US20010015022A1 - Cushioning system for golf shoes - Google Patents
Cushioning system for golf shoes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010015022A1 US20010015022A1 US09/761,507 US76150701A US2001015022A1 US 20010015022 A1 US20010015022 A1 US 20010015022A1 US 76150701 A US76150701 A US 76150701A US 2001015022 A1 US2001015022 A1 US 2001015022A1
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- Prior art keywords
- footbed
- cushioning
- region
- arch
- receptacle
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/1425—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the ball of the foot, i.e. the joint between the first metatarsal and first phalange
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
- A43B13/186—Differential cushioning region, e.g. cushioning located under the ball of the foot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/189—Resilient soles filled with a non-compressible fluid, e.g. gel, water
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/0036—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design
- A43B3/0057—S-shaped
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/001—Golf shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/143—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the lateral arch, i.e. the cuboid bone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/1435—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the joint between the fifth phalange and the fifth metatarsal bone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/144—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/145—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the toes, i.e. the phalanges
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1475—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the type of support
- A43B7/148—Recesses or holes filled with supports or pads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/38—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/38—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
- A43B13/40—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process with cushions
Definitions
- the present invention relates to shoes, and more particularly to sports shoes intended for use while playing golf.
- Golf shoes are typically comprised of a shoe upper which is attached to some or all of an inner sole, and an outsole.
- the inner sole typically includes a multi-layer footbed having an upper layer which is contacted by the golfer's foot and a cushioning layer composed of a compressible material.
- the cushioning layer is compressed at the pressure points imposed by the foot and generally absorbs some of the shock which is generated during the golf swing and walking.
- the thickness of the inner sole is limited by the internal volume of the golf shoe. Therefore, the thickness of the cushioning layer and the relief provided by the cushioning layer is also limited.
- the invention in a preferred form is a cushioning system for golf shoe which includes a footbed and a lasting board, each having a sole region, an arch region, and a heel region.
- a receptacle is formed in the heel region of the lasting board.
- the footbed includes an upper layer which is engaged by the foot of a golfer and a cushion layer disposed below the upper layer, each of which extend the length of the footbed.
- a rigid bottom layer is disposed below the cushion layer in the heel region.
- the cushion layer is composed of a compressible material and defines a recess in the heel region which cooperates with an opening in the bottom layer to define a receptacle which is opposite to the receptacle of the lasting board.
- First and second cushioning elements are disposed within the receptacles of the lasting board and the footbed, respectively.
- the first cushioning element is composed of a polymeric foam material.
- the second cushioning element has a flexible outer shell defining a cavity and a compressible gel material disposed within the cavity.
- the outer shell of the second cushioning element includes upper and lower shell halves joined along an outwardly extending seam defining a flange. The flange extends out of the receptacle between the cushion layer and the bottom layer of the footbed.
- the footbed also has an enhanced cushioning zone extending from the medial portion of the toe area of the forefoot region, across the ball portion of the forefoot region, and into the lateral portion of the arch region.
- the cushion layer in the enhanced cushioning zone has an upper portion and a lower portion defining a plurality of laterally and longitudinally spaced cushioning bumps extending downwardly from the upper portion.
- the cushioning bumps form laterally and longitudinally extending rows of bumps.
- the lateral portion of the toe area and the medial portion of the arch area may have a plurality of openings extending through the footbed.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cushioning system in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the footbed of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-section view, taken along line 3 - 3 of the footbed of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-section view, taken along line 4 - 4 of the footbed of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged top view of the heel cushioning pad of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-section view, taken along line 6 - 6 , of the heel cushioning pad of FIG. 5.
- a separate, softer, cushioning element was also disposed in the heel of the golf shoe, with the lower half of the cushioning element being received in a receptacle formed in the heel of the lasting board and the upper half of the cushioning element being received in a receptacle formed in the heel of the footbed.
