JP2012504480A - Shoes with non-slip sole - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention relates to a shoe having an elastomeric sole with an interface that improves grip on the road surface and may contain intervening foreign objects, the sole having blocks (31) separated from each other by grooves (35). The walls of the groove (35) extend through the body of elastomeric material to form a steep angle pattern in the contour of the block (31), which establishes a direct dry contact relationship between the two surfaces. Can penetrate into the elastomeric material. Each block (31) constitutes a star pattern with at least five branches in the shape of a stem (32) arranged distributed around the above-mentioned contour, each stem (32) being external It is directed radially and ends at the tip. Each stem (32) is separated from the adjacent stem by a recess (38) provided in the block contour. Finally, each block (31) is in the space of the adjacent groove formed by the recesses (38) provided between the adjacent stems in the outline of the second block located next to the first block. A stem (32) inserted into the.

Description

  The present invention relates to footwear with a sole, which provides footwear with good non-slip contact means with a work surface that may be slippery due to liquid or solid foreign matter. The present invention is particularly suitable for, for example, road surfaces that are inherently slippery or very smooth natural or synthetic coverings, such as linoleum (Rinoleum®), crocodile styles, polishing stones and metal surface materials. Good grip is required when wet or wet with liquid (eg water, oil or blood) or covered by a pool of liquid or other foreign material such as mud or ice It can be used for footwear for work or sports.

  Fall caused by unintentional slipping is one of the most frequent and serious causes of accidents today. This is especially true for accidents during work, and experts in this field have been studying for a considerable period of time how to reduce the frequency and severity of these accidents. In particular, many safety footwear or safety shoe manufacturers have already begun to market footwear with a sole designed to provide good anti-slip properties. The grip characteristics of footwear are also very much appreciated in many types of sports.

  The prior art also describes a number of embodiments with the same purpose. The model filed in the United States by US Design Patent No. 446912 (S) is a sculpture with edges for tearing or breaking a film of liquid that may cover a surface that has become available for use by pedestrians. A good example of the proposed device for increasing the grip of the sole of a footwear having a relatively soft or flexible sole with a pattern is provided in the state shown in FIG. These patterns are typically made of elastomeric material, eg rubber lugs (protrusions) juxtaposed on the surface of the sole so as to further cover, for example, the entire part supporting the front part of the foot and possibly the entire surface of the heel. Have These blocks are square and are arranged in a diagonal direction, i.e. each block has a diagonal extending in the longitudinal direction of the sole. The blocks are aligned or aligned to form rows separated by narrow grooves of uniform width, the grooves forming a network of channels that intersect at right angles. Each lug is also divided into four parts by two slits (or the so-called term “sipe”) positioned at right angles and parallel to the edge of the lug to form four element blocks. . These slits are adapted to increase the lateral flexibility or flexibility of each lug and sole of the engraving pattern or engraving, which contributes to the destruction of the liquid film. Preferably, the depth of each slit is smaller than the depth of the groove, and more preferably, the depth of each slit is 20% to 80% of the depth of the groove.

  U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,752 describes a footwear sole further comprising a regular array of elastomeric lugs protruding from the surface of the sole base toward the road surface. Each lug is formed by a star-shaped pattern with four arms oriented substantially longitudinally in one direction and laterally in the other direction. These lugs are aligned or aligned in a diagonal row at an angle of about 45 ° to the longitudinal direction, and between such diagonal rows are displaced by the lugs during the movement of the footwear along the road surface. A groove for the discharge of liquid and foreign matter is defined. To increase the penetration of the edge of the lug edge into the material covering the road surface, the distance between the ends of each star arm and the tip of the base surface end of the sole is Another option described in this patent, which is set to be greater than the height of the central surface of the lug, provides a recess on this surface that terminates at an edge with a cross section where each lug edge forms an acute angle It is to be.

  U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,894 also shows a non-slip footwear used during showering (or in a shower room) so that the sole of the footwear allows water to flow through the sole. The sole has a contact lug separated by a groove and further divided by a slit. These slits or notches may increase the deformation of the lug material when the lug material is in contact with the road surface. In one embodiment, each lug is polygonal and is divided into sectors by discharge slits that extend radially from the center of the lug toward the vertex of the polygon.

US Design Patent No. 446912 (S) Specification US Pat. No. 7,146,752 U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,894

  Appreciable results in terms of grip are achieved with these various prior art engraving patterns. However, systematic studies of non-slip footwear by the applicant indicate that the non-slip characteristics of the sole can cause various slip hazards and can cause slippage that can be difficult to predict. It can be further improved in terms of the environment. Thus, there are still technical improvements to be made.

  The present invention improves the prevention of slipping and limits slipping that the user may receive on a slippery road even when the user is wearing dedicated footwear. In addition, as in any case where the use of the article is designed to find a compromise between the various performances, this increase in safety can be attributed to other types of performance, such as wear and comfort due to use. And must be achieved while maintaining the integrity of the surface on which the footwear is in contact. In particular, in protecting the integrity of the contact surface, small objects (eg, pebbles) are captured or captured in the grooves or hollows formed during the design of the sculpture pattern on the sole. It is necessary to prevent as much as possible.

  For this purpose, the present invention has improved anti-slip properties in the case of an interface between the sole and the road surface, especially in the presence of a high degree of slip, in particular in the presence of intervening foreign matter. Propose safety footwear. The footwear has a sole with a base of elastomeric material, the sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being adapted to support a foot of a footwear user.

