed at least partially by the ground and / or shoe sole, the shear forces are transmitted unabated to the motor organs, specifically the knees. This can easily lead to excessive strain on the motor organs and promote injuries. On the other hand, excessive shear capacity of the shoe sole results in instability and increased risk of injury, especially during fast runs. Increased shear strength may be undesirable in certain areas of the sole, as that area clearly acts to stabilize the foot. In addition, increased shear strength, for example in the toe area of the midfoot, can give the wearer the sensation of slipping the shoe during running, which can reduce wearing comfort. There is.

In order to solve this problem, a structure of a sole capable of absorbing a part of the shearing force generated during running in a form that does not overuse the joint is known from the prior art, for example, DE10244433B4 and DE10244435B4. However, the disadvantage of these structures is that these soles are made up of several independent individual parts that are considerably heavier, more expensive and more complex to manufacture.

In addition, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0150132 (A1) is packed with small beads in the insole to allow the beads to shift due to pressure on the insole by the user's foot during normal use. The footwear constructed in the above (for example, shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) is disclosed. U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,397 (B2) discloses footwear with a support assembly in which a plate and a recess are 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 of contact between the foot and the ground. A sole unit for shoes that allows it to be disclosed. DE102011108744A1 discloses a sole for shoes or a method for manufacturing a part of the sole. WO2007 / 082838A1 discloses a foam based on thermoplastic polyurethane. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0047720 (A1) discloses a method for manufacturing sole assemblies for footwear. Finally, WO2006 / 015440A1 discloses a method of forming a composite material.

WO2005 / 066250A1 DE10244433B4 DE10244435B4 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0150132 (A1) U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,397 (B2) U.S. Pat. No. 8,082,684 (B2) DE102011108744A1 WO2007 / 082838A1 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0047720 (A1) WO2006 / 015440A1

Therefore, starting with the prior art, one object of the present invention is to provide a better sole for shoes, especially for sports shoes. Another objective is to provide improved potential in which the shear strength of the shoe sole can be selectively influenced by it in a particular area of the sole.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, these problems are solved by a sole for shoes, especially for sports shoes, which has a cushioning element containing randomly arranged particles of foam material. The sole further comprises a control element that does not use foam material, which reduces the shear motion in the first region of the buffer element compared to the shear motion in the second region of the buffer element. Shear.

The use of cushioning elements containing foam material is particularly advantageous for the construction of shoe soles. This is because the material is very lightweight, but at the same time it can absorb the impact energy as the foot steps on the ground and return it to the runner. This improves running efficiency and reduces the (vertical) impact load on the motor organs. Another advantage comes from the use of randomly placed 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 placement eliminates the need for orientation during production.

Control elements that allow selective control of the shear strength of the cushioning element also absorb and / or buffer horizontal shear forces that would otherwise have a direct impact on the motor organs, especially the joints. It will be possible to build a sole that can also be. This also improves the comfort of wearing the shoe and the efficiency of the runner, while at the same time preventing injury and joint wear. Since no foam material is preferably used for the control element, it has sufficient strength to comply with its control function.

In a preferred embodiment, the foam material particles are foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (eEVA), foamed thermoplastic urethane (eTPU), foamed polypropylene (ePP), foamed polyamide (ePA), foamed polyether blockamide (ePEBA), foamed poly. It comprises 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 these materials can be conveniently used in the manufacture of the sole due to the unique properties of the material.

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 material.

In another preferred embodiment, the inherent shear resistance of the first region of the buffer element is higher than that of the second region of the buffer element. The use of these cushioning elements, which have a variety of unique shear resistance regions in combination with the control elements that locally affect the shear strength of the cushioning element, gives the shoe sole more freedom of construction and various fits. Brings the possibility of.

In one embodiment, the control element affects the shear motion of the buffer element in the first region rather than the second control region which affects the shear motion of the buffer element in the second region. With a large thickness and / or a small number of holes. Bending resistance and deformation resistance of the control element can be determined, for example, based on the thickness and the number and size of holes. Those properties of the control element can, in part, affect the shear and bending capacity of the 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 the outsole.

By constructing the cushioning element as part of the midsole and / or the control element as part of the outsole, the number of various functional components of the sole and shoe can be minimized, while at the same time the sole characteristics. The possibility of conformance and control can be improved. This simplifies the structure of the shoe, for example, and can significantly reduce its weight. Moreover, no additional composite material is required, such as adhesives to bond the various elements of the sole and shoe. Thus, shoe manufacturing ultimately improves functionality and is more cost effective, and preferably uses common material class materials to improve recyclability.

In another embodiment, the outsole comprises a decoupling region that is not directly attached to the second region of the cushioning element of the midsole. Further, as described in detail below, this makes it possible to further affect and / or improve the shear strength of the sole. Therefore, for example, a control element provided as a part of the outsole can be coupled to a buffer element provided as a part of the midsole by a gel or the like. The gel allows another shearing action between the control element and the cushioning element, thus allowing it to absorb higher shear forces.

According to another aspect of the invention, the control and cushioning elements can be made from materials of a common material class, specifically from thermoplastic urethane. This makes it 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 much more easily than materials from different classes.

According to another aspect of the invention, the first region is located in the medial region of the midfoot and the second region is located in the lateral region of the heel. Shear forces generated during running occur especially when the foot touches the ground. This typically occurs in the outer region of the heel. For this reason, a good shear strength of the sole that absorbs the shear forces is therefore desirable. However, in the medial region of the foot, improved support and stability are often desired. This allows the foot to push off the ground well and also prevent supination of the foot, which can lead to inflammation and injury.

According to another aspect of the invention, the control element further increases the bending resistance of the buffer element in the first region as compared to the second region. Specifically, control elements designed as part of the outsole can provide these functions.

According to another aspect of the invention, the sole further comprises a frame made of a non-foaming material, specifically ethylene vinyl acetate, that surrounds at least a portion of the cushioning element. Such frames can be used, for example, to allow further control of shear strength and improve the stability of the sole.

