WO2017123778A1 - Shoe having cushion within heel member - Google Patents

Shoe having cushion within heel member Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017123778A1
WO2017123778A1 PCT/US2017/013214 US2017013214W WO2017123778A1 WO 2017123778 A1 WO2017123778 A1 WO 2017123778A1 US 2017013214 W US2017013214 W US 2017013214W WO 2017123778 A1 WO2017123778 A1 WO 2017123778A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heel
sole
region
shank
midfoot
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/013214
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Aubert SHEPHERD
Raghu YALAMANCHILI
Narendran JAYAVEL
Original Assignee
Cole Haan Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cole Haan Llc filed Critical Cole Haan Llc
Priority to KR1020187023401A priority Critical patent/KR102681661B1/en
Priority to JP2018536867A priority patent/JP2019501738A/en
Priority to EP17738948.3A priority patent/EP3402362A4/en
Publication of WO2017123778A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017123778A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
    • A43B13/186—Differential cushioning region, e.g. cushioning located under the ball of the foot
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/187—Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
    • A43B13/188—Differential cushioning regions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/14—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined made of sponge, rubber, or plastic materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/36—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by their attachment; Securing devices for the attaching means
    • 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
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/141—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form having an anatomical or curved form
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B9/00—Footwear characterised by the assembling of the individual parts
    • A43B9/04—Welted footwear
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
    • B29C44/02—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C44/12—Incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or reinforcements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
    • B29C44/02—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C44/12—Incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or reinforcements
    • B29C44/1271—Incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or reinforcements the preformed parts being partially covered
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/40—Removing or ejecting moulded articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D35/00—Producing footwear
    • B29D35/06—Producing footwear having soles or heels formed and joined on to preformed uppers using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding, pressing and vulcanising
    • B29D35/08—Producing footwear having soles or heels formed and joined on to preformed uppers using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding, pressing and vulcanising having multilayered parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D35/00—Producing footwear
    • B29D35/06—Producing footwear having soles or heels formed and joined on to preformed uppers using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding, pressing and vulcanising
    • B29D35/08—Producing footwear having soles or heels formed and joined on to preformed uppers using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding, pressing and vulcanising having multilayered parts
    • B29D35/081—Producing footwear having soles or heels formed and joined on to preformed uppers using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding, pressing and vulcanising having multilayered parts by injection moulding
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/04—Plastics, rubber or vulcanised fibre
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/38—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
    • A43B13/41—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process combined with heel stiffener, toe stiffener, or shank stiffener
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/02—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the material
    • A43B21/20—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the material plastics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
    • A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B21/26—Resilient heels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/22—Supports for the shank or arch of the uppers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/24—Ornamental buckles; Other ornaments for shoes without fastening function
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/0036—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design
    • A43B3/0078—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design provided with logos, letters, signatures or the like decoration
    • 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
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/144—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
    • 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
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
    • B29C44/02—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C44/08—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using several expanding or moulding steps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D35/00—Producing footwear
    • B29D35/06—Producing footwear having soles or heels formed and joined on to preformed uppers using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding, pressing and vulcanising
    • B29D35/061—Producing footwear having soles or heels formed and joined on to preformed uppers using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding, pressing and vulcanising by injection moulding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D35/00—Producing footwear
    • B29D35/12—Producing parts thereof, e.g. soles, heels, uppers, by a moulding technique
    • B29D35/122—Soles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2075/00—Use of PU, i.e. polyureas or polyurethanes or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2101/00—Use of unspecified macromolecular compounds as moulding material
    • B29K2101/12—Thermoplastic materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2675/00—Use of PU, i.e. polyureas or polyurethanes or derivatives thereof, for preformed parts, e.g. for inserts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/48—Wearing apparel
    • B29L2031/50—Footwear, e.g. shoes or parts thereof

Definitions

  • This invention pertains to shoes having heel members.
  • One aspect of the invention is a shoe comprising a sole and an upper secured to the sole.
  • the sole extends longitudinally from a sole heel end to a sole toe end and extends transversely from a sole lateral edge to a sole medial edge.
  • the sole includes a heel region, a midfoot region, a ball region and a toe region.
  • the heel region extends longitudinally from the sole heel end to the midfoot region.
  • the midfoot region extends longitudinally from the heel region to the ball region.
  • the ball region extends
  • the sole has a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, a heel cushion, and a foot pad.
  • the lower sole member extends from the sole heel end to the sole toe end.
  • the heel member is in the heel region and extends downwardly from the lower sole member.
  • the heel member includes a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity. The heel cavity is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface.
  • the lower sole member includes a top surface and a lower sole cavity extending downwardly from the top surface.
  • the shank member has a shank midfoot portion and a shank heel portion.
  • the shank midfoot portion is in the lower sole cavity and the shank heel portion is in the heel cavity.
  • the heel cushion is in the heel cavity.
  • the shank heel portion is sandwiched between the heel cushion and the heel member.
  • the foot pad extends between the sole heel end and the sole toe end and has a heel pad portion, a midfoot pad portion, a ball pad portion, and a toe pad portion.
  • the heel pad portion overlies and is in contact with the heel cushion.