  According to the invention, the footwear has a sole with a base of elastomeric material, wherein at least one region of the base comprises a contact lug protruding from its lower surface so as to contact the road surface, The contact lugs are separated from each other by grooves that define an stem at an angle of less than 75 °. The contact surface of each lug is in the shape of a star with at least five arms distributed over the entire contour shape of the contact surface, and each stem is defined by a recess directed towards the center of the star shape Separated from its adjacent stem on the lug. The sole relates to a plurality of first contact lugs in the region, wherein each of the first contact lugs is in a contour shape of a second contact lug located next to the first stem and the first lug in the region. And having at least one stem-recess coupling in the form of a coupling with a recess separating two adjacent stems. In this case, the term “stem-recess coupling” means that the end of one stem of the first contact lug is in the vicinity of the recess between the two stems of the adjacent second lug and surrounds the second lug. It means to be positioned in a circle. The end of the first stem may be in the form of a tip formed by the intersection between the two faces, or may be truncated.

  When the two lugs are in the state described in the above sentence, these lugs are caused by a recess between the two teeth of the adjacent second gear where the teeth of the first gear are coupled to the first gear. It is in a “coupled” state as inferred from the case of the gear device fitted in the formed space.

  In a supplementary variant, the first lug has at least one recess separating two adjacent stems in the profile of the lug, the stems of the adjacent second lug being the region described above. A corresponding groove space that fits within is defined.

  Further, in one embodiment, each first lug comprises (i) at least two joints of that stem to a recess (88-2) separating adjacent stems in the profile of adjacent lugs, and (ii) It has at least two joints in its recess between adjacent stems in its contour shape to the stems of adjacent lugs.

  The mutual arrangement of the star pattern of the present invention is because the arm or stem at the stem-recess coupling position in the groove of the engraving object is in an arrangement state in which the head and tail are in contact with each other. It further provides the advantage of giving the sole good resistance to pebbles retention. The bending of the stem facilitates the release of foreign matter (eg, pebbles).

  Due to the characteristics of the present invention described above, the distribution density of the tip or end of the stem in a region of the sole can be increased in the same way as the density of the edges that bound the lug along the groove, thereby increasing the grip. While being promoted, it is clear that the sculpting rate of the engravings placed in this part of the sole is reduced. In the following description, the expression “rate of indentation” is used in connection with engravings having a rubber solid that forms a pattern on the surface and is separated from each other by a hollow, and is a unit of hollow in the engraving area. It represents the ratio of the surface area to the total unit surface area as seen from the plan view of this engraved specimen. The reduction in the dent ratio increases the area of the lug material that is in contact with the support surface. As this contact surface increases and the material engagement pressure decreases, the grip improves as well as the wear resistance of the sole.

  Furthermore, in accordance with a complementary feature of the present invention, the sidewalls defining the stem may be in contact with the sidewalls rather than being positioned exactly perpendicular to the base of the sole, in order to increase the retention of foreign objects. , Slightly toward the outside of the sole with a taper angle that tends to expel foreign objects that tend to be trapped between the two opposite walls located on each side of the groove toward the outside of the sole It is preferable to arrange the side wall so as to change the direction. In the improved configuration example, it is possible to change the taper angle along the stem of each lug to highlight the instability of the trapping action and promote the release of foreign matter. It is also possible to form a boss that functions as a stone removing device in a state of protruding from the bottom of the groove at the intersection of the grooves.

  In one embodiment, the area of the sole in question comprises a plurality of first lugs, each first lug being surrounded by at least four second lugs distributed along its circumference, Each second lug is in a coupling position with the first lug. Each of these second lugs is itself surrounded by and coupled to a set of at least four lugs including the first lug described above. This provides a high mounting density of the engraving lug on the sole to achieve a good grip and low dent ratio. The lugs in the area in question tightly cover the sole with a tip that can be cut in many directions in the material located between the road surface and the sole. In view of the recommended configuration, this result is achieved without other types of performance degradation expected from footwear in the desired application.

  A very satisfactory result is in particular that each first lug in the above-mentioned region has six stems and is surrounded by a set of at least six adjacent lugs distributed along its circumference. Achieved with footwear that has a sole. Preferably, each of the lugs belonging to this set is in mutual stem-recess coupling with the surrounding first lug, i.e. in each coupling the stem of the first lug is the second lug. The stem of the second lug is fitted in the recess of the first lug. Applicants have discovered that the particular geometric properties of this form provide many advantages during research to find an effective compromise between various constraints on the sole during use of the sole. .

  By using the configuration of the present invention, the sole of the footwear is located between the sole and the road surface, and the direction having protrusions or edges that can enter a foreign object that may cause a decrease in grip can be increased. Is possible. This property is reinforced as the number of arms in each lug increases. In an improved example, it is also possible to increase the number of directions in which the sculptured lug stems are directed by an arrangement in which the directions of the adjacent lug stars are angularly offset relative to each other.

  In another aspect of the placement of the engraving lugs in the sole, the first lugs are second in the alignment belonging to the first network of generally parallel lines in the sole by stem-recess coupling as described above. Related to the adjacent lag. Preferably, the contour shape of the first lug is formed by a stem-recess combination in the sculpture in the engraving that belongs to the second network of a line parallel to a direction different from the direction of the first network in the region. Related to two separate lags.