- the cushioning system of the '428 application provides a golf shoe which is superior to conventional golf shoes, it is relatively expensive to manufacture.
- a golf shoe having a cushioning system in accordance with the subject invention enjoys substantially the same benefits as a golf shoe having the cushioning system of the '428 application, while being less expensive to manufacture.
- a cushioning system for a golf shoe in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10 .
- An outsole (not shown) is mounted to an upper (not shown) to form the exterior shell of a golf shoe.
- the shoe upper and the outsole are well known in the art and may be comprised of any material suitable for use while playing golf.
- the golf shoe also includes a footbed 12 , on which the golfer's foot rests, and a lasting board 14 disposed intermediate the footbed 12 and the outsole (FIG. 1).
- the lasting board 14 is a relatively stiff member, supporting the entire foot and providing a means of diffusing the pressure induced by the golf spikes across the entire foot.
- the lasting board 14 may be composed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), fiberboard, or other similar material.
- TPU thermoplastic polyurethane
- a receptacle 11 is formed in the heel region 13 of the lasting board 14 for receiving a first cushioning element 15 .
- the first cushioning element 15 is composed of a relatively soft, polymeric foam material, for example ethyl-vinyl-acetate (EVA), having an Asker C hardness of 30° ( ⁇ 2°).
- the footbed 12 includes a forefoot region 16 , an arch region 18 and a heel region 20 .
- the forefoot region 16 of the footbed 12 has two layers.
- An upper layer 22 composed of cloth or similar material provides a tear-resistant outer surface on which the golfer's foot rests.
- a lower, cushion layer 24 composed of a relatively soft polymeric foam material, provides a cushion for the forefoot portion of the sole of the foot.
- the material of the cushion layer 24 is a polymeric foam material, for example EVA, having an Asker C hardness of 30° ( ⁇ 2°). Consequently, the cushioning system 10 of the subject invention relies entirely on the lasting board 14 to provide the required foot support and pressure diffusion.
- the cushion layer 24 of the forefoot region 16 has a thickness T 1 which is substantially equal to the total thickness of the middle and lower layers of the foot bed of the '428 application, thereby providing a greater cushioning effect.
- T 1 is substantially equal to 5.5 millimeters.
- the forefoot region 16 includes an enhanced cushioning zone 26 which extends from the medial portion 28 of the toe area 30 , across the ball portion 32 , and along the lateral portion 34 of the arch region 18 to provide further cushioning for the big toe, the metatarsal heads, and the lateral portion of the arch.
- the portions 36 , 36 ′ of the forefoot region 16 which lie outside of the enhanced cushioning zone 26 may have one or more openings 38 extending through the footbed 12 to facilitate air circulation.
- the openings 38 also provide for lateral displacement of the cushion layer 24 when pressure is applied to the footbed 12 and thereby increase the cushioning effect of such portions 36 , 36 ′.
- the number, diameter, and location of the openings 38 are selected to provide the desired air circulation and cushioning effects.
- each cushioning bump 42 has a central dimple 46 and the cushioning bumps 42 define laterally and longitudinally extending rows 48 , 50 .
- the foam material of the cushioning bumps 42 is laterally displaced into the voids 52 defined by the space between the cushioning bumps and into the dimples 46 , thereby increasing the cushioning effect.
- the cushioning bumps 42 resiliently return to their normal configuration such that the cushioning bumps 42 and the upper portion 44 of the cushion layer 24 comfortably support the golfer's forefoot.
- the upper layer 22 and the cushion layer 24 integrally extend from the forefoot region 16 into the arch and heel regions 18 , 20 .
- the heel region 20 and the lateral and medial portions 53 , 55 of the arch region 18 include a third, bottom layer 54 of relatively rigid polymeric material underlying the cushion layer 24 .
- the forward edge 56 of the bottom layer 54 is tapered to provide a smooth transition between the arch region 18 and the forefoot region 16 .
