US20160345668A1 - Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region - Google Patents
Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160345668A1 US20160345668A1 US14/724,973 US201514724973A US2016345668A1 US 20160345668 A1 US20160345668 A1 US 20160345668A1 US 201514724973 A US201514724973 A US 201514724973A US 2016345668 A1 US2016345668 A1 US 2016345668A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- region
- sole
- cushioning element
- midfoot
- forefoot
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
- A43B13/125—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer
-
- 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
- A43B13/143—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form provided with wedged, concave or convex end portions, e.g. for improving roll-off of the foot
- A43B13/145—Convex portions, e.g. with a bump or projection, e.g. 'Masai' type shoes
-
- 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
- A43B13/187—Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
- A43B13/188—Differential cushioning regions
Definitions
- FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the shoe sole of FIG. 1 taken along line 6 - 6 in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the shoe sole of FIG. 14 ;
- the heel cushioning element 136 is disposed within the heel region 110 of the sole 100 and vertically between the forefoot cushioning element 132 and the outsole 126 . Moreover, the heel cushioning element 136 is disposed vertically between the midfoot cushioning element 134 and the outsole 126 . The heel cushioning element 136 adjoins each of the forefoot cushioning element 132 and the outsole 126 in the heel region 110 of the sole 100 .
- the forefoot cushioning element 132 , the heel cushioning element 136 , and the midfoot cushioning element 134 have different hardness values such that the forefoot region 114 of the sole 100 has a first hardness, the heel region 110 has a second hardness less than the first hardness, and the midfoot region 112 has a third hardness that is less than both the first hardness and the second hardness.
- Embodiments of the shoe soles described are particularly well suited for running, and provide several advantages over known running shoe soles.
- embodiments of the shoes soles described herein have a bottom profile that is contoured and shaped to promote an impact or strike point along the midfoot region of the sole, rather than the heel region.
- the shoe soles described herein are generally convex, and curve upward from the midfoot region to each of the heel and forefoot regions. The shoe soles thereby promote a dynamic, rolling action during running as a user's weight shifts from the heel region to the forefoot region.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A shoe sole for an article of footwear is described herein. The shoe sole extends in a longitudinal direction from a heel region, through a midfoot region, to a forefoot region. The sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The midsole includes a forefoot cushioning element, a midfoot cushioning element, and a heel cushioning element. The outsole is disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defines a ground-contacting surface of the sole. The sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact region of the sole is defined within the midfoot region, and the midfoot cushioning element is disposed within the midfoot region and directly above the impact region of the sole.
Description
- The field relates generally to articles of footwear and, more specifically, to shoe soles for use in articles of footwear designed for a midfoot impact region.
- Articles of footwear, such as shoes, generally include a shoe sole and an upper affixed to the shoe sole which surrounds a foot resting on the sole. Some known shoe soles are designed to provide a rolling action on a user's foot, and tend to have a destabilizing effect, requiring a more active or “dynamic” response from the user's muscular and skeletal systems as compared to passive walking or running. Active walking, as compared to passive walking, provides numerous benefits, including training muscles that are typically neglected in passive walking, improving posture and gait pattern, and alleviating back, hip, leg, and foot ailments as well as joint, muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries.
- Some known shoe soles are designed to provide a rolling action during walking, and generally include a relatively soft material in the heel region of the shoe sole. However, shoe soles designed for walking may provide less than optimal rolling action for running, as well as less than optimal cushioning and support for running.
- Additionally, some known shoe soles designed for running include a soft element located in the heel region of the sole. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,432 to Muller, issued Jan. 29, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, describes a shoe sole having a soft material disposed in a recess of the shoe sole in a heel area of the sole. However, the outer sole of the shoe has a relatively flat contour, and thus promotes an impact region along the heel of the sole. As a result, the shoe sole may provide less than optimal cushioning and support for runners having a midfoot strike.
- Accordingly, a need exists for a shoe sole designed to provide a dynamic, rolling action during running.
- This Background section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
- In one aspect, a shoe sole for an article of footwear is provided. The sole extends in a longitudinal direction from a heel region, through a midfoot region, to a forefoot region. The sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The midsole includes a forefoot cushioning element, a midfoot cushioning element, and a heel cushioning element. The outsole is disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defines a ground-contacting surface of the sole. The sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact region of the sole is defined within the midfoot region, and the midfoot cushioning element is disposed within the midfoot region and directly above the impact region of the sole.
- In another aspect, a shoe sole for an article of footwear is provided. The sole extends in a longitudinal direction from a heel region, through a midfoot region, to a forefoot region. The sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The midsole includes a forefoot cushioning element, a midfoot cushioning element, and a heel cushioning element. The outsole is disposed along the lower surface of the midsole, and defines a ground-contacting surface of the sole. The sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact region of the sole is defined within the midfoot region. The midsole has a first hardness in the forefoot region, a second hardness in the heel region less than the first hardness, and a third hardness in the midfoot region above the impact region less than both the first hardness and the second hardness.
- In yet another aspect, a shoe sole for an article of footwear is provided. The sole extends in a longitudinal direction from a heel region, through a midfoot region, to a forefoot region. The sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The outsole is disposed along the lower surface of the midsole, and defines a ground-contacting surface of the sole. The sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact region of the sole is defined within the midfoot region. The outsole has a relatively stiff construction along the midfoot region to form a pivot axis within the impact region about which the heel region and the forefoot region pivot. The heel region curves upward from the midfoot region and has a radius of curvature of between 390 millimeters and about 450 millimeters. The forefoot region extends upward from the midfoot region, and has a radius of curvature of between 360 millimeters and about 420 millimeters.
- Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the above-mentioned aspects. Further features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects, alone or in any combination.