In a preferred embodiment, the cushioning element allows the lower sole surface to shear more than 1 mm, preferably more than 1.5 mm, particularly preferably more than 2 mm in the longitudinal direction with respect to the upper sole surface. These values provide a good balance between sufficient stability of the shoe sole and high absorption capacity of 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 the outsole laser cut from a blank.

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

Laser cutting of the control element can increase the degree of freedom in designing the control element. It can also provide opportunities for individual customization of control elements, soles, and shoes. For example, it is possible to enable a large number of fashion designs and individualizations for each sole or shoe. The customization may be sport-specific or may be due to typical customer movements or customer-related movements. In addition, laser cutting can be largely automated and can be based on, for example, online tools or other management methods.

However, the customization characteristics and online management mentioned above may be used in conjunction with other embodiments of the soles and shoes of the invention described or conceived herein, with control elements necessarily blank to laser. It does not always disconnect.

Another aspect of the invention relates to shoes with the sole according to one or more of the embodiments of the invention, especially sports shoes. Here, the individual aspects of the embodiments of the invention referred to can be conveniently combined with each other depending on the requirements profile of the sole and shoe. In addition, a single aspect can be separated if it is not relevant to the respective purpose of the shoe.

In the following detailed description, a presently preferable example of the mounting embodiment and the embodiment of the sole according to the present invention will be described with reference to the following figures.

It is an embodiment of a shoe sole having a midsole and an outsole that selectively affects the shear strength and bending strength of the midsole. The sole also features a reinforcing element partially embedded in the midsole and a heel clip. The shoes with various soles used for the measurements of FIGS. 3-9 are shown. A comparison of vertical compression between the eTPU midsole and the EVA midsole when the foot touches the ground is shown. A comparison of vertical compression between the eTPU midsole and the EVA midsole when the foot touches the ground is shown. The vertical compression measurements of the eTPU midsole and EVA midsole during the entire step cycle are shown. A comparison of local material elongation on the outer sidewalls of the eTPU midsole and EVA sole during the rolling motion of the foot from the heel area to the forefoot area during the step is shown. A comparison of local material elongation on the outer sidewalls of the eTPU midsole and EVA sole during the rolling motion of the foot from the heel area to the forefoot area during the step is shown. The measured values of the relative displacements of the two measurement points at the opposite ends of the measurement categories shown in FIGS. 7a-7c during the complete step cycle for the three different soles are shown. The measured values of the relative displacements of the two measurement points at the opposite ends of the measurement categories shown in FIGS. 7a-7c during the complete step cycle for the three different soles are shown. The measured values of the relative displacements of the two measurement points at the opposite ends of the measurement categories shown in FIGS. 7a-7c during the complete step cycle for the three different soles are shown. The measurement points used for the measurements of FIGS. 6a to 6c are located at the ends of the measurement categories shown in FIGS. 7a to 7c, respectively. The measurement points used for the measurements of FIGS. 6a to 6c are located at the ends of the measurement categories shown in FIGS. 7a to 7c, respectively. The measurement points used for the measurements of FIGS. 6a to 6c are located at the ends of the measurement categories shown in FIGS. 7a to 7c, respectively. A comparison of the horizontal shear effects applied to the sole material of three different midsoles when touching the ground in the outer heel area is shown. Shown are measurements of shearing action in the heel area of the sole material of various midsoles in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) during the entire step cycle. Other measurements of shearing action in the heel region of various midsole sole materials in the longitudinal (AP) and medial (ML) directions during the entire step cycle are shown. Other measurements of shearing action in the heel region of various midsole sole materials in the longitudinal (AP) and medial (ML) directions during the entire step cycle are shown. Other measurements of shearing action in the heel region of various midsole sole materials in the longitudinal (AP) and medial (ML) directions during the entire step cycle are shown. Other measurements of shearing action in the heel region of various midsole sole materials in the longitudinal (AP) and medial (ML) directions during the entire step cycle are shown. Shown is the average of several measurements of shearing action in the heel area of the sole material of each different midsole in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) during the entire step cycle. Shown is the average of several measurements of shearing action in the heel region of the sole material of each different midsole in the inward and outward directions (ML direction) during the entire step cycle. It shows the shearing action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles when the foot pushes away from the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot region (see FIG. 13e). It shows the shearing action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles when the foot pushes away from the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot region (see FIG. 13e). It shows the shearing action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles when the foot pushes away from the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot region (see FIG. 13e). It shows the shearing action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles when the foot pushes away from the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot region (see FIG. 13e). It shows the shearing action of the sole on the sole material of various midsoles when the foot pushes away from the ground at the end of the step in the forefoot region (see FIG. 13e). A preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. A preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. Another preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the invention is shown. Another preferred embodiment of a shoe having a sole according to one aspect of the invention is shown. A preferred embodiment of a shoe sole having a midsole and an outsole that selectively affects the shear and bending strength of the midsole is shown. A particularly preferred embodiment of a shoe sole having a midsole and an outsole that selectively affects the shear and bending strength of the midsole is shown. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of possible embodiments with respect to an outsole that selectively affects the shear and bending strength of the midsole. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the ML direction through two embodiments of a midsole comprising first and second plate elements that can slide relative to each other. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the ML direction through two embodiments of a midsole comprising first and second plate elements that can slide relative to each other. An embodiment of a shoe according to the invention with an embodiment of a sole according to the invention with a control element laser cut from a blank is shown. Another currently preferred embodiment of the shoe according to the invention having the embodiment of the shoe sole according to the invention is shown. Another currently preferred embodiment of the shoe according to the invention having the embodiment of the shoe sole according to the invention is shown. Another currently preferred embodiment of the shoe according to the invention having the embodiment of the shoe sole according to the invention is shown. Another currently preferred embodiment of the shoe according to the invention having the embodiment of the shoe sole according to the invention is shown.

The following detailed description describes a currently preferred embodiment of the invention relating to sports shoes. However, it should be emphasized that the present invention is not limited to those embodiments. The present 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 sportswear and sports equipment pads. You can also do it.

FIG. 1 shows the sole 100 according to one aspect of the present invention. The sole 100 includes a buffer element 110 containing randomly arranged particles of foam material and a control element 130 that selectively affects the shear strength of the buffer element.

