FOOTWEAR MIDSOLE AND RUNNING SHOE PRODUCED THEREWITH

Abstract

A shoe midsole for running shoes having spring/tread elements (2, 4, 4a), In order to achieve good damping and running support, it is proposed that a bow-shaped spring/tread element (2) is arranged on the underside in the forefoot region of the shoe midsole (1), which is fixed with a first end to the front end of the midsole (1) and with its other end to a first spring/tread element (4, 4a), of which the direction of movement is parallel to the extension of the midsole, so that it exerts a thrust force on the spring/tread element (2) when it springs out.

Claims

1. A shoemidsole for running shoes with spring/damping elements (2, 4, 4a), comprising: a bow-shaped spring/tread element (2) arrangedon the underside in the forefoot region of the shoe midsole (1), wherein the spring/tread element is fixed by a first end to the front end of the shoe midsole (1) and by its other end to a first spring/damping element (4, 4a), the direction of movement of which is parallel to the extension of the shoe midsole, so that it exerts a thrust force on the spring/tread element (2) when it flexes out.

2. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein between the shoe midsole (1) and the spring/tread element (2) there is provided a deflection limiting band (30) subjected to tensile stress, which is fixed with a first end to the front end of the shoe midsole (1) and with its other end to a further or the first spring/damping element (4, 4a).

3. The shoe midsole according to claim 2, wherein the spring/tread element (2) and the deflection limiting band (30) are fixed at opposite ends of the spring/damping element (4, 4a) which is subjected to compression.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein the change in length of at least the one or more spring/tread element (2) occurring during impact pressure loading of the spring/tread elements (2) is used in a spring/damping element (4b) as tensile stress for a tension spring (18), the tension spring (18) runs belowabove the spring/tread element (2) and is detachably and exchangeably fastened in the region (2a, 3a) and to the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot region (19) by means of a screw connection (19a) and is detachably and exchangeably fastened in the region (2a, 3a) and to the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot region (19) by means of a screw connection (19a) and can be formed from elastomer or steel with different spring characteristics and lengths, and the spring/tread element (2) in the region (2a, 3a) is supported on the shoe midsole (1).

7. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein the spring/tread elements (2, 3) are divided in the forefoot and rearfoot regions in the longitudinal direction of the shoe midsole (1) and are formed from two or more spring/tread elements (2b, 2e) which have their own spring damping elements (4) or use a common spring damping element (4).

8. The shoe midsole according to claim 1 wherein a spring/tread element (7) having no spring damping element of its own bridges the midfoot region and is firmly but movably connected to the spring/tread element (2) and to the spring/tread element (3b) in the midfoot region at a medium height between the underside of the shoe midsole (1) and the ground contact surface of the spring/tread elements (2, 3) in the midfoot region, and in that the spring damping element (4, 8, 4b, 4c) can be coupled to the spring/tread element (2) and (3), and in that the spring/tread element (7) can be higher than the spring/tread elements (2, 3, 3b) in athletic running shoes.

9. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein a spring/tread element (2) is fixedly or pluggably and/or pivotably fastened to the sole tip (1a) and a spring/tread element (10) is fastened to the midfoot region and a spring/tread element (3) is fastened to the rear sole end (1b) of the shoe midsole (1), and the spring/tread elements (2, 10, 3) are individually coupled to a spring damping element (4, 4c, 4b, 8), and in that the spring/tread element (10) is higher than the spring damping element (4, 4c, 4b, 8) in the case of athletic running shoes, 10, 3) are individually coupled to a spring/tread element (4, 4c, 4b, 8), and in that the spring/tread element (10) can be higher than the spring/tread elements (2, 3) in athletic running shoes.

10. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein a spring/tread element (2) is plugged in at the sole tip (1a) and a spring/tread element (3) is plugged in at the rear sole end (1b) of the shoe midsole (1) and is fixedly and/or pivotably fastened, and in that a spring-damping element (8) is fixedly mounted in the midfoot region of the shoe midsole (1), the compression spring (4a) in the spring/tread element (4) is displaceably connected as a loose part or fixedly connected to the spring/tread elements (2, 3) with their free ends (2a, 3a), and in that the spring/tread element (8) is formed from an upper and lower part and consists of slidable plastic.

11. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein a spring/tread element (7a) is bridging the midfoot region without its own spring-damping element and is connected at mid-height between the underside of the shoe midsole (1) and the ground contact surface of the spring/tread elements (2, 3) in the metatarsal region, with the spring/tread element (2) and the spring/tread element (3) and the associated spring-damping element (8), and wherein the spring/tread element (7a) can be higher than the spring/tread elements (2, 3) in special cases.

12. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein three spring/tread elements (2, 10, 3) are connected to one another to form a continuous spring/tread element (29), and a hardness-damping system (4, 4c, 4b) receives the continuous spring/tread element (29) in the backfoot region above the shoe midsole (1c), and the spring/tread element (2) is attached in a plug-in or pivotable manner to the shoe midsole (1c) in the forefoot region at the toe of the sole (1a), and that the two guide elements (9, 9a) are firmly attached to the shoe midsole (1) at the transition point from the forefoot to the midfoot region and from the midfoot to the rearfoot region and that the guide elements (9, 9a) are formed from an upper and lower part and consist of low-friction plastic.

13. (canceled)

14. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein the spring/tread element (2, 2d, 2e, 2b, 3, 3b, 7, 7a, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, 27) has one or more channel-shaped depressions (3b/R) transverse to the central axis or deviated by up to 10 degrees, and in that the spring/tread elements (2, 2d, 2e, 2b, 3, 3a, 7, 7a, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, 27) can have a different vertical, curvilinear or arcuate shape in the longitudinal and transverse directions, can be concave, convex or have a free curvilinear shape, and the channel-shaped depressions (3b/R) extend to below the deepest points of the surface deformation, so that the spring/tread element can be bent in the longitudinal direction of the shoe midsole (1) despite its surface deformation.

15. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein the spring/tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3, b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) or the shoe midsole (1), have, on the side facing a damping structural element (6, 6a, 6b, 6e, 6c, 6d), one or more spacer elements (5, 5a, 5b) which are concave or convex, or cylindrically shaped extending transversely to the central axis in the form of strips or are cylindrically shaped and the shoe midsole (1) and the spring/tread element (2, 2a, 2b, 3, b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) contact each other by means of the spacer elements through openings in the damping structural elements (6, 6a, 6e, 6b, 6c, 6d) upon impact and that the residual height is limited to approx. 35% of the existing total height between the intermediate shoe sole (1) and the spring/tread elements.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, whereinthe individual spring/tread elements (2, 2e, 2b, 2d, 3, 24, 25, 26, 27) is selectively coupled to the individual spring-damping elements (4, 4b, 4c, 8), and in that the individual spring/tread elements (2, 2e, 2b, 2d, 3, 24, 25, 26, 27) are supported with the opposite pressure-stable side (2a, 2b, 2e, 3a) on the shoe midsole (1) in front of the hardness damping system (4, 8, 4c) by means of two parallel guide tracks which are arranged on the shoe midsole (1) with approx. a height of 2 to 4 mm or elevations belowabove the pressure-stable side (2a, 2b, 2e, 3a), and or that a hinge is arranged at the transition to the pressure-stable side (2a, 2b, 2e, 3a), resting with the corresponding diameter on the shoe midsole (1) to allow a central height of the pressure-stable sides (2a, 2b, 2e, 3a) in the spring damping element (4, 4b, 4c, 8) for linear guidance.

19. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein a gas pressure spring or a mini-hydraulic system adjustable in hardness and damping is used in the individual spring/tread elements (4, 4b, 4c, 8), which are firmly but pivotably connected to the spring/tread elements (2, 2e, 2b, 2d, 3, 24, 25, 26, 27) and the hardness-damping system (4, 8).

20. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein individual outsole coverings or complete outsoles made of technical foams can be attached by means of known hook-and-loop fastener solutions to the spring/tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3,b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) or to partial segments of the shoe midsole (1) by means of known hook-and-loop fastener solutions, the outsole coverings or complete outsoles having a different contour along or transverse to the central axis of the sole than the spring/tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3,b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) and with respect to the shoe midsole (1), and in that the surface of the outsole coverings have different structures and material properties which can be used for different types of running and sports, and in that a complete continuous outsole made of technical foams can be firmly connected to the shoe midsole by adhesive bonding, closable openings being provided in the spring damping element (4, 4c, 4b, 8) for the replacement of compression or tension springs (4a, 21, 18).

21. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein the non-linear thrust movement of the spring/tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3,b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) at its free ends (2, 2e, 2b, 3a), which are wobbling in an axial direction, is guided into the spring-damping element (4), are structurally converted into a linear thrust movement by pivotable pressure receivers (13, 14, 13b, 13c, 14a), and in that, in special cases, the spring/tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3,b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) are fixedly connected by their free end (2a, 3a) to the compression springs (4a) in the spring-damping element (4).

22. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein the spring/tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3,b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) are formed from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, and their different use in running shoes with the differently required spring stiffnesses is determined in dependence on the damping structural elements (6, 6a, 6e, 6b, 6c, 6d) used, and when the damping and hardness properties of the individual spring/tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3, b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) are matched to the spring/tread elements, the individual spring/tread elements can be formed from medium-hard TPEE-based plastic, and, in that the continuous spring/tread element (29) formed from the spring/tread element (2, 10, 3) and the continuous spring/tread element formed from the spring/tread element (2, 11, 10, 12, 3) can be manufactured continuously in a manufacturing process.

23. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein the spring/tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3, b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) hasa height of between 20 mm and 40 mm in accordance with their use in different sports and running shoes, and, that the height of individual spring/tread elements located on the shoe midsole (1) can differ in height and hardness from other spring/tread elements attached to the shoe midsole (1), and in that the spring/tread elements (2, 2d, 2b, 2e, 3, 3b, 10, 24, 25, 26, 27) have different types of fastening (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) on their fastening side to the shoe midsole (1) in accordance with the intended use, and the spring/tread elements (2, 2d, 2b, 2e, 3, 3b, 10, 24, 25, 26 27) can be structurally different in their spring characteristics and their construction height and spring shaping and can be used for defined walking styles and places of use.

24. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein the shoe midsole (1) can be deflected resiliently in the ball region (38) of the forefoot, and a spring/tread element (2) is mounted pivotably with one side and is inserted fixedly by means of a hinge (35) into a receptacle (1a) at the shoe midsole tip (14) of the shoe midsole (4), and the spring/tread element (1) rests with its opposite side on the shoe midsole (4) or the deflection-limiting band (30) and the spring/tread element (2) rests with its opposite side on the shoe midsole (4) or on the deflection-limiting band (30), that the deflection limiting band (30) extending above the spring/tread element (2) is firmly inserted with one side into the receptacle (1a) and with the opposite side runs in openings through the thrust edge (31b) on the spring/tread element (2) and or in lateral guides on the thrust edge (31b) on the spring/tread element (2) in which the frames (32c, 32cc) are guided and that in the deflection limiting band (30) behind the thrust edge (31b) on the spring/tread element (2) there is a spring/damping element (4) acting as an energy store with at least one compression spring (4a) made of metal or elastomer and cushions, damps and stores in the form of energy the occurring linear thrust load of the thrust edge (31b) which is produced by an impact load of the spring/tread element (2) and the associated compression.

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. The shoe midsole according to claim 1, wherein the spring/tread element (2) can be shaped differently according to the type of use and the different running styles, can have different spring shapes with different spring characteristics or Shore hardness in the transverse and longitudinal directions, and can have different curvatures or curved shapes in conjunction with different heights of the individual spring/tread elements (2) of approx. 15 mm to a maximum of 40 mm, and is formed from materials such as carbon or medium-hard plastics with different degrees of flex, and the connection to the shoe midsole (1) at the sole tip, in the midfoot region or at the rear shoe midsole end in the backfoot region can be made pivotably by means of a hinge (35) or firmly (42) by bonding, welding or plug-in connections.

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

Description

[0057] The invention will be explained in more detail below using embodiments in conjunction with drawings that are designed as illustrations of principles, the invention not being limited to the illustrated embodiments. In the drawings:

[0058] FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a shoe midsole tensioned upwardly in the forefoot area, a spring/tread element located in the forefoot area, a damping structure element that is not, shown and a hardness/damping system that is arranged in the midfoot area.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of FIG. 1;

[0060] FIG. 3 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot and backfoot area, with a damping structure element in the forefoot area, a damping structure element (not shown) in the backfoot area, and two associated hardness/damping systems.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of FIG. 3;

[0062] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. 6;

[0063] FIG. 6 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot and backfoot area, with a damping structure element in the forefoot area, and a damping structure element (not shown) in the backfoot area, the hardness/damping system functionally belonging thereto, and a spring/tread element without its own hardness/damping system, attached firmly but flexibly to the front and rear spring/tread elements bridging the midfoot area, and two spacers attached below the shoe midsole and the spring/tread elements.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot area, with a damping structural element (not shown), and a hardness/damping system, a wave-shaped spring/tread element arranged in the backfoot area, a damping structural element (not shown), and the spring/tread element on the shoe midsole in the rear backfoot area above the shoe midsole inserted firmly in a flexible elastomer bearing, and runs with the opposite side in the midfoot area of the shoe midsole into a hardness/damping system.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a side view as a detail of a double-acting spring/tread element in the forefoot and/or backfoot area arranged, underneath the shoe midsole, firmly plugged into a receiving guide at the toe and/or in the backfoot area.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a side view as a detail of a shoe midsole with an arched spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot and/or backfoot area, which is firmly connected to the sole below the shoe midsole at the toe and/or in the backfoot area.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a side view of a spring/tread element like FIG. 9 but fixed in a flexible elastomer bearing below the shoe midsole at the toe.

