Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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OUTSOLE WITH TANGENTIAL DEFORMABILITY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an outsole, especially for sport shoes,
which is elastically deformable also forwards and backwards in the tangential
direction
and is essentially stiff with respect to tangential deformation only beyond a
critical
deformation in the region deformed so far.
Deformation in the tangential direction is understood here to be a
deformation, brought about, for example, by shearing, in a direction
tangential and/or
parallel to the two-dimension of extent of the outsole or its tread.
Deformations in a
direction perpendicular to the two-dimensional extent of the outsole or its
tread, caused,
for example, by compression, must be differentiated from this. Tangential
directions
coincide approximately with horizontal directions and perpendicular directions
with
vertical directions on a horizontal substrate.
PRIOR ART
Elastically yielding outsoles are known in large numbers in different
constructions, elastic materials of different hardness being used. Outsoles
with
embedded air or gel padding are also known. They are intended to cushion
stresses
occurring while running and, by these means, take care of the locomotor system
of the
runner, especially of the joints, and impart a pleasant running sensation.
Most of the running shoes for sports purposes, obtainable commercially at
the present time, have spring characteristics, which permit cushioning
primarily in the
vertical direction or in the direction perpendicular to the tread with
compression of the
sole, which is, however, relatively stiff in the horizontal and tangential
directions and not
sufficiently yielding when the foot is set down obliquely at an angle. The
reason for this
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may very well lie therein that a greater deformability of the sole in the
horizontal
direction would produce a sort of swimming effect, which would have a negative
effect
on the stability and steadiness of the runner. The runner would also lose some
distance
with each step, since the sole, while being pushed off from the point of
impact, would
first be deformed somewhat in the direction opposite to the one in which the
foot is set
down. To some extent, the swimming effect, of course, already occurs in
conventional
commercial sports shoes. In order to avoid this effect, the front region of
the sole of most
of these sport shoes, from which pushing off usually takes place, is
relatively hard and
constructed to be not yielding.
On the other hand, in spite of the pronounced tangential deformability, the
outsoles of the above-mentioned type, as also disclosed in the WO 03/102430,
avoid the
swimming effect, in that, beyond at least a critical deformation in the region
deformed so
far, they are essentially stiff with respect to tangential deformation. For
the runner, after
the critical deformation is reached, there is a secure stance on the
respective stepping or
stressing point, from which he can push off once again without loss of way.
In the WO 03/102430, different examples are described, by means of
which the solution principle of tangential deformability of the sole in
conjunction with its
stiffness beyond the at least one critical deformation can be understood well.
For
example, tubular hollow elements of a rubber material are described, which,
under
perpendicular, but especially also under tangential deformation, can be
compressed
completely forwards and backwards and then, due to friction between their
upper and
lower half shells, prevent further tangential deformation.
The EP 1264556 discloses an outsole for sports shoes, the sole of which
has an outer softer layer and an inner harder layer. Projections at the inner,
harder layer
penetrate the softer outer layer and protrude beyond the latter in the form of
supports. A
tangential deformability of the sole is not provided and would also be
prevented by the
supports.
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A sole, known from FR 2709929, has a similar construction, the interior
layer being provided with sharp metallic peaks.
The UK 2285569 discloses a training show with a sole, which has yielding
first and stiff second elements. The first elements are inclined at an angle
towards the
rear in the direction of the heel and collapsed under load in this direction
between the
second unyielding elements, which subsequently take up the load. A
corresponding
deformation of the first elements towards the front is not possible because of
their
arrangement relative to the second elements.
The JP 5309001 discloses a shoe with a sole, which is provided in an inner
zone with projections, which are deformable tangentially in all directions and
are
provided with a cavity. This inner zone is surrounded by an edge zone with
stiff low ribs,
which, from a particular deformation of the hollow projections onwards, absorb
the load.
The German utility model G 8126601 discloses a shoe with a sole, into
which brush-like pieces with rearward directed stiff bristles are inserted.
These bristles
are intended to make a rapid forward start possible and, by pointing to the
rear, a forward
sliding. A corresponding deformation of the bristles to the front is not
provided and, very
likely, also not possible.
US patent 3,299,544 discloses a shoe with a sole, the front heel region of
which is provided with transverse ribs, which are directed backward. In
comparison to
the ribs, the rear edge zone forms a somewhat lower plateau. Under normal
running
conditions, the ribs are intended to make contact with the ground before the
plateau does
and, at the same time, to deflect towards the rear until the plateau makes
contact with the
ground and limits further deformation of the ribs.
The DE 29818243 discloses a shoe mechanism with a sole, with elements,
which are inclined to the rear and, when the foot is set down, fold over in
the direction of
the heel and contact the remaining sole.
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Within the scope of practical applications of the principle, known from
WO 03/102430, as well as of the tubular hollow elements described therein, it
has turned
out that these, cannot do justice to all practical requirements, at least not
in their
concretely described form. It is not by chance that, in the area of sport
shoes, specially
constructed such shoes, coordinated with the requirements of the respective
sport, are
offered for almost any type of sport, especially the construction of the soles
in each case
playing an important, if not even decisive role for their respective
suitability.
PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to indicate how the outsoles of the
type, known from the WO 03/102430, can be adapted better, in an economic
manner, to
practical requirements, including the requirements of different types of
sport.
Pursuant to the invention, this objective is accomplished by the
distinguishing features given in the claims.
The two functionalities, required for the desired effect, namely the
tangential deformability on the one hand and the stiffness with respect to
tangential
deformation beyond at least a critical deformation on the other, are assigned,
pursuant to
the invention, to different elements. Owing to the fact that that at least one
first element
and at least one second element can be conceived, dimensioned and produced
independently of one another, far more design, construction and variation
possibilities
arise in practice, with which the desired adaptation to practical requirements
can be
achieved better than was the case previously with elements, such as the known
tubular
hollow elements, which fulfill the two functions named simultaneously.
A corresponding division into several tangentially deformable first
elements and several stiff second elements is basically also provided for in
the
aforementioned JP 5309001. The first and second elements are, however,
disposed
separately from one another there. The first elements are in a first inner
zone and the
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second elements in the boundary zone surrounding the inner zone. As a result,
it may
happen that the so-called inner or outer foot runners, who will be dealt with
in greater
detail further below, uncoil exclusively over the hard elements, which are
disposed in the
boundary zone, or that, when uncoiling takes place over the center of the
sole, practically
only first elements are stressed and there is a swimming effect here, which is
the very
thing that the present invention wishes to avoid.
The invention therefore sees to it that, in the heel region and/or in the ball
region of the sole, zones, which are determined on the one hand by the at
least one first
element and, on the other, by the at least one second element, alternate
repeatedly in the
longitudinal direction (from the heel to the ball region). By these means, it
is ensured
that, while uncoiling over the heel and/or over the ball region, both
functionalities are
always used in a sufficiently tight temporal as well as spatial relationship
with one
another. The characteristics of the inventive sole therefore correspond
largely to those of
the WO 03/102430.
Several first elements may be provided. The zones, determined by the at
least one first element, may be formed by one but also by several first such
elements.
Correspondingly, several second elements may be provided and the zones,
determined by
the at least one second element, may in each case be formed by one but also by
several
second such elements.
Like the outsoles, known from the WO 03/102430, the outsoles of the
present invention can also be dimensioned so that the at least one critical
deformation,
limited locally while running, is reached only in the maximally stressed zone
and,
temporally, only about the stress maximum. The at least one critical
deformation, at
which the tangential deformability of the inventive outsole is, so to say,
frozen in depends
on the type of deformation. The deformation need also not be only tangential.
A critical
deformation may also be reached in the case of a strictly perpendicular or
vertical
deformation.
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In accordance with a preferred development of the invention, the critical
deformation is reached only after a tangential and/or vertical deformation
path, which is
greater than 20% of the deformable thickness of the sole and optionally even
greater than
50% of this thickness. Preferably, the tangential deformability should even
correspond
approximately to the perpendicular deformability. Absolutely, this may well
amount to
approximately 1 cm.
For spring and damping paths, so dimensioned, the inventive outsole
effectively dampens the forces and stresses arising while running. In
particular, the
inventive sole behaves optimally damping while landing in that the horizontal
forces,
predominating here, can yield softly in the running direction, for example, by
shearing.
For the running shoes, provided with outsoles of the prior art, a high stress
peak arises
here, even if these shoes are provided with pronounced vertical damping,
because there is
practically no tangential deformability. During uncoiling, the inventive sole
absorbs the
predominant vertical forces by a vertical deformation equally well due to a
damping
action. In addition, it reacts in this phase also by different tangential
deformations in
different directions of movement between the foot and the ground, which
usually
manifest themselves in a sliding about of the foot in the shoe and frequently
lead to
rubbed-through socks or even to the formation of blisters. The shoe does not
resist the
movement, which the foot would like to carry out with respect to the ground
during the
uncoiling movement. The shoe makes a largely fatigue-free running possible.
