DE4200041A1 - OUTSOLE, ESPECIALLY FOR A HIKING OR MOUNTAIN SHOE - Google Patents

Abstract

An outer sole, in particular for hiking shoes or climbing boots, has two pads (7, 8) at least partially filled with a fluid medium and interconnected by a channel (9). The first pad (7) is arranged in the area of the heel (11) and the other pad (8) is arranged in the front area of the outer sole. The pads (7, 8) form together with the interconnecting channel (9) a single, flexible and in itself closed component that fits in a cavity (5) of matching dimensions in the outer sole. The length of the interconnecting channel (9) is set so that the second pad (8) arranged in the front area of the outer sole is located in the front area of the foot or in the area (13) of the ball of the foot.

Description

The invention relates to an outsole, in particular for one Hiking or mountain shoes, with two at least partially with one fluid medium filled and through a channel with each other connected pads, one of which is in the heel area and the other is arranged in the front area of the outsole.

Such an outsole construction is known from the DE-A-28 00 359 and EP-B-00 62 622. Both known construct is common that the front cushion with the arch of the foot be cooperating, d. H. in the midfoot area of the outsole lies. This is to ensure that when the The arch of the foot is always adequately supported. According to EP-B-00 62 622 is said to be the front cushion accordingly "dynamic support bead under the front arch of the foot" serve. The construction according to DE-A-28 00 359 is complete executed similarly. Accordingly, she follows the same purpose as the upholstery construction after the EP-B-00 62 622.  

The pads arranged in the heel area serve in front for the shock absorption of those who are sensitive in this regard Heel.

Finally, the known constructions have in common that the cushion cavities are formed in the outsole itself such that the outsole has fluid-tight cavities, the production of which is obviously extremely complex. With conventional outsole injection molding machines, one can such outsole can not be made. Also has to be on it be made sure that the outsole material is permanently fluid is tight. Finally, there are precautions for filling the aforementioned cavities to form the desired Cushions are hit. In practice, the well-known Outsole constructions are therefore not well suited.

He was also to the construction according to DE-A-28 00 359 believes that the connecting channel between the two cushions is designed so that it is evenly loaded Footbed (while standing) is compressed and so the connection interrupts between the two cushions. If the Load (when walking) in front of the midfoot area, so the Lock released again. By the aforementioned lock of The connecting channel becomes an artificial barrier in the midfoot area of the outsole built over which the foot when walking must roll off. This way, walking over a sand imitated floor.

The situation is also very similar with the Kon structure according to FR-A-24 13 838. The Ver binding channel between the front and rear upholstery at the same time as a closing valve. In addition, the construct tion according to FR-A-24 13 893 characterized in that the front and rear padding practically over the entire sole area che extend with the result that the user when standing on such an outsole feels like on one  extremely wobbly surface to stand. Accordingly uncon the damping and leadership behavior of the last is controlled called outsole.

The present invention is based on the prior art nik based on the task, an outsole called ten Art so that in comparison to the state of Technology of simplified design and manufacture of a con controlled shock absorption or damping and thus increased Protection of the foot, knee and back of the user is obtained.

This task is characterized by the characteristic features of Pa claim 1 solved.

Because the upholstery including the connecting channel as in itself closed and uniformly flexible component are, which in a correspondingly dimensioned cavity of the Outsole is adjustable, is both the manufacture as well Assembly of the outsole according to the invention compared to State of the art greatly facilitated. The invention Damping component is made outside the outsole. The corresponding recess within the outsole for opening Taking the aforementioned damping component can either during injection molding of the outsole or afterwards by chip create withdrawn processing.

According to the proposal of claim 3, the cavity for the upholstery including the connecting channel within a separate second damping wedge arranged below the insole educated. For this purpose, the damping wedge is preferred wisely provided with a passage, the outline of which is the outline of the damping component filled with a fluid medium in Top view corresponds. The damping wedge is preferably made of PU foam, a cork-rubber mixture or the like. Damping material made. This is accordingly pressure-elastic Behavior of the damping wedge. Because of this pressure elasticity also the effect on the fluid posters according to the invention ensured when walking.  

