WO2014028937A1 - Reactive shoe - Google Patents
Reactive shoe Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014028937A1 WO2014028937A1 PCT/US2013/055598 US2013055598W WO2014028937A1 WO 2014028937 A1 WO2014028937 A1 WO 2014028937A1 US 2013055598 W US2013055598 W US 2013055598W WO 2014028937 A1 WO2014028937 A1 WO 2014028937A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- foot
- distance
- heel
- center
- midsole
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/143—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
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/187—Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/22—Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer
- A43B13/223—Profiled soles
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to a midsole for footwear, more particularly to a reactive midsole having a dynamic offset.
- Athletic footwear ideally provides protection from injury while enhancing performance.
- athletic footwear comprises an upper portion and a sole portion.
- the upper portion at minimum secures the footwear to the user's foot and attaches to the sole.
- the sole traditionally comprises a midsole and an outsole.
- the outsole contacts the ground and commonly has wear-resistant and slip-resistant properties.
- the midsole cushions the foot against forces imparted by the ground while walking or exercising.
- the midsole is particularly important for absorbing ground impact forces transferred to the foot, leg and body, and because it may influence the runner's gait.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,327 to Halberstadt discloses an athletic shoe incorporating a cushioning and gait-adapting device which provides resilient cushioning while adapting to the gait of the user during running and other athletic activities.
- the shoe comprises an upper and a sole with the sole having a heel with medial and lateral ground-engaging elements.
- a cushioning and energy return and gait-adapting device is provided and comprises a support structure and one or more spring devices. Each spring device has a generally U-shaped pivot or swivel section and lateral and medial resiliently flexible pods.
- the pivot section has a mid-portion which is supported by the pivot cradle of the support structure. Resilient flexing of the lateral pod responsive to weight-bearing forces causes reaction forces to be applied across to the medial pod which is then caused to flex so that the medial pod is brought into an orientation for contact with the ground. Halberstadt is incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,076,892 to Meschan discloses a shoe including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe, an arch bridge integral with the plate, and at least one inflated cushion spaced apart from the plate during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer, during the entire running gait cycle of the wearer, when the shoe is in an unloaded state and at all other times.
- Meschan is incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- One or more high abrasion- resistant ground-contacting crash pads are positioned below the cushioning element, and include a lateral side portion contained within a region extending a distance of 20% the length of the shoe sole, as measured from a rearfoot end of the shoe sole.
- the shoe sole preferably devoid of at least vertical arch sculpting, also includes a longitudinal flex groove positioned just medial of the crash pads. Murphy is incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- Lucas discloses a shoe which includes a sole plate having in a forefoot area and a plurality of leaf spring elements, wherein the sole plate and the plurality of leaf spring elements are manufactured as a single piece. Each of the plurality of leaf spring elements has one free end not connected with the sole plate. Lucas is incorporated by reference for all purposes. Similar designs to Lucas include U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0178303 to Hurd (“Hurd”) and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0034615 to Nishikawa (“Nishikawa”), both of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- the conventional designs do not appreciably if at all influence the loading dynamics of a runner's heel center of pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure, or combinations thereof, during the phases of engagement with the ground. That is, for example, during initial ground contact through to loading, transition and toe off phases.
- a reactive midsole that provides a continuously increasing offset between a heel center of pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure between the loading and a toe off gait phases.
- the midsole comprises a first portion adjacent the heel and a second portion, interconnected to the first, of generally decreasing thickness, in which the first portion is of equal or less total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole.
- a foot center of pressure imparted to the midsole continuously increases between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.
- footwear and footwear midsoles may be applied to footwear styles that are specifically designed for a variety of other athletic activities, including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, walking, and hiking, for example, and may also be applied to various non-athletic footwear styles. Accordingly, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the concepts disclosed herein may be applied to a wide range of footwear styles and are not limited to the specific embodiments discussed below and depicted in the figures.
- the concepts also may be applied to footwear styles that are generally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and work boots.