During
complete loading in the pushing off phase, on the other hand, the inventive
sole loses its
damping properties practically completely. In this phase, damping is also no
longer
required and would only be a hindrance for effective pushing off. In the
pushing off
phase, the inventive sole behaves as if it were "hard".
The wear pattern of outsoles, which had been used for some time by
different runners, revealed great differences with respect to the predominant
stressing.
This is due to the characteristic running styles, which are different for the
individual
runners. Differences also arise out of the different distances run. For
example, short-
distance runners run predominately on the front of the feet, practically only
on the ball
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region being stressed. On the other hand, long-distance runners land
predominately on the
heel and uncoil over the whole loot. A differentiation is made here between
the so-called
outer foot runners and inner foot runners. Outer foot runners land on the
outside of the heel,
uncoil over the outer region of the middle foot and push off also in the outer
ball region or
from the region of the small toes. The situation is the reverse for inner foot
runners. There are
also mixed forms, which, for example, land on the outside, uncoil transversely
over the
middle foot and push off from the region of the large toe and vice versa. The
inventive sole,
being deformable vertically as well as tangentially as well as forwards and
backwards, can
adapt itself well to these different stresses and participate in the natural
movements of the
foot.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
outsole,
especially for sport shoes, which is elastically deformable forwards and
backwards in the
tangential direction and is essentially stiff with respect to tangential
deformation beyond a
critical deformation in the region deformed so far,
wherein its elastic deformability in the tangential direction is brought about
by several
first elements and its aforementioned stiffness opposing tangential
deformation beyond this
critical deformation as well as the degree of the at least one particular
deformation in the
region deformed to this extent is brought about by at least one second
element,
wherein in the heel or ball regions of the sole, zones, determined by the
first elements,
and zones, determined by the at least one second element, alternate repeatedly
in the
longitudinal direction,
wherein the first elements have a rotationally symmetrical form and can
thereby be
deformed tangentially in the same manner in all tangential directions, and
wherein the first elements are hollow and are deformable also only vertically
to its
critical deformation.
BRIEF EXPLANATIONS OF THE FIGURES
The invention is explained in greater detail in the following by means of
examples in
conjunction with the drawing, in which
Figure 1 shows a sport shoe in side view with an outsole of a first embodiment
of the
invention, a) in the unstressed state, b) when stressed forward at an angle
and
c) during the pushing off towards the rear,
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Figure 2 shows first and second elements of the outsole of Figure 1 in a
diagrammatic
detailed representation, a) in the unstressed state, b) when stressed forward
at
an angle and c) when stressed vertically,
Figure 3 in a similar representation, also shows first and second elements,
which are,
however, embedded partially and anchored positively in an intermediate sole,
Figure 4 in a similar representation shows an embodiment, for which only first
elements are embedded in an intermediate sole, whereas second elements are
formed in one piece with this intermediate sole,
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Figure 5 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 4, a) in the not
stressed state
and, under b), in the stressed state, the first elements, however, being
embedded so deeply in the intermediate sole 4, that second elements, as extra
parts, no longer are required,
Figure 6 diagrammatically under a) and b), shows further variations of the
type of
Figure 5,
Figure 7 in a diagrammatic detailed representation, shows a continuous layer
or stratum,
on which first and second elements are formed, a) unstressed, b) stressed
forward at an angle and c) stressed vertically,
Figure 8 shows several views a) to d) of the running surface of inventive
outsoles and
Figure 9 under a) to e), shows further layers of Figure 7 in the unstressed
state.
WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
To begin with, an embodiment is described by means of Figure 1, which is
not necessarily the preferred embodiment, but by means of which, however, the
inventive
teachings can be represented well.
Figure 1 shows a running shoe 2, which is equipped with an inventive
outsole 1. The outsole 1 is formed by a plurality of first profile-like hollow
elements 3a,
similar to those already known from WO 03/102430, as well as by several
platform-like
second elements 3b. The hollow elements 3a may have a height of, for example,
15 mm
and the platform-like elements 3b a height of, for example, 10 mm. The hollow
elements
3a, as well as the second elements 3b may extend over the whole width of the
running
shoe 2. They may also, however, be disposed in several rows next to one
another. The
platform-like elements 3 may also enclose individual or several hollow
elements 3a at
least partly in annular fashion. The elements 3a, 3b are attached to the
underside of an
intermediate sole 4 of the running shoe 1, for example, by adhesion.