-
FIG. 1 is a lateral side view of an article of footwear including an example embodiment of a shoe sole; -
FIG. 2 is a medial side view of the shoe sole ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the shoe sole ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the shoe sole ofFIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the shoe sole ofFIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the shoe sole ofFIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the shoe sole ofFIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the shoe sole ofFIG. 1 illustrating one embodiment of a reinforcing element suitable for use with the shoe sole ofFIGS. 1-8 ; -
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another shoe sole illustrating another embodiment of a reinforcing element suitable for use with the shoe sole ofFIGS. 1-8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another shoe sole illustrating another embodiment of a reinforcing element suitable for use with the shoe sole ofFIGS. 1-8 ; -
FIG. 11 is a lateral side view of another embodiment of a shoe sole; -
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the shoe sole ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-section of the shoe sole ofFIG. 11 taken along line 13-13 inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a lateral side view of another embodiment of a shoe sole; -
FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the shoe sole ofFIG. 14 ; and -
FIG. 16 is a cross-section of the shoe sole ofFIG. 14 taken along line 16-16 inFIG. 15 . - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , an article of footwear shown in the form of a running shoe is indicated generally in its entirety by thereference numeral 20. The article of footwear includes a shoe sole, indicated generally by thereference numeral 100, and a shoe upper 22. Theshoe sole 100 is fixed to the shoe upper 22 by suitable attachment means, such as adhesive bonding, to form the article offootwear 20. The shoe upper 22 is used to secure the article offootwear 20 and the shoe sole 100 to a wearer's foot using suitable fasteners including, for example and without limitation, shoelaces, buckles, straps, hook and loop fasteners, and any other mechanical fasteners that enable the shoe upper 22 and shoe sole 100 to be secured to a wearer's foot. In one embodiment, the shoe upper 22 is constructed from a relatively lightweight, breathable material, such as a mesh material. In other embodiments, the shoe upper 22 may be constructed from materials other than lightweight, breathable materials. - With additional reference to
FIGS. 2-8 , theshoe sole 100 extends in a walking orlongitudinal direction 102 from aheel region 110, through a metatarsal ormidfoot region 112, to a ball and toe orforefoot region 114. Theheel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 each extend in thelongitudinal direction 102 over approximately one-third of the length of theshoe sole 100. Theheel region 110 adjoins themidfoot region 112, and extends rearward in thelongitudinal direction 102 from themidfoot region 112 to aheel 116 of theshoe sole 100. Theforefoot region 114 adjoins themidfoot region 112, and extends forward in thelongitudinal direction 102 from themidfoot region 112 to atoe 118 of theshoe sole 100. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 5-7 , each of theheel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 have a respective width measured in atransverse direction 104 oriented perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction 102. The sole 100 also includes alateral side 120 and amedial side 122 disposed on transversely opposite sides of the sole 100. Thelateral side 120 of the sole 100 generally refers to the outside of the sole 100 that faces outward and away from a wearer when worn on the wearer's foot, and themedial side 122 generally refers to the inner side of the sole 100 that faces towards the wearer's body when worn on the wearer's foot. The thicknesses of the sole 100 and components thereof are measured along avertical direction 106 oriented perpendicular to both thelongitudinal direction 102 and thetransverse direction 104. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-4 , the shoe sole 100 generally includes amidsole 124 and anoutsole 126. As shown inFIG. 4 , themidsole 124 extends from theheel 116 of the sole 100 to thetoe 118 of the sole 100, and includes anupper surface 128 for attachment to at least one of an insole (not shown) and the shoe upper 22 (FIG. 1 ), and alower surface 130 disposed opposite theupper surface 128. Theoutsole 126 is disposed along thelower surface 130 of themidsole 124, and extends from theheel region 110 to theforefoot region 114. Theoutsole 126 defines a ground-contactingsurface 140 of the sole 100, and is constructed from a relatively hard, abrasion-resistant material. Suitable materials from which theoutsole 126 may be constructed include, for example and without limitation, hard rubber. In some embodiments, theoutsole 126 is co-molded with thelower surface 130 of themidsole 124 to provide a relatively lightweight construction, and to provide a balance of wear and flexibility. - In the example embodiment, the
midsole 124 has a three-piece construction including aforefoot cushioning element 132, amidfoot cushioning element 134, and aheel cushioning element 136. - The
forefoot cushioning element 132 extends from theforefoot region 114 through themidfoot region 112 to theheel region 110, and defines theupper surface 128 of the midsole. In the example embodiment, theforefoot cushioning element 132 extends the entire length of the shoe sole 100 from theheel 116 to thetoe 118. Theforefoot cushioning element 132 adjoins theoutsole 126 along theforefoot region 114 of the sole 100, and is spaced from theoutsole 126 in themidfoot region 112 andheel region 110. - The
forefoot cushioning element 132 extends a thickness in thevertical direction 106 in theforefoot region 114 from theupper surface 128 of themidsole 124 to the lower surface of themidsole 124. That is, theforefoot cushioning element 132 fills the entire volume of themidsole 124 in theforefoot region 114. Theforefoot cushioning element 132 also includes a thin portion or segment extending from theforefoot region 114 rearward to theheel 116 of the sole 100. - The
midfoot cushioning element 134 is disposed within themidfoot region 112, and adjoins theoutsole 126 along themidfoot region 112. Themidfoot cushioning element 134 is disposed vertically between the forefoot cushioning element 132 (specifically, the rearward extending thin segment) and theoutsole 126, and horizontally between theforefoot cushioning element 132 and theheel cushioning element 136. - The
heel cushioning element 136 is disposed within theheel region 110 of the sole 100 and vertically between theforefoot cushioning element 132 and theoutsole 126. Moreover, theheel cushioning element 136 is disposed vertically between themidfoot cushioning element 134 and theoutsole 126. Theheel cushioning element 136 adjoins each of theforefoot cushioning element 132 and theoutsole 126 in theheel region 110 of the sole 100. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , theforefoot cushioning element 132 and theheel cushioning element 136 cooperatively define arecess 138 in themidfoot region 112 of the sole 100. Themidfoot cushioning element 134 is disposed within therecess 138, and vertically and horizontally between theforefoot cushioning element 132 and theheel cushioning element 136. Themidfoot cushioning element 134 adjoins theforefoot cushioning element 132 along an upper surface of themidfoot cushioning element 134, and adjoins theheel cushioning element 136 along a lower surface of themidfoot cushioning element 134. - Each component of the