The filling of the damping component according to the invention except half of the outsole is unproblematic. Nor does it have to be made sure that the recess in the outsole to on exception of the damping component according to the invention from fluid-tight is formed. This applies in particular when the damper is arranged tion component within the aforementioned damping wedge, if it is made of foam material, which a permanent fluid tightness is not guaranteed.

Furthermore, the construction according to the invention is thereby characterized in that in the front area of the outsole orderly cushions in the forefoot area, especially in the foot ball area of the outsole. As a result, the Abrol len of the foot forward over the ball of the foot fluid from the front their upholstery via the connecting channel to the rear upholstery displaced, so that there at the subsequent appearance of the Fer there is sufficient damping fluid on the floor, which then in the further course of the walking or rolling movement of the Foot pushed back into the front cushion becomes. The connecting channel remains when the foot rolls off always open. Due to the fluid flow described above ne backwards and vice versa, impact energy becomes effective destroyed with the consequence of increased protection of feet, The user's knees, pelvis and back.

In that the aforementioned damping component is preferred is located below the relatively stiff insole, the user feels a shoe with the inventive run sole the fluid displacement and fluid flow between the front and not the rear cushion. The compression or expansion the cushioning takes place via the elasticity of the Cushion-absorbing outsole material and / or on the lower side of the outsole. In this respect, the front cushion is the outsole according to the invention no dynamic support bead ent speaking of EP-B-00 62 622. Also in the invention according to the construction, no artificial threshold through sub breakage of the connecting channel between the front and rear Upholstery when rolling the foot according to DE-A-28 00 359 or the FR-A-24 13 893 generated.  

The damping component according to the invention is a ge in itself closed, independent element, which is interruption works freely. The susceptibility to faults is extremely low due to the fact that the damping component as a separate Another element can be manufactured and opened outside the outsole Functional reliability can be checked.

Preferably, the upholstery together with the connecting channel according to Art a bag, in particular a flat bag, wherein the walls made of plastic welded together at the edges foils exist. This creates a flexible and easy in the assigned outsole recess fitable component.

In a special embodiment, the one wall is under Formation of the two cushions and the connecting channel deep drawn while the other wall is formed by a flat cover film. The aforementioned film constructions can also be done easily fill, the filling opening after filling by means of a conventional welding machine is welded.

A liquid advantageously serves as the fluid medium, especially gel-like liquid. Due to the viscosity of the selected liquid, the degree of damping can be invented properly adjust the outsole. The viscosity of the Damping fluid is also dependent on the use purpose of the outsole for either a mountain shoe or a Ski boot or a jogging or tennis shoe.

The filling liquid can be used to increase the degree of damping still solid particles, especially cork or plastic include particles. In connection with a viewing window for The connecting channel between the two cushions serve the front mentioned solid particles at the same time to visualize the Fluid flow between the two cushions if appropriate Burden of the same. Then the solid particles are preferred colored with contrasting color. Is the filling liquid z.  B. blue, white plastic particles are suitable as a solid material particles to visualize the fluid flow in the ver binding channel.

The aforementioned viewing windows can be according to the claims Chen 11 to 13 may be arranged, the training according to An saying 14 it allows the fluid flow between the at to watch the upholstery when walking, when another ver with an outsole according to the invention see shoe. In addition, this the fluid flow between the two pads very much demonstrate well on the table or the like.

According to claim 15, the cushion and the Ver Component comprising the binding channel in plan view, for example the um tore open a barbell or a bone. In side view the component according to the invention has the shape of a Heel area tapering to the forefoot area. The This shape corresponds to the cross-section of a longitudinal outsole direction. Above all, it corresponds to the longitudinal section of the preferably used damping wedge between insole and the lower part of the outsole.

