U.S. patent application number 09/850495 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for shoe sole with shock absorber structure.
Invention is credited to Mitsui, Shigeyuki, Nasako, Mitsuo, Nishiwaki, Tsuyoshi.
Application Number | 20010027615 09/850495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26573454 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027615 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nasako, Mitsuo ; et
al. |
October 11, 2001 |
Shoe sole with shock absorber structure
Abstract
A shock absorbing section (10) of a shoe sole (1) is provided
with a shearing transformation element (11). This shearing
transformation element (11, 11A) is supported at an upper position
dislocated forward (F) with respect to a grounding surface (20) so
that it performs a shearing transformation independently due to a
load (W) applied from above.
Inventors: |
Nasako, Mitsuo; (Chuo-ku,
JP) ; Nishiwaki, Tsuyoshi; (Chuo-ku, JP) ;
Mitsui, Shigeyuki; (Chuo-ku, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael E. Zall
ASICS TIGER Corporation
Two Yorkshire Drive
Suffern
NY
10901
US
|
Family ID: |
26573454 |
Appl. No.: |
09/850495 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09850495 |
May 7, 2001 |
|
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|
09431285 |
Oct 29, 1999 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/28 ; 36/30R;
36/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/125 20130101;
A43B 13/181 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/28 ;
36/30.00R; 36/31 |
International
Class: |
A43B 013/18; A43B
013/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 5, 1998 |
JP |
10-330220 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shock absorber structure of a shoe sole with a shock absorbing
section provided on the shoe sole, wherein said shock absorbing
section is provided with a plurality of shearing transformation
elements which are supported at an upper position dislocated
forward with respect to a grounding surface so that each of them
performs a shearing transformation independently in such a manner
as to fall forward due to a load applied from above, wherein axes
formed of loci of centers of plane sections of said shearing
transformation elements are inclined forward as they go upward,
respectively and wherein between said plurality of shearing
transformation elements, there are provided soft shock absorbing
elements which have a smaller Young's modulus than that of said
shearing transformation elements so that said individual shearing
transformation elements can perform shearing transformations
without any restriction from each other.
2. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said
shoe sole is provided with: a support member jointed to an upper
adapted to cover an instep and receiving a load from a foot; a
midsole forming said shock absorbing section; and an outer sole
formed on a lower face of said midsole, and wherein said shearing
transformation elements are fixed on a bottom face of said support
member.
3. A shock absorber structure of a shoe sole with a midsole
interposed between an upper adapted to cover an instep and an outer
sole having a treading face on its outer surface, wherein said
midsole has a shearing transformation element, wherein said
shearing transformation element has a front end face and a rear end
face, and wherein the front end face and the rear end face of said
shearing transformation element are individually inclined forward
as they go upward, whereby with these inclinations of said two end
faces, said shearing transformation element performs a shearing
transformation due to a load at a grounding time of a walking or
running user's foot, wherein each of the front end face and the
rear end face of said shearing transformation element is provided
in proximity with a soft shock absorbing element which is set to
have such a smaller Young's modulus than that of said shearing
transformation element as to allow the shearing transformation of
said shearing transformation element.
4. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 3, wherein said
shearing transformation element has a longitudinal section, as
taken in the longitudinal direction, formed into a generally
parallelogram shape.
5. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 3, wherein said
shearing transformation element is disposed at a rear foot part in
said midsole.
6. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 5, wherein said
shearing transformation element is disposed at a lateral side of
the foot in said midsole.
7. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 5, wherein said
shearing transformation element is molded independently of a
portion other than said shearing transformation element of said
midsole.
8. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 5, wherein said
midsole has a thin connecting portion connecting said shearing
transformation element and a portion other than said shearing
transformation element of said midsole, and wherein said shearing
transformation element is integrally molded through said thin
connecting portion.
9. A shock absorber structure of a shoe sole with a midsole
interposed between an upper adapted to cover an instep and an outer
sole having a treading face on its outer surface, wherein said
midsole has a shearing transformation element, wherein said
shearing transformation element has a front end face and a rear end
face, and wherein the front end face and the rear end face of said
shearing transformation element are individually inclined forward
as they go upward, whereby with these inclinations of said two end
faces, said shearing transformation element performs a shearing
transformation due to a load at a grounding time of a walking or
running user's foot, wherein at least one of said two end faces of
said shearing transformation element is provided in proximity with
a soft shock absorbing element which is set to have such a smaller
Young's modulus than that of said shearing transformation element
as to allow the shearing transformation of said shearing
transformation element.
