WO2020249754A1

WO2020249754A1 - Shoe sole and support elements

Info

Publication number: WO2020249754A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/066339
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bodo Lambertz
Original assignee: X-Technology Swiss Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-06-13
Filing date: 2020-06-12
Publication date: 2020-12-17
Also published as: US20220248800A1; CN112075719A; EP3982782A1; JP2022536727A

Abstract

The invention relates to a set comprising a shoe (1) with a shoe sole (3) which has a support layer (31) and a plurality of support elements (4), the support layer (31) comprising a plurality of cavities (310) which have identical, constant cavity cross-sectional areas. At least one end face of each cavity (310) is omitted, whereby a structure formed of cavities (310) open at least at one end is created in the support layer (31). The support elements (4) are designed as bars with identical, constant cross-sectional areas and can be interlockingly inserted into and removed from the cavities (310), the support elements (4) being present in different strengths so that the damping of the shoe sole (3) can be changed by the choice of the inserted support elements (4).

Description

Shoe sole and support elements

Technical area

The present invention describes a shoe sole comprising an outsole layer and a support layer in a region between a heel region and a shoe tip and a plurality of support elements.

State of the art

A shoe with a shoe sole is known from DE102013202306, which ensures increased rigidity, the damping properties of the shoe sole also being improved compared to the prior art. For this purpose, the material used for the shoe sole or the outsole was essentially optimized. The shoe soles are made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) or mixtures thereof.

Materials with high damping properties and low weight are preferred. In order to achieve a local improvement in the properties of the entire shoe sole, reinforcing elements are partially cast flat into the sole body, which is preferably carried out in the area of the heel, where higher cushioning effects are desired. Alternatively, the reinforcement elements can also be glued to the underside of the shoe sole, outside the shoe sole, in selected areas, for example in the area of the metatarsus. The

Reinforcement takes place during the manufacture of the shoe or the shoe sole and is adapted by the manufacturer to known requirements for each pair of shoes, calculated for the shoe size. Such reinforcement can relieve the musculoskeletal system (e.g. foot, ankle, knee, tendons, ligaments, etc.) serve, for example while jogging on uneven terrain or when the foot is overpronated. Reinforcement elements cast in locally or over a large area and other elements which are fixedly introduced into a shoe sole during the manufacturing process emerge from US9930928.

In EP2830451, a shoe bottom or a multi-layer shoe sole is designed with a central support layer, the central support layer being shaped in such a way that different areas have different predetermined damping properties. These damping areas are matched to the needs of the shoe wearer and thus permanent, fixed damping properties of the shoe sole are achieved by the support layer. The prior art knows shoe soles with reinforcing elements arranged in selected areas, which are introduced in an optimized manner based on the intended use. The once inextricably connected to the shoe sole, glued or cast-in reinforcement elements remain at this predetermined location. However, this may not be sufficient depending on the shape of the user's foot, although the user selects the shoe size that is right for him with the corresponding sole size. The result is reinforced shoe soles which, although the upper of the shoe fits the user exactly, unfold their cushioning effects in incorrectly placed locations.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention has set itself the task of creating shoes or shoe soles of shoes which allow locally defined mechanical damping that can be optimized and changed individually for each user. The damping properties of different areas of the shoe bottom should be easily adjusted to the needs of the user independently of one another In order for this optimization to be marketed, the setting must be achievable and also reversible without the use of special tools, so that the shoe sole can also be optimized for various purposes.

Since the present invention relates to a shoe sole with a support layer and matching, attachable support elements, a set of a shoe sole together with such support elements is claimed according to the features of claim 1, from which the user can create a finished shoe sole with individually desired, changeable cushioning .

Variations of combinations of features or minor adaptations of the invention can be found in the detailed description, shown in the figures and included in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The subject matter of the invention is described in detail below in connection with the attached drawings. Necessary features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description, a preferred embodiment of the invention and some additional features or optional features being listed in detail.

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an inventive

Sets with a shoe with interchangeable support elements;

FIG. 2 shows the set from FIG. 1 in the finished state, with inserted support elements; FIGS. 3a to 3d show sections through different support layers or at different heights or levels through support layers, with different support elements being able to be inserted and removed in different directions relative to the longitudinal axis or transverse direction of the sole.

description

Figures 1 and 2 show a set comprising a shoe 1 with a shoe upper 2 and a shoe bottom, which is referred to as the shoe sole 3, which is designed here in multiple layers. The different layers can also be connected, printed or potted to form one layer. Since the connection between the shoe upper 2 and the shoe sole 3 is known and is not the core of the invention, no further details are given. The shoe sole 3 runs from a shoe tip S to the heel area F. The set also includes support elements 4, which will be discussed later.

The shoe sole 3 here, viewed from the side remote from the shoe upper 2, comprises an outsole layer 30, a support layer 31 and a cover sole layer 32 on which an insole (not shown) rests. The insole is usually arranged on the cover sole layer 32 in the interior of the shoe upper 2 and is usually exchangeable. The other layers are connected to one another during manufacture and the shoe upper 2 is then fixed to it. Today the layers of the shoe sole 3 are made of plastics, some of which are cast in a foamed form. However, additive manufacturing techniques are also an option, especially with 3D printers.

The outsole layer 30 has a profile 300, as shown in FIG. 2. It increases the slip resistance of the shoe sole 3. The support layer 31 is formed here as a structure made of plastic. The cover sole layer 32 is an optional shoe sole layer which is intended to prevent the user from getting pressure points on the sole of the foot. Depending on The shape of the surface of the support layer 31 facing the shoe upper 2 can, however, be dispensed with. The insole is an interchangeable sole layer that can be selected by the user and, like the other sole layers, can comprise synthetic materials or natural fibers or leather.

To achieve the object, the support layer 31 is essential here, while the other layers can even be omitted or inseparably connected or molded with one another. The support layer 31 is made, for example, of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS), or as a mixture of several materials mentioned here. The support layer 31 preferably has a structure with a plurality of cavities 310. The cavities 310 are elongated linearly or curved in one direction and form a structure in the support layer 31. The cavities 310 are arranged spaced from one another, preferably parallel to one another and / or at regular intervals. An optimal damping effect is achieved when a plurality of cavities 310 run next to one another and in some cases evenly one above the other.

The cavities 310 have identical, constant cavity cross-sectional areas, the lengths of the cavities 310 being greater than their widths and heights. In addition, at least one end face of each cavity 310 is cut out, as a result of which a structure of cavities 310 open at least on one side is created in the support layer 31. As a rule, both end faces of each cavity 310 are recessed, whereby continuous channels are formed. The support elements 4 can be pushed into the cavities 310 of the support layer 31, as can be seen from FIG. The support elements 4 are designed as rods and have identical, constant cross-sectional areas; the same as the cavities 310. This allows them to be introduced into and removed from the cavities 310 in a form-fitting manner.

According to the invention, the support elements 4 have different strengths, so that the damping of the shoe sole 3 can be changed by the choice of the inserted support elements 4. The strength determines the damping effect when a user occurs. Strength is therefore understood here as the compression resistance that can be measured when a transverse force is applied to the rod-shaped support elements. These cross-sectional areas are preferably circular, oval, triangular, four pentagonal or hexagonal. In particular, honeycomb-shaped cross-sectional areas are advantageous, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, since they can be arranged close to one another. In order to achieve constant, predefined cushioning and to be able to generate a closed, clean surface at the edge of the shoe sole 3, the support elements 4 are internally designed without structure from a homogeneous mass, so that their cross-sections are filled uniformly. A rotation of the support elements 4 during insertion is therefore irrelevant for the damping. In addition, such support elements 4 can be produced inexpensively.

The support elements 4 can be reversibly inserted and removed from the cavities 310 provided in the support layer 31. In Fig. 1 they are shown partially pushed in, in Fig. 2 they are shown completely embedded therein. The cavities 310 are preferably configured in different planes of the support layer 31, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. They are partially on top of each other arranged so that some lines of force flow through two or more cavities 310 when the shoe sole 3 is loaded by a user. This gives the user a greater possibility of optimally setting the damping: the more support elements 4 cross a line of force flow when running, the softer the step there is damped. In the heel area, where the greatest forces and impacts on the foot occur, correspondingly most of the levels are arranged one above the other, in which there are cavities 310 with support elements 4.

The support elements 4, which are designed here in the form of rods, must be cut to the lengths of the cavities 310 so that they do not or only minimally protrude from the support layer 31. They should also not be too short, so that as little dirt as possible collects in the free areas of the cavities 310. The support elements 4 are therefore designed to be cut to length by a user so that they end at the end face of the cavity 310. The set preferably also comprises a simple, suitable tool with which the cutting to length can be carried out safely and cleanly. This can be a knife or a pair of scissors, as they are usually available in every household. The strength of the support elements 4 must be designed accordingly, or intended separation points can be provided at which the shortening can be carried out more easily, e.g. by turning, shearing or cutting.

In order to achieve a damping effect, the support elements 4 must have suitable mechanical properties, the rigidity of the support elements 4 being of particular interest. Synthetic polymers are preferably used as the material for the support elements 4, thermoplastics, thermosets or elastomers being usable. The flexural rigidity of the support elements 4 must be so great that they can be pushed into the elongated cavities 310. By means of additives, such as plasticizers, suitable support elements 4 can be produced.

In order to generate as little waste as possible, the support elements 4 can be in the form of rods that are as long as possible and can be cut to length by the user as required. Therefore, there must be at least one support element 4 of every strength. Since both shoes are usually equipped the same, it makes sense to provide at least two support elements 4 of each strength in the set.

It has proven to be useful to design the support elements 4 of different strengths in different colors. In this way, on the one hand, confusion during use can be avoided. On the other hand, it can also be determined later which strengths were selected in which areas of the shoe sole 3.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the cavities 310 in the shoe sole 3 can run in different directions. On the one hand, they can run in direction Q, transverse to the direction of travel L and horizontally. In FIG. 3 a, the support elements 4 are shown laterally before they are introduced into the corresponding cavities 310.

In FIG. 3b, further support elements 4 are additionally shown in the heel area, which can be inserted into cavities 310 which extend in the running direction L.

In Fig. 3c it is made clear that in different planes, which are aligned essentially parallel to each other and to the ground (horizontally), cavities 310 are designed in different directions: planes with cavities 310 in the direction L alternate with planes with cavities 310 transversely to the direction of travel Q. The arrows indicate the directions of insertion. The support elements 4 are only pushed in and thus held in a form-fitting manner in the elongated cavities 310. Potting or gluing is not necessary. The support elements 4 are adequately secured by the form-fitting connection. The support elements 4 are made of materials of different hardness, plastics and plastic composite materials being used.

As can be seen in FIG. 3d, the cavities 310 can be designed linear or curved, that is to say here wave-like or S-shaped along their length or rather U-shaped. These curved cavities 310 can also run oriented at different angles to the sole longitudinal axis L or transverse direction Q, but remain in a horizontal plane which extends essentially parallel to the ground and thus normal to the planes of force flow. Several, vertically offset planes can also be provided here, in which cavities 310 are configured.

The support elements 4 are inserted into the elongated cavities 310 in the direction of the arrow. In the corrugated design, the support elements 4 can still be twisted, that is, twisted or twisted.

In order for the user of the shoe 1 or the shoe sole 3 to correctly position the support elements 4, brief instructions would be supplied with the set. This explains the placement of the support elements 4 for different purposes of the shoe 1.

In order to prevent a very soft support element 4 from becoming jammed in a cavity 310 open on both sides when pushed in transversely to the direction of impact, the set can comprise a tubular, thin stocking of sufficient length. Before inserting the Support element 4 is wrapped in this stocking, which protrudes beyond the support element 4 at least on one side. At this end, the stocking is pulled through the cavity 310 while holding its other end at the same time. As a result, the support element 4 is stretched and its cross section is narrowed, thereby preventing jamming. The stocking is then cut off.

List of reference symbols

1 shoe

2 upper

3 shoe sole (below the foot)

30 outsole layer

300 Profile of the outsole layer

31 support layer

310 cavities (linear, elongated: longer than wide / high)

32 cover sole layer

4 support element (plural, full, different hardnesses / thicknesses

S toe

F heel area

L longitudinal axis of the sole

Q cross direction

Claims

1. Set comprising a shoe (1) with a shoe sole (3),

which has a support layer (31) and a plurality of support elements (4),

wherein the support layer (31) comprises a plurality of cavities (310) which are identical, constant

Have cavity cross-sectional areas, the lengths of the cavities (310) being greater than their widths and heights, and wherein at least one end face of each cavity (310) is recessed, whereby a structure of at least one-sided open cavities (310) is created in the support layer (31) is characterized in that

the support elements (4) are designed as rods with identical, constant cross-sectional areas and can be positively inserted and removed into the cavities (310), the support elements (4) being available in different strengths, so that the cushioning of the shoe sole (3) can be selected the introduced support elements (4) can be changed.

2. Set according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional areas of

Cavities and the support elements (4) are circular, oval, triangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal, in particular honeycomb.

3. Set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support elements (4)

internally fully filled, with their cross-sections

are preferably filled uniformly.

4. Set according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cavities (310) are linear or curved.

5. Set according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cavities (310) are partially arranged one above the other so that some lines of force flow when the shoe sole (3) is loaded by a user through two or more cavities (310).

6. Set according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each

Support element (4) can be cut to length by a user to the length of a cavity (310) so that it ends at the end face of the cavity (310).

7. Set according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein of each

Strength at least one, preferably two each

Support elements (4) are present in sufficient length, from which the desired lengths can be cut in order to generate as little waste as possible.

8. Set according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support elements (4) of different strengths have different colors in order to avoid confusion during use.