U.S. patent application number 10/045299 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for energy translating platforms incorporated into footwear for enhancing linear momentum.
Invention is credited to Talbott, Daniel.
Application Number | 20020112373 10/045299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22916004 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Talbott, Daniel |
August 22, 2002 |
Energy translating platforms incorporated into footwear for
enhancing linear momentum
Abstract
The present invention provides soles or platforms incorporated
into footwear, preferably athletic footwear, designed to promote a
more efficient running technique by an energy-translating sole
comprising one or more foot-strike member, angular displacement
member and balance-thrust member, as well as other conventional
features. Systems and methods of the present invention promote more
efficient running technique by facilitating foot-strike to occur at
a point under and behind the runner's center of gravity. This is
accomplished by the foot-strike member, angular displacement member
and balance-thrust member working cooperatively to displace the
runner's center of gravity and translate gravitational, inertial
and ground reaction forces, as well as muscular tension forces,
into linear momentum.
Inventors: |
Talbott, Daniel; (Portland,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRADLEY M GANZ, PC
P O BOX 10105
PORTLAND
OR
97296
|
Family ID: |
22916004 |
Appl. No.: |
10/045299 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60242742 |
Oct 23, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/25R ;
36/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/06 20130101; A43B
7/145 20130101; A43B 7/1435 20130101; A43B 13/14 20130101; A43B
7/1425 20130101; A43B 7/1445 20130101; A43B 13/12 20130101; A43B
13/188 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/25.00R ;
36/114 |
International
Class: |
A43B 013/00; A43B
005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shoe having an upper and a foot supporting member, the foot
supporting member comprising: a substantially rigid member having a
dorsal surface and a plantar surface; the plantar surface having a
convex portion and an adjacent concave portion, the concave portion
extending forward past the tips of the digits and terminating
distally at a downwardly projecting balance-thrust member.
2. A shoe according to claim 1 further comprising the plantar
surface convex includes a curved angular displacement surface below
the sesamoid apparatus of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint and
defining a first axis of rotation of the foot.
3. A shoe according to claim 2 further comprising the
balance-thrust member defining a second axis of rotation of the
foot forward of the wearer's foot.
4. A shoe according to claim 2 further wherein curved angular
displacement surface and balance thrust member are positioned so
that when both are in contact with ground, the sesamoid apparatus
is elevated with respect to the digits.
5. A shoe according to claim 1 further comprising a foot strike
member adjacent the convex surface.
6. A shoe according to claim 1 further comprising the dorsal
surface including a concave portion having a curvature selected to
support the digits of the wearer's foot in a dorsiflexed position
relative to the metatarsals.
7. A shoe having an upper and a foot supporting member, the foot
supporting member comprising: a substantially rigid member having a
dorsal surface and a plantar surface; the plantar surface having a
convex portion and an adjacent concave portion, the concave portion
extending forward past the tips of the digits and terminating
distally at a downwardly projecting balance-thrust member; the
plantar surface convex portion including a curved angular
displacement surface below the sesamoid apparatus of the first
metatarsal phalangeal joint and defining a first axis of rotation
of the foot; and, the balance-thrust member defining a second axis
of rotation of the foot forward of the wearer's foot.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.
provisional patent application No. 60/242,742, filed on Oct. 23,
2000. The priority of the prior application is expressly claimed
and its disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to athletic shoe technology.
More particularly, to systems and methods for various forms of
energy-translating soles, or platforms, which are incorporated into
footwear and are designed to more effectively transfer
gravitational, inertial and ground reaction forces into linear
momentum thereby promoting a more efficient running technique.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Athletic shoe technology has undergone a revolution over the
past thirty years, particularly in regards to improvements in
running shoes, both for the professional and casual user. In
general, the majority of advancements in running shoe technology
have largely centered around support, shock absorption and energy
efficiency. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,948 describes an
athletic shoe sole having a lateral stability element to provide
improved lateral support during heel-strike. U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,247,742 and 5,297,349 describe a cushioning sole for athletic
shoes having a pronation control device incorporated into the
midsole in order to increase the resistance to compression of the
midsole from the lateral side to a maximum along the medial side,
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,779 describes an athletic shoe having an
inflatable tongue or bladder for a more secure fit.