10. A shock absorber structure of a shoe sole with a midsole
interposed between an upper adapted to cover an instep and an outer
sole having a treading face on its outer surface, wherein said
midsole comprises: a compression transformation element performing
a compression transformation due to a load applied from above; a
shearing transformation element performing a shearing
transformation in such a manner as to fall forward due to said load
applied from above; and a soft shock absorbing element, wherein
said shearing transformation element has a hollow portion for said
soft shock absorbing element being loaded into, wherein said soft
shock absorbing element is loaded into said hollow portion, and
wherein said soft shock absorbing element is set to have such a
smaller Young's modulus than that of said shearing transformation
element as to allow the shearing transformation of said shearing
transformation element.
11. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 10, wherein said
hollow portion has an open portion in an outer circumferential face
of said midsole, and wherein said soft shock absorbing element is
exposed from said open portion toward an outside of said
midsole.
12. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 11, wherein said
shearing transformation element has a front end portion and a rear
end portion, wherein said front end portion is defined by a slit
and/or a groove which are/is formed in said midsole, and wherein
said rear end portion is defined by said slit and/or said groove
which are/is formed in said midsole.
13. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 12, wherein said
soft shock absorbing element comprises a gel filled into a resinous
sealed vessel.
14. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 12, wherein the
front end portion and the rear end portion of said shearing
transformation element are individually inclined forward as they go
upward, whereby with these inclinations of said two end portions,
said shearing transformation element has a longitudinal section, as
taken in the longitudinal direction, formed into a generally
parallelogram shape, and said shearing transformation element
performs a shearing transformation due to a load at a grounding
time of a walking or running user's foot.
15. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 14, wherein said
shearing transformation element is essentially disposed at a
lateral side of a rear foot part in said midsole and is scarcely
disposed or not disposed at all at a front foot part and a medial
side of said rear foot part in said midsole.
16. A shock absorber structure of a shoe sole with a midsole
interposed between an upper adapted to cover an instep and an outer
sole having a treading face on its outer surface, wherein said
midsole comprises: a compression transformation element performing
a compression transformation due to a load applied from above; and
a shearing transformation element having very little the continuity
of transformation relationship to said compression transformation
element, wherein said shearing transformation element has a front
end face and a rear end face, and wherein the front end face and
the rear end face of said shearing transformation element are
individually inclined forward as they go upward, whereby with these
inclinations of said two end faces, said shearing transformation
element has a longitudinal section, as taken in the longitudinal
direction, formed into a generally parallelogram shape, and said
shearing transformation element performs a shearing transformation
due to a load at a grounding time of a walking or running user's
foot.
17. A shock absorber structure of a shoe sole with a midsole
interposed between an upper adapted to cover an instep and an outer
sole having a treading face on its outer surface, wherein said
midsole comprises: a compression transformation element performing
a compression transformation due to a load applied from above; and
a shearing transformation element having very little the continuity
of transformation relationship to said compression transformation
element, wherein said shearing transformation element has a front
end face and a rear end face, and wherein the front end face and
the rear end face of said shearing transformation element are
individually inclined forward as they go upward, whereby with these
inclinations of said two end faces, said shearing transformation
element performs a shearing transformation due to a load at a
grounding time of a walking or running user's foot, wherein said
compression transformation element performs said compression
transformation to absorb shock, and wherein said shearing
transformation element is essentially disposed at a lateral side of
a rear foot part in said midsole and is scarcely disposed or not
disposed at all at a front foot part and a medial side of said rear
foot part in said midsole.
18. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 17, wherein said
compression transformation element is disposed at said front foot
part and said medial side of said rear foot part in said
midsole.
19. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 18, wherein said
shearing transformation element has a longitudinal section, as
taken in the longitudinal direction, formed into a generally
parallelogram shape.
20. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 19, wherein at
least one of said two end faces of said shearing transformation
element is provided in proximity with a soft shock absorbing
element which is set to have such a smaller Young's modulus than
that of said shearing transformation element as to allow the
shearing transformation of said shearing transformation
element.
