Outsole with horizontal deformability.

[0001] The invention relates to an outsole comprising at least one element with two forces acting thereon when run under the mutual horizontal displacement and for mutual flat contact layers formed, wherein a horizontal displacement of the two layers relative to one another against a rest position causes an elastic deformation of said element, wherein at least one of the two layers of an elastomeric material or at the interface is provided with such a, and wherein a horizontal displacement of the two layers relative to each other in mutual contact during detachment is prevented by frictional engagement.

[0002] Under a "horizontal displacement" should be understood in the context of the invention a displacement, is tangential to the surface of the outsole and thus occurs at least when run on a horizontal support is oriented substantially horizontally. Deviations thereof come especially heel region occurs, when the ball area is still raised, upon detachment from the ball area, and when the sole is flexed when the heel is lifted on unwinding. The direction is referred to as normal direction orthogonal to the contact surface on the other hand, the horizontal alignment of the contact surface corresponds to the vertical direction. Corresponding applies to the orientation of horizontally - and normal forces.

[0003] 03,203,430 A1 outsole with horizontal deformability under the above conditions from where are known. The known outsole are provided with elastically deformable hollow elements, deform the horizontal component acting thereon on occurrence among this inter alia by shear forces vertically and horizontally up to the total collapse. In a collapsed configuration prevents mutual contact of opposing layers of the hollow elements and/or positive locking by friction - a further horizontal displacement of said layers against each other, so that the rotor of a solid residue from detachment can next step.

[0004] The invention aims to develop and improve this state of technology. The invention proposes an outsole having the features of claim 1 prior to. The invention therefore outsole is characterized in that a horizontal displacement of the two layers relative to each other in mutual contact at least one of the two layers by an uneven structuring occurs at the interface to obtain a sufficiently small at low normal force, progressively with increasing normal force coefficient is possible. Upon detachment of the two layers is a horizontal displacement relative to each other in mutual contact by friction as in the state of the technique but prevented.

[0005] The invention achieved outsole, the outsole as previously known, a horizontal deformability at least upon occurrence, particularly where it is required, in combination with a solid state during detachment. Hollow elements, which additionally must be deformed to collapse only vertically, but are not required. The two layers in the invention can be in constant mutual contact. Vertical damping upon occurrence can, for example by use of a suitable elastically compressible midsole or insole or insert also, are realized separately and dimensioned. In the vertical direction are formed in the outsole can also optionally thinner.

[0006] For horizontal displacement of the two layers in mutual contact relative to each other under load by a normal force must be overcome by the friction prevailing horizontal forces acting between them can. On the other hand is intended to prevail upon detachment friction engagement. In the first to the friction loading stage after the occurrence must directly rather small and in the phase prior to or during detachment be rather large. This requirement is unusual, as in most cases only a high or a low friction is required only either, but not both together. Accordingly exclusively on high or low friction is usually optimized manner.

[0007] Comes against this requirement, that the friction of the normal force depends, upon the occurrence of which practically from zero by the motion of the rotor and because of the natural cushioning apparatus optionally by damping elements in the midsole increases over a certain time. The normal force is characterized in a first loading stage directly after the occurrence, albeit briefly, relatively small. When the weight of the rotor exceeds the normal force detachment however mean dynamically and is characterized substantially greater.

[0008] Wherein friction between solids is their dependence on the normal force substantially linearly, which corresponds to a constant coefficient of friction. The further satisfies, independently of the size of the friction surface is that the friction. The friction is higher here, uneven and rough surfaces are each the touching. The outsole is not sufficient for the invention this dependence. The invention reaches a sufficiently small friction occurs and when a sufficiently large friction detachment by employing an elastomeric material at the interface of the two layers in conjunction with at least one structuring at least one of the two layers an uneven. It shows the friction and friction coefficient in such a selection of material and design a characterising excessive dependence on the normal force. At low normal force contact is practically only at the preceding elevations or depressions between the structuring, wherein any conclusions by deformation of the elastomeric material in the form of displacement can dissolve. In contrast with increasing normal force increases the contact surface, the elastomeric material itself adjusts by deformation by the asperities. Is spoken in this context for a magnification of the true contact surface. This is especially effective for at least frictional adhesion forces dominant.

[0009] Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

[0010] Thereafter under the invention is conveniently a structuring, the a depth structure or a structure in a smoother surface height. The depth structure can in particular rounded dimples and the height structure in this smoother surface comprise rounded boss.

