US20160278481A1 - Sole and shoe - Google Patents

Sole and shoe Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20160278481A1
US20160278481A1 US15/078,043 US201615078043A US2016278481A1 US 20160278481 A1 US20160278481 A1 US 20160278481A1 US 201615078043 A US201615078043 A US 201615078043A US 2016278481 A1 US2016278481 A1 US 2016278481A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
sole
region
deformation
midsole
particle foam
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/078,043
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tru Huu Minh Le
Angus Wardlaw
Dirk Meythaler
Stuart David Reinhardt
Darren Michael Wood
Charles Griffin Wilson, III
Juergen Weidl
Stanislav Goussev
Carl Arnese
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Adidas AG
Original Assignee
Adidas AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=56976404&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US20160278481(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Adidas AG filed Critical Adidas AG
Priority to US15/078,043 priority Critical patent/US20160278481A1/en
Assigned to ADIDAS AG reassignment ADIDAS AG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GOUSSEV, STANISLAV, WARDLAW, ANGUS, LE, TRU HUU MINH, Arnese, Carl, Wood, Darren Michael, WILSON, CHARLES GRIFFIN, III, Reinhardt, Stuart David, WEIDL, JUERGEN, MEYTHALER, DIRK
Publication of US20160278481A1 publication Critical patent/US20160278481A1/en
Priority to US16/918,905 priority patent/US11957206B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/187—Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
    • A43B13/188—Differential cushioning regions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
    • A43B13/125—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
    • A43B13/125—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer
    • A43B13/127—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer the midsole being multilayer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/187—Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/1425—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the ball of the foot, i.e. the joint between the first metatarsal and first phalange
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/1435—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the joint between the fifth phalange and the fifth metatarsal bone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/144—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1475—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the type of support
    • A43B7/148—Recesses or holes filled with supports or pads

