JP2018149367A - Improvement in footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a footwear sole structure that relaxes impact on a user's foot.SOLUTION: The energy return sole structure includes a sole 3 containing a ground contact element and a suspended elastomer web or mesh 1 for a footwear user's foot. The suspended elastomer web or mesh 1 is flexible and connected to the periphery of the energy return sole structure. The energy return sole structure contains a foamed material or a cushion material between the suspended elastomer web or mesh 1 and the sole 3. The foamed material or the cushion material supports the periphery in a manner that, while the suspended elastomer web or mesh 1 is bending by a downward tension, resists the inward bending due to an increased inward tension of the suspended elastomer web or mesh 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to footwear such as shoes, boots, and sandals.

  Common footwear includes an outer sole (outer sole) that comes into contact with the ground, and an inner sole (inner sole) that reduces the impact of a user's foot.

  Enclosed footwear such as shoes and boots also have an upper that wraps and positions the foot.

  For clarity, the term “footwear” is used herein to refer to footwear for outer wear such as shoes, boots, and sandals, and does not include items of textile clothing to be worn on the feet such as socks, stockings, tights, and pantyhose. .

  Footwear, known as a general shoe, consists of a sole that cushions the impact and provides comfort. However, any common sole design or construction method is all based on the principle of a compressible cushion. In other words, when the weight of the foot is applied to the sole, the cushion as a conventional foam material is compressed by the weight of the person. Therefore, comfort is provided by the cushioning properties of the shoe sole material under compression.

  Many options have been tried to improve the cushioning properties of the sole, including various types of foam and density, air pockets, adjustable pneumatic chambers, insert balls, springs, and the like. However, all these methods are again based on compression of the cushion material.

  Kendall U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,601,321 and 7,555,847 describe suspended textile lattices of “fibers with high tensile strength and low“ springiness ”” and “ In all such embodiments, the main bearing component of the lattice is a non-elastomeric polymer or metal-based homogeneous or composite fiber or yarn. "

  The present invention avoids such inflexible structures and proposes a completely different structure having a weight bearing web formed of a flexible elastomer.

US Pat. No. 6,601,321 US Pat. No. 7,555,847

  The present invention can be used in or as a part of a footwear structure featuring a suspended elastomeric web or mesh that supports and supports a user's foot in use.

  In view of this, one aspect of the present invention provides a sole structure for footwear, the sole structure including a suspended elastomeric web or mesh support for the footwear wearer's foot.

  The present invention advantageously provides a unique footwear configuration that utilizes a flexible suspended elastomeric web or mesh instead of eliminating the usual compression cushion sole design due to its primary characteristics. The web or mesh is placed under tension by flexing under the weight of the foot to provide an upward repulsive force, and supports the weight applied through the wearer's foot like a flexible hammock.

  Providing an elastomeric web or mesh that is suspended at least partially by the outer edge of the outer sole so that most of the weight of the foot is absorbed by the web / mesh, and reverses the compression cushion of a conventional shoe sole Are desirable characteristics of at least one form of the invention. With the weight applied by the foot, the web bends, but the web / mesh stretches and the elastomeric material is pulled. This effectively means that the foot is hung inside the outer frame or edge of the sole structure of the footwear, so to speak, from the ground or the bottom in a flexible “hammock”.

  Air flow is also a very important issue because typical shoes usually contain a smooth area of the wick that comes into contact with the foot, resulting in very poor breathability. Some shoes and sandals are designed with small grooves to improve breathability, but obviously still need to contact a large cushion area without proper air flow.

  Suspended elastomeric web / mesh footwear can provide excellent breathability because the open mesh design allows breathing due to the small surface area where most of the foot is in physical contact with the web / mesh.

  The most important thing to understand is that the web / mesh elastomer not only provides comfort and breathability, but also decisively reduces pressure on the limbs such as the ankle and knee. Since the mesh is a flexible elastic / elastomer material, it gently bends and rebounds, reducing the impact pressure on the knees, ankles, etc.

  The web or mesh is the gap / space below the web / mesh (ie, between the web / mesh and the outsole, or in open sole footwear, when the grounding element is the outer frame supporting the web / mesh Designed to flex into (between web / mesh and ground).

  If a large downward force (such as 50 kg or landing after a jump) may be applied during normal walking, the mesh may flex until it touches the sole or the ground.