- the concepts disclosed herein apply, therefore, to a wide variety of footwear styles.
- aspects of this invention may be used in conjunction with other portions of a footwear structure, such as the outsole and insole.
- the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity.
- the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.
- each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C", “one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
- the term, "innersole” refers to a removable portion of the sole of an article of footwear, which is inserted into the article of footwear from the opening in the upper and which is designed to provide support to the wearer's foot, depending upon the wearer's anatomy and the intended use of the article of footwear.
- midsole refers to that portion of the sole of an article of footwear sandwiched between the innersole and the outsole, to which is attached the outsole.
- outsole refers to that portion of the sole of an article of footwear that is furthest from the upper.
- the term, "upper” refers to any portion of the shoe above the sole.
- the terms “shoe” and “footwear” refer to an article to be worn by a user's foot.
- gait is the pattern of movement of the limbs during locomotion over a solid surface.
- foot strike is how the foot strikes the ground, which may be via the heel, midfoot or forefoot.
- a article of footwear comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.
- the first portion may be generally of constant thickness and the second portion may generally be of decreasing thickness along a longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot.
- the first portion may be 30-50% of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole.
- the first portion may be interconnected to the second portion.
- the decreasing thickness of the second portion may generally form a curve, such as a French curve, a compound curve, a uniform curve or arc, an S-shaped curve, a continuous curve and a discontinuous curve.
- the distance offset may always be positive between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.
- the distance offset at the toe off gait phase may be at least 40 mm.
- the distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance may continuously increase between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.
- a foot center of pressure imparted to the midsole may continuously increase between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phases.
- a method of manufacturing an article of footwear comprising: forming an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and forming a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.
- an athletic shoe comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion generally of constant thickness proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion generally of decreasing thickness along a longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot and proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the first portion 30-50% of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole and interconnected to the second portion, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is continuously increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase and is always positive between the loading gait phase and
- an article of footwear comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of a user; a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot; and an outsole connected to the midsole comprising a central portion, a medial portion and a lateral portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion forming a substantially non-smooth surface, the central portion forming a substantially smooth surface with a curvilinear edge.
- the central portion is of a first material and the medial and lateral portions are of a second material.
- the central portion extends over and is integral to at least one of a toe portion and a heel portion of the article of footwear.
- the present disclosure in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects embodiments, configurations, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the various aspects, embodiments, configurations, sub-combinations, and subsets of the present disclosure after understanding the disclosure.
- the present disclosure in various aspects, embodiments, and configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and ⁇ or reducing cost of implementation.
- Fig. 1 A is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment of the reactive shoe during the initial ground contact gait portion;
- Fig. lb is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment of the reactive shoe during the loading gait portion;
- Fig. lc is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment of the reactive shoe during the transition gait portion;
- Fig. Id is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment of the reactive shoe during the toe off portion;
- Fig. 2a is a left elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the reactive shoe
- Fig. 2b is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the reactive shoe
- Fig. 2c is a right elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the reactive shoe
- Fig. 2d is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the reactive shoe
- Fig. 2e is a rear elevation view of one embodiment of the reactive shoe
- Fig. 3 is a right elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the reactive shoe
- Example Al illustrates a lateral elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A3 illustrates a medial elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A4 illustrates a detailed view of Section A-A' of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A5 illustrates a toe (i.e. front) elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A6 illustrates a heel (i.e. rear) elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A7 illustrates a detailed view of Section B-B' of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A8 illustrates a detailed view of Section C-C of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A9 illustrates a detailed view of Section D-D' of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A10 illustrates a detailed view of Section E-E' of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example Al l illustrates a detailed view of Section F-F' of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A12 illustrates a detailed view of Section G-G' of Example A2 - the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
- Example A13 illustrates a table of dimensions identified in Examples A1-A4 with respect to shoe size - the dimensions are in millimeters.
- the present disclosure relates generally to footwear and methods for making the same, and more particularly to an athletic shoe with a reactive midsole.