midsole 124 is constructed from a relatively soft, flexible material as compared to theoutsole 126 to provide a desired amount of damping. Suitable materials from which the components of themidsole 124 may be constructed include, for example and without limitation, polyurethane elastomer foams, open-celled foams, such as open-celled polyurethane foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and combinations thereof. In the example embodiment, theforefoot cushioning element 132 and theheel cushioning element 136 are constructed from relatively firm materials as compared to themidfoot cushioning element 134 to provide a low to moderate level of damping and shock absorption. Themidfoot cushioning element 134 is constructed from a relatively soft, elastic, and highly deformable material as compared to theforefoot cushioning element 132 and theheel cushioning element 136 to provide a high amount of damping and shock absorption. Suitable materials from which themidfoot cushioning element 134 may be constructed include, for example and without limitation, open-celled foams, such as open-celled polyurethane foam. Generally, themidfoot cushioning element 134 has a lower density and a lower hardness than each of theforefoot cushioning element 132 and theheel cushioning element 136. - In another embodiment, the
heel cushioning element 136 is constructed from a relatively soft, elastic, and highly deformable material as compared to theforefoot cushioning element 132 and themidfoot cushioning element 134, and is the softest cushioning element in themidsole 124. In such embodiments, theheel cushioning element 136 has a lower density and a lower hardness than each of theforefoot cushioning element 132 and themidfoot cushioning element 134. - In the example embodiment, the
forefoot cushioning element 132, themidfoot cushioning element 134, and theheel cushioning element 136 are each constructed from separate pieces of material, although in other embodiments, two or more of theforefoot cushioning element 132, themidfoot cushioning element 134, and theheel cushioning element 136 may have a monolithic or unitary construction. - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 , theshoe sole 100 has a continuously upward convex bottom profile. The bottom profile of theshoe sole 100 is sized and shaped such that animpact region 142 of the sole 100 is defined within themidfoot region 112 of the sole 100. The term “impact region” generally refers to the point or area along the ground-contactingsurface 140 of the shoe sole 100 that initially strikes or contacts a ground surface during running. - The bottom profile of the shoe sole 100 curves generally upward from the
midfoot region 112 to each of theheel region 110 and theforefoot region 114. - In some embodiments, the heel region 110 (specifically, the
outsole 126 within the heel region 110) curves upward from themidfoot region 112 at a first radius ofcurvature 144 of between about 220 millimeters (mm) and about 460 mm, and, more suitably, between about 240 mm and about 350 mm. The forefoot region 114 (specifically, theoutsole 126 within the forefoot region 114) curves upward from themidfoot region 112 at a second radius ofcurvature 146 of between about 220 mm and about 440 mm, and, more suitably, between about 240 mm and about 320 mm. Themidfoot region 112 has a third radius ofcurvature 148 of between about 800 mm and about 1040 mm, and, more suitably, between about 840 mm and about 1000 mm. The radii of curvature of theheel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 may vary depending on the size of the shoe and the intended application of the shoe. In some embodiments, the ratio between the radius of curvature of theheel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 is between about 1.0:2.0:1.0 and about 1.1:3.5:1.0. In other embodiments, theheel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 may have any suitable radii of curvature that enables the shoe sole 100 to function as described herein. In yet other embodiments, the bottom profile of the shoe sole 100 may have a single, continuous radius of curvature extending from theheel region 110, through themidfoot region 112, and into theforefoot region 114. - The bottom profile of the sole 100 results in the
impact region 142 being the lowest point on the shoe sole 100 as measured in thevertical direction 106 when the sole 100 is in an unloaded condition (i.e., at rest) on a flat, reference ground plane (i.e., a plane oriented perpendicular to the vertical direction 106), indicated at 150 inFIG. 4 . The condition of the shoe sole 100 illustrated inFIG. 4 is also referred to herein as a reference condition. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , when theshoe sole 100 is in the reference condition, theheel 116 of the sole 100 is spaced avertical distance 152 above theimpact region 142, and thetoe 118 is spaced avertical distance 154 above theimpact region 142. In some embodiments, thevertical distance 152 between theheel 116 and theimpact region 142 is at least about 15 mm, more suitably, at least about 25 mm, and even more suitably, at least about 35 mm. Further, in some embodiments, thevertical distance 154 between thetoe 118 and theimpact region 142 is at least about 25 mm, more suitably, at least about 45 mm, and even more suitably, at least about 50 mm. - The shoe sole 100 also has a thickness profile that promotes a
midfoot impact region 142. Specifically, the thickness of the sole 100, measured from theupper surface 128 of themidsole 124 to theoutsole 126 along a vertical axis parallel to thevertical direction 106, gradually increases from theheel region 110 to themidfoot region 112, and gradually decreases from themidfoot region 112 to theforefoot region 114. Moreover, in some embodiments (e.g.,FIG. 13 ), the thickest portion of the sole 100 is in themidfoot region 112, and is generally aligned with theimpact region 142. That is, the sole 100 has a thickness in themidsole region 112 that is greater than the thickness of the sole 100 in theheel region 110 and theforefoot region 114. The thickness of the sole 100 includes themidsole 124 and theoutsole 126, and is measured from theupper surface 128 of themidsole 124 to the ground-contactingsurface 140 of the sole 100 along the vertical direction 106 (i.e., a direction normal to thelongitudinal direction 102 of the sole 100, and, when in the reference condition (shown inFIG. 4 ), normal to the ground or reference plane 150). - In one embodiment, the thickness of the sole 100 in the heel region 110 (specifically, the portion of the sole 100 that sits directly beneath the calcaneus of the foot when the sole is worn on a user's foot) is between about 13 mm and about 23 mm, and, more suitably, between about 16 mm and about 20 mm; the maximum thickness of the sole in the
midfoot region 112 is between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, and, more suitably, between about 22 mm and about 26 mm; and the thickness of the sole 100 in theforefoot region 114 is between about 13 mm and about 23 mm, and, more suitably, between about 16 mm and about 20 mm. - In another embodiment, the thickness of the sole 100 in the heel region 110 (specifically, the portion of the sole 100 that sits directly beneath the calcaneus of the foot when the sole is worn on a user's foot) is between about 27 mm and about 37 mm, and, more suitably, between about 30 mm and about 34 mm; the maximum thickness of the sole in the
midfoot region 112 is between about 26 mm and about 36 mm, and, more suitably, between about 28 mm and about 32 mm; and the thickness of the sole 100 in theforefoot region 114 is between about 15 mm and about 25 mm, and, more suitably, between about 17 mm and about 23 mm. - In yet another embodiment, the thickness of the sole 100 in the heel region 110 (specifically, the portion of the sole 100 that sits directly beneath the calcaneus of the foot when the sole is worn on a user's foot) is between about 31 mm and about 42 mm, and, more suitably, between about 33 mm and about 39 mm; the maximum thickness of the sole in the
midfoot region 112 is between about 33 mm and about 44 mm, and, more suitably, between about 36 mm and about 41 mm; and the thickness of the sole 100 in theforefoot region 114 is between about 22 mm and about 32 mm, and, more suitably, between about 24 mm and about 30 mm. In one particular embodiment, themidfoot region 112 is between about 1 mm and about 4 mm thicker than the heel region 110 (specifically, the portion of the sole 100 that sits directly beneath the calcaneus of the foot when the sole is worn on a user's foot). - The exact thickness of the sole 100 in the
heel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 may vary depending on the size of the shoe and the intended application of the shoe. In some embodiments, the ratio between the thickness of the sole 100 in theheel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 is between about 1.0:1.1:1.0 and about 1.0:1.7:1.0. In other embodiments, the ratio between the thickness of the sole 100 in theheel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 is between about 1.3:1.3:1.0 and about 1.7:1.6:1.0. In yet other embodiments, the ratio between the thickness of the sole 100 in theheel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 is between about 1.2:1.25:1.0 and about 1.4:1.5:1.0. - The bottom profile of the