In a preferred embodiment, the buffer element 110 is provided as a midsole or part of the midsole, respectively, as shown in FIG. The cushioning element 110 contains randomly arranged particles of foam material. In one embodiment, the entire buffer element 110 is made of foam material. However, here various foam materials, or mixtures of several different foam materials, can be used for the various partial regions of the buffer element 110. In another embodiment, only one or more partial regions of the buffer element 110 are made of foamed material and the rest of the buffer element 110 is made of non-foamed material. For example, the cushioning element 110 may include a central region made of particles of one or more foam materials, the central region surrounded by a frame made of non-foam material to enhance the stability of the sole morphology. ing. Appropriate combinations of foamed and / or non-foamed materials can produce buffering elements 110 with the desired buffering and stabilizing properties.

The particles of the foam material can specifically include one or more of the following materials: foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (eEVA), foamed thermoplastic urethane (eTPU), foamed polypropylene (ePP), foamed material. Polyamide (ePA), Expanded Polyether Blockamide (ePEBA), Expanded Polyoxymethylene (ePOM), Expanded Polyoxy (PS), Expanded Polyethylene (ePE), Expanded Polyoxyethylene (ePOE), Expanded Ethylene Propropylene Diene Monomer (eEPDM) .. Each of these materials has certain characteristic properties, which can be conveniently used for the manufacture of shoe soles, depending on the profile of the requirements for the sole. Specifically, eTPU has excellent buffering properties, which does not change at low or high temperatures. In addition, the eTPU is highly elastic and returns almost all of the energy stored during compression, for example when stepping on the ground, back to the foot during subsequent expansion. EVA, on the other hand, is characterized by, for example, high strength, and is therefore suitable, for example, for constructing a frame that surrounds a region of foam material or the entire buffer element 110 so as to enhance the morphological stability of the buffer element 110. ..

The use of different materials or mixtures of different materials for the production of the buffer element 110 makes it possible to further provide the buffer element 110 with regions having different inherent shear resistance. In connection with the control element 130, as described herein, this significantly increases the degree of freedom in design during the construction of the shoe sole 100, thereby being selective for the shear behavior of the shoe sole 100. Significantly increases the likelihood of affecting.

In a preferred embodiment, the control element 130 is provided as an outsole or as part of the outsole, as shown in FIG. The control element 130, as used herein, preferably comprises one or more of rubber, non-foamed thermoplastic urethane, textile materials, PEBA, and foil or foil-like materials. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the buffer element 110 and the control element 130 are made from materials of a common material class, specifically from foamed thermoplastic urethane and / or non-foamed thermoplastic urethane. This greatly simplifies the manufacturing process, for example, allowing the buffer element 110 and the control element 130 to be provided as one integrated piece in a single mold without the use of additional adhesives. ..

To selectively affect the shear behavior of the buffer element 110, the control elements have several protrusions 132 of different sizes, hardnesses, and expansions, and protrusions of different lengths, thicknesses, and structures. Alternatively, it has a ridge 135 and openings and recesses 138 of various diameters. By changing their design possibilities, the effect of the buffer element 110 on the shear behavior exerted by the control element 130 can be selectively controlled.

16a to 16b show, for example, embodiment 1600 of the shoe sole 1610 according to the present invention. The sole 1610 comprises a cushioning element 1630 provided as a midsole and contains randomly arranged foam material particles 1635. FIG. 16a shows the unloaded state and FIG. 16b shows the loaded state after 1650 in contact with the ground. The sole 1610 further comprises a control element 1620 provided as an outsole, with some protrusions 1622 and some recesses / depressions 1628. Here, the material of the control element 1620 is preferably stronger / stiffer than the material of the midsole 1630. For example, the control element 1620 can be provided as a foil on which the protrusions 1622 can be selectively applied. For example, the control element 1620 can be a foil made of TPU, on which protrusions 1622 also made from TPU can be applied. Such preferred embodiments have the advantage that the foils and protrusions can be chemically bonded, for example, without the use of additional binders, and are extremely stable and resistant. In other embodiments, 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 become the material of the midsole 1630 after contacting the ground 1650. Be pushed in. Thereby, the regions 1660 and 1670 are formed so that the material of the midsole 1630 is compressed to varying degrees.

Specifically, the material of the midsole in region 1670, where the protrusions 1622 are loaded and pushed into the midsole 1630, is compressed to a higher degree than the region 1660, where the control elements include recesses / recesses 1628. The resulting various compressions of the midsole material selectively affect the stretching capacity and / or shear strength of the midsole material in the corresponding regions 1660 and 1670. For example, the elongation capacity of the midsole material is smaller in the further compressed region 1670 than in the smaller compressed region 1660. In addition, it fixes the midsole 1630 at the outsole 1620, thus leading to increased grip on the ground.

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

The protrusions 1622 can be of various designs. For example, the protrusions 1622 can be pointed, conical, or pyramidal, cylindrical, hemispherical, and the control element 1620 can be wavy or the like. The protrusions 1622 serve here as a kind of fixation point, which allows for targeted local compression of the midsole material. Here, when the distance between the protrusions 1622 is widened, for example, the extension movement of the midsole material can be made larger than when the distance between the protrusions 1622 is narrowed. Thereby, it is possible to selectively affect the shear strength of the midsole 1630.

FIG. 17 shows a particularly preferred embodiment 1700 of the sole 1710 according to the present invention. The sole 1710 comprises a cushioning element 1730 provided as a midsole and contains particles of foam material 1735 randomly arranged under no load. The sole 1710 further comprises a control element 1720 provided as an outsole, said control element comprising some protrusions 1722 and some recesses / recesses 1728. The material of the control element 1720 is preferably stronger / stiffer than the material of the midsole 1730 here. The symmetrical wavy design of the control elements shown in FIG. 17, on the other hand, allows for particularly good fixation of the midsole 1730 to the outsole 1720 under load, as described above. Therefore, the grip on the ground is particularly good. Further, the control element 1720 designed in this way can be introduced into the mold used for manufacturing without any problem during the manufacturing process.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the control elements 1800a, 1800b, 1800c, and 1800d according to the present invention. Preferably, embodiments 1800a, 1800b, 1800c, and 1800d, provided as or as part of an outsole, have several protrusions 1810 and, for example, recesses and / or reinforcing protrusions 1820 capable of connecting the two protrusions to each other. Be prepared. Here, the protrusion 1810 can have several different shapes, sizes, heights, etc., as already discussed above. The same applies to recesses and / or reinforcing protrusions 1820. To selectively affect 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. Can be adapted to the sole according to the requirements of. Here again, the recess and / or the reinforcing protrusion 1820 does not necessarily have to be placed between the two protrusions 1810, but acts as a stand-alone possibility to design the control element according to the present invention. Explicitly emphasize. Specifically, these reinforcing protrusions are intended to improve the stability of the sole in the medial metatarsal region (see 1455) and reduce the shear strength and elongation capacity of the midsole material in that region. It can be used conveniently.