- the midsole provides an increasing offset between a heel center of pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure between the loading and a toe off gait phases.
- FIG. la depicts a user in the initial ground contact gait portion (state a), Fig. lb in the loading gait portion (state b), Fig. lc in the transition gait portion (state c) and Fig. Id in the toe off portion (state d).
- a leg 20 of a user with foot 22, toes 24, ball-of-foot 26, arch 28 and heel 30 is depicted as fitted to shoe 100 while in locomotion (e.g. walking or running) along ground 10.
- locomotion e.g. walking or running
- shoe 100 comprises shoe upper 1 10, shoe upper 1 10, shoe forefoot 120, shoe heel portion 130, shoe lateral portion 140, shoe medial portion 150, shoe outsole 160 and shoe midsole 170.
- Shoe outsole 160 comprises shoe outsole thickness 162, shoe outsole nominal traction pattern 164, and shoe outsole S-wave pattern 166.
- Shoe midsole 170 comprises shoe midsole exterior upper edge 172 and shoe midsole interior upper edge 174.
- Figs, la-d, an axis of center of pressure - heel CP h and an axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf are shown.
- Each of these axes are parallel to the ground 10 and extend laterally with respect to shoe 100.
- Each of these axes run through their respective points of center of pressure, as defined by a point through which a center of pressure is formed by the ball-of-foot and the heel of a user.
- the heel forms a surface that presses against the inside of the shoe 100 and receives an upward force from the ground 10; that heel surface thus undergoes a force over the heel surface area, i.e.
- a pressure which may be kinematically translated to a center of pressure point.
- These two pressure points i.e. heel center of pressure point and ball-of-foot center of pressure point, may by kinematically combined to form one center of pressure (COP) for the entire foot 22 of the user.
- COP center of pressure
- the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h will define a distance to the ground 10 as the user translates along ground 10.
- the axis of center of pressure - ball- of-foot CP bf will define a distance to the ground 10 as the user translates along ground 10. More specifically, as shown in Fig. la, when the user is in an initial ground contact gait portion (state a), the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h defines a distance to heel D h -a and the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf defines a distance to ball-of- foot D bf -a. Similarly, as shown in Fig.
- the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h defines a distance to heel D h _ d and the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf defines a distance to ball-of-foot D bf _ d .
- each of the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h and the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf are disposed at an interface of the respective heel 30 and ball-of-foot 26 and the inside bottom of the shoe 100.
- this interface is depicted to reside opposite the upper edge of the midsole 170.
- the midsole 170 is not of uniform height, and instead, as shown in Fig. 3, comprises a shoe midsole exterior upper edge 172 and a shoe midsole interior upper edge 174.
- - heel CP and the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf are disposed at an interface of the respective user heel and user ball-of-foot and shoe midsole interior upper edge 174.
- an insole resides on top of the midsole 170, wherein the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h and the axis of center of pressure
- - ball-of-foot CP bf are disposed at an interface of the respective user heel and user ball- of-foot and upper surface of insole.
- the offset is defined as distance to heel Dh_b minus distance to ball-of-foot Dbf-b.
- the offset when the shoe 100 is in the loading gait portion (state b) is between 0.1 and 5mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the loading gait portion (state b) is between 0.1 and 4mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the loading gait portion (state b) is between 0.1 and 3mm.
- the offset when the shoe 100 is in the loading gait portion (state b) is approximately 1 mm.
- the offset when the shoe 100 is in the transition gait portion (state c) is between 2 and 10mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the transition gait portion (state c) is between 3 and 9mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the transition gait portion (state c) is between 4 and 9mm. In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the transition gait portion (state c) is approximately 6 mm.
- the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe off portion (state d) is between 5 and 60mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe off portion (state d) is between 10 and 55mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe off portion (state d) is between 10 and 50mm.
- the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe off portion (state d) is approximately 45.5 mm.
