U.S. patent number 3,808,713 [Application Number 05/348,593] was granted by the patent office on 1974-05-07 for running sole of flexible synthetic material for sports shoes.
Invention is credited to Adolf Dassler.
United States Patent |
3,808,713 |
Dassler |
May 7, 1974 |
RUNNING SOLE OF FLEXIBLE SYNTHETIC MATERIAL FOR SPORTS SHOES
Abstract
A running sole of flexible synthetic material for sports shoes,
more particularly for athletics shoes, wherein, at least in the
front portion of the sole, a plurality of integrally molded
crossbars extend downwardly from the running surface of the sole
and taper away therefrom. In order to impart an adequate grip on
various surfaces, at least in some areas, roof-shaped projections
extend downwardly beyond the cross bars, the projections having
sharp edges extending substantially parallel to the running surface
and also to the longitudinal direction of the crossbars, with the
width of the bases of the projections corresponding substantially
to the width of the crossbars. In a preferred construction the
crossbars intersect one another and form therebetween
honeycomb-like depressed areas, each individual roof-shaped
projection being disposed between adjacent points of the
intersection of the crossbars.
Inventors: |
Dassler; Adolf (D-8522
Herzogenaurach, DT) |
Family
ID: |
5841319 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/348,593 |
Filed: |
April 6, 1973 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/32R;
36/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
13/223 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A43B
13/14 (20060101); A43B 13/22 (20060101); A43b
013/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;36/2.5AM,2.5R,32R,32A |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Lawson; Patrick D.
Claims
I claim:
1. A running sole of flexible synthetic material for sports shoes,
especially athletic shoes, said sole comprising, in
combination:
a. a sole body having a front portion with a running surface;
b. a plurality of crossbars molded to said body, said crossbars
projecting beyond and tapering away from said running surface;
c. a plurality of individually roof-shaped projections extending
from said crossbars away from said running surface; and
d. a blade-like sharp edge on each of said projections, said edges
extending substantially parallel to said running surface and in the
longitudinal direction of the associated crossbars.
2. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base width of
said projections is substantially equal to the base width of the
associated crossbars.
3. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein said roof-shaped
projections are arranged in groups and wherein the edges of one
group are arranged at a different angle to the longitudinal axis of
the sole from the edges of another group.
4. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least some of
said roof-shaped projections are of stepped design effective to
define a plurality of sharp edges projecting to different extents
from the running surface of the sole body.
5. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the individual
shaped projections are provided in a plurality of areas spaced
longitudinally of the soles.
6. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the individual
roof-shaped projections are arranged in a plurality of rows
extending transversely on the longitudinal axis of the sole.
7. A running sole as claimed in claim 6, wherein the individual
roof-shaped projections of a row are arranged such that the sharp
edges are in substantially zig zag formation.
8. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising at
least one rib extending around the periphery of said front portion,
said rib being molded to said body and projecting beyond and
tapering away from said running surface, further individual
roof-shaped projections being provided in said rib said further
projections extending beyond said rib and having a sharp edge
substantially parallel to and aligned with the rib at the location
of said further projections.
9. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising
thickened regions on the front portion of said sole body,
supporting plates molded into said thickened regions, and spikes
detachably secured to said support plates.
10. A running sole as claimed in claim 9, and further comprising an
annular rib projecting outwardly from the periphery of said
thickened portions and tapering away therefrom.
11. A running sole as claimed in claim 10, and further including
means defining spaced apart incissions in said annular rim.
12. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the individual
roof-shaped projections and/or the crossbars are of substantially
triangular cross-section.
13. A running sole as claimed in claim 12, wherein said triangular
cross-section is an isosceles triangular cross-section.
14. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sole is made
of a tough nylon.
15. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crossbars are
arranged substantially parallel to one another and transversely of
the longitudinal axis of the sole.
16. A running sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crossbars are
arranged in two sets, the individual crossbars of a set being
parallel to one another, and the crossbars of one set being
arranged to intersect the crossbars of the other set effective to
form honeycombe-like depressions therebetween, and wherein said
roof-shaped projections are each arranged between adjacent points
of intersection of the crossbars.
Description
The present invention relates to a running sole of flexible
synthetic material for sports shoes, more particularly for sports
shoes for running and jumping competitions.
