U.S. patent application number 11/198944 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for shoe bottom heel portion.
This patent application is currently assigned to Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II. Invention is credited to Eval Akhidime.
Application Number | 20070028484 11/198944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37716314 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070028484 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Akhidime; Eval |
February 8, 2007 |
Shoe bottom heel portion
Abstract
In a shoe bottom heel portion, an upper midsole of a heel
portion includes a central bulge and peripherally arranged pillars,
a lower midsole includes a central mound opposing the bulge and
peripherally arranged sockets receiving said pillars, and a thin,
stiff shank extending rearward from the arch portion of the shoe
bottom is bonded to the central bulge and to the central mound.
Cavities are formed surrounding the central mound and openings are
formed between the contacts. Through bending as well as
compression, the upper and lower midsole and the shank cooperate to
absorb impact. Optionally, the contacts are simplified and
flattened. Optionally, the shank is omitted. Optionally, either of
the mound and the bulge is omitted or substituted for the
other.
Inventors: |
Akhidime; Eval; (Playa del
Rey, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL A. LERNER, ESQ.;Kleinberg & Lerner, LLP
Suite 1080
2049 Century Park East
Los Angeles
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II
|
Family ID: |
37716314 |
Appl. No.: |
11/198944 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/28 ;
36/76R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/181
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/028 ;
036/076.00R |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18; A43B 23/22 20060101 A43B023/22 |
Claims
1. A shoe bottom heel portion, comprising of: an upper midsole
forming a central bulge; a lower midsole forming a central mound; a
shank bonded to said central bulge and to said central mound; and a
plurality of contacts of said upper midsole with said lower
midsole, said contacts being arranged peripherally, said contacts
including projections of one of said upper midsole and said lower
midsole and indentations of the other of said upper midsole and
said lower midsole, whereby said indentations receive respective
ones of said projections.
2. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
upper midsole has a first edge, said lower midsole has a second
edge, and said second edge at least partially surrounds and
embraces said first edge.
3. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
contacts are substantially permanent.
4. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
contacts are adhesive.
5. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
upper midsole and said lower midsole each includes an injection or
compression molded portion.
6. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
upper midsole and said lower midsole each includes a piece formed
of EVA or TPU.
7. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
upper midsole is formed of EVA of approximately 65 shore C
durometer hardness, and said lower midsole is formed of TPU.
8. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein at
least one of said contacts includes a load transferring area
surrounding said indentation and said projection thereof.
9. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, said upper
midsole and said lower midsole having opposing concave forms
intermediate said contacts, thereby forming peripheral openings
intermediate said contacts.
10. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, said upper
midsole and said lower midsole having opposing concave forms
proximate said central bulge and said central mound, said shank
conforming to said upper midsole, thereby forming at least one
cavity between said upper midsole and said lower midsole.
11. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 10, wherein
said at least one cavity opens at said first edge and second
edge.
12. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 10, wherein
said upper midsole and said shank extend forward beyond said lower
midsole.
13. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 12, wherein a
pair of said contacts is located forward of said central mound, one
laterally, the other medially, and wherein said lower midsole
includes a front edge indented rearward from said pair of contacts
to said central mound.
14. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said shank contacts said central mound over a first surface area,
said shank contacts said central bulge over a second surface area,
and said second surface area is at least twice said first surface
area.
15. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said shank contacts said central mound over a first surface area,
said shank contacts said central bulge over a second surface area,
and said second surface area is at least four times said first
surface area.
16. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said shank contacts said central mound over a first surface area,
said shank contacts said central bulge over a second surface area,
and said second surface area is at least eight times said first
surface area.
17. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 16, wherein
said central bulge is formed of a material having a first
stiffness, said central mound is formed of a material having a
second stiffness substantially greater than said first stiffness,
and said shank is formed of a material having a third stiffness
substantially greater than said second stiffness.
18. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 17, wherein
said central bulge is formed of 65 shore C durometer hardness EVA,
said central mound is formed of TPU, and said shank is formed of a
hard urethane resin.
19. A shoe bottom heel portion, comprising of: an upper midsole
forming a central bulge; a lower midsole forming a central mound;
and a shank bonded to said central bulge and to said central
mound.
20. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, wherein
said upper midsole has a first edge, said lower midsole has a
second edge, and said second edge at least partially surrounds and
embraces said first edge.
21. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, wherein
said upper midsole and said lower midsole each includes an
injection or compression molded portion.
22. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, wherein
said upper midsole and said lower midsole each includes a piece
formed of EVA or TPU.
23. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, wherein
said upper midsole is formed of EVA of approximately 65 shore C
durometer hardness, and said lower midsole is formed of TPU.
24. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, said upper
midsole and said lower midsole having opposing concave forms
proximate said central bulge and said central mound, said shank
conforming to said upper midsole, thereby forming at least one
cavity between said upper midsole and said lower midsole.
25. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 23, wherein
said at least one cavity opens at said first edge and second
edge.
26. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, wherein
said upper midsole and said shank extend forward beyond said lower
midsole.
27. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, said upper
midsole extends forward beyond said lower midsole medially and
laterally, and wherein said lower midsole includes a front edge
indented rearward centrally to said central mound.
28. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, wherein
said shank contacts said central mound over a first surface area,
said shank contacts said central bulge over a second surface area,
and said second surface area is at least twice said first surface
area.
29. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, wherein
said shank contacts said central mound over a first surface area,
said shank contacts said central bulge over a second surface area,
and said second surface area is at least four times said first
surface area.
30. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 19, wherein
said shank contacts said central mound over a first surface area,
said shank contacts said central bulge over a second surface area,
and said second surface area is at least eight times said first
surface area.
31. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 29, wherein
said central bulge is formed of a material having a first
stiffness, said central mound is formed of a material having a
second stiffness substantially greater than said first stiffness,
and said shank is formed of a material having a third stiffness
substantially greater than said second stiffness.
32. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 30, wherein
said central bulge is formed of 65 shore C durometer hardness EVA,
said central mound is formed of TPU, and said shank is formed of a
hard urethane resin.
33. A shoe bottom heel portion, comprising: an upper midsole; a
lower midsole; and a plurality of contacts of said upper midsole
with said lower midsole.
34. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, wherein
said plurality of contacts are arranged peripherally.
35. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, wherein
said plurality of contacts include projections of one of said upper
midsole and said lower midsole and indentations of the other of
said upper midsole and said lower midsole.
36. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 35, wherein
said indentations receive respective ones of said projections.
37. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, wherein
said upper midsole has a first edge, said lower midsole has a
second edge, and said second edge at least partially surrounds and
embraces said first edge.
38. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, wherein
said contacts are substantially permanent.
39. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, wherein
said contacts are adhesive.
40. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, wherein
said upper midsole and said lower midsole each includes an
injection or compression molded portion.
41. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, wherein
said upper midsole and said lower midsole each includes a piece
formed of EVA or TPU.
42. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, wherein
said upper midsole is formed of EVA of approximately 65 shore C
durometer hardness, and said lower midsole is formed of TPU.
43. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, wherein at
least one of said contacts includes a load transferring area
surrounding said indentation and said projection thereof.
44. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 33, said upper
midsole and said lower midsole having opposing concave forms
intermediate said contacts, thereby forming peripheral openings
intermediate said contacts.
45. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 42, said upper
midsole and said lower midsole having opposing concave forms, one
of said upper midsole and said lower midsole having a central
bulge, the other thereof having a central mound opposing and
proximate said central bulge, thereby forming at least one cavity
between said upper midsole and said lower midsole.
46. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 44, wherein
said at least one cavity opens at said first edge and second
edge.
47. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 42, wherein
said upper midsole extends forward beyond said lower midsole.
48. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 46, wherein a
pair of said contacts is located forward of said central mound, one
laterally, the other medially, and wherein said lower midsole
includes a front edge indented rearward from said pair of contacts
to said central mound.
49. A shoe bottom heel portion, comprising: an upper midsole; a
lower midsole; and a plurality of contacts of said upper midsole
with said lower midsole, said contacts being arranged peripherally,
said contacts including projections of one of said upper midsole
and said lower midsole and indentations of the other of said upper
midsole and said lower midsole, and said indentations receive
respective ones of said projections.
50. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 49, wherein
said upper midsole has a first edge, said lower midsole has a
second edge, and said second edge at least partially surrounds and
embraces said first edge.
51. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 49, wherein
said contacts are substantially permanent.
52. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 49, wherein
said contacts are adhesive.
53. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 49, wherein
said upper midsole and said lower midsole each includes an
injection or compression molded portion.
54. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 49, wherein
said upper midsole and said lower midsole each includes a piece
formed of EVA or TPU.
55. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 49, wherein
said upper midsole is formed of EVA of approximately 65 shore C
durometer hardness, and said lower midsole is formed of TPU.
56. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 49, wherein at
least one of said contacts includes a load transferring area
surrounding said indentation and said projection thereof.
57. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 49, said upper
midsole and said lower midsole having opposing concave forms
intermediate said contacts, thereby forming peripheral openings
intermediate said contacts.
58. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 55, said upper
midsole and said lower midsole having opposing concave forms, one
of said upper midsole and said lower midsole having a central
bulge, the other thereof having a central mound opposing and
proximate said central bulge, thereby forming at least one cavity
between said upper midsole and said lower midsole.
59. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 57, wherein
said at least one cavity opens at said first edge and second
edge.
60. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 55, wherein
said upper midsole extends forward beyond said lower midsole.
61. A shoe bottom heel portion as set forth in claim 59, wherein a
pair of said contacts is located forward of said central mound, one
laterally, the other medially, and wherein said lower midsole
includes a front edge indented rearward from said pair of contacts
to said central mound.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to footwear, more particularly
to shoe bottoms for active and sport footwear, and especially to
shock-absorbing heel portions.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The modern consumer of sport footwear expects support,
comfort and impact absorption in a tastefully ornamented product.
Footwear designers have responded with products combining new
materials, conspicuously displayed performance engineering
features, and a profusion of new ornamental shapes, colors and
textures. The Shox.RTM. brand footwear offered by the Nike
Corporation and the Wave Creation.RTM. brand footwear offered by
the Mizuno Corporation exemplify this response to consumer demand.
As the public grows more sophisticated in its perception of
footwear design features, designers will be driven toward greater
refinement in how they blend mechanical and ornamental functions in
every structural element of a product.
[0005] The present invention recognizes and addresses a particular
need for such refinement by providing a visually appealing
laminated heel shoe bottom heel portion which absorbs impact
comfortably over the lifetime of the product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a shoe
bottom heel portion with cushioning and improved durability.
[0007] In accordance with this object and with others which will be
described and which will become apparent, a preferred exemplary
embodiment of a shoe bottom heel portion in accordance with the
present invention includes an upper midsole forming a central
bulge; a lower midsole forming a central mound; a shank bonded to
the central bulge and to the central mound; and a plurality of
contacts of the upper midsole with the lower midsole. The contacts
are arranged peripherally. Each contact includes a projection,
either of the upper midsole or of the lower midsole, and also
includes an indentation, in the lower or upper midsole,
respectively. Each indentation receives a corresponding projection.
This cooperation of the projections and indentations gives each
contact a large surface area for adhesion and also reduces the
likelihood of lateral displacement of the upper midsole relative to
the lower midsole.
[0008] The upper midsole may have a first edge, the lower midsole
may have a second edge, with the second edge at least partially
surrounding and embracing the first edge to increase adhesion area
between the two and to resist lateral displacement.