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sole for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, as well as a shoe with such a sole.
  • shoes are provided with a variety of different properties which may, depending on the specific type of shoe, be realized to different extents.
  • a shoe sole may, for example, protect the shoe from excessive abrasion by means of its increased abrasion resistance.
  • shoe soles usually serve protective purposes, for example, to protect a wearer's foot from injuries caused by sharp or pointed objects on which the wearer may tread.
  • a sole may also provide improved stability to the wearer's foot and a cushioning of forces acting upon impact with the ground.
  • the sole may also provide increased grip of the shoe on the ground to facilitate quick movements and changes of direction.
  • lateral sports like for example tennis or basketball, the stability, grip and cushioning requirements are concurrently all strongly pronounced.
  • Various sole constructions known in the prior art achieve stabilization of the foot and good grip of the shoe on the ground.
  • stabilizing elements like a pronation or supination support in the midfoot or heel region are generally known.
  • materials for the construction of soles including but not limited to ethylene-vinyl-acetate (“EVA”), thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), rubber, polypropylene (“PP”), polyamide (“PA”), polyether-block-amide (“PEBA”), polystyrene (“PS”), and other similar materials.
  • EVA ethylene-vinyl-acetate
  • TPU thermoplastic polyurethane
  • PP polypropylene
  • PA polyamide
  • PEBA polyether-block-amide
  • PS polystyrene
  • particle foam is used herein to refer to foamed polymers in particulate form.
  • Particle foam includes materials which have been expanded.
  • those skilled in the art may refer to particle foam as “beads”, “bead foam”, “foamed pellets”, and/or other terms known in art.
  • particle foam components is used herein to refer to components made from particle foams.
  • Particle foam components may include particle foams of one or more expanded materials.
  • particles of particle foam within the component made from particle foam may be randomly arranged, arranged, and/or any combinations thereof.
  • expanded material is used herein to refer to material that this been foamed to form a particle foam.
  • deformation is used herein to refer to the movement of material under a load.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention include a sole with a midsole.
  • the midsole may include a first sole region comprising particle foam, and a deformation region positioned proximate the first sole region, wherein the deformation region comprises a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle in the particle foam and is configured to allow deformation of the particle foam of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole.
  • the deformation is sideward in direction.
  • the deformation region may be at least partially provided as an empty space.
  • the midsole further comprises a control element that limits the deformation of the particle foam of the first sole region.
  • the control element may comprise at least a part of the deformation region.
  • the control element may also comprise a groove.
  • the control element at least partially bounds the first sole region on its sides.
  • the control element may be free from particles of the particle foam.
  • the deformation region comprises a material that yields to the deformation of the material of the first sole region.
  • the yielding material may have a deformation stiffness that is 5%-40% greater than the deformation stiffness of the first sole region.
  • the deformation material may be a very soft material, such as a gel-like material.
  • Certain embodiments comprise a shoe with a sole according to the above embodiments.
  • the sole further comprises a second sole region comprising particle foam and providing an increasing deformation stiffness along at least one predetermined direction.
  • the increase in deformation stiffness may be at least partially due to an increase in density of the particle foam of the second sole region along the at least one predetermined direction.
  • the at least one predetermined direction extends from the medial side of the sole towards the lateral side of the sole.
  • the increase in deformation stiffness in the second sole region may be smaller in an area where impact occurs and larger on an opposite side of the second sole region.
  • at least the second sole region tilts inwards toward the impact area due to a stronger compression of the second sole region in the impact area.
  • At least one of a shape, size, and location of the deformation region provides the deformation region with predetermined properties.
  • the first sole region extends into a forefoot region and the second sole region extends into a heel region.
  • the first sole region and the second sole region may at least partially coincide.
  • a sole comprises a midsole comprising a first sole region, wherein the first sole region comprises particle foam, a deformation region within the midsole, wherein the deformation region comprises a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle and is positioned so that it allows a sideward deformation of the particle foam of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole, and a frame element, which at least partially surrounds the midsole and which limits the sideward deformation of the midsole under the pressure load on the sole.
  • the frame element completely encompasses a heel region on its sides, and only partly encompasses a forefoot region on its sides.
  • the frame element may further comprise a supporting element, wherein the supporting element is arranged on the lateral side of a heel region.
  • the midsole further comprises a control element that limits the sideward deformation of the particle foam of the first sole region.
  • the control element and the frame element may at least partially coincide.
  • the frame element comprises at least one bar that serves to secure the frame element on the midsole.
  • the at least one bar may be at least partly surrounded by the particle foam of the midsole.
  • a sole comprises a midsole comprising particles of a particle foam, and an outsole comprising at least one deformation region comprising a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle in the particle foam, wherein the at least one deformation region is configured to allow deformation of at least a portion of the particle foam of the midsole under a pressure load on the sole, and wherein the outsole limits the deformation of the midsole under the pressure load on the sole.
  • FIG. 1 is a view of a sole for a shoe without a deformation region, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 2 a -2 h are views of soles for shoes comprising a deformation region, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 are illustrations of the concept of a “banking midsole” to alleviate the strain on the ankle joint, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 are views of a sole for a shoe employing the banking principle of FIG. 3 , according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a sole comprising a frame element, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a view of a sole comprising a frame element, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 are exploded views of shoes comprising soles, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 8-14 are views of shoes comprising soles, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15A is a top view of a midsole comprising a first sole region and a first sole part comprising a grid structure, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15B is a bottom view of the midsole of FIG. 15A .
  • FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the midsole of FIG. 15A taken along line A-A.
  • FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view of the midsole of FIG. 15A taken along line B-B.
  • FIG. 15E is a cross-sectional view of the midsole of FIG. 15A taken along line C-C.
  • FIG. 15F is a cross-sectional view of the midsole of FIG. 15A taken along line D-D.
  • FIG. 15G is a cross-sectional view of the midsole of FIG. 15A taken along line E-E.
  • FIG. 15H is a medial view of the midsole of FIG. 15A .
  • FIG. 15I is a lateral view of the midsole of FIG. 15A .
  • FIG. 15J is a medial view of an example of a midsole similar to that depicted in FIG. 15A .
  • FIG. 15K is an expanded perspective view of the midsole depicted in FIG. 15J .
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a sole part on a shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a sole part on a shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a side view of a shoe having a particle foam midsole and an outer sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a side view of a shoe having a particle foam midsole and an outer sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a side view of a shoe having a particle foam midsole and an outer sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 22 is a side view of a shoe having a particle foam midsole and an outer sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23 is an exploded side perspective view of a shoe sole having a particle foam midsole, a reflective layer, and an outer sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of a shoe sole having a particle foam midsole, a reflective layer, and an outer sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 25 is a side view of a soccer shoe having a particle foam midsole wall, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 26 is a side view of a soccer shoe having a particle foam midsole wall, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 27 is a side view of a frame element, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 28 is a side view of a frame element, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 29 is a rear view of the frame element of FIG. 28 .
  • FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective side view of a first sole part and a first sole region, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 31 is an bottom perspective view of a first sole part and a first sole region coupled together, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of a soccer shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective side view of a portion of an upper, a first sole region and a first sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective top view of a portion of an upper, a first sole region and a first sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective side view of a portion of an upper, a first sole region and a first sole part, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of a soccer shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 36 is a side view of an upper for a soccer shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 37 is a side view of an upper for a soccer shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 38 is a bottom view of an upper for a soccer shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 39 is a side view of a soccer shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 40 is an upper perspective view of the soccer shoe of FIG. 39 .
  • FIG. 41 is a bottom view of a frame element for a soccer shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 42 is a bottom view of a frame element for a soccer shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 43A-C are various views of a soccer shoe, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
  • the above mentioned objectives are at least partially achieved by a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a midsole, wherein the midsole comprises a first sole region, which comprises particle foam, and wherein the midsole further comprises a deformation region within the midsole, wherein the deformation region comprises a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle and is positioned so that it allows a downward, sideward, or substantially sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole.
  • the foot may contact the ground via a posterior heel strike, a medial heel strike, a lateral heel strike or a medial forefoot strike and such different impact patterns may result, among other things, in an ankle inversion, an ankle eversion, ankle plantarflexion, ankle dorsiflexion or MT extension.
  • the sole should provide good grip on the surface and it should also relieve the musculoskeletal system from at least a part of the strain resulting from these movements, as already mentioned above. This necessitates a high degree of stability of the shoe and, in particular, its sole, so that the shoe doesn't “break out” under the impact of such strong forces.
  • break out means that the shoe fails to provide the necessary lateral support to the musculoskeletal system to prevent the ankle from hyperextending in a lateral direction.
  • the shoe also provides a cushioning effect for the foot, in particular in the heel region, where typically the strongest impact forces occur, and a good energy return to the wearer in order to improve his or her performance.
  • particle foams may be employed, since such materials may have particularly good elastic and cushioning properties.
  • particle foams may comprise expanded polypropylene (“ePP”), expanded polyamide (“ePA”), expanded polyether-block-amide (“ePEBA”), expanded thermo-plastic polyurethane (“eTPU”), and other similar materials.
  • particle foam may greatly facilitate manufacture of soles comprising such particles, since no special arrangement of the particles, for example, within a mold, is necessary and the particles may be blown or swept into the mold by a stream of air, steam, liquid, liquid-like powder materials, or the like.
  • the particles may then be easily subjected to further processing steps, like a pressure and/or steaming process, or fusion by melting the particle surfaces, under which they bond together without the need for further adhesives or the like.
  • Expanded TPU provides excellent elastic and cushioning properties.
  • external shocks that arise, for example, when the sole hits the ground may be cushioned such that a pleasant wearing comfort is achieved.
  • expanded TPU may provide a great amount of elasticity. Therefore, the energy that is absorbed for deforming the sole is released again by the sole and is not lost. The regained energy may be used for push-off from the ground after the sole has hit the ground since the sole springs back essentially without any loss of energy. For example for a tennis player, this means that he may change direction with reduced effort and maintain a high level of agility over a longer period of time, thus improving his overall performance.
  • the present invention by providing a deformation region within the midsole that allows a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole.
  • the particle foam may react on the strong forces that may occur, for example, during impact with the ground, by at least partially “pressing” or “squeezing” into the deformation region. Since the deformation region has a volume larger than that of a single particle, there is enough room available without significantly compromising the integrity of the particle foam, for example, by destroying the particle-like structure of the particle foam.
  • the cushioning and elastic properties of the particle foam may be maintained even under exceptional impact forces.
  • the exact elastic and cushioning properties of the particle foam in the first sole region may be selectively and locally adjusted, as required for a specific sole or shoe.
  • the particle foam may be protected from outside influences like water, dirt, UV-radiation and so forth, and the deformation region may also not be “congested” by water or dirt, for example.
  • a sideward deformation herein means a deformation in a predominantly horizontal direction, or more precisely in a direction essentially parallel to the ground the wearer treads on. Thus, the deformation may predominantly occur in the medial/lateral direction or in a direction from the heel to the toes and so forth.
  • a deformation zone is provided such that deformation occurs in vertical direction.
  • a deformation zone may be provided on and/or proximate the ground contacting surface. In these instances, deformation of the particle foam may occur into the expansion zone in a downward direction.
  • the deformation region is at least partially provided as an empty space.
  • the midsole further comprises a control element which limits the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region.
  • the exact cushioning and elastic properties of the first sole region may be further adjusted as desired to achieve an optimal balance between softness and energy return on the one side, and stability and support of the foot on the other side.
  • control element comprises at least a part of the deformation region.
  • the number of individual parts of the sole may be reduced, thereby potentially saving weight, manufacturing expenses, and bonding agents, and improving the stability, durability, and ecological friendliness of the sole.
  • control element comprises a groove.
  • control element comprises at least one split and/or cut.
  • a groove may, among other things, be easily milled out of the control element.
  • the depth, width, length, cross-sectional shape, etc. of the groove may be influenced, for example, by using different milling tools, so that the cushioning and elastic properties of the first sole region may be adjusted.
  • using a groove, in particular a horizontal groove, as at least part of the deformation region allows the first sole region and the control element to contact each other in regions adjacent to the groove, which may help to provide a good overall stability to the sole.
  • Splits or cuts may provide further design possibilities that may share some or all of these features.
  • control element encircles the first sole region on its sides.
  • the cushioning and elastic properties of the first sole region may be balanced since the sideward deformation of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole is controlled in every direction by the control element. Furthermore, such a construction may also help to improve the overall stability of the sole.
  • the control element is free from particles of the particle foam. Since the control element, among other things, serves to limit and control the sideward deformation of the first sole region under a pressure load as well as to provide stability to the sole, the material of the control element may have a greater stiffness and intrinsic stability than the first sole region.
  • materials that are free from expanded particles that may be suitable materials include but are not limited to EVA, PP, PA, PS, TPU, PEBA, and other similar materials. These materials are, among other things, rather inexpensive, easily processed, and provide material characteristics that may be beneficial for the use in shoe soles.
  • control element may also comprise a material with particles of a particle foam having a greater stiffness than the material of the first sole region.
  • At least one protrusion extends into the empty space that secures the first sole region within the midsole.
  • the deformation region comprises a material that yields to the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region.
  • empty spaces within the midsole may be avoided, for example, for stability or comfort reasons, while still providing the sole with a “freed-up” first sole region that may serve to cushion the foot while providing a high energy return to the wearer.
  • freed-up means that the areas comprising particle foam are not prevented from deforming beyond the inflexible and unyielding surrounding material through the provision of the deformation regions.
  • the sideward deformation of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole may be controlled and adjusted even more precisely.
  • the yielding material i.e. the material that yields to the deformation of the material of the first sole region, within the deformation region has a deformation stiffness that is 5%-40%, and which may further have a deformation stiffness that is 10%-25%, greater than the deformation stiffness of the first sole region.
  • the first sole region may have a deformation stiffness of approximately 40 shore C, while the yielding material has a deformation stiffness of 45-50 shore C.
  • the first sole region may comprise eTPU (or another particle foam) with a deformation stiffness of approximately 40 shore C, while the deformation region comprises EVA (or another expanded or non-expanded material) with a deformation stiffness of 45-50 shore C.
  • the differences in deformation stiffness may be provided by different materials, as in the example above. But they may be also provided with the same material and different densities.
  • a deformation region with a yielding material that has a deformation stiffness that is about 5%-40%, and which may further have a deformation stiffness that is about 10%-25%, higher than the deformation stiffness of the first sole region, provides overall stability of the sole while also allowing enough deformation of the yielding material to “free up” the first sole region so that the desired cushioning of the foot with high energy return to the wearer may be achieved.
  • this design provides a midsole that is comprised of the first sole region and the deformation region without any additional midsole parts, which may help to reduce weight and manufacturing expenses.
  • the midsole comprises a second sole region that comprises particle foam and provides an increasing deformation stiffness along at least one predetermined direction.
  • the medial heel region during a medial cut or stop in tennis as opposed to the opposite side of the second sole region (such as in the lateral heel region), then the second sole region, or the entire sole, will tilt inwards towards the area of impact due to a stronger compression of the second sole region in the impact area. As a consequence, the angle between the lower leg and the foot may be decreased, leading to less strain on the joints of the ankle.
  • the increase in deformation stiffness may be at least partially due to an increase in density of the material of the second sole region along the predetermined direction.
  • the second sole region may be manufactured from a single base material, leading to an integrally formed second sole region with good structural integrity.
  • the midsole may also comprise an even larger number of sole regions.
  • the midsole may comprise 3 or 4 sole regions.
  • the midsole may comprise any suitable number of sole regions including but not limited to 20-30, or even more, sole regions.
  • the at least one predetermined direction extends from the medial side of the sole towards the lateral side of the sole.
  • a “banking sole” with a predetermined direction from the medial to the lateral side may be employed to alleviate the strain on a player's joint, e.g. during a tennis game.
  • the first sole region extends into the forefoot region and the second sole region extends into the heel region.
  • High energy return may be of particular importance for push-off of the foot off the ground, for example during running.
  • Push-off predominantly occurs in the forefoot region such that a freed-up first sole region may be particularly beneficial in the forefoot region.
  • Impact of the foot on the ground often occurs in the heel region of the foot, in particular in lateral sports like tennis as discussed above, such that a second sole region with variable deformation stiffness may be beneficial in the heel region.
  • Other arrangements are, however, also possible, depending on the typical movement patterns involved in a given activity.
  • first sole region and the second sole region may at least partially coincide.
  • the sole further comprises a frame element that at least partially surrounds the midsole and limits a sideward deformation of the midsole under a pressure load on the sole.
  • Such a frame element may serve, for example, to further increase the overall stability of the midsole or sole, without substantially impairing the cushioning and elastic properties of other midsole components.
  • a frame element adds further possibilities to influence the stability properties of the sole that are essentially independent of the further options discussed above.
  • the frame element may completely encompass the heel region on its sides, while only partly encompassing the forefoot region on its sides.
  • the foot should be stabilized in that region in order to avoid a slipping of the foot or a twisting of an ankle, or the like.
  • a certain degree of freedom of movement is desirable, in order to promote agility of the wearer and a dynamical push-off of the foot from the ground.
  • the frame element further comprises a supporting element, wherein the supporting element is arranged on the lateral side of the heel region.
  • Such a supporting element arranged on the lateral side of the heel region may further stabilize the foot, in particular during medial cuts or stops, and prevent the foot from “breaking out” to the side, which might easily lead to a strained ankle, for example.
  • the supporting element may be provided as one integral piece with the frame element in order to achieve the desired stability.
  • the frame element and/or the supporting element may be covered on the inside by a soft overcoat to increase wearing comfort and to help preventing a chaffing on the wearer's foot.
  • control element and the frame element at least partially coincide.
  • control element and the frame element may be provided as one integral piece.
  • control element may be provided as part of a midsole and the frame element as a further stability frame surrounding the midsole and/or the control element to further increase the stability of the sole.
  • the stability may be further increased, if the control element and the frame element are provided as a single integral piece without any seams, weld joints, bonding by glue, etc.
  • the frame element comprises at least one bar that serves to secure the frame element on the midsole.
  • the at least one bar is at least partly surrounded by the material of the midsole.
  • the frame element may be arranged and affixed to the midsole without the use of additional bonding agents such as glue or other chemical fasteners. If desirable, however, such additional bonding agents may still be added in order to further strengthen the bond between the midsole and the frame element. Additionally, the at least one bar may assume further functions, such as acting as a torsion bar.
  • a sole 100 without a deformation region comprises a midsole 102 with a first midsole part 110 and a first sole region 120 , which may comprise particle foam including but not limited to ePP, ePA, ePEBA, eTPU, and other similar materials.
  • the first midsole part 110 may further comprise such materials as EVA, PP, PA, PS, TPU, PEBA, and other similar materials.
  • the material of the first midsole part 110 comprises a greater stiffness than the material of the first sole region 120 , in order to provide the necessary stability to the midsole.
  • sole region may be used to designate parts of the midsole that extend from the bottom surface of the midsole, throughout the entire thickness of the midsole, up to the top surface of the midsole.
  • the sole region may, moreover, have any shape and be arranged in any part of the midsole, i.e. also at the edge of the sole, etc.
  • a sole region may also comprise multiple disconnected regions of the midsole.
  • a “midsole part,” on the other hand, is any part of the midsole.