[0011] The smoother surface roughness Ra less than 3 pm and/or the depth may structure or a roughness Ra in the range 4 - 9 pm have the height structure.

[0012] It is further advantageous, if the depth or height a RPC value in the range 50 - 100/cm - structure has. The RPC value is also called peak number and (according to prEN 10,049, ASME b46.1) corresponds to the number an uneven or rough surface profile elements (p. Rsm) per cm, the exceed a determined level C I cut a determined level C and subsequently cut₂ below, wherein for c I and c₂ the Ra value can be used.

[0013] The horizontal displacement of the two layers relative to each other in mutual contact occurs at least to a normal force of 10 n is possible should.

[0014] As with the aforementioned, a horizontal displacement of the two layers relative to each other in previously known sole should mutual contact relative to the rest position by at least 4 mm occurs, preferably by at least 4 - 8 mm, be possible. A abrupt stopping in the horizontal direction and the movement of the rotor tip load resulting therefrom is avoided in apparatus. The normal force of at least 10 n represents this sure. Of course it with the two layers to provided sufficiently large element itself and without limiting stops or the like be closely dimensioned. Also to be taken into account, by the displacement and the elastic deformation of the element that establishes a horizontal restoring force, under the influence of which the relative movement of the two layers and the friction shifting even without a stop after a certain distance to a halt. This restoring force must be dimensioned suitable, under the effect of horizontal forces occurring in that upon occurrence of said displacement can be produced through a clearly significant size.

[0015] With regard to the friction into account during detachment, this restoring force that this with the horizontal forces effective upon detachment may be rectified and the frictional forces because a sufficiently large resistance which must both.

[0016] In the context of the invention are more preferably the two layers in constant contact with each other, so that when a mutual spacing to enable the frictional detachment not has to be filled.

[0017] One reason that, because the total must be flexible outsole anyway, the rolling movement of the foot to adapt when run, it is advantageous, if both layers of an elastomeric material or at least are provided with. The desired effect of increasing the true contact area can be increased substantially.

[0018] As elastomeric material is particularly suitable as a synthetic rubber NO, is NBR or SBR.

[0019] Also occurs to the normal forces appeasing, can the invention a sole under the action of a normal force elastically compressible, comparatively to shear, preferably between - or even largely comprise rigid insole. Especially in case of midsole with a position of at least one element may be connected to or formed by this situation.

[0020] The invention can further comprise an outer sole outsole, with one of the two layers of at least one element connected or by which this layer is formed. The outer sole can be made of several parts or a -.

[0021] The two layers of at least one element can be arranged in a closed volume or walls of a closed volume. The area between them and hence their mutual contact surface are protected from external influences in this case and in particular to contamination.

[0022] It can only two layers extend substantially over the entire area of the outsole. On the other hand several can, independently of one another by horizontal displacement of its two layers relative to one another against a rest position elastically deformable elements be present. In performing step is not uniformly loaded area of the outsole. Rather, due to the usually rolling taking place between occurrence and detachment of the rotor and through the specific running style, different zones of the outsole and loaded successively to differing degrees. By the several elements can be, optionally account the unrolling and better support. In particular at least two elements are provided, which for a same horizontal displacement of its two layers relative to one another against their respective rest position by at least a factor 2 horizontal forces of different heights are required.

[0023] Manufacturing can be described with a unevenness of sheets of elastomeric material provided in particular by molding of a type with a counter provided with an initially liquid or pasty mass same structure surface. The necessary surface can be steep turn and in respect of their varying and adjusting suitable properties, preferably with the so-called "http:// www.topocrom.com/" Topochrom® - method. This method produced from metallic chromium galvanically boss on metal surfaces, so that the moulded elastomeric layers thereof dimples. For the preparation of elastomeric layers Topochrom surface with bosses can in an intermediate step on an element are shaped, then that with its dimples as a form for the production of layers with bosses serves.

[0024] The invention is subsequently explained further with reference to the drawings embodiments.

