JP2014509902A - High stability multi-density midsole - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly, to components such as performance footwear midsoles, and more particularly to highly stable and multi-density midsoles. In some embodiments, the disclosed midsole can protect the user from excessive pronation and / or excessive prolapse of the foot. The disclosed high stability midsole embodiments may comprise a cushion element and a midfoot element. In various embodiments, the midfoot element is configured to couple with the cushion element at the midfoot portion and includes at least one rear tail configured to coincide with the inner or outer edge of the heel portion of the cushion element. I have. Alternatively, the midsole may have an integrated cushion area with different response characteristic areas.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 454,441, filed March 18, 2011, entitled “High Stability Multiple Density Midsole”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Is incorporated herein by reference.

  Embodiments herein relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to components such as performance footwear midsole.

  Since the introduction of cushioned midsoles in running shoes, the injuries associated with foot strike impacts have decreased. Concomitantly, runners have been adapted to cushioned running shoes by increasing the stride length and bringing the landing closer to the lateral posterior edge of the heel. This fit may be associated with excessive foot / ankle movement. Furthermore, it is believed that if the initial pronation speed is too high or the maximum pronation angle is too large, pronation damage such as inversion sprain and abduction sprain will occur.

  In order to mitigate the negative effects of cushioned heels, modern running shoes have evolved to have areas with different midsole stiffness. The heel “crash pad” is a soft, graded midsole structure that facilitates compression of the outer rear part of the midsole when the heel hits the ground, thereby reducing the initial speed of the pronation. “Medial posting” is a common midsole structure designed to reduce maximum pronation. As the stride transitions from the heel to the mid stance, the foot prolapses greatly until it is countered by the arch and a tighter, less compressed midsole immediately after the arch.

  Both of these concepts effectively use local midsole stiffness to control heel strike kinematics when running on smooth surfaces such as roads where the kinematics are predictable and reproducible. Yes. However, for trail runners, the surface is much more variable and unpredictable. Smooth and hard roads are replaced by a wide range of slopes that are potentially covered by loose gravel roads, graves, slopes, and many other obstacles. As a result, the initial point of the heel contact can change greatly every step. For example, if a foot lands on a rock under the medial posterior portion of a running shoe heel that is medially posted, the inner midsole, which is hard and hard to bend, quickly puts the ankle in the opposite position. A soft, slanted crash pad that works to rotate cannot resist enough to prevent excessive potential and catastrophic foot reversal.

  The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are described by way of example and are not limited to the attached drawings.

Bottom view (FIGS. 1A, 1B) and top view (FIGS. 1C, 1D) of a high stability shock absorbing multi-density midsole with generally soft cushion elements and stiffer midfoot elements, according to various embodiments. ). 2A is an inner side view (FIG. 2A), a bottom view (FIG. 2B), an outer side view (FIG. 2C), and a rear view (FIG. 2D) of the midfoot element shown in FIG. 1 according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 shows four examples of mid-foot elements corresponding to a high stability shock absorbing multi-density midsole according to various embodiments, with an intermediate length outer rear tail and a long inner rear tail (FIG. 3A); An example with a short outer rear tail and a long inner rear tail (FIG. 3B), an intermediate length outer rear tail and an intermediate length inner rear tail (FIG. 3C), a short outer rear tail and an intermediate length inner rear 3D includes an example with a tail (FIG. 3D).

  In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the description and are shown for the purpose of illustrating possible embodiments. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from its scope. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

  To assist in understanding the embodiments, the various operations may be described as a plurality of individual operations. However, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

  Perspective-based descriptions such as up / down, front / back, top / bottom, etc. may be used. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to limit the application of the disclosed embodiments.

  The terms “coupled” and “connected” may be used with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in certain embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but cooperate or interact with each other.

  For illustrative purposes, the expression “A / B” or the expression “A and / or B” means (A), (B) or (A and B). For illustrative purposes, expressions of the form “at least one of A, B, and C” are (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B and C). For illustrative purposes, an expression of the form (A) B means (B) or (AB), that is, A is an optional element.