  The lugs of the two adjacent lines of the first and / or second network fall off from the front-to-front interface that is in contact with each other in the general direction of the first and / or second network. A wavy groove that can be discharged. Advantageously, the width of the grooves between the lugs is substantially uniform to form a channel that facilitates the outward release of slippery particles trapped under the sole. Since the stems described above are arranged alternately, these grooves can have a wavy shape. For example, it is possible to improve the regularity of the width of the groove by using a stem whose tip is truncated as desired and is not pointed or rounded. This is because the pressure generated on the very narrow surface of the edge when the user's sole hits the road surface is still quite high.

  In one embodiment, each lug is also divided by at least one slit or sipe in the lug thickness. This path of the slit may be such that it has one end in the middle of the lug and the other end opens into a recess between two stems in the profile of the lug. Thus, the slit follows a path that represents the minimum distance between the center of the lug and one of the lug edges between the two stems. For lugs with six stems, three slits may be provided, each slit following the path described above, and these ends opposite the edges described above are common in the radial configuration near the center of the lug. Meet at the point. These slits preferably divide each lug into a plurality of sectors or element lugs, each of which is in the form of a chevron in the case of a star with six arms. good. An advantage of this arrangement is that it reduces the distance that intervening foreign particles must be released from each point under the lug towards the hollow in the structure of the sole. The slit also allows the sole to be flexibly made perpendicular to its thickness, while providing a cutting edge that increases local overpressure and allows the release of interstitial impurities thus released. For this purpose, the orientation of the radial pattern of these lugs on the surface of the lugs can also be angularly shifted from one lug to the next.

  With respect to the operation of non-slip footwear, the pressure exerted by the edge of the elastomeric lug on the road surface results in a concentration of compressive stress in the material of this edge, and such concentration decreases with distance from the edge of the lug. The pressure exerted on the road surface by the end of the star arm and the edge of the engraving lug can penetrate the film of liquid or other intervening material between the surface of the lug and the road surface and initiate its destruction. This restores direct local contact between the lug material and the road surface. In the case of ice, slipping occurs due to the formation of a water film on the surface of the ice, so the problem is the same.

  Each stem is progressively compressed to facilitate the propagation of forces starting from the end of the stem and destroying the intervening film of liquid or other impurities. A steeper stem is preferred because it is effective in breaking the liquid film. In addition, each edge is not strictly parallel to the road surface when the lug hits the road surface, so there is always a concentration of stress at the contact point that facilitates film breakage to bring the lug material into contact with the road surface. Exists.

  When the intervening membrane is drilled, the stem edge continues to tear it, while driving liquid or other impurities present between the road surface and the lug surface towards the hollow parts (grooves and sipes). . The component of the force exerted by the sole in the plane of the ground creates an increased pressure on the edges, thereby causing liquids or other surface contaminants (eg dust and liquid mixtures) like windshield wipers. Drive away. The resulting dry contact condition results in a strong increase in local grip.

  The prolonged dry contact under the sole lugs promotes good distribution and diffusion of forces under the sole. By improving the grip, slip is greatly reduced. This also reduces wear and extends the useful life. Also, the recommended star shape of the lug adjusts the surface dent ratio (ratio of the sculpture hollow area to its total area) to increase the surface contact between the lug material and the road surface. The lugs can be arranged to do so. As discussed above, the widest possible dry contact surface is advantageous in terms of grip and wear resistance.

  In an embodiment of the invention, the angle of the tip of each stem is at least 40 °. Similarly, the number of arms forming each star stem is preferably at least six.

  The present invention provides a very high quality anti-slip action between the road surface and the sole of the footwear, in particular by reducing the retention of pebbles. The arrangement of the sculpture on the surface of the sole reduces the grip coefficient and penetrates into a substance located in the contact area, particularly a liquid in the form of a film (moisture) or a reservoir (wet air). You can get rid of this. Therefore, in view of this mechanism, a sufficiently wide dry contact surface is created at the point of step by step of the user, thereby improving the grip. However, in this regard, according to the applicant's research results, not only has the inherent characteristics of the shape and angle described above, but also a pattern that is small enough to increase the number of engagement points in the intervening sliding material. It is preferable to use it. The patterns described above are particularly effective if they are dimensioned so that they can be inscribed in a circle having a maximum diameter of 20 millimeters or preferably 10 millimeters or less and a minimum diameter of 4 millimeters.

  According to the invention, these properties are also combined with a dense distribution of lugs in the engraving sole. For this purpose, a relatively small dent ratio of less than 55 percent, preferably less than 50 percent, is specified, which promotes the potential extension of the dry grip contact area.

  Surprisingly, the sculpture of a footwear sole manufactured with this kind of property is equivalent to that of the prior art shown in FIG. It has a surface with a very specific feel that is different from the sole. Numerous tips at the end of the lug stem provide a strange and unexpected sensation of softness combined with roughness and clinging of "velvet".

