DE102018122832B4 - Sole structure for shoes and shoes with this sole structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Sole structure (1) for shoes (S), the sole structure (1) comprising:a sole body (3) supporting an entire sole of a wearer's foot;a plurality of lower elevations (11) extending from a lower portion of the sole body ( 3) project downward in the ground direction and are spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of upper elevations (13) projecting upwardly from an upper portion of the sole body toward the sole of the wearer's foot, each of the lower elevations (11) having a first area (R1) in contact with the ground at its lower portion and each of the upper elevations (13) has at its upper portion a second area (R2) which comes into contact with the sole of the wearer's foot and which is smaller than the first area, the plurality of upper elevations (13) being integrated into the sole body (1). are, and wherein each of the plurality of upper elevations (13) are arranged on an upper side of the sole body (1) at a position at which the upper elevation (13) overlaps with an associated lower elevation (11), so that the upper Elevation (13) is paired with the associated lower elevation (11) in the vertical direction when viewed in section.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a sole structure for shoes and a shoe with such a sole structure.

A sole structure for shoes is, for example, in the Japanese laid-open publication JP 2014- 144 170 A disclosed. The sole structure includes a plurality of first elevations which protrude downward from a bottom of a sole body in the floor direction and are spaced apart from one another, and a plurality of second elevations which extend upward from a top of the sole body toward the sole of the foot of a wearer of the shoes (in Hereafter referred to simply as “carriers”) protrude and are spaced apart from each other. Each of the first elevations is arranged vertically opposite a second elevation assigned to it, with the sole body being arranged between them. Each of the first elevations has a lower end in a hemispherical shape so that the lower end contacts the ground with a relatively small area. With this sole structure, the contact area between the first elevation and the ground is essentially the same size as the contact area between the second elevation and the sole of the wearer's foot.

SUMMARY

According to the sole structure of the Japanese publication JP 2014- 144 170 A When a foot of the wearer (the sole structure) comes into contact with the ground, a reaction force exerted by the ground on the sole structure is transmitted from the first elevations via the sole body to the second elevations. This transfers the reaction force to the sole of the wearer's foot.

In the sole structure of the Japanese publication JP 2014- 144 170 A The lower end of each first bump contacts the ground with a relatively small area, and the contact area between the first bump and the ground is substantially the same size as the contact area between the second bump and the sole of the wearer's foot. In this configuration, the reaction force generated upon ground contact tends to be distributed during transmission from the first elevations to the second elevations. Therefore, the reaction force cannot be accurately transmitted from the second elevations to portions of the wearer's sole. As a result, the wearer cannot detect the pressure differences transmitted to the portions of the sole of his foot upon contact with the ground and therefore cannot effortlessly control his body movement by timely recognition of the load exerted on each portion of the sole of the foot upon contact with the ground.

The US 8 220 182 B2 describes a shoe sole with a massage effect, consisting of an outsole, an insole arranged between the outsole and the foot of a user, and a cleaning insole facing the foot of the user.

From the CN 2 705 035 Y a sole structure with a massage effect is known.

The US 2016 / 0 206 043 A1 teaches a shoe that includes an upper, a sole with an outsole and with an insole, and at least one surface-engaging protrusion.

The WO 2004/ 014 171 A1 describes a shoe sole with an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface has a series of passages that extend into the sole body.

From the CH 702 899 A1 a shoe sole is known, having a flexible outsole and a midsole arranged on the inside of the outsole.

The EP 0 578 618 A1 describes a self-massaging insole for slippers or clogs, which is made by pressing plastic or rubber material.

Against this background, an object of the present disclosure is to enable the wearer to recognize in a timely manner the load exerted on each section of the sole of the foot when it comes into contact with the ground, so that he can effortlessly control his body movement.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the sole structure with the features of patent claim 1 and the shoe with the features of patent claim 5.