  • the midfoot pad portion overlies and is in contact with the shank midfoot portion.
  • the midfoot pad portion, the ball pad portion, and the toe pad portion are in the lower sole cavity.
  • the foot pad has a top surface in contact with the upper.
  • FIG. 1 Another aspect of the invention is a shoe comprising a sole and an upper secured to the sole.
  • the sole extends longitudinally from a sole heel end to a sole toe end and extends transversely from a sole lateral edge to a sole medial edge.
  • the sole includes a heel region, a midfoot region, a ball region and a toe region.
  • the heel region extends longitudinally from the sole heel end to the midfoot region.
  • the midfoot region extends longitudinally from the heel region to the ball region.
  • the ball region extends
  • the sole has a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, a heel cushion, and a foot pad.
  • the lower sole member extends from the sole heel end to the sole toe end.
  • the heel member is in the heel region and extends downwardly from the lower sole member.
  • the heel member includes a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity. The heel cavity is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface.
  • the lower sole member includes a top surface and a lower sole cavity extending downwardly from the top surface.
  • the shank member has a shank midfoot portion and a shank heel portion.
  • the shank midfoot portion is in the lower sole cavity and the shank heel portion is in the heel cavity.
  • the heel cushion is in the heel cavity.
  • the shank heel portion is sandwiched between the heel cushion and the heel member.
  • the foot pad extends between the sole heel end and the sole toe end and has a heel pad portion, a midfoot pad portion, a ball pad portion, and a toe pad portion.
  • the heel pad portion overlies the heel cushion and the midfoot pad portion overlies the shank midfoot portion.
  • the midfoot pad portion, the ball pad portion, and the toe pad portion are in the lower sole cavity.
  • the foot pad has a top surface in contact with the upper.
  • FIG. 1 Another aspect of the invention is a shoe comprising a sole and an upper secured to the sole.
  • the sole extends longitudinally from a sole heel end to a sole toe end and extends transversely from a sole lateral edge to a sole medial edge.
  • the sole includes a heel region, a midfoot region, a ball region and a toe region.
  • the heel region extends longitudinally from the sole heel end to the midfoot region.
  • the midfoot region extends longitudinally from the heel region to the ball region.
  • the ball region extends
  • the sole has a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, and a heel cushion.
  • the lower sole member extends from the sole heel end to the sole toe end.
  • the lower sole member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer peripheral surface.
  • the lower sole member includes a through opening in the heel region. The opening in the lower sole member is spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the lower sole member.
  • the heel member is in the heel region and extends downwardly from the lower sole member.
  • the heel member includes a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity.
  • the heel cavity is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface and aligned with the opening in the lower sole member.
  • the shank member has a shank midfoot portion.
  • the shank midfoot portion is in the midfoot region and overlies the lower sole member.
  • the heel cushion is in the heel cavity and in the opening in the lower sole member.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shoe in accordance with the present invention, the shoe including a sole, an upper, and a welt.
  • Figure 2 is perspective view of the shoe shown in Figure 1, the upper being exploded from the sole and welt.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lower sole member and a heel member of the sole of Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sole shown in Figure 2, the sole including a foot pad and a heel cushion.
  • Figure 5 is a top plan view of the lower sole member shown in Figure 2.
  • Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the lower sole member shown in Figure 2.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of line 7-7 of Figure 5.
  • Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of line 8-8 of Figure 2.
  • Figure 9 is a mold for manufacturing a lower sole member of the type shown in Figures 5 and 6, the mold having upper and lower mold components.
  • Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of the shoe of Figure 2.
  • Figure 11 is an alternative embodiment of a lower sole member for a shoe in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 1-8 An embodiment of a shoe in accordance with the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 20 in Figures 1-8.
  • the shoe 20 comprises a sole, generally indicated at 22, an upper, generally indicated at 24, and a welt, generally indicated by 26.
  • the upper 24 is secured to the sole 22.
  • the sole 22 has a lower sole member 28, a heel member 30, a shank member 32, a heel cushion 34, and a foot pad 36.
  • the sole 22 extends
  • the sole 22 includes a heel region 46, a midfoot region 48, a ball region 50, and a toe region 52.
  • the heel region 46 extends longitudinally from the sole heel end 38 to the midfoot region 48.
  • the midfoot region 48 extends longitudinally from the heel region 46 to the ball region 50.
  • the ball region 50 extends longitudinally from the midfoot region 48 to the toe region 52.
  • the toe region 52 extends longitudinally from the ball region 50 to the sole toe end 40.
  • the welt 26 is secured to at least one of the sole 22 and the upper 24.
  • the lower sole member 28 is of a molded construction.
  • the lower sole member 28 is of a first material of a first durometer hardness, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane material having a durometer hardness in a range of 60 to 65 on a Shore A hardness scale.
  • the lower sole member 28 extends from the sole heel end 38 to the sole toe end 40.
  • the lower sole member 28 includes a top surface 54, a lower sole cavity 56, an outer peripheral surface 58, and a flange 60.
  • the lower sole cavity 56 extends downwardly from the top surface 54.
  • the sole 22 also includes a lower sole veneer portion 62.
  • the lower sole veneer portion 62 traverses along the outer peripheral surface 58 of the lower sole member 28.