In addition, according to another aspect of the invention, the control element comprises additional functional elements, such as twisting elements and / or reinforcing elements, as components, and is an integral part thereof. Can be manufactured as.

In addition, 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 each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the first region, which has a lower shear strength than the second region, is located in the medial region of the midfoot and the second region is located in the lateral region of the heel. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the control element 130 specifically comprises a stabilizing ridge 135 at the medial edge of the midfoot region, as well as several openings that are larger in diameter towards the heel and toes. The shearing behavior of the cushioning element 110 thus regulated conveniently minimizes the risk of injury while supporting the natural physiological processes of the runner's motor organs, the comfort and efficiency of the runner's wear. To 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, when the control element 130 is firmly attached to the cushioning element 130 in a region, the bending resistance of the control element 130 affects the bending resistance 110 of the cushioning element. The bending resistance of the control element 130 varies with respect to some of them, for example, depending on the design options of the control element 130 mentioned above. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bending resistance of the heel and toe regions is lower than that of the midfoot region stabilized by the reinforcing ridge 135.

In another preferred embodiment, the sole 100 further comprises a separation region 160. In that region, the buffer element 110 and the control element 130 are not directly connected to each other. In one embodiment, there is no connection between the buffer element 110 and the control element 130 in that region. In a preferred embodiment, the buffer element 110 and the control element 130 are bonded in that region by a material having shear strength. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the material having shear strength includes, for example, one or more of the following materials: eTPU, foam material, or gel. This allows the buffer element 110 to further shear with respect to the control element 130, thus further increasing the possibility of affecting the shear behavior of the sole 100. Such a separation region 160 is preferably located in the outer heel region. This is because the region produces the strongest shear forces during running, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 19 shows in and out directions through an embodiment of the midsole 1900 according to the invention, which includes randomly arranged particles of foam material 1910 and can be conveniently combined with other aspects of the invention described herein. A cross-sectional view is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the entire midsole 1900 is made of foam material. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this is merely a particular example of the midsole 1900 according to the present invention, and in other embodiments only one or more partial regions of the midsole 1900 will contain the foam material particles 1910. Can include. The midsole further comprises a first plate element 1920 and a second plate element 1930 that are slidable with respect to each other. A design is particularly preferred in which the plate elements 1920 and 1930 can slide and move in several directions. In a preferred embodiment, the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 are completely enclosed by the material of the midsole 1900, particularly preferably by the foam material 1910 of the midsole 1900. However, in other embodiments, the plate elements 1920 and 1930 are only partially enclosed by the material of the midsole 1900.

Preferably, the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 are placed in the heel area of the midsole 1900 so that they are placed opposite to each other, as shown in FIG. In another embodiment, a lubricant, gel, or the like is located between the two plate elements 1920 and 1930, which counteracts the wear of the plate elements 1920, 1930 caused by sliding movement and facilitates sliding.

Due to the sliding movement of the two plate elements 1920 and 1930, such a configuration can, for example, absorb or reduce the horizontal shear forces acting on the wearer's motor organs as the wearer steps on the ground, respectively. This prevents joint wear and wearer injuries, specifically when the wearer is running / walking fast. In other embodiments, the illustrated configuration can also be placed in different regions of the midsole 1900, for example, to further support the rolling of the foot during the step.

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 selected so that the two sliding surfaces meet clearly. By properly selecting the degree and orientation of curvature, it is possible to influence the direction in which the sliding movement of the first plate element 1920 occurs, preferably with respect to the second plate element 1930, for example when stepping on the ground. Become. This also affects the shear forces absorbed by the midsole or transmitted to the wearer, respectively.

Another preferred embodiment of such plate elements that can slide relative to each other and can be conveniently combined with one or more of the embodiments described herein according to the present invention should be present in DE10244433B4 and DE102444435B4. ..