  Therefore, it is possible to include a soft foam in at least a part of this space or gap. Thus, the web / mesh can contact the foam when pushed down a sufficient distance, thereby relieving the pressure applied to the bottom of the sole. Importantly, even if the web / mesh “bottoms”, it still absorbs most of the downward force and impact in the process, and this is when the web / mesh returns to a more normal position. A rebound of some percent of power is possible. In fact, this rebound is the most immediately obvious feature of this footwear. This effectively reduces the energy used by the wearer, especially when going up stairs.

  For such high loads, the foam can be softer than normal because the web absorbs a large percentage of the initial load (in normal shoes the foam must be under full load) , Further promote the comfort of shoes.

  The footwear web or mesh / net extends beyond the outboard edge of the sole base and fits projections such as end knobs or loops into corresponding recesses or ears incorporated into the footwear outer design, respectively, Can be secured to the outer edge.

  Flexible webs / mesh / nets can typically be formed flat by injection molding and the ideal material is flexible polyurethane heat, such as used as a surfboard leg or string. It is a plastic elastomer. This material is characterized by its excellent ability to stretch and rebound.

  The web / mesh elastomer has a durometer value of 30-120 Shore A, more preferably 80-95 Shore A (90A is very typical) to provide the necessary elastomer elongation properties while supporting sufficient weight. Can be provided. Examples of commercially available injection molding grade elastomers include BASF Elastollan 1185 and Bayer Desmopan 385S (RTM molding). Both BASF's Elastollan and Bayer's Desmopan are injection molding grade thermoplastics.

  One alternative elastomer is Era Plastic's Erapol, a chemically cured polymer (not an injection-molded grade) classified as a “liquid, isocyanate-terminated PTMEG polyether polyol-based prepolymer”. It is. Other elastomers including polyurethanes that exhibit suitable elastomeric properties and strengths can also be used.

  An articulation method other than a loop applied to the projection of the corresponding sole base, for example, a “hook” may be used, and examples include a design having a knob and a slot. However, one option is to mold the web and sole outer edge support as an integral element. This can be achieved by single shot injection molding from the same material or by overmolding methods using separate materials but joining them together during a two shot overmolding process.

  The web or mesh can be placed in pre-tension in the mold, and once the outer sole and / or sole base is molded around it, the pre-tension is maintained after exiting the mold.

  Another option of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to mold an upright or vertical outer edge or edge (eg, outer sole or bottom) and sole base together as an integral element. If joining is a problem, they can instead be overmoulded into an integral element. The elastomeric web / mesh can be articulated to the base by an elastomeric loop as described above.

  Next, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is an exploded view of a multi-element sole structure including a web or mesh, a sole outer frame, and an outer bottom, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. In addition, a sole outer frame has an integral part which forms an upper, and this can also be attached in other embodiments. FIG. 2 is a partially assembled view of the sole structure shown in FIG. 1. Sole outer frame and outer bottom are combined. FIG. 2 is a view of the assembled sole structure of FIG. 1 with the web or mesh engaged with the sole outer frame and in place. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the structure of FIG. 1 fully assembled. 1 is a perspective side view of a single footwear incorporating a sole structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6a is a front cross-sectional view of a sole structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6b and 6c show the components of the structure of FIG. 6a. FIG. 7a shows a single footwear incorporating an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7b to 7e show various components of the structure of the footwear of Figure 7a. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a sole structure according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The sole outer frame includes an integrally molded flexible elastomer web or mesh support. FIG. 8A is a top plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 8, particularly a mesh pattern. FIG. 6 is an illustration of an alternative configuration of a sole structure incorporated into a single piece of footwear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10a shows the front of a cross-sectional view of the assembled sole structure according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10b is an exploded view thereof. It is the graph which compared the average g value. It is the graph which compared the average ER value. It is the graph which compared ratio (Er: g) of the average ER value and average g value of the graph of FIG.11 and FIG.12.

  While the invention will be described in connection with two embodiments, it will be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to only those embodiments.

  Four examples of footwear embodying the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 5 to 6, 7, and 8 to 10, respectively.

  1-4 show the separately formed web / mesh with the other two elements, the other two being the central main body (in the mold as shown in FIGS. 1-4). An upper shoe strap), and a sole that itself is a high density material and includes curved reinforced ears that provide cross-stiffness from a web / mesh that is applied in place. Prevent the shoe from collapsing inside under tension.