21. A shock absorber structure of a shoe sole with a midsole
interposed between an upper adapted to cover an instep and an outer
sole having a treading face on its outer surface, wherein said
midsole has a shearing transformation element, said shearing
transformation element performs a shearing transformation due to a
load at a grounding time of a walking or running user's foot,
wherein either an upper end face or a lower end face of said
shearing transformation element is provided in proximity with a
soft shock absorbing element which is set to have a smaller Young's
modulus than that of said shearing transformation element.
22. A shock absorber structure as defined in claim 21, wherein said
soft shock absorbing element performs a compression transformation
and said shearing transformation due to said load at said grounding
time of said walking or running user's foot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of the U.S.
patent application naming the same inventor that was assigned Ser.
No. 09/431,285 and an Oct. 29, 1999 filing date. The entire
disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a shoe sole and, more
particularly, to a shock absorber structure for a shoe sole.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Shoe soles are required to have shock absorbing
performance.
[0006] In prior art shoe soles, generally, the grounding shock
while walking is absorbed by the loss of energy by compression
transformation of a shock absorbing section, such as the midsole.
However, the absorption (or loss) of energy by only compression
transformation is generally so low that sufficient shock absorption
is not achieved. If the midsole is thickened to raise the energy
loss, on the other hand, the shoe sole loses its light weight.
[0007] Hack U.S. Pat. No. 2,833,057 and Hack et al U.S. Pat. No.
2,930,149 disclose an outer sole provided with corrugations,
undulations and projections each having a ground engaging
triangular section. However, in this prior art, because these
elements are triangular in section, they generate a large bending
transformation, while scarcely performing any shearing
transformation.
[0008] FIG. 15 herein is a perspective view of the shoe sole
disclosed in Yamashita et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,063. This prior
art discloses a midsole 500 provided with an element 501. However,
because the element 501 is integrally formed with the side face of
the midsole 500, the midsole 500 performs only a compression
transformation as the midsole 500 is compressed. This is because
the element 501 is not an element that transforms independently
from the compression transformation element.
[0009] In Hack, Hack et al., and Yamashita et al., the elements
discussed herein are identically formed on both the medial and the
lateral sides of the foot. Hence, these elements can not assist in
suppressing pronation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is, therefore, an object of this invention to improve the
shock absorption by redesigning the structure of the shoe sole.
[0011] In order to achieve the above-specified object, according to
a first aspect of the invention, a shoe sole is provided with a
shock absorbing section with a shearing transformation element.
This shearing transformation element is supported by a support
member at an upper position dislocated forward with respect to a
grounding surface so that when a load is applied from above it
performs a shearing transformation independently in such a manner
as to fall forward.
[0012] second aspect of this invention is directed to a shoe sole
having a midsole interposed between an upper suited for enveloping
an instep and an outer sole having a treading face on its outer
surface. The midsole includes a shearing transformation element.
This shearing transformation element has a front end face and a
rear end face. The front end face and the rear end face of the
shearing transformation element are individually inclined forward
as they go upward. With these inclinations of the two end faces,
the shearing transformation element performs the shearing
transformation in such a manner as to fall forward when a load is
applied by the user's foot at grounding time during walking or
running.
[0013] When the load W from above is applied by the user's foot at
the grounding time during walking or running, according to this
invention, the shearing transformation element falls forward. In
effect,the load W creates not only a compression transformation but
also a shearing transformation. Generally, the absorption of energy
by the shearing transformation is far higher than that by the
compression transformation so that even a small shearing
transformation can absorb a high amount of energy. This enables a
compact structure to exhibit high shock absorption.
[0014] There have been proposed in the prior art a number of
midsoles having shock absorbing elements formed of extremely thin
columns, which perform transformations by falling forward and
backward. However, these extremely thin columns perform bending
transformations not the shearing transformations of this
invention.
[0015] In order to perform sufficient shearing transformation, the
shearing transformation element is required to have a planar
section of a predetermined size. In other words, the shearing
transformation element has to be able to perform the required
shearing transformation without any substantial bending
transformation. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the
shearing transformation element has a planar sectional area of
preferably 4 cm.sup.2 or more and most preferably 6 cm.sup.2 or
more. Thus, the scope of this invention does not include the prior
art thin rod-shaped or plate-shaped elements which are formed into
a truss or honeycomb shape.