- the forward edge 56 has an arcuate shape, with the medial and lateral sides extending forward of the middle portion to provide additional support to the wearer's arch.
- the bottom layer 54 is relatively thin, compared to the cushion layer 24 , providing additional support in the arch and heel areas of the foot without substantially reducing the thickness of the cushion layer 24 .
- the material of the bottom layer 54 is polyethylene.
- the lower portion 40 of the cushion layer 24 and a portion of the bottom layer 54 in the heel portion are removed to form a receptacle 58 for receiving a second cushioning element 60 .
- the second cushioning element 60 comprises a flexible shell 62 having upper and lower flexible shell halves 64 , 66 which are joined along a seam that forms a flange 68 extending outwardly from the side of the element 60 .
- the upper and lower shell halves 64 , 66 form a cavity 70 which contains a gel 72 which has shock-absorbing properties and cushioning properties which are superior to those of the material of the cushion layer 24 .
- the second cushioning element 60 is disposed within the receptacle 58 such that the outer surface 74 of the lower shell half 66 is substantially co-planar with the lower surface 76 of the bottom layer 54 .
- the outer surface 78 of the upper shell half 64 engages the lower surface 80 of the cushion layer 24 and, preferably, is mounted thereto by glue or similar means.
- the flange 68 is clamped between the lower surface 80 of the lower portion 40 of the cushion layer 24 and the upper surface 82 of the bottom layer 54 , and, preferably, is mounted thereto by glue or similar means.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/322,428 filed on May 28, 1999, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/201,356, filed on May 2, 2000.
- The present invention relates to shoes, and more particularly to sports shoes intended for use while playing golf.
- Golf shoes are typically comprised of a shoe upper which is attached to some or all of an inner sole, and an outsole. The inner sole typically includes a multi-layer footbed having an upper layer which is contacted by the golfer's foot and a cushioning layer composed of a compressible material. The cushioning layer is compressed at the pressure points imposed by the foot and generally absorbs some of the shock which is generated during the golf swing and walking. The thickness of the inner sole is limited by the internal volume of the golf shoe. Therefore, the thickness of the cushioning layer and the relief provided by the cushioning layer is also limited.
- Recreational golfers are generally free to use motorized golf carts, thereby limiting walking related stress. However, PGA rules generally prohibit the use of such golf carts during professional golfing events. The use of motorized golf carts may also be prohibited during other golfing events such as club tournaments. The stress imposed by walking the golf course can lead to fatigue which detrimentally affects the golfer's swing. Although the cushioning layers of conventional golf shoes reduce the stress to some extent, the limited nature of the relief can result in fatigue which adversely affects performance.
- Briefly stated, the invention in a preferred form is a cushioning system for golf shoe which includes a footbed and a lasting board, each having a sole region, an arch region, and a heel region. A receptacle is formed in the heel region of the lasting board. The footbed includes an upper layer which is engaged by the foot of a golfer and a cushion layer disposed below the upper layer, each of which extend the length of the footbed. A rigid bottom layer is disposed below the cushion layer in the heel region. The cushion layer is composed of a compressible material and defines a recess in the heel region which cooperates with an opening in the bottom layer to define a receptacle which is opposite to the receptacle of the lasting board. First and second cushioning elements are disposed within the receptacles of the lasting board and the footbed, respectively.
- The first cushioning element is composed of a polymeric foam material. The second cushioning element has a flexible outer shell defining a cavity and a compressible gel material disposed within the cavity. The outer shell of the second cushioning element includes upper and lower shell halves joined along an outwardly extending seam defining a flange. The flange extends out of the receptacle between the cushion layer and the bottom layer of the footbed.
- The footbed also has an enhanced cushioning zone extending from the medial portion of the toe area of the forefoot region, across the ball portion of the forefoot region, and into the lateral portion of the arch region. The cushion layer in the enhanced cushioning zone has an upper portion and a lower portion defining a plurality of laterally and longitudinally spaced cushioning bumps extending downwardly from the upper portion. Preferably, the cushioning bumps form laterally and longitudinally extending rows of bumps. The lateral portion of the toe area and the medial portion of the arch area may have a plurality of openings extending through the footbed.