It is a top view of the sculpture of the sole of the non-slip footwear as a prior art. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a sculpture of the present invention for a non-slip sole. FIG. It is a top view of the sculpture-like pattern of this invention arranged in order from the arrangement | positioning different from the arrangement | positioning of FIG. It is a perspective view of the sculpture-like pattern of this invention arranged in the arrangement | positioning state different from arrangement | positioning of FIG. It is a detailed top view of the lug of the engraving object of FIG. It is a schematic outline figure of this lug. FIG. 6 shows a possible position of this lug in the non-slip sole. It is a figure which shows the three engraving lugs of a sole, and is a figure which shows a stem-concave coupling | bonding state. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the arrangement of the lugs of FIGS. 3 and 4 in the circular portion VV of the sole shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the overall appearance of a sculpture formed by the lugs of FIGS. 3-5 in the sole of the footwear. FIG. 5 shows one of four alternative embodiments of engravings using lugs similar to the lugs of FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 5 shows one of four alternative embodiments of engravings using lugs similar to the lugs of FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 5 shows one of four alternative embodiments of engravings using lugs similar to the lugs of FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 5 shows one of four alternative embodiments of engravings using lugs similar to the lugs of FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an embodiment of a footwear sole using the engraved pattern of FIG. 2, a three-quarter view from above. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an embodiment of a footwear sole using the engraving pattern of FIG. 2, and is a perspective view by drawing. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a surface that provides anti-slip properties with a variation of the engraving of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the problem regarding the capture | acquisition of the foreign material in the groove | channel between the lugs of footwear sole. It is explanatory drawing of the problem regarding the capture | acquisition of the foreign material in the groove | channel between the lugs of footwear sole. It is explanatory drawing of the problem regarding the capture | acquisition of the foreign material in the groove | channel between the lugs of footwear sole. It is explanatory drawing of the problem regarding the capture | acquisition of the foreign material in the groove | channel between the lugs of footwear sole. It is explanatory drawing of the problem regarding the capture | acquisition of the foreign material in the groove | channel between the lugs of footwear sole. It is explanatory drawing of the problem regarding the capture | acquisition of the foreign material in the groove | channel between the lugs of footwear sole. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates one solution of the present invention to the problem of foreign object capture. FIG. 5 schematically shows another solution of the present invention to the problem of foreign object capture. FIG. 6 is a plan view of one of three embodiments of anti-trapping solutions in the arrangement of lugs with stems of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of one of three embodiments of anti-trapping solutions in the arrangement of lugs with stems of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of one of three embodiments of anti-trapping solutions in the arrangement of lugs with stems of the present invention.

  A sole engraving or engraving pattern is shown in FIG. 1 and this sole engraving is filed in the United States under US Design Patent No. 446912 (S) mentioned at the beginning of this specification as a description of the prior art. The sole sculpture of the model literature is reproduced at least approximately. The sole sculpture is composed of square rubber lugs (protrusions) 11, which protrude from the base or support 12 toward the bottom surface of the sole, and the base 12 is suitable for the intended use of the sole. Thickness and flexibility. Each lug 11 is divided into four element blocks 14 by two slits or sipes or recesses 15 that intersect each other at right angles. The lugs 11 are separated from each other by two sets of orthogonal grooves 16 parallel to the slits 15, which allow a good flow of liquid displaced by the sole in contact with the road surface. Have suitable dimensions. The width of these grooves is usually several times the width of the internal slit 15 of each lug 11.

  In FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction of the footwear is directed from the bottom to the top of the paper. Accordingly, each of the blocks has a diagonal line in the longitudinal direction L of the footwear. The blocks 11 form lines parallel to each other in this direction. The diagonals of each line are aligned. Each block has a rubber tip at each of its front and rear ends on the diagonal, and each of these tips forms a stress concentration point perpendicular to the road surface in response to the weight of the user. The concentration of can break the liquid film covering the road surface. Similar tip portions are aligned in a direction 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The above arrangement has several advantages, but in some cases the grip is still insufficient. This is not always the case for the penetration of the liquid film by the sculpture lug, after which the surface liquid covered by the lug in question is driven off, achieving a good grip and slipping. This is because the road surface is not sufficiently wiped to establish a dry contact relationship with the road surface necessary for prevention.

  FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a sculpture using the principles of the present invention, in which each rubber lug 21 protruding from the sole base has the shape of a star with six arms. Each of the arms terminates in a stem 22 directed towards the outside of the lug 21. Embodiments of these lugs are described in detail below. If the longitudinal direction of the footwear (indicated by arrow L) extends up from the bottom of this page, the lugs form an alignment in this direction. Each alignment body is separated from the adjacent alignment body by a groove 24 having a wavy contour shape. The lugs 21 are also aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L (indicated by the arrow l) and form a row separated from each other by a set of undulating grooves 25 in this direction.

  In this embodiment, the width of each undulation groove is quite wide and varied. In narrow channels, such as channel 25-1, each separating the stem tip 22 and recess 28 between the two stems of adjacent lugs, the width barely exceeds 1 millimeter. In contrast, this width extends to about 5 millimeters in arm 25-2 in the region where there is a maximum spacing between adjacent stars. This arrangement has been shown not to be optimal for use in the present invention. At this point, the average width of the channels formed by the grooves in this example varies from 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters and the average width is 3 millimeters. Each lug can be inscribed in a circle with a diameter of 8 millimeters. These numerical values give an overall impression that the distribution density of the edge of the rubber lug in the surface of the engraving object is high when the dent ratio of the engraving object is 45% or less. Thus, after the liquid covering the road surface has been displaced by the rubber lug under the user's continuous step-by-step action, a considerably wider rubber area is left behind to establish an effective grip contact relationship with the road surface. Left behind. In terms of edge density, each lug 21 extends from the center of the pattern, and each lug 21 forms a set of three (one set of three, each terminating in a recess 28 between adjacent edges of the profile of the lug 21. ) It is divided into three element blocks 26 by slits, dents or sipes 23.

  Also, every second lug has two slits oriented in the longitudinal direction L, for example slit 22 and only one slit directed in the lateral direction l. Furthermore, each lug 21 is followed by a lug in which the orientation of the stem is angularly offset by 30 ° relative to the direction of the lug 21 in both the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction l, which in this case It is considered a reference lag. As a result, the sculptured lugs form a set of 12 stems facing in different directions, and the risk of slipping due to the user walking on a slippery road surface with the sculptured soles. Multi-directional resistance is provided.