With respect to the functions just described here, it is even more advantageous if the material of the midsole 1900 cancels the sliding movement of the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 due to the restoring force. Preferably, such restoring force is such that the two plate elements 1920 and 1930 are surrounded by the material of the midsole 1900, specifically the foam material 1910 of the midsole 1900, and the material of the midsole 1900 is in the direction of sliding movement. This is due to compression by the movement of the first plate element 1920 and the second plate element 1930, respectively, in the region adjacent to the two plate elements 1920 and 1930. The elastic properties of the material, specifically the foam material 1910 of the midsole 1900, cancel out the sliding movement of the first plate element 1920 and the second plate element 1930, respectively, without the need for a complex mechanism for this effect. Force is generated.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a variant of the embodiment just discussed here with respect to the midsole 2000 containing randomly arranged particles of foam material 2010 in the inward and outward directions. The midsole comprises a plate element 2020 and a second sled-shaped element 2030. The two elements 2020 and 2030 can slide and move with respect to each other. The sled-shaped design of the second element 2030 predetermines the preferred direction for such sliding movement. However, in a preferred embodiment, there is a gap 2040 between the first element 2020 and the second sled-shaped element 2030, through which the gap 2040 causes the two elements 2030 and 2040 to slide slightly relative to each other. Is also possible, not in the preferred direction mentioned above. By adapting the size of the void 2030, the range of such sliding movements that are not in the preferred direction can be individually adapted to the needs and requirements of the sole. As such, the very small voids 2040 allow the two elements 2020 and 2030 to slide and move in the preferred direction almost exclusively, which can improve the stability of the sole. However, if the gap 2040 is large, significant sliding movement is promoted even in an unfavorable direction. 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 surrounds the element 120, eg, a twisting element or a reinforcing element, at least partially. In a preferred embodiment, the element 120 has a higher deformation rigidity than the foam material of the cushioning element 110. Therefore, the element 120 can act to further affect the elastic and shear properties of the sole 100. In another embodiment, it can be element 120, eg, an element that acts as an optical design, and / or an element that accepts an electronic component, and / or an electronic component or any other functional element. The element 120 preferably has a hollow region accessible from the outside when acting to accept another element, such as an electronic component. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, such cavities may be arranged, for example, in the region of the recess 140. In a preferred embodiment, the element 120 is not attached to the buffer element 110, for example by an adhesive junction. Specifically, the element does not, in a preferred embodiment, a coupling portion of the buffer material 110 with a foam material. Since the cushioning element 110 partially surrounds the element, no such joint is needed to secure the element 120. Therefore, it is also possible to use non-adhesive materials to manufacture shoes. In another embodiment, the element 120 can be coupled / coupled with the control element 130 in individual regions, eg, by junction, eg, adhesive junction, 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 an outer finger portion and an inner finger portion, which are independent of each other and surround the outer and inner sides of the heel. This makes it possible to satisfactorily secure the foot on the sole 100 without excessively limiting the space for moving the foot at the same time. In another preferred embodiment, the heel clip 150 further comprises a recess in the area of the Achilles tendon. This prevents the upper edge of the heel clip 150 from rubbing or rubbing against the Achilles tendon, especially in the area above the heel. In a preferred embodiment, the heel clip 150 can also be further attached to the control element 130 and / or the element 120 with, for example, a binder, or together with it as a single piece.

FIG. 2 shows four different shoes 200, 220, 240, and 260 of various materials used to identify the elasticity of the sole and measure the shear properties. The most important measurement results 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 DE10244433B4 and DE10244435B4.

The shoe 220 includes an upper 225 and an eTPU midsole 230, which is surrounded by an EVA frame. The 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.

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

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

For each measurement of these and other discussed properties of various material and sole designs, a number of (more than 100) photographs called "stages" were taken during one step cycle. These were numbered consecutively from 1. Therefore, for each measurement, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the imaging number or "stage" and the imaging time point within each step. However, there may be a certain time offset between different measurements for each stage, i.e., stages with the same number from different measurements necessarily correspond to the same point in time during the steps measured in each measurement. Note that this is not always the case.

The photographs 300a and 300b of FIGS. 3a and 3b were taken while the heel was in contact with the ground. 3a and 3b show the compression of each midsole region as a percentage compared to the unloaded condition of the sole. As expected, no compression occurs in the forefoot region while the heel is in contact with the ground (see 320a, 320b). However, in the heel area, significant compression is evident in the eTPU sole (see 310a). Therefore, according to those measurements, the eTPU yields much more violently than the EVA under vertical loading. In addition, 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, that is, the time, is shown, and on the vertical axis, the vertical compression of the midsole is shown. The measured value 410 for the eTPU sole 270 is shown in the same manner as the measured value 420 for the EVA sole 250. At maximum vertical load, the EVA midsole 250 can only be pushed down by about 1.3 mm, while the eTPU midsole 270 can be pushed down by about 4.3 mm. In general, the value of vertical compression for eTPU is 2: 1 to 3: 1 compared to EVA, which is even higher in some embodiments.

5a and 5b show the mids in the outer sidewalls of the eTPU midsole 270 (measurement 500a) and EVA midsole 250 (measurement 500b), also at the moment the heel touches the ground, compared to the unloaded condition of the sole. Sole material shows local material elongation. However, in addition to showing the elongation of the material as a percentage compared to the state without sole load, the photographs of FIGS. 5a and 5b also show the direction of material elongation in the form of an elongation vector. From these photographs, it can be seen that the eTPU midsole 270 has significantly greater material elongation than the EVA midsole 250. This is because the shear strength of eTPU is better than that of EVA. Therefore, the eTPU is particularly suitable for producing a buffer element that absorbs shear forces during running. In the examples discussed here, the elongation of the material in the case of eTPU is 2-3 times greater than in the case of EVA. More precisely, the elongation of the eTPU material is 6-7% on average, the maximum elongation is 8-9%, and the elongation of the EVA material is 2% on average, the largest. The elongation is 3-4%.

In addition, by measurement, the elongation of the material on the outer sidewalls 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.

6a-6c show the relative offset measurements of the two measurement points 610a, 610b, and 710c located at opposite ends of the measurement segments 710a, 710b, and 710c shown in FIGS. 7a-7c, respectively. 610c is shown in millimeters. The measurements 610a, 610b, and 610c each include a complete step cycle. 7a-7c show the shoes used for each measurement at the starting position.

6a and 7a show measurement results and measurement points for a shoe 200 with a shoe sole 210 and a sliding element 212, as described in DE10244433B4 and DE102444435B4.

6b and 7b show the measurement results and measurement points of the shoe 200 having the eTPU midsole 230 and EVA rim.

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

It is clearly clear 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 greater than the EVA midsole 250. This means that the shear strength of the lower midsole surface with respect to the upper midsole surface is good, and therefore the ability to absorb the shear force generated during running is good. Note that a shoe 220 with a simple structure can have an offset value of up to 2.5 mm (see FIG. 6b), and a shoe 200 with a sliding element 212 can have an offset value of up to about 2 mm (see FIG. 6a). I want to be. In contrast, the shoe 240 with the EVA midsole 250 can only have an offset value of up to about 0.5 mm (see Figure 6c).

8a-8c show 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 measurement of shear behavior. The local offset of the sole material at the moment the heel touches the ground is shown compared to the unloaded condition.

It is clearly apparent that the shoe 200 with the sliding element 212 and the shoe 220 with the eTPU midsole with the EVA rim 230 have substantially higher shear strength in the heel region than the shoe 240 with the EVA midsole 250. Is.