  • the flange 60 extends outwardly beyond the outer peripheral surface 58 to cover (and thereby protect and hide) the bottom edge of the lower sole veneer portion 62.
  • a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the flange 60 could be removed in the heel region 46 of the sole 22 because the heel member 30 covers (and thereby protects and hides) the bottom edge of the lower sole veneer portion 62.
  • the welt 26 is adjacent the outer peripheral surface 58. The welt 26 is located such that a top edge of the lower sole veneer portion 62 cannot be seen when the lower sole member 28 is viewed from the top.
  • the lower sole veneer portion 62 comprises natural leather, or synthetic leather, or wood, or some other suitable material.
  • the lower sole member 28 further includes a web portion 64 in the toe region 52 and a through opening 57 in the heel region 46.
  • the web portion 64 comprises a plurality of recesses extending downwardly from the top surface 54. It is to be understood that the lower sole member 28 could be of a material other than a thermoplastic polyurethane.
  • the heel member 30 is of a molded construction and is a one-piece member separate from the lower sole member 28.
  • the heel member 30 is of a second material of a second durometer hardness, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane material having a durometer hardness in a range of 70 to 75 on a Shore A hardness scale. It is to be understood that the lower sole member 28 can be of the second material of the second durometer hardness rather than being of the first material of the first durometer hardness.
  • the heel member 30 is in the heel region 46 and extends
  • the heel member 30 includes a heel outer peripheral surface 68, an open top heel cavity 70, and a heel veneer portion 72.
  • the heel cavity 70 is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface 68, and the heel cushion 34 is in the heel cavity.
  • the heel cushion 34 is made of a third material of a third durometer hardness, such as a polyurethane material having a durometer hardness in a range of 60 to 65 on a Shore A hardness scale.
  • the second durometer hardness of the second material of the heel member 30 is greater than the third durometer hardness of the third material of the heel cushion 34.
  • the heel cushion 34 includes an upper surface 74.
  • the upper surface 74 is generally flush with a shank midfoot portion 76 of the shank member 32.
  • the heel veneer portion 72 traverses along the heel outer peripheral surface 68.
  • the heel veneer portion 72 comprises natural leather, synthetic leather, or wood, or some other suitable material. It is to be understood that the heel member 30 could be of a material other than a thermoplastic polyurethane and the heel cushion 34 could be of a material other than polyurethane.
  • the shank member 32 is of steel. It is to be understood the shank member 32 could be of a material other than steel, such as a plastic material having a durometer hardness of at least 80 on a Shore A hardness scale.
  • the shank member 32 has the shank midfoot portion 76, a shank heel portion 78, and a plurality of shank openings 80.
  • the shank midfoot portion 76 is in the lower sole cavity 56 and the shank heel portion 78 is in the heel cavity 70.
  • the shank heel portion 78 is sandwiched between the heel cushion 34 and the heel member 30.
  • the foot pad 36 extends between the sole heel end 38 and the sole toe end 40 and has a heel pad portion 82, a midfoot pad portion 84, a ball pad portion 86, and a toe pad portion 88.
  • the foot pad 36 is of a fourth material having a fourth durometer hardness, such as a polyurethane material having a durometer hardness in a range of 35 to 40 on a Shore A harness scale.
  • the third durometer hardness of the third material of the heel cushion 34 is greater than the fourth durometer hardness of the fourth material of the foot pad 36.
  • the polyurethane material of the foot pad 36 is a cured-in-place foam.
  • the heel pad portion 82 overlies the heel cushion 34.
  • the heel pad portion 82 is also in contact with the heel cushion 34.
  • the midfoot pad portion 84 overlies the shank midfoot portion 76 and is located within at least some of the shank openings 80.
  • the midfoot pad portion 84 is also in contact with the shank midfoot portion 76.
  • the midfoot pad portion 84, the ball pad portion 86, and the toe pad portion 88 are in the lower sole cavity 56.
  • the foot pad 36 has a top surface 90 in contact with the upper 24.
  • the foot pad 36 comprises only a single layer that is in contact with the upper 24 and the heel cushion 34.
  • the foot pad 36 could comprise multiple layers instead of a single layer. It is to be understood that the foot pad 36 could be of a material other than polyurethane.
  • Figure 9 shows a mold 92 of a shape to form the lower sole member 28.
  • the mold 92 has an upper mold component 94 and a lower mold component 96.
  • Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing of shoe 20. As indicated at box 100, the lower sole veneer portion 62 is placed in the lower mold component 96. The upper mold component 94 is stacked on the lower mold component 96, and a curable TPU material is injected into the mold 92 via a channel 98 (box 102). The TPU is allowed to cure to form the lower sole member 28 (box 104), and the lower sole veneer portion 62 and the lower sole member are removed from the mold 92 (box 106).
  • the heel member 30 is attached to the lower sole member 28 via a plurality of screws (not shown).
  • the shank member 32 is placed relative to the heel member 30 and the lower sole member 28 such that the shank heel portion 78 is in the heel cavity 70 and the shank midfoot portion 76 is in the lower sole cavity 56 (box 110).
  • the heel cushion 34 is inserted into the heel cavity 70 (box 112).
  • a curable polyurethane is then made to flow into the lower sole cavity 56 and atop the heel cushion 34 (box 114).