shoe sole 100 and, more specifically, the curvature and thickness profile of theshoe sole 100, promote a midfoot impact region. As described in more detail herein, components of the shoe sole 100 are designed to provide optimal cushioning and shock absorption, as well as promote a dynamic, rolling action during running, based on theimpact region 142 being located in themidfoot region 112 of the sole 100. - The
outsole 126 has a relatively stiffer construction along themidfoot region 112 to form apivot axis 156 about which theheel region 110 and theforefoot region 114 pivot during use. In particular, theoutsole 126 is relatively stiffer along thepivot axis 156 as compared to portions of theoutsole 126 forward and rearward of thepivot axis 156 to provide a rigid area about which the sole 100 can pivot. Theoutsole 126 may be constructed from a relatively stiffer material and/or include stiffening elements, such as fibers, along thepivot axis 156 to provide an increased stiffness along thepivot axis 156. Thepivot axis 156 is oriented substantially parallel to thetransverse direction 104, and substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction 102. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thepivot axis 156 is within theimpact region 142 of the sole 100, and thereby facilitates a continuous gait roll from the initial point of impact to toe-off, and promotes active rolling with each step. In the example embodiment, thepivot axis 156 is located along the middle third of shoe sole 100 in thelongitudinal direction 102, and, more specifically, is located at a longitudinal distance of about 40% to about 60% of the length of the shoe sole 100 from theheel 116. - The
midfoot cushioning element 134 is configured to provide optimal impact absorption during running and to return energy to the user's foot as the user's weight shifts from themidfoot region 112 to theforefoot region 114. In particular, themidfoot cushioning element 134 is disposed within themidfoot region 112, and directly above (i.e., immediately adjacent to and vertically above) theimpact region 142 andpivot axis 156. Moreover, themidfoot cushioning element 134 adjoins theoutsole 126 along theimpact region 142 of the sole such that themidfoot cushioning element 134 absorbs energy from an initial impact of the sole 100 along theimpact region 142, and transfers energy to a user's foot upon the sole 100 pivoting about thepivot axis 156. Additionally, themidfoot cushioning element 134 has a thickness measured in thevertical direction 106 that gradually increases from theheel region 110 to a maximum thickness in themidfoot region 112. Themidfoot cushioning element 134 thereby provides some cushioning and shock absorption in theheel region 110, while providing a majority of cushioning and shock absorption along themidfoot region 112 andimpact region 142. Further, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 , themidfoot cushioning element 134 extends in thetransverse direction 104 from thelateral side 120 to themedial side 122 to provide cushioning and shock absorption across the entire width of the sole 100. - As noted above, the
midsole 124 of the illustrated embodiment has a three-piece construction, including theforefoot cushioning element 132, themidfoot cushioning element 134, and theheel cushioning element 136. In some embodiments, theforefoot cushioning element 132, themidfoot cushioning element 134, and theheel cushioning element 136 have different hardness values to provide a desired hardness distribution or profile along thelongitudinal direction 102 of the sole 100. In the example embodiment, the sole 100 has a tri-hardness configuration along thelongitudinal direction 102 of the sole 100 that promotes a dynamic, rolling action during running, and also facilitates optimal shock absorption and energy transfer. In particular, theforefoot cushioning element 132, theheel cushioning element 136, and themidfoot cushioning element 134 have different hardness values such that theforefoot region 114 of the sole 100 has a first hardness, theheel region 110 has a second hardness less than the first hardness, and themidfoot region 112 has a third hardness that is less than both the first hardness and the second hardness. In another suitable embodiment, theforefoot cushioning element 132, theheel cushioning element 136, and themidfoot cushioning element 134 have different hardness values such that the hardness of the heel region 110 (i.e., the second hardness) is less than both the hardness of the forefoot region 114 (i.e., the first hardness) and the hardness of the midfoot region 112 (i.e., the third hardness), and the hardness of themidfoot region 112 is less than the hardness of theforefoot region 114. - In some embodiments, the
forefoot cushioning element 132 has the first hardness, theheel cushioning element 136 has the second hardness, and themidfoot cushioning element 134 has the third hardness. In other embodiments, theforefoot cushioning element 132, theheel cushioning element 136, and themidfoot cushioning element 134 have different hardness values such that the resulting combination of hardness values in theforefoot region 114, themidfoot region 112, and theheel region 110 are the first hardness, the second hardness, and the third hardness, respectively. - In some embodiments, the ratio between the first hardness value in the
forefoot region 114, the second hardness value in theheel region 110, and the third hardness value in themidfoot region 112 is between about 1.0:1.0:1.0 and about 2.0:1.75:1.0, and, more suitably, between about 1.2:1.1:1.0 and about 1.6:1.4:1.0. In one particular embodiment, the ratio between the first hardness value in theforefoot region 114, the second hardness value in theheel region 110, and the third hardness value in themidfoot region 112 is about 1.22:1.11:1.0. In another particular embodiment, the ratio between the first hardness value in theforefoot region 114, the second hardness value in theheel region 110, and the third hardness value in themidfoot region 112 is about 1.33:1.11:1.0. - In some embodiments, the forefoot region 114 (specifically, the forefoot cushioning element 132) has a hardness of between about 50 and 70 as measured on the Asker Type C hardness scale (hereinafter “Asker C”), and, more suitably between about 50 and 65 Asker C; the heel region 110 (specifically, the heel cushioning element 136) has a hardness of between about 40 and 60 Asker C, and, more suitably, between about 45 and 55 Asker C; and the midfoot region 112 (specifically, the midfoot cushioning element 134) has a hardness of between about 35 and 55 Asker C, and, more suitably, between about 40 and 50 Asker C. In one particular embodiment, the
forefoot region 114 has a hardness of about 55 Asker C, theheel region 110 has a hardness of about 50 Asker C, and themidfoot region 112 has a hardness of about 45 Asker C. In another particular embodiment, theforefoot region 114 has a hardness of about 60 Asker C, theheel region 110 has a hardness of about 50 Asker C, and themidfoot region 112 has a hardness of about 45 Asker C. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , theshoe sole 100 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a reinforcingelement 160 embedded within the midsole 124 (specifically, the forefoot cushioning element 132). The reinforcingelement 160 is constructed from suitably rigid, elastic materials that provide both flexibility and structural support (i.e., rigidity) within themidsole 124. Suitable materials from which 160 the reinforcingelement 160 may be constructed include, for example and without limitation, fiber-reinforced ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), carbon-fiber composites, fiber-reinforced polyurethane elastomers (TPU), glass-reinforced composites, nylon, and combinations thereof. The reinforcingelement 160 may be embedded in themidsole 124, for example, by molding themidsole 124 around the reinforcing element. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 8 , the reinforcingelement 160 has a generally u-shaped cross-section, and includes afirst prong 162 and asecond prong 164 connected to one another in theheel region 110 of the sole 100. Each of thefirst prong 162 and thesecond prong 164 extend in thelongitudinal direction 102 from theheel region 110 to at least themidfoot region 112 to provide stiffness in thelongitudinal direction 102. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8 , each of thefirst prong 162 and thesecond prong 164 extend in thelongitudinal direction 102 from theheel region 110, through themidfoot region 112 and into theforefoot region 114. -