[0016] In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, axes
formed of loci of centers of plane sections of said shearing
transformation elements are inclined forward as they go upward,
respectively. Thereto between the plurality of shearing
transformation elements, there are provided soft shock absorbing
elements which have a smaller Young's modulus than that of the
shearing transformation elements so that the individual shearing
transformation elements can perform shearing transformations
without any restriction from each other.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at
least the front end face or the rear end face of the shearing
transformation element is provided in proximity or contiguity with
a soft shock absorbing element. The soft shock absorbing element is
set to have a smaller Young's modulus than that of the shearing
transformation element so as to allow the shearing transformation
of the shearing transformation element.
[0018] Because the shearing transformation element is provided in
proximity with the soft shock absorbing element, the shearing
transformation element transforms easily to sufficiently perform
the shearing transformation function.
[0019] A third aspect of this invention is directed to a shoe sole
having a midsole interposed between an upper suited for enveloping
an instep and an outer sole having a treading face on its outer
surface. The midsole comprises: a compression transformation
element performing a compression transformation due to a load
applied from above; a shearing transformation element performing a
shearing transformation in such a manner as to fall forward due to
the load applied from above; and a soft shock absorbing element.
The shearing transformation element has a hollow portion adapted to
enclose the soft shock absorbing element. The soft shock absorbing
element is loaded into the hollow portion. The soft shock absorbing
element is set to have a smaller Young's modulus than that of the
shearing transformation element so as to allow the shearing
transformation of the shearing transformation element.
[0020] In this aspect, because the shearing transformation element
has the hollow portion, the shearing transformation element can
transform easily. Furthermore, because the soft shock absorbing
element is loaded into the hollow portion, it does not hold back
the transformation of the shearing transformation element, and that
is why the shearing transformation element can sufficiently perform
the shearing transformation function.
[0021] A fourth aspect of this invention is directed to a shoe sole
having a midsole interposed between an upper suited for enveloping
an instep and an outer sole having a treading face on its outer
surface. The midsole comprises: a compression transformation
element performing a compression transformation due to a load
applied from above; and a shearing transformation element
disconnected from the compression transformation element. The
shearing transformation element has a front end face and a rear end
face. The front end face and the rear end face of the shearing
transformation element are individually inclined forward as they go
upward. Thereby with these inclinations of the two end faces, the
shearing transformation element has a longitudinal section, as
taken in the longitudinal direction, formed into a generally
parallelogram shape, and the shearing transformation element
performs a shearing transformation due to a load at a grounding
time of a walking or running user's foot.
[0022] The shearing transformation element of the present aspect
transforms independently from the compression transformation
element, and has scarcely the continuity of transformation with
respect to the compression transformation element. Consequently,
satisfactory shearing transformation is exhibited. In addition, the
shearing transformation element has a longitudinal section, as
taken in the longitudinal direction, formed into a generally
parallelogram shape. Consequently, it exihibits satisfactory
shearing transformation without performing any bending
transformation.
[0023] A fifth aspect of this invention is directed to a shoe sole
having a midsole interposed between an upper suited for enveloping
an instep and an outer sole having a treading face on its outer
surface. The midsole comprises: a compression transformation
element performing a compression transformation due to a load
applied from above; and a shearing transformation element having
minimal continuity of transformation relationship to the
compression transformation element. The shearing transformation
element has a front end face and a rear end face. The front end
face and the rear end face of said shearing transformation element
are individually inclined forward as they go upward. Thereby with
these inclinations of the two end faces, the shearing
transformation element performs a shearing transformation due to a
load at a grounding time of a walking or running user's foot, the
compression transformation element performs the compression
transformation to absorb shock. The shearing transformation element
is essentially disposed at a lateral side of a rear foot part in
the midsole and is scarcely disposed or not disposed at all at a
front foot part and a medial side of the rear foot part in the
midsole.
[0024] In this aspect, the shearing transformation element is
disposed at the lateral side of the rear foot part in the midsole.
However, the shearing transformation element is not disposed at the
medial side of the foot in the midsole. Consequently, at the time
of landing on the ground, the lateral side portion of the foot in
the midsole performs shearing transformation as well as compression
transformation, and absorbs the shock applied to the lateral side
of the foot at the time of grounding. On the other hand, since no
shearing transformation element is provided on the medial side of
the foot, the medial side portion of the foot performs the
compression transformation only and does not perform shearing
transformation, and that is why it does not greatly transform. As a
result, the pronation of the inclining foot toward the medial side
is able to be suppressed. That is, in the present invention, even
if the lateral side portion of the midsole greatly transforms at
the time of grounding, the medial side portion is not easily
transformed. Consequently the pronation is able to be successfully
suppressed.