- the value of the distance of the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h minus the distance of the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm throughout a user's gait. In a more preferred embodiment, this distance is between 0.1 mm and 9 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, this distance is between 1 and 7.5 mm. In one embodiment, this distance is between 1 and 4.5 mm. In another embodiment, this distance is between 4 and 7.5 mm.
- the value of the distance of the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h minus the distance of the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf is between 0.1 mm and 6 mm at initial ground contact gait portion (state a). In a more preferred embodiment, this distance is between 0.1 mm and 9 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, this distance is between 0.5 and 8 mm. In one embodiment, this distance is approximately 1mm. In another embodiment, this distance is approximately 4mm.
- the value of the distance of the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure - heel CP h minus the distance of the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure - ball-of-foot CP bf is between 3 mm and 10 mm at transition gait portion (state c). In a more preferred embodiment, this distance is between 4 mm and 9 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, this distance is between 4 and 8 mm. In one embodiment, this distance is approximately 4.5mm. In another embodiment, this distance is approximately 7.5mm. Fig.
- midsole 3 is a right elevation view of a midsole portion of one embodiment of the reactive shoe.
- midsole 170 is shown comprising shoe midsole exterior upper edge 172 and shoe midsole interior upper edge 174.
- shoe outsole 160 comprising shoe outsole thickness 162.
- Shoe outsole 160 is depicted with shoe outsole first distance xi defined along a longitudinal axis of midsole 170 and shoe and beginning from the distal or heel end of outsole.
- Shoe outsole has total longitudinal distance of shoe outsole second distance x 2 .
- Shoe outsole has shoe outsole height y defined at the proximal or toe end of outsole.
- shoe outsole first distance xi as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x 2 is between 25% and 55%. In a more preferred embodiment, shoe outsole first distance xi as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x 2 is between 30% and 55%. In a most preferred embodiment, shoe outsole first distance x 1 as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x 2 is between 30% and 50%.
- shoe outsole first distance xi as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x 2 is about 40%.
- shoe outsole height y as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x 2 is between 10% and 25%. In a more preferred embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x 2 is between 12% and 20%). In a most preferred embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x 2 is between 12% and 18%.
- shoe outsole height y as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x 2 is approximately 16%.
- the offset is achieved by way of the geometry of the midsole and/or midsole/outsole combination (collectively, the "shoe bottom area"). That is, the geometry of the shoe bottom area is such that a first portion (of two portions), beginning at the rear or heel area of the shoe, is generally planar and/or flat, and the second of two portions curves away from the ground beginning at a point at least at the midpoint of the shoe bottom area, if not even closer to the heel or rear of the shoe than the midpoint. Stated another way, when the shoe alone (i.e.
- the shoe when not worn is placed on a flat surface, the rear of first portion rests on the ground for only 50% or less of the total longitudinal length of the shoe, and the remaining (second) portion of the shoe does not rest on the ground but instead curves away from the ground.
- the remaining (second) portion of the shoe does not rest on the ground but instead curves away from the ground.
- the offset may be achieved by midsole and/or midsole/outsole combinations with different material properties, e.g. different elasticity properties and geometric properties.
- different material properties e.g. different elasticity properties and geometric properties.
- Example Al-13 details cross-sectional views of the midsole/outsole areas of different geometric and material properties, thereby providing different elasticity properties that may enable the aforementioned dynamic offset functions.
- an outsole is connected to the midsole comprising a central portion, a medial portion and a lateral portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion forming a substantially non-smooth surface, the central portion forming a substantially smooth surface with a curvilinear edge.
- the medial portion of the outsole is of greater lateral distance to the closest edge of the central portion than the lateral portion is of lateral distance to its closest edge of the central portion, in the ball-of-foot region of the outsole and/or the front 50% of the outsole.
- the medial portion of the outsole is of approximately equal distance to the closest edge of the central portion to that of the lateral portion is of lateral distance to its closest edge of the central portion, in the heel region of the outsole and/or the back 50% of the outsole.
- the dimensions of Example A2 are used to define the geometries of the lateral, central and medial portions of the outsole and/or outsole/midsole.