To solve the problem, a first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a sole structure for shoes. The sole structure includes a sole body that supports an entire sole of a wearer's foot; a plurality of lower elevations projecting downwardly from a lower portion of the sole body in the ground direction and spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of upper ridges projecting upwardly from an upper portion of the sole body toward the sole of the wearer's foot, each of the upper ridges being disposed on a top surface of the sole body and facing one thereof ordered lower elevation overlaps, each of the lower elevations having on its lower portion a first area that comes into contact with the ground and each of the upper elevations on its upper portion having a second area that comes into contact with the sole of the wearer's foot, which is smaller than that first area is.

In the first aspect, a reaction force is exerted from the ground to the lower elevations when the wearer's foot contacts the ground during movement, such as walking, running or jumping, and this reaction force is applied from the lower elevations to the upper elevations the top of the sole body 3, which each overlap with the lower elevations, are transferred to the sole F of the wearer. Since the second areas of the upper elevations are smaller than the first areas of the lower elevations, the reaction force generated upon contact with the ground is concentrated from the first areas to the second areas. This transfers the reaction force as an increased pressure from the second areas of the upper elevations to the areas of the wearer's sole. This means the wearer can recognize the pressure differences that are transferred to the sections of the sole of their foot when they come into contact with the ground. Therefore, in the first aspect, the wearer can easily control his body movement by timely recognizing the load applied to each portion of the sole of the foot when it comes into contact with the ground.

A second aspect is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the second aspect, each of the lower elevations is substantially columnar and a respective bottom surface of the upper elevations serves as a first region.

In the second aspect, the first areas are formed as relatively wide, flat surfaces, whereby the reaction force from the ground can be easily transferred to the first areas. This allows the reaction force generated upon ground contact to be appropriately transferred from the first areas to the second areas.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the third aspect, the second regions of the upper elevations are of different sizes depending on their respective position with respect to portions of the wearer's sole.

In the third aspect, the reaction force generated upon ground contact can be appropriately transmitted to portions of the sole of the foot. In particular, excessive pressure that may be exerted on a pain-sensitive portion of the sole F of the foot can be regulated.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the fourth aspect, the upper elevations are of different heights depending on their respective position in relation to portions of the wearer's sole.

In the fourth aspect, the reaction force generated upon contact with the ground can be appropriately transmitted to the portions of the sole of the foot. In particular, excessive pressure that may be exerted on a pain-sensitive portion of the sole F of the foot can be regulated.

A fifth aspect is directed to a shoe with a sole structure according to one of aspects one to four.

In the fifth aspect, shoes can be endowed with the same advantages as those in aspects one through four.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of the fifth aspect. In the sixth aspect, the shoe further comprises a shaft attached to an upper side of the sole structure, the shaft comprising a shaft body and an insert integrated into the shaft body.

In the sixth aspect, the shoe has the upper with the upper body and the insole, therefore the shoe can be manufactured more easily than a shoe without an insole.

A seventh aspect is an embodiment of the fifth or sixth aspect. In the seventh aspect, the shoe further includes an insole disposed on the upper elevations.

In the seventh aspect, the insole is arranged on the upper elevations. This means that the insole is located between the sole structure and the sole of the wearer's foot. In particular, the upper elevations come into contact with the sole of the foot via the insole. Therefore, the insole can, for example, regulate the pressure on the sole of the foot even when excessive pressure is applied to the sole of the foot by the upper elevations.

According to the present disclosure, the wearer can easily control his body movement by timely detecting the load applied to each portion of the sole of the foot upon contact with the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

• 1 shows a perspective top view of a sole structure of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the sole structure of the embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 3 shows a vertical sectional view of an enlarged portion of the sole structure.
• 4 shows a schematic top view of the overlap of the first and second areas.
• 5 shows a schematic top view of the positional relationship between the sole structure and a skeletal structure of a foot.
• 6 shows a vertical sectional view of a shoe according to a first variant of the embodiment.
• 7 shows a vertical sectional view of a shoe according to a second variant of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or utility of the present disclosure.

