MXPA98010095A - . best shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shoe comprising a sole formed in part of a first material to attenuate the shock of the impact to the user while running or walking, and in part of a second material harder than said first material to provide shape support for the foot, said footwear being characterized in that said sole comprises: a) a heel section to support a heel, said heel section having middle and lateral regions, b) an arch section in front of the heel section to support a arch of the foot, said arch section having middle and lateral regions, and c) a section of the front of the foot in front of the arch section to support a foot protrusion including the first and second, the third the fourth and the fifth metatarsal and associated metatarsal necks, proximal phalanges and associated metatarsal Falangian joints, said section of the forefoot a first region to support the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads, associated phalangeal and metatarsal joints, and metatarsal collars associated with the fourth and fifth metatarsal heads, and a second region for supporting the metatarsal collars associated with the second and third metatarsal heads, said sole being formed such that said first flexible material is located in the lateral region of the heel section, the lateral region of the arch section and the first region of the section of the front part of the foot, and of wood that said harder material is located in the middle region of the arc section and the second region of the section of the front part of the

Description

IMPROVED SHOES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to roadway that represents an improvement over the design described in the U.S.A. 4,272,899 which is incorporated herein by reference. The footwear of the present invention comprises a sole of mixed construction, ie, the sole is formed of a first material placed to attenuate the impact forces applied to the foot and other structures of the skeleton while standing, walking and running, and a second harder material to support the foot more firmly. When you walk and run, the lateral pressure (outside) of the heel is usually the first part of the foot that hits the floor, then turning the foot on the heel to put in contact the lateral part of the front part of the foot with the floor. At this point, the foot moves in supination (tilts up from the lateral side to the middle foot), but moves quickly in pronation to a neutral position in which the lower part of the heel and the metatarsal heads in the front of the foot are in contact with the floor in which the vertical central plane of the heel is ideally usually perpendicular to the floor. During this sequence of movements, several muscles and tendons contract to stabilize the foot in position for the movement from the neutral position back to the supinated position prior to the propulsive phase within the gait cycle. (Sometimes the propulsive phase is referred to as separation with the toes or thrust separation). The arch (ie the bone structural alignment) of the foot must be firmly supported when the foot is in the neutral position in order to prevent the ligaments, muscles and tendons from overstressing. During the separation with the toes with the foot, it is preferable that the second and the third metatarsus be firmly supported and that the first metatarsal head flex plantarly (move downwards) in relation to the second and third metatarsal heads. The toes must be firmly supported during the separation during push so that they permeate straight and therefore stronger due to the pillar effect of the phalanges. In view of the foregoing, it will be observed that certain parts of the foot are subjected to higher effort while standing, running and walking, and that other parts of the foot require different degrees of support for maximum biomechanical efficiency. In addition, high impact forces on the foot are transferred to other structures of the skeleton, such as the shins and knees. The present invention takes into account these considerations and provides the appropriate amount of shock attenuation and supports the different regions of the foot, thus protecting those parts of the foot that are subjected to high impact forces and allowing other parts of the foot to function in a manner that provide maximum efficiency to prepare the body for the efforts put into it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Among the various objects of this invention, there may be mentioned the provision of a footwear that is designed for the biomechanical operation of the wearer's foot; the provision of footwear optimization even more than the various needs of a user and / or a particular function by providing an appropriate amount of support and cushioning applied to the foot regions of the particular user; and the provision of the present invention that can be incorporated into shoe soles such as shoes, boots and sandals, or in insoles to be placed inside shoes and the like. In general, the improved footwear of this invention comprises a single form of part of a first flexible material to attenuate the shock of impact to the user while running or walking, and in part of a second, harder material to provide firm support for the foot. . The sole has more heel section to support the foot heel, the heel section having middle and lateral regions. The sole also has the forward arch region of the heel section to support the arch of the foot. The arch section has middle and lateral regions. The front section of the foot is located in front of the arch section to support a foot protrusion including the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal head and associated metatarsal necks, proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalangeal joints. The section of the forefoot has a first region to support the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal cage, associated phalanges and metatarsal phalangeal joints, and the metatarsal collars associated with the fourth and fifth head metatarsal, and a second region to support the metatarsal necks associated with the second and third metatarsal heads. The sole is formed so that the first flexible material is located in the lateral section of the heel section, the lateral region of the arch section and the first region of the section of the forefoot. The second hardest material is located in the middle region of the arch section and the second region of the front section of the foot section. Other objects and features of this invention will be evident in part and set forth in part hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top view of a single of the present invention for the right foot; Figure 2 is a view through the lower part of the sole of Figure 1 showing its mixed construction; Figure 3 is a vertical projection of the right (lateral) side of a foot having a sole incorporated in the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross section taken in the plane of line 4-4 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross section taken in the plane of line 5-5 of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference characteristics in all the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERED MODALITIES With reference to figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the shoe of the present invention comprising a sole is designated in its entirety by the reference number 10. The sole 10 having 4 sections, a heel section 12, is shown. an arch section 14, a section of the front of the foot 16 and a section of the toes 18, corresponding to the foot parts of a user. In use, the heel section 12 is below the heel of the wearer's foot and includes the designated medial and lateral regions 20, 22, respectively, corresponding to the inner and outer sides of the foot, respectively. Similarly, the arch section 14, which is in front of the heel section 12, is below the arch of the user's foot and also includes the middle and lateral regions 24, 26, respectively. The section of the forefoot 16 is in front of the arch section 14 and is below the foot protrusion, the latter including the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal head indicated in shadow ml- m5 figure 2. The foot protuberance also includes the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal collars (nl-n5) associated with the metatarsal cavities, the first, the second, the third, the fourth and the fifth proximal phalanges' (ppl-pp5) in front of respective metatarsal heads and the associated metatarsal joints (jl-j5) between the metarsal heads and the proximal phalanges. The section 16 of the forefoot is divided into the first and second regions designated 28 and 30, respectively. The first region 28 is adapted to be below all five metatarsine heads ml-m5, the fourth and fifth metatarsal collars n4-n5, the proximal phalanges ppl-pp5 and the metatarsal phalangeal joints J1-J5. The second region 30 is below and supports the second and third metatarsal neck N2, N3. Regions 28 and 30 are defined by a generally designated dividing line 34 having a middle segment of front (interior) 34a and a side (exterior) segment 34b. As illustrated in Figure 2, the middle (inner) segment 34a of the dividing line 34 is deviated backward with respect to the lateral segment 34b of the line to accommodate the first metatarsal head. Segment 34a passes directly under the neck of the first metatarsal head and segment 34b passes directly below the necks of the second and third metatarsal collars. The toe section 18 of the sole is spaced apart from section 16 at the front of the foot and lies below at least median phalanges MP2-MP5 and distal phalanges DP1-DP5 of the user's toes . According to the present invention, the sole 10 is formed so that a flexible material is located in the lateral region of the heel section, the lateral region of the arch section, the first region of the front section of the foot and the section of the toes. A harder material is located in the middle region of the heel section, and the middle region of the arch section and the second region of the front section of the foot. This configuration is illustrated optimally in Figure 2, which shows a softer material with a first body 40, preferably unitary, having a shape that generally resembles the number "7", and the harder material formed as a second body 42 , preferably unitary, attached to the first body directly to the right and below the first body 40.