[0068] FIG. 11 is a side view as a detail of a shoe midsole with an arched spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot and/or backfoot area, which is firmly connected to the sole below the shoe midsole at the toe and/or in the backfoot area.

[0069] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a shoe midsole with a spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot, that is divided into two adjacent hardness/damping systems arranged in the longitudinal direction relative to the shoe midsole and in the midfoot area of the shoe midsole.

[0070] FIG. 13 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot and backfoot area, with a hardness/damping system in a midfoot guide element.

[0071] FIG. 14 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot and backfoot area with a hardness/damping adjustment system in a guide element in the midfoot area and with a spring/tread element without its own hardness/damping system which is firmly but flexibly attached on the front and rear spring/tread element, bridging the midfoot area.

[0072] FIG. 15 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a continuous spring/tread element located in the forefoot, midfoot, and backfoot regions with two guide elements at the transition point from the forefoot to midfoot and from the midfoot to backfoot region, and a hardness/damping system in the backfoot region above the shoe midsole.

[0073] FIG. 16 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a continuous spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot and hindfoot area with two guide elements at the transition point from the forefoot to the midfoot and from the midfoot to the hindfoot area and a hardness/cushioning system in the backfoot area above the shoe midsole with two spring/tread elements without their own hardness/cushioning system which are fixed but movable between the front and middle and middle and rear spring/tread elements.

[0074] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a hardness-cushioning system with elastomeric compression spring and mounting tabs for attachment to a shoe midsole.

[0075] FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of FIG. 17

[0076] FIG. 19 is a side view as a section and detail of a technical solution for introducing a wobbling thrust motion into the hardness/damping system with elastomer spring

[0077] FIG. 20 is a side view as a section and detail of a technical solution for introducing a wobbling thrust motion into the hardness/damping system with elastomer spring.

[0078] FIG. 21 is a side view as a section and detail of a technical solution for introducing a wobbling thrust motion into an elastomeric bearing that is created by a spring/tread element without a hardness/damping system which is fixed but movable between a front and a rear spring/tread element.

[0079] FIG. 22 is a side view as a section and detail of an engineering solution for introducing a tumbling thrust motion that is created by a spring/tread element without a hardness/damping system but movably mounted between a front and a rear spring/tread element fixed.

[0080] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a shoe midsole with a spring/strike element arranged in the forefoot. spring/tread element with elastomer tension spring extending below the spring/tread element.

[0081] FIG. 24 is a side view of FIG. 23.

[0082] FIG. 25 is a bottom view of a shoe midsole with a spring/tread element arranged in the forefoot with a compact elastomer spring that is fixed but movably attached to the spring/tread element and to the shoe midsole.

[0083] FIG. 26 is a side view as a section and detail of FIG. 25.

[0084] FIG. 27 is a bottom view of a shoe midsole with a spring/strike element arranged in the forefoot. spring/strike element arranged in the forefoot, which has wing-shaped formations transverse to the central axis and cylindrical spacers arranged under the wing-shaped formations.

[0085] FIG. 28 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a damping structure element arranged in the forefoot area

[0086] FIG. 29 is a side view of the shoe midsole of FIG. 1 with damping structure element arranged in the forefoot area in the deflected state

[0087] FIG. 30 is a bottom view of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with an energy storage device arranged outside the shock absorber in the midfoot area

[0088] FIG. 31 is a bottom view of a shoe midsole as a section with a damping structure element arranged in the forefoot area whose energy storage is arranged below the shock absorber

[0089] FIG. 32 is a side view as a detail of FIG. 4

[0090] FIG. 33 is a detailed view of an energy storage unit with 2 metal compression springs which can be manually adjusted in hardness.

[0091] FIG. 34 is a detail view of the energy accumulator of FIG. 6 as a rear view.

[0092] FIG. 35 is a detailed side view of an alternative connection of a shock absorber and a deflection limiting band to the midsole of the shoe at the toe of the sole.

[0093] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a shoe midsole (1) on which a spring/tread element (2) with a spring/damping element (4) in which an elastomer compression spring (4a) is arranged. When an impact load is applied to the spring/tread element (2), part of the impact energy goes into the spring/damping element (4) on the compression spring (4a) and part goes into the deflection of the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot area. The spring/tread element (2) is inserted at the toe of the shoe sole into a receptacle (1a) located above the shoe midsole and firmly connected to the sole. This type of connection allows a flat spring design of the spring/tread element and thus a direct impact pressure load on the compression spring (4a) in the hardness/damping element (4). Alternatively, the fastening can also be in the form of a hinge. The damping structure element (6) and the spacer elements (5, 5a) are not shown in these two figures.