1 and 2 each show an overall view of a shoe S according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoe S can be used, for example, on sports shoes used in various sports such as running or ball sports, on shoes for everyday use and on therapy shoes.

The drawings merely show a right shoe S as an example. Since the left shoe is symmetrical to the right shoe, in the following description only the right shoe will be described and the description of the left shoe will be omitted.

In the following description, the terms "above", "upwards", "on/on", "upper", "below", "below", "lower" and " downward" refers to the positional relationships in the vertical between respective components of the shoe S and "front", "front", "rear", and "back" refers to the positional relationships between respective components of the shoe S in the longitudinal direction.

How 1 and 2 show, the shoe S has a sole 1. The sole 1 extends from a forefoot to a rearfoot of a foot of a person wearing the shoe S (hereinafter referred to as a “wearer”). The sole 1 consists, for example, of an elastic material. Non-limiting suitable examples of the material for the sole 1 include thermoplastic resins such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and foams made therefrom, thermoset resins such as polyurethane (PU) and foams made therefrom, and rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene. Rubber and foams made from it. A shaft 2, which covers the wearer's foot, is attached to an edge portion of the sole 1 (see dashed lines in 1 and 2 ).

In this embodiment, the shaft 2 comprises a shaft body 2a. The shaft body 2a mainly covers an instep of the wearer's foot. The shaft body 2a has a lower end which is open and corresponds to the position of an upper edge section 5 of the sole 1 described later. The shaft body 2a is connected to the sole 1, with its lower end being attached to the upper edge section 5. In particular, the lower end of the shaft body 2a is attached to an upper side 5a of the upper edge section 5, for example with an adhesive or by sewing.

How 3 shows, the sole 1 has a sole body 3. The sole body 3 supports the entire sole F of the wearer. In particular, the sole body 3 is essentially plate-shaped and extends in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction of the shoe S corresponding to the entire sole of the wearer's foot.

How 2 and 3 show, a lower edge section 4 integrated into the sole body 3 is provided on an underside of the sole 1. The lower edge section 4 has an underside 4a located below the lower end of the sole body 3, which encloses the outer circumference of the sole body 3.

How 1 and 3 show, the upper edge section 5 integrated into the sole body 3 is provided on an upper side of the sole 1. The upper edge section 5 has an upper side 5a located above the upper end of the sole body 3, which encloses the outer circumference of the sole body 3. The upper edge portion 5 has a curved front wall 6 at its front end and a curved rear wall 7 at its rear end.

How 2 and 3 show, the sole 1 has a large number of lower elevations 11. Each of the lower elevations 11 has the shape of a square prism, which has, for example, a square shape in cross section and projects downward from the underside of the sole body 3 towards the bottom G. In particular, each lower elevation 11 has a lower section which is arranged under the underside 4a of the lower edge section 4. The lower elevations 11 are spaced apart from one another.

Two adjacent lower elevations 11 form a groove 12 between them. The groove 12 is a recess extending upwards from the bottom surfaces of the lower elevations 11. The groove 12 has a smaller width and depth than the lower elevations 11.

How 1 and 3 show, the sole 1 has a large number of upper elevations 13. Each of the upper elevations 13 projects from the upper portion of the sole body 3 in the direction of the sole F of the wearer. Each upper elevation 13 has in particular a base 13a and a tip end 13b formed in one piece with the base. The base 13a has the shape of a quadrangular prism, which is, for example, square in cross section, and has a height h0 from the upper section of the sole body 3, so that it is essentially flush with the upper edge section 5. The tip end 13b has a height h1, h2 or h3 from the upper end of the base 13a and tapers upward. Each upper elevation 13 in particular has an upper section arranged above the top 5a of the upper edge section 5. In a preferred embodiment, the tip end 13b has a hemispherical apex in cross section.