[0025] It each show schematically only:

A boot having a first embodiment of a invention figfig. 1 outsole with only one element in the unloaded state;

The shoe heel region 1 of 2 figfig. figfig. on occurrence;

The shoe 1 at a concentration range of 3 figfig. figfig. occur in;

In the shoe at a concentration range of 1 4 figfig. figfig. detachment;

5 A shoe with a further embodiment of a invention figfig. outsole with several elements in the unloaded state;

6 A top view of the invention figfig. tread a outsole with multiple elements according to

5 Figfig.;

In section 7 of the elements of the outsole of figfig. figfig. 5 or 6 in the unloaded state;

In a loaded state of the element 8 figfig. figfig. 7;

In a perspective view a portion of a contact surface with a layer 9 figfig. an uneven structure in the form of rounded dimples according to the invention for obtaining a variable coefficient of friction; and

10 In a perspective view a contact surface of a sheet having a cutout figfig. an uneven structure in the form of rounded bosses for obtaining a variable friction coefficient according to the invention.

[0026] 1 - 3 Has a top 1 represented in the shoe and an outsole figfig. on. The outsole comprises a midsole 2, a beneath the midsole 2 and in contact with the layer 3 arranged on the underside of the layer 3 and several fixed linings, one of which is designated with 4.

[0027] The midsole 2 is preferably of an elastically compressible material such as EVA and is relatively thick (e.g. some centimeters) formed. It has the task, the vertical force components receive occurs by deformation and appeasing. In relation to horizontal force components but is substantially rigid, by among other things. by their shaping by shearing is practically non-deformable.

[0028] The layer 3 is of an elastomeric material such as in particular a synthetic rubber and is relatively thin (e.g. a few millimeters) relative to the midsole 2 formed. It is therefore practically non-compressible in the vertical direction, in the horizontal direction and thus horizontally for their interface with the midsole 2 by elongation and upsetting comparatively significantly but elastically deformable. The layer 3 as the midsole 2 extends over the entire sole area is but only with the midsole 2 connected edge. Moreover extent is only loosely in contact therewith.

[0029] The linings 4 together with the layer 3, where it is not covered by the linings 4, the outer sole of the boot. They can from a-grip, and abrasion-resistant material and total rather rigid on its underside with a profile (not shown) be.

[0030] The midsole 2 and the layer 3 together form a extends over the entire sole area extending member having two under the forces acting thereon for mutual horizontal displacement when run in mutual flat contact layers formed. The midsole forms a layer and the layer 3 here the other layer. The horizontal displacement of the two layers in mutual contact by elongation and compression of the layer 3 is relatively flat in its plane possible, because the layer 3 as indicated with the midsole 2 connected edge only, but incidentally with this only loosely is in contact. Of course requires for displacement by the mutual contact friction also overcome the acting, as will be explained later.

[0031] Figfig. 1 shows the shoe in the unloaded state. The layer 3 is in this state relative to the midsole 2 in a rest position, in which it is neither stretched nor compressed for example.

[0032] On occurrence in the forward run on a horizontal ground heel region 5, as for example rotor 2 and as long-distance figfig. shows is typical, act forces F the outsole a, f is the adjacent a vertical_{V is} a forwardly directed horizontal component f_{IS H} comprise. Under the effect of the horizontal component f_{is H} the two rearmost 4.4 and 4.5 in figfig. 2 from position 1 to something figfig. coverings rearwardly displaced, wherein there 4.4 and 4.5 to an elongation of the layer 3 these two linings and each behind you to a compression of the layer 3 has come. The three front 4.1,4.2 linings 4.3 and are at least substantially unverschoben, since they will not have contact with the substrate 5. By the displacement of the two coverings 4.4 4.5 and the forward horizontal force component upon occurrence is rearwardly depressed, the elastic deformation of the layer 3 by a directed opposite to it, with the displacement increasing restoring force generated. The friction between the layer 3 and the damping additionally acts between sole 2. The friction is independent of the displacement path, takes during the displacement because of the increasing vertical force also dynamically but, at least in the region of the two rearmost 4.4 and 4.5 linings, where the outsole 5 in contact with the ground and in which the vertical force pressure. Return - and together cause frictional force after a certain displacement path, that the displacement to a halt.

[0033] Figfig. shows an occurrence in the forward run on a horizontal ground 5 3 in the ball area, as for example for short rotor is typical. Here too the outsole acting forces F a, f is the adjacent a vertical_{V is} a forwardly directed horizontal component f_{IS H} comprise. Under the effect of the horizontal component f_{is H} in the foremost covering 4.1 figfig. 3 from its position rearwardly displaced slightly figfig. according to 1, wherein a stretching of the layer 3 to this covering 4.1 and behind him to a compression of the layer 3 has come. The rearwardly disposed ^ 4.5 4.2 linings are at least substantially unverschoben, since they will not have contact with the substrate 5. By the displacement of the covering is the forward horizontal force component 4.1 occurs in the same way as described in 2 figfig. muted.