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

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

Therefore, shoes 260 with an eTPU midsole 270, and especially shoes 220 with an eTPU midsole with an EVA rim 230, have very good shear strength and are therefore primarily very suitable for midsole construction. You can recognize that you are.

10 to 13 show different measurements of the shear strength of the variously designed soles.

10a to 10d show the measured values of the change in the length of the measurement section. One of the measurement categories is arranged in the longitudinal direction (AP direction) in the heel region of the sole during the step cycle, and the other is arranged in the inner / outer direction (ML direction). These length changes provide information about the shear strength of the sole of each sole.

FIG. 10a shows a change in the length 1010a of the measurement segment 1015a extending in the AP direction and a length 1020a of the measurement segment 1025a extending in the ML direction for a shoe having an EVA midsole without an outsole, such as the shoe 240. Show change. The measured values indicate that the maximum length change is about 1.2 mm in the AP direction and about 0.3 mm in the ML direction.

FIG. 10b shows a change in the length 1010b of the measurement segment 1015b extending in the AP direction and a length 1020b of the measurement segment 1025b extending in the ML direction for a shoe having an eTPU midsole without an outsole, such as the shoe 260. Show change. The measured values indicate 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 a change in the length 1010c of the measurement section 1015c in the AP direction and a change in the length 1020c of the measurement section 1025c extending in the ML direction for a shoe having a sliding element such as a shoe 200. The measured values indicate that the maximum length change is about 3.2 mm in the AP direction and about 0.7 mm in the ML direction.

FIG. 10d shows a measurement segment extending in the AP direction for a preferred embodiment of shoes 1400 according to FIGS. 1 and 14a-14c, comprising a midsole including an 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 indicate 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, the negative length in the ML direction means that the stability of the shoe in the midfoot region is very good and reflects the effect of the inner reinforcement 1455 of the control element 1450.

11 and 12 show the average value of a series of measurements performed in the same manner as the measurements shown in FIGS. 10a to 10d.

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

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

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

In another preferred embodiment, the cushioning element allows the lower sole surface to shear more than 1 mm, preferably more than 1.5 mm, particularly preferably more than 2 mm in the AP direction with respect to the upper sole surface. By choosing between different values of the shear strength of the cushioning element, it is possible to individually adapt the shoe sole to the needs and the physiological conditions of the runner. The values discussed here serve only as a guide run to those skilled in the art to give the impression of typical favorable values of the shear strength of the buffer element. In individual cases, these values should ideally be specifically adapted to the wishes and needs of the wearer.

13a-13d show the elongation of the sole material of the various shoe soles at the moment the foot pushes away from the ground through the forefoot, as schematically shown in FIG. 13e, compared to the unloaded state of the shoe. Is shown as a percentage. 13a to 13d further show extension vectors that locally indicate the direction of extension of the material. FIG. 13a shows the measured value 1300a for the shoe 240 with the EVA midsole, and FIG. 13b shows the measured value 1300b for the shoe 260 with the eTPU midsole. FIG. 13c shows measurements 1300c for shoes with sliding elements such as the shoe 200, and FIG. 13d shows a midsole containing an eTPU and a control element 1450 provided as an outsole. 14a to 14c show measurements 1300d for a preferred embodiment of the shoe 1400 (see below).

As can be clearly seen from the figure, at this foot / shoe position (ie, see FIG. 13e when the foot pushes away from the ground over the forefoot region), the main load and deformation of the material of the shoes 240 and 260 is the forefoot. Occurs locally in the center of the partial region (see FIGS. 13a and 13b) (at other foot positions, major loads and deformations can also be observed in the heel region). 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. 13d, specifically, the structure of the outsole 1450 with openings 1452, protrusions 1458, and protrusions 1459 can be seen. Further, FIG. 14 shows that almost all extension vectors in the forefoot region extend parallel to the AP direction, i.e. the material extends almost exclusively in the AP direction, while stability in the ML direction is good. Show that. This is desirable for dynamically taking your foot off without losing stability. Insufficient stability of the sole in the ML direction puts the foot in danger of slipping or bending, especially at high running speeds and, for example, on curved or uneven terrain.

The control element 1450, for example in the form of an outsole, contributes to the formation of pre-defined zones that require specific shear and / or elongation behavior or specific stability. The design of the control element 1450 can be adapted to the requirements of each sport. Linear sports have more requirements for sole shear behavior and stability than, for example, sideways sports. Therefore, the concept of control elements 1450 and sole can be individually designed for a particular sport. For sports such as (indoor) football, basketball, or running sports, the best important shear and stability zones can be determined and individually adapted. For example, in many applications, these preferred shear and / or extension zones are located under the big toe and in the heel area. In addition, aspects of the invention described herein allow the manufacture of soles that can ideally mimic the rolling of the foot, such as when walking barefoot.

14a-14c show preferred embodiments of shoes 1400 with cushioning element 1410 and control element 1450. The cushioning element is provided partially or as a midsole as part of the midsole and includes randomly arranged foam material particles, specifically eTPU particles, the control element 1450 as part of the outsole. Alternatively, it is provided as an outsole to reduce the shear strength of the midsole 1410 in the medial region of the midfoot compared to the lateral region of the heel. Further, the shoes shown in FIGS. 14a-14 include an upper 1420. In a preferred embodiment, the shoe 1400 further comprises a heel clip 1430 and an additional torsional or stiffening element 1440, as already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 and the corresponding embodiment.

In one preferred embodiment, the control element 1450 provided as an outsole does not contain foam material. It is particularly preferred that the control element be made of rubber, thermoplastic urethane, textile material, PEBA, or foil and foil-like material, or a combination of these materials, respectively. It is even more advantageous if the control element 1450 and buffer element 1410 are manufactured from materials of a common class of materials, as already mentioned above. In addition, the control element 1450 preferably comprises several openings 1452 of various sizes, a ridge 1455 in the medial region of the midfoot, and several protrusions 1458 and 1459. These elements act to affect the flexibility and rigidity properties of the control element 1450, as already discussed, which is partly the shear strength and bending of the sole, specifically the midsole 1410. Affects rigidity. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the control element 1450 is provided as part of the outsole, so that the protrusions 1459 and the protrusions 1458 can further increase the grip on the ground.