[0094] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a shoe midsole (1) with a spring/tread element (2) arranged in the forefoot area and a spring/tread element (3) arranged in the hindfoot area with the associated hardness-damping systems (4) and a damping structure element (6) between the shoe midsole (1) and the spring/tread element (2) arranged in the forefoot. The damping structure element (6a) is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0095] The spacer elements (5, 5a), which are attached to the shoe midsole (1) and run transversely to the central axis of the sole (1) under the spring/tread elements (2, 3), can be concave or convex transversely to the central axis of the sole (1) and can be formed from medium-hard elastomers. A convexly shaped spacer element (5, 5a) allows a slight lateral inclination of the shoe with good stability when an impact load is applied to the spring/tread element (2, 3). A concave spacer element (5, 5a) does not allow the shoe to tilt when impact loads are applied to the spring/tread element (2, 3), but it does allow the shoe to stand securely. The damping structure element (6, 6a) has through-holes at the points where the spacer elements (5, 5a) are fitted, so that the spacer element can be supported directly on the shoe midsole (1) and the spring/tread element (2, 3). The spacer elements (5, 5a) may also be incorporated in the damping structure element (6, 6a). The spring/tread elements (2, 3) are attached to the shoe midsole as in FIGS. 1 and 2. The hardness-damping system (4) is identical for both spring/tread elements (2, 3) except for the compression spring (4a), which may have a different Shore hardness and shape.

[0096] The basic structure of FIGS. 5 and 6 corresponds to FIGS. 3 and 4 except for the spring/tread element (7). The spring/tread element (7) bridges the mid-foot area and is firmly but movably connected to the two spring/tread elements (2, 3). The fastening can be realized by plug-in connections as in FIGS. 21 and 22 or as a coherent component of spacer element (7) and the spring/tread element (2) and (3). Hinges are also provided on the spring/tread element (7, 2 and 3). The width, hardness-damping system and shape of the spring/tread element (7) are determined by the sporting use and the running style of the runner. The damping structure element (6e) under the spring/tread element (7) can be freely selected in terms of its size and damping properties and in relation to the spring/tread element (7). The spring/tread element (7) creates a kinetic energy coupling between the spring/tread element (2) in the forefoot area and the spring/tread element (3, 3b) in the hindfoot area.

[0097] The impact energy acting on the spring/tread element (3, 3b) during heel strike is primarily transferred to the hardness-damping system (4) in the compression spring (4a) and with the same thrust movement to the spring/tread element (7), which is slightly preloaded and introduces this energy into the spring/tread element (2), which is slightly preloaded and transports part of the kinetic energy into the sole tip (1a) of the shoe midsole (1) and causes it to deflect. When the foot rolls in the direction of travel over the spring/tread element (7), the impact pressure on the spring/tread element(2) mounted in the forefoot increases sharply. This causes the spring-loaded sole in the forefoot area to deflect even further. The additional kinetic energy generated by the foot pushing off via the spring/tread element (2) mounted in the forefoot leads to greater deflection of the sole in the forefoot area (1a) of the shoe midsole. The spring energy stored in the sole in combination with spring energy generated when the foot pushes off in the spring/strike element (2) is made available to the runner to accelerate the forward movement. In the case of a forefoot runner, part of the kinetic energy generated by the impact load of the spring/tread element (2) located in the forefoot area is stored in the spring/tread element (7) and (3, 3b) and made available as additional energy for pushing off the foot in the running direction. In the case of a midfoot runner, the spring/tread element (7) should be higher on the side facing the ground than the height of the spring/tread element(2) and (3, 3b). The spring/tread element (7) is the first to make contact with the ground when the foot touches down and can store the available touchdown energy first and feed it into the spring/tread element (2) and (3, 3b) in equal parts and make the stored kinetic energy available to the runner again for its forward movement, as described for the rear foot runner. The higher spring/tread element (7) additionally reinforces the rolling motion of the foot in the running direction.

[0098] The damping structure element in the area of the spring/tread element (7) is adapted in its damping properties and its shape to the curvature and existing spring hardness of the spring/tread element (7). The damping and hardness properties of the compression springs (4a) in the hardness-damping system (4) are to be adapted to the running styles.

[0099] FIG. 7 shows an example of the spring/tread element (3b) with a wave-shaped spring. These wave-shaped indentations can be used to realize differentiated pressure point elastic deformations with low compressive strength in the longitudinal direction of the spring-appearing elements. If the wave-like indentations extend to below the lowest point of the spring/tread elements, which are concave or convex in the transverse direction to the center of the sole, deflection in the longitudinal direction of the sole is given. If there is only an undulating indentation, a limited, hinge-like deflection occurs, e.g. in the spring/tread element (7), which is located at its ends, at the attachment points to the spring/tread elements (2) and (3, 3b). The compression spring (4a) in the hardness-damping system (4) is provided with a lower Shore hardness in this design of the spring/tread element (3b).