[0034] After the occurrence of the rotor center of gravity displaced from the substrate during forward run until detachment in the ball area forward 5, wherein it is a rolling on the outsole. Upon occurrence on the heel region according to this rolling over a longer course is strong and is 2 figfig. portion of the outsole designed as in the ball area occurs on unwinding on the outsole according to figfig. 3rd change forces, wherein it is in particular to a reversal of horizontal component, when the detachment in the forward running is rearwardly directed, as figfig. 4 shows.

[0035] The frictional characteristics between the layer 3 and the midsole 2 are selected such invention, by relatively high low normal force at the same time that it horizontal forces, as in the initial phase after the occurrence prevail, still can be overcome. Then the vertical force is predominantly effected at the moment of repelling a frictional engagement and the latest between the two layers, there each, where the normal force effective on it. Preferably the frictional characteristics between the layer 3 and the midsole are 2 selected such, that below a normal force of 10 n is not a friction engagement occurs. On the other hand should already be possible from 10 n is a friction engagement.

[0036] After detachment, if no external forces acting on the layer 3 and the friction between the layer more 3 and the midsole 2 if at all present, only is low, any deformation of the layer 3 form under the action of the elastic restoring forces caused back, so that the outsole before a subsequent occurrence of the state occupies figfig. 1 again. The same is true but also for different sole lots, and thereafter again be relieved upon occurrence first loaded on unwinding. In such figfig. 2 could rearwardly shifted, 4.4 and 4.5 on the ball area on unwinding rearmost linings according to move back into position already figfig. 1, be relieved once again here. On the other hand remains a horizontal displacement of the layer 3 or of portions of the layer relative to the midsole 2 "frozen" until 3, as long as the two layers are loaded with a sufficiently high vertical force. In the example of the vertical load on the foremost if figfig. 3 4.1 covering on unwinding to maintain repellent, continue its displacement to obtain repellent. 4 Shows a detachment from the ball area after an occurrence also figfig. in the ball area according to figfig. 3rd through the short after the occurrence in the congested area of the foremost covering resulting frictional engagement is the position of the foremost covering 4.1 4.1 to figfig. 3 unchanged. The rotor can without detachment from the bottom path loss is characterized hard 5.

[0037] Under the action of a sufficiently high to maintain the relative position of the two layers of course vertical force in the rest position, if not previously by a horizontal force for displacement relative to the rest position has been reached, such as a purely vertical occurrence or during unrolling in the medium foot region.

[0038] 2 And 3 relative to the rest position shown in the figfig. displacements are exaggeration, but actually should at least 4 mm, preferably at least 6 - 8 mm are even. In the heel region are preferably longer shifts in the ball area as possible.

[0039] Figfig. 5 shows a shoe with a another embodiment of a invention with more outsole, arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction in the unloaded state elements, one of which is designated 6. Longitudinally side by side could, in two and/or three rows corresponding elements be provided 6, and 6 in a top view of the sole from below shows this figfig.. The area between the elements 6 could be the underside of a midsole 2.

[0040] 7 Shows of the elements 6 of the outsole of figfig. figfig. 5 or 6 in section (5 figfig.: I L) in the unloaded state, wherein a midsole is indicated above the element 2. The element 6 is formed in the manner of a flattened bag, their flat bottom as a flat layer comprising an upper layer 6.1 6.2 is in contact. The upper layer only 6.1 is a part of their surface, here approximately centrally, with the midsole 2 connected. The lower layer (not shown) with the substrate in use 6.2 comes in contact.

[0041] The element 6 is of an elastomeric material. Under the action of a force overcoming the friction in its two layers can horizontally 6.1 and 6.2 to shifting, such for example, as indicated in figfig. 8 is represented. The friction properties of the two layers together and 6.1 6.2 are selected such as described above, by directly after the occurrence that the friction forces can be overcome even less effective horizontally in vertical force, but then it to a "freezing" the shape of the element 6 is under frictional engagement, it assumes the straight. The deformation of the element 6 by an elastic restoring force generated, the element 6 takes its shape according to another always represented in the figfig. 7 discharge.