- It is an object of the invention to provide a golf shoe which has a new and improved cushioning system.
- It is also an object of the invention to provide a golf shoe which has a cushioning system that provides improved cushioning in the areas of the footbed that are subject to the greatest pressure.
- Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and specification.
- The present invention may be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cushioning system in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the footbed of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-section view, taken along line3-3 of the footbed of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-section view, taken along line4-4 of the footbed of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged top view of the heel cushioning pad of FIG. 1; and
- FIG. 6 is a cross-section view, taken along line6-6, of the heel cushioning pad of FIG. 5.
- The parent application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/322,428 filed on May 28, 1999, herein incorporated by reference, disclosed a golf shoe footbed having an upper fabric layer, a middle layer composed of a relatively soft polymeric foam material, and a lower layer composed of a relatively firm polymeric foam material. The cushioning system of the '428 application included cushioning elements in areas of the footbed which are subjected to greater pressure during walking and during a golf swing. Specifically, portions of the footbed lower layer in the area of the big toe, the metatarsal heads, and the lateral portion of the arch area were removed to form receptacles for receiving separate, softer, cushioning elements. A separate, softer, cushioning element was also disposed in the heel of the golf shoe, with the lower half of the cushioning element being received in a receptacle formed in the heel of the lasting board and the upper half of the cushioning element being received in a receptacle formed in the heel of the footbed.
- Although the cushioning system of the '428 application provides a golf shoe which is superior to conventional golf shoes, it is relatively expensive to manufacture. A golf shoe having a cushioning system in accordance with the subject invention enjoys substantially the same benefits as a golf shoe having the cushioning system of the '428 application, while being less expensive to manufacture.
- With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures, a cushioning system for a golf shoe in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the
numeral 10. An outsole (not shown) is mounted to an upper (not shown) to form the exterior shell of a golf shoe. The shoe upper and the outsole are well known in the art and may be comprised of any material suitable for use while playing golf. The golf shoe also includes afootbed 12, on which the golfer's foot rests, and a lastingboard 14 disposed intermediate thefootbed 12 and the outsole (FIG. 1). - The lasting
board 14 is a relatively stiff member, supporting the entire foot and providing a means of diffusing the pressure induced by the golf spikes across the entire foot. The lastingboard 14 may be composed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), fiberboard, or other similar material. To provide additional cushioning for the golfer's heel a receptacle 11 is formed in theheel region 13 of the lastingboard 14 for receiving afirst cushioning element 15. Preferably, thefirst cushioning element 15 is composed of a relatively soft, polymeric foam material, for example ethyl-vinyl-acetate (EVA), having an Asker C hardness of 30° (±2°). - With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the
footbed 12 includes aforefoot region 16, anarch region 18 and aheel region 20. Theforefoot region 16 of thefootbed 12 has two layers. Anupper layer 22 composed of cloth or similar material provides a tear-resistant outer surface on which the golfer's foot rests. A lower,cushion layer 24, composed of a relatively soft polymeric foam material, provides a cushion for the forefoot portion of the sole of the foot. Preferably, the material of thecushion layer 24 is a polymeric foam material, for example EVA, having an Asker C hardness of 30° (±2°). Consequently, thecushioning system 10 of the subject invention relies entirely on the lastingboard 14 to provide the required foot support and pressure diffusion. - The
