KR101162721B1 - Outsole - Google Patents

Abstract

In particular, the outsoles 1 and 3 for the sneaker 2 have a high elastic deformation in the tangential direction to achieve a good cushion even when the shoe is inclined and touches the ground with a slight sliding impact. The present invention provides an outsole that is essentially rigid against tangential deformation above at least one critical point in the region to be deformed. This provides the runner with more reliable footing at each axial or load point. The runner can push back out of the load point without losing ground. Thus, the floating effect on the sole is prevented. The sole may be detachably fixed to the intermediate sole 4 of the shoe 2, in whole or in several parts.

Outsole, Elastic Deformable Element, Hollow Element, Intermediate Sole, Hook and Loop Fastener, Air-Filled Chamber

Description

Outsole {OUTSOLE}

The present invention relates to an outsole, and more particularly, to an outsole for sneakers that can be elastically deformed in the tangential direction.

In the present specification, the tangential deformation refers to the deformation in the tangential direction or parallel to the surface of the outsole or the outer surface of the outsole, for example, caused by shearing. Such deformation is different from deformation in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the outsole or to the outer surface of the outsole, for example, caused by compression. On the horizontal plane, the tangential direction approximately coincides with the horizontal direction, and the vertical direction approximately coincides with the vertical direction.

Elastic outsoles using elastic materials of different hardness are known as various examples. Outsoles with air or gel cushions are also known. These cushions resiliently absorb shocks that occur while running and, in particular, protect the joints of the runner and provide comfort when running.

Most sneakers currently on the market have a spring property that provides a spring effect mainly in the vertical direction or in a direction perpendicular to the running surface, ie in the form of a compression of the outsole. However, these outsoles are relatively rigid in the horizontal or tangential direction and do not provide sufficient spring effect and low propulsion when the runner's foot is inclined contact with the ground. Since the large deformability of the outsole in the horizontal direction inevitably produces the floating effect, such rigidity in the horizontal or tangential direction is required. This negatively affects the stability of the runner. In addition, the runner may lose at least a predetermined distance for each step since the outsole initially deforms slightly in the opposite direction when the runner pushes out in the running direction. Naturally, this floating effect can be observed to some extent in known sneakers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an outsole of a simple design which can eliminate the above floating effect and can realize sufficiently soft and elastic properties in the tangential direction.

This object is achieved by an outsole which can also be deformed in the tangential direction, in which deformation beyond the deformation threshold in the tangential direction is limited.

If the strain threshold and the load applied to the outsole required to reach this strain threshold are appropriately selected by appropriately adjusting the hardness or elasticity of the outsole, the outsole according to the invention is smooth and elastic in tangential direction over a wide range of deformations. It can be realized that the strain threshold is reached only to a locally limited degree during the run, ie only in the area of the outsole under maximum load and near the time at which this maximum load occurs.

This results in not only absorbing the shock sufficiently when the runner's foot is in contact with the ground inclined and / or with a slight thrust, but also results in excellent stability at each point of impact or load application. The runner can push and push back immediately without losing distance. The floating effect described above is prevented in this way.

The deformation threshold at which the tangential deformation of the outsole according to the invention is limited depends on the deformation type. Deformation does not necessarily have to occur in the tangential direction. Critical strain can be reached even during pure vertical or vertical strain.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the deformation threshold of tangential and / or vertical deformation is at least 20% of the deformable thickness of the outsole, in particular at least 50% of the deformable thickness. Absolute strain values can easily reach several centimeters.

Considering the structure and the materials used, in principle the outsole according to the invention can be realized in various ways. Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description relates to this embodiment, for example, two layers of the outsole are, in particular, spaced apart by elastically deformable members, the deformable members having sufficient deformability and the two layers sliding together. It is possible to form friction, misalignment and / or mating engagements between the two layers while essentially preventing displacement.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the outsole may be provided with means detachably fixed to the middle sole of the shoe. If the outsole is implemented as a plurality of parts, the individual parts can be attached independently of one another and can be exchanged individually, for example if worn out. In this case, parts of different structures may be used and formed into individual designs that are particularly suited to the running style and / or needs of the individual runners.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings.