- offset refers to the distance between portions of the bottom surface of the wearer's foot and the ground. Specifically, offset is the difference between the wearer's heel height above the ground compared to the wearer's ball-of-foot height above the ground. For example, most shoes are designed to put the heel height 5mm to 15mm above the ball-of-foot height. This is often determined by measuring the total thickness of the shoe sole (outsole, midsole, lasting material, and insole) in the center of the heel and at the ball-of-foot. With flat-soled shoes, the distance between the wearer's heel and the ground and the ball of the wearer's foot and the ground are generally equal, which provides an offset of about zero.
- the offset of the shoe can affect the wearer's posture and the angles at which the wearer's foot and lower leg assume during the stride.
- the body posture and the angles between the foot and lower leg can impact the functioning of the muscles and joints that control the body's motion.
- a bare foot running or walking on a flat surface can be used as a reference.
- a barefoot would experience zero offset when the heel and ball-of-foot are on the flat surface.
- the foot goes from zero offset while the heel and ball-of-foot are both in ground contact to a positive offset as the heel lifts off the ground in the propulsion phase of the stride.
- the offset can be said to be "static" and not changing.
- Shoes are generally designed with static offsets that range between zero mm and 15mm.
- some shoes such as from the brand Earthshoes®, have been designed with a negative offset, often referred to as a "negative heel”.
- a static offset causes the motion of the foot during the stride to pause briefly from the moment of initial ground contact until heel-lift and propulsion. This brief pause is often referred to as the "stance" phase of the stride.
- a pause in the motion of the foot during the stride no matter how brief, reduces the smoothness of the motion and can increase the shock experienced by the forefoot. Eliminating the pause creates a smoother sensation and reduces the shock.
- a rigid rocker-soled shoe can eliminate this pause by literally rocking the foot as a whole from heel to toe during the stride. The present invention is not to be confused with a rocker-soled shoe.
- Force plate data reveals the pause in motion of a static offset shoe.
- COP center of pressure
- COPV velocity of the center of pressure
- COP A acceleration of the center of pressure
- the COPA required to make the COPV negative is referred to as the breaking phase.
- Embodiments provide a shoe that mitigates if not eliminates the pause in the foot's motion by creating a continuously changing offset for the foot called a dynamic offset.
- the dynamic offset shoe allows the foot to assume one offset at the beginning of the stride, and then to continuously increase that offset through the propulsion phase. This is accomplished, in one embodiment, by allowing the foot to force the forward half of the shoe downward as the center of force on the foot migrates from the rear portion of the foot forward.
- the shoe sole must necessarily bend downward in the forward half of the shoe under the pressure of the forefoot, thus changing the shape of the sole.
- a rocker-soled shoe maintains most, if not all, of its rocker shape throughout the stride.
- One embodiment of the present invention provides a shoe that places the wearer's foot in a position with an offset of 1mm at the moment in the stride when the force on the foot is centered in the rear half of the foot (i.e. the "loading" phase).
- the offset gradually increases to 4.5 mm as the center of force under the foot moves toward the toes (i.e. the "transition” phase).
- the offset continuously increases after the transition phase through to toe-off
- the dynamic offset is achieved through the precise dimensions and shapes of the sole materials.
- the vertical dimensions of the sole under the rear half of the foot are almost constant from the middle of the heel to the midfoot point, and then decrease in a smooth fashion from the midfoot to the toe.
- most shoes decrease the vertical dimension of the sole in the forefoot, there are two critical differences between a dynamic offset shoe and other shoes in one embodiment, i.e.: 1) a dynamic offset shoe has a rear portion with a relatively constant vertical dimension (relative to the taper in the forefoot), and 2) a dynamic offset shoe tapers the vertical sole dimension of the shoe beginning at the midfoot rather than at the ball-of-foot as in other shoes.