Tracks of synthetic material are used to an ever increasing extent
for performing running and jumping competitions. But this presents
new problems when it is a question of transferring the leg power of
the runner to the track safely and without loss of power. As is
known, the conventional running spikes as used on cinder tracks
penetrate into modern synthetic material tracks only with
difficulty and after penetration they are so closely surrounded and
retained by the track that a transverse movement of the shoe
relative to the track is virtually impossible and the extraction of
the spike requires considerable effort. A number of difficulties
with regard to the known spikes, and even danger, result for the
athlete from this behaviour of the synthetic material track.
Especially when running around a bend, the shoe cannot participate
in the change of direction which occurs during the rolling motion
of the ball of the foot, so that the ankle joint is additionally
strained. Moreover, the increased effort required reduces the
performance of the athlete.
There are also known running soles for sports shoes which are
formed on the running surface with crossbars or the like projecting
in a honeycomb pattern and between which crossbars rhomboid
depressions, for example, are formed. It is true that the crossbars
provide some enhanced security of grip on synthetic tracks. But as
soon as the track and the sole become wet, the friction between
track and sole is reduced to such an extent that the crossbars
alone are no longer sufficient to provide at least the surface grip
essential for the long distance runner. Moreover, these known
profiled soles are unsuitable for soft or slippery surfaces, where
it is necessary for gripping elements to cut into the ground in
order to obtain surface grip. But there is at present an increasing
tendency to equip sports shoes with such running soles, optionally
after some slight modification, to permit the shoes to be used on
almost any surface.
According to the present invention, there is provided a running
sole of flexible synthetic material for sports shoes, especially
athletic shoes, said sole comprising a sole body having a front
portion with a running surface, a plurality of crossbars molded to
said body, said crossbars projecting beyond and tapering away from
said running surface, and a plurality of individually roof-shaped
projections extending from said crossbars away from said running
surface, the projections each have a blade-like sharp edge, said
edges extending substantially parallel to said running surface and
in the longitudinal direction of the associated crossbars.
Such soles ensure a good grip on both hard and soft, dry and wet,
surfaces, i.e. which ensure both the ground grip for the sprinter
and the surface grip for the long distance runner, especially on
surfaces of synthetic material, and at the same time enable the
running sole to be as light as possible.
In a number of applications it will be sufficient for the crossbars
to be disposed transversely of the longitudinal axis of the sole
and substantially parallel to one another. In some cases, however,
it may alternatively be advantageous to provide the crossbars in
two sets obliquely of the longitudinal axis of the sole so that
substantially honeycomb-like depressions result, the individual
roof-like projections each being arranged between adjacent points
of intersection of the crossbars, so that the projections extend
substantially in zig-zag form.
A sports shoe having, especially in the region of the front of the
sole, a running sole designed in accordance with the invention
provides a very good grip for the athlete. On conventional
synthetic tracks only the bladelike edges of the roof-shaped
projections which edges are substantially parallel to the running
surface will become effective in normal running. Only the necessary
number of these projections is present. Since they do not penetrate
too deeply into the synthetic material track a relatively slight
exertion of force on the part of the athlete is required both for
inserting and for withdrawing the projection, so that the
performance of the athlete hardly suffers. In extreme situations,
for example on take-off, the projections can, however, be thrust so
deeply into the synthetic material track that the honeycomb-like
arranged crossbars are also urged against the surface of the track.
The safety of grip is thereby additionally improved beyond the
extent resulting per se from the deeper penetration. In a similar
manner the crossbars will also act supportingly when a sports shoe
having a running sole constructed in accordance with the invention
is used on soft ground, i.e. when the individual roof-shaped
projections penetrate deeply into the ground, whereby in soft
ground the ground grip is also appreciably enhanced. When the
crossbars intersect and include substantially diamond or
honeycomb-like depressions between them, then it is even possible
to count on these depressions exhibiting some suction cup effect on
slippery, particularly wet, tracks. A further advantage of the
running sole of the invention is to be found in that the body
portion of the sole may optionally be kept comparatively thin and
thus comparatively light, since the crossbars covering the sole
ensure sufficient rigidity of the sole plate. Therefore a running
sole according to the invention can, despite the presence of a
relatively great number of roof-shaped projections, be produced at
a relatively light weight. For the sake of completeness it should
also be pointed out that the substantially triangular lateral faces
of the roof-shaped projections of course offer satisfactory safety
against slipping in the direction of the blade-like edge of the
projections.
Normally the free edges of the roof-shaped projections will
protrude to an equal extent above the running surface of the
running sole. For special purposes, however, it may be advantageous
if the roof-shaped projections are designed in stepped manner with
formation of a plurality of edges projecting to varying degrees
from the running surface. On the one hand there is thus obtained a
further refinement of the adaptation to track surfaces of various
hardnesses. Moreover, tilting of the shoe in the direction of the
free edge is thereby facilitated but at the same time the original
grip is increased by a further edge engaging the ground, i.e. that
of the shallower step. Optionally only the roof-shaped projections
provided in the marginal regions of the sole may be stepped in this
manner.
It is contemplated that the roof-shaped projections be arranged in
a plurality of zones spaced from one another in the longitudinal
direction of the sole, preferably in a plurality of rows extending
transversely of the longitudinal axis of the sole. The projections
of a row may in this context be oriented in zig-zag form. As a
result of the regional manner of fitting the projections the weight
of the sole is, of course, kept relatively low. Moreover, the
crossbars may in that case engage earlier. The rows will generally
be arranged where spikes are provided in conventional sports shoes.
The rows need not, of course, extend across the entire running
sole. They could alternatively be disposed only in the marginal
region or at other locations which may prove suitable.
At least one rib may extend around the periphery of the running
sole and is surmounted by respective spacedly arranged, roof-like
projections.
In order to widen the sphere of applicability of the sole according
to the invention, spikes or the like can replaceably be fitted to
the sole. The spikes are preferably screwed into circular support
plates molded into thickened regions of the running sole. Suitably
the thickened regions have an annular rim the height of which above
the running surface of the running sole corresponds substantially
to that of the roof-shaped projections, whereby when the spikes are
absent satisfactory grip is still ensured in the region of the
annular rims. The annular rim of the supporting plates may be
continuous but it is advantageous for it to be severally
interrupted by recesses.
The roof-shaped projections are preferably of substantially
triangular cross-section. In order to ensure also a satisfactory
gripping effect of the crossbars it is proposed to form these also
of triangular cross-section, the roof-shaped projections and/or the
crossbars most frequently having the cross-section of an isosceles
triangle. But at certain positions of the running soles it may be
more advantageous if some of the individual roof-shaped projections
have lateral surfaces of differing inclination so as to reinforce
the gripping power in certain directions in this way. This applies
particularly for the roof-shaped projections at the edge of the
sole where the inwardly, with respect to the sole, pointing surface
of the projections will frequently include a larger angle with the
running surface of the sole than that surface of the projection
which faces outwardly.
The sole according to the invention may, of course, be produced of
the most diverse materials. But it is of particular advantage to
produce the sole of a tough nylon and as a single piece.
In order that the invention will be more fully understood,
embodiments of the running sole according to the invention will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic underneath plan of a first embodiment of
foresole according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a similar view of a different design of sole;
FIG. 3a is an enlarged perspective view of portions of two
intersecting crossbars having two roof-shaped projections,
approximately corresponding to the area III of FIG. 1, the body
portion of the sole not being illustrated;
FIG. 3b is a similar view of a portion of a crossbar having a
projection of stepped design; and
FIG. 4 is a section taken along line IV--IV of FIG. 2.
The foresoles shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 consist of a flexible
synthetic material, in the present case for example of tough nylon.
On the sole body 2 forming the running surface crossbars 3 and 4
are provided, both in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and that of FIG. 2,
which crossbars extend at about equal spacing obliquely of the
longitudinal axis of the sole and project out from the running
surface 1. The crossbars 3 or 4 respectively are parallel to one
another so that a rhomboid pattern is formed on the running surface
of the sole.
For reasons of clear representation the respective crossbars 3 and
4 are only indicated by two parallel lines in FIG. 1 and 2. In
fact, however, three lines should be drawn since the crossbars 3, 4
have substantially the cross-section of an isosceles triangle, as
is shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.
As is shown in FIG. 3a especially the crossbars 3, 4 are at least
in some regions raised between adjacent points of intersection 5,
thus forming roof-shaped projections 6. These roof-shaped
projections each have blade-like sharp free edges 7 so that the
projections 6 can serve as gripping elements. In FIGS. 1 and 2 the
respective projections 6 are only schematically indicated by the
third line between the two lines representing the crossbars 3,
4.
Both in the foresole of FIG. 1 as in that of FIG. 2 a rim 9
substantially corresponding to the crossbars 3, 4 runs along the
rim 8 of the sole, which further crossbar is also provided with
further projections 10 in principle corresponding to the
projections 5 of FIG. 3a. Furthermore, at least one further rim 12
provided with projections 11 is present in the toe region of the
foresoles. The projections 10 and 11 in particular could be so
constructed that their lateral surfaces, i.e. the actual "roof
surfaces," are of different inclination relative to the running
surface 1 of the sole 2, preferably such that the surfaces directed
towards the centre of the sole are more steeply disposed than the
outwardly facing surfaces.
FIG. 1 shows a foresole which is not provided with any special
fittings or the like, or which may be not so provided. In this sole
the projections 6 surmounting the crossbars 3, 4 are provided in
three substantially parallel rows 13 arranged at a certain spacing
from one another. Any of the adjacent projections 6 form different
angles with the longitudinal shoe axis. It may in this context be
preferred for the rows 13 of projections to be arranged in about
that region where the spikes are provided in conventional sports
shoes.
The embodiment of FIG. 2 differs from that of FIG. 1 on the one
hand in that it is provided with support thickened portions 15
provided with threaded inserts or plates 14 for spikes or the like.
In the region of greater thickness the threaded insert 14 is molded
in with a flange 16 or the like (FIG. 4). FIG. 4 shows clearly that
an annular rim 18 ending in an upper sharp edge 17 is provided
around the support plate 15. The edge 17 of the annular rim 18 is
at substantially the same level as the top edges 7 of the
projections 6. Incisions 19 subdivide the annular rim 18 into a
plurality of segments 20 having some mutual mobility. In use on
suitable ground a spike of appropriate configuration, especially of
appropriate dimensions, is screwed into the threaded insert 14.
When the use of spikes is undesirable or disadvantageous the
threaded insert 14 can be blanked off by means of a filling piece
not shown in the drawing. This filling piece could optionally also
be provided with a cutting edge at its upper surface, corresponding
to the edges 7 or 17.
While in the foresole of FIG. 1 the projections 6 of the individual
rows 13 follow one another in zig-zag formation and only single
rows of such projections are provided, the projections 6 of the
foresole of FIG. 2 are so arranged in areas 21 that any four
projections 6 surround a honeycomb-like depression 22. Thus groups
of projections of diamond shaped outline are, as it were, formed.
In this way a certain suction action is sometimes exercised, in
addition to the gripping action already present as a result of the
projections being thrust into the track, which suction action can
have a beneficial effect, especially on greasy or wet tracks.
Moreover, the engagement of the track surface between the
projections 6 of a diamond shaped group results in some springing
which may have a beneficial effect on the athlete in the course of
his run.
Of course, the projections 6 and the crossbars 3, 4 need not
necessarily have the cross-sectional shape of isosceles triangles
as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. Moreover, it is not absolutely
essential for the faces 23 of the projections 6 to jut out
substantially normal to the running surface 1 of the sole. The
faces 23 can in particular merge in a rounded off manner into the
crossbars 3, 4.
A further alternative is shown in FIG. 3b where in lieu of one
projection 6 two projections 6a and 6b of different height are
provided, but they each have the shape of a cutting edge at their
free edges 7a or 7b. Such stepped projections afford the advantage
that by virtue of the reduced width of the cutting edge 7a as
compared to the cutting edge 7b the rolling movement of the foot
over the edge 7a toward the crossbars 3, 4 is facilitated.
Moreover, an even more precise adaptation to varying hardness of
surface can optionally be obtained. It is of course, not necessary
to provide the design of the projections according to FIG. 3b at
all locations where projections jut out above the crossbars 3, 4.
It would rather alternatively be possible to fit the stepped
projections 6a, 6b only in the region of the outer ball of the foot
so as to facilitate the rolling movement over the outer ball of the
foot.
While in the illustrated exemplary embodiments the crossbars were
always arranged in two groups of mutually parallel rows extending
obliquely of thee longitudinal axis of the sole so that a honeycomb
design of the sole resulted, it may be convenient for some spheres
of application to provide the crossbars only transversely of the
longitudinal direction of the sole, i.e. substantially
perpendicular of the longitudinal shoe axis. In such an event the
projections are naturally also arranged in a row and spaced from
one another rather than in zig zag formation as in the illustrated
embodiments.
Furthermore the design of the sole according to the invention may
not only be contemplated for the foresole but also in the heel
region, it being additionally possible to choose the roof-shaped
projections to be of differing height in the foresole and in the
heel region.
Finally, it should be pointed out that the crossbars need not, of
course, be of triangular cross-section as in the exemplary
embodiments described. Alternatively forms of crossbars which in
cross-section taper semicircularly or trapezoidally or otherwise
could form the running surface of the sole.
* * * * *