cushion layer 24 of theforefoot region 16 has a thickness T1 which is substantially equal to the total thickness of the middle and lower layers of the foot bed of the '428 application, thereby providing a greater cushioning effect. Preferably, T1 is substantially equal to 5.5 millimeters. Theforefoot region 16 includes an enhancedcushioning zone 26 which extends from themedial portion 28 of thetoe area 30, across the ball portion 32, and along thelateral portion 34 of thearch region 18 to provide further cushioning for the big toe, the metatarsal heads, and the lateral portion of the arch. Theportions forefoot region 16 which lie outside of the enhancedcushioning zone 26 may have one ormore openings 38 extending through thefootbed 12 to facilitate air circulation. Theopenings 38 also provide for lateral displacement of thecushion layer 24 when pressure is applied to thefootbed 12 and thereby increase the cushioning effect ofsuch portions - In the enhanced
cushioning zone 26, material is removed from thelower portion 40 of thecushion layer 24 to form a plurality of closely adjacent, laterally and longitudinally spaced, cushioning bumps 42 which extend downwardly from theupper portion 44 of thecushion layer 24. Preferably, eachcushioning bump 42 has acentral dimple 46 and the cushioning bumps 42 define laterally and longitudinally extendingrows 48, 50. When the golfer's foot applies additional pressure in the enhancedcushioning zone 26, the foam material of the cushioning bumps 42 is laterally displaced into thevoids 52 defined by the space between the cushioning bumps and into thedimples 46, thereby increasing the cushioning effect. When the additional pressure is removed, the cushioning bumps 42 resiliently return to their normal configuration such that the cushioning bumps 42 and theupper portion 44 of thecushion layer 24 comfortably support the golfer's forefoot. - With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the
upper layer 22 and thecushion layer 24 integrally extend from theforefoot region 16 into the arch andheel regions heel region 20 and the lateral andmedial portions arch region 18 include a third,bottom layer 54 of relatively rigid polymeric material underlying thecushion layer 24. The forward edge 56 of thebottom layer 54 is tapered to provide a smooth transition between thearch region 18 and theforefoot region 16. In addition, the forward edge 56 has an arcuate shape, with the medial and lateral sides extending forward of the middle portion to provide additional support to the wearer's arch. Thebottom layer 54 is relatively thin, compared to thecushion layer 24, providing additional support in the arch and heel areas of the foot without substantially reducing the thickness of thecushion layer 24. Preferably, the material of thebottom layer 54 is polyethylene. Thelower portion 40 of thecushion layer 24 and a portion of thebottom layer 54 in the heel portion are removed to form areceptacle 58 for receiving asecond cushioning element 60. - With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the
second cushioning element 60 comprises aflexible shell 62 having upper and lower flexible shell halves 64, 66 which are joined along a seam that forms aflange 68 extending outwardly from the side of theelement 60. The upper and lower shell halves 64, 66 form a cavity 70 which contains agel 72 which has shock-absorbing properties and cushioning properties which are superior to those of the material of thecushion layer 24. - With reference to FIG. 3, the
second cushioning element 60 is disposed within thereceptacle 58 such that theouter surface 74 of thelower shell half 66 is substantially co-planar with thelower surface 76 of thebottom layer 54. The outer surface 78 of the upper shell half 64 engages thelower surface 80 of thecushion layer 24 and, preferably, is mounted thereto by glue or similar means. Theflange 68 is clamped between thelower surface 80 of thelower portion 40 of thecushion layer 24 and theupper surface 82 of thebottom layer 54, and, preferably, is mounted thereto by glue or similar means. - While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/761,507 US6381875B2 (en) | 1999-05-28 | 2001-01-16 | Cushioning system for golf shoes |
CA 2346197 CA2346197A1 (en) | 2000-05-02 | 2001-05-02 | Cushioning system for golf shoes |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/322,428 US6176025B1 (en) | 1999-05-28 | 1999-05-28 | Cushioning system for golf shoes |
US20135600P | 2000-05-02 | 2000-05-02 | |
