FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates broadly to a sole for a shoe. And more particularly to a shoe comprising said sole.

BACKGROUND

The design and construction of footwear can bestow upon a shoe a plethora of different properties and characteristic suited to particular applications. In the case of a sports shoe, the design may incorporate features that provide the wearer with differing levels of performance and support and/or increased protection from injury.

Many sports are carried out on hard surfaces and require sudden directional changes and stop-start movements. Examples of such sports include netball, field hockey, squash, cricket and hard-court tennis. Whilst outsoles of a shoe can provide a wearer with grip and performance, such grip can come at the cost of unwanted loads being transferred from the outsole to the bones and joints of a wearer. These stop-start movements can place high levels of load on the joints and muscles of the wearer, which may have adverse effect on the wearer’s health and mobility.

It is thus desirable to provide a sole for a sports shoe which may reduce harm and/or injury to the wearer. The present invention was conceived with these shortcomings in mind.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sole for a shoe, comprising: a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured to support a heel of a foot and the second portion configured to support a ball of the foot; and a bridging portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the bridging portion extends across a base of the sole and extends around an outer surface of the first portion isolating the first portion of the sole from the second portion of the sole, such that the first portion can move independently of the second portion.

In some embodiments, the bridging portion may comprise a rounded channel and a groove, wherein the rounded channel circumvents an outer-facing surface of the first portion, to extend into the groove that traverses the base of the sole.

The relative translation between the first and second portions of the sole may dissipate energy inputted into the sole.

In some embodiments, the first portion may move independently of the second portion in a lateral direction across a width of the sole. The first portion may move

independently of the second portion in a longitudinal direction along a length of the sole. Additionally, the first portion may move independently of the second portion in a vertical direction of the sole.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second portions of the sole may be made from an elastic or elastomeric material.

In some embodiments, the first portion may provide a prominently rounded side profile, when viewed from a rear of the sole, that extends from the base towards the rounded channel on the outer-facing surface.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and the second portion may be subdivided into two distinct segments on a lateral and a medial side of the sole facilitating relative movement between the two distinct segments.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first portion and the second potion may be subdivided into a plurality of discrete elements that are configured to be translatable relative to each other.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and the second portion of the sole may be subdivided into discrete regions that dissipate energy.

In some embodiments, the first portion and second portion may have interlocking cooperating profiles. In a further embodiment, the first portion may provide a recessed profile for receiving a corresponding protruding profile of the second portion. In a still further embodiment, the recessed profile of the first portion may be triangular in form. In yet another further embodiment, the protruding profile of the second portion may be wedge-shaped.

In some embodiments, the bridging portion may extend around the first potion. The bridging portion may decouple the first portion from the second portion.

In some embodiments, the groove of the bridging portion may form a V-shape interposed between the first and second portions of the sole.

In some embodiments, the groove of the bridging portion may form an X-shaped configuration across the sole, the X-shape groove extending into the first portion.

In some embodiments, the groove may be formed from two diagonally intersecting linear lines.

In some embodiments, the groove may extend across each of the two portions of the sole.

In some embodiments, the groove may be formed as having two opposing side walls. In further embodiments, the two opposing side walls may converge toward an upper portion of the sole. In a further embodiment, the side walls may have a stepped profile. The stepped profile may define a series of discrete steps that converge upon one another towards the upper portion of the sole. In yet a further embodiment, the stepped profile may comprise at least three steps.

In some embodiments, the groove may extend substantially through the thickness of the sole.

In some embodiments, the groove may extend through a portion of the thickness of the sole.

In some embodiments, the sole may further comprise a curved longitudinal channel decoupling a medial side of the sole from a lateral side of the sole.

In some embodiments, the sole may further comprise a tread that continuously wraps around a side profile of at least one of the first portion and the second portion. In a further embodiment, the sole may comprise an outsole and a midsole, wherein the tread extends across a bottom surface of the outsole and continues around a side profile of the outsole extending onto a side profile of the midsole.

In some embodiments, the first portion may be integrally formed with the second portion.

In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be made from different materials. In a further embodiment, the sole may be formed by over-moulding the first portion over the second portion or vice versa. In yet a further embodiment, the sole may comprise a first portion that is manufactured independently from the second portion.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the sole may increase along the length, such that the first portion has a greater thickness than the second portion.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a shoe comprising the sole described herein.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a shoe comprising an upper, an insole and a sole as described herein.