[0100] FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11 show spring/tread elements (24, 25, 26, 27) showing different connection solutions (1c , 1d, 1e, 1f) to a shoe midsole (1). In FIG. 8, the spring/tread element is inserted below the sole into a receptacle (1c) and firmly connected to the shoe midsole. The spring/tread element (1c) has two graduated spring characteristics due to its “dual spring” design.

[0101] When an impact load is applied to the spring/strike element (24), the first stage (24a) of the spring reacts with low spring pressure. In the second stage, as pressure is applied to the spring/tread element (24), the spring characteristic becomes harder and releases the resulting pressure energy into the hardness-damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4e,4d) and into the deflection of the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot area (1c). This spring/tread element (24) can be used to form a running shoe which, in addition to its sporting use, also has good spring and damping properties for quiet comfortable running. The spring/tread element (24), like the spring/tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 25, 26, 27), can be used in the hindfoot area.

[0102] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a spring/tread element (25) which is shaped in the form of an arch and is firmly attached in the lower region (1d) of the shoe midsole (1). This spring/tread element (25) corresponds in its arcuate design to a classic arcuate spring and can thus be effectively influenced in its spring characteristic curve by different compression and tension springs (4a,18,21) in the hardness-damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4d). The spring/tread element (26) is inserted underneath the sole in a receptacle (1e) and firmly connected to the midsole of the shoe.

[0103] The spring/tread element (27) in FIG. 11 has an attenuated arcuate shape and is therefore harder than the spring/tread elements (25, 26) and acts more directly on the springs (4a, 18, 21) in the hardness-damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4d) than the spring/tread elements (24, 25, 26). The spring/tread element (2, 3) is an arcuate flat spring, which, when subjected to an impact pressure load, exerts direct pressure on the springs (4a, 18, 21) in the hardness-damping system and on the shoe midsole toe (1a).

[0104] FIG. 12 shows a spring/tread element consisting of two spring/tread elements (2b, 2e). This division into two parts allows a strong correction of pronation or overpronation by means of compression or tension springs (4a, 18, 21) of different hardness and damping in the hardness-damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4d). If only one hardness-damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4d) is used for both spring/tread elements (2b, 2e), the pronation can also be corrected by varying the hardness of the spring/tread elements (2b, 2e).

[0105] FIG. 13 shows a spring/damping element (4d) consisting of a guide element (8) in which a compression spring (4a) is displaceably arranged in the guide element (8) and to which pressure is applied from both sides by the spring/impact elements (2, 3, 3b). Through the joint use of a compression spring (4a) in the guide element (8) that forms the spring/damper element (4d), the kinetic energy that occurs during impact loading of the spring/tread elements (2, 3, 3b) is also distributed or introduced into the spring/tread element (2) or (3, 3b), depending on the running style, and at the same time part of the energy is used for the resilient deflection of the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot area (1a).

[0106] FIG. 14 corresponds to the technical design of FIG. 13 except for the additional spring/tread element (7a). The functional relationship between the spring/tread element (2, 3, 3b) and the additional spring/tread element (7a) is similar to that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0107] In FIG. 15, there is shown a shoe midsole (1) with three spring/tread elements (2, 10, 3), which is guided as a continuous spring band (29) with the spring/tread element (3), into a hardness-damping system (4c, 4) arranged in the hindfoot area above the heel.

[0108] Two guide elements (9, 9a) are arranged between front (2) and middle (10) and middle (10) and rear (3) spring/strike elements, in which the interconnected spring/strike elements (2, 10, 3, 3b) run displaceably. This design is advantageous for rear foot runners, with a strong heel cushioning.

[0109] FIG. 16 corresponds to the technical design as shown in FIG. 15 except for the additional spring/tread elements (11, 12). The additional spring/tread elements (11, 12) arranged between the spring/tread element (2) and (10) and between the spring/tread element (10) and (3) reinforce the kinetic interaction between the individual spring/tread elements (2, 10, 3) and the hardness-damping system (4, 4c). Alternatively, a hardness-damping system (4c) that absorbs tensile and compressive forces can be mounted in the forefoot area above the midsole at the toe of the sole (1a) to provide good walking conditions for forefoot and midfoot runners as well. In this context, the spring/tread element (11) should run higher to the ground than the spring/tread elements (2, 10, 12, 3). This embodiment is an advantageous design for a running shoe suitable for everyday use as well as for athletic use for various indoor sports.

[0110] FIGS. 17 and 18 show the spring/tread element (4) in which the free end (2a, 3a) of the spring/tread element (2, 3, 3b) is coupled to the hardness-damping system (4).