- outsole/midsole treads may be fashioned in any form to provide the desired contact characteristics between the sole and the contemplated surface of operation. That is, road tread patterns are generally smoother than trail tread pattern, which may also include nubs or other stiffening members to help dig into loose or uneven ground. Further, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a sole that has various stiffening characteristics. More specifically, the sole in some embodiments are neutrally balanced wherein the shoe is stiffened along the longitudinal axis thereof. In another embodiment, the sole is made for individuals that pronate, wherein additional stiffness is provided adjacent to the medial heel portion of the shoe. These techniques are well known in the art and can be employed in combination with the embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein.
- the sole of one embodiment of the present invention is angled upwardly. More specifically, the toe portion of this embodiment is angled relative to the heel portion and mid- foot portion of the shoe by way of a curve to provide a sole that has a linear portion and a portion angled relative thereto.
- a transition portion between the mid foot portion and the toe portion may also be angled relative to the heel portion.
- the length of the linear portion is between about 30-50% of the total horizontal length of the sole as measured from the tip of the toe to the heel.
- the length of the linear portion of one embodiment is about 40% of the total length of the sole.
- an end of the linear portion is spaced from the heel such that the heel is spaced or angled from the ground a predetermined amount.
- Example A1-A13 depicts one example construction of one embodiment of the invention in drawings each to scale. Dimensions are in millimeters.
- Examples A1-A3 depicts respective lateral, bottom, and medial views of the outsole/midsole portion of one embodiment of the invention.
- Examples A5-A6 depict respective toe and heel views of the outsole/midsole of Examples Al-3.
- Example A4 depicts a generally longitudinal cross-sectional view along axis Section A-A of Example A2.
- Examples A7-A12 depict sequential cross-sectional views of insole/midsole of Examples Al-3.
- Example A7-A12 the material of upper left to lower right cross-section markings (the dominant material of Example A7) is of a first material (here, CMEVA), the material with lower left to upper right cross-section markings (the mid-upper portion of Example A7) is of a second material (here, VGB), and two mid-bottom portions (with no cross-section markings) are of a third material (here, semi-blown rubber).
- CMEVA first material
- VGB mid-upper portion of Example A7
- VGB the material with no cross-section markings
- third material here, semi-blown rubber
- Examples Al l-12 while the upper left to lower right cross-section markings (the dominant material of Examples Al 1-12) is of the first material (here, CMEVA) and the portions with no markings (at mid bottom portion of Examples Al l-12) are of the third material (here, semi-blown rubber), the material with lower left to upper right cross-section markings (the lower left bottom portions of Examples Al 1-12) is of a fourth material (here, carbon rubber).
- CMEVA is Compression Molded Ethyl Vinyl Acetate.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2015527682A JP2015524739A (en) | 2012-08-17 | 2013-08-19 | Rebound shoes |
EP13829950.8A EP2884864A4 (en) | 2012-08-17 | 2013-08-19 | Reactive shoe |
CN201380051727.6A CN104684431A (en) | 2012-08-17 | 2013-08-19 | Reactive shoe |
KR1020157006621A KR20150043481A (en) | 2012-08-17 | 2013-08-19 | Reactive shoe |
AU2013302342A AU2013302342A1 (en) | 2012-08-17 | 2013-08-19 | Reactive shoe |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261684563P | 2012-08-17 | 2012-08-17 | |
US61/684,563 | 2012-08-17 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2014028937A1 true WO2014028937A1 (en) | 2014-02-20 |
Family
ID=50099036
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2013/055598 WO2014028937A1 (en) | 2012-08-17 | 2013-08-19 | Reactive shoe |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140047740A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2884864A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2015524739A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20150043481A (en) |
CN (1) | CN104684431A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013302342A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014028937A1 (en) |
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JP2017035170A (en) * | 2015-08-07 | 2017-02-16 | 美津濃株式会社 | Sole structure of shoe |
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AU2010348928B2 (en) * | 2010-03-19 | 2015-05-14 | Universitat Duisburg-Essen | Sole for a shoe and shoe |
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USD722427S1 (en) * | 2012-05-16 | 2015-02-17 | Under Armour, Inc. | Shoe bottom |
US9770066B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2017-09-26 | Willem J. L. Van Bakel | Neutral posture orienting footbed system for footwear |
US9622540B2 (en) * | 2013-06-11 | 2017-04-18 | K-Swiss, Inc. | Article of footwear, elements thereof, and related methods of manufacturing |
US9655401B2 (en) * | 2013-08-02 | 2017-05-23 | Arthur Joseph for Surell, LLC. | Polymer shoe |
USD746031S1 (en) * | 2014-05-05 | 2015-12-29 | Zumba Fitness Llc | Shoe sole |
USD752849S1 (en) * | 2014-05-08 | 2016-04-05 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf shoe |
JP5710083B1 (en) * | 2014-05-14 | 2015-04-30 | 株式会社アシックス | Shoe outsole |
US9392842B2 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2016-07-19 | Shlomo Piontkowski | Footwear with dynamic arch system |
US10827798B2 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2020-11-10 | Shlomo Piontkowski | Footwear with dynamic arch system |
US9857788B2 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2018-01-02 | Shlomo Piontkowski | Adjustable height sole |
US20160021976A1 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2016-01-28 | Shlomo Piontkowski | Footwear with Dynamic Arch System |
US9204687B1 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2015-12-08 | Shlomo Piontkowski | Footwear with dynamic arch system |
US9629413B2 (en) * | 2015-03-23 | 2017-04-25 | Karl Stien | Footwear with tapered heel, support plate, and impact point measurement methods therefore |
FR3051332B1 (en) * | 2016-05-23 | 2019-07-26 | Romans Industrie | FOOTWEAR WITH RECULED ROCKER |
IT201800003863A1 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2019-09-22 | Pietro Galifi | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING MOVEMENT IN VIRTUAL OR REAL SPACES. |
US10966482B2 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2021-04-06 | Deckers Outdoor Corporation | Footwear with stabilizing sole |
US11730228B2 (en) | 2018-10-12 | 2023-08-22 | Deckers Outdoor Corporation | Footwear with stabilizing sole |
US11723428B2 (en) | 2018-10-12 | 2023-08-15 | Deckers Outdoor Corporation | Footwear with stabilizing sole |
US11134748B2 (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2021-10-05 | The North Face Apparel Corp. | Footwear with a shell |
FR3087096B1 (en) | 2018-10-15 | 2020-10-23 | Jet Green | FOOTWEAR ADVANTAGEALLY INTENDED FOR THE PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES |
EP3797631A4 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2022-01-12 | ASICS Corporation | Shoe sole and shoe |
WO2020163531A1 (en) * | 2019-02-06 | 2020-08-13 | Fuerst Group, Inc. | Footwear article for walking |
FR3092731B1 (en) * | 2019-02-15 | 2021-03-12 | Benoit Geis | Shoe advantageously intended for walking or physical activities |
CN114364282A (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2022-04-15 | 加拿大露露柠檬运动用品有限公司 | Double-layer middle sole |
US20210315320A1 (en) | 2019-10-18 | 2021-10-14 | Asics Corporation | Shoe |
US20220125153A1 (en) * | 2020-09-12 | 2022-04-28 | Kambiz Behzadi | Variable material properties foot covering |
US11805846B2 (en) * | 2021-10-08 | 2023-11-07 | Acushnet Company | Article of footwear with traction system |
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- 2013-08-19 CN CN201380051727.6A patent/CN104684431A/en active Pending
- 2013-08-19 KR KR1020157006621A patent/KR20150043481A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2013-08-19 WO PCT/US2013/055598 patent/WO2014028937A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-08-19 US US13/970,274 patent/US20140047740A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20150043481A (en) | 2015-04-22 |
CN104684431A (en) | 2015-06-03 |
JP2015524739A (en) | 2015-08-27 |
EP2884864A1 (en) | 2015-06-24 |
AU2013302342A1 (en) | 2015-03-19 |
EP2884864A4 (en) | 2016-11-23 |
US20140047740A1 (en) | 2014-02-20 |
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