  By simply joining the sole base into the mating lip of the central body, there is sufficient space / gap between the web and the sole base to allow the web to flex under the weight of the foot. The sole base is typically a high density polyurethane elastomer of approximately 65D to protect the outer of the sole from collapsing inward under either the web pretension or the weight of the foot on the web. it can. Overall, this is a perfect sandal that can be completed just by adding a fastener mechanism, such as a hook or loop fastener, and an optional core.

  It should be noted that one or more alternative embodiments of the present invention integrally form an upright or vertical outer edge or edge (eg, outer sole or outer base) and sole base. If joining is a problem, they can instead be overmoulded into an integral element. The elastomeric web / mesh can be articulated to the base by an elastomeric loop as described above.

  The web / mesh can have a geometric arrangement, such as a lattice-like pattern or a hexagonal web, or a more “organic” or irregular configuration / pattern specifically designed to absorb foot loads. .

  The footwear mold may also optionally include an upper (shoe upper) such as a typical leather shoe or runner shoe-like design, or a sandal design, as shown by way of example in FIGS. .

  The front and rear strap pairs used as an example can be included in the single element central body shot molding or overmolding design process, the mold placement is flat and straps to the web / mesh The pair can be approximately 90 degrees.

  Alternatively, the front and rear strap pairs may be omitted and other typical common style uppers, such as runner shoes uppers, may be incorporated into the web shoe web / mesh, outer and sole design concepts. it can.

  These shoe uppers / upper can be joined to the outer upper part of the central body by known common means.

  A second example of a footwear structure embodying the present invention is shown in FIGS. This construction system utilizes the same kind of web / mesh, but the end loops of the mesh hang over the “comb” -like ears on either side of the shoe outer or cover.

  This “comb” is typically a metal lattice (the material may be a synthetic material such as carbon or hard reinforced injection molded plastic), the ears of the upper part for the end loops of the web, and the sole / Consists of lower part teeth that fit into corresponding slots on the outside of the cover. When the web is then stretched and the end loops are applied to the combs on both sides, the web / mesh can be placed under pretension to properly absorb the weight of the foot without over-deflection to the sole base.

  A third example embodiment of a footwear structure embodying the present invention is shown in FIG. This structural system is similar to the second example described above, but has the advantage of easier manufacturing that is more suitable for existing footwear manufacturing methods. This third embodiment uses a simple peg and hole configuration rather than a comb-like structure on both sides of the shoe.

  The sole includes a U-shaped metal wire (or rigid material) peg that includes a horizontal portion oriented transversely across the sole. As the web / mesh / net is stretched over the pegs, the stiffness provided prevents the shoe from collapsing inward. The vertical part of the U-shaped peg is designed to enter the mating hole of the H-shaped shoe middle part. The H-shaped intermediate portion generally includes the web / mesh / net and is surrounded by the vertical portion of the web / mesh / net elastomer that includes the peg holes.

  The lower sole part (with wire pegs) fits from below into the H-shaped middle part (with holes), and the shoe upper fits over it. The H-shaped intermediate portion is pulled outward and fits into the corresponding peg of the sole from above, thereby adding pre-extension to the web / mesh / net and assisting in supporting the foot weight.

  A fourth example embodiment of a footwear structure embodying the present invention is shown in FIGS. 8, 8A, 9, and 10. FIG. This structural system is similar to the second and third examples described above, but has a simpler and clearer manufacturing method and does not require any additional structural assistance such as U-shaped metal wires. This method requires molding of an “H” shaped cross section, the outer vertical portion of “H” being molded elastomer / rubber / urethane, and the horizontal portion of “H” being web / mesh, the same Molded from material into one piece. Although described as being formed as a unitary element, the web / mesh may be formed separately and the vertical edges may be overmolded, or vice versa, or a combination thereof.

  In each embodiment of the invention, the web / mesh is pretensioned. Without this pre-tensioning, the web-mesh provides sufficient resistance within a short distance between the web-mesh and the ground or top surface when the person is weighted through the foot. Without bending to the sole base easily.

  Pre-tension does not mean that the web needs unnecessary tension, but simply means that the web does not sag before weight is applied. Thus, it is preferred that the web and the vertical outward edge are molded as a unitary element, the web still containing sufficient pretension and simply adding the sole and top.