By the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 14a-14c, which have a ridge 1455 in the medial region of the metatarsal and some openings 1452 with non-uniform diameter, good shear strength, especially in the outer heel region, It also allows for good stability in the medial 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 also possible, and the design options and embodiments presented herein will allow one of ordinary skill in the art to produce shoes with the desired properties.

15a-15c show another preferred embodiment of the shoe 1500 according to one aspect of the invention. The shoe 1500 comprises a cushioning element 1510 provided as part of or as a midsole, the midsole containing randomly arranged foam material particles such as eTPU. In addition, the shoe 1500 comprises a control element 1540 provided as part of the outsole or as an outsole, which selectively affects the shear strength and flexural rigidity of the cushioning element 1510 as previously repeatedly discussed. be able to. The shoe also includes an upper 1520 and a heel clip 1530.

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

The shoe 2100 further comprises an upper 2120. The upper 2120 can be made from various materials by various manufacturing methods. The upper 2120 can be, specifically, warp, weft, woven, or braided, can include natural or synthetic materials, and includes fibers or twisted yarns, multiple laminated materials, composite materials. It can be done, and so on.

The sole of the shoe 2100 further comprises a control element 2150 provided as an outsole 2150 in this case. In other cases, it may simply be 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 the shear motion in the first region of the buffer element 2110 as compared to the shear motion in the second region of the buffer element 2110. Shear reduction occurs, for example, in regions 2160, 2165 where the control element 2150 contains material in a contiguous region. It can also occur in the area of the "material web" 2170, 2175, where the control element 2150 is interspersed with holes 2152, 2155, 2158. In the regions of these holes 2152, 2155, 2158, for example, shear motion may be relatively increased.

Taking into account the description of the invention of controlling the shear motion of buffer elements as described in this document, contiguous material regions (such as regions 2160, 2165), "material webs" (webs 2170). By choosing different designs and configurations of holes (such as holes 2152, 2155, 2158), shear properties and other properties, such as flexural rigidity, torsional rigidity or of the midsole 2110 of the shoes 2100. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the overall damping behavior can be influenced in a number of ways, if desired. As described above, such effects can be fine-tuned even more by including the ridges, protrusions, and 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 fixing the control element 2150 to the rest of the sole of the shoe 2100, specifically to the midsole 2110, preferably at least most of the time automatically. However, in principle, the blank may be placed, for example, in the midsole 2110 first, then the blank is cut, and finally the cutout portion of the blank is removed. Therefore, a binder can be applied between the midsole 2110 and the blank. The binder does not cure completely immediately, but it still provides sufficient adhesive strength to secure the blank to the midsole 2110 (or other part of the shoe 2100) for cutting. For cutting, the shoe 2100 containing the blank can be placed, for example, on a shoe mold so as to allow three-dimensional placement within the cutting device. It is still possible to remove the cutout pieces of the blank as the binder is not completely cured, after removal the binder may be left in place until it is completely cured, heated, cooled, energized, Alternatively, it may be promoted by other means.

In the simplest form, the blank can be provided, for example, as a layer of material containing one or more of the materials suitable for manufacturing the control element / outsole mentioned above. For example, blanks with pre-defined holes, ridges, protrusions, protrusions, etc. that can already provide a basic pattern that can be fine-tuned by a laser cutting process can be provided in various sizes and thicknesses. Such basic patterns can be adapted, for example, to specific movement patterns that occur during a particular sporting activity, and different blanks can also be used in the manufacture of shoes 2100 for different sporting 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 produced in large quantities quickly in advance, and then individual customizations can be performed more efficiently and more quickly. To that end, the blank may already have a rough contour of the foot or sole.

This can be especially important when customization by laser cutting is done, for example, in a shop where there is limited space for cutting and manufacturing equipment, a shop for sporting events, etc. ..

Laser cutting of the control element 2150 can increase the degree of freedom in designing the control element 2150. As already mentioned, it is also possible to provide an opportunity for individual customization of the control element 2150, sole, and shoe 2100. For example, a large number of fashion designs and corresponding personalizations of each sole or shoe 2100 can be made possible. These customizations may be sport-specific or may be due to typical or customer-related movements of the customer. In addition, laser cutting can be largely automated and can be based on, for example, online tools or other management methods.

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

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

A main object of FIGS. 22a-22d is to give one of ordinary skill in the art a better understanding of the scope of the invention and other possible embodiments. Therefore, embodiments 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, and 2200d are discussed only briefly. For a detailed description of the individual aspects, a description of embodiments of shoes, soles, midsole, cushioning elements, and control elements according to the invention already described herein, specifically embodiments 100, 1400, See discussions of 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800a-1800d, 1900, 2000, and 2100. The identification, selection, and function discussed in connection with those embodiments also apply to embodiments 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, and 2200d, where applicable.

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

The soles of the shoes 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, and 2200d also further include control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d that are free of foam material. The control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d are the first of the buffer elements 2210a, 2210b, 2210c, and 2210d, respectively, as compared to the shear motion in the second region of the buffer elements 2210a, 2210b, 2210c, and 2210d, respectively. Reduces shear motion in the area of. In embodiments 2200a, 2200b, 2200c, and 2200d shown herein, the control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d are provided as part of their respective outsole.

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

To influence the shear motion and flexural rigidity of each cushioning element 2210a, 2210b, 2210c, 2210d or sole, the control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d may have various arrangements, shapes, sizes, sole regions, etc. It comprises several holes or openings 2252a, 2252b, 2252c, 2252d. Control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d further comprise a "web" or material mesh 2258a, 2258b, 2258c, 2258d between the individual openings 2252a, 2252b, 2252c, 2252d.

The openings 2252a, 2252b, 2252c and the material meshes 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 possible, for example in the heel area of the shoe 2200d. Further, the control elements 2250a, 2250b, 2250c, and 2250d may be provided with other protrusions, protrusions, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 22a, the control element 2250a includes several protrusions 2259a.

The repeated configuration of diamond-shaped or parallelogram openings 2252a, 2252b, 2252c, 2252d and material meshes 2258a, 2258b, 2258c, 2258d specifically allows the sole to shear or bend primarily along it. It can provide one or more preferred directions. The exact pattern and placement of the holes and areas of material can adjust their preferred orientation to a given requirement profile for a particular sole or shoe.