  • sole region may have the meaning described above, it is to be noted, however, that a “sole region” may also designate more general parts of a midsole or a sole in general.
  • a sole region may therefore also be a sole insert that is arranged on one side of the sole or midsole, for example the top side of the midsole, or be part of an insole or outsole, and so on.
  • the sole 100 shown in FIG. 1 may comprise the first sole region 120 that is “locked in” by the surrounding material of the first midsole part 110 . Therefore, even though the material of the first sole region 120 , for example a particle foam, may per se have very good cushioning and energy return properties, these beneficial properties may be compromised by completely surrounding the first sole region 120 by a stiffer material 110 .
  • the material of the first sole region 120 may be compressed. If the pressure load is very intense and the material cannot move and/or deform under this intense load, then the material in the first sole region 120 may be compressed to a degree that it loses its above described beneficial properties (such as elasticity), at least partially or temporarily. For example, hysteresis might set in to a noticeable degree. Also, the danger is that, when subjected to such strong deformations over extended periods of time, the material of the first sole region 120 may deteriorate and permanently lose its elasticity.
  • FIGS. 2 a - h show embodiments of soles 200 a - 200 h according to the invention that comprise deformation regions into which the particle foam of the first sole regions may move and/or deform sideways.
  • a sole 200 a may comprise a midsole 202 a with a first midsole part 210 a .
  • the midsole 202 a may further comprise a first sole region 220 a , which comprises particle foam 225 a .
  • the midsole 202 a may also comprise a deformation region 230 a within the midsole 202 a .
  • the deformation region 230 a may comprise a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle of the particle foam 225 a and is positioned so that it allows a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 220 a under a pressure load on the sole 200 a.
  • the deformation region may comprise a volume that is greater than the volume of a single expanded particle within the midsole.
  • the “volume of a single expanded particle” is to be understood as an average volume of the expanded particles within the first sole region when the sole is not put under pressure. In some cases, the volume of the deformation region is only, for example, 1.5, 2, 5 or 10 times as big as the volume of a single expanded particle. In other cases, it is much larger.
  • the first sole region 220 a is arranged in the heel region and has an oval shape (in a top view of the midsole 202 a ).
  • the first sole region 220 a may extend throughout the entire thickness of the midsole 202 a , from its bottom side to its top side.
  • the first sole region 220 a may also be arranged in a different part of the midsole 202 a , may have a different shape, may comprise multiple sub-regions, may only be arranged on one side of the midsole 202 a , and so forth.
  • the deformation region 230 a which may completely encircle the first sole region 220 a on its sides, may in the simplest case be at least partially provided as an empty space. If so, the first sole region 220 a may, for example, be secured in its place by connecting the first sole region 220 a with an insole (not shown) and/or an outsole (also not shown) that are to be attached to the midsole 202 a . As further discussed below, the deformation region may also be at least partially filled with a yielding material, for example a very soft material like a gel-like material.
  • a midsole 202 b may additionally comprise at least one protrusion 240 b extending into the deformation region 230 a , which may be provided as an empty space as above discussed, to secure the first sole region 220 a in its place within the midsole 202 b.
  • the deformation region 230 a may also comprise a material that yields to the deformation of the material of the first sole region 220 a under a pressure load on the sole 200 a or 200 b .
  • the material in the deformation region 230 a may have a deformation stiffness that is 5%-40%, and may further have a deformation stiffness that is 10%-25% higher than the deformation stiffness of the first sole region 220 a , in particular the particle foam of the first sole region 220 a . This provides a good compromise between stability of the sole and the capacity of the material in the deformation region 230 a to yield to a sideward deformation of the first sole region 220 a.
  • the deformation region 230 a may also take up a much larger portion of the midsole 202 a or 202 b than shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
  • a separate individual first midsole part 210 a may be an optional feature.
  • the first midsole part 210 a may be completely or pre-dominantly comprised of the deformation region 230 a , which may be made from EVA with a deformation stiffness of 45-50 shore C, with the midsole 202 a or 202 b further comprising a first sole region 220 a , for example arranged in the heel region, with particle foam, for example eTPU with a deformation stiffness of approximately 40 shore C, and which may range from 40-80 shore C.
  • the deformation region 230 a which may be made from EVA with a deformation stiffness of 45-50 shore C
  • the midsole 202 a or 202 b further comprising a first sole region 220 a , for example arranged in the heel region, with particle foam, for example eTPU with a deformation stiffness of approximately 40 shore C, and which may range from 40-80 shore C.
  • FIG. 2 c Additional embodiments of a sole 200 c are illustrated in FIG. 2 c .
  • the deformation region 230 c may comprise multiple sub-regions 231 c , 232 c that are arranged in a “sunflower-like” manner around the first sole region 220 a .
  • the first sole region 220 a is secured in its place by the protrusions 240 c formed between the “leaves” 231 c , 232 c .
  • the expansion sub-regions 231 c , 232 c are at least partially filled with a material that yields to the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 220 a .
  • This might be desirable, for example, to increase the overall stability of the sole 200 c and/or to avoid empty spaces within the sole 200 c , e.g. for comfort or aesthetic reasons or the like.
  • a sole 200 d may comprise a midsole 202 d with a first midsole part 210 d and a first sole region 220 d comprising particle foam 225 d .
  • the first midsole part 210 d may, for example, be the first midsole part 210 a already discussed and the first sole region 220 d may be the first sole region 220 a already discussed.
  • the midsole 202 d may comprise a deformation region 230 d within the midsole 202 d , wherein the deformation region 230 d may comprise a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle of the particle foam 225 d and is positioned so that it allows a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 220 d under a pressure load on the sole 200 d . Also in this case, the deformation region 230 d may be arranged in a “sunflower-like” manner around the first sole region 220 d and may be provided as an empty space or any other suitable configuration. Between the “leaves of the sunflower,” protrusions 240 d may serve to secure the first sole region 220 d in its place.
  • the sole 200 d may furthermore comprise an additional material layer 250 d that is arranged between the first midsole part 210 d and the deformation region 230 d .
  • This layer 250 d may, for example, comprise an elastic material, like a soft EVA material.
  • the first sole region 220 d may remain fixed in its place even when the sole 200 d is bent or twisted, since the elastic material layer 250 d may compensate for the resulting deformations to a certain degree.
  • contact between the protrusions 240 d and the first sole region 220 d may be maintained, and the first sole region 220 d remains secured in its place.
  • the deformation region 230 e is provided as several sub-regions 230 e within the first sole region 220 e , e.g. empty spaces or filled with a yielding material, and not between the first sole region and the remaining part of the midsole 202 e , e.g. the first midsole part 210 e .
  • the first sole region 220 e may expand “inwards” in response to a pressure load on the sole 200 e.
  • a midsole 202 f may be entirely, or at least predominantly, comprised of a first sole region 220 f , which may comprise particle foam, in contrast to the embodiments of soles 200 a - 200 e discussed so far.
  • first midsole part for example a first midsole part made from a harder material compared to the first sole region and/or deformation region, as described in relation with some of the embodiments above, may be an optional feature of the invention.
  • the deformation region 230 f is provided as several disconnected sub-regions 230 f within the first sole region 220 f , similar to the embodiments of the sole 200 e , as shown in FIG. 2 e .
  • Such embodiments of the sole 200 f may be appropriate if a particularly soft sole is desirable and stability of the sole is less critical.
  • a sole 200 g may comprise a midsole 202 g with a first midsole part 210 g .
  • the midsole 202 g may further comprise a first sole region 220 g , which comprises particle foam.
  • the midsole 202 g may also comprise a deformation region 230 g within the midsole 202 g .
  • the deformation region 230 g may comprise a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle and is positioned so that it allows a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 220 g under a pressure load on the sole 200 g.
  • the sole 200 g may furthermore comprise a control element 260 g , which limits the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 220 g .
  • the material of the control element 260 g may comprise a greater deformation stiffness than the material of the first sole region 220 g .
  • the material of the control element 260 g is free from particles of the particle foam.
  • the control element 260 g may comprise at least one material including but not limited to EVA, PP, PA, PS, TPU, PEBA, and/or the similar materials.
  • the control element 260 g may comprise the deformation region 230 g , or at least part thereof.
  • the deformation region 230 g may be provided as a rectangular groove 230 g within the control element.
  • the groove 230 g may be left as an empty space or it may be at least partially filled with a material that yields to the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 220 g .
  • the material of the control element 260 g itself may not yield to a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 220 g to a substantial degree.
  • the control element 260 g may therefore at the same time serve to improve the overall stability of the sole 200 g , such as in the embodiments where the control element 260 g is positioned in the heel region, and at the same time serve to “free up” the first sole region 220 g by providing a deformation region 230 g into which the material of the first sole region 220 g may expand sideways.
  • the control element 260 g may at least partially bounds the first sole region 220 g on its sides. In additional embodiments, the control element completely bounds the first sole region such that the sideward deformation of the first sole region may be controlled and adjusted in all (horizontal) directions.
  • the deformation region 230 a of the sole 200 a may be replaced by a control element in the manner described above, that may completely encircle the first sole region 220 a on its sides.
  • the deformation region 230 a may be replaced by an oval plastic ring, e.g.
  • a ring made from EVA with a horizontal groove on its inner side into which the particle foam of the first sole region 220 a may expand sideways under a pressure load on the sole.
  • a sole 200 h may comprise a midsole 202 h with a first midsole part 210 h .
  • the midsole 202 h may further comprise a first sole region 220 h provided as two disconnected components 222 h and 225 h .
  • the two components 222 h and 225 h of the first sole region 220 h may comprise particle foam.
  • the material may be the same in both components 222 h and 225 h , or the material may differ from one component to the other (more than two components are also possible).
  • the midsole 202 h may further comprise deformation regions 230 h , 231 h , 250 h , 251 h within the midsole 202 h , wherein the deformation region s 230 h , 231 h , 250 h , 251 h may comprise a volume greater than that of a single particle of the particle foam and may be positioned so that they allow a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 220 h under a pressure load on the sole 200 h .
  • the deformation regions 230 h and 231 h may extend throughout the entire thickness of the midsole 202 h .
  • the deformation regions 250 h and 251 h may only extend halfway throughout the thickness of the midsole 202 h . That means that the component 225 h of the first sole region 220 h is in direct contact with the midsole 202 h , in the case shown here with the first midsole part 210 h , in the bottom half of the midsole 202 h on the entire circumference of the component 225 h .
  • the component 225 h of the first sole region 220 h is in direct contact with the midsole 202 h , in the case shown here with the first midsole part 210 h , in the bottom half of the midsole 202 h on the entire circumference of the component 225 h .
  • a simple empty space encircling the component 225 h in its upper half may be used and still result in a very stable midsole 202 h , since the component 225 h is secured in its lower half within the midsole 220 h.
  • FIG. 2 h is only exemplary and multiple modifications and rearrangements of the embodiments discussed above are possible within the scope of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows an illustration of the concept of a “banking sole” 300 , as compared to a regular midsole 350 .
  • the midsole Upon impact during a lateral movement, e.g. a medial cut during tennis or the like, with a regular midsole, the midsole will essentially retain its profile, cf. the sole region 370 in FIG. 3 .
  • the sole 300 which incorporates the “banking” concept, on the other side, may comprise a sole region 320 with an increasing deformation stiffness in at least one predetermined direction, which in the case shown here is from the medial side of the foot towards the lateral side of the foot.
  • the medial side of the sole region 320 which is softer than the lateral side, will be compressed more strongly, such that the sole region 320 tilts inwards towards the medial side of the foot.
  • This design may lead to improved endurance of the wearer and help preventing injuries.
  • the sole 400 may comprise a midsole 402 , wherein the midsole 402 may further comprise a first sole region 420 , which may comprise particle foam.
  • the midsole 402 may further comprise a deformation region 430 within the midsole 402 , wherein the deformation region 430 may comprise a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle and may be positioned so that it allows a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 420 under a pressure load on the sole 400 .
  • the sole 400 may further comprise a control element 460 , which limits the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 420 .
  • the deformation region 430 is provided as a rectangular groove 430 within the control element 460 .
  • the considerations put forth above in relation with the embodiments of soles 200 a - 200 h , in particular the embodiments of the sole 200 g also apply to the embodiments discussed here.
  • the sole 400 may comprise a second sole region 480 , which may comprise particle foam and may provide an increasing deformation stiffness along at least one predetermined direction.
  • this predetermined direction extends from the medial side of the sole 400 towards the lateral side of the sole 400 .
  • the predetermined direction may be chosen, for example, for lateral sports like tennis, to take some of the strain of the ankle and metatarsal phalangeal joints of a wearer during lateral movements, in the way described above in relation to FIG. 3 .
  • a different predetermined direction may be chosen to adjust the sole to the specific needs for that particular sport.
  • first sole region 420 may also extend into the forefoot region and the second sole region 480 may extend into the heel region, opposite to the example shown here.
  • This inverted arrangement has the beneficial effect of providing the “banking effect” primarily in the heel region, where impact with the ground predominantly occurs, while “freeing up” the first sole region in the forefoot/toe region, where push-off from the ground often occurs and therefore a good energy return is desirable.
  • the first sole region 420 and the second sole region 480 are provided as one integral piece.
  • the first sole region 420 and the second sole region 480 may at least partially coincide.
  • the first sole region 420 and the second sole region 480 may be provided as separate regions of the sole 400 .
  • the component 225 h of the sole 200 h may be a first sole region
  • the component 222 h may be a second sole region with an increasing deformation stiffness in at least one predetermined direction, e.g. from the medial to the lateral side of the foot.
  • the increase in deformation stiffness may be at least partially achieved by an increasing density of the material of the second sole region 480 .
  • a mold may be filled with particles of a particle foam to an increasing filling height, and the mold may then be closed to achieve a uniform thickness of the compressed particles within the mold, thereby effecting an increasing density in the direction of increasing filling height.
  • Additional embodiments of a sole 500 according to the invention may comprise a midsole 510 .
  • the midsole 510 may be the midsole of one of the embodiments discussed so far herein.
  • the sole 500 may further comprise a frame element 520 that at least partially surrounds the midsole 510 and may limit a sideward deformation of the midsole 510 under a pressure load.
  • the frame element 520 may serve, among other things, to increase the overall stability of the sole 500 in a manner independent of the other possibilities to fine-tune individual cushioning, energy return, and stability characteristics of the midsole discussed so far.
  • the frame element 520 may completely encircle the midsole 510 everywhere except the toe region 515 of the midsole 510 .
  • the midsole material is “freed up” in the toe region 515 as described above, increasing its potential to return energy, expended for deformation of the sole 500 during the process of a step, back to the wearer.
  • the toe region 515 may comprise a thin area of EVA which is, among other things, easy to produce and provides stability to the toe region.
  • the toe region 515 may comprise eTPU, which is more completely melted than, for example, the particle foam within a first sole region as discussed herein, such that the eTPU in the toe region 515 has a greater deformation stiffness and may also provide stability.
  • the frame element 520 may further comprise a supporting element 525 .
  • this supporting element 525 may be arranged on the lateral side of the heel region.
  • the supporting element 525 may support the heel during lateral movements like a medial cut, and prevent a “breaking out” of the foot and the athlete from twisting his ankle.
  • the frame element 520 and, in particular, the supporting element 525 may further comprise a soft overcoat on the inside.
  • a frame element like the frame element 520 may at least partially coincide with a control element as described above. That is, the frame element may also serve the function to limit the sideward deformation of the material of a first sole region, e.g. by comprising an expansion zone like a groove or the like.
  • the frame element may, for example, be integrally formed with a control element within the midsole.
  • the frame element 520 may further comprise at least one bar 528 .
  • the bar 528 may serve to secure the frame element 520 on the midsole 510 .
  • the two bars 528 form a kind of clamp or cavity with the peripheral rim of the frame element 520 , into which the midsole 510 may be press-fit.
  • the at least one bar 528 may also be at least partially surrounded by the material of the midsole 510 to secure the frame element 520 on the midsole 510 .
  • the frame element 520 may initially be inserted into a mold into which the material of the midsole, e.g. the particles of a particle foam for the midsole, are subsequently loaded and then processed. In this manner, the bar of the frame element 520 may, for example, extend throughout the interior of the midsole, thus securing the frame element 520 on the midsole without need for adhesives like glue (which could, however, still be added if desired).
  • the at least one bar 528 may also assume further functionality. It may, for example, also act as a torsion bar to increase the torsional stiffness of the sole 500 .
  • a sole 600 may comprise a midsole 610 and a frame element 620 .
  • the considerations put forth above with regard to the sole 500 with midsole 510 and frame element 520 may also apply here.
  • the midsole 610 may be any embodiment of a midsole according to the invention discussed herein or otherwise conceivable.
  • a particular feature of the frame element 620 is, however, that it may completely encompass the heel region of the midsole on its sides but only partly encompass the forefoot region on its sides.
  • this design has the beneficial effect of providing good stability to the heel region, potentially in combination with a second sole region within the encompassed heel region to provide the above explained “banking effect,” while also “freeing up” the toe region to promote maximal energy return to the foot during push-off.
  • shoes 710 , 720 , 730 comprise different frame elements 712 , 722 , 732 , which provide different degrees of stabilization.
  • frame elements 712 , 722 provide increased stabilization when compared with frame element 732 by including supporting elements 715 , 725 in the lateral heel region.
  • using different materials and material thicknesses may increase the stabilization provided by the frame elements.
  • FIGS. 8-15I show further embodiments of soles and shoes according to the invention. As will become apparent to a skilled artisan, some of these embodiments are merely sketches of possible design options and arrangements and the proportions shown in these sketches need not necessarily correspond to the proportions found in an actual sole or shoe.
  • a shoe 800 with a sole 805 may comprise a midsole and several outsole elements 899 .
  • the midsole may comprise a first sole region 820 comprising particles of a particle foam.
  • the first sole region 820 may be provided as a number of separate bars 820 . Between these bars 820 , there may be empty spaces 830 . These empty spaces 830 may comprise a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle and may act as deformation regions 830 into which the material of the first sole region 820 may expand sideways under a pressure load on the sole 805 of the shoe 800 .
  • a midsole 902 may comprise a first sole part 910 , e.g.
  • the midsole 902 may further comprise a first sole region 920 comprising particle foam, e.g. eTPU.
  • the first sole region 920 may further comprise a number of grooves or notches 930 acting as deformation regions within the first sole region 920 with a volume larger than that of a single expanded particle.
  • the material of the first sole region 920 may expand sideways into these deformation regions 930 under a pressure load on the midsole 902 .
  • the deformation regions 930 may either extend throughout the whole thickness of the midsole 902 , or they may be confined to one side of the midsole 902 and penetrate into the material of the first sole region 920 to a certain depth, e.g.
  • a control element 960 may be embedded into the material of the first sole region 920 , which may limit the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 920 .
  • the control element 960 may be provided as two separate pieces that are embedded in the material of the first sole region 920 parallel to each other and may be spaced apart from each other by some small distance, e.g. 2 mm or 5 mm or 1 cm or the like.
  • the control element 960 may comprise a higher deformation stiffness than the material of the first sole region 920 .
  • control element 960 may, in addition to limiting the sideward deformation of the first sole region 920 , also act as a stabilizing element in the present case.
  • the two parts of the control element 960 may slide in opposite directions, as indicated by the two big arrows in FIG. 9 , hence supporting the foot of the wearer and promoting a natural roll-off of the foot.
  • the parts of the control element 960 may serve as a torsion bar to increase torsional stiffness of the midsole 902 , as indicated by the curved arrow in FIG. 9 .
  • some of the groves or notches 930 may be arranged between the two parts of the control element 960 to promote the above discussed movement of the two parts during motion of the wearer and promotion of a natural roll-off of the foot.
  • a midsole 1002 may comprise a first sole region comprising particle foam.
  • the first sole region has sub-regions 1020 , 1025 .
  • the first sole sub-regions 1020 , 1025 may be substantially similar in composition. However, it is also possible that first sole sub-regions 1020 , 1025 differ in composition.
  • the midsole 1002 may further comprise a deformation region 1030 within the midsole 1002 , which may comprise a material that yields to the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 1020 , 1025 under a pressure load on the sole 1000 .
  • the first sole region 1020 , 1025 may comprise eTPU, e.g. with a stiffness of approximately 40 shore C
  • the deformation region 1030 may comprise a rather soft EVA, such as an EVA with a stiffness of 45-50 shore C.
  • the midsole 1002 may comprise a control element 1060 that limits the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 1020 , 1025 .
  • the control element 1060 may comprise a harder EVA material and may be arranged on the lateral side of the midsole 1002 .
  • a sole 1100 may comprise a midsole 1102 with a first midsole part 1110 .
  • the midsole may further comprise a first sole region 1120 comprising particle foam.
  • the first sole region 1120 may comprise two drop-ins partially embedded in the material of the first midsole part 1110 .
  • the first midsole part 1110 may also comprise windows within the midsole. These windows provide a deformation region 1130 with a volume larger than that of an expanded particle of the first sole region 1120 , into which the material of the first sole region 1120 may expand sideways under a pressure load on the sole 1100 .
  • the sole may further comprise additional sole parts 1199 , like an outsole or a frame element as discussed before.
  • a midsole 1202 may comprise a first sole region 1220 comprising particle foam.
  • the first sole region 1220 may comprise several wedge-shaped sub-regions. Adjacent or between some or all of these sub-regions 1220 , the midsole 1202 may further comprise a deformation region, possibly comprising several sub-regions as shown here.
  • the deformation region, or the several sub-regions may comprise a material that yields to the sideward deformation of the material of the first sole (sub)-region(s) 1220 under a pressure load on the midsole 1202 . It is to be understood that possibly only some of the midsole parts adjacent/between the first sole sub-regions 1220 may comprise such a yielding material while others do not.