Figures 3-5 show the sole 10 incorporated in a shoe, indicated generally with the 50, having an upper part 52 secured to the sole in a suitable manner. The sole 10 comprises the two bodies 40, 42 (Figure 4) located in side-by-side relationship. The body 40 of the softer material preferably has a hardness according to the durometer of type C (which is commonly referred to as - "Shore C scale"), measured in accordance with the standard of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). ) standard D 2440-97 of less than about 70 and more preferably a hardness in the range of about 40-60. Depending on the particular activity for which the footwear is intended, the hardness may be different. For example, if the shoe is intended for walking, the body 40 of softer material may have a hardness according to the type C durometer (ASTM D 2240-97) of about 45, while if the shoe is designated for running, the body 40 may have a hardness of about 60. In short, body 40 must be sufficiently "soft" to propose alteration to shocks, but firm enough to provide stability to the foot. The group 42 of harder material preferably have a hardness according to the type C durometer (ASTM D 2240-97) of 50-85 and preferably greater than about 60. For footwear (for example work boots) subjected to heavy loads, the body 42 preferably has a hardness of about 75.

The two bodies 40, 42 or sections of the sole can be linked to each other in any suitable manner, such as thermal projection, adhesive or by a chemical curing process. The bodies of any suitable material can be formed for soles, such as polyurethane, TPR, PVC, EVA or other materials well known to those skilled in the footwear art. Also, the two bodies 40 and 42 of a single material can be made (for example, PVC or EVA) having different hardness according to the durometer or different materials having different hardness according to the durometer. In addition, two bodies of different color materials can be made to enhance the described features of the template and highlight the use of multiple materials for their marketability. The mixed sole described above formed by the two bodies 40, 42 may be used in place of the midsole of a conventional shoe, in which case the bodies may be permanently bonded or otherwise integrally joined to a wear-resistant outsole 54, or the bodies can be used in place of the conventional cup sole in one piece. The thicknesses and contours of the bodies 40 and 42 can be individually designed to compensate for the various characteristics of a particular user or groups of users. For example, the upper surface of the two bodies 40, 42 may be appropriately contoured for the foot of the person wearing the footwear. In addition, the upper surfaces of the bodies 40, 42 can be formed with a U-shaped heel seat 60 (Figures 1 and 4), an arch support 62. (figures 1, 3 and 5) and a protection arch for bunions 64 (Figures 1 and 5). Depending on the physical attributes of the designated user, the thicknesses of these formations can be varied to suit their needs as described in the U.S. patent. No. 4,272,899. As illustrated in Figure 4, a layer of material 70, for example, of the elastomeric polymer, with an entire upper surface of the bodies 40 and 42 to form a sock liner and improve the appearance of the sole 10. In addition, the liner 70 prevents the sole 10 from adhering to the wearer's foot or clothing. Signs, such as trademarks, may be printed on the upper surface of the liner. In addition, the liner 70 of an odor and / or moisture absorbing material can be made as is known in the art. Optionally, the liner 70 may also be impregnated with an antibacterial and / or antimicrobial agent. Thus configured, the sole 10 protects those parts of the foot that are subject to high impact forces and supports those parts of the foot to fuse in a manner that provides maximum efficiency and prepares the body for stresses placed on it, thus reducing the risk of collision. The softer material of the first body 40 is compressed relatively easily when it is loaded. However, the harder material of the second body 42 is not easily compressed when it is loaded. Therefore, the areas of the sole 10 which incorporates the softer material of the first body 40 and is deflected to absorb the impact forces and the areas of the sole incorporating the harder material of the second body 42 resist movement to support the foot more firmly. As each step is taken, some sections of the foot require more cushioning and others require firmer support. The lateral position of the heel is usually the first part of the foot that hits the floor. The softer group 40 in the lateral region 22 of the heel section 12 of the sole 10 cushions the initial impact. After the initial impact, the foot rotates down on the heel and the side portions of the arch and the front of the foot strike the floor. The softer material in the lateral region 26 of the arch section 14 and in the first