Outsole With Tangential Deformation

Abstract

An outsole, especially for sports shoes, that can be formed with a large amount of elastic deformability even in the tangential direction towards the front and the back, enabling a good cushioning effect even when the tread of the foot is inclined and somewhat slipping. Beyond at least one critical deformation in the deformed region, the sole remains essentially rigid in relation to tangential deformation. In this way, the runner has a secure footing on the respective tread point. The runner can push off from the tread point without losing ground and a swimming effect on the sole is prevented. The elastic deformability of the sole also in the tangential direction is caused by at least one first element, and the rigidity of the sole in relation to tangential deformation beyond the at least one critical deformation, in addition to the degree of the at least one critical deformation in the deformed region is due to at least one second element. So that the first and second elements can be independently designed, dimensioned and produced, there are extensive structuring, formation and variation possibilities. Certain areas in the heel and/or the ball region of the sole can be varied by the at least one first element, and certain areas by the at least one second element, in the longitudinal direction.

1 . An outsole having a heel region and a ball region, especially for sport shoes, said shoes comprising an intermediate sole, said outsole being elastically deformable both forwards and backwards in the tangential direction and being essentially stiff with respect to tangential deformation only beyond at least one critical deformation in the region deformed so far, wherein said outsole comprises at least one first element and at least one second element, wherein said at least one first element affects elastic deformability of said outsole in the tangential direction, wherein said at least one second element affects the aforementioned stiffness opposing the tangential deformation beyond this at least one critical deformation as well as the degree of the at least one particular deformation in the region deformed so far and, wherein said at least one first element forms zones in at least one of the heel and ball regions of the sole, and said at least one second element forms zones in at least one of the heel and ball regions of the sole, wherein said zones repeatedly alternate in the longitudinal direction. 
   
   
       2 . The outsole according to  claim 1 , wherein, as seen from the sole, said at least one first element protrudes with respect to said at least one second element until the at least one critical deformation is attained. 
   
   
       3 . The outsole according to  claim 1 , wherein, beyond the at least one critical deformation, said at least one first element is aligned with said at least one second element in the region deformed to this extent. 
   
   
       4 . The outsole according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one second element is not stressed until said at least one critical deformation in the region, deformed to this extent, is reached. 
   
   
       5 . The outsole according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said at least one first element and said at least one second element is fastened to the underside of the intermediate sole. 
   
   
       6 . The outsole according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said at least one first element and said at least one second element is embedded partly in the underside of the intermediate sole. 
   
   
       7 . The outsole according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said at least one first element and said at least one second element is constructed as part of the intermediate sole. 
   
   
       8 . The outsole according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one critical deformation is reached only after a tangential and/or vertical deformation path, which is greater than 20% of the deformable thickness of said sole. 
   
   
       9 . The outsole according to  claim 1 , wherein the extent of the possible tangential deformation path until the critical deformation is reached corresponds approximately to the possible vertical deformation path until the critical deformation is reached. 
   
   
       10 . The outsole according to  claim 8 , wherein said at least one critical deformation is reached only after a tangential and/or vertical deformation path, which is greater than 50% of the deformable thickness of said sole.