The two pads are approximately the same volume. At this embodiment is the pole located in the forefoot area compared to the padding in the heel area both flatter and wider in plan view and / or longer educated. This depends on the aforementioned wedge shape of the Component in the shoe longitudinal direction together.

According to claim 17, the connecting channel between the two pads one from the outside, d. H. by the Be User adjustable fluid throttle can be assigned, for. B. in Form of a throttle acting on the connecting channel screw in the outsole either sideways or from is screwed in below. In this way is an indivi  duel adjustment of the degree of damping possible.

To the described displacement of the full medium from one To allow upholstery to other upholstery and vice versa sufficient volume to hold the displaced medium be that. This is especially true if the wall of the component filled with medium is not stretchable. In this This is the case with the two pads and their connection channel formed component only in part, in particular approximately 2/3 of its maximum volume filled. The filling of the construction partly with liquid can be done with exclusion of air However, it is preferably carried out including a predetermined air or inert gas, especially nitrogen volume, which is compressible if necessary, so that Ver displacement volume is created as required.

In addition, the filling of the component can be elastic include common sponge, preferably open-pore Sponge. The damping can be done with such a sponge adjust degrees additionally.

Below are Ausfüh with reference to the accompanying drawing Example of the outsole designed according to the invention explained in more detail. Show it:

Figure 1 shows a part of a mountain shoe with an outsole formed according to the invention in longitudinal section.

Figure 2 shows a damping component according to the invention for fitting in the outsole or part thereof, in a perspective view.

Fig. 3 shows a damping wedge as part of the outsole with a recess for fitting the damping component ge Fig. 2, also in a perspective view;

FIG. 4 shows the damping wedge according to FIG. 3 with inserted damping component according to FIG. 2 in plan view;

Fig. 5 shows a boot with erfindungsgemaßer outsole under load of the heel and under view of a fluid flow within the cushioning member of Figure 2 from the heel to the forefoot.

Fig. 6 is a mountain boot under load the forefoot and under view of a fluid flow in the Dämp prüfungsgesellschaft component of Fig. 2 from the forefoot to the heel,

Fig. 7 is a inventively constructed outsole bottom view showing of viewing windows in the region of the damping device according to FIG. 3;

Fig. 8 to 10 show various embodiments of the Un to the outsole underside view separately used windows, respectively in perspective view;

Figure 11 view, the outsole according to Fig 1 in a perspective view of a lateral to and accommodated in the heel area to the viewing window..;

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a damping component corresponding to FIG. 2 in a side view;

Fig. 13, the damping member according to Figure 12 in perspektivi shear view. and

Fig. 14 shows another embodiment of a damping wedge fitted in a damping component with side viewing windows in the region of the connecting channel between the front and rear damping pads, in plan view.

The outsole construction shown schematically in FIGS. 1 to 4 comprises a rubber sole 1 , insole 2 , a damping wedge 3 arranged between insole 2 and rubber sole 1 , preferably made of closed-pore material, in particular PU foam. The aforementioned outsole is connected to the upper leather 4 of a shoe in a conventional manner. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 3, a passage 5 is formed in the damping wedge 3 , the circular area in the heel, an oval opening in the forefoot area, the two openings through a steigen term, extending in the longitudinal direction of the outsole through break are connected.

A separate damping component 6 according to FIG. 2 can be fitted into the aforementioned passage 5 . This component 6 comprises a rear or heel pad 7 , front or forefoot pad 8 , and a connecting channel 9 between the two pads 7 and 8 . The aforementioned component is filled with a fluid, in particular a gel-like liquid. It is a self-contained, uniformly flexible damping element, the flexibility being ensured, inter alia, by the fact that the upholstery together with the connecting channel are formed in the manner of a bag, in particular a flat bag, the walls consisting of plastic foils welded to one another at the edges. The edge-side weld is marked in FIGS . 1 and 2 with the reference number 10 .