  This description may use the term “embodiment” or “embodiments” to refer to one or more identical or different embodiments, respectively. Furthermore, terms such as “comprising”, “including”, “having” and the like are synonymous when used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

  Embodiments herein include initial pronation that can occur when heel strikes on surfaces that include non-flat and rough surfaces such as gravel roads, graves, slopes, rut roads, and the like. Targeting performance footwear parts such as midsole that can reduce supination. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by providing a midsole having a full heel region with a long, soft spring constant that absorbs impacts and / or impacts from rock and debris during heel strike. In various embodiments, the disclosed midsole has a maximum pronation angle and a maximum supination angle that result from a heel-to-mid-stance transition on an uneven surface that is uneven. Can be reduced. For example, various embodiments of the disclosed high stability midsole can be used to move a prolapsed or prolapsed foot from the mid-stance-to-toe-off phase of the running gait. Provide a midfoot structure / element that can be led to a neutral position by

  Although specific embodiments relating to trail running are discussed, the embodiments herein can be applied to a wide range of activities. For example, various sports such as running and hiking, volleyball, basketball, tennis, various professionals such as medical, industrial, safety, rescue and military, and other suitable uses.

  Various embodiments of the midsole may comprise both an overall soft cushion element and a stiffer midfoot element. In various embodiments, the overall soft cushion element includes a heel portion that provides a cushion and a shock absorbing layer. The heel impacts and / or impacts heels against rocks and other uneven surfaces without causing instability (eg pronation or supination) that can be caused by a conventional (eg stiff) posted midsole. It is configured to absorb. In various embodiments, the midfoot element may be any suitable shape including angled, curved, parabolic, hyperbolic, etc.

  In various embodiments, the midsole may comprise a midfoot element that is stiffer than a soft cushion element. The midfoot element includes one or more inner and / or outer rear “tails” that extend along at least a portion of the corresponding medial or lateral edge of the heel portion of the cushion element. tail) ". In various embodiments, after the first heel strike, the tighter consistency of the inner and / or rear tail of the midfoot element corrects any pronation or supination as the foot advances forward. Initially, the foot is returned to the neutral position by the time the foot transitions from the mid strike to the two-off phase. In various embodiments, the stiffness of the cushioning element and / or midfoot element and the length and / or height of the midfoot element and / or rear tail may be determined by surface conditions, user running / walking style, specific sport, May be modified to meet a specific condition or set of conditions, such as activity or profession, user weight, weight and distribution of a transport such as a backpack, user leg length or height, or It may be modified to adapt and correct for specific gait problems such as overpronation (overtime) and oversupplement (overtime).

  1A-1D are bottom views of a high stability shock absorbing midsole 100 with a generally soft cushion element 110 and a stiffer midfoot element 112, according to various embodiments (FIG. 1A is a partially exploded view, FIG. 1B is a coupling diagram) and a top view (FIG. 1C is a partially exploded diagram, and FIG. 1D is a coupling diagram). In various embodiments, the cushion element 110 includes at least a heel portion 114 configured to absorb impact or impact forces from, for example, a heel strike on uneven terrain. In various embodiments, the midfoot element 112 is configured to mate with or coincide with the cushion element 110 and includes one or more rear tails, such as the inner rear tail 116 and / or the outer rear tail 118. In some embodiments, the inner rear tail 116 extends at least partially along the inner edge 120 of the heel portion 114 and / or the outer rear tail 118 is at least at the outer edge 122 of the heel portion 114. It extends partially along.

  In various embodiments, the cushion element 110 and the midfoot element 112 have different response characteristics. This can be characterized in terms of density, durometer, flexibility, specific gravity, and other footwear design characteristics. These different properties allow for various biomechanical improvements (including but not limited to improved shock absorption, support and stability when used on uneven terrain). In the illustrated embodiment, materials with different response characteristics (eg, different durometers have different softness or firmness sensations) are strategically placed in a configuration that is beneficial in athletic shoes or boots, and the initial pro Reduce the nation speed and / or the initial supination speed, and reduce the maximum pronation angle and the maximum supination angle. The midsole 100 may include regions with different response characteristics disposed around one or more edges 120, 122 of the heel portion 114. For example, a material having a high density or durometer is disposed in the midfoot element 112. In use, when the heel portion 114 absorbs the impact force of the initial heel strike, the one or more rear tails 116, 118 capture and flip over any over or out of rotation, allowing the foot to be in a more neutral position. Function to return.

  1A-1D illustrate a midsole 100 having two separate (discrete, connectable) parts (eg, cushion element 110 and midfoot element 112), those skilled in the art will appreciate the response characteristics. It will be appreciated that the midsole 100 can be configured as a single piece having different regions, i.e., the cushion element and the frame may be an integral part of the midsole. For example, instead of a separate piece, the midsole 100 may be configured as a unitary structure. In some embodiments, the monolithic structure is between materials having different densities or durometers, as described in US patent application Ser. No. 61 / 345,978 (incorporated herein by reference). It may have mixed transitions. As used herein, the term “blended transition zone” and any derivative terms generally refers to the joining or mixing of materials (eg, foams) having different response characteristics (eg, density or durometer). In other words, there is no clear and well-defined linear path or flat path between materials with different response characteristics.

  The cushion element 110 may include a midfoot portion 124 and a forefoot portion 126. For this reason, in some embodiments, the cushioning element 110 forms the entire top surface of the midsole 100, providing an entire insole (footbed) having cushioning properties, for example for comfort and shock absorption. In various embodiments, the midfoot element 112 may include an inner front tail 128 and / or an outer front tail 130 and may maintain a neutral foot position during toe off. Further, the inner front tail 128 and the outer front tail 130 may provide lateral stability and help the shoe bend in the anatomically correct position across the forefoot.

  In addition, although those skilled in the art have depicted the midfoot element 112 to be coupled to the bottom surface of the cushion element 110, the midsole 100 may be configured as only the midfoot element 112 or the top surface of the cushion element 110. It will be appreciated that it may be configured as a midfoot element 112 that is configured to couple with. Further, although the midsole 100 is depicted as having a forefoot portion 126, a midfoot portion 124, and a heel portion 114, those skilled in the art will recognize that some embodiments of the midsole 100 may include a heel portion 114 and a midfoot portion. It will be appreciated that only 124 may be provided.

  2A-2D are an inner side view (FIG. 2A), a bottom view (FIG. 2B), an outer side view (FIG. 2C), and a rear view (FIG. 2C) of the midfoot element 112 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D according to various embodiments. FIG. 2D). As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the thickness dimension 232 of the midfoot element 212 varies in different regions. For example, the thickness 232 of the midfoot element 212 increases in areas where greater stiffness or support is desired (eg, the midfoot portion), and areas where less stiffness or support is required (eg, heel or forefoot). Part), the thickness may be reduced or the midfoot element may not be present. For example, if greater stability or protection from pronation or supination is desired, the thickness 232 of the midfoot element 212 at the inner and / or outer edge may be greater.

  FIGS. 3A-3D show four examples of a high stability shock absorbing multi-density midsole 300 (ad) with cushion elements 310 (ad) and corresponding midfoot elements 312 (ad). Show. These are examples of a midfoot element 312a corresponding to a cushion element 310a (FIG. 3A), wherein the midfoot element 312a has an intermediate length outer rear tail 318a and a long inner rear tail 316a, according to various embodiments. Example of midfoot element 312b corresponding to cushion element 310b (FIG. 3B), with midfoot element 312b having a short outer rear tail 318b and a long inner rear tail 316b, midfoot element 312c being an intermediate length outer rear tail 318c. And a corresponding midfoot element 312c corresponding to the cushion element 310c (FIG. 3C), and an intermediate rear inner tail with a shorter midfoot element 312d and an intermediate rear tail 316c. 316d, cushion element 31 Examples of midfoot element 312d corresponding to d comprises (Fig. 3D).

  As shown, the length of the rear tails 316 (ad), 318 (ad) may be varied to suit a particular condition or set of conditions. For example, the mid-length outer rear tail 318a and the long inner rear tail 316a shown in FIG. 3A serve to stabilize the foot in both the medial and lateral directions, providing strong protection against overpronation and overspinning. Can provide moderate protection against. In another example, the short outer rear tail 318b and the long inner rear tail 316b shown in FIG. 3B are, for example, a user or set of conditions that are prone to overpronation but do not have a significant risk for oversupplementation. Can provide strong protection against overpronation. The example shown in FIG. 3C has an intermediate length outer rear tail 318c and an intermediate length inner rear tail 316c, which can provide reasonable protection against both overpronation and overspinning. . Finally, the example shown in FIG. 3D includes a short outer rear tail 318d and an intermediate length inner rear tail 316d. This can provide reasonable protection against overpronation, for example for a user or set of conditions where the risk of overpronation is higher than the risk of oversupplication.

  3A-3D represent the length of the outer rear tail and the inner rear tail measured as a percentage of the total sole length measured from the heel. For example, the long tail is about 10% shorter than the total length of the heel (eg, about 3-14%, about 5-13%, or about 7-12%). Similarly, the mid-length tail is about 20% shorter than the total length of the heel (eg, about 15-24%, about 17-23% or about 18-21%), and the short tail is about the full length of the heel. Short by 30% (eg, about 25-37%, 27-35%, or about 28-33%). These lengths are merely examples, and can be modified to desired values for different functions in accordance with the disclosure herein. For example, the tail may be 3%, 5%, or 7% longer than the total length of the heel, about 37%, 35%, or 33% shorter than the total length of the heel, and any length in between It may be. In addition to changing the length of the tail, the thickness and / or height of each tail may be individually configured for the desired outer support amount or inner support amount. For example, when the tail is slightly thicker than in the illustrated example, the supportability is improved, and when the tail is slightly thinner, the supportability is reduced.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that the front tails 128, 228, 328 (ad), 130, 230, 330 (ad) can be used to achieve the desired degree of stability and midfoot alignment during toe-off. It will be appreciated that the length may be changed as well (not shown). In addition, various embodiments may optimize the thickness and / or height of each front tail or rear tail to provide the desired degree of support for a particular user or set of conditions. Good. Further, in various embodiments, the thickness of the midfoot elements 112, 212, 312 (ad) can be increased in any area where higher stability or stiffer support is desired, or for heavy users and heights. It may be increased according to the high user. Many conventional midsoles are equipped with a support shank for this purpose or to stabilize the midsole against torsional motion. In some embodiments, a support shank, such as a steel shank, may be included, but in other embodiments, the midfoot elements 112, 212, 312 (ad) eliminate the need for a support shank. In some embodiments, the midfoot element 112 occupies the entire thickness of the midsole in some areas, such as the midfoot portion 124, and may provide, for example, a solid arch support. Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments may require greater comfort and cushioning, for example, for heavy weight users, certain terrain conditions, or for users with foot pain or injury. The thickness of the cushion elements 110, 310 (ad) may be increased in certain areas or throughout the midsole 100, 200, 300 (ad).

  In the above-described embodiments, only two regions with different material response characteristics (eg, cushion element 110 and midfoot element 112) are depicted, but those skilled in the art will recognize any number (eg, 3, 4, 5). It will be appreciated that response characteristic regions (6, or more) may be used. Such regions with different response characteristics may be arranged in a plurality of strategic configurations. Add for use in places where additional softness or cushioning is needed, such as at the heel or forefoot, or when the user is injured or needs additional cushioning for another reason A low density material or a low durometer material may be used. In another example, additional higher density material or high durometer material may be included in any area where solid support, additional stability, or additional durability is required. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the specific structure of the midsole can be customized to suit the needs, foot strike pattern, terrain, or individual user's running style.

  Although the response characteristics (eg, relating to hardness, density, or durometer) are referred to herein as high or low, those skilled in the art will recognize that these terms are relative. For example, if the material response characteristic is a durometer, the term “low” may correspond to about 40-60 for Asker C, and in some embodiments about 50-60 for Asker C. Similarly, if the material response characteristic is a durometer, the term “high” may correspond to about 60-75 for Asker C and in some embodiments about 65-75 for Asker C. In other embodiments, materials with higher or lower response characteristics may be used to suit the desired application.

  In some embodiments, the midsole material may extend around and / or beyond the instep, for example to provide greater protection and stability over the midfoot. In yet other embodiments, the midsole material may extend around and / or beyond the forefoot portion, for example to provide toe protection. In certain embodiments, the midsole material extends around the entire foot and forms part or all of the upper footwear, for example in boots or shoes, to provide additional ankle support or foot protection. Good. In some embodiments, a portion of the midsole material that extends beyond the midsole may include a low density material, such as an additional soft responsive material.

  Different material properties can be realized by various materials suitable for the midsole structure. For example, in some embodiments, EVA foam material is formed or cut to a desired size and shape to provide cushion elements 110, 210, 310 (ad) and / or midfoot elements 112, 212, 312. (Ad) may be formed and the two parts may be glued or otherwise secured together. Various midsole forming techniques are known, such as preform, compression molding, injection molding, pellet pour. In other embodiments, polymer foam pellets (such as EVA pellets) may be arranged so that different response characteristics are mixed in the transition region as a result of pellet compression. In other embodiments, the midsole is one or more other types such as rubberized EVA, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, polyolefin, rubber, or any other suitable midsole / footwear component. It may include foam material or solid material.

  While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will be able to calculate a wide range of alternative and / or equivalent embodiments, or similar objectives, without departing from the scope thereof. It will be appreciated that the illustrated and described embodiments may be replaced with other implementations. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any applications and variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (27)

A cushioning element having a midfoot portion and a heel portion;
A midfoot element configured to couple with the cushion element at the midfoot portion;
The high stability midsole, wherein the midfoot element comprises at least one rear tail configured to coincide with an inner or outer edge of a heel portion of the cushion element.   The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the heel portion includes a low density foam, and the low density foam includes 40-60 foam in Asker C.   The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the heel portion includes a low density foam, and the low density foam includes 50-60 foam in Asker C.   The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the midfoot element comprises a high density foam, the high density foam comprising 60-75 foam in Asker C.   The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the midfoot element comprises a high density foam and the high density foam comprises 65-75 foam in Asker C.   The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the heel portion includes 50-60 foam on Asker C, and the midfoot element includes 60-75 foam on Asker C.   The midfoot element comprises an inner rear tail configured to coincide with an inner edge of the heel portion of the cushion element and an outer rear tail configured to coincide with an outer edge of the heel portion of the cushion element. The high stability midsole according to claim 1.   The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the inner rear tail is long and the outer rear tail has an intermediate length.   The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the inner rear tail is long and the outer rear tail is short.   The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the inner rear tail has an intermediate length and the outer rear tail has an intermediate length.   The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the inner rear tail has an intermediate length and the outer rear tail is short.   The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the inner rear tail has an intermediate length and the outer rear tail is long.   The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the inner rear tail is longer than the outer rear tail.   The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the inner rear tail is shorter than the outer rear tail.   The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the inner rear tail and the outer rear tail are substantially the same length. The cushion element further comprises a forefoot portion,
The midfoot element includes an inner front tail configured to match an inner edge of the forefoot portion of the cushion element and an outer front tail configured to match an outer edge of the forefoot portion of the cushion element. A high stability midsole according to claim 1, comprising:   The high stability midsole of claim 16, wherein the inner front tail is longer than the outer front tail.   The high stability midsole according to claim 1, wherein the midsole is configured to be customizable to suit a specific user, a walking disorder, or terrain.   The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the cushion element and the midfoot element are two separate parts of the midsole.   The high stability midsole according to claim 1, wherein the cushion element and the midfoot element are an integral part of the midsole. A cushioning element having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion comprising 40-60 foam in Asker C;
A midfoot element comprising 60-75 foam at Asker C and configured to couple with the cushion element at the midfoot portion;
A high stability midsole comprising
The midfoot element is
An inner rear tail configured to coincide with the inner edge of the heel portion of the cushion element;
An outer rear tail configured to coincide with the outer edge of the heel portion of the cushion element;
An inner front tail configured to coincide with an inner edge of the forefoot portion of the cushion element;
An outer front tail configured to coincide with an outer edge of the forefoot portion of the cushion element;
High stability midsole characterized by comprising.   The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the inner rear tail is longer than the outer rear tail.   The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the inner rear tail is shorter than the outer rear tail.   The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the inner rear tail is substantially the same length as the outer rear tail.   The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the inner front tail is longer than the outer front tail.   The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the cushion element and the midfoot element are two separate parts of the midsole.   The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the cushion element and the midfoot element are an integral part of the midsole.

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