JP7324892B2 - sole element - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to sole elements, shoes and methods of making same.

The sole of a shoe is extremely important to the comfort perceived by the athlete and also to enable maximum performance. An important aspect for both comfort and performance is the stiffness of the sole. For example, at walking or light running speeds, a flexible sole will be perceived by the athlete to be more comfortable. However, at high running speeds, a stiffer sole may be advantageous to prevent injury and improve the athlete's performance. Developers are therefore often faced with a contradiction in providing a comfortable sole that not only protects the wearer's foot, but also allows maximum performance.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0338568 discloses a midfoot re
discloses a sole construction for an article of footwear comprising a sole plate including at least one of a forefoot region and a heel region. The sole plate has an undulating profile in its cross section. The undulating profile includes a plurality of waves each having peaks and troughs. The sole plate has ridges coinciding with the crests and troughs of each wave and extending longitudinally throughout the midfoot region and at least one of the forefoot and heel regions.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0338568

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an underlying object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and to provide an improved sole for shoes.

This object is achieved by the teaching of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are contained in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, a sole element for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe, comprises (a.) a midsole, (b.) a sole plate having anisotropic bending properties, (c.) the sole plate comprising: , placed over the midsole. The anisotropic bending properties of the sole plate allow anisotropic bending of the sole element in one direction so that maximum performance for the wearer of the shoe containing the sole element can be achieved. Furthermore, the inventors have found that placing the soleplate over the midsole is an improved method of providing optimal comfort for the wearer of the shoe in combination with the specific bending properties in this one direction. Recognized to be related. For example, the sole element of the present invention allows the sole plate to stiffen only when needed, and there is no discomfort from the sole plate, e.g., during take-off, but during landing and during the gait cycle of the wearer, such as a long-distance runner. During the transition period, the soleplate is flexible, providing a more comfortable running experience. Thus, a positive impact on the running economy of long-distance runners can be obtained without sacrificing running comfort.

The anisotropic bending property can be a bending stiffness that allows dorsiflexion of the soleplate. The direction of bending of the sole element plays an important role for the comfort and performance of the sole and thus for the comfort and performance of the shoe. The inventors have found that dorsiflexion is an important factor for highly responsive running, especially for the long-distance runner's aforementioned kick-off during the gait cycle. In addition, dorsiflexion helps reduce forefoot injuries because forefoot skidding can be avoided.

Note that the terms "flexion" and "bending" used in this application can be interchanged. In addition, "dorsal flexion"
The term relates to upward bending in a region of the sole element. In contrast, the term "plantar flexion" relates to downward bending in one region of the sole element. Downward is the direction toward the ground when the shoe including the sole element is worn in its normal orientation. Upwards is the opposite direction, eg towards the sky when the shoe is worn in its normal position. Further, it should be understood that the zero line for defining the neutral position of these two different types of flexion (or bending) is the horizontal line through the longitudinal extension of the sole element.

In some embodiments, the soleplate can have first and second bending stiffnesses to allow dorsiflexion of the soleplate, where the first bending stiffness is equal to the second bending stiffness. lower than stiffness. Further, the soleplate may have a first bending stiffness below the first dorsiflexion angle and a second bending stiffness above the first dorsiflexion angle.

All of these described embodiments follow the same idea of further optimizing the stated bending stiffness for the sole element. For example, the sole plate has a first bending stiffness and a second bending stiffness, both of which are for upward bending in the toe region of the sole element, the first bending stiffness being the second bending stiffness. , the sole element can optimally engage during running, but prevent foot damage due to excessive upward bending of the toes.

In one embodiment the first dorsiflexion angle is between 20° and 40°, preferably between 25° and 35°
, most preferably in the range of 28° to 32°. The indicated values provide the required stiffness for performance during kick-off, especially when attempting to bend the sole element to a certain angle, and sufficient flexibility to provide sufficient comfort when the shoe touches down. It has been found to provide a reasonable compromise between sex. Here, kicking refers to the movement that requires the long-distance runner to push his foot off the ground with each step while running, while landing refers to the movement in which the long-distance runner It is associated with the grounding of the foot at the end of each stride.