[0006] A major focus in athletic shoe technology has centered on
shock absorption. A number of patents describe various systems for
shock absorption, such as air channels, miniature pumps, hydraulic
systems, gas-filled bladders, elastomeric foam elements, pneumatic
inflation devices and spring elements. The following are
illustrative of such technologies: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,598,645,
4,535,553, 5,325,964, 5,353,523, 5,839,209, 5,983,529 and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,763,426.
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention are distinct from the
athletic shoe technologies pertaining to additional support or
shock absorption described above in that systems and methods of the
present invention focus on improving running efficiency.
[0008] There have been several shoe systems related to increasing
energy efficiency during running, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,902,
which describes a thrust-producing shoe comprising a sole having
fluid-filled cavities located in the heel and metatarsal portions
with passageways interconnecting the fluid-filled cavities. As the
heel cavity is compressed, fluid is forced through the passageways
into the metatarsal cavities thereby providing shock absorption and
forward thrust in the heel and metatarsal area.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,213 discloses a sporting shoe having an
auxiliary sole member that is relatively thick under the toe
portion and its outer surface is curved to form nearly a half
circle at the forward extremity of the toe section and the rearward
extremity at the ball of the foot is relatively flat. An additional
embodiment describes a plurality of recesses within the sole of the
shoe for housing a number of coil springs.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,460 describes a spring moderator for
articles of footwear, wherein a high modulus moderator is
positioned beneath the heel or forefoot with a cushioning medium
beneath the moderator. The spring moderator operates to absorb,
redistribute and store the energy of localized loads.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,030 provides an energy efficient running
shoe having an energy-transmission mechanism in the heel portion of
the sole to transmit the mechanical energy of heel impact to the
storage/thrust mechanism in the front sloe portion, where it is
stored and released during thrust. A number of embodiments are
described having sophisticated systems employing lever arms, coils
springs, hydraulic assemblies and the like for capturing and
transferring mechanical energy.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,476 discloses a running shoe having a
hard front sole for retaining gripping elements and, from the ball
to the shank of the foot, an upwardly extending support cup on the
outside of the shoe upper. The front sole extends into the shank
portion of the shoe and covers a support wedge member. The wedge
member extends from the ball of the foot to the shank and is
progressively thicker towards the rear portion of the shoe. The
wedge shaped member causes the foot to be brought into an extended
position for emphasizing contact with the ground with the front
outside ball region of the foot. This configuration serves to
increase running efficiency by keeping the heel in an elevated
position, which is the preferred attitude during sprinting.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,398 provides an article of footwear for
more efficient running and walking wherein the contour of the outer
sole at the heel is formed at a dihedral angle to the
medial/forefoot portions in order to delay the instant of initial
contact and thereby allow a longer length of foot flight and
correspondingly longer stride length. An additional embodiment
provides for friction management through materials selection,
surface coatings, or surface treatments designed to affect friction
across one or more interfaces between foot plantar surface and shoe
insole.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,145 describes a sculptured sole for an
athletic shoe comprising a plurality of forward support pads,
rearward support lands, a layer of flexible resilient elastic
material interconnecting various components, as well as a plurality
of channels, grooves, slots and the like, which complement the
natural flexing actions of the muscles of the heel, metatarsals and
toes of the foot.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,714 discloses a trampoline effect
athletic shoe having elastic return strips running across the sole
of the shoe and supported above the bottom surface in a gap between
the outersole and insole.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,172 relates to shoe soles of running
shoes, particularly for 100 m sprints and the like. The object of
the invention is to prevent the heel from touching the ground
during running and thereby prevent a decrease in running
efficiency. The sole comprises a thickly formed forefoot section
for receiving spikes. A Reinforcing member provided in the ball
region of the foot is integrated with reward-projecting medial and
lateral ribs to form a wedge-shaped plane extending toward the
heel. Medial and lateral ribs and reinforcing member form a
wedge-shaped inclined plane extending form the ball to the arch of
the foot, which serves to maintain the weight distribution of the