[0042] The elements 6 are preferably, as in 5 and 6 also figfig. represented, arranged so different, independently each extend in the horizontal direction maximum, in particular a few millimeters can deform. The elements 6 are also formed in the figfig. 6 round, thereby towards all sides are deformable in about the same manner. By another shaping but this can be varied, for example to a displacement longitudinally with respect to its two layers transversely to prefer. Also could the region, wherein the upper layer of the elements 6 with the midsole 2 is connected, outside the center not be arranged centrally, thereby shifting paths of different lengths to obtain in different directions. On its outside the elements 6 can be provided with a profile 6.3, a good Grip to the substrate 5.

[0043] 9 Is a cutout of the mating surface a layer into figfig. elastomeric material represented, the structuring in the form of a depth structure with rounded dimples with an uneven to obtain the desired, variable coefficient is provided according to the invention. The dimples, one of which is designated with 7, with slightly different diameter and slightly different depth are approximately hemispherical. The region between the dimples 8 7 forms a substantially smooth surface with respect to the dimples.

[0044] If a location corresponding to an opposing position 9 figfig., in particular with a correspondingly configured position, is in contact, the contact of the two layers substantially restricted so the areas 8 between the dimples 7, certainly as long as the normal force, with which the two layers are pressed against one another, is still small. But with increasing normal force deforms the elastomeric material, whereby the irregularities are equalized and the contact surface area of both layers increases despite increasingly unchanged. So that the coefficient of friction between the two layers is also to. This allows on the one hand a light, horizontal displaceability of the two layers relative to each other in mutual contact at low normal force and secondly a good friction fit between the two layers at high normal force.

[0045] Figfig. 10 is a cutout of the mating surface a layer in the elastomeric material represented, the structuring in the form of a structure having an uneven height with rounded bosses 9 to obtain the desired, variable coefficient is provided according to the invention. The height structure is substantially complementary to the depth structure of the 9th figfig. corresponding boss, one of which is designated 9, with slightly different diameter and approximately hemispherical somewhat differing degrees. The area between the bosses 9 10 forms a substantially smooth surface with respect to the bosses 9 again. As with the depth structure of 8 deforms the elastomeric material and increasing normal force equal figfig. present increasingly from the unevenness, so that the contact surface of both layers unchanged despite total area increases.

[0046] Layers with a height structure according to 10 can alternatively to layers with a depth structure according to figfig. figfig. 9 under the invention are used, although the depth structure is preferred. This has to do with, that surfaces with bosses 10 as mentioned above by the steep - Topochrom® figfig. according to method and then deriving surfaces with dimples by molding this surface.

[0047] 9 Or 10 of the specific frictional properties depend on the depth of the dimples figfig. structures or height on the one hand and their density or distribution or boss on the other hand when these values are statistically distributed off. Topochrom method, but nevertheless can be at least in varying means, what it allows in turn, the invention selectively adjust the required friction properties. An average depth of the dimples or height of the boss can be by a so-called roughness Ra value characterizing this value and their density or distribution by a so-called RPC value, an average number of dimples or bumps along the corresponding straight measuring sections.

[0048] In the context of the invention the dimples or caused by uneven structure could boss has an Ra value in the range 4 - 9 pm and a RPC value in the range 50 - 100/cm have. This results in a structure, wherein the dimples 7 or 9 and 10 as in the boss 9 figfig. represented partially spaced apart from each other, but also in mutual contact are partially or partially overlap. One speaks of a "semi-open structure" for distinguishing a this "closed structure", in which practically all dimples on vaginal 7 mutually, and a "open structure", in which only a few dimples 7 overlap each other and the region corresponding to the dimples rather 8 with regard to area 7. Wherein an open structure would be the friction tends to be more too high, the desired displacement of the layers after the occurrence to allow the friction would be too low while a closed structure tends to be more, ensure the desired frictional engagement upon detachment. The region between the dimples 8 7 or 10 between the bosses in relation to its size should be substantially smoother for example with a roughness Ra less than 9 pm.

[0049]

1 Top

2 Midsole

3 Layer

4 Linings

5 Substrate

4.1, 4.2 rearmost linings

4.2 - 4.5 front linings

6, 6a, 6b elements

6.1 upper layer

6.2 lower layer

6.3 Profile

7 Dimples

8 Intermediate region

9 Boss

10 Intermediate region