  In the configuration of FIG. 3, when using the same convention for the orientation of the pattern with respect to the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction l of the sole, the inventor in this embodiment, in this embodiment, has each star-shaped lug 31 with six arms. Has two stems 32 that are oriented mainly longitudinally in both directions and one stem 33 that is also directed transversely in both of these directions. However, if the lugs 31 are aligned as described below, the two aligned networks formed by these lugs are neither longitudinal nor transverse. As described above, the stem 32 can provide a concentration of stress on the road surface and on impurities covering the film, such as water, oil or blood. In this configuration, the density of the stem tip that can initiate perforation of a slippery film or membrane that primarily covers the road surface that responds to longitudinal forces is higher than in the previous configuration where the lug orientation is different. . The advantage of this arrangement is that it creates a groove with a relatively constant cross section. For low surface dip rates, this configuration is preferred because the contaminant flow is facilitated (contaminant is substantially fluid). FIG. 3B provides a clear technical idea regarding the appearance of a non-slip surface constructed in accordance with the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4A, the engraving lug 31 of FIG. 3 having six stems, eg, stems 32, 33, has three element blocks 36 by three slits 34 extending radially outward from the center 37 of the lug 31. It can be seen that it is divided into Each of the slits 34 opens into a groove 35 that separates the lug 31 from the adjacent lug at a recessed portion 38 located at a joint portion between two adjacent stems 32 or 33 on the contour shape of the lug 31. Each element block 36 has two adjacent stems 32 or 33 positioned in a chevron pattern. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the lug 31 of FIG. 4A, which protrudes from the base or support 30 of the footwear sole. The slit 34 that divides the lug 31 meets at its center 37 in a single slit that appears at 37 in FIG. 4B. Further, the depth h of the slit, for example, the slit 34 is smaller than the depth H of the groove 35.

  The contour shape of the footwear sole 41 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4C, in which the lug pattern 31 described above is carefully enlarged to emphasize the orientation of the stems 32, 33 relative to the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction l. Has been.

  FIG. 5 shows the interposition of six stem lugs of the type described in the previous embodiment. Referring to lug 31-A in FIG. 5, that stem 32-1 having one edge parallel to direction L is two stems 32-3 of lug 31-B adjacent to lug 31-A in direction L. , 32-4 “invades” into hollows or recesses formed between them. On the other hand, the stem 32-4 of the lug 31-B is oriented in the direction L, but in the opposite direction, and the two stems 32-1 and 32-2 of the lug 31-A are mutually connected. "Invades" into the hollow formed between them. There is a kind of incomplete mating between the lugs 31-A and 31-B, which is repeated for all the other lugs in the engraving in this direction. The same arrangement may be adopted for the stem 33 in the lateral direction l.

  Also, in this structure, the grooves 35 between the opposite sides of the stems that follow each other in one or the other direction have a relatively uniform width, and such grooves are the contact between the lug and the road surface. Communicating with each other by forming a network of undulated or zigzag channels that can be flushed out of the surface, or other impurities, to be released from the sole. The configuration described above facilitates the formation of channels with relatively uniform but not completely uniform widths. A large area, for example area 43, occurs in the form of a triangle bounded by three different lugs at each end of a groove, eg, groove 35-B, whose sides are parallel to each other. Test results show that this irregularity collects all of the liquids or other substances that are expelled by the channel network contaminants and lags whose release capability is continuously arranged along the road surface. Is not important, provided that it is sufficient to release.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a sculpture included in the circular portion indicated by VV in FIG. 6, and FIG. 6 is an overall view of a part of the sole having the same pattern. FIG. 6 also shows that the lugs 31 are virtually strictly aligned, i.e., each lug pattern can be obtained by simple displacement or translation of another lug in the same line. In the case of FIG. 6, the sculptural lugs are aligned in the two directions indicated by arrows 45-45 and 46-46. The direction 45-45 is located at an angle of 60 ° with respect to the direction 46-46, and these two directions do not coincide with either of the main directions L, l of the sole. Thereby, the regularity of the width of the hollow portion or groove between the patterns can be optimized to a certain extent. Other examples of optimization of groove uniformity for each pattern are described below (FIGS. 7A and 7B) along with adjusting the orientation of the stars relative to each other. The selection of the number of slits in each engraving lug within each star and their orientation is also a factor in controlling the performance of the engraving.

  Referring back to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the operation of the engraving object described in this specification can be described by considering an example in which the user has taken a step forward. The lug 31 contacts the road surface from the back to the front, and the two rearward stems 32 of the sole start to be compressed in response to the weight of the pedestrian. The compression proceeds towards the wider part of the stem. When the tip 41 of the stem 32 located near the rear part of the lug 31 in FIG. 4A comes into contact with the dry road surface through the impurity film, the stem edges 42 and 43 tear the film when the stem is compressed. Stem 41 of FIG. 4A belongs to element block 36-1, which has a second stem and is separated from other element blocks 36 of lug 31 by chevron-shaped slits 34. Under the pressure transmitted by the compression of the rubber of the lug, the foreign substance of the membrane located under the stem 41 is pushed forward and also to the side and advanced toward the surrounding groove. Gradually establish a dry contact relationship with the road surface. As a result, the grip increases. Further, when the compression of the rubber proceeds toward the center of the lug 31, the rubber bordering the slit or sipe 34 expands to close the sipe. The element block 45 abuts against the walls of the other two adjacent element blocks of the lug, limiting the deformation of the lug and maintaining the dry contact relationship thus obtained with sufficient contact pressure. The above action is the same in all directions.