runner over the ball of the foot and hold the heel of the foot in
an elevated position.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,028 describes a spring-air shock
absorption and energy return device for shoes in which a shoe heel
insert is provided having a heel-shaped outer spring mechanism
which serves as an internal spring housing wherein a plurality of
compression springs are retained, and wherein the entire unit is
filled with a pressurized gas and hermetically sealed.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,87,568 pertains to an athletic shoe wherein
the sole has a rounded heel strike area and gently curved bottom
that gradually thins towards the toe section to permit the runner
to roll smoothly forward from the initial heel strike. Additional
embodiments further provide for a shock absorbing insert in the
heel section.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,544 provides athletic footwear wherein
the sole includes a foundation layer of semi-flexible material
attached to the upper and defining a plurality of stretch chambers,
a stretch layer and a thrustor layer attached to the stretch layer
such that interactions can occur between the foundation layer,
stretch layer and thrustor layer in response to compressive forces
applied thereto so as to convert and temporarily store energy
applied to regions of the sole by wearer's foot into mechanical
stretching of the portions of the stretch layer into stretch
chambers. The stored applied energy is thereafter retrieved in the
form of rebound of the stretched portions of the stretch layer and
portions of the thrustor layer.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,449 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,636 relates
to footwear having various forms of spring assemblies incorporated
into the sole, which serve to absorb shock and transfer energy.
[0021] While the prior art describes various systems for increasing
running efficiency, these systems do not employ the unique features
of the present invention. Rather than hydraulic or pneumatic
systems; mechanical spring and/or lever assemblies; resilient
elastic bands; alteration of the heel-strike region; or reinforcing
structures to maintain the heel in an elevated position, the
present invention provides systems and methods that promote
efficient running technique by providing a sole comprising a
specially designed foot-strike member and balance-thrust member,
which are integrated with a unique pivot and balance structure that
displaces the wearer's center of gravity when running, thereby
transferring gravitational, inertial and ground reaction forces, as
well as muscular tension generation into linear momentum. Systems
and methods of the present invention are an advance in the field of
athletic shoe technology by providing a specialized sole design for
redirecting the forces encountered during running into linear
momentum, while reducing the shock and trauma to the body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Systems and methods of the present invention provide
energy-translating soles, or platforms, for footwear, preferably
athletic footwear, designed to promote a more efficient running
technique. In one aspect, promoting a more efficient running
technique is facilitated by an energy-translating sole comprising
one or more of the following features: at least one foot-strike
member, one or more angular displacement members and at least one
balance-thrust member, as well as other conventional features.
[0023] In another aspect, systems and methods of the present
invention promote more efficient running technique by facilitating
foot-strike to occur at a point under and behind the runner's
center of gravity. This is accomplished by the foot-strike member,
angular displacement member and balance-thrust member working
cooperatively to displace the runner's center of gravity and
translate gravitational, inertial and ground reaction forces, as
well as muscular tension forces, into linear momentum.
[0024] In a further aspect, systems and methods of the present
invention provide one or more foot-strike members, which may be
situated in any location along the longitudinal axis (X axis) of
the energy-translating sole with a front zone extending into the
forefoot area and a rear zone optionally extending into the heel
section. Foot-strike member may encompass the entire heel to
forefoot sections, and/or any region there between. The medial and
lateral margins of foot-strike member may generally follow the
natural contours of the foot, and in embodiments wherein
foot-strike member extends rearwardly to the heel, foot-strike
member generally follows the contour of the heel.
[0025] In yet another aspect, angular displacement member is
generally located forward of foot-strike member, and is generally
positioned in the forefoot or metatarsal area of the foot. The
front margins of angular displacement member may extend well into
the toe section of sole with the rear margin optionally extending
along the longitudinal axis well into the arch section of the sole.
In a related aspect, various embodiments employ specially
configured angular displacement members to suit particular running
needs.
[0026] In another aspect, angular displacement member may have any
number and/or sort of traction-related features, such as, but not
limited to, grooves, channels, ribs, points, raised projections of
any sort, and the like.