The illustrative embodiments described herein, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciation of other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the components of a shoe, illustrating the various elements of a sports shoe, in disassembled form;

Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of a sole according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating different regions of the sole;

Fig. 3A is a perspective top view of the sole of Figure 2, illustrating the profile through thickness of the sole; Fig. 3B is an enlarged view of the region from circle A of Figure 2, illustrating a tapered profile of a groove recessed into the sole between different regions;

Fig. 4A shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A from Figure 2, illustrating a groove recessed into the sole having a stepped profile;

Fig. 4B is an enlarged view of the region from circle B of Figure 4A, illustrating discrete stepped walls of the groove;

Fig. 5 shows a bottom view of the sole according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating discrete regions of the sole that individually and collectively dissipate energy;

Fig. 6A shows a side view of a sole according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating a tread that extends partially from a base of the sole into a side profile of the sole;

Fig. 6B shows a rear view of the sole according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating a prominently rounded side profile of rear portion of the sole;

Fig. 6C is an enlarged view of the region from circle C of Figure 6A, illustrating a circular profile of a channel circumventing a rear region of the sole;

Fig. 6D is an enlarged view of the region from circle D of Figure 6B, illustrating the depth and profile of a channel that runs along the length of the sole;

Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of a rear region of the sole according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating the tread profile of the grooves and channels on the base of the sole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

The invention will be described herein in relation to a sports shoe. However, it is understood that the invention can be applied to various other footwear forms. In a first aspect, the invention provides a sole (3) for a shoe (1), comprising: a first portion (35) and a second portion (36), the first portion (35) configured to support a heel of a foot and the second portion (36) configured to support a sole of the foot; and a bridging portion (37) disposed between the first portion (35) and the second portion (36), wherein the bridging portion (37) extends across a base (13) of the sole (3) and extends around an outer surface (354) of the first portion (35) isolating the first portion of the sole (3) from the second portion of the sole (3), such that the first portion (35) can move independently of the second portion (36).

With reference to Figure 1 , the shoe (1) comprises an upper (2) fitted to the sole (3). The sole (3) protects the foot from the ground providing a layer of cushioning for the foot.

The upper (2) covers the top and sides of the foot to provide a comfortable fit between the foot and the shoe (1) and to improve stability of the foot on the sole (3).

The upper (2) is commonly made from leather or fabric and may comprise of a quarter section (21) for receiving the heel of the wearer at the rear (15) of the shoe, and a vamp section (22) at the front (16) of the shoe (1) for receiving the toes of the wearer.

The upper (2) is attached to the sole (3) with an adhesive and can be further held with stitching or a combination of both. By enclosing or partially enclosing the foot of the wearer, the upper (2) provides protection from environmental factors such as temperature or water.

In the same manner the upper (2) exhibits a degree of resilience and can incorporate other protection means to protect the foot from, for example, crushing or contact from external objects.

In the case of footwear designed for sporting applications, particularly those sports played on hard surfaces, the upper protects the foot of the wearer from injury caused by impact with the ball or contact with other people’s feet.

The sole (3) can comprise multiple layers and/or components. The sole (3) comprises an outsole (31), a midsole (32) and an insole (33). The insole (33) sits directly beneath the foot of the wearer. The primary purpose of the insole (33) is to provide cushioning, comfort and support. Insole (33) can be referred to as a foot-bed or an inner sole. The insole (33) can be removeable from the shoe (1) to allow replacement of the insole with a specialised insole or orthotic to provide additional support or to assist in correcting biomechanical imbalances in walking gait or posture. The insole (33) can be made from cellulose paperboard or a synthetic insole board.

The outsole (31) is the part of the sole that contacts the ground. It provides a wear resistant layer to the outer surface (354) or base (13) of the shoe (1). The outsole (31) features a tyre-like tread (311) to provide improved grip to the sporting surface.

The design of the outsole (31) is heavily dependent on the terrain and environment for which it is intended for use. For some sporting applications, the design of tread pattern and the material for construction is selected to optimise traction and grip, for example hard court tennis shoes, whilst others aim to offer a minimal almost bare-foot sensation to the user to feel the terrain beneath their feet as is the case with some trail-running shoes.

The midsole (32) is sandwiched between the outsole (31) and the upper (2). The midsole (32) can be made from a low-density foam or polymer such as EVA or Polyurethane. The midsole (32) provides shock-absorption in addition to support and cushioning. The design and construction of the midsole (32) largely determines the characteristics of the shoe (1), such as the level of cushioning, support and hence comfort. The midsoles (32) provides thick cushioning under both the heel and forefoot to help provide cushioning to the heel and forefoot.

Referring now to Figures 2, 3A and 3B, the sole (3), comprises the outsole (31), the midsole (32) and the insole (33). The sole (3) extends longitudinally along the length L of the sole (3) and laterally across the width W of the sole (3), from an inner side of the shoe referred to as a medial side (11) to an outer side of the shoe, referred to as a lateral side (12). The medial (11) and lateral (12) sides of the shoe are represented by dashed lines in Figure 2. The sole (3) has a vertical thickness T that extends from the base (13) of the sole (3) to an upper boundary (14) of the sole (3). In Figure 3A, the base (13) is represented as a dashed line, whilst the upper boundary (14) is represented as a dash-double dotted line.

The sole in Figure 2 comprises the first portion (35) and the second portion (36). Wherein the first portion is configured to support a heel of a wearer’s foot and the second portion (36) is configured to support the remainder of the wearer’s foot, referred to as the sole or ball of the foot. In Figure 2, the first portion (35) is represented as a dash-double dotted line and the second portion (36) is represented as a dash-dotted line.

The bridging portion (37) is disposed between the first portion (35) and the second portion (36). The bridging portion (37) extends around an outer surface (354) of the first portion (35) isolating the first portion of the sole (3) from the second portion of the sole (3), such that the first portion (35) can move independently of the second portion (36).

The bridging portion (37) comprises a rounded channel (371) and a groove (372), wherein the rounded channel (371) circumvents the outer-facing surface (354) of the first portion (35), to extend into the groove (372) that traverses the base (13) of the sole (3). The rounded channel (371) has a recess (371a) and maintains a consistent width as it circumvents the outer-facing surface (354). The recess (371a) has a crescent-like profile, similar to a meniscus curve. The rounded channel (371) is illustrated in Figure 6C as forming an undulating, or serpentine path (371b) as it approaches the base (13) of the sole (3), the width of the channel (371) narrowing as it approaches the groove (372). A maximum depth of the recess (371a) is substantially the same as a width of the channel (371).

The groove (372) traversing the base (13) of the sole (3) is illustrated in Figures 3B and 7 as having a width that tapers in an arrow-like manner (372c) towards the medial (11) and lateral (12) sides of the sole (3), when viewed from below. The width of the groove (372) and a depth of the groove remains substantially constant across the base (13) and blends out towards the prominently rounded side profile (352) of the first portion (35).

Each portion (35, 36) of the sole is capable of predominantly independent elastic movement relative to the other. The decoupled movement enables each portion (35,36) of the sole (3) to move with a degree of independence, allowing, for example, the second portion (36) to move forwards in a longitudinal direction along the length L of the sole relative to the first portion (35) upon a sudden stopping motion, such as that applied when a wearer plant their heel into the ground to make a sudden stop.

The relative translation of the first and second portions (35,36) dissipates energy inputted into the sole from the wearer, in a manner analogous to the function of a crumple zone in modern vehicles. Similar energy absorption can be exhibited in rapid directional changes, such as those common in hard-court sports wherein the first portion (35) moves independently of the second (36) in a lateral direction across the width W of the sole.

Likewise, independent movement of the portions (35, 36) in a vertical direction through the thickness T of the sole during, for example, jumping or running may reduce the shock force transferred to the wearer.

Referring now to Figure 2, which illustrates that the profiles of the first (35) and second portions (36) interlock, wherein the first portion (35) provides a triangular recessed profile (353) for receiving a corresponding wedge-shaped protruding profile (363) of the second portion (36).

The sole (3) can be fabricated from an elastic or elastomeric material such as polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate or a similar elastomer-foam type compound.

The sole (3), the first (35) and second (36) portions and the bridging portion (37) can be integrally formed in a single operation, for example a moulding process. This provides manufacturing advantages through simplicity and speed.

If desired, however, the first (35) and second (36) portions can be made from different materials. Such an arrangement could be advantageous in instilling specific properties onto the performance of first and second portions of the sole (3) such as cushioning and shock absorption. In such a circumstance, the sole (3) could be formed in an over-moulding operation, wherein the first portion (35) is over-moulded the second portion (36) or vice versa. Alternatively, the portions (35,36) can be manufactured independently of each other with multiple moulding operations used for different components of the sole (3). Referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the thickness of the sole T increases along the length L, such that the first portion (35) has a greater thickness than the second portion (36). This assists in promoting a natural gait for the wearer whilst walking and running.

Two opposing side walls (372a, 372b) converge towards an upper boundary (14) of the sole (3) form a groove (372) across the base (13) of the sole (3). The groove (372) extends through a portion of the thickness of the sole T and extends through the outsole (31) into the midsole (32). The groove (372) promotes the decoupling effect between the different portions (35,36) of the sole, enabling relative translational movement therebetween to dissipate energy.

Figure 4B shows the groove (372) having a stepped profile, wherein the side walls (372a, 372b) converge upon one another towards the upper boundary (14) of the sole (3) in a series of discrete steps. Groove (372) is illustrated in Figure 4B having 4 steps; however, this number could be reduced to one or two steps, or increased to 5 or 6 steps, depending on the deformation profile desired. This stepped-profile distributes the high braking forces inputted into the sole from the wearer associated with sudden directional changes, by increasing the time period over which the forces are transmitted through the substrate material of the sole (3) (similar to a crumple zone in vehicle impacts). By reducing the propagation time of the shock wave through the sole, and dissipating energy, the forces transferred to the foot and joints of an athlete are reduced.

Referring now to Figure 5, wherein the groove (372) of the bridging portion (37) is shown to extend laterally from the medial side (11) to the lateral side (12) of the base (13) of the sole (3). The groove (372) comprises a plurality of branches (373). A first pair of branches (373a) of the groove (372) forms a V-shape and is interposed between the first (35) and second portions (36) of the sole, acting to decouple the first portion (35) from the second portion (36).

A secondary pair of branches (373b) of the groove extend into the first portion (35), the two diagonally intersecting linear branches (373a, 373b) forming an X-shaped configuration across the base (13) of the sole (3). It is contemplated that an alternative embodiment could feature the plurality of branches (373) extending into the second portion (36), as well as, or instead of, the first portion (35).

Ends of the secondary pair of branches (273b) terminate in a wing-tip formation (372d) that encloses the groove (372). The recessed, discrete steps of the first and second side walls (327a, 372b) are bounded by the wing-tip formations (372d) in contrast to the ends of the first pair of branches (373a) that blend out towards the medial and lateral boundaries of the sole (3).

A curved longitudinal channel (38) decouples the medial side (11) of the sole from a lateral side (12) of the sole. The channel (38) subdivides each of the first (35) and second portions (36) of the sole into two distinct segments (381 , 382); a first segment (381) on a medial side (11) of the sole, and a second segment (382) on a lateral side (12) of the sole. The first segment (381) is illustrated in Figure 5 bounded by a dash-dotted line, while the second segment (382 not indicated with a boundary line) lies along the lateral side of the central longitudinal channel (38).

The channel (38) facilitates relative movement between the adjacent segments (381 , 382). The channel (38) is a continuous curve substantially corresponding to the path of the medial longitudinal arch of the human foot, extending fully along the base (13) of the sole (3) and forming a sagittal line. The channel (38) extends through the thickness (T) of the sole (3) and can extend through the outsole (31) into the midsole (32), and is illustrated in Figure 6D as having a depth that reduces in a series of discrete intervals as it reaches the rear (15) boundary of the sole of the base (13) shoe (3). The channel (38) can be formed to provide a stepped profile similar to that of groove (372), as shown in Figure 4A.

Additional lateral grooves (39) extend across the width W of second portion (36). The grooves (39) are located in proximity to the ball of the wearer’s foot, with a first groove (391) traversing the base (13) directly below the ball of the wearer’s foot, and two complementary grooves (392, 393) on either side of the first groove (391). Each of these lateral grooves (391 , 392, 393) can be formed to provide a stepped profile similar to that of groove (372) as shown in Figure 4A. Each of lateral grooves

(391 ,392,393) act as a decoupling feature so that the second portion (36) is subdivided into a plurality of discrete elements (361). Each of the plurality of discrete elements are nested against one another.

The first potion (35) in some embodiments can be subdivided instead of the second portion into a plurality of nested discrete elements (361). The plurality of elements (351) of the first portion (35), and the plurality of elements (361) of the second portion (36) form a 3- dimensional lattice-like structure across the base (13) of the sole (3). Wherein each of the plurality of elements (351 , 361) is configured for movement relative to an adjacent one of the plurality of elements. The neighbouring elements can move relative to one another up to a limitation imposed by the elasticity of the material selected to form the sole (3). This gives flexibility to the sole (3) along both a longitudinal and a lateral axis. The elements (351 , 361) are shock-absorbing elements, configured to dissipate energy inputted into the sole (3) through the translational movement of the plurality of elements (351 ,361). In Figure 5, a first element (351) of the first portion (35) is represented as a dashed line, whilst two elements (361) of the second portion (36) are represented as dash-double dotted lines.

Each of the plurality of elements (351 ,361) is dispersed in complimentary pairs about the central longitudinal channel (38) across the base (13) of the sole (3). The distribution of the complimentary pairs about the central channel (38) taking the appearance of an articulated fish skeleton. Each of the plurality of elements (351 ,361) is substantially wedge- shaped, fanning outwardly towards the periphery of the base (13) of the sole (3), and having an arcuate outer boundary transitioning into the medial/lateral side profiles of the shoe (11 ,12) .

The tread (311) continuously wraps around the side profile (34) of the first portion (35) and the second portion (36) on both the medial (11) and lateral (12) side of the sole, as illustrated in Figure 6A. In Figure 6C the tread (311) extends about half up the side profile (34) ceasing prior to the rounded channel (371) of the bridging portion (37). In some embodiments the tread (311) can extend over the entirety of the side profile (34) of the sole (3).

The tread (311) extends across the base (13) of the outsole (31), and then continues around the side profile (11 ,12) of the outsole (31) and extends onto the side profile of the midsole (32). The tread (311) acts to increase contact between the tread (311) and the playing surface. As the sole (3) rolls about the longitudinal axis the rolling motion reduces loading into the wearer’s body. These loads can lead to painful stresses, twisting or distortions of the foot and/or leg,

Referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the tread (311) comprises a gripping surface formed from a plurality of valleys (311a) and interspersed land portions (311 b) to increase grip between the base (13) of the sole (3) and the playing surface and to disperse surface water. This tread (311) can provide the wearer with increased control when playing sports.

Referring now to Figure 6B, the first portion (35) has a prominent rounded side profile (352) when viewed from a rear (15) of the sole (3). The rounded profile extends from the base (13) of the sole (3) towards the rounded channel (371) on the outer-facing surface (354).

The rounded profile (352) has a radius of curvature r. Where r is about the same distance that the tread (311) extends from the base (13) of the sole (3) towards the upper boundary (14) of the sole when viewed from the rear (15) of the shoe.

In some embodiments the radius r can be increased to the same magnitude as the thickness (T) of the sole (3). While in other embodiment the radius r can be reduced to provide a more sharply defined profile to the first portion (35) of the sole (3).

The rounded profile (352) has a bulbous appearance and assists in promoting a natural rolling motion of the foot. This rolling motion is experienced during transverse movements and rapid directional changes of the wearer. The rounded profiled (352) promotes an increased efficiency of energy dissipation during rolling contact with the playing surface by extending the contact time between the sole (3) and the playing surface. Simultaneously, the forces directly transmitted from the sole (3) to the wearer can be decreased, as additional energy is dissipated by the sole (3) during the increased duration of rolling contact with the playing surface. Varying the magnitude of radius r will vary the degree of roll about the longitudinal axis that the wearer experiences.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the scope of the following claims. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative of the scope of protection, and not restrictively.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the example methods and materials are described herein.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word“comprise” or variations such as“comprises” or“comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the disclosure.

LEGEND