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The hollow elements 3a are prepared from a material, which can be
deformed elastically under the stresses occurring during running. The second
elements
3b, as well as the intermediate sole 4 may also have a certain resilience;
however, in
comparison with the hollow elements 3a, they are essentially stiff, especially
stiff with
respect to tangential deformation. Compared to the platform-like elements 3b,
the hollow
elements 3a are also higher, protruding downward from them.
Within the sense of the defmition given above, the hollow elements 3a in
each case form "certain zones through the at least one first element". If
several hollow
elements 3a are disposed next to one another, they can also be classed jointly
with such a
zone. The situation is similar for the platform-like second elements 3b, which
in each
case form "certain zones through the at least one second element". As a
result, in the
longitudinal direction of the sole, the different zones alternate repeatedly
in the ball
region as well as in the heel region. If the platform-like second elements 3b
enclose
individual or several hollow elements 3a at least partly in annular fashion,
different zones,
which additionally are mixed among one another, are disposed on the sole
surface.
If the running shoe 2 is produced as shown, for example, in Figure lb and,
when a step is taken, stressed at an angle to the front as shown by the stress
arrow P1,
initially only the protruding hollow elements 3a come into contact with the
ground 5 and
are deformed vertically and also horizontally with elastic cushioning of the
stresses. This
deformation is limited by the adjacent, platform-like second elements 3b, as
soon as the
hollow elements 3a are aligned with these at the same height. From this time
onwards,
the platform-like second elements take over the main portion of the stress
and, because of
their already mentioned higher stiffness, no longer permit at least any
significant
tangential displacement of the running shoe with respect to the ground 5. In
this phase,
the wearer of the running shoe stands securely and steadily on the ground. In
addition, as
shown in Figure 1 under c), he can also once again push himself off from the
position of
Figure 1 c) in order to carry out the next step, without having to accept a
loss of distance
here, since the platform-shaped second elements practically cannot be deformed
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horizontally here to an extent worth mentioning in the direction of the new
stresses,
indicated by the arrow P2, during the pushing off.
In a detailed representation, Figure 2 shows one of the hollow elements 3a
as well as to platform-shaped elements 3b of Figure 1 and, moreover, under a)
in the
unstressed state and, under b), under a tangential stress. Under c), a
deformation, vertical
or perpendicularly downward is shown, from which it becomes clear that the
above-
explained advantages with respect to stability and pushing off without loss of
distance are
also achieved in the case of a strictly vertical stress.
For the previously described outsole, the hollow elements 3a permit the
desired elastic deformability, while the platform-like elements 3b, on the one
hand,
determine and limit the possible degree of deformation of the hollow elements
3a and, on
the other, ensure the desired stiffness of the sole against tangential
deformation beyond
the critical deformation. Since these two functionalities are distributed
among different
elements, there is a greater degree of configurational freedom with respect to
these
elements. For example, different materials can be used for the first and
second elements.
The hollow elements 3a also need no longer make a fixed frictional connection
under
load possible as in the case of the WO 03/102430 and, on the whole, are
stressed
significantly less. Above all, they need not carry all the dynamic weight and
the stress on
them is relieved by the second elements 3b at a still noncritical degree of
deformation. It
is of advantage if the surfaces of the second elements 3b, coming into contact
with the
ground, have a good grip on the ground, which may be attained optionally by a
special
nature of these surfaces.
The hollow elements 3a may be characterized as "damping elements" and
the platform-like elements 3b as supporting elements.
The embodiments, explained above, are distinguished by extremely large
deformation paths, which, between the unstressed state, for example of Figure
la) and the
state, for example, of Figure lb) may amount to more than 20% and even to more
than
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50% of the vertical overhang of the hollow element 3a over the platform-shaped
elements
3 b. The runner therefore hovers "as if on clouds" and, at no time, has a
sensation of
unsteadiness.
For the embodiments described above, the first and/or the second elements
3a, 3b are subjected to quite high alternating loads, for example, due to
tangential or
shearing forces. If attached strictly by gluing, the elements could, in the
long run, detach
from the intermediate sole 4. An improvement can be achieved here, for
example, by
partly embedding and, optionally, additionally positively anchoring the
elements 3a
and/or 3b in the intermediate sole 4, as shown in Figure 3 for one of the
hollow elements
3a and two of the platform-shaped elements 3b.
Figure 4 shows an embodiment, for which only the hollow element 3a
shown is embedded in the intermediate sole 4. On the other hand, the two
elements 3b
are constructed in one piece with the intermediate sole 4 and integrally
molded to the
latter directly. In addition, the hollow element 3a is anchored in the
intermediate sole
even better by a dovetail connection.
A variation of the embodiment of Figure 4 is shown in Figure 5 and,
moreover, in the unstressed state under a) and in the stressed state under b).
The hollow
elements 3a are embedded here so deeply in the intermediate sole 4, that
platform-like
protruding second elements, like the elements 3b that were described
previously, are no
longer required at all and are therefore also not formed. For this
construction, the
"normal" surface 4.1 of the intermediate sole 4 assumes the function of the
previously
described second elements 3b. So that the hollow elements 3a can be deformed
"recessed", that is, at an angle in the depression 4.2, in which they are
disposed, until they
are aligned with the surface 4.1 of the intermediate sole, the depressions 4.2
must be
constructed sufficiently broad and wide, as is also shown in Figure 5.
Under a) and b), Figure 6 shows further variations of the type of Figure 5,
for which the first elements 3a also are embedded relatively deeply in the
intermediate
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sole 4 and for which the "normal" surface 4.1 of the intermediate sole 4
assumes the
function of the above-described second elements 3b. The individual variations
of Figure
6 differ only in the construction of the first elements 3a. On the left side
of Figure 6, in
each case the unstressed state is shown and, on the right side, the stressed
state in the
phase of critical deformation.
For the construction of Figure 6a), the first element 3a, which can be
deformed, for instance, at an angle or tangentially, is constructed in the
form of a pin.
The indentation 4.2 may, for example, be constructed round here. All around,
the edge of
the indentation is the same distance from the pin 3a, which is disposed in the
center of the
indentation, as sketched in the two detailed representations in the lower part
of Figure 6a).
For the construction of Figure 6b), the deformable element 3a is
constructed in the form of a small tube, which is disposed with its axis
perpendicular to
the intermediate sole 4. Otherwise, the construction and representation
correspond to
those of Figure 6a).
Under a), Figure 7 shows a layer or stratum 6 of an elastically deformable
material, at which first elements 6a and second elements 6b are alternately
formed in the
unstressed state. This layer 6 can be produced in one piece and as a large
piece. The
same sequence of first elements 6a and second elements 6b may be provided in
the
direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, so that a structure
results, for which
each first element is surrounded by four second elements and vice versa. The
first and
second elements are then also mixed with one another again, as was already
discussed.
Pieces of this layer, suitably cut to size, may be fastened by adhesion, for
example, to the
underside of a running shoe or of the intermediate sole 4 of the running shoe
2 of Figure
1, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 8 under a).
The first elements 6a have the shape of truncated cones, are hollow and
somewhat higher than the elements 6b, which consists of a solid material and
also have
the shape of a truncated cone here. Like the previously described first
elements 3a, the
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first elements 6a are relatively soft and can be deformed tangentially forward
and
rearward as well as vertically. Due to their rotationally symmetrical form,
the first
elements 6a can even be deformed tangentially in the same manner in all
directions,
which may be additionally advantageous in relation to the desired uncoiling
behavior.
In comparison, the second elements 6b are essentially stiff and correspond
functionally to the previously described second elements 3b). The elements 6a
and 6b
may be smaller than the elements 3a and 3b. For example, the height hl of the
total layer
6 and, with that, of the first element 6a may be 8 to 12 mm and preferably 10
mm and the
height h2 of the second elements 6b maybe 4 to 8 mm and preferably 6 mm. The
thickness of the layer 6 in the transition region between the first and second
elements
may, for example, be 2 mm, the thickness of the bottom of the first elements
6a, however,
preferably being greater than 2 mm. The horizontal distance between the
centers of the
first and second elements 6a, 6b may, for example, be 10 to 20 mm and
preferably 15 mm.
Under b), Figure 7 shows the layers 6 loaded at an angle on a ground 5.
The first elements 6a are deformed vertically under this load, especially,
however,
tangentially or horizontally and no longer protrude over the second elements
6b. Further
deformation of the first elements 6a is prevented by the second elements 6b.
The
distances of the first and second elements preferably are selected to have
such a
magnitude, that the first elements 6a can achieve the deformation shown. The
extent of
the tangential deformation path before it reaches the critical deformation is
larger here
than the possible vertical deformation path and, for the dimensions given
above, amounts
to at least 5 mm absolute.
Under c), Figure 7 shows the layer 6 under a vertical load.
The elasticity of the first elements 6a should be selected so that the
critical
deformation occurs at a load of approximately 1 kg to 10 kg. This value
depends on the
number of elements and their arrangement on the surface of the sole (local
density), the
desired damping and the weight of the runner. With his (optionally dynamic)
weight, the
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runner, at least while pushing off, must be able to bring about the critical
deformation.
This is true for all possible embodiments of inventive outsoles and
correspondingly also
for elements of the type of elements 3a. A different compliance or a different
number of
first elements 3a/6a must be selected for small shoes sizes (a runner of
lesser weight) land
for larger shoes sizes (a runner of greater weight). For first elements of the
element 3a
type, a number of 8 to 15 elements, distributed over the heel and ball region,
is usually
sufficient. Because of their smaller size, usually more than 20 first elements
of the 6a
type are required.
There is further configurational latitude with regard to the shape of the
first 6a and second elements 6b of layer 6 of Figure 7 and their arrangement
relative to
one another. For example, the second elements 6b may be constructed
perpendicular to
the plane of the drawing as elongated ribs, regularly or irregularly shaped
platforms or
the like, as shown in Figure 8 under b) and c). The second elements 6b may
even form a
coherent surface, in which the first elements 6a are disposed in scattered
fashion, as
shown in Figure 8 under d).
From the geometries, shown in Figure 8, it is evident that the first
elements 6a are disposed mixed with the second elements 6b, embedded regularly
between the second elements 6b and, by these means, protected against
excessive loading
with high abrasion. Along each possible uncoiling path, first and second
elements are
stressed by these means also in each case in close spatial as well as temporal
sequence, so
that the behavior of the sole and the running sensation are determined always
by both
elements. The mixed distribution of the first and second elements extends also
over the
whole of the ball and heel regions.
In the transition region between the heel and the ball, first and second
elements usually are not required. It is therefore usually sufficient for most
applications if
layers 6 are disposed separately in each case only in the ball and heel
regions. Instead or
in addition to a division transverse with respect to the longitudinal
direction of the shoe, a
longitudinal division could also be made. A longitudinal and transverse
division with
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four layers 6 is shown in Figure 8 under c). By these means, adaptation to
different shoes
sizes could also be attained with standard elements, in that these are simply
disposed
suitably, especially closer together or further apart from one another.
Finally, different
layers with different properties could be provided in the different regions.
The zones, which are introduced above and are determined either by at
least one first element or by at least one second element, can be equated in
the
embodiments of Figure 8 with the first elements 6a and the second elements 6b
respectively. In the example of Figure 8b), the several first elements 6a,
which are
disposed next to one another in the transverse direction, can also be counted
as only one
zone. Conversely, the coherent surface 6b) in the example of Figure 8d) may be
considered as being formed of several zones, which alternate in the
longitudinal direction
with first elements 6a or with zones formed by these elements.
Further possible configurations of layers 6 are described below by means
of Figure 9 under a) to e).
For the layer 6, shown in Figure 9 under a), the first elements 6a
correspond to those of Figure 7. The second elements 6b are provided with a
rectangular
cross-section.
For the layer, shown under b), the first elements 6a are made from a solid
material; however, they have a thickened head on a narrower neck and may thus
be
deformed well sideways in all directions as well as tangentially.
For the embodiments, shown under c) and d), the first elements 6a are
formed by dimensionally stable burls 6aa, which are connected over a type of a
elastically deformable membrane 6 ab with the second elements 6b and by these
means,
can be deflected vertically as well as, to about the same extent,
horizontally.
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16
For the version, shown under e), two elastic strata are connected with one
another, at least the outer layer being continuous and relatively flat with
the exception of
indentations. The indentations, together with approximately opposite, similar
protrusions
of the inner layer, form first elements 6a. The indentations, moreover, in the
form of a
buffer, enable different first elements 6a simultaneously to be deformed
tangentially in
different directions. The second elements 6b are formed by the outer layer
between the
indentations and the platforms or ribs below, as shown, by way of example, in
Figure 9a).
Within the scope of the specification above, only some possible
embodiments have been described by way of example. Further embodiments are, of
course, possible and may result, in particular, from mixed shapes of the
examples
described.
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List of reference numbers
1 Outsole
2 Running shoe
3a First elements, hollow elements
3b Second elements, platform-like elements
4 Intermediate sole
4.1 Surface of the intermediate sole
4.2 Depression in the intermediate sole
Ground
6 Layer or stratum
6a First elements of layer 6
6b Second elements of the layer 6
PI Arrow indicating stress when taking a step
P2 Arrow indicating stress when pushing off
hl Height of the whole layer 6
h2 Height of the second elements 6b