1 is a side view of a sneaker with an outsole according to a first embodiment of the present invention, each of a) a state under no load, b) a state under an inclined forward load, and c) a push out state during propulsion, respectively. Drawing to show;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the sneaker shown in FIG. 1, each showing a) a state without a load, and b) a lateral gradient load;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the hollow element of the outsole shown in FIG. 1, showing a) no load, b) an inclined forward load, and c) a vertical load. drawing;

4 is a side view of another embodiment of an outsole according to the invention comprising a tubular hollow element between two layers, each showing a) under no load and b) under an inclined forward load, respectively; drawing;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of an outsole according to the present invention comprising two layers divided into a ball section and a heel section and connected to each other by a deformable web, a) under no load, and b) A view showing a state under inclined forward load, respectively;

6 shows an outsole according to the invention with a closed volume filled with a medium;

7 is a partial cross-sectional view of another outsole according to the invention with teeth.

8 illustrates the sneaker of FIG. 1, in which a portion of the outsole may be detachably attached or attached to the middle sole, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a view of the sneaker of FIG. 8 from the rear, with a) and b) showing various numbers of sole portions detachably attached adjacent to each other; FIG.

10 shows a hollow element for the outsole according to the invention which is slightly modified in comparison with the hollow element of FIG. 3;

11 shows another embodiment of an individual sole element for an outsole in accordance with the present invention.

(Explanation of the sign)

1 outsole 2 running shoes

3, 3 ', 3 "hollow element

3.1 Tubular part of the hollow element 3

3.2 web of hollow elements (3)

3.1.1 upper shell of tubular part (3.1)                 

3.1.2 Lower shell of tubular part (3.1)

3.1.3,3.1.4 side members of the tubular part (3.1)

4 middle brush 5 floor

6 outsole

6.1 Tubular hollow elements of the outsole (6)

6.2 Upper layer of outsole 6 6.3 Lower layer of outsole 6

7 Outsole 7.1 Ball section of the outsole (7)

7.2 Heel section of the outsole (7)

7.1.1, 7.2.1 Top layer of outsole section (7.1 and 7.2)

7.1.2, 7.2.2 Lower layer of outsole sections (7.1 and 7.2)

7.1.3,7.2.3 Transformable Web 8 Outsole

8.1 Upper layer of outsole 8 8.2 Lower layer of outsole 8

8.3 Peripheral part of the outsole 8 8.4 Volume of the outsole 8

8.5 Valve 9 outsole on outsole (8)

9.1 Upper layer of outsole 9 9.2 Lower layer of outsole 9

10 hook and loop fasteners

10.1 Hook-shaped layer of hook and loop fasteners (10)

10.2 Loop Shape Layer of Hook and Loop Fasteners (10)

11 Brush element with vertical tube

P1 Arrows indicating load when in contact with the ground                 

Arrow indicating the load when pushing out P2

One embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIG. This embodiment does not represent the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is sufficient to explain the basic features of the present invention.

1 shows a running shoe 2 equipped with an outsole 1 according to the invention. The outsole 1 is formed by a plurality of hollow elements 3 of the same shape, which hollow elements comprise a tubular portion 3.1 and are integrally formed on the hollow element, for example by bond bonding. (3.2) is fixed to the lower surface of the intermediate sole (4) of the running shoe (1). For example, the hollow element 3 is made of a rubber material which can at least partially elastically deform under the load occurring during running. Such a material preferably has a large static frictional force not only with other materials but also with itself. Several hollow elements 3 are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the running shoe 2, with a gap being maintained in the area between the ball and the heel. The hollow elements 3 each extend over the entire width of the running shoe 2. However, as shown in FIG. 2, two or more hollow elements 3 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction.

For example, as indicated by arrow P1 in FIG. 1B), when the running shoe 2 is in contact with the ground and the running shoe 2 is subjected to an inclined forward load, the tubular portion 3.1 is suitably dimensioned. When selected, the compression is completely compressed after the initial elastic absorption of the load in the form of vertical and horizontal deformation. This causes a frictional engagement between the upper shell 3.1.1 and the lower shell 3.1.2 (see FIG. 3). This frictional engagement creates high resistance to further deformation of the tubular portion 3.1. The tubular portion can be further deformed substantially only by the remaining elasticity of the material, ie negligible. At this position and in this state of the outsole 1, the runner is in contact with the ground in such a way that the horizontal movement no longer occurs substantially. This means that the runner has excellent stability.

Also, the runner can push from the position shown in FIG. 2 without loss of distance for the next step as shown in FIG. 1C). That is, as described above, the frictional engagement between the tubular portions 3.1 makes it impossible to deform in the horizontal direction to a considerable extent in the direction of the arrow P2 indicating the direction of the load generated during the pushing and pushing. Naturally, one precondition for this is that the load on the deformation area of the sole is maintained between the time the foot is in contact with the ground and the time the runner pushes back. Typically, however, this is the case when running normally.

Fig. 2 shows the running shoe 2 according to Fig. 1 from the rear, where a) is not under load and b) is inclined lateral load. In this case, the tubular portion (3.1) of the hollow element (3) so that a frictional engagement is formed between the upper shell (3.1.1) of the tubular portion (3.1) and the lower shell (3.1.2) of the tubular portion (3.1). ) May occur. This means that the runner wearing the running shoes 2 is in contact with the ground 5 in such a way that substantially robust transverse stability is achieved.

The above embodiment is characterized by a very long deformation path. Between the state shown in FIG. 1 a) where no load is applied to the outsole and the state shown in FIG. 1 b) where frictional engagement occurs, this deformation path can reach more than 20% of the outsole's deformable thickness. In particular up to 50% of the deformable thickness. The running shoes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 make the runner feel “floating on the clouds”, but the runner never feels unstable and always comes in direct contact with the ground.

FIG. 3 shows in detail the hollow element 3 according to FIG. 1, ie a) under no load and b) under tangential load. The deformation under load acting vertically downward is shown in part c) in FIG. 3. This figure clearly shows how the above mentioned advantages of the runner's stabilization and the ability of the runner to push out during propulsion without loss of distance are achieved even under full vertical load.

In addition, the outsole 6 shown in FIG. 4 also includes a tubular hollow element 6.1 made of, for example, a rubber material. In this case, however, the hollow element is arranged between the upper layer 6.2 and the lower layer 6.3 and is firmly connected to each layer. The two layers 6.2 and 6.3 extend over the entire surface of the outsole. In principle, the upper layer 6. 2 can be formed by a layer of running shoes optionally provided or by an intermediate layer of running shoes. The lower layer 6.3 may be provided to have a shape. a) The function of the outsole 6 shown in FIG. 4 without load is the same as that of the outsole 1 described with reference to FIG. 2. When the tubular hollow element 6. 1 is compressed, the frictional engagement between the upper shell and the lower shell is in this case also formed as shown in part b) of FIG. 4. However, under load the deformation of the hollow element 6. 1 is distributed over a larger area due to the thrust effect exerted by the underlying layer 6.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, two separate parts 7.1 and 7.2 are provided for the ball and heel areas of the outsole 7, respectively. In principle, this separate design can also be implemented in other embodiments. In addition, simple webs 7.1.3 and 7.2.3 that can be elastically deformed are arranged between each top layer 7.1.1 and 7.2.1 and each bottom layer 7.1.2 and 7.2.2. Under load, these webs will lie flat between the two outer layers, for example as shown in part b) of FIG. 5. If a material having a large coefficient of friction is used for the outer layer and the web, a frictional engagement similar to that described above is formed in the situation shown in Fig. 5b). This means that the upper and lower layers play part of the function of the upper and lower shells of the tubular part shown in FIG. 1. In contrast, the function of the web is substantially the same as that of the side of the tubular part. The two sides arranged opposite each other are indicated by reference numerals 3.1.3 and 3.1.4 in FIG. 3.

In the outsole 8 shown in FIG. 6, no elastic member is provided between the upper layer 8.1 and the lower layer 8.2. The upper and lower layers are connected by the peripheral element 8.3 so that a closed volume 8.4 is formed. This closed volume is filled with a fluid, in particular a gas such as air, or a gel, for example. In this case, the outsole can be deformed to some extent under the load occurring during the run, as shown in part b), and the upper layer 8.1 and the lower layer 8.2 will contact each other in the region under load. It is important to be able. A frictional engagement with the above mentioned properties is also formed when a material with a large coefficient of friction is selected for these layers.

In the case where an incompressible gel is used as a medium for filling the volume portion 8.4, it is necessary for the entire volume portion or part thereof to be elastically deformable in order to achieve the desired effect. If the volume 8.4 is filled with gas, it is possible to provide an additional valve 8.5 in the heel area, for example. The elastic properties of the outsole can be changed by changing the gas pressure, for example, to suit the weight or running characteristics of a particular runner.

Instead of forming a frictional engagement as in the above embodiment, it is also possible to alternatively or additionally form a mating engagement as shown in the partially illustrated outsole 9 according to FIG. 7. In this case, for example, the teeth are arranged between the upper layer 9.1 and the lower layer 9.2.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a means can be provided in the sole which can be detachably attached to the intermediate sole of the shoe. In this case, the sole may be detachably attached in its entirety, or may be detachably attached in part or only to an individual part. FIG. 8 shows the running shoe 2 in which the entire sole 1 is detachably attached to an individual part of the intermediate sole 4 of the running shoe 2. In this case, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sole 1 has the same tubular portion 3.1 and is detachably attached to the lower surface of the intermediate sole 4 by means of a molded web 3.2. It is formed by a plurality of hollow elements 3 of the outer shape. The hollow element 3 is provided so as to be detachably attached to the lower surface of the intermediate sole 4 only with respect to the hollow element arranged in the ball region. As can be clearly seen through the enlarged area A in FIG. 8, a so-called hook and loop fastener 10 which can be assembled and detached many times repeatedly can be used as a fastening means, The web 3.2 is provided with a hook shaped layer 10.1 of hook and loop fasteners configured in the shape of a hook. Thus, the intermediate layer 4 is provided with a loop shaped layer 10.2 of the hook and loop fastener 10, ie preferably over the entire area. The two layers of hook and loop fasteners are each fixed to the hollow element on the one hand and to the intermediate layer on the other hand using adhesive.

Removable fastening has the advantage that the sole according to the invention can only be attached to the intermediate layer, for example just before training running, and in other cases the shoe can be used without such a sole. In particular this is suitable when the sole according to the invention is equipped with a relatively large hollow element, for example, in order to achieve a large elastic deformation. In the case of protecting the loop shaped layer of the hook and loop fasteners attached to the midsole and preferably the midsole, alternatively a removable protective layer may be provided for the hook and loop fasteners, not shown here.

On the one hand, the removable fixing has the advantage that old brushes can be replaced with new ones. As in the embodiment of FIG. 8, when the sole consists of multiple parts, individual parts may also be exchanged, whereby non-uniform wear of the sole caused by the individual running style of each runner may also be considered. In this case, however, each runner can construct his sole with the optimal shock absorbing properties to him, for example by means of a specific arrangement of the individual parts. As an example of this, FIG. 9 shows the running shoe of FIG. 8 in two views viewed from the rear, in the heel region a) and b) where two and three rows of hollow elements 3 are adjacent to each other. Are arranged. However, for the individual shape of the sole according to the invention, parts of different configurations with different properties may be available to the manufacturer. As an example of this, Figure 8 shows a hollow element 3 'arranged in the main load area of the sole, which has a thicker wall thickness and as a result is more rigid against deformation than the other hollow elements. have.