The upper elevations 13 are spaced apart from one another, and each of the upper elevations 13 is paired in cross section with an associated lower elevation 11. In particular, each of the upper elevations 13 on the top of the sole body 3 overlaps with an associated lower elevation 11.

How 3 and 4 show, each of the lower elevations has a first area R1 in its lower section, which comes into contact with the ground G (a surface of earth or a floor). Each of the first areas R1 is in particular a bottom surface of the square, prism-shaped lower elevation 11 and has sides which each have a dimension a1 in plan view. Each of the upper elevations 13 has a second region R2 in its upper section, which comes into contact with the sole F of the wearer. In plan view, each of the second regions R2 essentially has the shape of a square, the sides of which have dimensions b1, b2 or b3, which are smaller than dimension a1. The second areas R2 of the upper elevations 13 are in particular smaller than the first areas R1 of the lower elevations 11.

In 5 is an area that includes a ball of the foot and a heel of the sole of the wearer's foot F, shown with dotted hatching as area X, and an area outside of the area diagonal lines hatched as an area Y.

How 3 shows, the areas R2 of the upper elevations 13 are of different sizes depending on the sections of the wearer's sole F. As in 4 shown, in particular each of the second areas R2 of the upper elevations 13 in the area X has sides with the dimension b1. On the other hand, each of the second areas R2 of the upper elevations 13 in the area Y has sides with dimensions b2 or b3. Dimension b1 is larger than dimensions b2 and b3. Dimension b2 is larger than dimension b3. Since the dimensions differ in this way, the upper elevations 13 in the area X have larger second areas R2 than the upper elevations 13 in the area Y. In particular, the upper elevations 13 in the area on as the upper elevations 13 in the area Y.

How 3 shows, the upper elevations 13 have different sizes depending on the sections of the wearer's sole F. In particular, the upper elevations 13 in the area X have a height h0 + h1. On the other hand, the upper elevations 13 in the area Y have a height h0 + h2 or h0 + h3. The height h1 is smaller than the heights h2 and h3. The height h2 is smaller than the height h3. Since the heights differ in this way, the upper elevations 13 in the area X are smaller than the upper elevations 13 in the area Y.

[Advantages of Embodiment]

With the sole 1 formed as described above, when the wearer's foot comes into contact with the ground G during his movement, such as walking, running or jumping, a reaction force from the ground G acts on the lower elevations 11 and is controlled by the lower elevations 11 over the upper elevations 13 on the top of the sole body 3, which overlap with the relevant lower elevations 11, transferred to the sole of the wearer's foot F. Since the second areas R2 of the upper elevations 13 are smaller than the first areas R1 of the lower elevations 11, the reaction force generated upon contact with the ground is concentrated from the first areas R1 to the second areas R2. Thus, the reaction force is transmitted as an increased pressure from the second areas R2 of the upper elevations 13 to the portions of the wearer's sole F. This allows the wearer to recognize the pressure differences that are transmitted to the sections of the sole of his foot F upon contact with the ground. Thus, the sole 1 of the shoe S of this embodiment allows the wearer to easily control his body movement by detecting the load exerted on each portion of the sole F of the foot upon contact with the ground.

Furthermore, each of the lower elevations 11 is formed in a columnar shape, e.g. essentially in the form of a square prism as described above, and bottom surfaces thereof serve as first regions R1. In this embodiment, the first areas R1 are designed as relatively wide, flat surfaces, which enables the reaction force to be easily transferred from the ground G to the first areas R1. As a result, the reaction force generated upon contact with the ground can be appropriately transferred from the first areas R1 to the second areas R2.

Furthermore, the upper elevations 13 include the second areas R2, which are of different sizes depending on their position in relation to the sections of the sole F of the wearer's foot. This allows the reaction force generated upon contact with the ground to be appropriately transferred to the sections of the sole F of the foot. In particular, excessive pressure that may be exerted on a pain-sensitive portion of the sole F of the foot can be regulated.