US09/761,507 US6381875B2 (en) | 1999-05-28 | 2001-01-16 | Cushioning system for golf shoes |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/322,428 Continuation-In-Part US6176025B1 (en) | 1999-05-28 | 1999-05-28 | Cushioning system for golf shoes |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20010015022A1 true US20010015022A1 (en) | 2001-08-23 |
US6381875B2 US6381875B2 (en) | 2002-05-07 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/761,507 Expired - Fee Related US6381875B2 (en) | 1999-05-28 | 2001-01-16 | Cushioning system for golf shoes |
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US20050003193A1 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2005-01-06 | Mondo S.P.A. | Infill material for synthetic-grass structures, corresponding synthetic-grass structure and process of preparation |
US6973743B1 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2005-12-13 | Tom Mowery | Gold shoe insole insert |
US20060005428A1 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-01-12 | Lebo Jonathan K | Insole with cushion insert |
US20070033835A1 (en) * | 2005-08-02 | 2007-02-15 | Bray Walter T Jr | Insole arrangement; footwear with insole arrangement; and, method of preparation |
FR2929083A1 (en) * | 2008-03-25 | 2009-10-02 | Caoutchouc Velay Applic Sa | Insert for hooking arch support in shoe, has peripheral membrane extended from body and clamped between lower and upper end layers for ensuring integration of insert with respect to arch support by wedging |
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US9770642B2 (en) | 2010-08-11 | 2017-09-26 | G-Form, LLC | Flexible cushioning pads, items incorporating such pads, and methods of making and using |
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US6874257B2 (en) * | 2002-01-14 | 2005-04-05 | Acushnet Company | Shoes including heel cushion |
US6990756B1 (en) * | 2004-10-15 | 2006-01-31 | Sylmark Holdings Limited | Footwear orthotic with insert |
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Cited By (16)
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US20050003193A1 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2005-01-06 | Mondo S.P.A. | Infill material for synthetic-grass structures, corresponding synthetic-grass structure and process of preparation |
US7060334B2 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2006-06-13 | Mondo S.P.A. | Infill material for synthetic-grass structures, corresponding synthetic-grass structure and process of preparation |
US20060005428A1 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-01-12 | Lebo Jonathan K | Insole with cushion insert |
US7237346B2 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2007-07-03 | Columbia Insurance Company | Insole with cushion insert |
US20070033835A1 (en) * | 2005-08-02 | 2007-02-15 | Bray Walter T Jr | Insole arrangement; footwear with insole arrangement; and, method of preparation |
FR2929083A1 (en) * | 2008-03-25 | 2009-10-02 | Caoutchouc Velay Applic Sa | Insert for hooking arch support in shoe, has peripheral membrane extended from body and clamped between lower and upper end layers for ensuring integration of insert with respect to arch support by wedging |
WO2010078740A1 (en) * | 2009-01-09 | 2010-07-15 | 李宁体育(上海)有限公司 | Shock-absorbing structure for shoes, midsoles and shock-absorbing shoes with the shock-absorbing structure |
US9908028B2 (en) | 2010-08-11 | 2018-03-06 | G-Form, LLC | Flexible cushioning pads, items incorporating such pads, and methods of making and using |
US9770642B2 (en) | 2010-08-11 | 2017-09-26 | G-Form, LLC | Flexible cushioning pads, items incorporating such pads, and methods of making and using |
US9782662B2 (en) | 2010-08-11 | 2017-10-10 | G-Form, LLC | Flexible cushioning pads, items incorporating such pads, and methods of making and using |
US20140196309A1 (en) * | 2010-09-20 | 2014-07-17 | G-Form, LLC | Vibration dampening and pressure relieving innersole for cycling shoe |
US20150223558A1 (en) * | 2014-02-10 | 2015-08-13 | Upright Footwear, Inc. | Method and Device for Addressing Leg Length Inequality |
CN110419812A (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2019-11-08 | 周雄 | A kind of structure, manufacturing method, insole, sole, shoes buffering foot pressure |
US20220341483A1 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2022-10-27 | Geoff McCue | Shock absorbing structure |
US11592076B2 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2023-02-28 | Geoff McCue | Shock absorbing structure |
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