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another shoe sole 900 illustrating another embodiment of a reinforcingelement 902 suitable for use in theshoe sole 100 ofFIGS. 1-8 . The reinforcingelement 902 shown inFIG. 9 is substantially similar to the reinforcingelement 160 shown inFIG. 8 , except the reinforcingelement 902 includescross-members 904 providing stiffness in thetransverse direction 104. Accordingly, like elements are labeled with like reference numerals. As shown inFIG. 9 , the reinforcingelement 902 includescross-members 904 extending between and interconnecting thefirst prong 162 and thesecond prong 164. The illustrated reinforcingelement 902 includes threecross-members 904, although other embodiments may include more than or less than three cross-members 904. One of the cross-members 904 is disposed in aheel region 910 of the sole 900, one of the cross-members 904 is disposed in amidfoot region 912 of the sole 900, and one of the cross-members 904 is disposed in aforefoot region 914 of the sole 900. The cross-members 904 located in theheel region 910 and themidfoot region 912 each extend in a direction parallel to thetransverse direction 104, and thus provide additional stiffness in thetransverse direction 104 in theheel region 910 and themidfoot region 912. The cross-member 904 located in theforefoot region 914 extends at an oblique angle of between about 25 degrees and about 40 degrees with respect to thetransverse direction 104, and thus provides additional stiffness in both thelongitudinal direction 102 and thetransverse direction 104 in theforefoot region 914. The reinforcingelement 902 shown inFIG. 9 is particularly well suited for use in a shoe sole having relatively soft heel and midfoot regions, such as the shoe sole 100 shown inFIGS. 1-8 . -
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a shoe sole 1000 illustrating another embodiment of a reinforcingelement 1002 suitable for use in theshoe sole 100 ofFIGS. 1-8 . In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10 , the reinforcingelement 1002 includes afirst prong 1004 and asecond prong 1006 connected to one another by au-shaped connector 1008 in aheel region 1010 of the sole 1000. Each of thefirst prong 1004 and thesecond prong 1006 extend in thelongitudinal direction 102 from theheel region 1010 to amidfoot region 1012, but do not extend into aforefoot region 1014 of the sole 1000. - The
first prong 1004 is shaped complementary to amedial side 1016 of the sole 1000, and thesecond prong 1006 is shaped complementary to alateral side 1018 of the sole 1000. Thefirst prong 1004 and thesecond prong 1006 are spaced transversely inward from respective medial andlateral sides - The reinforcing
element 1002 also includes a plurality of cross-members 1020 extending between and interconnecting thefirst prong 1004 and thesecond prong 1006. The illustrated embodiment includes four cross-members 1020, although other embodiments may include more than or less than four cross-members 1020. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10 , two of the cross-members 1020 extend at an oblique angle with respect to thetransverse direction 104, and intersect one another approximately midway between thefirst prong 1004 and thesecond prong 1006. - The reinforcing
element 1002 also includes forward projectingmembers 1022 that extend forward in thelongitudinal direction 102 from the cross-member 1020 located at the front of thefirst prong 1004 and thesecond prong 1006. Theforward projecting members 1022 are spaced transversely inward from respective medial andlateral sides first prong 1004 and thesecond prong 1006. Theforward projecting members 1022 thereby provide flexibility in thelongitudinal direction 102 along transversely outward portions of the sole 1000 in theforefoot region 1014. - The reinforcing
element 1002 also includesforefoot cross-members 1024 located in theforefoot region 1014. Each of theforefoot cross-members 1024 extend across both of theforward projecting members 1022, and beyond the forward projectingmembers 1022 in thetransverse direction 104. Theforefoot cross-members 1024 thereby provide stiffness in thetransverse direction 104 along transversely outward portions of the sole 1000 in theforefoot region 1014. The illustrated embodiment includes threeforefoot cross-members 1024, although other embodiments may include more than or less than threeforefoot cross-members 1024. -
FIGS. 11-13 are various views of another suitable embodiment of a shoe sole 1100 having a midfoot impact region. Theshoe sole 1100 is substantially identical to the shoe sole 100 shown inFIGS. 1-8 , except for dimensional variations. Accordingly, like elements are labeled with like reference numerals. - The shoe sole 1100 illustrated in
FIGS. 11-13 has a more pronouncedmidfoot region 112 as compared to the sole 100 ofFIGS. 1-8 . For example, the heel region 110 (specifically, theoutsole 126 within the heel region 110) of the shoe sole 1100 curves upward from themidfoot region 112 at a first radius ofcurvature 144 less than the first radius ofcurvature 144 of theshoe sole 100 ofFIGS. 1-8 , and the forefoot region 114 (specifically, theoutsole 126 within the forefoot region 114) curves upward from themidfoot region 112 at a second radius ofcurvature 146 less than the second radius ofcurvature 146 of theshoe sole 100 ofFIGS. 1-8 . - Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 11-13 , the thickness of the sole 1100 in theheel region 110 is between about 17 mm and about 27 mm, and, more suitably, between about 20 mm and about 24 mm. The maximum thickness of the sole 1100 in themidfoot region 112 is between about 33 mm and about 44 mm, and, more suitably, between about 36 mm and about 41 mm. The thickness of the sole 1100 in theforefoot region 114 is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, and, more suitably, between about 13 mm and about 17 mm. The ratio between the thickness of the sole 1100 in theheel region 110, themidfoot region 112, and theforefoot region 114 is between about 1.4:2.5:1.0 and about 1.5:2.6:1.0. -
FIGS. 14-16 are various views of another suitable embodiment of a shoe sole 1400 having a midfoot impact region. Theshoe sole 1400 extends in a walking orlongitudinal direction 1402 from aheel region 1410, through amidfoot region 1412, to aforefoot region 1414. - The shoe sole 1400 illustrated in
FIGS. 14-16 includes amidsole 1416 and anoutsole 1418. As shown inFIG. 16 , themidsole 1416 includes anupper surface 1420 for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and alower surface 1422 disposed opposite theupper surface 1420. Theoutsole 1418 is disposed along thelower surface 1422 of themidsole 1416, and extends from theheel region 1410 to theforefoot region 1414. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 14-16 , themidsole 1416 has a unitary construction. That is, themidsole 1416 of theshoe sole 1400 is not formed from separate parts or components. Moreover, in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 14-16 , themidsole 1416 does not include a separate cushioning element. That is, themidsole 1416 is free of separate cushioning elements, although themidsole 1416 may act as a cushioning element depending on the hardness of themidsole 1416. - Similar to the shoe sole of
FIGS. 1-8 , theshoe sole 1400 has a continuously upward convex bottom profile such that animpact region 1424 of the sole 1400 is defined within themidfoot region 1412 of the sole 1400. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 14-16 , the heel region 1410 (specifically, theoutsole 1418 within the heel region 1410) curves upward from themidfoot region 1412 at a first radius ofcurvature 1426 of between about 390 mm and about 450 mm, the forefoot region 1414 (specifically, theoutsole 1418 within the forefoot region 1414) curves upward from themidfoot region 1412 at a second radius ofcurvature 1428 of between about 360 mm and about 420 mm, and themidfoot region 1412 has a third radius ofcurvature 1430 of between about 970 mm and about 1030 mm. - Additionally, the