region 28 of the section 16 of the forefoot absoreve the impact from the secondary impact. After the secondary impact, the foot is pronated to a neutral position in which the lower heel and the M1-M5 matatarsal heads of the forefoot contact the floor and the central vertical plane of the heel is generally perpendicular to the floor. The harder body 42 in the medial region 24 of the arch section 14 firmly supports the bone alignment of the foot with this neutral position, thus relieving the strain on the ligaments, muscles and tendons that keep the foot in this position. During separation with the toes the harder material of the section 16 of the forefoot supports the second and third matatarsian collar N2, N3, for the softer material used in the first region 28 of the section of the The forefoot allows the first metatarsal neck NI and the MI head to flex plantarly with respect to the second and third metatarsal head M2, M3. This movement places the foot in an appropriate mechanic position during the propulsive phase of the decanter cycle. This movement also allows the samoid apparatus to function properly during midfoot posture and separation with the toes. The softer material below the metatarsal heads M1-M5 also serves to dissipate the weight of the average posture of the feet through the propulsive phases of the gait cycle. It will be noted from the foregoing that the properties of the material after several regions of the sole properly cushion and support the various parts of the wearer's foot. In addition, the shapes of the first and second bodies 40, 42 enhance the movement and support of the foot. For example, the bunion protection arch 64 of the preferred embodiment allows the first metatarsal head MI to flex plantally in relation to the second and third metatarsal heads M2, M3 during separation with the toes. Similarly, the arch support 62 and the heel seat 60 support and balance the bony structure of the foot to maintain the proper neutral position after pronation and to prevent the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the feet and muscles from attaching to the foot. The user's legs are over exerted. Figure 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a zone 100 of the present invention. This version is identical to the zone 10 described above, except that the middle and lateral heel regions (designated 120 and 122, respectively) are both formed of the same material mentioned. In other words, the middle region 120 of the heel is not formed of the harder material as the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the longitudinal dividing line 134 that separates the body 140 from the softer material of the body 142 from the harder material has a longitudinal segment 134a extending generally between the third and fourth metatarsal collars N3, N4, a segment 134b extending rearwardly between the coboid pocket 180 and the wedge-shaped cuneiform bone 182 of the foot, and a segment 134c that slopes gradually in the middle and middle directions of the midsole, passing through the navicular bone 186 and the front end of the middle tuberosity 188 of the heel. This sole design works in the same way as the sole design of the first modality, except that it provides cushioning for the entire area of the heel, not just the lateral region of the heel. The hardnesses presented above may be altered, depending on the designated use of the sole. For example, adult footwear designed for use in situations in which the user will frequently be carrying a heavy load (for example, work boots) may require more support than a child's dress shoe. Similarly, footwear made for running may require firmer support in the heel section to absorb the initial shock of each step than would require a hiking boot in which more cushioning may be required. Furthermore, it is mentioned that the present invention is not necessarily limited to any particular type of footwear that may be equally desirable for use in deployable insoles as well as for use in the soles of shoes, boots and sandals. ("Footwear as used herein includes all such articles and any other item having or consisting of a sole"). Furthermore, it should be understood that the locations of the shapes of the areas of the softest and hardest material can be altered without deviating from the scope of the invention. Likewise, the unique configuration of the softest and hardest material can be employed at any vertical level of a sole or template to test the desired support without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, if the sole or template is laminated, one or more of the sheets may be configured to have softer and harder materials in the appropriate areas described above. Although the present invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, it should be understood that modifications of the invention can be constructed, without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the following claims.