[0025] A sixth aspect of this invention is directed to a shoe sole
having a midsole interposed between an upper suited for enveloping
an instep and an outer sole having a treading face on its outer
surface. The midsole has a shearing transformation element, the
shearing transformation element performs a shearing transformation
due to a load at a grounding time of a walking or running user's
foot.
[0026] Either an upper end face or a lower end face of the shearing
transformation element is provided in proximity with a soft shock
absorbing element which is set to have a smaller Young's modulus
than that of the shearing transformation element.
[0027] In this aspect, because the shearing transformation is
performed by not only the shearing transformation element but also
the soft shock absorbing element, the shearing transformation
element can easily perform the shearing transformation. Therefore,
shock absorption is improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] This invention will be more clearly understood from the
following description of its preferred embodiments, as made with
reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments
and drawings are presented merely for illustration and explanation
and should not be employed to define the scope of the invention.
The scope of this invention is defined on the basis of the appended
claims. In the accompanying drawings, common reference numerals
designate identical or corresponding portions or elements.
[0029] FIGS. 1(a ) and 1(b ) show a first specific embodiment of
the invention, respectively. FIG. 1(a ) is a plan view of a midsole
wherein outer sole is not affixed. FIG. 1(b ) is a side elevation
of this shoe sole with the outer sole affixed thereto.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shoe having the sole and
midsole of FIGS. 1(a ) and 1(b ) taken obliquely from the back of
the shoe.
[0031] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the shoe shown in
the aforedescribed Figures wherein the shock absorbing section and
the support member are disassembled.
[0032] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the shoe shown in
the aforedescribed Figures wherein the foam and the soft shock
absorbing member of the shock absorbing section are
disassembled.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG.
1(a).
[0034] FIG. 6(a ) is a sectional view showing the principle of the
invention. FIGS. 6(b ) and 6(c ) are sectional views showing other
embodiments of the invention.
[0035] FIGS. 7(a ) and 7(b ) show a second specific embodiment of
the invention. FIG. 7(a ) is a plan view of a midsole wherein outer
sole is not affixed. FIG. 7(b ) is a side elevation of this shoe
sole with the outer sole affixed thereto.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the shoe having the sole and
midsole of FIGS. 7(a ) and 7(b ) taken obliquely from the back of
the shoe.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the midsole of
aforedescribed Figures wherein the midsole is disassembled.
[0038] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the midsole shown
in the aforedescribed Figures wherein the midsole is further
disassembled.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG.
7(a ).
[0040] FIGS. 12(a ) through 12(d ) are diagrammatic views of the
shoe sole including a shearing transformation element each of which
is a variant of the second embodiment.
[0041] FIGS. 13(a ) and 13(b ) are perspective views of the
shearing transformation element each of which is a variant of the
second embodiment.
[0042] FIGS. 14(a ) and 14(b ) are perspective views of the
shearing transformation element in accordance with a third specific
embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
[0043] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a shoe sole disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,063.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] The invention will be described in connection with its
embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Principle Embodiment
[0045] Here will be described the fundamental structure and
principle of the invention in connection with the embodiment shown
in FIG. 6(a ).
[0046] A shoe sole 1 is provided with a shock absorbing section 10.
This shock absorbing section 10 has a first shearing transformation
element 11 and a compression transformation element 12. The
shearing transformation element 11 is supported by a support member
3 at an upper position dislocated forward F with respect to a
grounding surface 20 of the sole 1. The shearing transformation
element 11 thus performs a shearing transformation independently by
falling forward (F direction) due to a load W being applied from
above. The first shearing transformation element 11 has a front end
face 11c and a rear end face 11d. In this first shearing
transformation element 11, the front end face 11c and the rear end
face 11d are individually inclined forward F as they go upward. In
effect, the first shearing transformation element 11 has a
longitudinal cross section that is generally a parallelogram in
shape. When a load W which is applied at the grounding time by the
user's foot in walking or running, with the two end faces 11c and
11d being thus inclined,the first shearing transformation element
11 performs not only a compression transformation but also a
shearing transformation by falling forward F, as indicated by
double-dotted (phantom) lines in FIG. 6(a ).