[0111] A pyramid-shaped pressure body (13) with a convex, cylindrically shaped pressure body (13a) is firmly attached to the spring/tread element (2, 3, 3b) at the free end (2a, 3a). In conjunction with the concavely shaped thrust bearing (14), a pivoting movement in one axial direction is possible. When an impact pressure load is applied to the spring/tread element (2, 3, 3a), the longitudinal displacement that occurs and the existing compressive force, at the free end (2a, 3a), are transmitted to the compression spring (4a) made of elastomer or steel introduced in the spring/tread element (4) as a compressive force.

[0112] The pyramid-shaped pressure body (13) can compensate for the wobbling movements occurring at the free end (2a, 3a) of the spring/damping element (2, 3, 3b) during impact pressure loading so that the pressure body (13) is not jammed or trapped in the spring/damping element.

[0113] The holes (15) on the spring/damping element (4) provided for screwing the spring/damping element (4) to the shoe midsole (1) can also be shaped as elongated holes in order to be able to make corrections during assembly and to enable readjustment of hardness settings.

[0114] FIG. 19 corresponds in its basic principle to FIG. 18. In this technical variant, the pressure body (13b) is cylindrical/convex and the counter bearing (14a) is concave.

[0115] FIG. 20 shows a simple solution for pressurizing a compression spring (4a) in the spring/damping element(4).

[0116] The free end (2a, 3a) at the spring/tread element (2, 3, 3b) has no fixed connection with the pressure body (13d) but lies in a trough (13c) which opens outwardly via slopes to leave sufficient space for the tumbling impact movement which the spring/tread element (2, 3, 3b) has at its free end (2a, 3a) in an axial direction.

[0117] FIG. 21 shows an attachment solution of spring/tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) with the spring/tread elements (2, 3, 3b, 10). Attached to the spring/tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) at their free ends are two or more cylindrical pins with a larger spherically shaped head (17) larger than the diameter of the cylindrical pins. At a distance from the sphere, a plate-shaped support element (30) that absorbs the pressure of the forces acting on the spring/tread elements (2, 3, 3b, 10) is arranged. On the spring/tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) there are bores into which a medium-hard elastomer part (16) with its annular constrictions is firmly inserted and into which the cylindrically shaped pins located on both sides of the spring/tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) are firmly but movably inserted with the spherically shaped head (17).

[0118] In FIG. 22, the spring/tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) are attached to the spring/tread elements (2, 3, 3b, 10) in a snap-fit manner similar to FIG. 21, but instead of a ball, an elongated component with a cylindrical end is used. In this case, the spring/tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) must be made of a medium-hard flexible material so that there is a deflection movement between the hardness-damping elements (2, 3, 3b, 10) and the medium-hardness spring/tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12).

[0119] In FIGS. 23 and 24, a hardness-damping system (4b) is shown that allows a pushing movement of spring/tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) into a hardness-damping system (4b) with tension spring (18). This embodiment is advantageous for production-defined features of running shoes that are provided for different running styles and areas of use. The resilient deflection of the shoe midsole (1) when the spring/tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) are subjected to impact pressure in the forefoot area is influenced by a different tension spring length (18) below the spring/tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b). With a long tension spring (18) reaching almost to the toe of the sole (1a), the resilient deflection of the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot area is slowed down, since the tension spring (18), when tensioned, works against the deflection of the sole. In the case of a short tension spring (18) arranged outside the forefoot area at the free end (2a, 3a, 3b), there is no influence of the tension spring (18) on the resilient deflection of the sole in the forefoot area, but only the hardness-damping system of the spring/tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) is controlled. The tension spring (18) is advantageously made of flat rubber-like elastomer with different Shore hardness, thickness, width and tensile strength for use in different designs of running shoes. The tension spring (18) is firmly and or detachably fastened to the shoe midsole (1) by means of a screw connection (19a) and to the spring/tread element (2a, 3a) in the area (2a, 3a and 20). To enable the tension spring (18) to be replaced, holes are provided at certain intervals in the spring/tread element (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) to allow access to the screw connections with which the tension springs of different lengths are screwed to the shoe midsole.

[0120] The hardness-damping system (4b) with the tension spring (18) allows a short version of the spring/tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) in conjunction with the hardness-damping system (4b).

[0121] FIGS. 25 and 26 show a spring/tread element (2) with a hardness-damping system (4c) of a clamped (23) elastomer spring (21) in the area (2a, 3a).

[0122] In the lower third of the elastomer spring (21), a tube section (30) is embedded or vulcanized into the elastomer spring (21), with which the elastomer spring (21) is fastened to the shoe midsole by means of a screw (22). The elastomer spring (21) is clamped with its central recess (21a) in an annular recess on the spring/tread element (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) in the area (2a, 3a) and can be pivoted about the tube section (30). It is advantageous to use the hardness-damping system (4c) in flat spring/tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) , since they have a lower wobbling movement in the area (2a, 3a) when subjected to impact pressure than higherformed spring/tread elements.