  With reference to FIG. 4D, it is necessary to explain the meaning of “stem-recess coupling” in this case. This FIG. 4D shows three lugs 211, 212, 213, each lug in the form of a regular star with six arms or stems, and the lug geometric centers P 1, P 2, P 3 The edge located farthest in the radial direction when viewed from the top is located on a circle (C1, C2, C3, respectively) surrounding each lug. It can be seen that the lug 212 is coupled to the lug 211. This is because one of the stems 212E is located near the recess 211R formed between the two stems 211E of the lug 211 and inside the circle C1 surrounding the lug 211. Because. Similarly, the lug 213 is connected to the lug 211. This is because one of the stems 213E is positioned within the circle C2 positioned within the recess 212R and surrounding the lug 212. In a limited case, the lug 211 has a stem 211E ′ located on a circle C2 whose end encloses the lug 212.

  It has been found that the arrangement of engraving lugs arranged alternately has another advantage in terms of the safety of the sole in situations where foreign objects are trapped between the walls of the engraving groove. FIG. 10A shows a cross section of the sole with two lugs 88A, 89A separated by a groove 90A. The width of the groove relative to its depth is such that foreign objects such as stones cannot remain trapped in the groove for a long time. FIG. 10B shows the reverse case where the groove 90B is deeper and narrower than the groove 90A. Obviously, the pebbles 93B may remain easily trapped in some cases, after which the pebbles eventually release as a result of the various forces the sole is in use. Is done. In the latter case, the presence of pebbles adversely affects anti-slip performance on slippery road surfaces. FIG. 10C is a top view of a portion of the sole of FIG. 10B, where the groove 90C exerts a balanced force on two sides of the pebbles 93C that are trapped in the groove. It extends along the edge of the lug. In contrast, FIG. 10D shows the same situation for a groove bounded by two stems 88B, 89D positioned in a substantially head and tail configuration in the configuration of the present invention. As is apparent from this figure, pebbles, such as pebbles 93D, trapped in the upper portion of FIG. 10D receive an unbalanced lateral force from the wall of the groove 90D during walking. Due to this imbalance, the pebbles 93D are quickly expelled from the grooves 90D. This is also true in the other illustrated case where the pebbles 93'D are trapped in the lower portion of the groove 90D in FIG. 10D, where the stress exerted by the thick stem 89D is the thin stem. The pebbles will be released sooner or later higher than the stress of 88D.

  FIG. 10E shows an alternative configuration of the present invention that helps to prevent the retention of pebbles. The walls 91E, 92E of the groove 90E are inclined at a taper angle as viewed toward the upper part of the drawing, and the taper angle measured with respect to a line perpendicular to the lug contact surface exceeds 0 °. These walls make an obtuse angle with respect to the base 80E. The pebbles 93E trapped in the funnel shape tend to be driven away from the groove toward the outlet by the inclined wall. Similar results are obtained in the case of FIG. 10F, in which the base of the groove comprises an elastomeric boss 94F, which is for an object that may be trapped between the walls 91F, 92F, for example the object 93F. Works as a stone removal device. This last configuration example is particularly suitable for a space where it is not easy to taper the intersections of the grooves as described below, for example.

  FIG. 11 comprises a stem 96-1 bounded by a wall 95-1 inclined at a constant taper angle and a stem 96-2 bounded by a groove wall 95-2 also inclined at a constant taper angle. It is a schematic perspective view of a set. The two stems are positioned in a head-to-tail arrangement according to the configuration of the present invention and are separated from each other by a groove. FIG. 12 schematically shows in plan view that it is easy and advantageous to form the walls 99, and the taper angle of the walls 99 is the groove 97 that these walls bound. It is changing along. In the case shown, the taper angle of the wall increases along the groove to the end of the stem.

  13A, 13B and 13C are similar to, for example, the plan views of FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7, and the walls of the grooves between the lugs are shown in FIGS. 13A and 13C. The modification has a constant taper angle, and FIG. 13B has a variable taper angle. The layout of the wall of the base of the sole that forms the base of each groove appears as 180 and 181 between the lugs 182 and 183 in FIG. 13A and as 190 and 191 between the lugs 192 and 193 in FIG. 13B. FIG. 13C shows the layout of the stone removal device 195 formed at the intersection of the grooves, where a considerable amount of space on the base of the sole is left uncovered by the inclined walls of the grooves.

  FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D show several possible variations of the preferred embodiment described with reference to the previous drawings, which are provided in particular for the purpose of adapting the dent ratio of the engraving of the invention. An embodiment is shown. In FIG. 7A, a lag pattern forming a star with six arms 51 identical to the lag pattern of FIGS. 3-6 is shown in the direction of one stem 52 and axis 1 with each star pointing along the axis L. Since it has two stems 53 with main components, it is handled differently. The center 57 of each group of three adjacent lugs 31 is located on the vertex of the equilateral triangle 58. This is because the centers 37 of adjacent lugs 31 are located on an equilateral triangle 48 indicated by a one-dot chain line, and the sides are directed at 45 °, 105 °, and 165 ° with respect to the longitudinal direction L, respectively. This is similar to the case of FIG. In the configuration example of FIG. 7A, the three sides of the equilateral triangle 58 have the same orientation as the three sides of the triangle 48. However, the distance between the centers of the lugs and the lengths of these stems (ie, the distance of the ends of the stems from the center of the lugs) are different from each other. As a result, there is a large separation between the edges of adjacent parallel stems on each side of the groove, and the position of the tip of the stem is narrowed to a given degree of the channel formed by the groove. I understand that it exists.