To facilitate understanding of the present invention, another embodiment will be described below.

1 a. A cushioning element containing randomly placed particles of foam material,
b. A sole for shoes with control elements that do not use foam material, especially for sports shoes.
c. The control element reduces the shear motion in the first region of the buffer element compared to the shear motion in the second region of the buffer element.
Sole.

2 The particles of the foam material are ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, thermoplastic urethane foam, polypropylene foam, polyamide foam, polyether blockamide foam, polyoxymethylene foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polyoxyethylene foam, ethylene propylene diene monomer foam. The sole according to Example 1, comprising one or more of the above.

3. The sole according to one of Examples 1 and 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 Examples 1 to 3, wherein the inherent shear resistance of the first region of the cushioning element is higher than that of the second region of the cushioning element.

5 The control element is thicker and thicker in the first control region that controls the shear motion of the buffer element in the first region than in the second control region that controls the shear motion of the buffer element in the second region. / Or the sole according to one of Examples 1 to 4 having few holes.

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

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

8 The sole according to Example 7, wherein the outsole comprises a separation region that is not directly attached to a second region of the cushioning element of the midsole.

9. The sole according to one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the control element and the cushioning element are manufactured from a common class material, specifically thermoplastic urethane.

10 The sole according to one of Examples 1-9, wherein the first region is located in the medial metatarsal region and the second region is located in the lateral heel region.

11 The sole according to one of Examples 1-10, wherein the control element further increases the bending resistance of the cushioning element in the first region as compared to the second region.

12. The sole according to one of Examples 1 to 11, further comprising a frame made of a non-foaming material, specifically ethylene vinyl acetate, that surrounds at least a portion of the buffer element.

13 The cushioning elements allow the lower sole surface to shear more than 1 mm, preferably more than 1.5 mm, more preferably more than 2 mm in the longitudinal direction with respect to the upper sole surface, said Examples 1-12. The sole described in one of.

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

15 A shoe having the sole according to one of Examples 1 to 14, especially a sports shoe.

100 Sole 110 Cushioning element 120 Element, twisting element, reinforcing element 130 Control element 132 Protrusion 135 Protrusion, ridge 138 Opening, recess 140 Recess 150 Heel clip 160 Separation area 1635 Foam material particle 1735 Foam material Particles 1910 Foaming material particles 2010 Foaming material particles

15 A shoe having the sole according to one of Examples 1 to 14, especially a sports shoe.
It should be added that the present invention includes the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
a. With a midsole containing randomly placed particles of foam material,
b. With outsole
It is a sole for shoes equipped with
c. The outsole reduces the shear motion in the first region of the midsole as compared to the shear motion in the second region of the midsole.
The sole, wherein the outsole comprises a plurality of protrusions at positions corresponding to the first region, the protrusions serving as fixed points that allow local compression of the midsole.
[Aspect 2]
The particles of the foamed material are expanded ethylene vinyl acetate, foamed thermoplastic urethane, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyamide, foamed polyether block amide, foamed polyoxymethylene, foamed polystyrene, foamed polyethylene, foamed polyoxyethylene, foamed ethylene propylene diene monomer. The sole according to aspect 1, comprising one or more of the above.
[Aspect 3]
The sole according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the outsole comprises one or more of rubber, thermoplastic urethane, textile material, polyether block amide, foil, or foil-like material.
[Aspect 4]
The sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the inherent shear resistance of the first region of the midsole is higher than that of the second region of the midsole.
[Aspect 5]
In a first control region where the outsole controls the shear motion of the buffer element in the first region, rather than in a second control region where the outsole controls the shear motion of the midsole in the second region. The sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, which has a large thickness and / or a small number of holes.
[Aspect 6]
The sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the outsole comprises a separation region that is not directly attached to a second region of the midsole.
[Aspect 7]
The sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the outsole and the midsole are manufactured from thermoplastic urethane.
[Aspect 8]
The sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the first region is located in the medial metatarsal region and the second region is located in the lateral heel region.
[Aspect 9]
The sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the outsole further increases the bending resistance of the midsole in the first region as compared to the second region.
[Aspect 10]
The sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, further comprising a frame made of ethylene vinyl acetate, which surrounds at least a part of the midsole.
[Aspect 11]
The sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the midsole allows the lower sole surface to shear more than 1 mm in the longitudinal direction with respect to the upper sole surface.
[Aspect 12]
The sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein no foam material is used for the outsole.
[Aspect 13]
A shoe having the sole according to any one of aspects 1 to 12.

Claims (13)

a. With a midsole containing randomly placed particles of foam material,
b. A sole for shoes with an outsole
c. The outsole reduces the shear motion in the first region of the midsole as compared to the shear motion in the second region of the midsole.
The sole, wherein the outsole comprises a plurality of protrusions at positions corresponding to the first region, the protrusions serving as fixed points that allow local compression of the midsole. The particles of the foamed material are expanded ethylene vinyl acetate, foamed thermoplastic urethane, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyamide, foamed polyether block amide, foamed polyoxymethylene, foamed polystyrene, foamed polyethylene, foamed polyoxyethylene, foamed ethylene propylene diene monomer. The sole according to claim 1, comprising one or more of the above. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outsole 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 midsole is higher than that of the second region of the midsole. In a first control region in which the outsole controls the shear movement of the buffer element in the first region, rather than in a second control region in which the outsole controls the shear movement of the midsole in the second region. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which has a large thickness and / or a small number of holes. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outsole comprises a separation region that is not directly attached to a second region of the midsole. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outsole and the midsole are manufactured from thermoplastic urethane. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first region is located in the medial metatarsal region and the second region is located in the outer heel region. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outsole further increases the bending resistance of the midsole in the first region as compared to the second region. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a frame made of ethylene vinyl acetate, which surrounds at least a part of the midsole. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lower sole surface enables a longitudinal shearing motion of more than 1 mm with respect to the upper sole surface. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein no foam material is used for the outsole. A shoe having the sole according to any one of claims 1 to 12.