[0123] FIG. 27 shows a spring/tread element (2d) which is of wing-like (2e) design and in which spacer elements (5b) are arranged under each wing (2e).

[0124] In all figures and illustrations, damping structure elements (6, 6a, 6b) are inserted under the spring/tread elements (2, 3, 3a, 10). Optionally, damping structure elements (6e, 6c, 6d) can be inserted under the spring/tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12).

[0125] FIG. 28, FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 show a preferred embodiment of a damping structure element in the forefoot area. The spring/tread element, referred to here as shock absorber 2, is attached at the toe of the sole to a pivot hinge 35, which together with the deflection limiting band 30 is inserted into a groove 1a arranged at the toe of the sole, and these are firmly connected to the midsole 1 of the shoe. In order that the deflection limiting band 30 is kept constant in its distance height in the fastening area to the midsole 1 of the shoe, the midsole 1 of the shoe has an elevation 6 in this area. Alternatively, the elevation 6, which has a spacing or support function, can also be formed directly on the deflection limiting band 30. The deflection limiting band 30 is a wide band which, opposite the fixed side 1a, has a receptacle for an energy store 4 as a spring/damping element. The energy accumulator can be fitted with elastomer compression springs or metal springs. If elastomer springs are used, “receiving cages” must be provided in accordance with the shape of the springs so that optimum efficiency can be achieved for these specially shaped springs. In this design form of the damping structure element, the deflection limiting band 30 is not guided in a centrally arranged slot through the thrust edge 1b, but on the outside of the thrust edge 31b of the shock absorber 2 there are guide slots in which the frames 32c and 32cc of the energy store 4 slide. The frame edge 32a of the energy store forms the stop 32a against which the inner edge of the thrust edge 31b abuts. The compression springs abut the outer edge of the thrust edge 31b of the shock absorber 2 with one end and the outer frame 32d of the deflection limiting strip with their opposite side. The compression springs in the energy accumulator 4 can be formed of elastomer or steel springs. Preferably, the compression springs are made of steel, formed as wave springs with a round or rectangular cross-section. FIG. 29 shows a shoe midsole 1 which deflects upward in the ball of foot area 38 in the forefoot when subjected to an impact load and is prevented from deflecting further by the deflection limiting band 30. The distance from the deflection limiting band 30 to the midsole and the Shore hardness-damping system or spring characteristic of the compression springs used determine how far the sole deflects upwards. The design of the midsole 1 is such that it deflects more easily in the ball of the foot area than in the rest of the sole.

[0126] In FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, the energy storage unit 4 is located inside and below the shock absorber 2, respectively. The compression springs are compressed by the upstand 31a on the shock absorber and the wall 32b on the deflection limiting band 30. The advantage of this damping structure element compared to the solution of FIGS. 28 to 30 is that due to the short design, damping structure elements can also be used without problems in the midfoot and hindfoot area with small shoe dimensions. The shock absorber 2 is shaped in an arc 31b in front of the area of the energy store 4 as an example. With this shaping of the shock absorber 2 and the use of a second damping structure element in the midfoot area, the specific requirements for midfoot running can be optimally implemented.

[0127] FIGS. 33 and 34 show an example of an external energy accumulator 4, which is equipped with two compression springs 33a and 33b made of metal and a screw device 40 and 40a, with which the deflection hardness of the shock absorber 2 can be variably adjusted.

[0128] The deflection limiting band 30 is guided with the two frames 32c and 32cc on the energy absorber 4 in a guide 39 which is made of low-friction plastic and is firmly attached to the midsole.

[0129] The guide slots in the sliding edge 31b on the shock absorber 2 in which the frames 32c and 32cc slide from the energy store 4 consist of a separate part 41 and 41a made of low-friction plastic that is firmly attached to the sliding edge 31b.

[0130] In FIG. 35, a shock absorber 2 is shown with an arcuate section 31c in the front region and its attachment below the midsole 1.

[0131] With this shaping of the shock absorber 2 in the front area and the design as shown in FIG. 32, a softer cushioning of the shoe is realized.

[0132] The deflection limiting band 30 can also alternatively be fixedly connected directly to the shock absorber 2 in the front region 31c with this shaping of the shock absorber 2.

[0133] The invention is not limited to any of the above-described embodiments, but may be varied in a variety of ways.

[0134] All of the features and advantages, including constructional details, spatial arrangements and process steps, arising from the claims and the description may be essential to the invention both individually and in a wide variety of combinations.