[0047] Still referring to FIG. 6(a ), preferably the two end faces
11c and 11d have an angle .theta. of inclination of about 30 to 60
degrees. Most preferably, this angle of inclination is about 40 to
50 degrees.
[0048] As used herein, the "shock absorbing section" means a
portion of the shoe sole, excluding the outer sole (or a grounding
sole) and the insole that receives the load from the foot, and is
generally composed of the midsole. On the other hand, the support
member 3 is generally formed of the insole and a cup insole (or a
cup-shaped insole).
[0049] The term "shearing transformation" means a transformation in
which the sectional shape after the transformation resembles that
before the transformation and when a load W is applied the
inclination angle .theta. decreases. In other words, "to perform
the shearing transformation" in the invention means that the fall
of the shearing transformation element 11 in the forward direction
F increases to effect the shearing transformation when the vertical
load W is applied. On the other hand, the term "independently"
means that the continuity of shearing transformation is not
associated with or has very little relationship to the compression
transformation element 12 other than the shearing transformation
element 11 is included in the shock absorbing section 10, or that
the shearing transformation element 11 performs far more shearing
transformation than that of the compression transformation element
12.
[0050] In this invention, the first shearing transformation element
11 may be molded independently from the compression transformation
element 12 of the shock absorbing section 10 as shown in FIG. 6(a
). Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6(b ), the first shearing
transformation element 11 may be molded integrally with the
compression transformation element 12 through a thin connecting
portion 13.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 6(a ), there may only be one first
shearing transformation element 11, or as shown in FIG. 6(b )and
6(c ) there may be two or more such elements. When two or more
first shearing transformation elements 11 are provided, other soft
shock absorbing elements 14 may be sandwiched therebetween.
Specific First Embodiment
[0052] A specific first embodiment of the invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, a shoe S is provided with the sole 1 and
an upper U disposed over the sole 1. This upper U is given a
suitable shape/structure as to accommodate and enclose the foot of
a user. As shown in FIG. 1(b ), the sole 1 is formed by joining the
outer sole (or the grounding sole) 2, the midsole (or the shock
absorbing section) 10 and the cup-shaped insole (or the support
member) 3 integrally with each other. Of these, the outer sole 2
has the treading surface (or the grounding surface) 20 on its outer
surface. The insole 3 of FIG. 2 is joined to the upper U and
receives the load W from the foot and is provided with a turned up
section 30 at its rear end portion and at the two side portions
(See FIG. 3).
[0054] The midsole 10 is interposed between the insole 3 and the
outer sole 2 and is composed of a foam 10a, preferably a resin such
as EVA, and a soft shock absorbing member 10b. Referring to FIG. 3,
the upper face and inner side face 15 of foam 10a are fixed to the
bottom face or turned up section 30 of the insole 3 by an adhesive.
Referring to FIGS. 1(a ) and 1(b ), the outer sole 2 is fixed to
the lower face of the foam 10a. As shown in FIG. 3, this foam 10a
is provided with the first shearing transformation element 11, the
second shearing transformation element 11A, and the compression
transformation element 12, which consists of the portions other
than the two shearing transformation elements 11 and 11A. The
compression transformation element 12 performs compression
transformation as in the ordinary shoe by absorbing shock.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the two shearing transformation elements
11 and 11A are inclined forward and their axis C is slanted upward.