The individual areas of the outsole are also identified in FIG. 1, specifically with the reference number 11 the heel area, with the reference number 12 the midfoot area and with the reference number 13 the forefoot area. Accordingly, the rear cushion 7 lies in the heel region 11 , while the front cushion 8 is arranged in the forefoot region 13 .

The damping component 6 is dimensioned such that it can be fitted in the passage 5 , the pressure-elastic damping wedge as gently as possible.

In Fig. 2 at the rear end of the heel pad 7 is still an approach 14 through which the construction part 6 is filled with the fluid medium. After filling, the neck 14 is welded with the filling opening closed.

For better adaptation of the damping component 6 to the passage 5 or a corresponding recess in the rubber sole 1 , this can be designed in accordance with FIGS. 12 and 13, the pads 7 , 8 and the connecting channel 9 comprising the lower wall from one Corresponding to thermoformed plastic film, while the upper wall 16 is formed as a stretching cover film. The cover sheet 16 is after filling the two pads 7 and 8 and the connecting channel 9 with the fluid medium along the upper peripheral edge of the 17 of the lower deep-drawn wall welded to it in a conventional manner.

The Figs. 12 and 13 show also clearly the wedge-shaped tapering of the damping member 6 in the direction from the heel to the forefoot in adaptation to the corresponding tapering of the outsole or of the damping wedge 3 in the execution form according to FIGS. 1 to 4th

The filling liquid preferably also comprises solid particles, in particular cork or plastic particles 18 , by means of which the degree of damping of the component 6 can be additionally increased.

If at least one viewing window is arranged in the area of the connecting channel 9 , the aforementioned solid particles also serve to visualize the fluid flow between the two pads 7 and 8 when walking with a shoe with the outsole described. The fluid flow when walking within the damping component 6 is indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6. When the heel occurs ( Fig. 5), the heel pad 7 is loaded (part 19 ). Accordingly, damping fluid is displaced from the heel pad 7 , namely through the connec tion channel 9 into the front or forefoot pad 8 . The corresponding fluid flow is identified in FIG. 5 with the multiple arrows 20 . In this way, the shock load on the heel is absorbed or damped. Then the foot rolls over the forefoot area accordingly Fig. 6. Accordingly, when the foot rolls over the forefoot area, the front or forefoot cushion 8 is loaded (arrow 21 ). The heel pad 7 is relieved. The damping fluid within the component 6 can accordingly flow back from the front or forefoot cushion 8 back into the heel cushion 7 according to the multiple arrows 22 in FIG. 6. This fluid displacement relieves the forefoot on the one hand; on the other hand, the heel pad 7 is refilled so that it is ready for a new shock absorption when the heel hits the ground.

In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the heel pad 7 is between approximately 40 to 50 mm, in particular approximately 45 mm. The forefoot pad 8 is preferably somewhat wider and longer than the heel pad 7 . However, it is built flatter than the heel pad 7 in accordance with the lower height of the outsole in the forefoot area. Preferably, the two cushions 7 and 8 are formed from the same volume, however, so that the almost complete emptying of one cushion results in the almost complete filling of the other pole.

The connecting channel between the two pads 7 and 8 preferably has an average diameter of approximately 11 to 20 mm, in particular approximately 15 to 17 mm. The length of the Ver connection channel 9 depends on the respective shoe size.

As already stated above, at least the connection channel 9 should be assigned a viewing window. In the simplest embodiment, this is located on the underside of the outsole. For this purpose, a transparent plastic part is placed in the rubber sole 1 in the area of the connecting channel 9 . A corresponding viewing window is identified in FIG. 7 by reference number 23 .

In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, two further viewing windows 24 and 25 are integrated in the rubber sole 1 , the viewing window 24 being assigned to the forefoot cushion 8 and the viewing window 25 to the heel cushion 7 . These viewing windows are also insert parts made of transparent plastic.