In addition, the upper elevations 13 are of different heights depending on their positions with respect to the portions of the wearer's sole F. Therefore, the reaction force generated upon contact with the ground can be appropriately transmitted to the portions of the sole F of the foot. In particular, excessive pressure that may be exerted on a pain-sensitive portion of the sole F of the foot can be regulated.

Furthermore, bending of the upper elevations 13 in the area X can be avoided regardless of the size of the reaction force transmitted from the lower elevations 11, since the upper elevations 13 in the area

(First variant of the embodiment)

The shaft 2 of the shoe S according to the embodiment described above only includes the shaft body 2a. However, this is merely a non-limiting example. For example, the shaft 2 can, like a shoe S, after an in 6 The first variant shown has an insert 2b in addition to the shaft body 2a.

The insert 2b is made, for example, from a flexible mesh fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the insert 2b has a suitable thickness and is made of a suitable material to transmit the reaction force from the upper elevations 13 to the sole of the wearer's foot. How 6 shows, the insert 2b covers the lower, open end of the shaft body 2a and is arranged in the vertical direction between the sole of the foot F of the wearer wearing the shoe S and the sole 1.

The insert 2b is integrated into the shaft body 2a. In particular, at least ends of the insert 2b in the transverse direction of the shoe S are attached to a lower end of the upper body 2a, for example with an adhesive or by means of sewing. Furthermore, the ends of the insert 2b and the lower end of the shaft body 2a are attached to the top 5a of the upper edge section 5, for example with an adhesive or by sewing.

The insert 2b is arranged on the upper elevations 13. In particular, the insert 2b is arranged with its middle section in the transverse direction of the shoe S opposite the upper elevations 13 in the vertical direction.

As can be seen from the above, the shoe S according to the first variant has the shaft 2, which includes the shaft body 2a and the insert 2b, which is why it is easier to manufacture than a shoe whose shaft 2 does not have an insert 2b.

Furthermore, in the shoe S of the first variant, the upper elevations 13 come into contact with the sole of the foot F via the insole 2b. Therefore, the insole 2b can, for example, regulate the pressure exerted on the sole of the foot F, even if there is excessive pressure from the upper elevations 13 is exerted on the sole of the foot F.

(Second variant of the embodiment)

In the embodiment described above, the upper elevations 13 come into direct contact with the sole F of the wearer. However, this is merely a non-limiting example. For example, the upper elevations 13 can be like with a shoe one in 7 shown second variant also come into direct contact with the sole F of the wearer via an insole 14.

The insole 14 is made of a material, for example a knitted fabric, a woven fabric or a fleece. In a preferred embodiment, the insole 14 may have a suitable thickness and be made of a suitable material to transmit the reaction force from the upper elevations 13 to the sole of the wearer's foot. As in 7 shown, the insole 14 is arranged on the upper elevations 13. In particular, the insole 14 is arranged with its middle section in the transverse direction of the shoe S opposite the upper elevations 13 in the vertical direction. As a result, the insole 14 is arranged between the sole of the foot F of the wearer wearing the shoe S and the sole 1. The insole 14 may have an edge portion which is attached to the top 5a of the upper edge portion 5, for example using an adhesive or by sewing.

As stated above, in the shoe S of the second variant, the upper elevations 13 come into contact with the sole of the foot F via the insole 14. Therefore, the insole 14 can regulate the pressure exerted on the sole of the foot F, even if, for example, from the upper elevations 13 excessive pressure is exerted on the sole of the foot F.

[Other embodiments]

In the embodiment described above, the sole 1 comprises the sole body 3 made of a single material. However, this is merely a non-limiting example. The sole 1 can, for example, comprise an outsole (not shown) made of a hard-elastic material with a high degree of hardness and a midsole (not shown) made of a soft-elastic material. In this embodiment, the lower elevations 11 can be provided on an underside of the outsole corresponding to the lower portion of the sole body 3, and the upper elevations 13 can be provided on an upper side of the midsole corresponding to the upper portion of the sole body 3.