  • the curable polyurethane flows into at least some of the plurality of shank openings 80.
  • the polyurethane is allowed to cure to form the foot pad 36, the foot pad being located within at least some of shank openings 80 (box 116).
  • the upper 24 is attached to the sole 22 (box 118).
  • Figure 11 shows a sole 22a similar to the sole shown in Figure 1-8, except that the sole 22a has an alternative embodiment of a lower sole member 28a and an alternative embodiment of a shank member 32a.
  • the reference numbers for the elements of the sole 22a are the same as corresponding elements of the sole of Figures 1-8 except the reference numbers for the sole 22a contain a suffix "a".
  • the lower sole member 28a is a leather sole having a top surface 54a, a bottom surface 55a, and an outer peripheral surface 68a.
  • the lower sole member 28a also has a through opening 57a in the heel region of sole 22a. The opening 57a in the lower sole member 28a is spaced from the outer peripheral surface 58a .
  • the heel member 30a is in the heel region and extends downwardly from the lower sole member 28a.
  • the heel cavity 70a is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface 68a and aligned with the opening 57a in the lower sole member 28a.
  • the heel veneer portion 72a traverses along the heel outer peripheral surface 68a.
  • the upper surface 74a of the heel cushion 34a is generally flush with the top surface 54a of the lower sole member 28a.
  • the shank member 32a has a shank midfoot portion 76a in the midfoot region of sole 22a. The shank midfoot portion 76a overlies the lower sole member 28a.
  • the heel cushion 34a is in the heel cavity 70a and in the opening 57a such that when an assembled shoe in accordance with the present invention uses sole 22a, the heel cushion, the shank member 32a, and the lower sole member 28a are in contact with the upper. It is to be understood, however, that additional layers could be between the heel cushion 34a, the shank member 32a, and the lower sole member 28a and the upper.

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Abstract

A shoe comprising a sole and an upper secured to the sole. The sole has a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, a heel cushion, and a foot pad. The heel member extends downwardly from the lower sole member. The heel member includes a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity. The lower sole member includes a top surface and a lower sole cavity extending downwardly from the top surface. The shank member has a shank midfoot portion and a shank heel portion. The shank midfoot portion is in the lower sole cavity and the shank heel portion is in the heel cavity. The heel cushion is in the heel cavity. The shank heel portion is sandwiched between the heel cushion and the heel member.

Description

SHOE HAVING CUSHION WITHIN HEEL MEMBER
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
14/996,916 filed on January 15, 2016, which is hereby incorporated here by reference in its entirety.
Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention pertains to shoes having heel members. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One aspect of the invention is a shoe comprising a sole and an upper secured to the sole. The sole extends longitudinally from a sole heel end to a sole toe end and extends transversely from a sole lateral edge to a sole medial edge. The sole includes a heel region, a midfoot region, a ball region and a toe region. The heel region extends longitudinally from the sole heel end to the midfoot region. The midfoot region extends longitudinally from the heel region to the ball region. The ball region extends
longitudinally from the midfoot region to the toe region. The toe region extends longitudinally from the ball region to the sole toe end. The sole has a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, a heel cushion, and a foot pad. The lower sole member extends from the sole heel end to the sole toe end. The heel member is in the heel region and extends downwardly from the lower sole member. The heel member includes a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity. The heel cavity is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface. The lower sole member includes a top surface and a lower sole cavity extending downwardly from the top surface. The shank member has a shank midfoot portion and a shank heel portion. The shank midfoot portion is in the lower sole cavity and the shank heel portion is in the heel cavity. The heel cushion is in the heel cavity. The shank heel portion is sandwiched between the heel cushion and the heel member. The foot pad extends between the sole heel end and the sole toe end and has a heel pad portion, a midfoot pad portion, a ball pad portion, and a toe pad portion. The heel pad portion overlies and is in contact with the heel cushion. The midfoot pad portion overlies and is in contact with the shank midfoot portion. The midfoot pad portion, the ball pad portion, and the toe pad portion are in the lower sole cavity. The foot pad has a top surface in contact with the upper.
[0004] Another aspect of the invention is a shoe comprising a sole and an upper secured to the sole. The sole extends longitudinally from a sole heel end to a sole toe end and extends transversely from a sole lateral edge to a sole medial edge. The sole includes a heel region, a midfoot region, a ball region and a toe region. The heel region extends longitudinally from the sole heel end to the midfoot region. The midfoot region extends longitudinally from the heel region to the ball region. The ball region extends
longitudinally from the midfoot region to the toe region. The toe region extends longitudinally from the ball region to the sole toe end. The sole has a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, a heel cushion, and a foot pad. The lower sole member extends from the sole heel end to the sole toe end. The heel member is in the heel region and extends downwardly from the lower sole member. The heel member includes a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity. The heel cavity is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface. The lower sole member includes a top surface and a lower sole cavity extending downwardly from the top surface. The shank member has a shank midfoot portion and a shank heel portion. The shank midfoot portion is in the lower sole cavity and the shank heel portion is in the heel cavity. The heel cushion is in the heel cavity. The shank heel portion is sandwiched between the heel cushion and the heel member. The foot pad extends between the sole heel end and the sole toe end and has a heel pad portion, a midfoot pad portion, a ball pad portion, and a toe pad portion. The heel pad portion overlies the heel cushion and the midfoot pad portion overlies the shank midfoot portion. The midfoot pad portion, the ball pad portion, and the toe pad portion are in the lower sole cavity. The foot pad has a top surface in contact with the upper.
[0005] Another aspect of the invention is a shoe comprising a sole and an upper secured to the sole. The sole extends longitudinally from a sole heel end to a sole toe end and extends transversely from a sole lateral edge to a sole medial edge. The sole includes a heel region, a midfoot region, a ball region and a toe region. The heel region extends longitudinally from the sole heel end to the midfoot region. The midfoot region extends longitudinally from the heel region to the ball region. The ball region extends
longitudinally from the midfoot region to the toe region. The toe region extends longitudinally from the ball region to the sole toe end. The sole has a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, and a heel cushion. The lower sole member extends from the sole heel end to the sole toe end. The lower sole member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer peripheral surface. The lower sole member includes a through opening in the heel region. The opening in the lower sole member is spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the lower sole member. The heel member is in the heel region and extends downwardly from the lower sole member. The heel member includes a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity. The heel cavity is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface and aligned with the opening in the lower sole member. The shank member has a shank midfoot portion. The shank midfoot portion is in the midfoot region and overlies the lower sole member. The heel cushion is in the heel cavity and in the opening in the lower sole member.
[0006] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the operation of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shoe in accordance with the present invention, the shoe including a sole, an upper, and a welt.
[0008] Figure 2 is perspective view of the shoe shown in Figure 1, the upper being exploded from the sole and welt.
[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lower sole member and a heel member of the sole of Figure 2.
[0010] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sole shown in Figure 2, the sole including a foot pad and a heel cushion.
[0011] Figure 5 is a top plan view of the lower sole member shown in Figure 2.
[0012] Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the lower sole member shown in Figure 2.
[0013] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of line 7-7 of Figure 5.
[0014] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of line 8-8 of Figure 2.
[0015] Figure 9 is a mold for manufacturing a lower sole member of the type shown in Figures 5 and 6, the mold having upper and lower mold components.
[0016] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of the shoe of Figure 2. [0017] Figure 11 is an alternative embodiment of a lower sole member for a shoe in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] Reference numerals in the written specification and in the drawing figures indicate corresponding items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] An embodiment of a shoe in accordance with the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 20 in Figures 1-8. The shoe 20 comprises a sole, generally indicated at 22, an upper, generally indicated at 24, and a welt, generally indicated by 26. The upper 24 is secured to the sole 22. The sole 22 has a lower sole member 28, a heel member 30, a shank member 32, a heel cushion 34, and a foot pad 36. The sole 22 extends
longitudinally from a sole heel end 38 to a sole toe end 40 and extends transversely from a sole lateral edge 42 to a sole medial edge 44. The sole 22 includes a heel region 46, a midfoot region 48, a ball region 50, and a toe region 52. The heel region 46 extends longitudinally from the sole heel end 38 to the midfoot region 48. The midfoot region 48 extends longitudinally from the heel region 46 to the ball region 50. The ball region 50 extends longitudinally from the midfoot region 48 to the toe region 52. The toe region 52 extends longitudinally from the ball region 50 to the sole toe end 40. The welt 26 is secured to at least one of the sole 22 and the upper 24.
[0020] In the embodiment of Figures 1-8, the lower sole member 28 is of a molded construction. The lower sole member 28 is of a first material of a first durometer hardness, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane material having a durometer hardness in a range of 60 to 65 on a Shore A hardness scale. The lower sole member 28 extends from the sole heel end 38 to the sole toe end 40. The lower sole member 28 includes a top surface 54, a lower sole cavity 56, an outer peripheral surface 58, and a flange 60. The lower sole cavity 56 extends downwardly from the top surface 54. The sole 22 also includes a lower sole veneer portion 62. The lower sole veneer portion 62 traverses along the outer peripheral surface 58 of the lower sole member 28. As seen in Figure 7 and Figure 8, the flange 60 extends outwardly beyond the outer peripheral surface 58 to cover (and thereby protect and hide) the bottom edge of the lower sole veneer portion 62. A person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the flange 60 could be removed in the heel region 46 of the sole 22 because the heel member 30 covers (and thereby protects and hides) the bottom edge of the lower sole veneer portion 62. The welt 26 is adjacent the outer peripheral surface 58. The welt 26 is located such that a top edge of the lower sole veneer portion 62 cannot be seen when the lower sole member 28 is viewed from the top. The lower sole veneer portion 62 comprises natural leather, or synthetic leather, or wood, or some other suitable material. The lower sole member 28 further includes a web portion 64 in the toe region 52 and a through opening 57 in the heel region 46. The web portion 64 comprises a plurality of recesses extending downwardly from the top surface 54. It is to be understood that the lower sole member 28 could be of a material other than a thermoplastic polyurethane.
[0021] In the embodiment of Figures 1-8, the heel member 30 is of a molded construction and is a one-piece member separate from the lower sole member 28. The heel member 30 is of a second material of a second durometer hardness, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane material having a durometer hardness in a range of 70 to 75 on a Shore A hardness scale. It is to be understood that the lower sole member 28 can be of the second material of the second durometer hardness rather than being of the first material of the first durometer hardness. The heel member 30 is in the heel region 46 and extends
downwardly from the lower sole member 28. The heel member 30 includes a heel outer peripheral surface 68, an open top heel cavity 70, and a heel veneer portion 72. The heel cavity 70 is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface 68, and the heel cushion 34 is in the heel cavity. The heel cushion 34 is made of a third material of a third durometer hardness, such as a polyurethane material having a durometer hardness in a range of 60 to 65 on a Shore A hardness scale. The second durometer hardness of the second material of the heel member 30 is greater than the third durometer hardness of the third material of the heel cushion 34. The heel cushion 34 includes an upper surface 74. The upper surface 74 is generally flush with a shank midfoot portion 76 of the shank member 32. The heel veneer portion 72 traverses along the heel outer peripheral surface 68. The heel veneer portion 72 comprises natural leather, synthetic leather, or wood, or some other suitable material. It is to be understood that the heel member 30 could be of a material other than a thermoplastic polyurethane and the heel cushion 34 could be of a material other than polyurethane.
[0022] The shank member 32 is of steel. It is to be understood the shank member 32 could be of a material other than steel, such as a plastic material having a durometer hardness of at least 80 on a Shore A hardness scale. The shank member 32 has the shank midfoot portion 76, a shank heel portion 78, and a plurality of shank openings 80. The shank midfoot portion 76 is in the lower sole cavity 56 and the shank heel portion 78 is in the heel cavity 70. The shank heel portion 78 is sandwiched between the heel cushion 34 and the heel member 30.
[0023] The foot pad 36 extends between the sole heel end 38 and the sole toe end 40 and has a heel pad portion 82, a midfoot pad portion 84, a ball pad portion 86, and a toe pad portion 88. The foot pad 36 is of a fourth material having a fourth durometer hardness, such as a polyurethane material having a durometer hardness in a range of 35 to 40 on a Shore A harness scale. The third durometer hardness of the third material of the heel cushion 34 is greater than the fourth durometer hardness of the fourth material of the foot pad 36. The polyurethane material of the foot pad 36 is a cured-in-place foam. The heel pad portion 82 overlies the heel cushion 34. The heel pad portion 82 is also in contact with the heel cushion 34. The midfoot pad portion 84 overlies the shank midfoot portion 76 and is located within at least some of the shank openings 80. The midfoot pad portion 84 is also in contact with the shank midfoot portion 76. The midfoot pad portion 84, the ball pad portion 86, and the toe pad portion 88 are in the lower sole cavity 56. The foot pad 36 has a top surface 90 in contact with the upper 24. In this embodiment, the foot pad 36 comprises only a single layer that is in contact with the upper 24 and the heel cushion 34. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the foot pad 36 could comprise multiple layers instead of a single layer. It is to be understood that the foot pad 36 could be of a material other than polyurethane.
[0024] Figure 9 shows a mold 92 of a shape to form the lower sole member 28. The mold 92 has an upper mold component 94 and a lower mold component 96. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing of shoe 20. As indicated at box 100, the lower sole veneer portion 62 is placed in the lower mold component 96. The upper mold component 94 is stacked on the lower mold component 96, and a curable TPU material is injected into the mold 92 via a channel 98 (box 102). The TPU is allowed to cure to form the lower sole member 28 (box 104), and the lower sole veneer portion 62 and the lower sole member are removed from the mold 92 (box 106). At box 108, the heel member 30 is attached to the lower sole member 28 via a plurality of screws (not shown). The shank member 32 is placed relative to the heel member 30 and the lower sole member 28 such that the shank heel portion 78 is in the heel cavity 70 and the shank midfoot portion 76 is in the lower sole cavity 56 (box 110). The heel cushion 34 is inserted into the heel cavity 70 (box 112). A curable polyurethane is then made to flow into the lower sole cavity 56 and atop the heel cushion 34 (box 114). The curable polyurethane flows into at least some of the plurality of shank openings 80. The polyurethane is allowed to cure to form the foot pad 36, the foot pad being located within at least some of shank openings 80 (box 116). The upper 24 is attached to the sole 22 (box 118).
[0025] Figure 11 shows a sole 22a similar to the sole shown in Figure 1-8, except that the sole 22a has an alternative embodiment of a lower sole member 28a and an alternative embodiment of a shank member 32a. For simplicity, the reference numbers for the elements of the sole 22a are the same as corresponding elements of the sole of Figures 1-8 except the reference numbers for the sole 22a contain a suffix "a". The lower sole member 28a is a leather sole having a top surface 54a, a bottom surface 55a, and an outer peripheral surface 68a. The lower sole member 28a also has a through opening 57a in the heel region of sole 22a. The opening 57a in the lower sole member 28a is spaced from the outer peripheral surface 58a . The heel member 30a is in the heel region and extends downwardly from the lower sole member 28a. The heel cavity 70a is spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface 68a and aligned with the opening 57a in the lower sole member 28a. The heel veneer portion 72a traverses along the heel outer peripheral surface 68a. The upper surface 74a of the heel cushion 34a is generally flush with the top surface 54a of the lower sole member 28a. The shank member 32a has a shank midfoot portion 76a in the midfoot region of sole 22a. The shank midfoot portion 76a overlies the lower sole member 28a. The heel cushion 34a is in the heel cavity 70a and in the opening 57a such that when an assembled shoe in accordance with the present invention uses sole 22a, the heel cushion, the shank member 32a, and the lower sole member 28a are in contact with the upper. It is to be understood, however, that additional layers could be between the heel cushion 34a, the shank member 32a, and the lower sole member 28a and the upper.
[0026] It should also be understood that when introducing elements of the present invention in the claims or in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be open- ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, the term "portion" should be construed as meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies. Moreover, use of identifiers such as first, second, and third should not be construed in a manner imposing any relative position or time sequence between limitations.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A shoe comprising:
a sole; and
an upper secured to the sole;
the sole extending longitudinally from a sole heel end to a sole toe end and extending transversely from a sole lateral edge to a sole medial edge, the sole including a heel region, a midfoot region, a ball region and a toe region, the heel region extending longitudinally from the sole heel end to the midfoot region, the midfoot region extending longitudinally from the heel region to the ball region, the ball region extending
longitudinally from the midfoot region to the toe region, and the toe region extending longitudinally from the ball region to the sole toe end, the sole having a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, a heel cushion, and a foot pad, the lower sole member extending from the sole heel end to the sole toe end, the heel member being in the heel region and extending downwardly from the lower sole member, the heel member including a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity, the heel cavity being spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface, the lower sole member including a top surface and a lower sole cavity extending downwardly from the top surface, the shank member having a shank midfoot portion and a shank heel portion, the shank midfoot portion being in the lower sole cavity and the shank heel portion being in the heel cavity, the heel cushion being in the heel cavity, the shank heel portion being sandwiched between the heel cushion and the heel member, the foot pad extending between the sole heel end and the sole toe end and having a heel pad portion, a midfoot pad portion, a ball pad portion, and a toe pad portion, the heel pad portion overlying and being in contact with the heel cushion, the midfoot pad portion overlying and being in contact with the shank midfoot portion, the midfoot pad portion, the ball pad portion, and the toe pad portion being in the lower sole cavity, the foot pad having a top surface in contact with the upper.
2. A shoe as set forth in claim 1 wherein the lower sole member has an outer peripheral surface, and wherein the sole further comprises a veneer, the veneer comprising a lower sole veneer portion and a heel veneer portion, the lower sole veneer portion traversing along the outer peripheral surface of the lower sole member, the heel veneer portion traversing along the heel outer peripheral surface.
3. A shoe as set forth in claim 2 wherein the lower sole veneer portion comprises either natural leather or synthetic leather.
4. A shoe as set forth in claim 3 wherein the heel veneer portion comprises either natural leather or synthetic leather.
5. A shoe as set forth in claim 2 wherein the heel veneer portion comprises wood.
6. A shoe as set forth in claim 2 wherein the lower sole member is of a molded construction and wherein the heel member is of a molded construction.
7. A shoe as set forth in claim 6 wherein the heel member is a one-piece member separate from the lower sole member.
8. A shoe as set forth in claim 6 wherein the heel member is of a first material of a first durometer hardness, the heel cushion is of a second material of a second durometer hardness, and the foot pad is of a third material of a third durometer hardness, the first durometer hardness being greater than the second durometer hardness, the second durometer hardness being greater than the third durometer hardness.
9. A shoe as set forth in claim 8 wherein the lower sole member is of the first material.
10. A shoe as set forth in claim 8 wherein the foot pad comprises a single layer, the single layer of the foot pad being in contact with the upper and the heel cushion.
11. A shoe as set forth in claim 10 wherein the single layer of the foot pad is in contact with the shank midfoot portion and the lower sole member.
12. A shoe as set forth in claim 11 wherein the third material is a cured-in-place foam.
13. A shoe as set forth in claim 11 wherein the lower sole veneer portion comprises natural leather and wherein the heel veneer portion comprises natural leather.
14. A shoe as set forth in claim 8 further comprising a welt, the welt being adjacent the outer peripheral surface of the lower sole member, the welt being secured to at least one of the sole and the upper.
15. A method of making a shoe as set forth in claim 2, the method comprising: placing the lower sole veneer portion in a mold;
injecting a curable first material into the mold, the mold being of a shape to form the lower sole member;
allowing the first material to cure to form the lower sole member; removing the lower sole veneer portion and the lower sole member from the mold.
16. A method as set forth in claim 15 further comprising:
attaching the heel member to the lower sole member;
placing the shank member relative to the heel member and the lower sole member such that the shank heel portion is in the heel cavity and the shank midfoot portion is in the lower sole cavity;
inserting the heel cushion into the heel cavity, the heel cushion being of a second material different from the first material;
causing a curable third material to flow into the lower sole cavity and atop the heel cushion;
allowing the third material to cure to form the foot pad;
attaching the upper to the sole.
17. A shoe as set forth in claim 1 wherein the lower sole member is of a molded construction and wherein the heel member is of a molded construction.
18. A shoe as set forth in claim 17 wherein the heel member is of a first material of a first durometer hardness, the heel cushion is of a second material of a second durometer hardness, and the foot pad is of a third material of a third durometer hardness, the first durometer hardness being greater than the second durometer hardness, the second durometer hardness being greater than the third durometer hardness.
19. A shoe as set forth in claim 18 wherein the lower sole member is of the first material.
20. A shoe as set forth in claim 1 wherein the foot pad comprises a single layer, the single layer of the foot pad being in contact with the upper and the heel cushion.
21. A shoe as set forth in claim 20 wherein the single layer of the foot pad is in contact with the shank midfoot portion and the lower sole member.
22. A shoe as set forth in claim 1 wherein the shank midfoot portion comprises a plurality of shank openings, the midfoot pad portion being located within at least some of the shank openings.
23. A shoe comprising:
a sole; and
an upper secured to the sole;
the sole extending longitudinally from a sole heel end to a sole toe end and extending transversely from a sole lateral edge to a sole medial edge, the sole including a heel region, a midfoot region, a ball region and a toe region, the heel region extending longitudinally from the sole heel end to the midfoot region, the midfoot region extending longitudinally from the heel region to the ball region, the ball region extending
longitudinally from the midfoot region to the toe region, and the toe region extending longitudinally from the ball region to the sole toe end, the sole having a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, a heel cushion, and a foot pad, the lower sole member extending from the sole heel end to the sole toe end, the heel member being in the heel region and extending downwardly from the lower sole member, the heel member including a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity, the heel cavity being spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface, the lower sole member including a top surface and a lower sole cavity extending downwardly from the top surface, the shank member having a shank midfoot portion and a shank heel portion, the shank midfoot portion being in the lower sole cavity and the shank heel portion being in the heel cavity, the heel cushion being in the heel cavity, the shank heel portion being sandwiched between the heel cushion and the heel member, the foot pad extending between the sole heel end and the sole toe end and having a heel pad portion, a midfoot pad portion, a ball pad portion, and a toe pad portion, the heel pad portion overlying the heel cushion and the midfoot pad portion overlying the shank midfoot portion, the midfoot pad portion, the ball pad portion, and the toe pad portion being in the lower sole cavity, the foot pad having a top surface in contact with the upper.
24. A shoe comprising:
a sole; and
an upper secured to the sole;
the sole extending longitudinally from a sole heel end to a sole toe end and extending transversely from a sole lateral edge to a sole medial edge, the sole including a heel region, a midfoot region, a ball region and a toe region, the heel region extending longitudinally from the sole heel end to the midfoot region, the midfoot region extending longitudinally from the heel region to the ball region, the ball region extending
longitudinally from the midfoot region to the toe region, and the toe region extending longitudinally from the ball region to the sole toe end, the sole having a lower sole member, a heel member, a shank member, and a heel cushion, the lower sole member extending from the sole heel end to the sole toe end, the lower sole member including a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer peripheral surface, the lower sole member including a through opening in the heel region, the opening in the lower sole member being spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the lower sole member, the heel member being in the heel region and extending downwardly from the lower sole member, the heel member including a heel outer peripheral surface and an open top heel cavity, the heel cavity being spaced from the heel outer peripheral surface and aligned with the opening in the lower sole member, the shank member having a shank midfoot portion, the shank midfoot portion being in the midfoot region and overlying the lower sole member, the heel cushion being in the heel cavity and in the opening in the lower sole member.
25. A shoe as set forth in claim 24 wherein the sole further comprises a heel veneer portion, the heel veneer portion traversing along the heel outer peripheral surface.
26. A shoe as set forth in claim 25 wherein the heel veneer portion comprises either natural leather or synthetic leather.
27. A shoe as set forth in claim 24 wherein the heel cushion includes an upper surface, the upper surface being generally flush with the top surface of the lower sole member.
28. A shoe as set forth in claim 24 wherein the heel cushion and the shank member are in contact with the upper.
29. A shoe as set forth in claim 28 wherein at least a portion of the top surface of the lower sole member is in contact with the upper.
PCT/US2017/013214 2016-01-15 2017-01-12 Shoe having cushion within heel member WO2017123778A1 (en)

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KR1020187023401A KR102681661B1 (en) 2016-01-15 2017-01-12 Shoes with cushioning within the heel member
JP2018536867A JP2019501738A (en) 2016-01-15 2017-01-12 Shoes having a cushion in the heel member
EP17738948.3A EP3402362A4 (en) 2016-01-15 2017-01-12 Shoe having cushion within heel member

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US14/996,916 US10765171B2 (en) 2016-01-15 2016-01-15 Shoe having cushion within heel member
US14/996,916 2016-01-15

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EP (1) EP3402362A4 (en)
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KR (1) KR102681661B1 (en)
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CN205728345U (en) 2016-11-30
US10765171B2 (en) 2020-09-08
US20170202303A1 (en) 2017-07-20
EP3402362A4 (en) 2019-12-18
CN105795586B (en) 2021-08-13
KR102681661B1 (en) 2024-07-05
CN105795586A (en) 2016-07-27
JP2019501738A (en) 2019-01-24
EP3402362A1 (en) 2018-11-21
KR20180121887A (en) 2018-11-09

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