As shown in FIG. 5, more specifically, each of the shearing
transformation elements 11 and 11A is provided with an upper fixing
section 18 and a lower fixing section 19. Of these, the upper
fixing section 18 has front and rear end portions 18a and 18b and
is fixed at its upper portion via the soft shock absorbing member
10b to the insole 3. The lower fixing section 19 has front and rear
end portions 19a and 19b and is fixed at its lower portion to the
outer sole 2. The front end portion 18a of the upper fixing section
18 is dislocated forward F with respect to the front end portion
19a of the lower fixing section 19. The rear end portion 18b of the
upper fixing section 18 is dislocated forward F with respect to the
rear end portion 19b of the lower fixing section 19. With these two
fixing sections 18 and 19 being positioned, the individual shearing
transformation elements 11 and 11A perform the shearing
transformation by falling forward F without any substantial bending
transformation due to the load W applied by the user's foot at the
grounding time during walking or running. As a result, the shocks
from running or walking are absorbed. Furthermore, the "axis C" of
FIG. 3 is a locus of the centers of the planar sections (or
sections parallel to the horizontal plane) of the shearing
transformation sections 11 and 11A.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the first
shearing transformation element 11 is formed integrally with the
compression transformation element 12 and the adjoining second
shearing transformation element 11A through only the thin
connecting portion 13. In order to perform a sufficient shearing
transformation, the first shearing transformation element 11 is set
to have a height H of preferably 8 mm or more or most preferably 10
mm or more.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, preferably each of the shearing
transformation elements 11 and 11A is disposed outside of the rear
foot part in the midsole 10. This is because the shocks at the
grounding time are absorbed, since the foot is generally grounded
at the running or walking time from the outer side portion of the
rear foot part.
[0058] Between those shearing transformation elements 11 and 11A,
there are sandwiched the other soft shock absorbing elements 14
which have a smaller Young's modulus than that of the shearing
transformation elements 11 and 11A. These soft shock absorbing
elements 14 allow the individual shearing transformation elements
11 and 11A to perform their shearing transformations with minimal
any restriction from each other.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the soft shock absorbing elements 14 are
made by filling sealed containers 14a made of a resin, for example,
with the so-called "gel 14b". These soft shock absorbing elements
14 absorb the shocks from the overlying support member 3 and, as
shown in FIG. 4, are arranged in recesses 17 of the foam 10a and in
front and at the back of the shearing transformation element
11.
[0060] In the foregoing embodiment, the individual shearing
transformation elements 11 and 11A are molded integrally with the
foam 10a but may also be separately molded. However, the integral
molding is preferred because separate moldings require a larger
number of parts.
[0061] The following is a description of the preferred embodiments
shown in FIGS. 7(a ) through 14(b ).
Specific Second Embodiment
[0062] A specific second embodiment of the invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 7(a ) through 11.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 8, a shoe S is provided with the sole 1 and
an upper U disposed over the sole 1. This upper U is given a
suitable shape/structure as to accommodate and enclose the foot of
a user. As shown in FIG. 7(b ), the sole 1 is formed by joining the
outer sole (or the grounding sole) 2 and the midsole 100 integrally
with each other. Of these, the outer sole 2 has the treading
surface (or the grounding surface) 20 on its outer surface.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 10, the midsole 100 comprises a midsole
body 110, a mount part 120 and a cap 130. The midsole body 110 and
the cap 130 are composed of a resin such as EVA(ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymer).
[0065] A rear foot part of the midsole body 110 is formed with a
loading recess 111. An outer periphery of the midsole body 110 is
formed with a turned up portion 112. A rear foot part of the turned
up portion 112 is formed at a lateral side portion and a rear
surface portion thereof with first and second through holes (hollow
portions) 114, 115.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the mount part 120 comprises a
gel 121 having a property of a fluid, a sealed vessel 122 formed
from a soft resin and filled with the gel 121, and a foam 123 of
polyurethane. The foam 123 is formed integrally with the sealed
vessel 122. The gel 121 and the sealed vessel 122 constitute a soft
shock absorbing element having loaded portions 124, 125, which
protrude from the foam 123.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, when the mount part 120 is loaded in the
loading recess 111, the loaded portions 124, 125, respectively, are
fitted into the first and second through holes 114, 115. In this
state, the loaded portions 124, 125 are exposed outward from the
first and second through holes 114, 115.
[0068] In FIG. 8, a lower shearing transformation element 150 and a
lateral shearing transformation element 160 are formed integrally
on a lateral side of the rear foot part of the midsole body 110. As
shown in FIG. 7(b ), the lower shearing transformation element 150
has, like the first shearing transformation element 11 shown in
FIG. 1, a front end surface 11c and a rear end surface 11d, and has
a longitudinal cross section that is generally a parallelogram in
shape.
[0069] The lateral shearing transformation element 160 comprises a
front end portion 160c and a rear end portion 160d, and is shaped
to be in the form of a substantially parallelogram. The midsole
body 110 and the cap 30 except the lower shearing transformation
element 150 and the lateral shearing transformation element 160
constitute a compression transformation element. The compression
transformation element performs a compression transformation when
subjected to load from above.
[0070] The front end portion 160c and the rear end portion 160d of
the lateral shearing transformation element 160 are defined by
grooves formed by scraping surfaces of the midsole body 110. Also,
a front end portion and a rear end portion of the lower shearing
transformation element 150 are defined by slits 150c, 150d.
[0071] The lateral shearing transformation element 160 is formed
with the first through hole 114. The loaded portion 124 is loaded
in the first through hole 114 of the lateral shearing
transformation element 160. Accordingly, when the lateral shearing
transformation element 160 is subjected to load from above, the
lateral shearing transformation element 160 is liable to perform a
shearing transformation.
[0072] Referring, for example, to FIGS. 10, the first through hole
114 and the loaded portion 124 are inclined in a direction along
the front end portion 160c and the rear end portion 160d of the
lateral shearing transformation element 160. In the present
invention, however, the direction, in which the first through hole
114 and the loaded portion 124 are inclined, can be selected among
various directions, as shown for example in FIGS. 12(a ) to 12(d ).
Also, the loaded portion 124 may not be inclined. Also, the first
through hole 114 and the loaded portion 124 are substantially
triangular-shaped in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, but may be
elliptic, circular or the like other than triangular. Also, a
plurality of loaded portions 124 may be provided as shown in FIG.
12(d ).
[0073] Referring to FIG. 13, the hollow portion may assume, in
place of the first through hole 114, a configuration not opened
toward the outer peripheral surface, that is, a recess 114A as
shown in FIG. 13(a ). Further, the hollow portion may be formed, as
shown in FIG. 13(b ), by an upwardly opened recess 114B in place of
the first through hole 114. In the case where the hollow portion is
not a through hole as in FIGS. 13(a ) and 13(b ), a soft shock
absorbing element, which is composed of a gel not filled in the
sealed vessel 122, may be filled in the recess 114A, 114B.
Specific Third Embodiment
[0074] FIG. 14(a ) shows a specific third embodiment.
[0075] In this figure, a pair of upper and lower shearing
transformation elements 11, 11A constitutes a part of a midsole. A
soft shock absorbing element 14 is interposed between a lower end
surface 11e of the upper shearing transformation element 11 and an
upper end surface 11f of the lower shearing transformation element
11A. The soft shock absorbing element 14 contacts with the two end
surface 11e, 11f.
[0076] A fixed rod 30 extends through the shearing transformation
elements 11, 11A and the soft shock absorbing element 14. The fixed
rod 30 serves to prevent the soft shock absorbing element 14 from
being displaced horizontally. In addition, the fixed rod 30 is
formed from a vertically compressible elastomer. The provision of
the fixed rod 30 enables formation of the soft shock absorbing
element 14 from a gel. However, in the case where the gel is filled
in the sealed vessel to form the soft shock absorbing element 14,
there is no need of provision of the fixed rod 30. Also, when a
recess being loaded with the soft shock absorbing element 14 is
formed on a portion of the midsole, there is no need of provision
of the fixed rod 30.
[0077] Other specific constructions for the inclined columnar
configuration are shown in the cross section view of FIG. 5. With
such constructions, because the shearing transformation is
performed by not only the shearing transformation element 11, 11A
but also the soft shock absorbing element, the shearing
transformation element 11, 11A becomes to perform the shearing
transformation easily. Accordingly, the shock absorption is
improved.
[0078] In particular, when the soft shock absorbing element 14 is
constructed by setting, as shown in FIG. 14(a ), to have the shape
of parallelogram in longitudinal cross section so as to perform
shearing transformation, the soft shock absorbing element 14 will
also exhibit a greater shock absorbing property.
[0079] In addition, the soft shock absorbing element 14 may be
interposed between the lower end surface 11e of the upper shearing
transformation element 11 and an outer sole 20.
[0080] Although the invention has been described hereinbefore in
connection with its preferred embodiments with reference to the
accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art could easily
imagine various modifications and corrections within the scope of
apparent range in view of the description thus far made.
[0081] For example, the shearing transformation elements may be
formed of a foam made from a resin other than the EVA. On the other
hand, the invention need not always be provided with the other soft
shock absorbing elements 14.
[0082] Therefore, such modifications and corrections should be
interpreted to fall within the scope of the invention, as defined
by the following claims.
* * * * *