10 shows a slightly modified hollow element 3 "compared to the hollow element of FIG. 3 for the sole of the invention, which hollow element 3" has a flat base surface. In addition, the wall thicknesses of these hollow elements are not configured identically throughout. In the hollow element with the form shown, the feeling of standing is better and the extrusion from the contact point can be further improved.

Finally, FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a separate sole element 11 for an outsole according to the invention, which has a tubular portion in a vertical arrangement instead of a horizontal arrangement.

For the above embodiments, individual elements or features thereof may be used in combination with other embodiments, where applicable. For example, this applies not only to the shape arrangement but also to the division of the outsole into ball and heel sections. The friction engagement means and the mating engagement means can be used individually or in combination. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or 5 can be combined with the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and the elastic and / or shock absorbing media or fluid is corresponding hollow space in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or 5. Is introduced into. In this regard, a mechanical spring element or shock absorbing element may be provided in addition to FIG. 6. In another embodiment according to the invention, the sole may be detachably attached to the intermediate sole, in whole or at least in part, and two suitable for each other in place of the hook and loop fasteners having a hook and a loop or felt layer. Hook and loop fasteners with hook-like layers can be used and such hook and loop fasteners have higher adhesion. The removable connection can alternatively or additionally be made using a special releasable adhesive.

Claims (15)

An outsole for sneakers that is elastically deformable in the tangential direction so that shock absorption occurs even when the surface is inclined contact with the ground, The outsole has two upper and lower layers separated by one or more elastically deformable members (3.1.3, 3.1.4; 7.1.3, 7.2.3) (3.1.1, 3.1.2; 7.1.1, 7.1.2; 7.2.1, 7.2.2; 8.1, 8.2; 9.1, 9.2), wherein the two layers and the elastically deformable member are elastically deformable in one or more tangential directions, including one or more hollow spaces. Forms a hollow element, The critical strain in the tangential, vertical, or tangential and perpendicular directions of the elastically deformable member is at least 20% of the elastically deformable thickness of the outsole, And the elastically deformable member forms a misfit engagement or mating engagement to prevent tangential slippage of the two layers upon reaching a critical deformation. The sneaker outsole according to claim 1, wherein the critical deformation in the tangential direction, the vertical direction, or the tangential direction and the vertical direction of the elastically deformable member is 50% or more of the elastically deformable thickness of the outsole. The sneaker outsole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hollow element comprises a deformable tubular portion. The sneaker outsole according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of hollow elements are arranged in sequence in the longitudinal direction of the outsole. The sneaker outsole of claim 1, wherein the hollow element comprises two outer layers connected to each other by a deformable web such that a plurality of hollow spaces are formed. The shoe sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hollow element forms one or more closed volumes filled with fluid. 7. The sneaker outsole according to claim 6, wherein the fluid is air, and the hollow element is elastically deformed by compressing the air contained therein. 8. The sneaker outsole of claim 7, wherein said hollow element is filled with air at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The outsole for sneakers according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outsole has fixing means for detachably fixing to the intermediate sole (4) of the shoe (2). 10. A sneaker outsole as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the outsole consists of a plurality of parts and the hollow element can be detachably attached to the intermediate sole (4) at different points or in different patterns. 10. The outsole for sneakers according to claim 9, wherein the outsole is composed of a plurality of parts, and at least two of the hollow elements have different shapes, different elasticities, or different shapes and elasticities. 10. The fastening means according to claim 9, wherein the fastening means comprises a part 10.1 of the hook and loop fastener 10, and a complementary part 10.2 of the hook and loop fastener 10 is provided in the intermediate brush 4; Outsole for sneakers, characterized in that there is. 13. The outsole for sneakers according to claim 12, wherein the fastening means comprises a portion (10.1) of the hook and loop fastener (10) with a hook. delete delete

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