  Many different combinations of footwear designs incorporating the present invention can be incorporated to accommodate the footwear market. For example, sandals, trad shoes, runner shoes, trainer shoes, sneakers, tongs / flip flops, boots, etc. The design philosophy using the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to virtually any type of outer wear type.

  In order that the present invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, reference is now made to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is an example of a first embodiment of footwear embodying the present invention described above, and is a perspective view from the rear of three main components,
(A) The top is a typical elastomeric web / mesh 1 with a diagonal grid-like pattern 4 with outer articulated loops 5;
(B) The middle stage is the central body 2 of an integrally molded product including the front strap pair 6, the rear strap pair 7, the ear portion 8, and the inner lip 9.
(C) The lower stage is a high-density elastomer sole 3 characterized by a curved parallel brace support 10, and the high-density sole 3 is fitted from below to a mating lip 9 at the bottom of the center body 2 (upward arrow). (See) Joined (or molded as a unitary element), the elastomeric web 1 extends from above (see the down arrow) to the central body 2 so that the loop 5 of the web extends around the ear 8 of the corresponding central body 2. As a result, the web / mesh 1 is largely retained by the support 10 with a pretension, and there is still a space between the web / mesh 1 and the sole 3 in which the web / mesh 1 is bent by the weight of the foot. Existing.

  FIG. 2 is an example of the same first embodiment of the described footwear, and is a rear perspective view of two main components below the system, the central body 2 being a front strap pair 6 and a rear strap pair. 7 and an ear piece 8 and is inserted from below, and the high-density elastomer sole 3 is characterized by a curved parallel brace support 10, and the high-density sole 3 is a mating lip at the bottom of the center body 2. It is fitted and joined from below. In manufacturing, the elements 2 and 3 (the central body 2 and the elastomeric sole 3) can be molded as an integral element so that they do not need to be joined.

  FIG. 3 is an example of the same first embodiment of the described footwear and is a rear perspective view of the three main components of the footwear.

(A) At the top is a typical elastomeric web / mesh 1 of diagonal grid pattern 4 with outer articulated loops 5;
(B) In the middle, there is a central body 2 of an integrally molded product including the front strap pair 6, the rear strap pair 7, and the ear portion 8.
(C) At the bottom, there is a high density elastomer sole that is not visible, and this high density sole is fitted onto the mating lip at the bottom of the center body 2 from below, and the elastomer web / mesh 1 is The web / mesh loop 5 is fitted to the central body 2 from above so that the loop 5 extends around the corresponding ear 8 of the central body 2, so that the web / mesh 1 is largely pretensioned by the strength of the sole support. There is still a space between the web / mesh 1 and the sole in which the web / mesh 1 bends due to the weight of the foot.

  FIG. 4 is an example of the same first embodiment of the described sole structure, a perspective view from the front of the three main components of the system, where (a) the outer articulation loop 5 is on top. There is a typical elastomeric web or mesh 1 with a diagonal lattice-like pattern 4 having (b) in the middle, including a front strap pair 6 and a rear strap pair 7 folded into a wearing position, and an ear 8 There is a central body 2 of an integrally molded product, and (c) there is a high-density elastomer sole that is not visible at the bottom, and the high-density sole is fitted to the fitting lip at the bottom of the central body 2 from below. Once joined, the elastomeric web or mesh 1 fits into the central body 2 from above so that the loop 5 extends around the ear 8 of the corresponding central body 2, so that the web or mesh 1 is larger due to the strength of the sole support. Pre-part Force is afflicted with retained between the web or mesh 1 and sole space web / mesh 1 Komu bending by the weight of the foot is still present.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a second embodiment of the described structure, showing a high-density elastomeric cover / outer 30 with attached web or mesh support system consisting of “comb” structures 28 (on both sides of the shoe). The lower portion of the comb 28 includes “tooth” 24 that is inserted into the mating slot of the cover / outer 30, and the upper portion holds the end loop 22 of the web or mesh 20. When the teeth 24 of the comb 28 are inserted into the cover / outer 30, the web or mesh 20 is stretched laterally and in place under pretension by the end loop 22 hung on the upper ear of the comb 28 support. Retained.