In the embodiments described above, each of the lower elevations 11 has the shape of a square prism. However, this is merely a non-limiting example. Each of the lower elevations 11 can have the shape of a triangular prism or a round column, for example. The lower elevations 11 can have any shape as long as they are essentially columnar.

In the first variant of the embodiment it was described that the insert 2b is made of a flexible mesh fabric. However, this is merely a non-limiting example. The insert 2b can, for example, also be made from a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, a fleece, a fabric or a foam made of resin and/or rubber.

The insert 2b can consist of two or more layers. The layers can be made of the same material or different materials.

In the second variant of the embodiment, it was described that the insole 14 is attached to the top 5a of the upper edge section 5 of the sole 1, for example using an adhesive or by sewing. However, this is merely a non-limiting example. The insole 14 can, for example, be arranged in a detachable manner, with its edge section being arranged on the top side 5a of the upper edge section 5 of the sole 1.

In the above embodiment, it was described that the lower end of the shaft body 2a is attached directly to the top 5a of the upper edge portion 5 with an adhesive. However, this is merely a non-limiting example. When producing the shoe S, for example, an additional step can be carried out. In this step, an intermediate body (not shown) is formed by temporarily attaching an insert (not shown) made of a water-soluble material (such as paperwood) to the lower end of the shaft body 2a and the top 5a of the upper edge portion 5. The intermediate body is then dipped into an aqueous solution to dissolve only the insert. Through this step, the shoe S can be easily manufactured as in the first variant described above.

In the first variant of the embodiment, the insole 14 of the second variation can be arranged on the insole 2b.

It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is industrially applicable, for example, to sports shoes used in numerous sports such as running and ball sports, training shoes for such sports, sneakers for everyday use or therapeutic shoes.

Claims (11)

Sole structure (1) for shoes (S), the sole structure (1) comprising: a sole body (3) supporting an entire sole of a wearer's foot; a plurality of lower elevations (11) projecting downwardly from a lower portion of the sole body (3) in the ground direction and spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of upper elevations (13) which protrude upwards from an upper section of the sole body in the direction of the sole of the wearer's foot, each of the lower elevations (11) has on its lower section a first region (R1) which comes into contact with the ground and each of the upper elevations (13) has on its upper portion a second area (R2) which comes into contact with the sole of the wearer's foot and which is smaller than the first area, the plurality of upper elevations (13) being integrated in the sole body (1). are, and wherein each of the plurality of upper elevations (13) are arranged on an upper side of the sole body (1) at a position at which the upper elevation (13) overlaps with an associated lower elevation (11), so that the upper Elevation (13) is paired with the associated lower elevation (11) in the vertical direction when viewed in section. Sole structure (1). Claim 1 , wherein each of the lower elevations (11) is essentially columnar and a respective bottom surface of the upper elevations (13) serves as a first area. Sole structure (1). Claim 1 , wherein the second areas of the upper elevations (13) are of different sizes depending on their positions with respect to portions of the wearer's sole. Sole structure (1). Claim 1 , wherein the upper elevations (13) are of different heights depending on their positions in relation to portions of the wearer's sole. Shoe (S) comprising the sole structure (1). Claim 1 . Shoe (S) comprising the sole structure (1). Claim 2 . Shoe (S) comprising the sole structure (1). Claim 3 . Shoe (S) comprising the sole structure (1). Claim 4 . Shoe (S) after Claim 5 , further comprising: a shaft (2) attached to an upper side of the sole structure (1), the shaft (2) comprising a shaft body (2a) and an insert (2b) integrated into the shaft body (2a). Shoe (S) after Claim 5 , further comprising: an insole (14) arranged on the top of the sole structure (1). Shoe (S) after Claim 9 , further comprising: an insole (14) arranged on the top of the sole structure (1).

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