RU2791498C2 - Running shoe sole with channel cushioning, running shoe with the specified running shoe sole with channel cushioning, and the application of the running shoe sole with channel cushioning for manufacturing running shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: shoe technology; sports footwear soles.

SUBSTANCE: sole of running shoes with channel cushioning, containing the lower side (2), at least partially in contact with the ground when running, and a soft-elastic midsole (1), which contains a number of channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) oriented in the transverse direction (Q), where the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are located in the lateral region (LB) of the midsole (1) in the horizontal plane, at least part of the channels (3a, 3b) is located in the region of the front foot (VFB), and/or part of the channels is located in the midfoot (MFB), and/or part of the channels is located in the heel (FB) of the midsole (1); each of the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) is limited in the longitudinal direction (L) by the front wall (31) and the rear wall (32); and the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have a cross-sectional shape elongated in the running direction and are capable of being deformed vertically and/or horizontally in the longitudinal direction (L) up to closing under the action of forces arising from running and acting in the vertical and/ or longitudinal direction. A running shoe is described, comprising a running shoe sole with channel cushioning, as well as the use of a running shoe sole with channel cushioning for the manufacture of running shoes.

EFFECT: improvement of running shoes; implementation of a low weight sole with an improved cushioning effect, which has increased wear resistance in the long run.

18 cl, 3 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to the field of shoe technology, in particular to footwear for sports and leisure, and relates to the sole for running shoes, as well as the use of the sole for the manufacture of running shoes.

State of the art

Many running shoes with various cushioning systems are known in the art. Sports and leisure shoes are widely used with a sole having a gel core in the heel area to provide vertical cushioning when weight is transferred. In addition, the placement of separate elastic elements in the heel area between the outer part of the sole and the insole improves the vertical cushioning characteristics.

Despite the improvement in the vertical cushioning performance of the shoe in the aforementioned soles, they are unable to provide satisfactory cushioning with respect to the forces acting on the sole and the shoe in the horizontal direction. Forces with a large horizontal component are common, especially on descending routes, and due to the lack of sufficient damping, are one of the main causes of frequent pain in the knee and hip joints.

From the document WO 2016184920 of the present applicant, a sole with segmented elements in the form of channels protruding downwards and open at the side is known. Under the action of forces arising during the run, the elements in the form of channels can be deformed both vertically and horizontally, up to the closing of their side openings. The segmentation of the sole contributes to the segmentation of the effect of cushioning, forming areas of no cushioning or with less cushioning on the sole.

Disclosure of invention

In many sports, such as running, the initial contact of the shoe with the ground occurs in the heel area. As a result, the forces acting on the shoe in this area are significantly greater than in the forefoot or midsole area. In this context, passive force means the force exerted by the transfer of weight, and active force means the force exerted by the user, for example, when pushing away. With this in mind, running shoes usually have particularly reinforced cushioning in the heel area. This design allows for sufficient vertical cushioning, but the increased cushioning has a negative effect on the overall weight of the shoe. As a result, prior art running shoes have either poor cushioning or a high weight.

Another disadvantage of known running shoe soles is their poor durability. The increase in durability is often accompanied by a significant loss of cushioning effect. Often this is caused by fatigue of the cushioning material.

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to improve the prior art running shoes and preferably eliminate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. In preferred embodiments of the invention, a low weight sole with improved cushioning effect is implemented.

In other embodiments of the invention, a sole with a cushioning effect is implemented, which has increased wear resistance over an extended period of time.

The general object of the present invention is generally solved by the subject matter of the invention in the independent claims.

Additional useful embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims as well as from the description as a whole.

The sole of a running shoe according to the invention comprises a soft-elastic midsole with an underside at least partially in contact with the ground during running. The midsole contains a plurality of channels oriented in the transverse direction and located in the lateral region of the midsole in a horizontal plane. At least some of the channels (3a, 3b) are located in the forefoot region (VFB) and/or at least some of these channels are located in the midfoot region (MFB) and/or at least some of these channels are located in the heel area (FB) of the midsole. Each of the channels is limited in the running direction by a front wall and a rear wall and has a cross section of a shape elongated in the running direction. Under the action of forces arising during running in the vertical and/or longitudinal direction, the channels can be deformed vertically and/or horizontally in the longitudinal direction, up to their closing. Due to the elongated cross-sectional shape of the channels in the running direction, unlike channels that do not have such an elongated shape, such as round or square cross-section, the cushioning effect is significantly improved without the feeling of "floating" caused by a noticeable loss of stability due to the presence of channels. In the sole of the running shoe according to the invention, the cushioning due to the channels in the midsole is combined with the cushioning due to the material of the soft-elastic midsole. These cushioning effects are optimally combined with each other thanks to the elongated shape of the channels. Compared to other cushioning systems such as gel cushions, channels are beneficial in that the weight of a running shoe can be significantly reduced.

Directional indications used in the present description should be understood as follows. The horizontal plane of the sole means a plane oriented substantially parallel to the underside of the sole and thus substantially parallel to the ground. It should also be understood that the horizontal plane may be slightly curved. This may be the case, for example, if the sole is slightly curved vertically upwards in the forefoot and/or in the heel area, which is typical for running shoes. The longitudinal direction L of the sole is defined by an axis from the heel region to the forefoot region and is thus oriented along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The lateral direction Q of the sole is oriented across the longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the underside of the sole and thus substantially parallel to the ground. Thus, the lateral direction is oriented along the lateral axis of the midsole. In the context of the present invention, the vertical direction V denotes the direction from the underside of the sole to the insole or to the foot of the wearer in the running position and is thus oriented along the vertical axis of the midsole.

The lateral midsole region refers to an area along the lateral inner and outer sides of the midsole of a running shoe in a pair of such shoes, and is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extent of the lateral region is several centimeters, for example 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. As a rule, the horizontal extent of the middle region is several centimeters, for example from 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably from 0.5 to 3 cm. The person skilled in the art will understand that the horizontal extent of the side region and the middle region may vary depending on shoe size.

For the purposes of the present invention, the channel is a recess, usually having a tubular shape. In this context, the channels are oriented in the transverse direction of the sole, i.e. are arranged substantially transverse to the running direction, parallel to the running surface and, accordingly, parallel to the ground. In general, the channel is completely or partially limited by the walls of the channel. Usually the channels are hollow. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the channels may be filled with, for example, resiliently deformable foam or gas.

According to the present invention, each of the channels is defined by a front wall and a rear wall. In addition, the channels may have a top wall and a bottom wall. The wall may be formed by a flat surface or, in particular, the front and rear walls may be formed by two or more surfaces having one or more fold edges. The term "fold edge" includes slightly rounded and therefore not fully angular embodiments. Such a fold edge is located along the channel and is thus oriented in the transverse direction of the midsole and substantially transverse to the direction of running.

A person skilled in the art should understand that the deformability of the channel may mean, for example, the convergence of the walls of the channel with each other in the vertical direction and/or the possibility of shifting the channel in the longitudinal direction.

The phrase "lower side in contact with the ground when running" also refers to embodiments of the invention in which the midsole is covered with an additional bottom layer, for example, a solid or segmented outsole. In such instances, ground contact occurs at least partially through such outsole.

The elongated shape of the channels in the transverse direction may in particular have an angular or oval cross section.

Preferably, the midsole has a number of channels, in particular at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, or at least 8 channels.

In preferred embodiments, the channels have lateral openings in the lateral midsole region. Preferably, the channels can be deformed vertically and/or horizontally in the longitudinal direction before closing the side holes under the action of forces arising during running and acting in the vertical and/or longitudinal direction.

Usually, under the action of forces arising during running, the upper and lower walls of the channel can come into contact.

In other embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the channels is located in the heel region and additionally a portion of the channels is located in the forefoot region and/or a portion of the channels is located in the midfoot region of the midsole. Preferably, at least part of the channels is located in the forefoot region, part of the channels is located in the midfoot region, and part of the channels is located in the heel region of the midsole. Therefore, in such embodiments, at least one channel is located in each of the heel region, midfoot region, and forefoot region. Since part of the channels is located in the forefoot region, part in the midfoot region, and part in the heel region of the midsole, the channels are preferably distributed substantially throughout the midsole. Thus, thanks to these recesses, the weight of the sole can be reduced. In addition, it has been shown that in order to improve the running experience, especially for the cushioning effect, it is useful that the channels are located not only in the heel and midfoot region, but also in the forefoot region.

In some embodiments, the channels are completely defined by the midsole, at least in the lateral region, optimizing the overall cushioning effect of the soft elastic material cushioning effect and the channel cushioning effect.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least part of the channels is located in the heel area and at least part of the channels is located in the forefoot area. The channels in the heel area have a higher channel height than the channels in the forefoot area. The passive forces generated by running and needing cushioning are usually greatest when the weight is transferred to the heel, so it is useful in this area to selectively increase the cushioning effect by increasing the height of the channel. The height of the channel is defined as the largest vertical distance between the boundaries of the channel, in particular between the walls of the channel.

In other embodiments of the invention, the channels are located in the heel area and/or in the forefoot area and/or in the midfoot area in the midsole in the same horizontal plane. Thus, in such embodiments of the invention, all channels of the sole are in the same horizontal plane, at least in the lateral region.

In some embodiments of the invention, the channels have a substantially hexagonal and/or pentagonal cross section. Typically, at least one corner of the pentagon or hexagon is oriented in the longitudinal direction, i. in the direction of running or against it. For example, one corner of the pentagon or hexagon may be oriented in the running direction toward the toe of the sole, or opposite the direction of running toward the rear end of the sole. In addition, the pentagon or hexagon may be asymmetrical, for example, the sides of the pentagon or hexagon in the running direction (ie the sides substantially parallel to the ground) may be longer than the other sides of the pentagon or hexagon. This, among other things, provides the channels with an elongated cross-sectional shape according to the present invention.

Most preferably, the channels have two sides in cross section, essentially parallel to each other and the bottom (bottom side). These sides correspond to the upper and lower walls of the channel. The angular shape of the cross section of the channels has a positive effect on the ability of the channels to deform. Thus, the hexagonal shape is preferably suitable for improving the deformability of the channels. Therefore, the deformability of each channel, thanks to the appropriate shape of the channels, can be individually and flexibly adapted to their position and to the specific forces acting on the channel.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each of the front wall and rear wall of at least one channel has a front fold edge and a rear fold edge. The leading and trailing edges of the fold, respectively, are oriented in the direction of running (towards the toe of the sole) and in the direction opposite to the direction of running (in the direction of the heel of the sole).

In some embodiments, the ratio of channel height to channel width in the lateral midsole for each channel is 0.15 to 0.6, preferably 0.2 to 0.4. The channel width is determined by the largest horizontal distance between the channel boundaries.

Preferably, the ratio of channel height to channel width for each channel in the lateral midsole region is greater in the heel region than in the forefoot region. For example, in the heel region, this ratio may be from 0.35 to 0.4, and in the forefoot region, from 0.2 to 0.3.

In some embodiments of the invention, the width of each of the channels in the lateral area in the heel area, especially in the area of the side holes, may be from 15 to 20 mm, and the height of each of the channels in this area may be from 5 to 10 mm.

In other embodiments of the invention in the lateral area in the toe area, in particular in the area of the side openings, the width of each channel can be from 9 to 16 mm, in particular from 10 to 14 mm, and the height of each channel in this area can be from 1 to 5 mm, in particular 2 to 4 mm. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the height of the channel and the width of the channel may vary depending on the shoe size.

In some embodiments, each of the channels tapers from the lateral midsole to the midsole. For example, the cross-section (cross-sectional area) of each channel in the middle region may be 8-20% smaller than in the side region, in particular than in the region of the side openings. Thus, each channel has a greater width and/or a greater height in the side region than in the middle region. In particular, the ratio of channel height to channel width for each channel may be larger in the side region than in the middle region of the corresponding channel.

In other embodiments of the invention, the channels can be fully compressed during running at a force of 1000 N to 3000 N, preferably 1500 N to 2000 N.

In some embodiments of the invention, the sole contains an incompressible elastic plate, preferably located throughout the midsole. Such a plate may extend to the heel region, the midfoot region and the forefoot region. Usually such a plate is a solid plate without recesses. Vertically, such a plate may be positioned over the soft-elastic midsole and therefore cover it at least partially or completely.

In other embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the channels, preferably the channels in the forefoot region, in the midsole region is bounded on one side by an elastic incompressible plate. Since much less cushioning is required in the forefoot than in the heel and midfoot, in such embodiments, the overall weight can be reduced by reducing the amount of midsole material without significantly compromising the cushioning. In general, an elastic, non-compressible plate has the advantage of assisting in running propulsion, as the plate stretches and returns to its original shape during the propulsion process. Thus, the runner has to apply less force when pushing off than in the absence of an elastic incompressible plate.

In some embodiments, the midsole comprises a groove longitudinally oriented from the heel region to at least the midfoot region. The groove may have a depth of 1 cm to 3 cm, preferably 1.8 to 2.5 cm. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the depth of the groove may vary depending on the shoe size. The channel may have a V-shaped cross section in the transverse direction of the sole. Preferably, its cross-section has a step, and the angle between the running surface and the groove is from 40° to 60° in the region of the running surface and from 75° to 90° at the step. This prevents stones from getting stuck in the canal. In general, the benefit of the groove is that it provides a significant reduction in midsole material without substantially compromising stability. For example, the groove may have a width of 2 to 3 cm in the tread region, tapering in the vertical direction to 0.5 to 1.5 cm, preferably to 0.7 to 0.9 cm. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the width Grooves may vary depending on shoe size.

In embodiments of the invention with an elastic incompressible plate, the groove may be directly defined by the plate. The incompressible elastic plate is thus visible from the outside, at least in the region of the groove.

Another aspect of the invention relates to running shoes comprising a sole according to any of the embodiments of the invention described herein.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a sole according to any of the embodiments described herein for the manufacture of running shoes.

Brief description of the drawings

Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to specific embodiments of the invention presented in the attached drawings and in the description. The embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention described in the claims.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the sole of a running shoe according to one embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the sole shown in FIG. 1 and oriented in the opposite direction.

In FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view (along line A-A in FIG. 2) according to another embodiment of the invention.

Implementation of the invention

In the schematic side view shown in Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a running shoe sole with a soft elastic midsole 1. The soft elastic midsole is shown on the outside in this view and has an underside 2 in contact with the ground B, indicated by a dashed line, during running. In addition, the midsole 1 comprises eight channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d oriented in the transverse direction Q in the lateral area of the midsole (not all channels of the sole according to the invention are shown for simplicity). In FIG. 1 shows the lateral region of the midsole in a general view. Channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d, as shown, are located in the same horizontal plane. Since the sole is vertically slightly V-shaped upwards at the toe 7 of the sole, the first horizontal plane has a slight curvature, in this case a convex curvature, when viewed from the ground. Based on the coordinate system, it can be seen that the horizontal plane is located essentially (ie, taking into account the slight vertical curvature of the midsole) in the plane of the cross direction Q and the longitudinal direction L of the midsole. In the embodiment shown, the channels run the entire length of the soft-elastic midsole. Thus, the first part of the channels 3a, 3b is located in the heel region, the second part of the channels 3c is located in the midfoot region, and the third part of the channels 3d is located in the forefoot region.

Each of the channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d has a lateral opening in the lateral region of the midsole 1. During operation, the openings can be deformed until they are closed due to the forces generated during running. In this case, the closing can take place mainly due to vertical deformation and/or due to horizontal deformation in the longitudinal direction, i. e. by shifting channels. In addition, the channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are completely delimited in the lateral region of the midsole 1 by the soft elastic midsole 1. Thus, all channel walls in the lateral region are formed by the soft elastic midsole. The channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d each have a front wall 31 and a back wall 32. In the lateral region of the soft elastic midsole 1, the channels have a hexagonal cross section. Thus, one corner of the hexagon is longitudinally oriented in the running direction and one corner is longitudinally oriented in the opposite direction to the running direction. The corresponding hexagon is asymmetric, since the longitudinal sides of the hexagon are longer than its other sides. Therefore, the channel has an elongated flat shape. In addition, each of the front wall 31 and the rear wall 32 of the channel has a fold edge 33 . In cross section, the fold edges correspond to the corners of the hexagon, oriented in the direction of running, closer to the toe 7 of the sole, and oriented against the direction of running, closer to the edge 4 of the heel.

In FIG. 2 shows a view of the underside 2 of the midsole 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. In addition, the midsole is divided into a forefoot region VFB, a midfoot region MFB, and a heel region FB. This is only a guide for the person skilled in the art and is not intended to define the exact boundaries of the areas. The shown midsole 1 has a groove 6 located in the heel area and in the midfoot area. The groove is open towards ground B, i. e. in the direction of the observer in the view shown in Fig. 2 and is bounded on the sides by a soft elastic midsole 1 and at the base by an elastic non-compressible plate 5. It can also be seen that the sides are sloped so that the groove 6 is V-shaped in the direction of the observer. In the embodiment shown, the groove 6 is located throughout the midsole 1, i. e. from the heel area FB, through the midfoot area MFB to the forefoot area VFB.

In FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a running shoe sole with a soft elastic midsole 1 according to the invention. In FIG. 3 also shows a schematic division of the midsole into a lateral area LB and a middle area MB. These areas are located in the transverse and longitudinal directions, as well as in the vertical direction. However, the arrows shown do not define the exact boundaries of the regions. In FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the midsole 1 along the channel 3b in the first horizontal plane, which is completely limited in the lateral region by the soft-elastic midsole 1. The sole contains an elastic incompressible plate 5, which delimits the groove 6 in the middle region and is visible in this region from the outside. In addition, in FIG. 3 shows that the channel has a tapering cross-section in the transverse direction and contains a step. The first angle α between the bottom side 2 and the bottom side groove (or running surface) is approximately 55°. The second angle β on the ledge between the lower side 2 and the upper boundary of the channel is approximately 85°.

List of conventions

1 - soft elastic midsole

2 - bottom side

3a, 3b, 3c, 3d - channels

4 - heel edge

5 - plate

6 - groove

7 - toe of the sole

31 - front wall

32 - back wall

33 - fold edge

8 - earth

FB - heel area

L - longitudinal direction

LB - side area

MB - middle area

MFB - midfoot area

Q - transverse direction

V - vertical direction

VFB - forefoot area

Claims (22)

1. The sole of a running shoe with channel cushioning, comprising an underside (2) at least partially in contact with the ground when running, and a soft-elastic midsole (1) that contains a plurality of channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d), oriented in the transverse direction (Q), while: - channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are located in the lateral region (LB) of the midsole (1) in a horizontal plane, - at least part of the channels (3a, 3b) is located in the forefoot area (VFB) and/or part of the channels is located in the midfoot area (MFB) and/or part of the channels is located in the heel area (FB) of the midsole (1) ; - each of the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) is limited in the longitudinal direction (L) by the front wall (31) and the rear wall (32); And - the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have a cross-sectional shape elongated in the running direction and are capable of being deformed vertically and/or horizontally in the longitudinal direction (L) up to closing under the action of forces arising from running and acting in the vertical and/or or in the longitudinal direction. 2. Sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) comprise lateral openings in the lateral region (LB) of the midsole (1). 3. The sole according to claim 2, characterized in that the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are capable of deforming vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction (L) up to the closing of the side holes under the action of forces arising from running and acting in the vertical and/or longitudinal direction (L). 4. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that part of the channels (3d) is located in the heel area, at least part of the channels is located in the forefoot (VFB) area and / or part of the channels (3c) is located in the midfoot area (MFB). 5. Sole according to claim. 1, characterized in that the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) at least in the lateral region (LB) are completely limited by the midsole (1). 6. The sole according to any one of paragraphs. 4 or 5, characterized in that the channels (3a, 3b) in the heel area (FB) have a higher channel height than the channels (3d) in the forefoot area (VFB). 7. The sole according to claim. 1, characterized in that the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) in the heel (FB) and, optionally, the channels in the forefoot (VFB) and / or in the midfoot ( MFB) are located in the same horizontal plane. 8. Sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have a substantially hexagonal and/or pentagonal cross section. 9. Sole according to claim. 1, characterized in that each of the front wall (31) and rear wall (32) of at least one channel (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) has a leading edge of the fold and a rear edge of the fold (33) . 10. The sole according to claim. 1, characterized in that the ratio of the height of the channel to the width of the channel of each of the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) is in the range from 0.15 to 0.6. 11. The sole according to claim. 10, characterized in that the ratio of the height of the channel to the width of the channel of each of the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) is in the range from 0.2 to 0.4. 12. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are able to fully compress during running at a force of 1000 N to 3000 N. 13. The sole according to claim 12, characterized in that the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are able to fully compress during running at a force of 1500 N to 2000 N. 14. Sole according to claim. 1, characterized in that the sole contains an incompressible elastic plate (5), preferably located throughout the midsole (1). 15. The sole according to claim 14, characterized in that at least a part of the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d), preferably the channels (3d) in the forefoot area (VFB), is limited on one side by an elastic incompressible plate (5 ) in the middle region (MB) of the midsole (2). 16. Sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the midsole (1) comprises a groove (6) located in the longitudinal direction from the heel area (FB) to at least the midfoot area (MFB). 17. Running shoes, containing the sole of running shoes with channel cushioning according to claim 1. 18. The use of the sole of a running shoe with channel cushioning according to claim 1 for the manufacture of running shoes.

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