[0027] In still yet another aspect, angular displacement member is
geometrically designed to provide a pivoting zone, preferably
running transversely in the Z-axis between medial and lateral
margins. Pivot zone may be located anywhere along the longitudinal
axis (X-axis) within angular displacement member depending upon the
particular embodiment. Preferred embodiments of the present
invention have pivoting zone encompassing the metatarsal region of
the foot rearward of the sesamoid bones of the first metatarsal
bone.
[0028] In a further aspect, systems and methods of the present
invention provide one or more balance-thrust members, which
generally encompass the toe section of the sole. Alternative
embodiments may provide at least one balance-thrust member further
comprising a plurality of traction facilitating members, such as
spikes, teeth, ridges, grooves and the like. Medial and lateral
margins of balance-thrust member generally follow the natural
contours of the anatomical features of the foot, but the overall
configuration and orientation of balance-thrust member varies with
each particular embodiment.
[0029] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a
plurality of embodiments specifically designed for different
running needs, which is partially dictated by the speed and
distance involved. Each particular embodiment has a unique
configuration and orientation of foot-strike member, angular
displacement member and balance-thrust members to accommodate the
unique biomechanical requirements of various types of running.
[0030]
[0031] Other aspects of the present invention provide systems and
methods to effectively displace the runner's center of gravity and
translate gravitational, inertial and ground reaction forces into
linear momentum. More specifically, systems and methods are
provided wherein the angle of displacement is directly related to
the type and speed of running, such that the faster the running
speed, the higher the angle of displacement and the more proximal
to the toe region the pivot zone of the angular displacement member
is oriented.
[0032] These and other objects, advantages, and features of this
invention will become apparent upon review of the following
specification and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1A shows a conventional shoe illustrating general
features of a running shoe typically found in the prior art.
[0034] FIG. 1B is a lateral perspective of the skeletal system of
the human foot depicting the various anatomical features in
relation to conventional footwear.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a stylized plantar view of one embodiment of an
athletic shoe sole of the present invention in spatial reference to
the human foot.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an athletic shoe
employing systems of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 4A is an alternative embodiment designed for distance
running.
[0038] FIG. 4B is an additional embodiment designed for
mid-distance running, such as a 1500 m race.
[0039] FIG. 4C shows yet another embodiment specifically designed
for short-distance sprints, such as a 100 m race.
[0040] FIGS. 5A-D illustrate the correlation of foot cycle, that is
from foot-strike to angular displacement point, to angle ( ) of
redirection of energy into maximum linear momentum for and
embodiment for short-distance sprints, such as a 100 m race (5A),
mid-to-long distance sprints, such as a 800 m race (5B),
mid-distance running, such as a 1,500 m race (5C) and long-distance
running, such as jogging (5D).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in
different forms, the specific embodiments shown in the figures and
described herein are presented with the understanding that the
description of various embodiments is to be considered an exemplary
of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit
the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.
[0042] FIG. 1A shows a generic form of footwear comprising an
upper, indicated generally as 10, a midsole 12, an outsole 14, and
an insole 16 on the interior lower surface of the footwear. The
shoe illustrated in FIG. 1A has a conventional shoelace 18 engaged
in eyelets 20. Upper 10 is partially split at the central, top
portion of the footwear wherein lies some form of closure system
24, such as a conventional tongue. Collar 22 is provided to support
the foot and/or ankle. Generally speaking, conventional shoes may
be divided into heel (A), arch (B), ball or forefoot (C) and toe
(D) regions. These elements of the footwear illustrated in FIG. 1A
are generally conventional. Athletic shoes of the present invention
comprise such conventional features, as well as others in
conjunction with a specially designed sole system. FIG. 1B is a
lateral perspective of the skeletal system of the human foot
wherein the heel (A), arch (B), ball (C) and toe (D) regions of a
conventional shoe align, in a general sense, with the anatomical
structures depicted therein.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows a stylized plantar view of one embodiment of an
athletic shoe sole, namely an energy-translating sole 100 of the
present invention, in spatial reference to the human foot. FIG. 3
depicts a cross-sectional side view of the same embodiment. In the
broadest sense, systems and methods of the present invention
provide an energy-translating sole, or simply referred to herein as
a sole, incorporated into shoes, preferably athletic shoes,
comprising one or more of the following features: at least one
foot-strike member 102, one or more angular displacement members
104 and at least one balance-thrust member 106. As illustrated,
there may be considerable overlap of the various members 102, 104,
106, but in alternative embodiments, members 102, 104, 106, may not
necessarily have appreciable overlap. In general, systems and
methods of the present invention promote more efficient running
technique by facilitating foot-strike to occur at a point under and
behind the runner's center of gravity. Foot-strike member 102,
angular displacement member 104 and balance-thrust member 106 work
cooperatively to displace the runner's center of gravity and
translate gravitational, inertial and ground reaction forces, as
well as muscular tension forces, into linear momentum.
[0044] As will be described in greater detail below, systems and
methods of the present invention provide a plurality of embodiments
specifically designed for different running needs, which is
partially dictated by the speed and distance involved. The
particular embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 comprises footwear
designed for running a mid-to-long distance sprint, such as a 400 m
race. It is understood that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and
3 are merely illustrative of the general principles of the present
invention and are not meant to be limiting in any respect.
[0045] Foot-strike member 102 is generally made of any conventional
dense, semi-deformable, wear resistant material, such as synthetic
polymers and plastics of any sort, having sufficient compliance and
resiliency features to adequately absorb a relative portion of
impact forces imparted to the shoe and body of the runner upon
initial contact with a supporting surface. Various embodiments of
the present invention may employ materials that are more suitable
for that particular application. For example, an embodiment for
distance running may utilize a material for foot-strike member 102
having greater indices of compliancy and resiliency than an
embodiment for sprinting. Foot-strike member 102 comprises a front
zone 112 extending towards toe section 126 and a rear zone 114
extending towards heel section 120. In preferred embodiments, front
zone of foot-strike member 112 is arcuately formed to follow the
natural anatomical features of the foot, but alternative
embodiments also include additional configurations (DT--IDEAS?) and
foot-strike member rear zone 114 generally follows the anatomical
margins of the foot, such as the arch and heel. Foot-strike member
102 may be situated in any location along the longitudinal axis (X
axis) of sole 100 with front zone 112 extending into forefoot
section 124 rear zone 114 extending into heel section 120 and may
encompass the entire heel 120 to forefoot 124 sections, and/or any
region there between. The medial 108 and lateral 110 margins of
foot-strike member 102 generally follow the natural contours of the
foot, and in embodiments wherein foot-strike member 102 extends
rearwardly to the heel, foot-strike member 102 generally follows
the contour of the heel.
[0046] Foot-strike member 102 may be of a singular uniform molded
composition or alternatively, be provided in a layered or composite
configuration. Plantar surface 116 of foot-strike member 102 may be
integral with and/or adjacent to any conventional outsole having
any number and/or type of traction-related features, such as, but
not limited to, grooves, channels, ribs, points, raised projections
of any sort, and the like. Furthermore, foot-strike member 102 may
further comprise any conventional pneumatic and/or hydraulic cells,
bladders, chambers and the like to further facilitate and control
shock absorption.
[0047] The configuration, dimensions and preferred construction
materials of foot-strike member 102, as well as angular
displacement member 104 and balance-thrust member 106, is largely
dependent upon the particular embodiment. The embodiment presented
in FIGS. 2 and 3 show foot-strike member 102 having a generalized
elliptical form having a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 10 cm, with
front zone 112 tapering towards, and transitioning with and/or into
angular displacement member 104 and rear zone 114 tapering and
transitioning with and/or into one or more support bases 158.
Naturally, the tapered ends of foot-strike member may fall outside
the provided ranges. Support base 158 may be may be integral with
and/or adjacent to any conventional outsole having any number
and/or type of traction-related features, such as, but not limited
to, grooves, channels, ribs, points, raised projections of any
sort, and the like.
[0048] Angular displacement member 104 is located forward, towards
forefoot 124 and toe regions 126, of foot-strike member and is
generally positioned in the forefoot or metatarsal area 124 of the
foot. Front zone 128 of angular displacement member 104 is
generally arcuately designed and may extend well into toe section
126 of sole 100 and rear zone 130 of angular displacement member
104 may extend along the longitudinal axis well into arch section
122 of sole 100.
[0049] Alternative embodiments envision angular displacement member
104 being more compact, that is, encompassing less surface area,
and more discreetly positioned over the metatarsal and/or
metatarsal-phalanges areas of the foot. Dorsal surface 134 of
angular displacement member 104 is integrated with or fixedly
adhered to support base 158. Plantar surface 132 of rear zone 130
of angular displacement member 104 is fixedly integrated with
and/or adhered to dorsal surface 118 of front tapering zone 112 of
foot-strike member 102, such that a relatively smooth transition
between foot-strike 102 and angular displacement 104 members is
achieved and a strong, permanent bond or integral component is
provided. In preferred embodiments, plantar surface 132 of angular
displacement member 104 may have any number and/or sort of
traction-related features, such as, but not limited to, grooves,
channels, ribs, points, raised projections of any sort, and the
like. Medial 136 and lateral 138 margins of angular displacement
member 104 generally follow the natural anatomical profile of the
foot and, preferably, flow smoothly into respective medial 108 and
lateral 110 margins of foot-strike member 102.
[0050] Angular displacement member 104 is geometrically designed to
provide a pivoting zone 140, preferably running transversely in the
Z-axis between medial 136 and lateral 138 margins. Preferred
embodiments of the present invention have pivoting zone 140 in the
forefoot 124 region, and more preferably encompassing the
metatarsal region of the foot rearward of the sesamoid bones of the
first metatarsal bone, generally defined by circle 142. Pivot zone
140 may be located anywhere along the longitudinal axis (X-axis)
within angular displacement member 104 depending upon the
particular embodiment. Pivot zone 140 may be variously shaped, but
in preferred embodiments, is arcuately formed to follow the natural
curvature and anatomical structures of the foot, such as, but not
limited to, the metatarsal-phalanges articulations, as well as
accommodate and exploit the natural lateral to medial rolling of
the foot during running. Systems and methods of the present
invention are designed to promote more efficient running technique
by facilitating foot-strike to occur at a point under and behind
the runner's center of gravity. Foot-strike member 102, angular
displacement member 104 and balance-thrust member 106 work
cooperatively to displace the runner's center of gravity and
translate gravitational, inertial and ground reaction forces, as
well as muscular tension forces into linear momentum.
[0051] Front zone of angular displacement member 128 is integral
with, and/or fixedly adhered to, rear section 148 of balance-thrust
member 106 in an overlapping or abutting manner. Balance-thrust
member 106 is located forward (i.e., towards toe section 126) of
angular displacement member 104 and generally encompasses the front
part of forefoot section 124 and all of toe section 126 of sole
100. Depending upon the particular embodiment, balance-thrust
member 106 may be formed of semi-deformable material or essentially
non-deformable material, but in general, comprises a material
having relatively less compliancy and resiliency than that of
foot-strike member 102, such as conventional synthetic polymers
and/or plastics, such that significant levels of kinetic and
mechanical energy are not overly dampened by deformation of the
material. In select embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3,
as well as others, balance-thrust member 106 may be provided with a
plurality of traction-facilitating elements projecting from plantar
surface 150, such as, but not limited to, spikes, teeth, cleats,
ridges and the like. Such traction-facilitating elements may be
fixedly connected to, and/or releasably integrated with, and/or
integrally formed from balance-thrust member 106 by any
conventional methods. Choice of construction materials for
balance-thrust member 106 should have sufficient hardness, as
determined by conventional methods, to retain traction-facilitating
elements and effectively transmit forces from sole 100 to
supporting surface and vice versa.
[0052] Front zone 146 of balance-thrust member 106 extends up to,
and in select embodiments, extends beyond, the phalanges distal
margin of the first metatarsal bone. Front zone 146 of
balance-thrust member 106 ends in a termination point 160, which
may be in the form of traction facilitating members, such as
spikes, teeth, ridges, grooves and the like, depending upon the
particular embodiment. Termination point 160 may be variously
located long the longitudinal axis (X-axis) of sole 100. For
example, FIG. 2 depicts a shoe designed for mid-to-long distance
sprinting and has termination point 160 at a downward-projecting
angle and extending somewhat beyond the forward perimeter of
support base 158 and upper 10, but other embodiments, such as a
distance shoe and/or jogging shoe, may have termination point
extend even further beyond the forward perimeter of support base
158 and upper 10 and not have as pronounced a downward projecting
angle. Medial 154 and lateral 156 margins of balance-thrust member
106 generally follow the natural contours of the anatomical
features of the foot. As with other aspects of the present
invention, plantar surface 150 area of balance-thrust member varies
with each particular embodiment. For purposes of example, select
embodiments, such as in FIG. 2, lateral margin 156 may define a
more focused balance-thrust member, that is, delineate plantar
surface 150 area of balance-thrust member 106 to encompass the
first through fourth metatarsal-phalanges areas of the foot, such
that horizontal propulsive forces at toe-off are effectively
focused on the most relevant parts of the foot.
[0053] FIGS. 4A-C depict various embodiments of the present
invention. As previously mentioned, systems and methods of the
present invention are variously configured to accommodate different
types of running, such as, but not limited to, long-distance
running or jogging (FIG. 4A), intermediate distances, such as 1,500
m racing (FIG. 4B), mid-to-long distance sprints, such as 400 m
racing (described in detail above and in FIGS. 2 and 3), and
short-distance sprints, such as 100 m racing (FIG. 4C).
[0054] Kinesiological analysis of running has demonstrated
different types and speeds of running involve different
biomechanics. During a running cycle involving a heel-strike, such
as jogging, various portions of the foot undergo a number of
movements and are exposed to various forces. When foot-strike, that
is heel-strike, is initiated, the foot is in supination and as
contact progresses pronation permits partial absorption of impact
forces. As the foot transitions from mid-support to takeoff,
resupination, or transfer to the lateral ball portion of the foot
occurs as the foot becomes a rigid lever. The continuous motion
transfers from lateral to the medial ball of the foot as the foot
accelerates through toe-off. In contrast, during sprinting, the
ground strike occurs in the forefoot or metatarsal area of the foot
and the point of impact tends to be under or slightly behind their
center of gravity. As a result, this form of running has less of
the deceleration phase associated with heel-strike running and
propels the body mass forward more efficiently.
[0055] Systems and methods of the present invention provide a range
of embodiments to accommodate these biomechanical requirements. In
general, the angle of displacement is directly related to the type
and speed of running. In short, the faster the running speed, the
higher the angle of displacement, as depicted by pivot zone profile
170, and the more proximal to the toe region 126 the pivot zone 140
is oriented. These salient points are most clearly illustrated by
contrasting respective foot-strike 102', 102'", angular
displacement 104', 104'" and balance-thrust members 106', 106'" in
a distance-running embodiment ("running shoe"- FIG. 4A) versus a
short-sprint embodiment ("sprinting shoe"- FIG. 4C). As clearly
illustrated, the distance-running shoe presented in FIG. 4A has a
more extensive foot-strike member 102', with rear zone 114' of
foot-strike member 102' extending to completely encompass heel
section 120, and is substantially thicker to more effectively
absorb impact forces, whereas the embodiment designed for sprinting
illustrated in FIG. 4C, has a limited foot-strike member 102'" with
rear zone 114'" of foot-strike member 102'" extending from the
forward section of the arch region 122 into the forefoot region
124. Foot-strike member 102'" of the embodiment designed for
sprinting is oriented to accommodate a running style wherein
initial contact with the supporting surface is predominantly in the
forefoot area of the foot. Angular displacement member 104' of the
distance shoe has a lower pivot area profile 107' as compared to
the angular displacement member 104'" of the sprinting shoe's pivot
area profile 170'". Additionally, angular displacement member apex
172 for the running shoe is located relatively rearward along the
longitudinal axis (X-axis) in relation to angular displacement
member apex 176 for the sprinting shoe. Furthermore, balance-thrust
member 106' of running shoe encompasses a greater surface area of
toe section 126, and in some embodiments, front zone 160' may
extend beyond toe section of upper, whereas, balance-thrust member
106'" of sprinting shoe encompasses comparatively less surface
area.
[0056] During a running cycle, as the initial foot-strike makes
contact with the supporting surface, there is a certain amount of
supination and the foot is slightly ahead of the center of mass,
which serves to minimize deceleration forces and to preserve linear
forward momentum. The talocalcaneal, or subtalar, joint plays a
major role in converting the rotary forces of the lower extremity
into forward motion. In operation, systems and methods of the
present invention build upon these natural movements by assisting
foot-strike to occur at a point under and behind the center of
gravity.
[0057] Following contact with the surface, the support phase is
initiated, wherein the runner's body mass is fully supported. As
the knee flexes to absorb impact forces and support the runner, the
ankle plantar flexes and the subtalar joint pronates, causing heel
pronation. Heel pronation permits absorption of compressive shock
forces, torque conversion, adjustment to uneven ground contours and
maintenance of balance. Eccentric tension in the posterior
tibialis, soleus and gastrocnemius muscles cause deceleration of
subtalar joint pronation and lower extremity internal rotation.
Pronation reaches its maximum during this time and resupination is
initiated to permit the foot to pass through its neutral position
at the midpoint of the support phase. When the runner's center of
mass is at its lowest position, a maximum vertical force is
actively generated and transmitted to the supporting surface by the
muscles and is often referred to as the active vertical force peak.
This active vertical force peak typically reaches 2 to 8 times body
weight, depending on the speed of the runner. It is during the
support phase that angular displacement member 104, and more
particularly, pivot region 140, engage supporting surface,
initiating displacement of the runner's center of gravity. Systems
and methods of the present invention serve to minimize the support
phase, thereby conserving biomechanical energy by limiting energy
lost to the supporting surface. Furthermore, embodiments of the
present invention reduce shock and trauma to the runner by
redirecting gravitational and inertial forces into linear
momentum.
[0058] The support phase continues until the heel begins to rise
into takeoff during the recovery phase. Generally speaking, the
recovery phase is the stage of running in which muscular tension
exerts vertical and horizontal forces to the support surface to
propel the runner forward. During this time the foot converts from
a shock-absorbing structure to a rigid lever for forward
propulsion, which is largely due to changes in position of the
subtalar and midtarsal joints, and in particular, supination of the
subtalar joint . As the knee joint extends, the lower extremity
rotates externally, the calcaneus inverts, the midtarsal joint
locks and the foot becomes a rigid lever. The propulsive force is a
thrust backward and downward resulting from a combination of hip
extension, knee extension and ankle plantar flexion. During the
recovery phase, the rotational movement of the runner's foot
undergoes a second rotational movement as the runner rolls through
angular displacement and balance-thrust members 104, 106,
respectively, incurring greater angular acceleration and thereby
further displacing the runner's center of gravity forward and
translating gravitational, inertial, ground reaction, and muscular
tension forces into linear momentum.
[0059] These principles are more clearly presented in FIGS. 5A-D,
which illustrate the correlation of a foot cycle, herein defined as
being from initial foot-strike to angular displacement point, to
angle of redirection of energy ( ) into maximum linear momentum. In
general, the angle of displacement required for maximal redirection
of energy is directly related to the type and speed of running and
the faster the running speed, the greater the angle of displacement
becomes. For example, embodiments designed for short-distance
sprints, such as a 100 m race (FIG. 5A) have a comparatively low
foot cycle radius (r), whereas embodiments designed for
long-distance running (FIG. 5D) have a relatively large foot cycle
radius (r'"). Furthermore, foot cycle radius (r) is inversely
proportional to the angle of redirection of energy ( ). In other
words, embodiments designed for short-distance sprinting (FIG. 5A)
require a larger angular displacement profile 170.
[0060] While in the foregoing specification this invention has been
described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and
many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is
susceptible to various changes and modification as well as
additional embodiments and that certain of the details described
herein may be varied considerably without departing from the basic
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *