CN102076235A - An improved sole structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sole structure (10) comprising an outsole (31) and a midsole layer (33), and an insert (4) between the outsole and the midsole layer. The insert includes at least a cage-like portion (410) having a first cavity (41) for receiving a cushioning member (5). The midsole layer includes a second cavity (330) into which the cushioning member can be at least partially inserted.

Description

Improved sole structure

technical field

The present invention relates to an improved sole structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sole structure having improved capabilities for shock absorption and comfort to a user's foot.

Background technique

As is well known, conventional shoes generally include an upper bonded to a sole structure.

The sole structure generally includes an outsole provided with a tread that contacts the ground, a midsole for supporting the user's foot, and one or more insoles for better comfort for the user's foot.

The sole structure may often include additional elements, such as shank members and counterforce members, which are disposed on the arch and heel regions of the user's foot, respectively, to provide additional support.

It is well known that the ability to absorb shock is an important factor when considering the construction of a shoe sole, especially when the shoe is used for sports activities.

To this end, shoemaking technology has relentlessly focused on the development of sole arrangements that provide shock absorption.

In most sole constructions, a shock-absorbing body composed of a shaped piece of elastomeric material such as polyurethane or soft rubber is used, which is housed in the outsole, under the midsole, usually under the user's foot. in the depression formed at the heel area of the foot.

Unfortunately, these conventional structures provide poor and imperceptible shock absorption and exhibit severe limitations in robustness and stress resistance. Since the midsole constitutes a separate element between the user's foot and the shock absorber, the midsole itself prevents effective damping of the shocks from being obtained.

In some known sole structures, the shock-absorbing body has a channel-shaped structure comprising a plurality of vertical grooves, in which vertical configuration a filling material is arranged. The upper arrangement has a relatively poor level of compressibility in the direction towards the ground since the vertical groove is defined by the support grid oriented in the same direction as the user's foot exerts pressure. This fact constitutes a serious limitation on the damping performance.

In patent application US2008/0115389A1, the shock absorbing body has a honeycomb structure, which is oriented horizontally and defines different levels of cells filled with a filling material such as gel, silicone, polyurethane resin or soft rubber .

This technical solution has the disadvantage of increasing the thickness of the sole structure, since multiple stages of honeycomb are required in order to provide a satisfactory damping effect. Accordingly, the distance between the user's feet and the ground increases with adverse effects on the user's balance and foot control.

In addition, this sole structure reveals a rather complex arrangement and is relatively expensive to manufacture at an industrial level.

Contents of the invention

From the above considerations, it is clear that there remains a major sensory need for a sole structure that can provide significant shock absorption while being relatively easy to manufacture at an industrial level with relatively low cost and labor, and more A high level of comfort is generally provided for the user's foot.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a sole structure that allows overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art and fulfilling such needs.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sole structure according to appended claim 1 .

In a more general definition, the sole structure according to the invention comprises an insert arranged between the outsole and the midsole and comprising at least a cage-shaped portion arranged in the heel area of the user's foot.

The cage portion includes a first cavity at least partially housing a cushioning element at least partially insertable into a second cavity of the midsole.

The sole structure according to the invention has improved capabilities in terms of shock absorption and support of the user's foot, while being relatively strong and simple to manufacture.

Description of drawings

Other features and advantages of the sole structure according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an athletic shoe including a sole structure according to the present invention; and

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a sole structure in a first embodiment according to the present invention; and

Figure 3 schematically shows an exploded view of the sole structure in said first embodiment according to the invention; and

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a partial side view of the sole structure of Figures 2-3; and

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure of Figures 2-3; and

Figure 6 is a partial side view of a sole structure in another embodiment according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 schematically shows a partially exploded view of the sole structure of FIG. 6 .

Detailed ways

Referring now to the cited figures, the present invention relates to a sole structure 10 generally joined to an upper 11 defining a volume for receiving a user's foot, thereby forming a shoe 100 .

The sole structure 10 includes an outsole 31 that may include a sole 313 that may have a different shape as desired.

In the cited figures, the outsole 31 is divided into two different pieces 311 and 312 which are respectively provided in the heel region 100A and the toe region 100C of the user's foot.

If desired, the outsole 31 may comprise a separate piece that also covers the arched plantar region 100B.

At the heel region 100A, the outsole 31 preferably includes windows (not shown) and/or the outsole may be made of a transparent material to allow internal inspection.

Outsole 31 may be made of a durable polymeric material such as rubber, thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic, polyurethane, or other polyurethane materials.

Sole structure 100 includes midsole 33 extending on outsole 31 to provide support to a user's foot.

Preferably, midsole 33 is made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and includes a lower surface 332 and an upper surface 331 .

Preferably, the sole structure 10 also includes one or more insoles 150 (shown only in FIG. on, and preferably removable.

The sole structure 10 comprises an insert 4 arranged between an outsole 31 and a midsole 33 , at least at the heel region 100A.

The insert 4 comprises at least a cage portion 410 disposed in the heel region 100A.

Preferably, the cage portion 410 is made from a separate sheet of relatively rigid plastic material, such as a polyurethane material.

Alternatively, the cage-shaped portion may be obtained by stacking several sheets of relatively rigid shells.

Advantageously, cage portion 410 may be integrally formed with shank portion 420 disposed in arched plantar region 100B.

Alternatively, shank portion 420 may be provided as a separate piece operably joined to insert 4 and/or outsole 31 .

The cage portion 410 includes a first lumen 41 extending preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground.

Preferably, the first inner cavity 41 includes a bottom end 41A at which a bottom wall 414 is disposed. Bottom wall 414 may optionally include windows (not shown), and/or it may be made of a transparent material.

At the upper end 41B, the first internal cavity 41 is fully or partially open towards the midsole 33 .

The midsole 33 includes a second cavity 330 arranged substantially in alignment with said upper end 41B so as to communicate with the first cavity 41 .

Preferably, the second internal cavity 330 is a hole through the entire thickness of the midsole 33 between the upper surface 331 and the lower surface 332 .

In this case, the first internal cavity 41 communicates with the internal volume of the shoe 100 delimited by the upper 11 .

In a possible option (not shown), the second internal cavity 330 may be closed above by a layer of material bonded to the midsole 33 , or by a wall integrally formed with the midsole 33 .

Preferably, said layer of material (or said wall) is relatively thin and flexible. Such material layers can also be at least partially removed.

Preferably, cage portion 410 includes a horseshoe-shaped first sidewall 411 that may have a lumen oriented toward toe region 100C.

The sidewall 411 has an inner surface 412 at least partially laterally defining a perimeter of the first internal cavity 41 and an outer surface 413 that at least partially defines the contour of the sole structure 100 at the heel region 100A.

Preferably, the cage portion 410 also includes a second side wall 415 having an arched shape with its protrusion directed towards the toe region 100C. Advantageously, the side wall 415 defines the remaining perimeter of the first internal cavity 41 .

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first lumen 41 may be laterally delimited by a single side wall having an annular shape.

Preferably, the cage portion 410 comprises one or more third lumens 43 communicating with the first lumen 41 and advantageously extending at least partially through the first side wall 411.

Preferably, the third inner cavity 43 is a hole passing through the entire thickness of the first side wall 411 from the inner surface 412 to the outer surface 413 so as to communicate the first inner cavity 41 with the external environment.

Alternatively, the third lumen may be closed at an end 43A ( FIG. 2 ) disposed opposite to the first lumen 41 .

The first lumen 41 and the third lumen 43 extend along non-parallel, preferably perpendicular, directions.

Preferably, as shown in Figures 1-5, each side of the side wall 411 includes a plurality of parallel third lumens 43 having a generally tubular shape.

In an alternative embodiment of the sole structure 10 shown in FIGS. 6-7 , the cage portion 10 comprises two elongated inner cavities 43 provided at one side of the first side wall 411 , respectively.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the third inner cavity 43 can also be arranged along the second side wall 415 or along the side walls 411 and 415 .

In general, the shape of the third lumen 43 and their location along the side walls 411 and/or 415 can be arbitrary as desired.

The first inner cavity 41 at least partially accommodates the damper 5 , preferably comprising a main body 51 having at least one upper portion 510 accommodated or at least partially accommodated in the second inner cavity 330 .

Advantageously, at the upper part 510 the cushioning element 5 is able to come into contact with the user's foot or with the insole 150 .

When the cavity 330 is a hole through the thickness of the midsole 33 , an advantageous direct contact is achieved between the cushioning member 5 and the user's foot or the insole 150 .

Indirect contact is obtained when the lumen 330 is closed above by a thin and flexible layer or wall.

In both cases, the user's foot can benefit from improved cushioning since the pressure of the user's heel is exerted directly on the cushioning element 5 and no longer on the midsole. In this way, the midsole 33 does not impair at all the cushioning effect provided by the cushioning element 5 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , upper portion 510 is preferably inserted into lumen 330 so as to protrude slightly from upper surface 331 . This technical solution contributes significantly to achieving contact between the cushioning element 5 and the user's foot or the insole 150 .

According to this preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the upper part 510 can be shaped as a stepped profile according to a slightly rounded profile, in order to ensure a good coupling with the side wall of the second inner chamber 330, or as a mushroom-shaped profile, in order to ensure Good coupling with the upper edge of the second inner cavity and with the upper surface 331 of the midsole 33 .

Alternatively, the upper portion 510 may be inserted into the second inner cavity 330 so as to remain at the same level relative to the upper surface 331 of the midsole 33 .

As another alternative, the upper portion 510 is only partially inserted into the second lumen 330 .

As yet another alternative, the upper portion 510 may be disposed outside of and aligned with the lumen 330 .

In all these alternative embodiments (not shown), the pressure of the user's foot will cause the upper portion 510 to be fully inserted in the second inner cavity 330 and protrude from the upper surface 331 of the midsole 33, thereby Cushioning member 5 is forced into contact with the user's foot or insole 150 .

The cushioning element 5 also comprises one or more side portions 520 preferably at least partially housed in the third inner cavity 43 and advantageously shaped so as to match the inner contour of the third inner cavity 43 .

Accordingly, the cushioning element 5 is arranged such that its volume changes in a predetermined manner when pressure is exerted on the cushioning element, in particular when unfolded in one or more predetermined directions 200, wherein the predetermined directions are not parallel to The direction 201 of applying pressure to the user's foot is preferably perpendicular to this direction 201 .

Preferably, the damper is arranged to be deployable in one or more directions 200 relative to the ground level, while pressure is exerted on the damper in a vertical direction 201 .

It should be noted that the third lumen 43 facilitates this anisotropic deployment since the third lumen 43 provides a predetermined deployment path for the cushioning member 5 .

Accordingly, the cushioning member 5 can expand through the third inner cavity 43 when pressure is applied, such as when the user's foot leans against the ground. Conversely, when the pressure is released (for example due to the user lifting his foot from the ground), the cushioning member 5 can at least partially recover its original volume.

The buffer 5 is preferably made of a gel material, an impact resistant elastic material (eg d30 ^™ ) or an elastomeric material.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cushioning element 5 consists of a shaped pad filled with a gel material. This technical solution allows the cushioning element 5 to deploy faster when pressure is applied to the cushioning element 5 .

The buffer 5 may also comprise multiple parts made of different materials and/or of the same material with different densities, such as multiple layers of different materials stacked or arranged side by side.

As an example, the upper part 510 may include a gel layer injected on the main body 51, the gel layer including different materials or gels having different densities. Of course, other combinations of layers and/or materials are possible.

In another example, the body 51 may be formed from a plurality of vertical layers of different materials having a cylindrical geometry and arranged according to a concentric layout.

The sole structure according to the invention allows to achieve the intended aims and objectives.

The sole structure 10 includes an insert 4 having a cage portion 410 comprising an inner cavity 41 for receiving a cushioning member 5 and defined by one or more side walls.

This allows the sole structure 10 to have a relatively small thickness at the heel region 100A and at the same time allows support for the user's foot.

The midsole 33 is provided with a second inner cavity 330 through which the cushioning element 5 can be inserted.

This feature allows for direct contact of the cushioning member with the user's foot or with the inner insole.

Thus, the presence of the midsole 33 no longer constitutes an obstacle to obtaining maximum shock absorption and cushioning.

The cushioning member 5 is expandable in a predetermined direction, preferably a direction perpendicular to the direction in which pressure is applied. This allows further improvement of the shock absorption effect.

The cage portion 410 of the insert 41 is formed by a third inner cavity 43 to facilitate this anisotropic deployment of the cushioning member 5 while providing support to the user's foot.

Manufacturing tests have proven that the sole structure 10 according to the invention can be assembled in a simple manner, especially at an industrial level. This feature allows to significantly reduce manufacturing costs.

Claims (15)

1. a footwear sole construction (10), this footwear sole construction comprise outer bottom (31) and sole middle level (33) and be arranged on described outer bottom and described sole middle level between insert (4), it is characterized in that, described insert comprises the cage type part (410) of the heel region that is arranged on user foot at least, described cage type partly comprises first inner chamber (41) that holds bolster (5) at least in part, described sole middle level comprises second inner chamber (330) at least, and described bolster can insert described second inner chamber at least in part.

2. footwear sole construction according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described bolster can contact with user foot or with the end (150) in the footwear of described footwear sole construction.

3. footwear sole construction according to claim 2 is characterized in that, described second inner chamber is the hole of passing the whole thickness in described sole middle level.

4. footwear sole construction according to claim 3 is characterized in that, described bolster inserts by described hole, so that can contact with user foot or with the end (150) in the footwear of described footwear sole construction.

5. according to one in the aforementioned claim or multinomial described footwear sole construction, it is characterized in that described cage type part comprises the first side wall (411) with inner surface (412) at least, described inner surface limits the periphery of described first inner chamber at least in part.

6. according to one in the aforementioned claim or multinomial described footwear sole construction, it is characterized in that described cage type part comprises the 3rd inner chamber (43) that is communicated with described first inner chamber at least.

7. according to claim 5 or 6 described footwear sole constructions, it is characterized in that described the 3rd inner chamber extends through described the first side wall at least in part.

8. footwear sole construction according to claim 7 is characterized in that, described the 3rd inner chamber extends through described the first side wall from the inner surface of described the first side wall to outer surface (413).

9. according to one in the claim 6 to 8 or multinomial described footwear sole construction, it is characterized in that described the 3rd inner chamber has tubular form.

10. according to one in the claim 6 to 9 or multinomial described footwear sole construction, it is characterized in that described the 3rd inner chamber has elongated shape.

11., it is characterized in that when pressure being applied on the described bolster, described bolster can partly launch along predetermined at least direction at least according to one in the aforementioned claim or multinomial described footwear sole construction.

12., it is characterized in that when pressure being applied on the described bolster, described bolster can partly launch along described the 3rd inner chamber at least according to one in the claim 6 to 10 or multinomial described footwear sole construction.

13. footwear sole construction according to claim 11 is characterized in that, described bolster inserts at least in part and passes described the 3rd inner chamber.

14., it is characterized in that described bolster is made by gel rubber material or elastomeric material or high impact material according to one in the aforementioned claim or multinomial described footwear sole construction.

15. footwear (100) is characterized in that, described footwear comprise according to one in the aforementioned claim or multinomial described footwear sole construction (10).

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