Figs. 8 to 10 show different structures of the window surfaces. In the embodiment according to FIG. 8, the surface of the viewing window has a waffle structure. In the leadership From embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the surface of the viewing window is characterized by a knob structure. In the execution form according to FIG. 10, the surface of the viewing window 23, 24 and / or 25 spikes or sharp-edged elevations. The viewing windows 23 , 24 and / or 25 can preferably each also comprise a magnifying lens in order to be able to better recognize the fluid flow between the two pads 7 and 8 .

In the embodiment according to FIG. 11, a side viewing window 26 towards the heel cushion 7 is formed in the heel region. Incidentally, the running sole design corresponding to Fig. 11 to that of Figs. 1 to 4.

The arrangement of side viewing windows in the area of the connecting channel 9 is particularly attractive. An execution form for this is shown in Fig. 14. There, the connec tion channel 9 is divided into two branches 9 'and 9 ''. These two channel branches are each shifted to the outside of the damping wedge 3 , each at a side sight window 27 and 28 over. Through these two viewing windows, the fluid flow through the connecting channel 9 and 9 ', 9 ''can also be observed while walking. The free flow cross-section of the connecting channel branches 9 'and 9 ''is about half the size of the flow cross-section of a single connecting channel 9 according to the above-mentioned embodiments.

As already stated at the beginning, the connecting channel 9 between the two cushions 7 and 8 can be assigned a fluid throttle that is adjustable from the outside, ie by the user, for. B. in the form of a einwir kenden throttle screw on the connecting channel 9 . This can e.g. B. be screwed from the bottom into an incorporated in the rubber sole 1 thread. In Fig. 1, such a throttle screw be indicated by the double arrows 29 .

In order to ensure the desired displacement of the fluid medium between the two pads 7 and 8 , the damping component 6 is only partially, in particular 2/3 of its maximum volume, filled with the fluid medium.

The component can be filled with a liquid medium with the exclusion of air. However, it is preferably carried out with the inclusion of a predetermined air or inert gas, especially nitrogen volume. In this way, a compressible displacement space within the component 6 is created.

In addition, the degree of damping of the component 6 can be set by including an elastically flexible, in particular special open-cell sponge or the like, through which the damping fluid must be displaced. In this way, the sponge represents an additional throttle.

As already explained at the beginning, the insole 2 should have the conventional rigidity. Accordingly, the pads 7 and 8 and the connecting channel 9 exert no noticeable pressure on the user's foot when walking with the described outsole. The component 6 does not have the function of an arch support, but serves as an active damping element, preferably in conjunction with a passive damping element, as z. B. represents the damping wedge 3 .

All features disclosed in the registration documents are claimed as essential to the invention, insofar as they are a individually or in combination compared to the prior art are.  

Reference symbol list:

1 rubber sole
2 insole
3 damping wedge
4 upper leather
5 round
6 damping component
7 (heel) pads
8 (forefoot) pads
9, 9 ', 9'' connecting channel
10 weld seam
11 heel area
12 midfoot area
13 forefoot area
14 approach
15 bottom wall
16 cover film
17 peripheral edge
18 solid particles
19 arrow
20 multiple arrows
21 arrow
22 multiple arrows
23 viewing window
24 viewing windows
25 viewing window
26 viewing window
27 viewing window
28 viewing window
29 Throttle screw

Claims (21)

1. Outsole, in particular for a hiking or mountain shoe, with two ge at least partially filled with a fluid medium and through a channel ( 9 ) interconnected pads ( 7 , 8 ), of which one ( 7 ) heel area ( 11 ) and the other ( 8 ) front area of the outsole is arranged, characterized in that the pads ( 7 , 8 ) together with the connecting channel ( 9 ) as a self-contained and uniformly flexible component can be fitted into a correspondingly dimensioned cavity ( 5 ) of the outsole, wherein the connecting channel ( 9 ) is dimensioned so that the other, in the front area of the outsole angeord designated cushion ( 8 ) in the forefoot area ( 13 ), in particular foot ball area. 2. Outsole according to claim 1, characterized in that the pads ( 7 , 8 ) are arranged below the insole ( 2 ). 3. Outsole according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cavity ( 5 ) for the uptake of the cushion ( 7 , 8 ) together with the connecting channel ( 9 ) within half of a separate, below the insole ( 2 ) on ordered damping wedge ( 3rd ) is trained. 4. outsole according to claim 3, characterized in that the damping wedge ( 3 ) is made of PU foam, a cork-rubber mixture or the like. Damping material. 5. Outsole according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pads ( 7 , 8 ) together with the Ver connecting channel ( 9 ) are designed in the manner of a bag, in particular a flat bag, the walls consisting of plastic films welded to one another on the edge. 6. Outsole according to claim 5, characterized in that the one wall ( 15 ) from the formation of the two cushions ( 7 , 8 ) and the connecting channel ( 9 ) is deep-drawn, while the other wall is formed by a cover film ( 16 ) extending flat is. 7. outsole according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a fluid as a fluid medium liquid, especially gel-like liquid. 8. outsole according to claim 7, characterized in that the fluid medium comprises solid particles, in particular cork or plastic particles ( 18 ). 9. Outsole according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it has at least in the region of the connecting channel ( 9 ) between the two pads ( 7 , 8 ) a viewing window ( 23 ) through which the fluid flow between the two pads ( 7 , 8 ) is observable. 10. outsole according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the solid particles ( 18 ) are colored in contrast to the fluid medium, so that they and thus the fluid flow between the two pads ( 7 , 8 ) through the viewing window ( 23 ) well are recognizable. 11. Outsole according to claim 9, characterized in that viewing windows ( 24 , 25 ) are also formed in the region of the two cushions ( 7 , 8 ). 12. Outsole according to claim 9 and / or 11, characterized in that the viewing window ( 23 , 24 , 25 ) are on the lower running side of the sole and are formed by trans parente outsole inserts ( Fig. 8 to 10). 13. Outsole according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at least in the heel area ( 11 ) of the outsole, a side viewing window ( 26 ) to the heel area ( 11 ) arranged cushion ( 7 ) is ausgebil det. 14. Outsole according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the connecting channel ( 9 ; 9 ', 9 '') between the two pads ( 7 , 8 ) in the midfoot area ( 12 ) is guided to the outside of the outsole, so that through a lateral viewing window ( 27 and / or 28 ) attached there the fluid flow in the connecting channel ( 9 ; 9 ', 9 '') can be observed while walking. 15. Outsole according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the pad ( 7 , 8 ) and the connecting channel ( 9 ) comprising component ( 6 ) in plan view has approximately the outline of a barbell or a bone, while in side view that The aforementioned component ( 6 ) has the shape of a wedge tapering from the heel area ( 11 ) to the forefoot area ( 13 ). 16. Outsole according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the two cushions ( 7 , 8 ) et wa are of equal volume, wherein the forefoot area ( 13 ) lying pad ( 8 ) compared to that in the heel area ( 11th ) arranged upholstery ( 7 ) forms both fla cher and in plan view wider and / or longer. 17. Outsole according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the connecting channel ( 9 ) between the two cushions ( 7 , 8 ) is assigned an externally, ie adjustable by the user fluid throttle, in particular in the form of a Throttle screw ( 29 ) acting on the connecting channel ( 9 ). 18. Outsole according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the component ( 6 ) formed by the two cushions ( 7 , 8 ) and their connecting channel ( 9 ) only in part, in particular about 2/3 of its maximum volume , is filled with a liquid medium. 19. Outsole according to claim 18, characterized in that the component ( 6 ) is filled with a liquid damping medium in the absence of air. 20. Outsole according to claim 18, characterized in that the filling of the component ( 6 ) with a liquid damping medium including a predetermined air or inert gas, in particular stick volume, takes place. 21. Outsole according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the filling of the component ( 6 ) comprises an elastically flexible, in particular open-pore sponge.