  • the arrangement may provide that the first sole (sub)region(s) 1220 and/or the deformation region 1230 may also promote a high flexibility of the midsole 1202 , in addition to the additional features of inventive soles already discussed herein numerous times.
  • an inventive midsole 1302 may comprise a first sole region comprising particle foam, such as eTPU.
  • the first sole region may comprise two sub-regions 1320 and 1325 , one 1320 arranged predominantly in the medial half of the heel region and the other one 1325 arranged in the forefoot region, which is also predominantly in the medial half of the midsole 1302 .
  • one of the sub-regions 1320 and 1325 may comprise a second sole region, which in the latter case may coincide with the respective first sole region, with variable stiffness as discussed before to provide the banking effect.
  • the sub-region 1320 in the heel area of the midsole 1302 may have an increasing stiffness in the direction from the medial to the lateral side of the midsole 1302 to provide a banking during a lateral side-cut.
  • the arrangement of the first sole region, or its multiple sub-regions 1320 and 1325 , throughout the midsole may be chosen and modified in a large number of different ways.
  • the first sole region or sub-regions 1320 , 1325 may be arranged in the heel region, the midfoot region, the forefoot region and predominantly on one side of the sole, as shown here, in the middle of the sole, throughout the entire width, length, thickness of the midsole and so on.
  • the same is true for potentially present second sole regions.
  • second sole regions it is further remarked that their density may also be adjusted and influenced in a large variety of arrangements and modifications, and also locally, to fine-tune the sole to the respective demands for a certain field of application.
  • the midsole 1302 may further comprise a first midsole part 1310 .
  • This first midsole part 1310 may, for example, comprise EVA or other suitable materials.
  • the first midsole part 1310 may also act as a control element 1310 that limits a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region 1320 and/or 1325 under a pressure load on the midsole 1302 .
  • the first midsole part 1310 may further comprise a deformation region (not shown) in form of at least one horizontal grove or the like, cf. for example FIG. 2 g or 4 .
  • first midsole part 1310 may also comprise a material that yields to a sideward deformation of the first sole region 1320 , 1325 and thus may act as a deformation region.
  • the first sole sub-regions 1320 and 1325 may each comprise one (or possibly more) grooves 1330 , 1335 , respectively, into which the material of the first sole sub-regions 1320 , 1325 may expand sideways under a pressure load.
  • These grooves 1330 , 1335 may, as already mentioned, extend throughout the entire thickness of the first sole sub-regions 1320 , 1325 , or even the entire thickness of the midsole 1302 , or they may penetrate into the material only to a certain depth, e.g. a third or half of the depth of the first sole sub-regions 1320 , 1325 . Numerous further arrangements are also conceivable.
  • grooves 1330 , 1335 may correspond to openings in an outsole to be attached to the midsole 1302 to further improve the features of the complete sole.
  • openings in a potential outsole may be used with other embodiments of inventive soles described herein.
  • a midsole 1402 may comprise a first midsole part 1410 and a first sole region 1420 comprising particle foam.
  • the midsole 1402 may comprise a grove 1430 that acts as a deformation region 1430 and may correspond to a flexible area along the middle of an outsole to be attached to this midsole 1402 .
  • Other explanations and considerations given so far in relation to other embodiments of the invention are also true for these embodiments, if applicable.
  • a midsole 1502 may include multiple parts.
  • the midsole 1502 includes a first sole part 1510 and a first sole region 1520 .
  • the first sole part 1510 may be formed of various materials, including but not limited to EVA, rubber (e.g., blown rubber), polyurethane, or the like and/or combinations thereof.
  • the first sole part 1510 may have a ground contacting surface having a variable profile as shown in FIG. 15 . In some alternate examples, shown in FIGS. 15H-I and 19 , the ground contacting surface appears to be substantially flat.
  • the first sole region 1520 may include particle foam.
  • the first sole region may include particle foam such as eTPU, ePP, ePA, ePEBA, or eTPU.
  • particle foams may be arranged and/or randomly arranged. For example, as depicted in FIG. 15J , eTPU foam particles are substantially randomly arranged to form the first sole region 1520 .
  • the first sole part 1510 may include a grid structure 1540 to be coupled to the first sole region 1520 .
  • the grid structure 1540 may include one or more open areas or deformation regions 1530 .
  • the grid structure 1540 may provide abrasion resistance.
  • the grid structure 1540 may be constructed in a manner (e.g., materials, thicknesses) that allows it to act as an outsole. In these instances, no additional outsole is needed.
  • an outsole made of rubber, TPU, other materials known in art and combinations thereof may be additionally added.
  • a sole may include grid structure such that no additional outsole is needed.
  • the first sole part 1510 may be coupled to first sole region 1520 .
  • the first sole part 1510 may extend beyond an edge of first sole region 1520 when the parts are coupled, as illustrated in FIG. 15A .
  • the grid structure 1540 may further comprise a number of open areas indicated as deformation regions 1530 , as shown in FIG. 15B . These deformations regions 1530 allow the expanded particle material to deform, since open areas have a volume larger than that of a single expanded particle. During use, for example, under a pressure load applied to the midsole 1502 , the material of the first sole region 1520 may deform downward into these deformation regions 1530 . The deformation regions 1530 may extend across the entire grid structure 1540 . In some cases, deformation regions 1530 may be confined to certain areas of the midsole 1502 . Further, as depicted in FIGS. 15B and 17 , the grid structure 1540 may also include a controlled deformation zone 1535 . Here, material of the grid structure 1540 may extend over the first sole region 1520 at a reduced thickness in the controlled deformation zone 1535 to control deformation of the material from the first sole region 1520 .
  • first sole region 1520 may extend throughout the whole thickness of the midsole 1502 .
  • first sole region 1520 may be confined to certain regions of the midsole, such as the forefoot and heel regions.
  • a shoe may have a first sole region which is positioned in the forefoot or near the heel.
  • multiple first sole regions may be utilized throughout the shoe. This may allow for differing characteristics of the sole in different parts of the shoe.
  • an outsole may be made of rubber with TPU added in predetermined areas.
  • a shoe sole 1500 may include the midsole portion 1502 and the outsole portion 1504 .
  • outsole portion 1504 may include the grid structure 1540 having a number of deformation regions 1530 , which have a volume larger than that of a single expanded particle and allow the expanded particle foam to deform proximate the deformation regions.
  • the material of the first sole region 1520 may press or move downward into these deformation regions 1530 under a pressure load on the midsole 1502 .
  • the deformation regions 1530 may either extend throughout the entire grid structure 1540 or they may be confined to certain areas of the sole 1500 .
  • FIGS. 15B, 16, 17, and 18 depict deformation regions 1530 of varying sizes and positioned at various points.
  • portions of the first sole region 1520 may deform downward into the deformation regions during use, for example, when a wearer steps down upon a portion of the shoe.
  • some examples may include areas having no deformation areas or deformation areas having a thin layer of the grid material, as shown in FIG. 17 .
  • This thin layer of grid material may be used to control deformation of the expanded foam and creates controlled deformation zones 1535 .
  • deformation of the particle foam may occur throughout the whole thickness of the midsole 1502 , or may be confined to certain regions of the midsole, such as the forefoot and heel regions.
  • FIG. 19 depicts a shoe 1905 having a first sole part 1910 and a first sole region 1920 with a relatively constant thickness along the length of the shoe.
  • a forefoot region 1915 of first sole region 1920 has a substantially constant thickness, while a midfoot region 1917 of first sole region 1920 appears to become slightly thicker as one moves away from the forefoot region 1915 and toward heel region 1919 .
  • the heel region 1919 has a relatively constant thickness.
  • FIGS. 20-22 depict multiple shoes 2005 , 2105 , 2205 with various combinations of first sole regions 2020 , 2120 , 2220 and first sole parts 2010 , 2110 , 2210 having various thicknesses in different parts of the shoe. These differences are often the result of the predetermined characteristics required for the shoe. Thus, it is possible to vary the geometries and/or thicknesses of the sole regions and/or sole parts to create shoe soles with predetermined characteristics.
  • a sole 2300 includes a layer 2380 positioned between first sole region 2320 and first sole part 2310 .
  • FIG. 24 shows a sole 2400 in its assembled form including a layer 2480 positioned between a first sole region 2420 and a first sole part 2410 .
  • Layer 2380 , 2480 may include, but are not limited to films, such as decorative films, reflective films, protective films, conductive films, adhesive films, textiles, fabrics, materials known in the art and combinations thereof.
  • layers 2380 , 2480 are reflective films that extend substantially along the length of the entire sole. In some instances, films 2380 , 2480 may be positioned in portions or regions of the shoe.
  • a layer may include one or more piece of materials positioned at differing locations between the first sole region and first sole part.
  • a protective film may be used in areas that have highest ground contact and a reflective film may be used in areas that are most clearly visible while running.
  • a shoe 2502 , 2602 may include a first sole region 2520 , 2620 and a first sole part 2510 , 2610 , as depicted in FIG. 25 .
  • the first sole part 2510 , 2610 may include a frame element 2512 , 2612 .
  • the frame element 2512 , 2612 may include a ground contacting surface.
  • a ground contacting surface may include cleats 2557 , 2657 .
  • a ground contacting surface of a shoe may be flat or substantially flat, provided with protruding elements, such as cleats, brush elements, treads, any geometry known in the art, recessed elements, and/or combinations thereof.
  • the ground contacting surface may include textured areas, smooth areas, sticky areas, and/or combinations thereof.
  • cleats may include hollow cleats 2658 which are filled with particle foam.
  • Embodiments of some shoes may include hollow cleats which allow particle foam from the first sole region and/or the midsole to deform into openings of hollow cleats during use.
  • frame element 2512 , 2612 may extend from under the foot up the side of the shoe.
  • frame element 2512 , 2612 may include supporting element 2514 , 2614 that extends upward around the heel.
  • frame elements may act as a heel counter.
  • the supporting element of the frame element, in combination with the particle foam, may provide support consistent with a conventional heel counter.
  • FIGS. 25-31 depict examples of frame element 2512 , 2612 , 2712 , 2812 , 2912 , 3012 , 3112 and supporting elements 2514 , 2614 , 2714 , 2814 , 2914 , 3014 , 3114 where the supporting elements of the frame element at least partially encompass a heel region on its sides.
  • Support members 2525 , 2625 , 2725 , 2825 , 2925 , 3025 , 3125 are integral parts of the supporting elements and frame elements. Positioning of the support members on a frame element and/or a supporting element may vary.
  • the frame element 2512 may encompass a portion of the midfoot region. In the forefoot region, as depicted in FIG. 25 , the frame element 2512 may be limited on the sides of the upper.
  • a frame element 2712 of FIG. 27 depicts supporting element 2714 that extends upward in the heel region. Further, in a forefoot region 2715 , a frame element 2712 may further comprise supporting elements 2716 , wherein the supporting element is arranged on the lateral side of a heel region.
  • Supporting elements of the frame element 2512 , 2712 may include varying geometries, depending on the use of the shoe.
  • Various constructions of supporting elements and frame elements are depicted in FIGS. 25-31 .
  • FIGS. 25-27 depict various frame elements where the supporting elements extend up over the upper 2565 , 2665 from the heel to the midfoot section of the shoe.
  • FIGS. 28-29 include supporting element 2814 , 2914 of frame element 2812 , 2912 , where the supporting element 2814 , 2914 is found primarily in the heel region of the frame element 2812 , 2912 .
  • the design of the frame element and/or supporting elements may be created based on pre-determined limitations. For example, pre-determined values for weight, bulkiness, etc., as well as a need to minimize pressure points may play a role.
  • FIG. 28 depicts a medial side view of frame element 2812 .
  • the geometry of the supporting element may allow for more freedom of movement. Further, it is possible depending on materials that this configuration reduces the weight of the frame element. For example, such frame elements in combination with the particle foam may act as a heel counter while having a weight less than that of a conventional heel counter in a shoe.
  • FIG. 29 depicts a rear perspective view of frame element 2812 of FIG. 28 .
  • Supporting element 2912 is configured to wrap around the heel.
  • the supporting element 2914 has various support members 2925 .
  • Support members 2925 may be positioned such that they allow for freedom of movement while still providing support to the user during use.
  • FIG. 29 depicts supporting element 2914 having supporting members 2925 positioned such that there is freedom of movement for the Achilles tendon. As depicted, reducing the number of potential contact points between the support members and the Achilles tendon helps provide a comfortable fit.
  • sole 3000 for a shoe may include a first sole part 3010 and a first sole region 3020 .
  • the first sole region 3020 may include particle foam.
  • the first sole region 3020 made from particle foam may be shaped to conform with a shape of the first sole part 3010 .
  • a particle foam 3045 of the first sole region 3020 may have one or more areas of predetermined thickness.
  • the first sole region 3020 may include one or more protruding areas 3047 .
  • the frame element 3012 may include at least one bar member 3028 that helps secure the frame element 3012 to the midsole.
  • FIG. 31 shows a first sole region 3120 stockfit to a first sole part 3110 , that is, frame element 3112 .
  • Protruding areas 3147 on the first sole region 3120 are constructed such that they conform to the shape of openings 3149 in the frame element 3112 formed between bar elements 3128 .
  • bar elements may be at least partially surrounded by particle foam in a finished shoe.
  • Particle foam of the first sole region 3120 may have a thickness in a range from about 0.2 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, particle foam having a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm will be used.
  • some shoes may include a first sole region having a thickness in a range from about 0.7 mm to about 5 mm.
  • a protruding area 3247 of particle foam component 3255 may have a thickness that substantially corresponds to the thickness of bar elements 3228 proximate the protruding area of the particle foam.
  • protruding areas 3247 of the first sole region 3220 fit within openings 3249 of a first sole part 3210 .
  • the fit between protruding areas 3247 and openings 3249 may be configured such that any gap between bar elements 3228 defining openings 3249 in a frame element 3212 and protruding areas 3247 of the first sole region 3220 is substantially minimized.
  • an upper 3265 may be positioned proximate the first sole region 3220 and the frame element 3212 .
  • the upper 3265 as depicted includes strobel board 3267 , midsole wall portions 3269 , and upper part 3271 .
  • an upper 3365 includes a strobel board 3367 and midsole wall portions 3373 . Both the strobel board 3367 and the midsole wall portions 3373 are made from particle foam in FIG. 33 .
  • the particle foam components may be molded separately and joined together to form part 3375 , which is incorporated into upper 3365 .
  • Upper 3265 , 3365 , 3465 may be positioned proximate the first sole region 3220 , 3320 , 3420 , which is positioned proximate the frame element 3212 , 3312 , 3412 of the first sole part 3210 , 3310 , 3410 , as indicated in FIGS. 32-34 .
  • the upper part may include a strobel board and a midsole wall formed as one piece utilized in the described examples.
  • Thicknesses of the particle foam in the various components may vary based on predetermined characteristics and/or needs for the components.
  • Particle foam used in the midsole wall portion may have a thickness in a range from about 0.2 mm to about 20 mm. Some instances may include a midsole wall portion having a thickness in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. Midsole wall portions may have a thickness in a range from about 1 mm to about 4 mm.
  • Particle foam used in the strobel board may have a thickness in a range from about 0.2 mm to about 20 mm. Some instances may include a strobel board having a thickness in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm.
  • a strobel board may have a thickness in a range from about 1 mm to about 4 mm.
  • FIG. 34 An example of a shoe sole configuration, specifically for sports utilizing cleated shoes, such as soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, football, baseball, or the like, as shown in FIG. 34 , includes an upper 3465 with midsole wall portions 3473 and strobel board 3467 , a first sole region 3420 , and a frame element 3412 .
  • the midsole wall portions 3473 , the strobel board 3467 , and the first sole region 3420 may all be made of particle foam.
  • some embodiments may further include a particle foam sockliner.
  • the strobel board 3467 , the first sole region 3420 , and the particle foam sockliner may each have thicknesses in the range of 3 mm, for a total thickness of about 9 mm of particle foam.
  • the midsole wall portions may have a thickness of about 2 mm.
  • Particle foams may be formed at these thicknesses and/or particle foams may be formed with a greater thickness and cut or split to the proper thickness and/or size.
  • the strobel board 3467 , the first sole region 3420 , and the particle foam sockliner may have any suitable thickness that corresponds to any range of thicknesses described herein.
  • a sockliner may include a textile portion on at least one side.
  • a textile layer may be positioned on the side proximate the foot of the wearer during use.
  • an upper 3565 is directly joined to first sole part 3510 .
  • the upper 3565 including upper part 3571 and strobel board 3567 act as a first sole region, that is, a midsole.
  • the upper 3565 is positioned proximate the first sole part 3510 , for example, a frame element 3512 .
  • a thickness of the strobel board in this configuration may be in a range from about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm.
  • Some instances may include a strobel board 3567 having a thickness in a range of about 1.0 mm to about 15 mm.
  • a strobel board 3567 may have a thickness in a range from about 2 mm to about 10 mm.
  • components specifically strobel boards and midsole wall portions, may be cut from sheets of particle foam and then stockfitted directly to the frame element.
  • Both the strobel board 3367 , 3467 , 3567 and the midsole wall portion 3373 , 3473 , 3573 are made from particle foam in FIGS. 33-35 .
  • the particle foam components may be molded separately and joined together to form the upper part 3371 , 3471 , 3571 , which is incorporated into the upper 3565 .
  • the particle foam components, specifically the strobel board 3367 , 3467 , 3567 and the midsole wall portion 3373 , 3473 , 3573 may be cut from sheets of particle foam and then stockfitted to the frame element.
  • FIGS. 36-37 illustrate upper 3665 , 3765 having midsole wall portion 3673 , 3773 made of particle foam components that are stitched to the upper part and particle foam board (shown in FIG. 38 ).
  • a strobel board 3867 as well as a midsole wall portion 3873 , include a textile 3881 laminated to particle foam strobel component.
  • the textile 3881 may be any material known in the art. Use of the textile 3881 provides additional support to the particle foam such that particle foam components can be stitched together. Use of a textile reduces the likelihood of tears in the particle foam, especially at areas having a thinner thickness of particle foam.
  • the textile 3881 faces the outside of the upper on the particle foam strobel component and the inside of the upper on the midsole wall portion. Textiles may be laminated on the particle foam components, such that the textile faces the outside of the upper, the inside of the upper, and/or combinations thereof.
  • the upper part 3871 is joined to the midsole wall portion 3873 and the strobel board 3867 using a combination of stitches and/or adhesive.
  • any joining method known in the art for joining materials may be used to join the particle foam components to the upper, including but not limited to stitches, adhesives, bonding, welding, ultrasonic bonding, other joining methods known in the art and combinations thereof.
  • FIGS. 39-40 depict examples of shoes utilizing particle foam midsole walls, as well as a particle foam strobel board.
  • shoe 3905 , 4005 may include an additional particle foam insole.
  • An insole made of particle foam may have a thickness in a range from about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm.
  • Some instances may include an insole made of particle foam having a thickness in a range of about 0.75 mm to about 10 mm.
  • An insole made of particle foam may have a thickness in a range from about 1 mm to about 4 mm.
  • Frame elements may be constructed from any suitable material known in the art or any combination of materials, including but not limited to polyamides, such as polyamide 12, polyamide 11, or other polyamides known in the art, and/or composites thereof, thermoplastic polyurethanes, other materials known in the art and/or combinations thereof.
  • frame element 2512 may be constructed from multiple materials.
  • frame element 2512 may be constructed from polyamide while at least a portion of the cleats 2557 may be constructed from TPU.
  • an example of a frame element 2512 may be largely or completely constructed using a polyamide compound while stud tips 2561 , 2661 are constructed of a TPU material.
  • Materials choices for the parts of the frame element and/or supporting element(s) may be obvious to someone skilled in the art and based upon the desired use. For example, materials selected for a shoe used on natural grass may differ from those selected for indoor use or for use on artificial turf.
  • a sole comprises a midsole having a first sole region 4120 , 4220 , which as depicted is a particle foam, and a deformation region 4130 , 4230 in the first sole part 4110 , 4210 .
  • Deformation regions may be defined by the boundaries of the sole part.
  • the deformation region comprises a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle of particle foam and is positioned so that it allows deformation of the particle foam under a pressure load on the sole.
  • Sole further includes a frame element, which at least partially surrounds the midsole and which limits the deformation of the first sole region of the midsole under the pressure load on the sole.
  • outer layer 4185 , 4285 of particle foam may be positioned in frame element 4112 , 4212 .
  • the outer layer of the particle foam may be flat, structured, shaped, and/or have various zones incorporating combinations thereof.
  • Some examples of outer layer of particle foam may include additional materials such as films, textiles, and the like.
  • outer layer 4285 of particle foam may include a film on the outer surface to impart a color to the particle foam as depicted in FIG. 42 .
  • such films may be clear. In some instances, this film may inhibit discoloration of the material and/or may impart strength and/or deformation properties to the material.
  • shoe 4305 includes a frame element 4312 having differing constructions on the medial and lateral sides of shoe 4305 .
  • FIG. 43B depicts the medial side of shoe 4305 and frame element 4312 .
  • Medial supporting element 4387 is configured to provide support to the heel of the user during use, while not reducing and/or inhibiting mobility.
  • Lateral supporting element 4389 depicted in FIG. 43C provides additional support to the lateral side of the foot.
  • a sole with a midsole wherein the midsole comprises:
  • a deformation region positioned proximate the first sole region, wherein the deformation region comprises a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle in the particle foam and is configured to allow deformation of the particle foam of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole.
  • the deformation is sideward in direction.
  • the deformation region is at least partially provided as an empty space.
  • the midsole further comprises a control element that limits the deformation of the particle foam of the first sole region.
  • the control element comprises at least a part of the deformation region.
  • the control element comprises a groove.
  • the control element at least partially bounds the first sole region on its sides.
  • the control element is free from particles of the particle foam.
  • the deformation region comprises a material that yields to the deformation of the material of the first sole region.
  • the yielding material has a deformation stiffness that is 5%-40% greater than the deformation stiffness of the first sole region.
  • a second sole region comprising particle foam and providing an increasing deformation stiffness along at least one predetermined direction.
  • a sole comprising:
  • a midsole comprising a first sole region, wherein the first sole region comprises particle foam
  • the deformation region comprises a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle and is positioned so that it allows a sideward deformation of the particle foam of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole;
  • a frame element which at least partially surrounds the midsole and which limits the sideward deformation of the midsole under the pressure load on the sole.
  • a midsole comprising particles of a particle foam
  • an outsole comprising at least one deformation region comprising a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle in the particle foam
  • the at least one deformation region is configured to allow deformation of at least a portion of the particle foam of the midsole under a pressure load on the sole;
  • outsole limits the deformation of the midsole under the pressure load on the sole.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
US15/078,043 2015-03-23 2016-03-23 Sole and shoe Abandoned US20160278481A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/078,043 US20160278481A1 (en) 2015-03-23 2016-03-23 Sole and shoe
US16/918,905 US11957206B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2020-07-01 Sole and shoe

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562137139P 2015-03-23 2015-03-23
US15/078,043 US20160278481A1 (en) 2015-03-23 2016-03-23 Sole and shoe

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/918,905 Continuation US11957206B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2020-07-01 Sole and shoe

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20160278481A1 true US20160278481A1 (en) 2016-09-29

Family

ID=56976404

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/078,043 Abandoned US20160278481A1 (en) 2015-03-23 2016-03-23 Sole and shoe
US16/918,905 Active 2036-09-18 US11957206B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2020-07-01 Sole and shoe

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/918,905 Active 2036-09-18 US11957206B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2020-07-01 Sole and shoe

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (2) US20160278481A1 (de)
EP (2) EP3114959B1 (de)
JP (3) JP6679363B2 (de)
CN (3) CN105982390B (de)

Cited By (104)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170013913A1 (en) * 2015-07-17 2017-01-19 Mizuno Corporation Sole Structure for a Baseball Spiked Shoe
WO2017072202A1 (de) * 2015-10-26 2017-05-04 Elten GmbH Sohle für einen sicherheitsschuh, sowie sicherheitsschuh
US20170151742A1 (en) * 2015-11-30 2017-06-01 Matthias Hartmann Method for producing a sole for a shoe
US9849645B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2017-12-26 Adidas Ag Methods for manufacturing cushioning elements for sports apparel
USD809756S1 (en) 2016-03-23 2018-02-13 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD813508S1 (en) * 2016-11-14 2018-03-27 Skechers U.S.A., Inc. Ii Shoe midsole periphery
USD828686S1 (en) 2015-09-15 2018-09-18 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD828991S1 (en) 2013-04-12 2018-09-25 Adidas Ag Shoe
EP3387936A1 (de) * 2017-04-05 2018-10-17 Adidas AG Verfahren für die nachbehandlung einer vielzahl einzelner expandierter partikel für die herstellung mindestens eines teils eines gegossenen sportartikels, sportartikels und sportschuhs
US20180295931A1 (en) * 2017-04-14 2018-10-18 Kwan Ho Shin Corrective insole
US20190014859A1 (en) * 2017-07-13 2019-01-17 Under Armour, Inc. Embroidered Foaming Cords For Midsoles
USD840137S1 (en) 2016-08-03 2019-02-12 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD840136S1 (en) 2016-08-03 2019-02-12 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD845597S1 (en) 2017-03-06 2019-04-16 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD846256S1 (en) 2016-11-02 2019-04-23 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD850766S1 (en) * 2017-01-17 2019-06-11 Puma SE Shoe sole element
USD851889S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2019-06-25 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD852476S1 (en) * 2016-12-16 2019-07-02 Puma SE Shoe sole element
USD852475S1 (en) 2016-08-17 2019-07-02 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD853691S1 (en) 2016-09-02 2019-07-16 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD855297S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2019-08-06 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD862051S1 (en) * 2016-07-18 2019-10-08 Adidas Ag Sole
US10506846B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2019-12-17 Adidas Ag Cushioning element for sports apparel
USD874098S1 (en) * 2018-02-26 2020-02-04 Puma SE Shoe
USD874099S1 (en) * 2018-02-27 2020-02-04 Puma SE Shoe
USD874107S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2020-02-04 Puma SE Shoe
USD876757S1 (en) * 2018-03-08 2020-03-03 Puma SE Shoe
USD877465S1 (en) * 2018-02-23 2020-03-10 Puma SE Shoe
USD878021S1 (en) * 2018-04-04 2020-03-17 Puma SE Shoe
USD879424S1 (en) * 2018-03-07 2020-03-31 Puma SE Shoe sole
US10639861B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2020-05-05 Adidas Ag Sole mold for manufacturing a sole
US10645992B2 (en) 2015-02-05 2020-05-12 Adidas Ag Method for the manufacture of a plastic component, plastic component, and shoe
USD883621S1 (en) 2018-08-23 2020-05-12 Puma SE Shoe
USD883620S1 (en) 2018-08-24 2020-05-12 Puma SE Shoe
USD885722S1 (en) 2019-02-14 2020-06-02 Puma SE Shoe
US10667576B2 (en) 2014-08-13 2020-06-02 Adidas Ag Co-molded 3D elements
USD887691S1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-06-23 Puma SE Shoe
USD889798S1 (en) 2019-02-22 2020-07-14 Puma SE Shoe
USD890497S1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-07-21 Puma SE Shoe
US10716358B2 (en) 2012-04-13 2020-07-21 Adidas Ag Soles for sports shoes
USD890488S1 (en) 2019-02-22 2020-07-21 Puma SE Shoe
USD890496S1 (en) 2019-02-14 2020-07-21 Puma SE Shoe
USD891054S1 (en) 2019-01-25 2020-07-28 Puma SE Shoe
USD891053S1 (en) 2019-01-25 2020-07-28 Puma SE Shoe
US10721991B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2020-07-28 Adidas Ag Sole for a shoe
US10730259B2 (en) 2016-12-01 2020-08-04 Adidas Ag Method for the manufacture of a plastic component, plastic component, and shoe
USD893838S1 (en) 2019-02-14 2020-08-25 Puma SE Shoe
USD893855S1 (en) 2018-08-24 2020-08-25 Puma SE Shoe
US10759096B2 (en) 2014-08-26 2020-09-01 Adidas Ag Expanded polymer pellets
USD895234S1 (en) 2017-09-21 2020-09-08 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD899061S1 (en) 2017-10-05 2020-10-20 Adidas Ag Shoe
EP3733013A1 (de) * 2019-04-30 2020-11-04 Salomon S.A.S. Schuhsohle
US10834991B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2020-11-17 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD903268S1 (en) 2019-02-06 2020-12-01 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Insole
US10856606B2 (en) 2016-12-08 2020-12-08 Puma SE Method for producing a shoe sole
USD905942S1 (en) 2019-05-14 2020-12-29 Puma SE Shoe
USD906658S1 (en) 2019-02-19 2021-01-05 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Insole
USD907903S1 (en) 2018-08-23 2021-01-19 Puma SE Shoe
USD907905S1 (en) * 2020-01-16 2021-01-19 Nike, Inc. Shoe
US10905919B2 (en) 2015-05-28 2021-02-02 Adidas Ag Ball and method for its manufacture
USD909031S1 (en) * 2020-01-16 2021-02-02 Nike, Inc. Shoe
USD909030S1 (en) * 2020-01-16 2021-02-02 Nike, Inc. Shoe
USD910290S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-02-16 Puma SE Shoe
USD911683S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-03-02 Puma SE Shoe
USD911682S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-03-02 Puma SE Shoe
USD912960S1 (en) * 2020-07-28 2021-03-16 Nike, Inc. Shoe
US10952489B2 (en) * 2015-04-16 2021-03-23 Adidas Ag Sports shoes and methods for manufacturing and recycling of sports shoes
USD915055S1 (en) 2018-12-03 2021-04-06 Adidas Ag Shoe
US20210120912A1 (en) * 2018-04-27 2021-04-29 Puma SE Shoe, in particular a sports shoe
US11096441B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2021-08-24 Adidas Ag Sole for a shoe
USD928479S1 (en) 2019-03-19 2021-08-24 Adidas Ag Footwear midsole
USD930961S1 (en) 2018-03-07 2021-09-21 Puma SE Shoe
USD930963S1 (en) 2018-01-09 2021-09-21 Adidas Ag Shoe
US11135797B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2021-10-05 Adidas Ag Methods for manufacturing cushioning elements for sports apparel
USD932760S1 (en) 2018-08-17 2021-10-12 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD935158S1 (en) * 2021-01-28 2021-11-09 Huaian Balu International Trade Co., Ltd Sole
USD935153S1 (en) * 2021-01-05 2021-11-09 Jiangsu Vital E-commerce Co., Ltd. Sole
USD938154S1 (en) 2019-07-18 2021-12-14 Adidas Ag Footwear sole
USD943880S1 (en) 2017-09-20 2022-02-22 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD944504S1 (en) 2020-04-27 2022-03-01 Puma SE Shoe
US11291268B2 (en) 2015-04-10 2022-04-05 Adidas Ag Sports shoe and method for the manufacture thereof
US11291273B2 (en) 2017-08-11 2022-04-05 Puma SE Method for producing a shoe
US11297897B2 (en) * 2019-11-27 2022-04-12 Cole Haan Llc Shoe with multiple material sole
US11304475B2 (en) 2015-09-24 2022-04-19 Nike, Inc. Particulate foam with partial restriction
US20220132978A1 (en) * 2019-03-29 2022-05-05 Asics Corporation Sole, shoes, sole manufacturing method, and sole twist control system
US11350695B2 (en) * 2017-01-06 2022-06-07 Under Armour, Inc. Components for articles and methods of making components from embroidered beads
USD953709S1 (en) 1985-08-29 2022-06-07 Puma SE Shoe
US11407191B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2022-08-09 Adidas Ag Method for the manufacture of a shoe sole, shoe sole, and shoe with pre-manufactured TPU article
USD966668S1 (en) 2018-02-23 2022-10-18 Puma SE Shoe
US11504888B2 (en) 2016-11-28 2022-11-22 Adidas Ag Methods for producing sporting goods
USD972255S1 (en) * 2019-03-27 2022-12-13 Adidas Ag Shoe
ES2931430A1 (es) * 2021-06-21 2022-12-29 Podoactiva S L Kit de dispositivos para la realizacion de test biomecanicos en el pie
USD975417S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2023-01-17 Puma SE Shoe
US11607009B2 (en) 2019-07-25 2023-03-21 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear
US11622600B2 (en) 2019-07-25 2023-04-11 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear
US11627778B2 (en) 2017-03-16 2023-04-18 Nike, Inc. Cushioning member for article of footwear
US11666113B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2023-06-06 Adidas Ag Shoe with knitted outer sole
US11744321B2 (en) 2019-07-25 2023-09-05 Nike, Inc. Cushioning member for article of footwear and method of making
US11744322B2 (en) 2018-05-08 2023-09-05 Puma SE Sole of a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe
USD1015709S1 (en) * 2020-11-02 2024-02-27 Frankie4 IP 1 Pty Ltd Footbed for a shoe
US11926115B2 (en) 2018-05-08 2024-03-12 Puma SE Method for producing a sole of a shoe, in particular of a sports shoe
US11938697B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2024-03-26 Adidas Ag Method and apparatus for automatically manufacturing shoe soles
US11957206B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2024-04-16 Adidas Ag Sole and shoe
US11986046B2 (en) 2020-04-07 2024-05-21 Nike, Inc. Footwear sole structure with nested foam core

Families Citing this family (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107048581B (zh) * 2017-05-09 2020-11-20 湖南易茂鞋业制造有限公司 散热防臭鞋
EP3918943B1 (de) * 2017-06-01 2022-09-21 NIKE Innovate C.V. Verfahren zur herstellung von gegenständen unter verwendung von schaumpartikeln
TWI700175B (zh) 2017-08-01 2020-08-01 荷蘭商耐基創新公司 製造用於鞋類物品之外底的組件之方法
JP7002386B2 (ja) * 2018-03-23 2022-01-20 美津濃株式会社 ソール構造およびそれを用いたシューズ
USD862855S1 (en) * 2018-05-18 2019-10-15 Nike, Inc. Shoe
CN108587137B (zh) * 2018-05-29 2020-11-17 福建师范大学 聚醚嵌段酰胺为基体的离子/共价交联发泡高弹耐磨超轻运动鞋底材料及其制备方法
JP7174226B2 (ja) * 2018-07-26 2022-11-17 キョーラク株式会社 構造体及び構造体の製造方法
US20200128913A1 (en) * 2018-10-31 2020-04-30 Wolverine Outdoors, Inc. Footwear with active gripping outsole
EP3984401B1 (de) * 2018-12-06 2023-06-07 Nike Innovate C.V. Verfahren zur herstellung von artikeln unter verwendung von schaumpartikeln
USD915038S1 (en) * 2019-08-30 2021-04-06 Nike, Inc. Shoe
USD913657S1 (en) * 2019-09-03 2021-03-23 Nike, Inc. Shoe
KR102124936B1 (ko) * 2020-01-21 2020-06-19 박광한 신발 중창 및 그 제조방법
USD938149S1 (en) * 2020-09-29 2021-12-14 Nike, Inc. Shoe
EP4209145A4 (de) * 2020-10-09 2023-10-04 ASICS Corporation Schuhsohle und schuh damit
KR102597212B1 (ko) * 2021-08-26 2023-11-03 주식회사 제이와이 기능성 신발용 바닥부 및 이를 이용한 신발
USD1000795S1 (en) 2022-06-24 2023-10-10 Blakely Ventures, LLC Shoe
USD1000773S1 (en) 2022-06-24 2023-10-10 Blakely Ventures, LLC Shoe
USD1000774S1 (en) 2022-06-24 2023-10-10 Blakely Ventures, LLC Shoe
USD982304S1 (en) 2022-06-24 2023-04-04 Blakely Ventures, LLC Shoe last

Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3834046A (en) * 1973-04-09 1974-09-10 D Fowler Shoe sole structure
US4364189A (en) * 1980-12-05 1982-12-21 Bates Barry T Running shoe with differential cushioning
USRE33066E (en) * 1980-05-06 1989-09-26 Avia Group International, Inc. Shoe sole construction
USD329731S (en) * 1990-08-29 1992-09-29 Adcock Bob E Sandal
US5619809A (en) * 1995-09-20 1997-04-15 Sessa; Raymond Shoe sole with air circulation system
US20050150132A1 (en) * 2004-01-14 2005-07-14 Gail Iannacone Footwear with expanded thermoplastic beads in the footbed
US20060010717A1 (en) * 2004-06-15 2006-01-19 Wayne Finkelstein Therapeutic shoe sole design, method for manufacturing the same, and products constructed therefrom
US20060026863A1 (en) * 2004-08-05 2006-02-09 Dong-Long Liu Shoe shole and method for making the same
US20090293309A1 (en) * 2008-05-29 2009-12-03 K-Swiss Inc. Interchangeable midsole system
US20110283560A1 (en) * 2010-05-18 2011-11-24 Montrail Corporation Multiple response property footwear
US20120233877A1 (en) * 2011-03-18 2012-09-20 Columbia Sportswear North America, Inc. High-stability multi-density midsole
US20130019505A1 (en) * 2011-07-20 2013-01-24 Salomon S.A.S. Footwear with improved sole assembly
US20140227505A1 (en) * 2013-02-12 2014-08-14 Nike, Inc. Bead foam compression molding method with in situ steam generation for low density product
US20140325871A1 (en) * 2013-05-03 2014-11-06 Adidas Ag Sole for a shoe

Family Cites Families (231)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2131756A (en) 1933-10-06 1938-10-04 Fred T Roberts Rubber ball
DE2049918A1 (de) * 1970-10-10 1972-04-13 Metallgesellschaft Ag, 6000 Frankfurt Stoßdämpfende Bauteile
US3864181A (en) * 1972-06-05 1975-02-04 Pratt & Lambert Inc Polymer foam compositions
US4237627A (en) 1979-02-07 1980-12-09 Turner Shoe Company, Inc. Running shoe with perforated midsole
US4335530A (en) 1980-05-06 1982-06-22 Stubblefield Jerry D Shoe sole construction
US4481727A (en) 1980-05-06 1984-11-13 Pensa, Inc. Shoe sole construction
JPS60150701A (ja) 1984-01-17 1985-08-08 株式会社アシックス 運動シユ−ズ用ミツドソ−ル
US4704239A (en) * 1984-04-28 1987-11-03 Japan Styrene Paper Corp. Process for the production of expanded particles of a polymeric material
EP0367297A2 (de) 1984-05-18 1990-05-09 The Stride Rite Corporation Rutschsichere Sohle
US4658515A (en) 1985-02-05 1987-04-21 Oatman Donald S Heat insulating insert for footwear
US4642911A (en) 1985-02-28 1987-02-17 Talarico Ii Louis C Dual-compression forefoot compensated footwear
US4667423A (en) 1985-05-28 1987-05-26 Autry Industries, Inc. Resilient composite midsole and method of making
US4624062A (en) 1985-06-17 1986-11-25 Autry Industries, Inc. Sole with cushioning and braking spiroidal contact surfaces
FR2595552B1 (fr) 1986-03-14 1988-09-23 Salomon Sa Semelle interne de chaussure
JPS63159501A (ja) 1986-12-20 1988-07-02 ユニ・チヤ−ム株式会社 使い捨ておむつ
FR2598293B1 (fr) 1986-05-09 1988-09-09 Salomon Sa Chaussure de golf
US5025573A (en) 1986-06-04 1991-06-25 Comfort Products, Inc. Multi-density shoe sole
JPH0334085Y2 (de) * 1987-04-06 1991-07-19
FR2617685A1 (fr) 1987-07-09 1989-01-13 Lemenn Corine Article chaussant comprenant deux elements distincts
USD296262S (en) 1987-10-19 1988-06-21 Reebok International Ltd. Element of a shoe upper
USD302898S (en) 1987-10-22 1989-08-22 L.A. Gear, Inc. Shoe upper
DE3802607A1 (de) 1987-12-17 1989-06-29 Adidas Sportschuhe Laufsohle fuer sportschuhe
DE3802035A1 (de) 1988-01-25 1989-08-10 Reichenecker Hans Storopack Daempfungs- oder polsterkoerper zum einsatz in schuhen
US4922631A (en) 1988-02-08 1990-05-08 Adidas Sportschuhfabriken Adi Dassier Stiftung & Co. Kg Shoe bottom for sports shoes
JP2681093B2 (ja) 1988-04-27 1997-11-19 株式会社シーゲル 靴底の反発機構
US4980445A (en) 1989-01-17 1990-12-25 The Dow Chemical Company Thermoplastic polyurethanes
US5528842A (en) 1989-02-08 1996-06-25 The Rockport Company, Inc. Insert for a shoe sole
JPH03170102A (ja) * 1989-11-30 1991-07-23 Shiigeru:Kk 靴底における吸振反発機構
US5308420A (en) 1993-02-22 1994-05-03 Yang Kuo Nan EVA insole manufacturing process
DE4307648A1 (de) 1993-03-11 1994-09-15 Basf Ag Schaumstoffe auf Basis thermoplastischer Polyurethane sowie expandierbare, partikelförmige, thermoplastische Polyurethane, insbesondere geeignet zur Herstellung von Schaumstoff-Formkörpern
JP3170102B2 (ja) 1993-05-24 2001-05-28 アルプス電気株式会社 回転ヘッド装置
US5421874A (en) 1993-06-22 1995-06-06 Genesis Composites, L.C. Composite microsphere and lubricant mixture
US5987783A (en) 1995-06-05 1999-11-23 Acushnet Company Golf shoe having spike socket spine system
CA2178282A1 (en) 1995-06-07 1996-12-08 Robert M. Lyden Footwear with differential cushioning regions
US5918383A (en) 1995-10-16 1999-07-06 Fila U.S.A., Inc. Sports shoe having an elastic insert
US5716723A (en) 1996-03-07 1998-02-10 Van Cleef; James Gresham Glow in the dark shoe sole
US5996252A (en) 1996-05-10 1999-12-07 Cougar; Daniel D. Safety shoe with high-traction replaceable sole
JPH10152575A (ja) 1996-11-22 1998-06-09 Achilles Corp 熱可塑性樹脂の発泡成形方法
DE29718491U1 (de) 1997-10-17 1997-12-18 Brenner Ferdinand Schuhsohle
US6108943A (en) 1998-01-30 2000-08-29 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear having medial and lateral sides with differing characteristics
JP2913603B1 (ja) 1998-02-24 1999-06-28 高知県 履物用踏抜防止中敷及び踏抜防止履物
JP3215664B2 (ja) * 1998-05-22 2001-10-09 美津濃株式会社 スポーツ用シューズのミッドソール構造
US6195917B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2001-03-06 Walk Easy Manufacturing, Inc. Footwear insole insert
JP3258628B2 (ja) * 1998-09-08 2002-02-18 株式会社アシックス 運動靴
DE19953147B4 (de) 1998-11-05 2017-02-09 Asics Corp. Stoßabsorberstruktur für Schuhsohlen
US6367172B2 (en) 1999-07-02 2002-04-09 Bbc International Ltd. Flex sole
US6564476B1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2003-05-20 Bbc International, Ltd. Flex sole
US20020166262A1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2002-11-14 Bbc International Ltd. Flex sole with mesh insert enhancement
DE19950121C1 (de) 1999-10-18 2000-11-30 Adidas Int Bv Sohle
US6266896B1 (en) 2000-03-20 2001-07-31 Ding Sheug Industry Co., Ltd. Shoe sole of lightweight
WO2002005672A1 (en) 2000-07-19 2002-01-24 Kellerman Company Llc Insole with improved cushioning for sides of feet and heels
EP1174459A1 (de) 2000-07-20 2002-01-23 Huntsman International Llc Expandierte thermoplastische Polyurethane
EP1174458A1 (de) 2000-07-20 2002-01-23 Huntsman International Llc Expandierte thermoplastische Polyurethane
CN1234756C (zh) 2000-10-18 2006-01-04 三井化学株式会社 热塑性聚氨酯弹性体组合物的泡沫体及其制备方法
JP2002238609A (ja) * 2001-02-15 2002-08-27 Bappu Sports Kk 靴底及びその靴底に使用される保護安定具
JP2002325602A (ja) 2001-05-01 2002-11-12 Minebea Co Ltd 靴中底、靴中底の製造方法、及びそれを用いた靴
CN2511160Y (zh) 2001-08-23 2002-09-18 林光获 鞋底结构改良
US6782640B2 (en) 2001-09-12 2004-08-31 Craig D. Westin Custom conformable device
US6874257B2 (en) 2002-01-14 2005-04-05 Acushnet Company Shoes including heel cushion
US7143529B2 (en) 2002-01-14 2006-12-05 Acushnet Company Torsion management outsoles and shoes including such outsoles
US6968637B1 (en) 2002-03-06 2005-11-29 Nike, Inc. Sole-mounted footwear stability system
CN1451332A (zh) 2002-04-16 2003-10-29 王耀亿 鞋子活动中底
US7426792B2 (en) * 2002-05-09 2008-09-23 Nike, Inc. Footwear sole component with an insert
DE10244433B4 (de) 2002-09-24 2005-12-15 Adidas International Marketing B.V. Gleitelement und Schuhsohle
DE10255092B4 (de) 2002-11-26 2010-11-11 Molten Corp. Verfahren zur Herstellung von Teilstücken eines Balls
US20040138318A1 (en) 2003-01-09 2004-07-15 Mcclelland Alan Nigel Robert Foamed thermoplastic polyurethanes
US6775930B2 (en) 2003-01-28 2004-08-17 Rofu Design Key hole midsole
US7254906B2 (en) * 2003-02-24 2007-08-14 Kwame Morris Foot cushioning construct and system for use in an article of footwear
US7073277B2 (en) 2003-06-26 2006-07-11 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Shoe having an inner sole incorporating microspheres
USD490230S1 (en) 2003-07-11 2004-05-25 Nike, Inc. Portion of a shoe
US7421805B2 (en) 2003-07-17 2008-09-09 Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc. Integral spine structure for footwear
CN2722676Y (zh) 2003-08-08 2005-09-07 陈桂练 鞋垫
DE10340539A1 (de) 2003-09-01 2005-03-24 Basf Ag Verfahren zur Herstellung von expandierten thermoplastischen Elastomeren
DE10342857A1 (de) 2003-09-15 2005-04-21 Basf Ag Expandierbare thermoplastische Polyurethan-Blends
JP2005095388A (ja) 2003-09-25 2005-04-14 Mizuno Corp シューズ
WO2005038706A2 (en) 2003-10-14 2005-04-28 Amfit, Inc. Method to capture and support a 3-d contour
US7047672B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2006-05-23 Nike, Inc. Sole for article of footwear for sand surfaces
KR100482427B1 (ko) 2003-12-19 2005-04-14 박장원 성형몸체와 내부 공동구조체가 일체형으로 형성되는 가교발포성형체와 그 성형방법
DE102004001204A1 (de) 2004-01-06 2005-09-08 Basf Ag Verfahren zur Herstellung von Schuhen
JP2005218543A (ja) 2004-02-04 2005-08-18 Mizuno Corp シューズのソール構造
US7200955B2 (en) * 2004-06-04 2007-04-10 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear incorporating a sole structure with compressible inserts
US7204043B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2007-04-17 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear with upper support assembly
US7334349B2 (en) * 2004-08-24 2008-02-26 Nike, Inc. Midsole element for an article of footwear
WO2006027805A1 (en) 2004-09-08 2006-03-16 Elachem S.R.L. Composition and process for the realization of low density expanded products
WO2006034807A1 (en) 2004-09-27 2006-04-06 Gazzoni Ecologia S.P.A. Ecological shoe
JP4452721B2 (ja) 2004-09-30 2010-04-21 株式会社アシックス 靴底の緩衝装置
JPWO2006054531A1 (ja) 2004-11-16 2008-05-29 Jsr株式会社 架橋発泡成形体の製造方法
USD517302S1 (en) 2004-11-16 2006-03-21 Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Footwear upper
US8192828B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2012-06-05 Nike, Inc. Material formed of multiple links and method of forming same
CN1332623C (zh) 2004-12-13 2007-08-22 林忠信 双层发泡鞋底的制法
US20060130363A1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2006-06-22 Michael Hottinger Shoe sole with a loose fill comfort support system
CN2796454Y (zh) 2004-12-17 2006-07-19 长宇机械实业有限公司 鞋垫
DE102004063803A1 (de) * 2004-12-30 2006-07-13 Michael Dr. Polus Dämpfendes Material, Verfahren zum Herstellen des Materials und Vorrichtung zum Dämpfen mechanischer Bewegungen
US7475497B2 (en) 2005-01-18 2009-01-13 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear with a perforated midsole
ITRN20050006A1 (it) 2005-02-22 2006-08-23 Goldenplast Spa Miscela granulare di materiali termoplastici a base poliuretanica per la formatura di manufatti leggeri,espansi, in particolare parti di calzature
BRPI0520110A2 (pt) 2005-03-10 2009-04-22 New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc sola intermediÁria e artigo de calÇado
US20060218819A1 (en) * 2005-03-30 2006-10-05 Chi-Kung Wu Double-density elastic insert element for an outsole
GB2425242A (en) * 2005-04-22 2006-10-25 Hi Tec Sports Ltd Shoe sole product and method
US7398608B2 (en) * 2005-06-02 2008-07-15 Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Footwear sole
ITTV20050084A1 (it) * 2005-06-15 2006-12-16 Asolo Spa Calzatura con suola traspirante.
ITTO20050427A1 (it) * 2005-06-16 2006-12-17 Diadora Invicta S P A Calzatura con sistema di stabilizzazione regolabile, particolarmente per il controllo della pronazione e/o supinazione
US8168026B1 (en) 2005-08-04 2012-05-01 Hasbro, Inc. Elastomeric ball and method of manufacturing same
US20080244932A1 (en) 2005-09-23 2008-10-09 The Stride Rite Corporation Article of Footwear
CN2888936Y (zh) 2005-10-13 2007-04-18 李锡宏 一种空心透气鞋底
US8074377B2 (en) 2005-10-20 2011-12-13 Asics Corporation Shoe sole with reinforcement structure
EP1979401B1 (de) 2006-01-18 2010-09-29 Basf Se Schaumstoffe auf basis thermoplastischer polyurethane
US7707748B2 (en) 2006-02-24 2010-05-04 Nike, Inc. Flexible foot-support structures and products containing such support structures
US7650707B2 (en) 2006-02-24 2010-01-26 Nike, Inc. Flexible and/or laterally stable foot-support structures and products containing such support structures
US20070220778A1 (en) * 2006-03-21 2007-09-27 Nike Inc. Article of footwear with a lightweight foam midsole
ITVI20060080A1 (it) 2006-03-21 2007-09-22 Selle Royal Spa Supporto per il corpo umano in materiale composito nonche' metodo di realizzazione dello stesso
JP4886774B2 (ja) 2006-04-21 2012-02-29 株式会社アシックス 強化構造を備えた靴底および緩衝構造を備えた靴底
US7607243B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2009-10-27 Nike, Inc. Athletic or other performance sensing systems
US7757410B2 (en) 2006-06-05 2010-07-20 Nike, Inc. Impact-attenuation members with lateral and shear force stability and products containing such members
EP2031993B1 (de) 2006-06-20 2013-08-28 Geox S.p.A. Für die herstellung von schuhsohlen zu verwendendes dampfdurchlässiges element, mit einem derartigen dampfdurchlässigen element versehene sohle und mit einer derartigen sohle versehener schuh
JP4153002B2 (ja) 2006-08-30 2008-09-17 美津濃株式会社 シューズのソール組立体の中足部構造
JP4900846B2 (ja) 2006-10-20 2012-03-21 株式会社アシックス 靴底の構造
US9578922B2 (en) * 2006-11-06 2017-02-28 Newton Running Company, Inc. Sole construction for energy storage and rebound
CN101003679A (zh) 2006-11-24 2007-07-25 郑晓锋 一种鞋材的制造方法
CN101190049A (zh) 2006-11-30 2008-06-04 刘辉 保健鞋
CN101583656B (zh) 2007-01-16 2012-09-05 巴斯夫欧洲公司 含有发泡热塑性弹性体和聚氨酯的混杂体系
US9167869B2 (en) 2007-04-07 2015-10-27 Dynasty Footwear, Ltd. Shoe with multi-component embedded strap
US9167868B1 (en) 2007-04-07 2015-10-27 Dynasty Footwear, Ltd. Shoe with embedded strap anchor
US7797856B2 (en) * 2007-04-10 2010-09-21 Reebok International Ltd. Lightweight sole for article of footwear
EP2197659A1 (de) 2007-09-28 2010-06-23 Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd Fussbekleidungsartikel
US20090145004A1 (en) 2007-12-05 2009-06-11 Saucony, Inc. Stabilizer and cushioning support for athletic footwear
EP2110037A1 (de) 2008-04-16 2009-10-21 Cheng-Hsian Chi Verfahren und Form zur Schuhherstellung
CN201223028Y (zh) 2008-06-24 2009-04-22 上海师范大学附属第二外国语学校 可换底鞋
FR2932963B1 (fr) 2008-06-25 2010-08-27 Salomon Sa Chaussure a semelage ameliore
JP2010017364A (ja) 2008-07-11 2010-01-28 Hiroshi Miyazaki 着脱可能な靴の踵カバー及びその着脱機構
US20100043255A1 (en) * 2008-08-21 2010-02-25 Trevino Steven M External sole liner and method of manufacturing and using the same
BRPI0919476A2 (pt) 2008-09-26 2017-05-30 Nike Int Ltd sistemas e métodos para utilização de biscuits em phylon para produzir uma sola intermediária com firmeza regionalizada
US8863407B2 (en) 2008-09-30 2014-10-21 Asics Corporation Shoe sole of athletic shoe with high running efficiency
EP2334211A1 (de) * 2008-10-06 2011-06-22 Societe de Technologie Michelin Schuh mit rutschfester sohle
WO2010049983A1 (ja) 2008-10-27 2010-05-06 株式会社アシックス プロネーションを抑制するのに適した靴底
US8186081B2 (en) 2008-11-17 2012-05-29 Adidas International Marketing B.V. Torsion control devices and related articles of footwear
FR2940019B1 (fr) 2008-12-22 2011-03-25 Salomon Sas Chaussure a semelage ameliore
CN201341504Y (zh) * 2008-12-25 2009-11-11 林以敏 一种鞋底缓冲装置
SI22940A (sl) 2008-12-31 2010-06-30 ALPINA@@tovarna@obutve@@d@d@@@Žiri Regulator oprijema pete
DE102009004386A1 (de) 2009-01-12 2010-07-15 Fagerdala Capital Ab Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Formteilen aus Partikelschäumen
US20100229426A1 (en) 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. Pair of athletic shoes with asymmetric support between the uppers of the pair
JP4923081B2 (ja) 2009-03-31 2012-04-25 株式会社アシックス 強化構造を備えた靴底および緩衝構造を備えた靴底
ES2522821T3 (es) 2009-05-11 2014-11-18 Basf Se Espuma híbrida
ES2523243T3 (es) 2009-05-13 2014-11-24 Geox S.P.A. Estructura de suela intermedia, en particular para zapatos, incluyendo zapatos con una suela permeable al vapor, diseñada para su utilización en actividades deportivas
US8545743B2 (en) 2009-05-15 2013-10-01 Nike, Inc. Method of manufacturing an article of footwear with multiple hardnesses
US10183426B2 (en) 2009-05-26 2019-01-22 Basf Se Water as a propellant for thermoplastics
KR100933527B1 (ko) * 2009-06-04 2009-12-23 주식회사 트렉스타 신발용 인솔
DE202010015777U1 (de) 2009-06-12 2011-01-27 Pirelli & C. S.P.A. Schuh
US8246881B2 (en) 2009-09-02 2012-08-21 Nike, Inc. Method of manufacturing sole assembly for article of footwear
IT1395799B1 (it) * 2009-10-06 2012-10-26 Meise Holding Gmbh Suola per calzature che favorisce la traspirazione del piede.
US20110099845A1 (en) * 2009-11-03 2011-05-05 Miller Michael J Customized footwear and methods for manufacturing
AU2011206716B2 (en) 2010-01-14 2014-01-30 Basf Se Method for producing expandable granulates containing polylactic acid
JP2011177403A (ja) 2010-03-03 2011-09-15 Sri Sports Ltd ゴルフ靴
US20110252668A1 (en) 2010-04-16 2011-10-20 Wenbiao Chen Soccer shoe
EP2563850B2 (de) 2010-04-27 2022-03-02 Basf Se Expandierbares polyamidgranulat
JP4616929B1 (ja) 2010-05-11 2011-01-19 株式会社上沼 月形芯及びこれを用いた靴の製造方法
US9167867B2 (en) * 2010-05-13 2015-10-27 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear with multi-part sole assembly
ES1073997Y (es) 2010-06-07 2011-06-09 Pirelli & C Spa Zapato
US9144264B2 (en) 2010-09-24 2015-09-29 Reebok International Limited Sole with projections and article of footwear
EP2446768A2 (de) 2010-10-05 2012-05-02 Jione Frs Corporation Mittelsohle für einen Schuh
ES2546179T3 (es) 2010-11-16 2015-09-21 Basf Se Elemento de amortiguación novedoso en suelas de zapatos
DE102010052783B4 (de) 2010-11-30 2013-04-04 Puma SE Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Schuhs und Schuh
JP5727210B2 (ja) 2010-12-15 2015-06-03 株式会社ジェイエスピー ポリオレフィン系樹脂発泡粒子成形体の製造方法、及びポリオレフィン系樹脂発泡粒子成形体
US9055784B2 (en) * 2011-01-06 2015-06-16 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear having a sole structure incorporating a plate and chamber
US20120204449A1 (en) 2011-02-16 2012-08-16 Skechers U.S.A., Inc. Ii Shoe
JP5406885B2 (ja) 2011-06-01 2014-02-05 美津濃株式会社 シューズのカウンター構造
CN202233324U (zh) 2011-09-02 2012-05-30 三六一度(中国)有限公司 一种含有仿蜥蜴爪形稳定结构的运动鞋底
US9615627B2 (en) * 2012-03-22 2017-04-11 Nike, Inc. Sole structure configured to allow relative heel/forefoot motion
US20130255103A1 (en) 2012-04-03 2013-10-03 Nike, Inc. Apparel And Other Products Incorporating A Thermoplastic Polymer Material
DE102012206094B4 (de) 2012-04-13 2019-12-05 Adidas Ag Sohlen für Sportschuhe, Schuhe und Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Schuhsohle
ES2786075T3 (es) 2012-04-13 2020-10-08 Basf Se Procedimiento para la producción de granulado expandido
US9775402B2 (en) 2012-05-10 2017-10-03 Asics Corporation Shoe sole having outsole and midsole
CN202635746U (zh) 2012-05-30 2013-01-02 德尔惠(中国)有限公司 一种改进的稳定型运动鞋
EP2671633A1 (de) 2012-06-06 2013-12-11 Basf Se Verfahren zum Transport geschäumter thermoplastischer Polymerpartikel
EP2682427A1 (de) 2012-07-06 2014-01-08 Basf Se Polyurethan basierte expandierbare Polymerpartikel
US8961844B2 (en) 2012-07-10 2015-02-24 Nike, Inc. Bead foam compression molding method for low density product
EP2882788B1 (de) 2012-08-09 2016-10-12 Basf Se Kombinationsschaum
US10856612B2 (en) * 2012-09-20 2020-12-08 Nike, Inc. Sole structures and articles of footwear having plate moderated fluid-filled bladders and/or foam type impact force attenuation members
US9456658B2 (en) 2012-09-20 2016-10-04 Nike, Inc. Sole structures and articles of footwear having plate moderated fluid-filled bladders and/or foam type impact force attenuation members
US10849387B2 (en) * 2012-09-20 2020-12-01 Nike, Inc. Sole structures and articles of footwear having plate moderated fluid-filled bladders and/or foam type impact force attenuation members
EP2716153A1 (de) 2012-10-02 2014-04-09 Basf Se Stallbodenbelag aus expandiertem thermoplastischem Polyurethan-Partikelschaumstoff
US9861160B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2018-01-09 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component
JP5765826B2 (ja) 2013-01-30 2015-08-19 美津濃株式会社 フットウエア用ソール構造体
DE102013202306B4 (de) * 2013-02-13 2014-12-18 Adidas Ag Sohle für einen Schuh
DE102013002519B4 (de) 2013-02-13 2016-08-18 Adidas Ag Herstellungsverfahren für Dämpfungselemente für Sportbekleidung
US9610746B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2017-04-04 Adidas Ag Methods for manufacturing cushioning elements for sports apparel
US9930928B2 (en) * 2013-02-13 2018-04-03 Adidas Ag Sole for a shoe
DE102013202291B4 (de) 2013-02-13 2020-06-18 Adidas Ag Dämpfungselement für Sportbekleidung und Schuh mit einem solchen Dämpfungselement
DE102013202353B4 (de) 2013-02-13 2020-02-20 Adidas Ag Sohle für einen Schuh
WO2014147194A1 (de) 2013-03-20 2014-09-25 Basf Se Polyurethan basierte polymerzusammensetzung
USD776410S1 (en) 2013-04-12 2017-01-17 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD740003S1 (en) 2013-04-12 2015-10-06 Adidas Ag Shoe
CN203182138U (zh) * 2013-04-14 2013-09-11 吴自立 减震鞋底
DE102013207156A1 (de) 2013-04-19 2014-10-23 Adidas Ag Schuh, insbesondere ein Sportschuh
CN203262404U (zh) 2013-05-08 2013-11-06 晋江凯基高分子材料有限公司 一种改性聚氨酯发泡微球鞋中底
BR112015031074B8 (pt) 2013-06-13 2021-02-23 Basf Se processo para produzir péletes expandidos
US9554620B2 (en) * 2013-09-18 2017-01-31 Nike, Inc. Auxetic soles with corresponding inner or outer liners
US9402439B2 (en) * 2013-09-18 2016-08-02 Nike, Inc. Auxetic structures and footwear with soles having auxetic structures
US9833039B2 (en) 2013-09-27 2017-12-05 Nike, Inc. Uppers and sole structures for articles of footwear
US9938389B2 (en) 2013-10-09 2018-04-10 Basf Se Method for production expanded polyester foam particles
TW201536507A (zh) 2013-10-11 2015-10-01 Basf Se 用於充添材料至模具之注射器及從發泡聚合物顆粒生產模製品之方法
TWI656153B (zh) 2013-10-11 2019-04-11 巴斯夫歐洲公司 膨脹熱塑性彈性體珠粒之製造
TWI667285B (zh) 2013-10-18 2019-08-01 德商巴斯夫歐洲公司 膨脹熱塑性彈性體之製造
WO2015075546A1 (en) 2013-11-20 2015-05-28 Basf Se Self sealable thermoplastic polyurethane foamed articles and method for forming same
CN203618871U (zh) * 2013-11-25 2014-06-04 际华三五一五皮革皮鞋有限公司 一种减震抗爆鞋底
US9516918B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2016-12-13 Nike, Inc. Sole system having movable protruding members
KR101423025B1 (ko) 2014-04-29 2014-07-29 주식회사 동진레저 무릎 부하를 경감시키는 미드솔
CN104106876B (zh) * 2014-07-30 2015-07-08 晋江国盛新材料科技有限公司 一种多用途复合鞋底及包含该鞋底的运动鞋
DE102014215897B4 (de) 2014-08-11 2016-12-22 Adidas Ag adistar boost
DE102014216115B4 (de) 2014-08-13 2022-03-31 Adidas Ag Gemeinsam gegossene 3D Elemente
DE102014216992A1 (de) 2014-08-26 2016-03-03 Adidas Ag Expandierte Polymerpellets
DE102015202013B4 (de) 2015-02-05 2019-05-09 Adidas Ag Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Kunststoffformteils, Kunststoffformteil und Schuh
DE102015204151A1 (de) 2015-03-09 2016-09-15 Adidas Ag Ball, insbesondere Fußball, und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Balls
JP6679363B2 (ja) 2015-03-23 2020-04-15 アディダス アーゲー ソールおよびシューズ
DE102015206486B4 (de) 2015-04-10 2023-06-01 Adidas Ag Schuh, insbesondere Sportschuh, und Verfahren zur Herstellung desselben
DE102015206900B4 (de) 2015-04-16 2023-07-27 Adidas Ag Sportschuh
DE102015209795B4 (de) 2015-05-28 2024-03-21 Adidas Ag Ball und Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung
USD783264S1 (en) 2015-09-15 2017-04-11 Adidas Ag Shoe
DE102016208998B4 (de) 2016-05-24 2019-08-22 Adidas Ag Verfahren und System zum automatischen Herstellen von Schuhen sowie Schuh
DE102016209046B4 (de) 2016-05-24 2019-08-08 Adidas Ag Verfahren zur herstellung einer schuhsohle, schuhsohle, schuh und vorgefertigte tpu-gegenstände
DE102016209044B4 (de) 2016-05-24 2019-08-29 Adidas Ag Sohlenform zum Herstellen einer Sohle und Anordnung einer Vielzahl von Sohlenformen
DE102016209045B4 (de) 2016-05-24 2022-05-25 Adidas Ag Verfahren und vorrichtung zum automatischen herstellen von schuhsohlen, sohlen und schuhe
USD840137S1 (en) 2016-08-03 2019-02-12 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD840136S1 (en) 2016-08-03 2019-02-12 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD852475S1 (en) 2016-08-17 2019-07-02 Adidas Ag Shoe
JP1582717S (de) 2016-09-02 2017-07-31
DE102016223980B4 (de) 2016-12-01 2022-09-22 Adidas Ag Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Kunststoffformteils
USD855297S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2019-08-06 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD851889S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2019-06-25 Adidas Ag Shoe
DE102017205830B4 (de) 2017-04-05 2020-09-24 Adidas Ag Verfahren für die Nachbehandlung einer Vielzahl einzelner expandierter Partikel für die Herstellung mindestens eines Teils eines gegossenen Sportartikels, Sportartikel und Sportschuh
USD882927S1 (en) 2017-09-20 2020-05-05 Adidas Ag Shoe mudguard
JP1617832S (de) 2017-09-21 2018-11-12

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3834046A (en) * 1973-04-09 1974-09-10 D Fowler Shoe sole structure
USRE33066E (en) * 1980-05-06 1989-09-26 Avia Group International, Inc. Shoe sole construction
US4364189A (en) * 1980-12-05 1982-12-21 Bates Barry T Running shoe with differential cushioning
USD329731S (en) * 1990-08-29 1992-09-29 Adcock Bob E Sandal
US5619809A (en) * 1995-09-20 1997-04-15 Sessa; Raymond Shoe sole with air circulation system
US20050150132A1 (en) * 2004-01-14 2005-07-14 Gail Iannacone Footwear with expanded thermoplastic beads in the footbed
US20060010717A1 (en) * 2004-06-15 2006-01-19 Wayne Finkelstein Therapeutic shoe sole design, method for manufacturing the same, and products constructed therefrom
US20060026863A1 (en) * 2004-08-05 2006-02-09 Dong-Long Liu Shoe shole and method for making the same
US20090293309A1 (en) * 2008-05-29 2009-12-03 K-Swiss Inc. Interchangeable midsole system
US8205357B2 (en) * 2008-05-29 2012-06-26 K-Swiss, Inc. Interchangeable midsole system
US20110283560A1 (en) * 2010-05-18 2011-11-24 Montrail Corporation Multiple response property footwear
US20120233877A1 (en) * 2011-03-18 2012-09-20 Columbia Sportswear North America, Inc. High-stability multi-density midsole
US20130019505A1 (en) * 2011-07-20 2013-01-24 Salomon S.A.S. Footwear with improved sole assembly
US20140227505A1 (en) * 2013-02-12 2014-08-14 Nike, Inc. Bead foam compression molding method with in situ steam generation for low density product
US20140325871A1 (en) * 2013-05-03 2014-11-06 Adidas Ag Sole for a shoe

Cited By (177)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD953709S1 (en) 1985-08-29 2022-06-07 Puma SE Shoe
US11707108B2 (en) 2012-04-13 2023-07-25 Adidas Ag Soles for sports shoes
US10716358B2 (en) 2012-04-13 2020-07-21 Adidas Ag Soles for sports shoes
US11096441B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2021-08-24 Adidas Ag Sole for a shoe
US10506846B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2019-12-17 Adidas Ag Cushioning element for sports apparel
US9849645B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2017-12-26 Adidas Ag Methods for manufacturing cushioning elements for sports apparel
US10721991B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2020-07-28 Adidas Ag Sole for a shoe
US10259183B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2019-04-16 Adidas Ag Methods for manufacturing cushioning elements for sports apparel
US11986047B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2024-05-21 Adidas Ag Sole for a shoe
US11135797B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2021-10-05 Adidas Ag Methods for manufacturing cushioning elements for sports apparel
US11945184B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2024-04-02 Adidas Ag Methods for manufacturing cushioning elements for sports apparel
US11213093B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2022-01-04 Adidas Ag Cushioning element for sports apparel
US11445783B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2022-09-20 Adidas Ag Sole for a shoe
USD906648S1 (en) 2013-04-12 2021-01-05 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD828991S1 (en) 2013-04-12 2018-09-25 Adidas Ag Shoe
US11666113B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2023-06-06 Adidas Ag Shoe with knitted outer sole
US11116275B2 (en) * 2013-04-19 2021-09-14 Adidas Ag Shoe
US10834991B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2020-11-17 Adidas Ag Shoe
US11678712B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2023-06-20 Adidas Ag Shoe
US11129433B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2021-09-28 Adidas Ag Shoe
US10834992B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2020-11-17 Adidas Ag Shoe
US10667576B2 (en) 2014-08-13 2020-06-02 Adidas Ag Co-molded 3D elements
US11284669B2 (en) 2014-08-13 2022-03-29 Adidas Ag Co-molded 3D elements
US11117294B2 (en) 2014-08-26 2021-09-14 Adidas Ag Expanded pellets and method for manufacturing molded components using them
US11992981B2 (en) 2014-08-26 2024-05-28 Adidas Ag Expanded pellets and method for manufacturing molded components using them
US10759096B2 (en) 2014-08-26 2020-09-01 Adidas Ag Expanded polymer pellets
US10645992B2 (en) 2015-02-05 2020-05-12 Adidas Ag Method for the manufacture of a plastic component, plastic component, and shoe
US11470913B2 (en) 2015-02-05 2022-10-18 Adidas Ag Plastic component and shoe
US11957206B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2024-04-16 Adidas Ag Sole and shoe
US11291268B2 (en) 2015-04-10 2022-04-05 Adidas Ag Sports shoe and method for the manufacture thereof
US10952489B2 (en) * 2015-04-16 2021-03-23 Adidas Ag Sports shoes and methods for manufacturing and recycling of sports shoes
US10905919B2 (en) 2015-05-28 2021-02-02 Adidas Ag Ball and method for its manufacture
US20170013913A1 (en) * 2015-07-17 2017-01-19 Mizuno Corporation Sole Structure for a Baseball Spiked Shoe
US9955752B2 (en) * 2015-07-17 2018-05-01 Mizuno Corporation Sole structure for a baseball spiked shoe
USD828686S1 (en) 2015-09-15 2018-09-18 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD889810S1 (en) 2015-09-15 2020-07-14 Adidas Ag Shoe
US11490681B2 (en) 2015-09-24 2022-11-08 Nike, Inc. Particulate foam with other cushioning
US11304475B2 (en) 2015-09-24 2022-04-19 Nike, Inc. Particulate foam with partial restriction
US11324281B2 (en) 2015-09-24 2022-05-10 Nike, Inc. Particulate foam stacked casings
WO2017072202A1 (de) * 2015-10-26 2017-05-04 Elten GmbH Sohle für einen sicherheitsschuh, sowie sicherheitsschuh
US20170151742A1 (en) * 2015-11-30 2017-06-01 Matthias Hartmann Method for producing a sole for a shoe
US9950486B2 (en) * 2015-11-30 2018-04-24 Matthias Hartmann Method for producing a sole for a shoe
USD851370S1 (en) 2016-03-23 2019-06-18 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD809755S1 (en) 2016-03-23 2018-02-13 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD809756S1 (en) 2016-03-23 2018-02-13 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD825168S1 (en) 2016-03-23 2018-08-14 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD822354S1 (en) 2016-03-23 2018-07-10 Adidas Ag Shoe
US11938697B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2024-03-26 Adidas Ag Method and apparatus for automatically manufacturing shoe soles
US11407191B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2022-08-09 Adidas Ag Method for the manufacture of a shoe sole, shoe sole, and shoe with pre-manufactured TPU article
US10639861B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2020-05-05 Adidas Ag Sole mold for manufacturing a sole
US10974476B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2021-04-13 Adidas Ag Sole mold for manufacturing a sole
US11964445B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2024-04-23 Adidas Ag Method for the manufacture of a shoe sole, shoe sole, and shoe with pre-manufactured TPU article
USD922045S1 (en) 2016-07-18 2021-06-15 Adidas Ag Sole
USD862051S1 (en) * 2016-07-18 2019-10-08 Adidas Ag Sole
USD840137S1 (en) 2016-08-03 2019-02-12 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD840136S1 (en) 2016-08-03 2019-02-12 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD925179S1 (en) 2016-08-17 2021-07-20 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD852475S1 (en) 2016-08-17 2019-07-02 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD873543S1 (en) 2016-09-02 2020-01-28 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD853699S1 (en) 2016-09-02 2019-07-16 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD853691S1 (en) 2016-09-02 2019-07-16 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD927154S1 (en) 2016-09-02 2021-08-10 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD847475S1 (en) 2016-11-02 2019-05-07 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD846255S1 (en) 2016-11-02 2019-04-23 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD847480S1 (en) 2016-11-02 2019-05-07 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD846256S1 (en) 2016-11-02 2019-04-23 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD813508S1 (en) * 2016-11-14 2018-03-27 Skechers U.S.A., Inc. Ii Shoe midsole periphery
US11504888B2 (en) 2016-11-28 2022-11-22 Adidas Ag Methods for producing sporting goods
US11504928B2 (en) 2016-12-01 2022-11-22 Adidas Ag Method for the manufacture of a plastic component, plastic component, midsole and shoe
US10730259B2 (en) 2016-12-01 2020-08-04 Adidas Ag Method for the manufacture of a plastic component, plastic component, and shoe
US10856606B2 (en) 2016-12-08 2020-12-08 Puma SE Method for producing a shoe sole
USD893843S1 (en) 2016-12-16 2020-08-25 Puma SE Shoe
USD852476S1 (en) * 2016-12-16 2019-07-02 Puma SE Shoe sole element
US11350695B2 (en) * 2017-01-06 2022-06-07 Under Armour, Inc. Components for articles and methods of making components from embroidered beads
USD960541S1 (en) 2017-01-17 2022-08-16 Puma SE Shoe
USD887113S1 (en) 2017-01-17 2020-06-16 Puma SE Shoe
USD850766S1 (en) * 2017-01-17 2019-06-11 Puma SE Shoe sole element
USD979193S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2023-02-28 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD875359S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2020-02-18 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD915749S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2021-04-13 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD855297S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2019-08-06 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD943895S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2022-02-22 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD851889S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2019-06-25 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD1023530S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2024-04-23 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD990846S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2023-07-04 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD966669S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2022-10-18 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD916444S1 (en) 2017-02-21 2021-04-20 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD928486S1 (en) 2017-03-06 2021-08-24 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD845597S1 (en) 2017-03-06 2019-04-16 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD862858S1 (en) 2017-03-06 2019-10-15 Adidas Ag Shoe
US11627778B2 (en) 2017-03-16 2023-04-18 Nike, Inc. Cushioning member for article of footwear
US10723048B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2020-07-28 Adidas Ag Method for a post process treatment for manufacturing at least a part of a molded sporting good
CN108688041A (zh) * 2017-04-05 2018-10-23 阿迪达斯股份公司 后加工处理多个单个膨胀粒子方法，用于制造至少一部分模制运动商品，运动商品和运动鞋
EP3387936A1 (de) * 2017-04-05 2018-10-17 Adidas AG Verfahren für die nachbehandlung einer vielzahl einzelner expandierter partikel für die herstellung mindestens eines teils eines gegossenen sportartikels, sportartikels und sportschuhs
US20180295931A1 (en) * 2017-04-14 2018-10-18 Kwan Ho Shin Corrective insole
US20190014859A1 (en) * 2017-07-13 2019-01-17 Under Armour, Inc. Embroidered Foaming Cords For Midsoles
US11033073B2 (en) * 2017-07-13 2021-06-15 Under Armour, Inc. Embroidered foaming cords for midsoles
US11291273B2 (en) 2017-08-11 2022-04-05 Puma SE Method for producing a shoe
USD907344S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-01-12 Puma SE Shoe
USD909723S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-02-09 Puma SE Shoe
USD953710S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2022-06-07 Puma SE Shoe
USD911682S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-03-02 Puma SE Shoe
USD885724S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2020-06-02 Puma SE Shoe
USD911683S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-03-02 Puma SE Shoe
USD910290S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-02-16 Puma SE Shoe
USD875362S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2020-02-18 Puma SE Shoe
USD975417S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2023-01-17 Puma SE Shoe
USD921342S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-06-08 Puma SE Shoe
USD875361S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2020-02-18 Puma SE Shoe
USD874107S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2020-02-04 Puma SE Shoe
USD922042S1 (en) 2017-09-14 2021-06-15 Puma SE Shoe
USD1024510S1 (en) 2017-09-20 2024-04-30 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD943880S1 (en) 2017-09-20 2022-02-22 Adidas Ag Shoe midsole
USD895234S1 (en) 2017-09-21 2020-09-08 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD899061S1 (en) 2017-10-05 2020-10-20 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD930963S1 (en) 2018-01-09 2021-09-21 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD966668S1 (en) 2018-02-23 2022-10-18 Puma SE Shoe
USD877466S1 (en) * 2018-02-23 2020-03-10 Puma SE Shoe
USD878015S1 (en) * 2018-02-23 2020-03-17 Puma SE Shoe sole
USD877465S1 (en) * 2018-02-23 2020-03-10 Puma SE Shoe
USD874098S1 (en) * 2018-02-26 2020-02-04 Puma SE Shoe
USD874099S1 (en) * 2018-02-27 2020-02-04 Puma SE Shoe
USD879424S1 (en) * 2018-03-07 2020-03-31 Puma SE Shoe sole
USD930961S1 (en) 2018-03-07 2021-09-21 Puma SE Shoe
USD876757S1 (en) * 2018-03-08 2020-03-03 Puma SE Shoe
USD889815S1 (en) 2018-04-04 2020-07-14 Puma SE Shoe
USD902539S1 (en) 2018-04-04 2020-11-24 Puma SE Shoe
USD878021S1 (en) * 2018-04-04 2020-03-17 Puma SE Shoe
USD887112S1 (en) 2018-04-04 2020-06-16 Puma SE Shoe
USD892480S1 (en) 2018-04-04 2020-08-11 Puma SE Shoe
USD948846S1 (en) 2018-04-04 2022-04-19 Puma SE Shoe
US11832684B2 (en) * 2018-04-27 2023-12-05 Puma SE Shoe, in particular a sports shoe
US20210120912A1 (en) * 2018-04-27 2021-04-29 Puma SE Shoe, in particular a sports shoe
US11744322B2 (en) 2018-05-08 2023-09-05 Puma SE Sole of a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe
US11926115B2 (en) 2018-05-08 2024-03-12 Puma SE Method for producing a sole of a shoe, in particular of a sports shoe
USD932760S1 (en) 2018-08-17 2021-10-12 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD883621S1 (en) 2018-08-23 2020-05-12 Puma SE Shoe
USD907903S1 (en) 2018-08-23 2021-01-19 Puma SE Shoe
USD893855S1 (en) 2018-08-24 2020-08-25 Puma SE Shoe
USD883620S1 (en) 2018-08-24 2020-05-12 Puma SE Shoe
USD965961S1 (en) 2018-12-03 2022-10-11 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD915055S1 (en) 2018-12-03 2021-04-06 Adidas Ag Shoe
USD891053S1 (en) 2019-01-25 2020-07-28 Puma SE Shoe
USD891054S1 (en) 2019-01-25 2020-07-28 Puma SE Shoe
USD913654S1 (en) 2019-01-25 2021-03-23 Puma SE Shoe
USD903268S1 (en) 2019-02-06 2020-12-01 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Insole
USD890496S1 (en) 2019-02-14 2020-07-21 Puma SE Shoe
USD885722S1 (en) 2019-02-14 2020-06-02 Puma SE Shoe
USD906653S1 (en) 2019-02-14 2021-01-05 Puma SE Shoe
USD893838S1 (en) 2019-02-14 2020-08-25 Puma SE Shoe
USD935758S1 (en) 2019-02-19 2021-11-16 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Insole
USD906658S1 (en) 2019-02-19 2021-01-05 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Insole
USD887691S1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-06-23 Puma SE Shoe
USD890497S1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-07-21 Puma SE Shoe
USD890488S1 (en) 2019-02-22 2020-07-21 Puma SE Shoe
USD889798S1 (en) 2019-02-22 2020-07-14 Puma SE Shoe
USD928479S1 (en) 2019-03-19 2021-08-24 Adidas Ag Footwear midsole
USD972255S1 (en) * 2019-03-27 2022-12-13 Adidas Ag Shoe
US20220132978A1 (en) * 2019-03-29 2022-05-05 Asics Corporation Sole, shoes, sole manufacturing method, and sole twist control system
FR3095576A1 (fr) * 2019-04-30 2020-11-06 Salomon S.A.S. Semelle de chaussure
EP3733013A1 (de) * 2019-04-30 2020-11-04 Salomon S.A.S. Schuhsohle
USD905942S1 (en) 2019-05-14 2020-12-29 Puma SE Shoe
USD938154S1 (en) 2019-07-18 2021-12-14 Adidas Ag Footwear sole
US11622600B2 (en) 2019-07-25 2023-04-11 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear
US11607009B2 (en) 2019-07-25 2023-03-21 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear
US11744321B2 (en) 2019-07-25 2023-09-05 Nike, Inc. Cushioning member for article of footwear and method of making
US11297897B2 (en) * 2019-11-27 2022-04-12 Cole Haan Llc Shoe with multiple material sole
USD909031S1 (en) * 2020-01-16 2021-02-02 Nike, Inc. Shoe
USD907905S1 (en) * 2020-01-16 2021-01-19 Nike, Inc. Shoe
USD909030S1 (en) * 2020-01-16 2021-02-02 Nike, Inc. Shoe
US11986046B2 (en) 2020-04-07 2024-05-21 Nike, Inc. Footwear sole structure with nested foam core
USD944504S1 (en) 2020-04-27 2022-03-01 Puma SE Shoe
USD912960S1 (en) * 2020-07-28 2021-03-16 Nike, Inc. Shoe
USD1015709S1 (en) * 2020-11-02 2024-02-27 Frankie4 IP 1 Pty Ltd Footbed for a shoe
USD935153S1 (en) * 2021-01-05 2021-11-09 Jiangsu Vital E-commerce Co., Ltd. Sole
USD935158S1 (en) * 2021-01-28 2021-11-09 Huaian Balu International Trade Co., Ltd Sole
ES2931430A1 (es) * 2021-06-21 2022-12-29 Podoactiva S L Kit de dispositivos para la realizacion de test biomecanicos en el pie

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3114959A1 (de) 2017-01-11
JP2020110631A (ja) 2020-07-27
US11957206B2 (en) 2024-04-16
CN111011987B (zh) 2021-09-03
EP3821745A1 (de) 2021-05-19
JP2016182332A (ja) 2016-10-20
JP6679363B2 (ja) 2020-04-15
JP2023057176A (ja) 2023-04-20
JP7275063B2 (ja) 2023-05-17
CN111011987A (zh) 2020-04-17
US20200329812A1 (en) 2020-10-22
CN105982390B (zh) 2019-12-13
EP3114959B1 (de) 2020-12-09
CN110876507B (zh) 2023-06-23
CN110876507A (zh) 2020-03-13
CN105982390A (zh) 2016-10-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11957206B2 (en) Sole and shoe
US11918078B2 (en) Foot support members that provide dynamically transformative properties
US20210161249A1 (en) Shoe Sole
CN110652065B (zh) 鞋底结构和包括鞋底结构的鞋制品
US10251445B2 (en) Article of footwear with improved arch support
US9241536B2 (en) Uppers and sole structures for articles of footwear
US9833039B2 (en) Uppers and sole structures for articles of footwear
EP3315040A2 (de) Schuhartikel mit einer zwischensohle mit mehreren abschnitten und verfahren zur herstellung davon
CN110650646B (zh) 具有带有拉胀结构的鞋底的鞋类
US20140182169A1 (en) Articles of footwear having lines of flexion
US20230142549A1 (en) Sole structure for article of footwear
EP4033934A1 (de) Fussstützenbestandteile für schuhwerk
WO2013036716A1 (en) Footwear support structures

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ADIDAS AG, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LE, TRU HUU MINH;WARDLAW, ANGUS;MEYTHALER, DIRK;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20150624 TO 20151216;REEL/FRAME:038077/0805

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION