U.S. patent application number 17/618613 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-11 for shoe sole and support elements.
This patent application is currently assigned to X-Technology Swiss GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is X-Technology Swiss GmbH. Invention is credited to Bodo Lambertz.
Application Number | 20220248800 17/618613 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006319501 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220248800 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lambertz; Bodo |
August 11, 2022 |
Shoe Sole And Support Elements
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), wherein the support layer (31) comprises a plurality
of cavities (310) having identical, constant cavity cross-sectional
areas. At least one end face of each cavity (310) is recessed,
whereby a structure of cavities (310) open on at least one side is
created in the support layer (31). The support elements (4) are
designed as rods with identical, constant cross-sectional areas and
can be inserted into and removed from the cavities (310) in a
form-fitting manner, wherein the support elements (4) are present
in different strengths, such that the damping of the shoe sole (3)
can be changed by the choice of the inserted support elements
(4).
Inventors: |
Lambertz; Bodo; (Wilen bei
Wollerau, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
X-Technology Swiss GmbH |
Wollerau |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
X-Technology Swiss GmbH
Wollerau
CH
|
Family ID: |
1000006319501 |
Appl. No.: |
17/618613 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
June 12, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2020/066339 |
371 Date: |
December 13, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/12 20130101;
A43B 13/141 20130101; A43B 5/00 20130101; A43B 13/188 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/12 20060101
A43B013/12; A43B 13/14 20060101 A43B013/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 13, 2019 |
CH |
00799/19 |
Oct 31, 2019 |
CH |
01379/19 |
Claims
1. A set comprising a shoe having a shoe sole comprising a support
layer and a plurality of support elements, wherein the support
layer comprises a plurality of cavities having identical, constant
cavity cross-sectional areas, wherein the lengths of the cavities
are greater than their widths and heights, and wherein at least one
end face of each cavity is recessed, whereby a structure of
cavities open on at least one side is created in the support layer,
wherein the support elements are designed as rods with identical,
constant cross-sectional areas and can be inserted into and removed
from the cavities in a form-fitting manner, wherein the support
elements are present in different strengths, such that the damping
of the shoe sole can be changed by the choice of the inserted
support elements.
2. The set of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional areas of the
cavities and the support elements are circular, oval, triangular,
quadrilateral, pentagonal or hexagonal, or honeycomb-shaped.
3. The set of claim 1, wherein the support elements are fully
filled internally.
4. The set of claim 1, wherein the cavities are linear or
curved.
5. The set of claim 1, wherein the cavities are partially
superimposed, such that some lines of force flow pass through two
or more cavities, when the shoe sole supports the weight of a
user.
6. The set of claim 1, wherein each support element can be cut by a
user to the length of a cavity such that it will end at the end
face of the cavity.
7. The set of claim 1, wherein at least one support elements of
each strength are present in a sufficient length, from which the
desired lengths can be cut in order to create as little waste as
possible.
8. The set of claim 1, wherein the support elements of different
strengths have different colors in order to avoid confusion during
use.
9. The set of claim 3, wherein cross sections of the support
elements are uniformly filled.
10. The set of claim 7, wherein the at least one support elements
comprises two support elements.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention describes a shoe sole comprising an
outsole layer and a support layer in a region between a heel area
and a shoe toe, and a plurality of support elements.
PRIOR ART
[0002] DE102013202306 discloses a shoe with a shoe sole that
ensures increased rigidity, whereby the damping properties of the
shoe sole are also improved compared to the prior art. For this
purpose, the material used for the shoe sole or 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 into the sole body over an area, which is preferably
carried out in the area of the heel, where higher damping effects
are desired. Alternatively, the reinforcing elements can also be
bonded to the underside of the shoe sole, outside the shoe sole in
selected areas, for example in the area of the midfoot.
Reinforcement takes place during the manufacture of the shoe or
shoe sole and is adjusted by the manufacturer to known requirements
for each pair of shoes, calculated on the shoe size. Such
reinforcement can help to relieve the musculoskeletal system (e.g.,
foot, ankle, knee, tendons, ligaments, etc.) for example, during
jogging on uneven terrain or in case of overpronation of the foot.
Locally or areally molded-in reinforcing elements and other
elements that are fixedly introduced into a shoe sole during the
manufacturing process are evident from U.S. Pat. No. 9,930,928.
[0003] In EP2830451, a shoe bottom or multi-layer shoe sole is
designed with a central support layer, wherein the central support
layer is shaped such that different areas have different
predetermined damping properties. These damping areas are once
adjusted to the needs of the shoe wearer and thus permanent fixed
damping properties of the shoe sole are achieved by the support
layer.
[0004] The state of the art knows shoe soles with reinforcing
elements arranged in selected areas, which are inserted in an
optimized manner based on the intended use. The reinforcing
elements, once inseparably bonded or molded into the sole of the
shoe, remain in this predetermined location. However, depending on
the shape of the user's foot, this may not be sufficient, even
though the user chooses the appropriate shoe size with the
corresponding sole size. The result is reinforced shoe soles that,
although the shoe upper fits the user exactly, deliver their
damping effects in misplaced locations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention has stated the object of creating
shoes or shoe soles that allow a 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
easy to adjust independently to the needs of the user, even by the
user himself. For this optimization to be marketed, the adjustment
must be achievable without the use of special tools and must also
be reversible, so that the shoe sole can also be optimized for
different applications.
[0006] Since the present invention relates to a shoe sole with a
support layer and matching, attachable support elements, according
to the features of claim 1 a set of a shoe sole together with such
support elements is claimed, from which the user can create a
finished shoe sole with individually desired; changeable
damping.
[0007] Variations of combinations of features or minor adaptations
of the invention can be found in the detailed description, are
illustrated in the figures and are included in the dependent
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The subject matter of the invention is described in detail
below in connection with the accompanying drawings. Necessary
features, details and advantages of the invention will be apparent
from this following description, wherein a preferred embodiment of
the invention and some additional or optional features are
listed.
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a set according to the
invention, comprising a shoe with interchangeable support
elements;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows the set of FIG. 1 in the finished state, with
the support elements inserted;
[0011] FIGS. 3a to 3d show sections through different support
layers or at different heights or planes through support layers,
wherein different support elements can be inserted and removed in
different directions relative to the longitudinal sole axis or
transverse direction.
SPECIFICATION
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a set comprising a shoe 1 with a shoe
upper 2 and a shoe bottom, which is referred to as a shoe sole 3,
which is designed here with multiple layers. The different layers
can also be combined into one layer, printed or encapsulated. 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 extends from a shoe toe S to the heel area
F. The set also includes support elements 4, which will be
discussed later.
[0013] Seen from the side remote from the shoe upper 2, the shoe
sole 3 comprises here an outsole layer 30, a support layer 31 and a
cover sole layer 32, on which an inner sole not shown rests. The
inner sole is usually arranged on the cover sole layer 32 inside
the shoe upper 2 and is usually replaceable. The other layers are
joined together during manufacture and then the shoe upper 2 is
fixed to them. Today, the layers of the shoe sole 3 are made of
plastics, some of which are cast in foamed form. However, additive
manufacturing techniques are also available, especially with 3D
printers.
[0014] 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 molded 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. However, depending on the shape of the surface of the support
layer 31 facing the shoe upper 2, the cover sole layer 32 may be
dispensed with. The insole is a user-selectable and replaceable
sole layer that may include synthetic or natural fibers or leather
like the other sole layer.,
[0015] For solving the object, the support layer 31 is essential
here, while the other layers may even be omitted or inseparably
connected or formed on. For example, the support layer 31 is made
of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),
rubber, polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS), or as a blend of
several materials mentioned herein.
[0016] Preferably, the support layer 31 has a structure with a
plurality of cavities 310. The cavities 310 are configured to
extend linearly or curvedly in one direction to form a structure in
the support layer 31. The cavities 310 are spaced apart from each
other, preferably parallel to each other and/or at regular
intervals. An optimum damping effect is achieved when several
cavities 310 run regularly next to each other and sometimes also on
top of each other.
[0017] The cavities 310 have identical, constant cavity
cross-sectional areas, wherein the lengths of the cavities 310 are
greater than their widths and heights. In addition, at least one
end face of each cavity 310 is recessed, whereby a structure of
cavities 310 open on at least one side is created in the support
layer 31. Typically, both end faces of each cavity 310 are
recessed, whereby continuous channels are formed.
[0018] The support elements 4 can be inserted into the cavities 310
of the support layer 31, as shown in FIG. 1. Here, 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 positively insertable and removable into the cavities
310.
[0019] According to the invention, the support elements 4 are
present in different strengths, so that the damping of the shoe
sole 3 can be changed by the choice of the support elements 4
introduced. 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.
[0020] Preferably, these cross-sectional areas are circular, oval,
triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal. In particular, honeycomb
cross-sectional areas are advantageous, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
because they can be arranged close to each other.
[0021] In order to achieve a constant, predefined damping and to be
able to generate a closed, clean surface at the edge of the shoe
sole 3, the support elements 4 are designed internally without
structure from a homogeneous mass so that their cross-sections are
uniformly filled. Twisting of the support elements 4 during
insertion is thus irrelevant for damping. In addition, such support
elements 4 can be manufactured at low cost.
[0022] The support elements 4 can be reversibly inserted and
removed into the provided cavities 310 in the support layer 31. In
FIG. 1 they are shown partially inserted, in FIG. 2 they are shown
fully inserted. The cavities 310 are preferably formed in different
planes of the support layer 31, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. They are
partially superimposed so that some lines of force flow pass
through two or more cavities 310 when the shoe sole 3 is loaded by
a user. This gives the user a greater opportunity to optimally
adjust the damping: the more support elements 4 a force flow line
crosses while running, the softer the tread is cushioned there. In
the heel area, where the greatest forces and impacts on the foot
occur, there are accordingly the most planes arranged one above the
other, in which there are cavities 310 with support elements 4.
[0023] The support elements 4, which here are 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, if possible, dirt does not
accumulate in the free areas of the cavities 310. Therefore, the
support elements 4 are configured to be cut to length by a user so
that they end at the end face of the cavity 310. Preferably, the
set also includes a simple, suitable tool with which the cutting to
length can be carried out safely and cleanly. This can be a knife
or scissors, which are usually present in every household. The
strength of the support elements 4 must be designed accordingly, or
nominal cutting points can be provided at which the shortening can
be carried out more easily, e.g., by twisting off, shearing or by
cutting off.
[0024] In order to achieve a damping effect, the support elements 4
must have suitable mechanical properties, wherein the stiffness of
the support elements 4 is of particular interest. Synthetic
polymers are preferably used as the material for the support
elements 4, whereby thermoplastics, thermosets or elastomers can be
used. The flexural rigidity of the support elements 4 must be such
that they can be inserted into the elongated cavities 310. By means
of additives, such as plasticizers, suitable support elements 4 can
be produced.
[0025] 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 each
strength. Since both shoes are usually equipped in the same way, it
makes sense to provide at least two support elements 4 of each
strength in the set.
[0026] It has proved useful to design the support elements 4 of
different strengths in different colors. On the one hand, this
prevents confusion during use. On the other hand, it can also be
determined later which strengths were selected in which areas of
the shoe sole 3.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the cavities 310 in the shoe sole 3
can extend in different directions. On the one hand, they can run
in the direction Q, across the direction of travel L and
horizontally. In FIG. 3a, the support elements 4 are shown
laterally before being inserted into the corresponding cavities
310.
[0028] In FIG. 3b, further support elements 4 are additionally
shown in the heel area, which can be inserted into cavities 310
that extend in the running direction L.
[0029] FIG. 3c shows that cavities 310 are configured in different
directions in different planes that are substantially parallel to
each other and to the substrate (horizontal): planes with cavities
310 in running direction L alternate with planes with cavities 310
transverse to running direction Q. The arrows indicate the
insertion directions.
[0030] The support elements 4 lie only inserted and thus positively
connected held in the elongated cavities 310. Casting or gluing is
not necessary. Due to the positive connection, the support elements
4 are adequately secured. The support elements 4 are made of
materials of varying hardness, wherein plastics and plastic
composite materials are used.
[0031] As can be seen in FIG. 3d, the cavities 310 can be linear or
curved, i.e., in this case wave-like or s-shaped along their length
or more U-shaped. These curved cavities 310 can also be oriented at
different angles to the longitudinal sole axis L or transverse
direction Q, but remain in a horizontal plane that extends
substantially parallel to the subgrade and thus normal to the force
flow planes. Here, too, several vertically offset planes can be
provided in which cavities 310 are formed.
[0032] The support elements 4 are inserted into the elongated
cavities 310 in the direction of the arrow. In the corrugated
embodiment, the support elements 4 may still be twisted, i.e.,
rotated or warped.
[0033] In order for the user of the shoe 1 or the shoe sole 3 to
correctly place the support elements 4, a quick reference guide
would be provided with the set. In this, the placement of the
support elements 4 for different uses of the shoe 1 is
explained.
[0034] To prevent a very soft support element 4 from becoming
jammed in a cavity 310 open on both sides when it is pushed in
transversely to the direction of impact, the set may comprise a
tubular thin stocking of sufficient length. Before insertion, the
support element 4 is wrapped with this stocking, which protrudes
over the support element 4 on at least one side. At this end, the
stocking is pulled through the cavity 310, wherein its other end is
at the same time held. This stretches the support element 4 and
narrows its cross-section, preventing jamming. The stocking is then
cut off.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0035] 1 Shoe [0036] 2 Shoe upper [0037] 3 Shoe sole (below the
foot) [0038] 30 Outsole layer [0039] 300 Outsole layer profile
[0040] 31 Support position [0041] 310 Cavities (linear, elongated:
longer than wide/high) [0042] 32 Cover sole layer [0043] 4 Support
element (multiple, full, different hardnesses/thicknesses) [0044] 5
Shoe toe [0045] F Heel area [0046] L Longitudinal sole axis [0047]
Q Transverse direction
* * * * *