  Referring to FIG. 7B, again, with respect to the same lug pattern 61, the center 67 is located at the apex of the equilateral triangle 68, and the three sides of the equilateral triangle are 15 ° and 75 ° with respect to the longitudinal direction L, respectively. It is located at an angle of 135 °. Since the dimensions of lugs 61 and triangles 68 are the same as the dimensions of lugs 51 and triangles 58 in FIG. 7A, the configuration of FIG. 7B shows the fact that the groove width of the sculpture is clearly greater than that of FIG. 7A. Obviously, perfect uniformity can be achieved. Thus, the intermeshing triangle orientation of the lugs is a useful parameter for adjusting groove uniformity and dent ratio.

  FIGS. 7C and 7D reduce the dent ratio of the engravings of FIGS. 3-6 above and reduce the tip of the stem while retaining a substantial groove width for release of intervening membrane material to be removed. It shows how to increase the density of lugs by cut back. Also, the stem tip can be rounded or not pointed to achieve the results shown. This configuration can increase the star dimensions (ie, the length of stem E described above) as shown in FIG. 7C for the same configuration as that of FIG. When the importance of the release capability is small, it can be increased further as shown in FIG. 7D. On the condition that all other factors remain unchanged, the reduction in the dent ratio is a factor that can reduce the contact pressure applied to the support surface. In the case of a sole used on the road surface, this allows the grip to be increased in dry contact while at the same time reducing wear. These aspects of performance are generally considered to be the preferred viewpoint in designing anti-slip applications.

  In particular, according to the present invention relating to the non-slip contact between the road surface and the user's foot, the object is to effectively infiltrate and drive away intervening materials that reduce the grip coefficient between the road surface and the user. The primary objective is to produce a sculpture that retains the maximum dry contact surface when each step of the user is accomplished. In this regard, the applicant's research results have demonstrated that not only have the above-mentioned inherent characteristics, but also a small pattern sufficient to increase the number of engagement points with the intervening material, with a relatively low indentation. It is useful to use in combination with a rate, ie a dent rate less than 60 percent (60%) and at most equal to 30 percent (30%). The above-described patterns have been found to be particularly effective in size such that they use a maximum diameter of 10 millimeters and are preferably inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 2-8 millimeters. Finally, these patterns are particularly suitable for preventing retention of pebbles or other objects in the sole, which can be a source of additional slippage.

  Surprisingly, the sculptures of footwear soles manufactured with this type of property have a surface that has a very specific feel when touched, which is the case when all other factors are equal, For example, it differs from the feel of the prior art sole shown in FIG. Numerous tips at the end of the lug stem provide a strange and unexpected sensation of softness combined with roughness and clinging of "velvet".

  Such an impression is, for example, a sculpture described with reference to FIG. 5 for a working footwear sole made of rubber or other elastomeric material with a shear modulus (rigidity) at 2.7 MPa at 10% elongation. Obtained in the form. The distance between the tips of the two opposite stems is 8 millimeters and the opening angle of the stem is 60 °. The end of each stem is slightly rounded. In this example, the width of the slits 34 is 0.3 millimeters and their length is about 2 millimeters. The distance between the two parallel edges of the two lug stems that bound the same groove in FIG. 5 is 0.9 mm. The height of the sculpture (or the depth of the groove) is 3 millimeters, and the depth of the slit 34 is 2 millimeters. The surface dent ratio in this example is 40 percent.

  8A and 8B show a configuration example of a star-shaped pattern having the six arms of FIGS. 4A and 4B. This configuration example improves the isotropic property of the sculptured grip. Suitable for letting Each lug 81 has six arms that terminate in the form of a stem. Referring to one lug 81-1 of the lug, see two adjacent stems 82-1 and 83-1 belonging to two separate element blocks 86-A and 86-B of this lug 81-1. Can take. Next, one lug 81-2 of the adjacent lugs on the left side of FIG. 8A is examined, and the stems 82-2 and 83- of the corresponding two element blocks 86-A and 86-B of the lug 81-2 are used. Looking at 2, it can be seen that these are formed by the displacement of the layout of the lug 81-1 including the translation of these layouts towards the upper left of the drawing and the rotation around the lug axis at an angle of 30 °. Similarly, FIG. 8A shows that the lug 81-3 can be formed by translation of the layout of the lug 81-2 in the same direction and a 30 ° rotation about its axis. Therefore, the adjacent lugs 81-1 to 81-3 located on the alignment body from the right side to the upper left side have stems directed in different directions. The same structure can be seen in the alignments located just below and just above in FIG. 8A. This structure can be used to increase the direction of the force that the lug can act with maximum effectiveness to bite into a skin or membrane of material located between the sole and the road surface.

  FIG. 8B is a detailed view of the composition of lug 81-1 with a slit 84-1 protruding from the base of sole 80 and not as deep as its stems 82-1 and 83-1 and groove 85-1. Each lug, for example lug 81-1, faces two recesses 88-1, 88-2 belonging to two adjacent lugs, one on each side of lug 81-1 in the same alignment (in this case (From right to upper left) with two opposite stems. Conversely, lug 81-1 was directed by the two stems of adjacent lugs on each side of lug 81-1 in the second alignment (in this case, the lower right of FIGS. 8A and 8B). (From top to bottom) with two opposite recesses 88-3, 88-4.

  The engraving of the present invention to improve the isotropic of the engraving, i.e. to achieve uniform performance of the engraving in all directions or a uniform response to stresses in different directions. It is possible to manufacture with different lugs in the array of slits or sipes, eg slits 34, with respect to the orientation or number of slits in each lug. It is also possible to make careful choices to differentiate certain characteristics of the sculpture in a certain direction, for example in the direction of forward movement with respect to the footwear, or to prioritize priority. 7C and 7D, it can be seen that each star lug 71 is similar to the slit 34 of FIGS. 3-5 and has six radial slits 74 that meet at the center 75 of each lug 71. .

  In addition to changing the orientation of the star pattern from one lug to the next, it is possible to juxtapose various sizes of lugs on the engraving according to the desired performance. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a sculpture with a star-shaped lug with six arms of the type shown in FIGS. 3-5 above, between these lugs. Lugs 92 having a triangular contour shape and inserted into the engraving are alternately arranged. Accordingly, each of these lugs 92 has three vertices 96 that fit into the space formed by the recesses 98 between the stems of the lugs 91, and each of these lugs also meets at the center of the lug 94. Three slits or sipes are provided.

  Obviously, the patterns of adjacent lugs that make up the engraving are of different shapes, e.g. having different numbers of arms or varying in size between the engraving lugs. It is possible to devise other systems for designing and arranging engravings having a slit system.

  The present invention can be used with star lugs having, for example, 5, 6 or 7 arms (or more).

  Experience has shown that the above-described configuration provides a sliding contact between wet or wet road surfaces or liquids such as water, oil or blood or road surfaces and / or the usual components of footwear soles. It tends to provide a significant improvement in the grip of the footwear sole for road surfaces covered by any other impurities that may be caused. The invention is particularly suitable for the production of non-slip soles for work footwear and / or sport footwear.

  Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications of the invention can be conceived without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (18)

  Footwear having a sole with a base of elastomeric material, wherein at least one region of the base comprises a contact lug protruding from its lower surface to contact the road surface, the contact lug being in each contact lug A star with at least five arms spaced from one another by grooves defining stems (32) at an angle of less than 75 °, the contact surfaces of each lug being distributed throughout the contour of said contact surface Each stem is separated from its neighboring stem on the lug by a recess (38) directed toward the center of the star shape, and the sole is a plurality of first of the region. For each contact lug (81), each recess of the first contact lugs separating two adjacent stems in the profile of a second contact lug located next to the first lug in the region At least one stem-recess coupling of the first stem (83-1) to (88-1), ie, the end of the first stem is in a circle surrounding the second lug Footwear characterized by being positioned on the footwear. Each first lug in the region is
(I) at least two joints of the stem to the recess (88-2) separating adjacent stems in the contour shape of adjacent lugs; and (ii) adjacent stems in the contour shape relative to the stems of adjacent lugs. 2. Footwear according to claim 1, having at least two joints in its recess between each other.   Each first lug in the region is surrounded by a set of at least four lugs distributed throughout its circumference, each lug being surrounded by the set by a stem-recess joint The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the footwear is associated with the lug being applied.   Each lug in the region has six stems, each lug being surrounded by a set of at least six adjacent lugs distributed throughout its circumference, each lug being The footwear of claim 1, comprising a stem-recess coupling to the lug surrounded by the set.   Footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lug (31) is inscribed in a circle less than 20 millimeters in diameter with respect to at least one region of the sole.   6. Footwear according to claim 5, wherein each lug (31) is inscribed in a circle having a diameter of not more than 10 millimeters and not less than 4 millimeters.   The footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a dent ratio of the sculptured object is 60% or less and 30% or more with respect to at least one region of the sole.   Footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle of the apex of each stem is at least 40 °.   9. Footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the groove (35) between the stems is substantially constant in order to maximize the actual contact surface of a region of the sole. .   The star orientation of adjacent lugs (81-1, 81-2, 81-3) is angularly offset from each other with respect to at least a portion of the sole. Footwear.   Footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lug has at least one slit (34) provided in the thickness of the lug and opening in its contact surface.   12. Footwear according to claim 11, wherein each slit has two ends, one of the ends being open into the recess.   13. Footwear according to claim 11 or 12, wherein each lug has a plurality of slits, the slits having a common end (37) located within the lug.   Footwear according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the depth of each slit (34) is 20% to 80% of the depth of the groove (35) separating the lugs from each other.   The orientation of the slits (84-1, 84-2, 84-3) of one lug (81-1, 81-2, 81-3) is at least of adjacent lugs with respect to at least a portion of the sole. The footwear according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the footwear is angularly shifted with respect to one of the slits.   Each stem is defined by the walls of the two grooves (35), with the stem (83-1) of the first lug (81) fitted into the recess (88-1) of the second lug. The wall of at least one groove separating the stem (83-1) is inclined with respect to the base of the sole at a taper angle exceeding 0 °, and the taper angle is applied to the contact surface of the lug. Footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, measured against a vertical line.   17. Footwear according to claim 16, wherein the taper angle of the wall increases along the groove to the end of the stem.   18. The sole of claim 1-17, wherein the sole has at least one boss that acts as a stone removal device, the boss protruding from the base at the intersection of at least two grooves defining the ends of two stems. Footwear according to any one of them.

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