outsole 1418 has a relatively stiffer construction along themidfoot region 1412 to form apivot axis 1432 about which theheel region 1410 and theforefoot region 1414 pivot during use. In particular, theoutsole 1418 is relatively stiffer along thepivot axis 1432 as compared to portions of theoutsole 1418 forward and rearward of thepivot axis 1432 to provide a rigid area about which the sole 1400 can pivot. Theoutsole 1418 may be constructed from a relatively stiffer material and/or include stiffening elements, such as fibers, along thepivot axis 1432 to provide an increased stiffness along thepivot axis 1432. Thepivot axis 1432 is oriented substantially parallel to atransverse direction 1404 of the sole 1400 (FIG. 15 ), and substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction 1402. As shown inFIG. 16 , thepivot axis 1432 is within theimpact region 1424 of the sole 1400, and thereby facilitates a continuous gait roll from the initial point of impact to toe-off, and promotes active rolling with each step. - Embodiments of the shoe soles described are particularly well suited for running, and provide several advantages over known running shoe soles. For example, embodiments of the shoes soles described herein have a bottom profile that is contoured and shaped to promote an impact or strike point along the midfoot region of the sole, rather than the heel region. Moreover, the shoe soles described herein are generally convex, and curve upward from the midfoot region to each of the heel and forefoot regions. The shoe soles thereby promote a dynamic, rolling action during running as a user's weight shifts from the heel region to the forefoot region. Additionally, the shoe soles described herein include a midfoot pivot axis disposed along the impact region of the sole, thereby promoting a continuous gait roll from the initial strike or impact point to toe-off. Moreover, the shoe soles described herein include a relatively thick cushioning element arranged in the midfoot region of the sole directly above the impact region of the sole. The shoe soles thereby provide enhanced cushioning and a soft landing with excellent shock absorption during midfoot strike as compared to running shoes having an impact region or cushioning element in the heel region of the sole. Further, the shoe soles described herein also have a three-piece construction and provide a tri-hardness configuration that promotes a dynamic, rolling action during running, and also facilitates optimal shock absorption and energy transfer.
- When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
- As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (20)
1. A shoe sole for an article of footwear, the sole extending in a longitudinal direction from a heel region, through a midfoot region, to a forefoot region, the sole comprising:
a midsole having an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface, the midsole including a forefoot cushioning element, a midfoot cushioning element, and a heel cushioning element; and
an outsole disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole;
wherein the sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact region of the sole is defined within the midfoot region, the midfoot cushioning element disposed within the midfoot region and directly above the impact region of the sole.
2. The shoe sole of claim 1 , wherein the outsole has a relatively stiff construction along the midfoot region thereby forming a pivot axis within the impact region about which the heel region and the forefoot region pivot, the midfoot cushioning element disposed directly above the pivot axis.
3. The shoe sole of claim 2 , wherein the midfoot cushioning element adjoins the outsole along the impact region of the sole, whereby the midfoot cushioning element is configured to absorb energy from an initial impact of the sole along the impact region and transfer energy to a user's foot upon the sole pivoting about the pivot axis
4. The shoe sole of claim 1 , wherein the forefoot cushioning element and the heel cushioning element cooperatively define a recess in the midfoot region of the sole, the midfoot cushioning element disposed within the recess and vertically and horizontally between the forefoot cushioning element and the heel cushioning element.
5. The shoe sole of claim 1 , wherein the forefoot cushioning element extends a thickness in the forefoot region from the upper surface of the midsole to the lower surface of the midsole, the forefoot cushioning element adjoining the outsole along the forefoot region of the sole and extending from the forefoot region to the heel region.
6. The shoe sole of claim 5 , wherein the heel cushioning element is disposed vertically between the forefoot cushioning element and the outsole, the heel cushioning element adjoining each of the forefoot cushioning element and the outsole in the heel region of the sole.
7. The shoe sole of claim 1 , wherein the midfoot cushioning element has a hardness less than a hardness of each of the forefoot cushioning element and the heel cushioning element.
8. The shoe sole of claim 7 , wherein the midfoot cushioning element has a first hardness, the forefoot cushioning element has a second hardness greater than the first hardnesss, and the heel cushioning element has a third hardness less than the second hardness.
9. The shoe sole of claim 1 , wherein the midfoot cushioning element has a first hardness, the forefoot cushioning element has a second hardness greater than the first hardnesss, and the heel cushioning element has a third hardness less than both the first hardness and the second hardness.
10. The shoe sole of claim 1 , wherein the shoe sole includes a lateral side and an opposing medial side, the midfoot cushioning element extending from the lateral side to the medial side.
11. The shoe sole of claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing element embedded in the midsole, the reinforcing element having a generally u-shaped cross-section and including a first prong and a second prong connected to one another in the heel region of the sole, each of the first prong and the second prong extending in the longitudinal direction from the heel region to at least the midfoot region to provide stiffness in the longitudinal direction.
12. An article of footwear comprising the shoe sole of claim 1 and an upper secured to the midsole.
13. A shoe sole for an article of footwear, the sole extending in a longitudinal direction from a heel region, through a midfoot region, to a forefoot region, the sole comprising:
a midsole having an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface, the midsole including a forefoot cushioning element, a midfoot cushioning element, and a heel cushioning element; and
an outsole disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole;
wherein the sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact region of the sole is defined within the midfoot region, the midsole having a first hardness in the forefoot region, a second hardness in the heel region less than the first hardness, and a third hardness in the midfoot region above the impact region less than both the first hardness and the second hardness.
14. The shoe sole of claim 13 , wherein the outsole has a relatively stiff construction along the midfoot region to form a pivot axis within the impact region about which the heel region and the forefoot region pivot.
15. The shoe sole of claim 13 , wherein the forefoot cushioning element has the first hardness, the heel cushioning element has the second hardness, and the midfoot cushioning element has the third hardness.
16. The shoe sole of claim 15 , wherein the forefoot cushioning element and the heel cushioning element cooperatively define a recess in which the midfoot cushioning element is disposed, the forefoot cushioning element extending from the forefoot region to the heel region.
17. The shoe sole of claim 15 , wherein the midfoot cushioning element has a hardness of between about 35 Asker C and about 55 Asker C.
18. The shoe sole of claim 13 , wherein a ratio between the first hardness, the second hardness, and the third hardness is between about 1.0:1.0:1.0 and about 2.0:1.75:1.0.
19. The shoe sole of claim 18 , wherein the ratio between the first hardness, the second hardness, and the third hardness is between about 1.2:1.1:1.0 and about 1.6:1.4:1.0.