  FIG. 6 is an example of the same second embodiment of the web shoe described in FIG. 5 and is an exploded sectional view of the structure of FIG. 5 with a “comb” structure 28 on both sides of the cover / outer 30. The lower portion of the comb 28 includes “teeth” 24 that are inserted into the mating slots 26 of the cover / outer 30, with a web support system comprising: The upper portion of the web holds the end loop 22 of the web or mesh 20. When the teeth 24 of the comb 28 are inserted into the slots 26 in the cover / outer 30, the web or mesh 20 is stretched laterally and lightly pre-tensioned by the end loop 22 that hangs on the upper ear of the comb 28 support. Held in place underneath.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a third embodiment of the described structure, three side views and two cross-sectional views of the system 40. The upper side view shows the complete system 40, and the two lower side views include an H-shaped cross section with a vertical edge portion that includes the mesh 20 over the entire middle and includes a peg hole 42 around the outer periphery. A detailed cross-sectional side view of the intermediate portion 48 is shown. Also shown is a high density elastomeric sole 44 that includes a U-shaped metal or rigid wire peg 46. The horizontal portion of the peg 46 provides lateral stiffness to allow the web or mesh 20 to be pre-tensioned, and the vertical portion of the peg 46 is the mating recess of the H-shaped portion 48 thereon. Enter a peg hole 42.

  8 and 8A show an example of the fourth simplest embodiment of the described structure, an exploded perspective view (FIG. 8) and a top plan view (FIG. 8) of the two main elements of the lower shoe portion of the web shoe. 8A). Portion 90 includes a web / mesh 20 in the entire (horizontal) middle portion and an integrally formed H-shaped portion (or two-piece over-molded H-shape having a vertical edge portion around outer periphery 80. Part). Also shown is a generally high density elastomeric sole 88 that fits from below and attaches to a vertical edge portion 80 around the periphery. In manufacturing, it is of course possible to mold the elements 88 and 80 together as a single element and overmold the web / mesh 20 to eliminate the need to join these elements.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the same fourth simplest embodiment of the web shoe described, and is a side view of a sneaker-like example with a flat sole. Here, the shoe upper 100 is shown attached to the lower shoe portion of the web / mesh shoe shown in FIG. 8 representing the portion 90, which portion 90 is web / mesh over the entire (horizontal) middle portion. 20 and an integrally molded H-shaped portion (or a two-piece over-molded H-shaped portion) having a vertical edge portion 80 around the outer periphery. Also shown is a generally high density elastomeric sole 88 that fits from below and attaches to a vertical edge portion 80 around the periphery.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the fourth simplest embodiment with the same structure as described, and is a cross-sectional view of a sneaker-like example with a flat sole in FIG. The left side is a system fitted together and the right side is an exploded cross-sectional view of the same shoe system. Both include the shoe upper 100 and the web / mesh 20 in the entire middle portion (in the horizontal direction) and an integrally molded H-shaped portion 90 (or two-piece overmolded) having a vertical edge portion 80 around the outer periphery. H-shaped portion). Also shown is a generally high density elastomeric sole 88 that fits from below and attaches to a vertical edge portion 80 around the periphery.

  In addition, an optional thin top foam pad 120 (typically EVA or silicone foam) covering the web / mesh 20 and an optional bottom foam pad to help the web / mesh 20 absorb high weight loads. 140 (typically EVA or silicone foam).

  The optional thin top foam pad 120 can also be a pad formed as a brace supported by a web / mesh or web / mesh perimeter, or a higher density material.

  The web / mesh can form a perimeter area around the central area, the central area being a different material than the web / mesh material or the same material as the web / mesh but with a different material grade Or have different thickness (s) or at least one physical property different from the physical properties of the web / mesh (such as its “spring”, elongation or resilience) Or it is a solid rather than a web / mesh type material. The web / mesh can be a woven or molded elastomeric material.

  Various changes in design and construction details may be made without departing from the scope or region of the invention.

  The performance characteristics of the footwear, such as rebound (bounce or comfort during walking) can be measured by the following parameters.

  (A) Shock Absorption (“g”) A unit of deceleration, a lower impact (g value) generally indicates a softer sole and more comfortable for the wearer. Therefore, a lower g value is better for comfort.

  (B) Energy Return (ER) Although not important in terms of comfort, a high ER value provides a “spring” for the user's footsteps. Such “springs” reduce the energy consumption of the user and reduce the impact of impact. A high energy return value is also an indicator of the resistance of the cushioning material to “stuck” under the foot. A higher ER value is better for reducing energy consumption.

The “g” value and the “ER” value differ depending on the type of footwear. In general, materials with low “g” values also have low “ER” values. An independent comparison test was conducted for one embodiment of the present invention at the “Shoes and Athletic Recreation Technology Research Center” in Taiwan. The following data was obtained from this test.

  FIG. 11 shows a graph comparing the average g values in the above table. FIG. 12 shows a graph comparing the average ER values in the table above. FIG. 13 shows a graph comparing the ratio of the average ER value to the average g value (Er: g) in the graphs of FIGS.

  The graph of FIG. 11 reveals that the impact absorption capacity of the tested footwear embodiment of the invention has a lower g-value than the average of the shoes compared (average g-value of running shoes = 12, trainer). Average g value of shoes and sports shoes = 16.5, average g value of casual shoes = 15.5, average g value of town / formal shoes = 35). The g value of the tested embodiment of the invention (referred to as “Elastoweb ™”) was recorded as g = 11.5. A low g value indicates a more comfortable shoe.

  The graph of FIG. 12 reveals that the energy return (ER) value of the same “Elastoweb ™” shoe of the tested embodiment of the present invention is greater than all of the average values of the compared footwear categories in the graph. I have to. A very large ER value indicates a greater energy return or “spring” effect back to the wearer, thereby making walking less fatigue.

  In the graph of FIG. 13, the amount of rebound returned to the wearer for a given amount of shock absorption is represented by the ratio of the ER value to the g value. In short, it is the relative value of the returned energy to the absorbed energy, ie how much energy has been returned compared to how much energy has been absorbed. The graph in FIG. 13 clearly shows that the “Elastoweb ™” variant of the present invention has a greater energy return for the absorbed shock compared to the average value of the compared footwear category in the graph. Represents.

Claims (17)

The energy return sole structure of footwear,
The energy return sole structure includes an outer sole including a grounding element;
The energy return sole structure includes a suspended elastomeric web or mesh support for the footwear wearer's foot;
The suspended elastomeric web or mesh support is flexible;
The suspended elastomer web or mesh support is connected to the outer periphery of the energy return sole structure;
The energy return sole structure comprises a foam or cushion material between the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support and the outer sole;
The foam or cushion material deflects inward due to increased inward tension of the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support while the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support is deflected under tension. An energy return sole structure that supports the outer periphery so as to resist.   Including a gap space under the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support, wherein the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support is in use in the gap space between the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support and a grounding element during use. The energy return sole structure of claim 1, wherein the energy return sole structure is capable of bending.   The energy return sole structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein the foam or cushion material comprises an open or closed cell foam material under the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support to provide impact cushioning.   4. The energy return sole structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support is pulled across the sole base.   The energy return sole structure according to claim 4, wherein the suspended elastomer web or mesh support is fixed to an outer peripheral portion of the sole base by a protrusion on the suspended elastomer web or mesh support.   6. The energy return sole structure of claim 5, wherein the protrusion includes a knob or loop or a combination thereof and fits into a corresponding recess or ear incorporated in the design of the outer periphery, respectively.   7. The energy return sole structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support is an integral or multi-element molded component.   The energy return sole structure of claim 7, wherein the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support is injection molded.   9. An energy return sole structure according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the suspended elastomeric web or mesh support comprises a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer.   The energy return sole structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the web or mesh support is integrally formed with an outer periphery of the footwear.   The molding is a single shot injection molding from the same material for both the suspended elastomer web or mesh support and the outer periphery, or two shots using different materials for the suspended elastomer web or mesh support and the outer periphery. The energy return sole structure according to claim 10, wherein the energy return sole structure is an over-molding method, wherein the different materials are joined during a two-shot over-molding method.   The outer sole and / or sole base is molded around the suspended elastomer web or mesh support to form a sole structure, and the pretension is maintained after the sole structure is removed from the mold. The energy return sole structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:   The energy return sole structure of claim 9, wherein the web or mesh support has a durometer value of 30-120 Shore A.   The energy return sole structure of claim 13, wherein the durometer value is 80 Shore A to 95 Shore A.   The suspended elastomeric web or mesh support has a peripheral area around the central area, the central area being a different material, or a different grade of material, or physical characteristics of the peripheral area. 15. An energy return sole structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein is a material having at least one different physical property.   Footwear comprising an energy return sole structure according to any one of the preceding claims.   17. Footwear according to claim 16, wherein the footwear is shoes, boots, trainer shoes or running shoes, or sandals.

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