Claims (15)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - Footwear comprising a sole having: a) a heel section to support a heel of the foot, said heel section having middle and lateral regions; b) a bow section forward of the heel section to support an arch of the foot, said arch section having middle and lateral regions; and c) a section of the front of the foot in front of the arch section to support a foot protrusion including the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads and associated metatarsal necks, proximal phalanges and associated metatarsal phalangeal joints, the forefoot section having a first region to support the first, the second, the third, the fourth and fifth metatarsal heads, associated metatarsal phalangeal and phalangeal joints, and the metatarsal collars associated with the fourth and fifth metatarsal heads, and the second region to support the metatarsal necks associated with the second and third metatarsal heads; said sole being constructed to have a first flexible area to attenuate the shock of impact to the user while running and walking, and a second area harder than said first area to provide firm support for the foot while running and. the first side of the foot section, the lateral region of the heel section, the lateral region of the arc section and the first region of the front foot section, and said second area and the middle region of the foot section comprising said first area. arch and the second region of the section of the forefoot.

2. Footwear according to claim 1, further characterized in that the sole is formed in part of a first flexible material to attenuate the shock of the impact to the user while running or walking, and in part of a second material harder than said first material for providing firm support for the foot, said sole being formed such that said first flexible material is located in the lateral region of the heel section, the lateral region of the arch section, and the first region of the section of the arch. forefoot, and so that said second harder material is located in the middle region of the arc section and the second region of the forefoot section.

3. Footwear according to claim 2, further characterized in that said first flexible material is formed with a body having a shape similar to that of number 7.

4. Footwear according to claim 3, further characterized in that said first material flexible has a hardness according to the durometer of type C of less than about 70 and because said second harder material has a hardness according to the durometer of type C of 50-8

5. 5. Footwear according to claim 4, further characterized in that said first flexible material has a hardness according to the durometer of type C of less than about 75 and because said second harder material has a hardness according to the durometer of type C of 40. -60.

6. Footwear according to claim 3, further characterized in that said body of said first flexible material is the unitary body and that said second harder material is formed as a unitary body permanently linked to said body of said first material.

7. Footwear according to claim 6, further characterized in that said unitary bodies of said first and second materials are linked together, in side-by-side relationship to form at least a portion of said sole.

8. Footwear according to claim 7, further comprising a sock liner that is on the upper surface of said unit bodies.

9. Footwear according to claim 8, further characterized in that said sole comprises a single half and in that said footwear further comprises an outer sole fixed permanently to the midsole for splicing with the floor.

10. Footwear according to claim 2, further characterized in that said first flexible material located in the first region of the section of the forefoot and said second harder material located in the second region of the section of the forefoot are adapted to allow the first neck metatarsal and the head of the foot flexes placarly in relation to the second and third metatarsal heads during the separation with the toes.

11. Footwear according to claim 2, further characterized in that said first material is located in the middle region of the heel section.

12. Footwear according to claim 2, further characterized in that said second material is located in the middle region of the heel section.

13. Footwear according to claim 2, further characterized in that said first and second regions of said section of the forefoot are defined by a dividing line extending below the metatarsal collars associated with the first, the second and the third metatarsal head.

14. Footwear according to claim 1, further characterized in that said first area further comprises the middle region of the heel section.

15. Footwear according to claim 1, further characterized in that said second area further comprises the middle region of the heel section.