20. A shoe sole for an article of footwear, the sole extending in a longitudinal direction from a heel region, through a midfoot region, to a forefoot region, the sole comprising:
a midsole having an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface,
an outsole disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defining a ground-contacting surface of the sole
wherein the sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact region of the sole is defined within the midfoot region, the outsole having a relatively stiff construction along the midfoot region to form a pivot axis within the impact region about which the heel region and the forefoot region pivot, wherein the heel region curves upward from the midfoot region and has a radius of curvature of between 390 millimeters and about 450 millimeters, and the forefoot region extends upward from the midfoot region and has a radius of curvature of between 360 millimeters and about 420 millimeters.
Priority Applications (15)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/724,973 US20160345668A1 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-05-29 | Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
PCT/US2015/033709 WO2016195661A1 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
BR112017025431A BR112017025431A2 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
JP2018514772A JP6751139B2 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | Shoe soles for footwear and midfoot impact areas |
CA2987391A CA2987391A1 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
ES15745590T ES2760012T3 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | Shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
EP15745590.8A EP3302142B1 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | Shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
KR1020177036988A KR20180015165A (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | Footwear for foot and body shoe soles |
CN201580082043.1A CN108135321A (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | Footwear product and the footwear sole for sufficient stage casing shock zone |
DK15745590.8T DK3302142T3 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | Shoe soles for mid-foot impact area |
AU2015397192A AU2015397192A1 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
RU2017145598A RU2017145598A (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-06-02 | SHOE PRODUCTS AND SHOES AREA WITH THE AREA OF THE MIDDLE FOOT DEPARTMENT |
TW105116737A TW201711586A (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2016-05-27 | Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
IL255704A IL255704A (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2017-11-15 | Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
HK18115691.0A HK1256585A1 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2018-12-07 | Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/724,973 US20160345668A1 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-05-29 | Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160345668A1 true US20160345668A1 (en) | 2016-12-01 |
Family
ID=53783288
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/724,973 Abandoned US20160345668A1 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2015-05-29 | Articles of footwear and shoe soles for midfoot impact region |
Country Status (15)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160345668A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3302142B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6751139B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20180015165A (en) |
CN (1) | CN108135321A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2015397192A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112017025431A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2987391A1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK3302142T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2760012T3 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1256585A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL255704A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2017145598A (en) |
TW (1) | TW201711586A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016195661A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2020163531A1 (en) * | 2019-02-06 | 2020-08-13 | Fuerst Group, Inc. | Footwear article for walking |
US20210055786A1 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2021-02-25 | Pietro GALIFI | Device for determining motion in virtual or real spaces |
WO2021108593A1 (en) * | 2019-11-27 | 2021-06-03 | Cole Haan Llc | Shoe with multiple material sole |
US20210267306A1 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2021-09-02 | Asics Corporation | Shoe sole and shoe |
US20220031016A1 (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2022-02-03 | The North Face Apparel Corp. | Rocker footwear |
US20220079284A1 (en) * | 2018-12-31 | 2022-03-17 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure having deffering hardness regions |
CN114786522A (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2022-07-22 | 盖特莱恩有限公司 | Shoe with sole providing dynamic arch support |
US11452334B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2022-09-27 | Nike, Inc. | Airbag for article of footwear |
US11559105B2 (en) * | 2017-07-05 | 2023-01-24 | U-Invest S.R.L. | Energizing safely shoe |
US11583031B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2023-02-21 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure for article of footwear |
US11589649B2 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2023-02-28 | Nike, Inc. | Airbag for article of footwear |
US11612213B2 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2023-03-28 | Nike, Inc. | Airbag for article of footwear |
US20230270208A1 (en) * | 2022-02-28 | 2023-08-31 | Puma SE | Article of footwear having a sole plate with spikes |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210204651A1 (en) * | 2020-01-03 | 2021-07-08 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure for article of footwear |
JP7330237B2 (en) * | 2020-07-23 | 2023-08-21 | プーマ エス イー | Sole structures, footwear devices and assemblies |
WO2023277146A1 (en) * | 2021-07-01 | 2023-01-05 | 株式会社タイカ | Shoe cushion structure, and shoes and shoe insole provided with same |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2810213A (en) * | 1956-05-17 | 1957-10-22 | Jerry J Jonas | Footgear |
US20030093920A1 (en) * | 2001-11-21 | 2003-05-22 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with removable foot-supporting member |
US20090293314A1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-03 | Nike, Inc. | Outsole having grooves forming discrete lugs |
US20100299969A1 (en) * | 2009-05-29 | 2010-12-02 | Liliana Paez | Layered footwear assembly with an arcuate undersurface |
US20110061264A1 (en) * | 2008-02-18 | 2011-03-17 | Solymosi Laszlo | Footwear with unstable sole structure |
US20110078923A1 (en) * | 2008-03-29 | 2011-04-07 | Masai Marketing & Trading Ag | Walking device |
US20130125416A1 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2013-05-23 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear Having Corresponding Outsole and Midsole Shapes |
US20150237959A1 (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2015-08-27 | Spenco Medical Corporation | Basketball Insole |
US20160073732A1 (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2016-03-17 | Nike, Inc. | Sole Structure With Bladder For Article Of Footwear And Method Of Manufacturing The Same |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS60156403A (en) * | 1983-09-12 | 1985-08-16 | 株式会社アシックス | Base sole of footwear |
US6341432B1 (en) | 1997-07-17 | 2002-01-29 | Negort Ag | Shoe |
HUP0103308A3 (en) * | 1999-08-28 | 2008-03-28 | Masai Marketing & Trading Ag | Footwear for a dynamic, rolling walking-action |
US7814683B2 (en) * | 2004-12-15 | 2010-10-19 | Ryn Korea Co., Ltd. | Health footwear having improved heel |
US7665229B2 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2010-02-23 | Converse Inc. | Foot-supporting structures for articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices |
WO2009061103A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-05-14 | Ryn Korea. Co., Ltd. | Masai walking footwear |
JP5394806B2 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2014-01-22 | アキレス株式会社 | Sole structure |
JP5761899B2 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2015-08-12 | 吉岡 好三 | Footwear with a walking promotion effect |
EP2305057A1 (en) * | 2009-10-02 | 2011-04-06 | Masai Marketing & Trading AG | Walker base |
ITTV20090208A1 (en) * | 2009-10-22 | 2011-04-23 | A C Studio S N C Di Armando Ciett O & C | INTERSULATION STRUCTURE, PARTICULARLY FOR FOOTWEAR. |
EP2361520A1 (en) * | 2010-02-23 | 2011-08-31 | Masai Marketing & Trading AG | Shoe sole with air circulation |
-
2015
- 2015-05-29 US US14/724,973 patent/US20160345668A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2015-06-02 WO PCT/US2015/033709 patent/WO2016195661A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-06-02 KR KR1020177036988A patent/KR20180015165A/en unknown
- 2015-06-02 RU RU2017145598A patent/RU2017145598A/en unknown
- 2015-06-02 CN CN201580082043.1A patent/CN108135321A/en active Pending
- 2015-06-02 JP JP2018514772A patent/JP6751139B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2015-06-02 AU AU2015397192A patent/AU2015397192A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2015-06-02 EP EP15745590.8A patent/EP3302142B1/en active Active
- 2015-06-02 DK DK15745590.8T patent/DK3302142T3/en active
- 2015-06-02 ES ES15745590T patent/ES2760012T3/en active Active
- 2015-06-02 BR BR112017025431A patent/BR112017025431A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2015-06-02 CA CA2987391A patent/CA2987391A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-05-27 TW TW105116737A patent/TW201711586A/en unknown
-
2017
- 2017-11-15 IL IL255704A patent/IL255704A/en unknown
-
2018
- 2018-12-07 HK HK18115691.0A patent/HK1256585A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2810213A (en) * | 1956-05-17 | 1957-10-22 | Jerry J Jonas | Footgear |
US20030093920A1 (en) * | 2001-11-21 | 2003-05-22 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with removable foot-supporting member |
US20110061264A1 (en) * | 2008-02-18 | 2011-03-17 | Solymosi Laszlo | Footwear with unstable sole structure |
US20110078923A1 (en) * | 2008-03-29 | 2011-04-07 | Masai Marketing & Trading Ag | Walking device |
US20090293314A1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-03 | Nike, Inc. | Outsole having grooves forming discrete lugs |
US20100299969A1 (en) * | 2009-05-29 | 2010-12-02 | Liliana Paez | Layered footwear assembly with an arcuate undersurface |
US20130125416A1 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2013-05-23 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear Having Corresponding Outsole and Midsole Shapes |
US20150237959A1 (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2015-08-27 | Spenco Medical Corporation | Basketball Insole |
US20160073732A1 (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2016-03-17 | Nike, Inc. | Sole Structure With Bladder For Article Of Footwear And Method Of Manufacturing The Same |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
Mid-West Innovators, https://web.archive.org/web/20131018204729/http://www.midwestinnovators.com/material-properties/durometer.html,10/18/2013 * |
Cited By (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11559105B2 (en) * | 2017-07-05 | 2023-01-24 | U-Invest S.R.L. | Energizing safely shoe |
US11684118B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2023-06-27 | Nike, Inc. | Airbag for article of footwear |
US11583031B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2023-02-21 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure for article of footwear |
US11678719B2 (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2023-06-20 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure for article of footwear |
US11659891B2 (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2023-05-30 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure for article of footwear |
US11452334B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2022-09-27 | Nike, Inc. | Airbag for article of footwear |
US11963579B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2024-04-23 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure for article of footwear |
US11723432B2 (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2023-08-15 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure for article of footwear |
US11607011B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2023-03-21 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure for article of footwear |
US20210055786A1 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2021-02-25 | Pietro GALIFI | Device for determining motion in virtual or real spaces |
US11589649B2 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2023-02-28 | Nike, Inc. | Airbag for article of footwear |
US11612213B2 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2023-03-28 | Nike, Inc. | Airbag for article of footwear |
US11700910B2 (en) | 2018-10-15 | 2023-07-18 | The North Face Apparel Corp. | Footwear with a shell |
EP3866637B1 (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2024-02-28 | The North Face Apparel Corp. | Footwear with a shell |
US20220031016A1 (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2022-02-03 | The North Face Apparel Corp. | Rocker footwear |
EP3866636B1 (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2023-03-22 | The North Face Apparel Corp. | Shoe designed to enhance the practice of physical activities |
US11825903B2 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2023-11-28 | Asics Corporation | Shoe sole and shoe |
US20210267306A1 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2021-09-02 | Asics Corporation | Shoe sole and shoe |
US20220079284A1 (en) * | 2018-12-31 | 2022-03-17 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure having deffering hardness regions |
US11864621B2 (en) * | 2018-12-31 | 2024-01-09 | Nike, Inc. | Sole structure having differing hardness regions |
WO2020163531A1 (en) * | 2019-02-06 | 2020-08-13 | Fuerst Group, Inc. | Footwear article for walking |
US11633009B2 (en) | 2019-02-06 | 2023-04-25 | Fuerst Group, Inc. | Footwear article for walking |
WO2021108593A1 (en) * | 2019-11-27 | 2021-06-03 | Cole Haan Llc | Shoe with multiple material sole |
US11297897B2 (en) * | 2019-11-27 | 2022-04-12 | Cole Haan Llc | Shoe with multiple material sole |
CN114786522A (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2022-07-22 | 盖特莱恩有限公司 | Shoe with sole providing dynamic arch support |
US20230270208A1 (en) * | 2022-02-28 | 2023-08-31 | Puma SE | Article of footwear having a sole plate with spikes |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3302142A1 (en) | 2018-04-11 |
WO2016195661A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 |
DK3302142T3 (en) | 2020-01-02 |
BR112017025431A2 (en) | 2018-08-07 |
RU2017145598A (en) | 2019-07-02 |
EP3302142B1 (en) | 2019-10-02 |
IL255704A (en) | 2018-01-31 |
ES2760012T3 (en) | 2020-05-12 |
CA2987391A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 |
AU2015397192A1 (en) | 2017-12-07 |
JP6751139B2 (en) | 2020-09-02 |
CN108135321A (en) | 2018-06-08 |
HK1256585A1 (en) | 2019-09-27 |
JP2018516733A (en) | 2018-06-28 |
KR20180015165A (en) | 2018-02-12 |
TW201711586A (en) | 2017-04-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3302142B1 (en) | Shoe soles for midfoot impact region | |
US11622601B2 (en) | Footwear with flexible cage and wedge | |
US11937665B2 (en) | Footwear including a stabilizing sole | |
US10492564B1 (en) | Footwear construction | |
US10285470B2 (en) | Sole assembly for article of footwear with plural cushioning members | |
US10470521B2 (en) | Sole structure for shoes and shoe with the sole structure | |
CN106659266B (en) | Article of footwear with the inclination midsole containing embedded elastic plate | |
US9210967B2 (en) | Sole structure with traction elements | |
US20010032400A1 (en) | Footwear outsole having arcuate inner-structure | |
CN112292053B (en) | Sole and shoe | |
US20140310982A1 (en) | Shoe sole and a shoe fitted with such a sole | |
CN112770646B (en) | Footwear with molded sole | |
US20170143074A1 (en) | High-heel shank and high-heeled shoes using same | |
US20120079740A1 (en) | Basketball Shoe Sole | |
US20150052777A1 (en) | Cradle heels | |
CN208259166U (en) | A kind of footwear sole construction with double high-elastic balance of power cushions | |
US20230240408A1 (en) | Shoe sole and shoe | |
IE55374B1 (en) | Athletic type shoe for tennis and other court games |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MASAI INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD., SINGAPORE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DYER, ROBERT;SMOTRYCZ, ZENON;SING, ANDY CHAW CHONG;SIGNING DATES FROM 20160213 TO 20160921;REEL/FRAME:040007/0400 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |