U.S. patent application number 14/761566 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-10 for sole.
The applicant listed for this patent is DEELUXE SPORTARTIKEL HANDELS GMBH. Invention is credited to Harald Wagner.
Application Number | 20150351491 14/761566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49779872 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150351491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wagner; Harald |
December 10, 2015 |
SOLE
Abstract
A sole (1) for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe/hiking shoe
or ski boot/snowboard boot, is proposed, with a cushioning profile
(5) arranged on the outside (3) of the sole (1). The sole (1) is
distinguished in that the cushioning profile (5) also extends over
the inside (7) of the sole (1).
Inventors: |
Wagner; Harald; (Oberaudorf,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DEELUXE SPORTARTIKEL HANDELS GMBH |
Kirchbichl |
|
AT |
|
|
Family ID: |
49779872 |
Appl. No.: |
14/761566 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
December 10, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/076005 |
371 Date: |
July 16, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/04 20130101; A43B
13/186 20130101; A43B 5/0401 20130101; A43B 13/04 20130101; A43B
5/002 20130101; A43B 13/181 20130101; A43B 13/184 20130101; A43B
5/00 20130101; A43B 13/226 20130101; A43B 13/223 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18; A43B 5/04 20060101 A43B005/04; A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 16, 2013 |
DE |
102013100432.6 |
Claims
1. A sole (1) for a shoe with a cushioning profile (5) arranged on
an outside (3) of the sole (1), wherein the cushioning profile (5)
also extends over an inside (7) of the sole (1).
2. A sole according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning profile (5)
has at least one cushioning element (11).
3. A sole according to claim 2, wherein the at least one cushioning
element (11) has an elastically deformable hollow body (13) which
can be joined to further cushioning elements via portions of
material.
4. A sole according to claim 2, wherein the at least one cushioning
element (11) is integrated resiliently in the sole and forms a
two-dimensional spring element.
5. A sole according to claim 2, wherein the cushioning profile (5)
has a plurality of cushioning elements (21, 23) including at least
two main cushioning elements (21) and a plurality of secondary
cushioning elements (23).
6. A sole according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the main
cushioning element (21) is arranged in a heel region (25) of the
sole and at least one of the main cushioning element (21) is
arranged in a forefoot region (27) of the sole.
7. A sole according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the main
cushioning elements (21) is surrounded by secondary cushioning
elements (23).
8. A sole according to claim 1, wherein a grip profile (29) is
additionally formed in a heel region (25) of the sole and/or in a
forefoot region (27) of the sole.
9. A sole according to claim 2, wherein the at least one cushioning
element (11) is embossed three-dimensionally.
10. A sole according to claim 2, wherein the at least one
cushioning element (11) can perform a spring movement in two
directions (19, 19'), and wherein the two directions (19, 19') are
perpendicular to a sole plane (E).
11. A sole according to claim 1, wherein a frame (9) is joined to
the sole (1) and surrounds the sole to stabilise the cushioning
profile (5).
12. A sole according to claim 11, wherein the frame (9) is arranged
at a distance (a) from a running plane (L) of the sole (1).
13. A sole according to claim 1, wherein the sole (1) is at least 2
mm thick.
14. A shoe having a sole according to claim 1.
15. A sole according to claim 1, wherein the shoe is at least one
of a sports shoe, a hiking shoe, a ski boot, and a snowboard
boot.
16. A sole according to claim 9, wherein the at least one
cushioning element (11) has one of a hexagonal shape, a circular
cup shape, and a frustoconical shape.
17. A sole according to claim 12, wherein the distance (a) is 2
mm.
18. A sole according to claim 13, wherein the sole has a continuous
material thickness of 2 mm.
19. A sole according to claim 3, wherein the cushioning profile (5)
has a plurality of cushioning elements (21, 23) including at least
two main cushioning elements (21) and a plurality of secondary
cushioning elements (23).
20. A sole according to claim 4, wherein the cushioning profile (5)
has a plurality of cushioning elements (21, 23) including at least
two main cushioning elements (21) and a plurality of secondary
cushioning elements (23).
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a national phase of PCT Application
Number PCT/EP2013/076005 filed Dec. 10, 2013 which claims priority
to German patent application DE102013100432.6 filed Jan. 16, 2013,
the entire contents both of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Soles of the type addressed here are known in principle.
They frequently have a cushioning profile which for example in the
case of running shoes is used in order to relieve pressure on the
foot when it hits the ground. In the case of conventional shoes, a
cushioning profile of this type is arranged on the outside, i.e. on
the side of the sole facing the ground surface. The inside of the
sole, i.e. the side facing the foot, on the other hand is flat and
has no profile. In this way, comfortable bedding of the foot on the
sole is intended to be ensured. Cushioning of impacts consequently
takes place through the sole material. With this configuration, the
sole can be cushioned only within certain limits, and above all
only two-dimensionally and not at selected points. Since the
minimum material thickness of a sole made of rubber is typically 2
mm, the cushioning profile must have a material thickness which is
considerably greater than 2 mm. The cushioning profile therefore
results in an increased consumption of material, which is
associated with greater weight.
SUMMARY
[0003] The invention relates to a sole for a shoe, in particular a
sports shoe/hiking shoe or ski boot/snowboard boot.
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a sole which, in addition to improved cushioning properties
in order to relieve pressure, also has a low material
consumption.
[0005] The sole serves for the production of a shoe, in particular
a sports shoe/hiking shoe or ski boot/snowboard boot, and has a
cushioning profile located on the outside of the sole. The sole is
distinguished in that the cushioning profile also extends over the
inside of the sole.
[0006] An essential basic concept of the invention is that it may
not be necessary from a design point of view to make the inside of
the sole flat. On one hand, comfortable bedding of the foot is also
achieved when the cushioning profile also extends over the inside
of the sole, and on the other hand the shoe upper is glued to the
sole exclusively at the edge thereof, so that it may not be
necessary to have a flat inside of the sole for gluing the sole to
the shoe upper either. A further advantage of a cushioning profile
which also extends over the inside of the sole furthermore arises
from the partial mechanical cushioning which can be achieved
thereby. The cushioning therefore takes place precisely where the
pressure occurs. This makes selective pressure relief and pinpoint
cushioning possible. Due to a cushioning profile which is formed on
both sides of the sole, furthermore a saving in terms of material
and weight for the sole is yielded, because the cushioning profile
is now completely integrated in the sole, so that no additional
material is may be necessary for the cushioning profile. The
cushioning profile which is formed on both sides furthermore
permits the formation of cushioning elements which act
independently of each other, which again permit pinpoint cushioning
at the main pressure point when under load.
[0007] It may be particularly advantageous if the cushioning
profile which is formed on both sides of the sole comprises at
least one cushioning element. The at least one cushioning element
preferably has an elastically deformable hollow body which can be
joined to further cushioning elements via lands or portions of
material. Owing to the configuration of the cushioning element in
the form of a hollow body, a saving in terms of material and hence
of weight for the sole is also yielded in addition to the improved
cushioning properties. The sole can consequently be produced more
cheaply.
[0008] The at least one cushioning element is preferably completely
integrated resiliently in the sole and forms virtually a
two-dimensional spring element. To this end, the cushioning element
which is designed as a hollow body preferably has a corresponding
connecting land and a holding land, which bring about resilient
bedding of the cushioning element in the sole. In this manner, the
cushioning element may perform a substantially free spring movement
in both directions perpendicular to a sole plane.
[0009] Particularly preferred is a sole in which the cushioning
profile has a plurality of cushioning elements which are
independent of each other, which comprise at least two main
cushioning elements and a large number of secondary cushioning
elements. In such case, at least one main cushioning element may be
arranged in the heel region and at least one main cushioning
element in the forefoot region of the sole. Furthermore, the main
cushioning element may, at least in regions, be surrounded by
secondary cushioning elements. Moreover, a grip profile may
additionally be formed in the heel region and/or in the forefoot
region. This grip profile may likewise, at least in regions, adjoin
the main cushioning elements and/or the secondary cushioning
elements, and consist of a plurality of pimple-like
protrusions.
[0010] The cushioning elements are preferably formed
three-dimensionally, in particular in pimple-like manner, and have
a polygonal, in particular hexagonal, or circular cup shape or
frustoconical shape. In this manner, the hollow-body form of the
cushioning element can be produced. In order to stabilise the
cushioning profile, furthermore a frame may be provided which is
joined to the sole, in particular also in one piece, and preferably
completely surrounds it. The frame is joined to the sole in such a
way that it is arranged at a distance from the running plane of the
sole, in particular at a distance of approximately 2 mm therefrom.
In this manner, the cushioning elements can be moved in the spring
direction independently of the frame and can produce corresponding
cushioning. The sole is at least approximately 2 mm thick, and
preferably has a continuous material thickness of approximately 2
mm, it however being possible for the actual height of the sole to
vary. This yields not only a saving in terms of material, but also
a saving of weight for the sole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will be explained in greater detail below with
reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sole in accordance
with the prior art;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sole according to the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of a shoe with a sole according to the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a longitudinal sectional view of a sole according
to the invention;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a sectional view of a cushioning element
according to FIG. 4A;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of the outside of a sole according to
the invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sole according
to the invention in an initial situation;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sole according
to the invention in an inward-directed cushioning situation,
and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sole according
to the invention in an outward-directed cushioning situation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a sole 10 known from
the prior art. The sole 10 is intended to be joined to an upper 20.
FIG. 1 makes it clear that the conventional sole 10 has a
cushioning profile 50 on its outside 30, while the inside 70 is
formed flat.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a sole 1 according to
the invention which is intended to be joined to an upper 2 and
serves to produce any shoe whatsoever, in particular a
sports/hiking shoe or ski boot/snowboard boot. In principle, the
sole design according to the invention can be used in the
production of any shoe whatsoever. In the present case, the
invention will be explained with reference to a sole for a
snowboard boot.
[0023] In contrast to a conventional sole, the cushioning profile 5
extends not only over the outside 3, but also over the inside 7 of
the sole 1. The cushioning profile is therefore virtually designed
such that it penetrates the sole. The "outside" 3 of the sole in
the present case is understood to mean that side of the sole which
comes into contact with the ground surface, whereas the inside 7 of
the sole 1 forms the side facing the foot. The inside 7 is
consequently not designed flat, but, as the outside 3 also does,
has the structure of the cushioning profile 5, i.e. corresponding
elevations and depressions.
[0024] The sole, in the example of embodiment shown in FIG. 2, is
provided with a frame 9 which serves to stabilise the sole, which
can have a more flexible structure than conventional soles owing to
the cushioning profile which is formed on both sides. The frame 9
may be designed in one piece with the sole 1 or may be joined
thereto in a different manner, in particular glued. The frame 9 is
joined to the outer edge of the sole 1, and surrounds it preferably
completely. A lower edge R of the frame 9 is arranged at a distance
a from a running plane L of the sole 1. The lower edge R is the
part of the frame 9 which faces the ground, whereas the running
plane L is that plane of the sole which comes into contact with the
ground. The distance a between the running plane L and the lower
edge R of the frame 9 may vary depending on the application. For
example, it may be 2 mm or more. A sufficiently large distance a
between the lower edge R and the running plane L means that the
cushioning can occur unhindered, without the frame hindering the
cushioning movement of the cushioning profile.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a shoe which has a sole 1
according to the invention which is joined to a frame 9. FIG. 4A
shows a longitudinal sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 3, and
hence a longitudinal section through a sole 1 according to the
invention.
[0026] Like FIG. 2, FIG. 4A also makes it clear that the cushioning
profile 5 extends both over the outside 3 and over the inside 7 of
the sole 1. The cushioning profile 5 extends preferably over a
major portion of the total area of the sole 1, and is formed
integrally therein. It has at least one, but preferably a plurality
of, cushioning element(s) 11 which are joined together via regions
of material and thus form at least a major portion of the sole.
[0027] The cushioning element 11 and its operation are explained
with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this case, it becomes clear
that the cushioning element 11 has a hollow body 13. The
hollow-body form, which may for example be pot-shaped, is produced
in the present example by a base 13a, which is surrounded by an
ascending flank 13b. The base 13a and the flank 13b enclose a
cavity which is open towards the foot side. The material
thicknesses of the base and of the flank may be identical, and may
be in particular 2 mm. The equivalent also applies to the other
regions of material, lands and flanks which form the sole.
[0028] The hollow body 13 or the cushioning element 11 is
integrated resiliently in the sole 1, and in this manner forms a
two-dimensional spring element. In order to permit a spring
movement, as indicated in FIG. 4B, perpendicular to a sole plane E,
and in both directions 19 and 19', the pot-shaped hollow body 13 is
joined via inclined flanks, in particular via flanks which are
V-shaped or Z-shaped when viewed in cross-section, to a region of
material which represents the connection to further cushioning
elements. In concrete terms, for example a connecting land 15 and a
holding land 17 are provided, the connecting land joining the
hollow body to the holding land, which is either joined to the
region of material or forms said region.
[0029] The lands and also the hollow body are elastically
deformable and thereby permit resilient bedding of the cushioning
element in the sole 1. The cushioning element 11 can thus perform a
spring movement in both directions 19 and 19' substantially
perpendicular to the sole plane E. Depending on the loading
situation, the cushioning element 11 will undergo elastic
deformation, which is associated with displacement in the direction
of the arrows 19 or 19'.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the outside 3 of the sole 1
according to the invention. The sole shown therein represents a
preferred embodiment, the cushioning profile of which has a
plurality of cushioning elements. The cushioning elements are
composed of main cushioning elements 21 and secondary cushioning
elements 23. One main cushioning element 21 in this case is
arranged in the heel region 25 of the sole 1 and one main
cushioning element 21 in the forefoot region 27 of the sole 1, in
order to achieve pressure relief and cushioning in the main loading
zones at selected points. The main cushioning elements 21 are
surrounded at least partially by the secondary cushioning elements
23. Compared with the main cushioning elements 21, the secondary
cushioning elements 23 have a substantially smaller area or a
smaller diameter, so that a greater number of secondary cushioning
elements 23 than main cushioning elements 21 can cover the sole 1.
For example, approximately 100 or more secondary cushioning
elements 23 may be arranged between the two main cushioning
elements 21. As far as their construction and their method of
operation are concerned, the main and secondary cushioning elements
21, 23 correspond to the cushioning elements 11 shown in FIGS. 4A
and 4B.
[0031] In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the main or secondary
cushioning elements have a hexagonal shape. However, in principle a
different polygonal shape, a circular shape or alternatively a
(hemi-)spherical shape is also conceivable. The cushioning
elements, to produce the hollow-body form, are embossed
three-dimensionally, in particular therefore in pimple-like manner,
and in particular have a cup shape or frustoconical shape, such
that the cushioning elements form a hollow body which is open
towards the inside 7 of the sole and is closed towards the outside
of the sole.
[0032] In the embodiment of the sole 1 according to the invention
shown in FIG. 5, said sole furthermore has, both in the heel region
25 and in the forefoot region 27, in each case a grip profile 29,
which profiles as profile pimples are responsible exclusively for
the grip and do not develop any cushioning action. They therefore
do not have to be designed as hollow bodies, but may be formed by
solid bodies. The grip regions 29 are optional, and may also be
replaced by cushioning elements, so that the entire sole is
composed of cushioning elements and regions of material which are
arranged therebetween.
[0033] FIG. 5 additionally makes it clear that regions of
cushioning elements of different sizes may be provided. Thus all
the secondary cushioning elements 23 and main cushioning elements
21 in no way have the same dimensions. Rather, the secondary
cushioning elements may be designed to be of different sizes. The
main cushioning elements do not have to be of identical shapes and
sizes either. Furthermore, the hexagonal shape of the cushioning
elements does not obligatorily have to be applied for each
cushioning element. In principle, a mixture of differently-formed,
for example polygonal and circular, cushioning elements on a sole 1
is also conceivable.
[0034] The secondary cushioning elements and main cushioning
elements differ substantially in their intended purpose and in
their cushioning action.
[0035] It may be advantageous if the main cushioning elements with
increased cushioning action are arranged in the zones of high
applied pressure, i.e. in particular in the heel and forefoot
regions. In principle, however, any design whatsoever can be
realised by the cushioning elements. For example, the sole may be
completely or only partially penetrated by cushioning elements, the
distribution of different types of cushioning elements being
individually adaptable to any shoe and intended purpose
whatsoever.
[0036] The method of operation of the resiliently bedded cushioning
elements 11 will be explained below with reference to the
longitudinal sectional views of the sole 1 in accordance with FIGS.
6-8. The longitudinal section shown in FIGS. 6-8 extends
substantially through the main cushioning elements 21 shown in FIG.
5, which correspond to the cushioning elements 11 shown in FIG. 4A
or 4B. FIG. 6 shows an initial situation in which a sole 1 is
illustrated in a non-loaded state.
[0037] FIG. 7, on the other hand, shows a situation in which the
cushioning elements 11 develop a cushioning action towards the
inside 7 of the sole 1. In such case, the resiliently bedded hollow
body of the cushioning element is displaced elastically towards the
inside of the sole 1. In this case, an elastic deformation of the
hollow body (in particular of the flanks 13b) and of the flank(s)
joining the hollow body to the surrounding sole material takes
place.
[0038] In FIG. 8, on the other hand, the cushioning action of the
cushioning element 11 towards the outside is illustrated. There,
the hollow body 13 is displaced towards the outside 3 of the sole 1
in the direction of the arrow 19'. The displacement of the
cushioning element in this case takes place by deformation of the
inclined connecting lands 15 in each case.
[0039] Consequently, pinpoint cushioning by regions which are
particularly stressed can take place by expedient integration of
the cushioning elements in the sole 1. The sprung bedding and the
resultant possibility of a spring movement of the cushioning
elements in both directions perpendicular to the sole plane permit
partial mechanical cushioning. Owing to the configuration of the
cushioning elements in the form of a hollow body, however, not only
particularly good cushioning is ensured by the spring bedding of
the cushioning elements, but this configuration of the cushioning
elements also results in a saving in terms of material and weight
for the sole. It is hence cheaper to produce than conventional
soles. The sole, in the case of a surface-covering arrangement of
cushioning elements, ultimately comprises a large number of
two-dimensional spring elements, which may develop a different
cushioning action depending on their degree of embossing. These
cushioning elements are arranged separately from each other over
regions of material and could thus in each case fulfil their
cushioning function independently of each other, i.e. substantially
uninfluenced by each other. The sole can thus be configured
individually depending on the shoe and the corresponding
application. Not only may the configuration and arrangement of the
cushioning elements however vary, but also the sole material is in
principle not subject to any restrictions. For example, the sole
may be produced from rubber, or alternatively from any other
material suitable for producing soles.
[0040] Overall, the invention provides a sole which, owing to
profiling on both sides and the cushioning elements (in the form of
a hollow body) which can be produced thereby, achieves on one hand
a saving in terms of material and weight and on the other hand
optimum pinpoint pressure relief and cushioning.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0041] 1 sole [0042] 2 upper [0043] 3 outside [0044] 5 cushioning
profile [0045] 7 inside [0046] 9 frame [0047] 10 sole [0048] 11
cushioning element [0049] 13 hollow body [0050] 13a base [0051] 13b
ascending flank [0052] 15 connecting land [0053] 17 holding land
[0054] 19, 19' arrow [0055] 20 upper [0056] 21 main cushioning
element [0057] 23 secondary cushioning element [0058] 25 heel
region [0059] 27 forefoot region [0060] 29 grip region [0061] 30
outside [0062] 50 cushioning profile [0063] 70 inside [0064] a
distance [0065] L sole running plane [0066] R frame lower edge
[0067] E sole plane
* * * * *