In one embodiment, the sole plate is pre-bent in the forefoot region of the sole plate, preferably at an angle between 20° and 40° compared to the aforementioned horizontal line through the longitudinal extension of the sole element. In other words, in a resting state where there is no force to bend or flex, the forefoot region of the soleplate may bend upward at an angle that may be between 20° and 40°.

The anisotropic bending properties may be in the forefoot region of the soleplate, preferably in the metatarsal region of the soleplate,
Most preferably in the metatarsal joint region of the soleplate. Therefore, the bending stiffness of the sole element that allows dorsiflexion can be improved, as the location of the flexion angle in this sole plate is anatomically positioned for optimal needs for long-distance runners. Torsional motion during shoe landing may be allowed and energy loss around the metatarsal joints may be avoided.

The sole plate is 5-15 mm, preferably about 8-12 mm, most preferably 9-1
Within 1 mm, it may allow the heel area to drop into the forefoot area of the sole element. In this application, the term "drop" is defined as the difference between the height of the sole element in the heel region and the height of the sole element in the forefoot region. In other words, the dip is the height offset between the heel region of the shoe and the forefoot region of the shoe. Such a depression of the sole element provides sufficient cushioning in the more or less rigid heel region of the sole element.
ning), it provides improved bending stiffness in the forefoot region.

In some embodiments the sole element is 8-17 mm, preferably 10-15 mm,
The first height in the metatarsal area of the sole element most preferably in the range 11-14 mm and/or 16-26 mm, preferably 18-24 mm, most preferably 19-
A second height in the heel region of the sole element may be provided in the range of 23mm. Here, the inventors have recognized that these indicated values for the height of the sole element under the long-distance runner's foot above the ground have a positive impact on efficiency.

The soleplate may comprise a material having fibers. Additionally, the material may include glass. Fibers or fiber composites are lightweight yet very strong. Glass or fiberglass, in particular, is not only fairly inexpensive and moisture resistant, but also has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Additionally, fibers in general can be processed in a variety of ways.

In some embodiments the sole element further comprises a first reinforcing element. Furthermore, the first reinforcing element can be arranged below the sole plate. Furthermore, the first reinforcing element can be arranged in the midfoot region of the sole plate. The reinforcing elements serve to increase the stability of the sole element in selected areas. Moreover, such embodiments for the reinforcing element are
It may function as a torsional and/or stabilizing element in the midfoot region and provide additional midfoot bending support and improved midfoot bending stiffness. Specifically, the midfoot of the shoe should be stiffer than the forefoot, so optimization for these two regions together with the above-mentioned bending stiffness for the forefoot region by the soleplate itself A fixed bending ratio can be maintained to avoid any injury to the foot.

The first reinforcing element may be at least partially surrounded by the midsole. first
Such an arrangement of the reinforcing elements of the can provide additional support as the forces generated during running can be evenly distributed in the midsole material.

The first reinforcing element may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This material has high wear resistance. In particular, such reinforcing elements are extremely robust and durable foam particles in combination with a midsole which may comprise randomly arranged particles which may comprise foamed thermoplastic polyurethane for those portions. , and does not require the additional use of adhesives. The manufacture of such sole elements is thereby made easier, more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly.

In some embodiments, the midsole may comprise a recess adapted to receive the soleplate over the midsole. Additionally, the recess may be further adapted to receive the first reinforcing element over the midsole. In other words, the soleplate can be installed in the recess as a kind of cavity, so that the two components can be firmly fixed on the midsole together with the reinforcing element below the soleplate. This provides greater stability for long distance runners.

The recess is 0.8-1.8 mm, preferably 1.0-1.6 mm, most preferably 1.1
It may have a depth in the range of ˜1.5 mm. This embodiment allows the sole plate to lie flush within the midsole. Therefore, long-distance runners no longer feel a stiff sole plate and are less uncomfortable when running.

In some embodiments, the midsole may further comprise a second reinforcing element. In general, the second reinforcing element can also function as a torsion element and/or a stabilizing element for the midsole element, and at the same time function as a further cushioning element together with the cushioning element of the midsole. can. Additionally, the second reinforcing element may comprise ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). This material is distinguished by high stability, low weight and relatively good cushioning properties.

The second reinforcing element may at least partially envelop the cushioning element of the midsole. This can provide additional stability to the sole element in the form of a rim. Furthermore, such a rim, together with the soleplate and the first reinforcing element, both located within the midsole, provide better energy return, sufficient cushioning, lower weight and improved stability. I will provide a.

The midsole may include particles of foam material. The particles may be randomly arranged,
It does not have to be placed. The use of particles of foamed material considerably facilitates the production of such midsoles, since the particles can be handled particularly easily. So, for example, the particles are
The molds used to fabricate the sole element and midsole, respectively, may be filled under pressure or by using a carrier fluid.

The foam material may include expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU). This material is distinguished by its particularly good elasticity and cushioning properties and by its high energy return, i.e.
Most of the energy absorbed during impact is returned. This is particularly advantageous in sole embodiments for long-distance runners.

The sole element may further comprise an outsole element. Additionally, the outsole element may include at least two non-connecting portions. Additionally, the at least two non-connecting portions may comprise different groups of various shaped protrusions. This allows more support for the entire sole element and provides greater design freedom for the individual needs of long-distance runners.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to shoes, particularly athletic shoes, comprising the sole elements described herein. The shoe thus comprises a lightweight, durable sole element that provides optimum support and comfort.

Additionally, the shoe may further comprise at least one of an upper, a strobel board, and an insole, the insole preferably comprising ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

The invention further relates to a method of making sole elements for shoes as described herein. The method may include (a.) providing a midsole and (b.) providing a sole plate having anisotropic bending properties over the midsole. Additionally, the sole element may comprise at least one of the first reinforcing element, second reinforcing element, and outsole element described herein.

The present invention also provides for (a.) attaching the upper to the sole element, (b.) placing the strobel board over the sole plate, and (c.) placing the insole over the strobel board. A method of making a shoe as described herein, comprising the steps of:

All described embodiments relate to improved methods of providing optimum bending stiffness in sole elements or shoes. Further details and technical effects and advantages are detailed above with respect to sole elements or shoes.

The present invention includes the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1
A sole element (100) for shoes, in particular athletic shoes, comprising:
(a.) a midsole (105);
(b.) a sole plate (120) having anisotropic bending properties;
(c.) the sole plate (120) is positioned over the midsole (105);
Sole element (100).

Embodiment 2
2. The sole element (100) of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic bending property is a bending stiffness that allows dorsiflexion of the sole plate (120).

Embodiment 3
The sole plate (120) has first and second bending stiffnesses to permit dorsiflexion of the sole plate (120), the first bending stiffness being greater than the second bending stiffness. 3. Sole element (100) according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the sole element (100) of embodiment 1 or 2 is also lower.

Embodiment 4
4. The sole of embodiment 3, wherein said sole plate (120) has said first bending stiffness below a first dorsiflexion angle and said second bending stiffness above said first dorsiflexion angle. Element (100).

Embodiment 5
5. Sole element (100) according to embodiment 4, wherein said first dorsiflexion angle is in the range of 20° to 40°, preferably 25° to 35°, most preferably 28° to 32°.

Embodiment 6
Said anisotropic bending properties are defined in the forefoot region (123) of said sole plate (120), preferably in the metatarsal region (123a) of said sole plate (120), most preferably in said sole plate (120). 6. A sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, in the metatarsal joint region (123b).

Embodiment 7
Said sole plate (120) extends from heel region (121) to forefoot region (123) of said sole element (100) within a range of 5-15 mm, preferably about 8-12 mm, most preferably 9-11 mm. 7. A sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, which allows a drop of .

Embodiment 8
A first height at the metatarsal area (123a) of said sole element (100) in the range of 8-17 mm, preferably 10-15 mm, most preferably 11-14 mm and/or 16-26 mm, preferably 8. Sole according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the second height in the heel region (121) of said sole element (100) is in the range of 18-24 mm, most preferably 19-23 mm. Element (100).

Embodiment 9
9. The sole element (100) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein said sole plate (120) comprises a material having fibers.

Embodiment 10
10. A sole element (10) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein said material comprises glass.
0).

Embodiment 11
11. The sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1-10, further comprising a first reinforcing element (130).

Embodiment 12
12. The sole element (100) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein said first reinforcing element (130) is arranged below said sole plate (120).

Embodiment 13
The first reinforcing element (130) is located in the midfoot region (1) of the sole plate (120).
22) A sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 11 or 12, which is positioned within.

Embodiment 14
14. The sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 11-13, wherein said first reinforcing element (130) is at least partially surrounded by said midsole (105).
.

Embodiment 15
15. The sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 11-14, wherein said first reinforcing element (130) comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Embodiment 16
Embodiments 1-1, wherein said midsole (105) comprises a recess (115) adapted to receive said soleplate (120) on said midsole (105).
6. Sole element (100) according to any one of 5.

Embodiment 17
Said recess (115) overlies said first reinforcing element (13) on said midsole (105).
0).

Embodiment 18
18. According to embodiment 16 or 17, wherein said recess (115) has a depth in the range 0.8-1.8 mm, preferably 1.0-1.6 mm, most preferably 1.1-1.5 mm. A sole element (100) as described.

Embodiment 19
19. The sole element (100) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein said midsole (105) comprises a second reinforcing element (140).

Embodiment 20
Embodiment 1, wherein said second reinforcing element (140) comprises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
20. A sole element (100) according to any one of Claims 19 to 19.

Embodiment 21
21. The sole element according to embodiment 19 or 20, wherein said second reinforcing element (140) at least partially envelops a cushioning element (110) of said midsole (105).

Embodiment 22
22. The sole element (100) of any one of embodiments 1-21, wherein said midsole (105) comprises particles of foam material.

Embodiment 23
Embodiments 1-22, wherein the foamed material comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU)
A sole element (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

Embodiment 24
24. The sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1-23, further comprising an outsole element (150).

Embodiment 25
Said outsole element (150) comprises at least two unconnected portions (150a, 150
25. Sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, comprising b).

Embodiment 26
26. The sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1-25, wherein said at least two non-connecting portions (150a, 150b) comprise different groups of different shaped projections.

Embodiment 27
27. A shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, comprising a sole element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1-26.

Embodiment 28
28. The shoe of embodiment 27, further comprising at least one of an upper, a strobelboard, and an insole, said insole preferably comprising ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

Embodiment 29
27. A method of making a sole element (100) for a shoe according to any one of embodiments 1-26, comprising:
(a.) providing a midsole (105);
(b.) a sole plate (120) having anisotropic bending properties is attached to said midsole (10);
5) above.

Embodiment 30
The first reinforcing element (130), the second reinforcing element (140) and the outsole element (1
50), further comprising at least one of embodiment 29.

Embodiment 31
(a.) attaching the upper to the sole element (100);
(b.) placing the strobel board on the sole plate (120);
(c.) placing the insole over the strobel board.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 illustrates the anisotropic bending properties of exemplary sole plates for sole elements according to the present invention; 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary sole element according to the present invention; FIG. 2 shows two side views of an exemplary sole plate with a first reinforcing element of the sole element according to the invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary midsole having cushioning elements and secondary reinforcing elements for sole elements according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary outsole element for sole elements according to the present invention; FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary sole element according to the invention; 1 is a top view of an exemplary sole element according to the present invention; FIG.

Several embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, with particular reference to sole elements for shoes, in particular athletic shoes for long-distance runners. However, the concepts of the present invention may equally or similarly be applied to other shoes, such as casual shoes, lace-up shoes, laceless shoes, or boots, such as work shoes, or any sporting goods.

It should be noted that these exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways and combined with each other whenever they are not inconsistent, and that some features may be omitted if they are deemed unimportant. , should be understood.

FIG. 1 schematically shows the principle of anisotropic bending properties of a soleplate 120 for a sole element according to the invention. As shown, sole element 120 comprises heel region 121 , midfoot region 122 , forefoot region 123 and toe region 124 . Further, the forefoot region 123 of the sole element partially comprises a metatarsal region 123a including a metatarsal joint region 123b.
These areas for the sole plate 120 are shown in the remaining FIGS.
It should be noted that it also applies to other elements of 00.

The anisotropic bending property of sole plate 120 may be bending stiffness that allows for dorsiflexion. As noted above, the terms "bending" and "bending, bending" can be interchanged. Further, the term “dorsiflexion” relates to upward bending in one region of sole element 120 .
In contrast, the term “plantar flexion” relates to downward bending in one region of sole element 120 . Downward is the direction toward the ground when a shoe having sole elements, including sole plate 120, is worn in its normal orientation. Upwards is the opposite direction, eg towards the sky when such a shoe is worn in its normal configuration. In addition, “stiffness
is given by the slope of the stress-strain curve, which, simply put, depicts the applied force over the resulting deformation.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the dashed horizontal line through the long extension of the sole plate 120 is the zero line for defining the neutral position of the two different types of flexion (or bending). Thus, the sole plate 120 of FIG. 1 allows dorsiflexion or upward bending of the sole plate 120 relative to the zero line.

Sole plate 120 has first and second bending stiffnesses to allow dorsiflexion of sole plate 120, where the first bending stiffness is less than the second bending stiffness. As mentioned above, different bending stiffnesses can meet the individual needs of long-distance runners.

Further, sole plate 120 has a first bending stiffness below a first dorsiflexion angle (α) that defines a particular angular range as indicated by the double arrow in FIG. The first dorsiflexion angle (α) is between 20° and 40°, preferably between 25° and 35°, most preferably between 28° and 32°.
°. Additionally or alternatively, the specific needs of the wearer, such as weight or other anatomical conditions, such as supination or pronation, or for example, running uphill or running on flat ground. Other ranges may be possible, depending on the particular running conditions. The second bending stiffness, as indicated by the single arrow in FIG.
Above the first dorsiflexion angle (α).

The first bending stiffness is lower than the second bending stiffness. Such a first bending stiffness below the first dorsiflexion angle (α) provides sufficient flexibility for sufficient comfort upon landing of the shoe with the sole plate 120, while the first The second bending stiffness above the dorsiflexion angle (α) of
It provides the stiffness required for performance during the take-off, especially when attempting to flex the sole plate 120 and thus the sole element as a whole and the shoe.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, anisotropic bending properties are present in the forefoot region 123 of the sole plate 120 . The location of the bending property may be characterized by the bending or flexing position on the zero line where the sole plate 120 begins to bend. Additionally, a particular region around this bend or flexion position may be located within the metatarsal region 123a of the sole plate 120, preferably along the metatarsal joint region 123b of the sole plate 120.

Figure 2a shows an exploded view of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the invention. 2b shows two side views of the exemplary sole plate 120 shown in FIG. 1 with the first reinforcing element 130 of the sole element 100. FIG. FIG. 2c shows a side view of exemplary midsole 105 with cushion element 110 and second reinforcing element 140 of sole element 100. FIG. 2d shows a side view of an exemplary outsole element 150 of sole element 100. FIG. Figure 2e shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the invention. Figure 2f shows a top view of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the invention.

As can be seen in FIG. 2a, a sole element 100 for a shoe according to the invention comprises a midsole 1
05 and a sole plate 120 having anisotropic bending properties, the sole plate 120
are placed over the midsole 105 . Placing the sole plate 120 on such a midsole 105, coupled with specific bending properties in one direction, provides optimum bending properties, e.g. It relates to an improved method of providing together with optimum comfort for distance runners. Sole plate 120 may include one or more of the above-described features of the embodiment of FIG.

Midsole 105 comprises a cushioning element 110 made from multiple particles. The particles are made from an expanded material such as expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU). Any other suitable material, such as any other particulate foam suitable for manufacturing midsoles, such as expanded polyamide (ePA), expanded polyether block amide (ePEBA), expanded polylactide (ePLA), expanded polyethylene terephthalate. (ePET), expanded polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT), expanded thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (eTPEE) may also be used.

Furthermore, the foam particles are randomly arranged inside the cushion element 110 . or,
The foam particles may be arranged in a particular pattern inside the cushioning element 110 . Further features of the cushion element 110 are described with respect to Figure 2c.

Sole plate 120 includes a material having fibers. Carbon fiber or carbon fiber composites may be a viable material as they are lightweight yet very strong. Glass or glass fibers are also possible materials as they are fairly inexpensive and moisture resistant as well as have a high strength to weight ratio. Additionally, glass fibers can be processed in a variety of ways. Additionally, or alternatively, any material or mixture of materials that can provide sufficient stiffness along with light weight that can be designed to provide flexibility at specific angles;
can be used.

The assembled sole element 100 has a metatarsal region 1 of the assembled sole element 100 within the range of 8-17 mm, preferably 10-15 mm, most preferably 11-14 mm.
a first height at 24 and/or 16-26 mm, preferably 18-24 mm
, most preferably in the range of 19-23 mm.

Figure 2b shows two side views of an exemplary sole plate 120 together with the first reinforcing element 130 of the sole element 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2a. The first reinforcing element 130 is
It is positioned below the sole plate 120 so as not to impair comfort for long-distance runners. Therefore, the first reinforcing element 130 can also adapt to the curvature of the sole plate 120. FIG.

A first reinforcing element 130 is positioned within the midfoot region 122 of the sole plate 120 . The first reinforcing element acts as a torsional and/or stabilizing element in the midfoot region 122 and provides additional midfoot bending support and increased midfoot bending stiffness for the long-distance runner. obtain. Specifically, the midfoot region 122 of the sole element 120 is
For example, the optimized bending ratio for the midfoot region 122 together with the first bending stiffness below the first dorsiflexion angle of the sole plate 120 should be stiffer than the forefoot region 123. , can be maintained to avoid any injury to the foot. Additionally or alternatively, multiple first reinforcing elements are also conceivable to enhance this effect. Some of the plurality of first reinforcing elements are located on the sole plate 12 to provide greater stiffness.
0 may be placed in other regions.

The first reinforcing element 130 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is highly abrasion and tear resistant. Other suitable materials such as carbon, polyamide, rubber, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) may be used, or the sole plate 120
It is also contemplated that materials containing fibers as described above for may be used.

First reinforcing element 130 further comprises three elongated projections 135 . These protrusions 135 may provide greater stiffness in the midfoot region 122 of the sole element 120 and improved stability against torsional movements. More or less protrusions are also conceivable, depending on the needs of the long-distance runner. Non-long shapes with geometric contours such as points, rectangles, triangles, etc. can also be used. Projection 135 also provides a first step to midsole 105 .
ensuring better attachment, gripping or fitting of the reinforcing elements of the .

Figure 2c shows a side view of midsole 105 including cushion element 110 and second reinforcing element 140 of sole element 100 as shown in Figure 2a.

The second reinforcing element 140 comprises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which exhibits high stability and relatively good cushioning. Other suitable materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (T
PU), rubber, polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS), etc. may be used, or a material comprising fibers as described above for sole plate 120 and first reinforcing element 130 may be used. It is also possible.

As can be seen in FIG. 2c, the second reinforcing element 140 is at least partially formed in the midsole 1
05 cushion element 110 is wrapped. In other words, for additional stability of the cushion element 110 and thus of the midsole 105 and also of the sole element 100, a rim may be provided. Additionally, such a rim may have sole plate 120
and together with the first reinforcing element 130 provide better energy return, sufficient cushioning, lighter weight and improved stability.

As shown in FIG. 2a, the second reinforcing element 140 is essentially U-shaped and extends along the inner side around the toe region 125 to the outer side of the midsole 105 to extend the cushioning element 110.
to wrap Additionally or alternatively, the second reinforcing element 140 can wrap essentially all around the cushioning element 110 to provide enhanced stability.

Midsole 105 comprises a recess 115 adapted to receive first reinforcing element 130 and sole plate 120 on midsole 105 . Such a configuration
Combined with the anisotropic bending properties of sole plate 120, it provides optimum bending properties along with optimum comfort for the wearer of the shoe.

Furthermore, when the first reinforcing element 130 as shown in FIG. 2 b is received over the midsole 105 , the first reinforcing element 130 is at least partially surrounded by the midsole 105 . This embedding of the first reinforcing element 130 allows the forces generated during running to be evenly distributed in the material of the midsole 105 and also allows the first reinforcing element 13
Additional support for the midsole 105 is possible because the undesirable displacement of 0 can be avoided.

The recess 115 may have a depth within the range of 0.8-1.8 mm, preferably 1.0-1.6 mm, most preferably 1.1-1.5 mm. Thus, sole plate 120 and first reinforcing element 130 lie flush within midsole 105 . Furthermore, the recess 115
comprises three elongated grooves 116 adapted to receive three elongated protrusions 135 of the first stiffening element 130 as shown in Figure 2b.

Figure 2d shows a side view of the outsole element 150 of the sole element 100 as shown in Figure 2a.

Outsole element 150 may be prefabricated, for example, by injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming, or any other method known to those skilled in the art to convert a 2D design into a 3D molded article.

As can be seen in FIG. 2d, the outsole element 150 comprises a first non-connecting portion 150a and a second non-connecting portion 150b, the first non-connecting portion 150a being connected to the second non-connecting portion 1
A first plurality of shaped protrusions is provided that is different than the second plurality of shaped protrusions of 50b.

The first plurality of shaped projections of the first non-connecting portion 150a has a triangular profile to provide the long-distance runner with improved slip resistance upon heel strike. Additionally or alternatively, other contours such as circles, angular shapes, or other geometric shapes are also contemplated.

The second plurality of shaped projections of the second non-connecting portion 150b comprises an elongated linear shape. A first subpopulation of the second plurality of shaped projections extends laterally, ie, from the medial side of outsole element 150 to the lateral side of outsole element 150, or from the lateral side to the medial side.
A second subpopulation of the second plurality of shaped projections extends longitudinally, i.e., from the heel region of outsole element 150 to the toe region of outsole element 150, or from the toe region to the heel region. . Thus, the two sub-populations of second unconnected portions 150b form a regular pattern. Additionally or alternatively, other geometries of two sub-populations or three or more sub-populations are also contemplated.

Figure 2e shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the invention.

The sole plate 120 allows the heel region 121 to drop into the forefoot region 123 of the assembled sole element 100 within the range of 5-15 mm, preferably about 8-12 mm, most preferably 9-11 mm. obtain. In this application, the term "dip" is defined as the difference between the height of the sole element 100 at the heel region 121 of the sole element 100 and the height of the sole element 100 at the forefoot region 123 of the sole element 100. . In other words, the dip is the height offset between the heel region 121 of sole element 100 and the forefoot region 123 of sole element 100 .

Figure 2f shows a top view of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the location of flexion or flexion is along the metatarsal joint region 123b, where the location is 70 to 75% of the length of sole plate 120 on the medial side and sole plate 12 on the lateral side.
It can be defined as being 60 to 65% of zero.

100 sole element 105 midsole 110 cushion element 115 recess 116 groove 120 sole plate 121 heel region 122 midfoot region 123 forefoot region 123a metatarsal region 123b metatarsal joint region 124 toe region 130 first reinforcing element 135 protrusion Portion 140 Second Reinforcement Element 150 Outsole Element 150a First Unconnected Portion 150b Second Unconnected Portion α First Dorsiflexion Angle

Claims (31)

A sole element for shoes, in particular athletic shoes, comprising:
(a.) a midsole;
(b.) a sole plate having anisotropic bending properties ;
a first reinforcing element and
with
(c.) the sole plate is positioned over the midsole;
the midsole comprises a recess adapted to receive the first reinforcing element on the midsole;
sole element. 2. The sole element of claim 1, wherein the anisotropic bending property is a bending stiffness that allows dorsiflexion of the sole plate. 2. The sole plate of claim 1, wherein the sole plate has first and second flexural stiffnesses to permit dorsiflexion of the sole plate, the first flexural stiffness being less than the second flexural stiffness. Or the sole element according to 2. 4. The sole element of claim 3, wherein the sole plate has the first bending stiffness below a first dorsiflexion angle and the second bending stiffness above the first dorsiflexion angle. 5. The sole element according to claim 4, wherein said first dorsiflexion angle is in the range of 20[deg.] to 40[deg.]. 6. The sole element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said anisotropic bending properties are in the forefoot region of said sole plate. 7. The sole element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sole plate allows a drop of the heel area into the forefoot area of the sole element within the range of 5-15 mm. Claim 1, comprising a first height at the metatarsal region of the sole element within the range of 8-17 mm and/or a second height at the heel region of the sole element within the range of 16-26 mm. 8. Sole element according to any one of 1 to 7. 9. Sole element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sole plate comprises a material with fibers. 10. The sole element of claim 9, wherein said material comprises glass. 11. The sole element of any one of claims 1-10, further comprising a first reinforcing element. 12. The sole element according to claim 11, wherein said first reinforcing element is arranged below said sole plate. 13. Sole element according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first reinforcing element is arranged in the midfoot region of the sole plate. 14. Sole element according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said first reinforcing element is at least partially surrounded by said midsole. 15. The sole element of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the first reinforcing element comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). 16. The sole element of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the midsole comprises a recess adapted to receive the soleplate thereon. 17. The sole element of Claim 16, wherein the recess is further adapted to receive the first reinforcing element over the midsole. Sole element according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said recess has a depth in the range 0.8-1.8 mm. 19. The sole element of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the midsole comprises a second reinforcing element. 20. The sole element of Claim 19, wherein the second reinforcing element comprises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). 21. Sole element according to claim 19 or 20, wherein said second reinforcing element at least partially envelops said midsole cushioning element (110). 22. The sole element of any preceding claim, wherein the midsole comprises particles of foam material. 23. The sole element of claim 22, wherein said foamed material comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU). 24. A sole element as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an outsole element. 25. The sole element of Claim 24, wherein the outsole element comprises at least two unconnected portions. 26. A sole element according to claim 25, wherein said at least two unconnected portions comprise different groups of various shaped projections. A shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, comprising a sole element according to any one of claims 1-26. 28. The shoe of Claim 27, further comprising at least one of an upper, a strobelboard, and an insole. 27. A method of manufacturing a sole element for a shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 26, comprising:
(a.) providing a midsole;
(b.) providing a sole plate having anisotropic bending properties over the midsole. 30. The method of Claim 29, further comprising at least one of a first reinforcing element, a second reinforcing element, and an outsole element. (a.) attaching the upper to the sole element;
(b.) positioning the strobel board over the sole plate;
(c.) placing the insole over the strobel board.