[0009] The contacts may be substantially permanent and may be
bonded by an adhesive.
[0010] At least one of the upper midsole and the lower midsole
includes an injection or compression molded portion, which may be,
for example, formed of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or
thermoplastic urethane (TPU). In a preferred embodiment, the upper
midsole is formed of EVA of approximately 65 shore C durometer
hardness and the lower midsole is formed of TPU.
[0011] At least one of the contacts may include a load transferring
area surrounding the indentation and the projection thereof.
[0012] The upper midsole and the lower midsole may have opposing
concave forms intermediate the contacts, thereby forming peripheral
openings intermediate the contacts. The openings enable the upper
midsole and the lower midsole to bend and move closer together in
order to cushion a wearer's footsteps.
[0013] The upper midsole and the lower midsole may have opposing
concave forms proximate the central bulge and the central mound,
thereby forming cavities between the upper midsole and the lower
midsole. The cavities enable the upper midsole and the lower
midsole to bend and move closer together in order to cushion a
wearer's heel strike. The cavities may communicate with the
peripheral openings at the first edge and second edge, between the
contacts.
[0014] The upper midsole and the shank may extend forward beyond
the lower midsole. A pair of the contacts may be located forward of
the central mound, one laterally, the other medially, with the
lower midsole including a front edge indented rearward from the
pair of contacts to the central mound.
[0015] The shank may contact the central mound over a first surface
area and contact the central bulge over a second surface area, the
second surface area being at least twice, four times, or eight
times the first surface area.
[0016] The central bulge may be formed of a material having a first
stiffness, the central mound of a material having a second
stiffness substantially greater than the first stiffness, and the
shank formed of a material having a third stiffness substantially
greater than the second stiffness, whereby bending is utilized to
absorb impact. The central bulge may formed of 65 shore C durometer
hardness EVA, the central mound of TPU, and the shank of a hard
urethane resin.
[0017] Also in accordance with the invention, a first alternative
embodiment of a shoe bottom heel portion includes an upper midsole
forming a central bulge; a lower midsole forming a central mound;
and a shank bonded to the central bulge and to the central mound.
However, this first alternative embodiment does not include the
pillars and sockets that were described for the preferred exemplary
embodiment.
[0018] The upper midsole may have a first edge, the lower midsole
may have a second edge, and the second edge may at least partially
surround and embrace the first edge.
[0019] At least one of the upper midsole and the lower midsole may
include an injection or compression molded portion such as a piece
formed of EVA or TPU, particularly an upper midsole formed of EVA
of approximately 65 shore C durometer hardness and a lower midsole
formed of TPU.
[0020] The upper midsole and the lower midsole may have opposing
concave forms proximate the central bulge and the central mound,
the shank conforming to the upper midsole, forming at least one
cavity between the upper midsole and the lower midsole The cavity
may open at the first edge and second edge.
[0021] The upper midsole and the shank may extend forward beyond
the lower midsole.
[0022] The upper midsole may extend forward beyond the lower
midsole medially and laterally, and the lower midsole may include a
front edge indented rearward centrally to the central mound.
[0023] The shank may contact the central mound over a first surface
area and contact the central bulge over a second surface area, the
second surface area being at least twice, four times, or eight
times the first surface area.
[0024] The central bulge may be formed of a material having a first
stiffness, the central mound of a material having a second
stiffness substantially greater than the first stiffness, and the
shank formed of a material having a third stiffness hardness
equivalent to or greater than the second stiffness, whereby bending
is utilized to absorb impact.
[0025] The central bulge may formed of 65 shore C durometer
hardness EVA, the central mound of TPU, and the shank of a hard
urethane resin.
[0026] Also in accordance with the invention, a second alternative
embodiment of a shoe bottom heel portion includes an upper midsole
and a lower midsole, the upper midsole having a plurality of
contacts with the lower midsole, the contacts being arranged
peripherally, the contacts including projections of one of the
upper midsole and the lower midsole and indentations of the other
of the upper midsole and the lower midsole, the indentations
receive respective ones of the projections. However, this second
alternative embodiment does not include the shank inset and the
shank as described for the preferred exemplary embodiment, although
it may optionally include the central mound and central bulge as
described for that embodiment.
[0027] The upper midsole may have a first edge, the lower midsole
may have a second edge, and the second edge may at least partially
surround and embrace the first edge. The contacts may be
substantially permanent and may be adhesive.
[0028] At least one of the upper midsole and the lower midsole may
include an injection or compression molded portion, such as a piece
formed of EVA or TPU, and particularly an upper midsole formed of
EVA of approximately 65 shore C durometer hardness and a lower
midsole formed of TPU.
[0029] At least one of the contacts may include a load transferring
area surrounding the indentation and the projection thereof.
[0030] The upper midsole and the lower midsole may have opposing
concave forms intermediate the contacts, thereby forming peripheral
openings intermediate the contacts.
[0031] The upper midsole and the lower midsole may have opposing
concave forms, one of the upper midsole and the lower midsole
having a central bulge, the other thereof having a central mound
opposing and proximate the central bulge, forming at least one
cavity between the upper midsole and the lower midsole. The at
least one cavity may open at the first edge and second edge.
[0032] The upper midsole may extend forward beyond the lower
midsole. A pair of the contacts may be located forward of the
central mound, one laterally, the other medially, with lower
midsole including a front edge indented rearward from the pair of
contacts to the central mound.
[0033] It is an advantage of the present invention that a midsole
constructed of 65 shore C durometer hardness EVA, which is more
durable than 55-durometer EVA but which might be uncomfortably hard
in a solid shoe bottom, utilizes bending deformation to supplement
compression deformation to provide resistance which gently
increases with an increasing applied load. As a result, the shoe
bottom is both impact-absorbing and durable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of
the present invention, reference should be had to the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numbers and
wherein:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a right side elevational view of the shoe bottom
heel portion in accordance with the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view thereof;
[0037] FIG. 3 is an unfolded perspective view of the upper and
lower midsole portions and the shank portion thereof, the upper
midsole portion and the shank portion being inverted, the shank
portion and lower midsole portion being separated from the upper
midsole portion, the lower midsole portion being rotated;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a partially unfolded perspective view of the upper
midsole portion and shank portion thereof (together, inverted) and
the lower midsole portion thereof (separated and rotated);
[0039] FIGS. 5-7 are rear sectional views thereof taken along the
lines 5-5, 6-6, and 7-7 respectively in FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a right side cross sectional view thereof taken
along the line 8-8 in FIG. 2;
[0041] FIG. 9 is an unfolded perspective view of a first
alternative embodiment of a shoe bottom heel portion in accordance
with the present invention, the upper and lower midsole portions
and the shank portion thereof, the upper midsole portion and the
shank portion being inverted, the shank portion and lower midsole
portion being separated from the upper midsole portion, the lower
midsole portion being rotated;
[0042] FIG. 10 is a partially unfolded perspective view of the
upper midsole portion and shank portion of the first alternative
embodiment, (together, inverted) and the lower midsole portion
thereof (separated and rotated); and
[0043] FIG. 11 is an unfolded perspective view of the upper and
lower midsole portions of a second alternative embodiment of the
shoe bottom heel portion in accordance with the present invention,
the upper midsole portion portion being inverted, the lower midsole
portion being separated from the upper midsole portion, the lower
midsole portion being rotated.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] The invention will now be described with reference to FIG.
1, which illustrates in side view a preferred embodiment of a shoe
bottom heel portion in accordance with the present invention, shown
generally by the reference number 30 in a shoe 32 having a shoe
upper 34 and a shoe bottom 36 including a forefoot portion 38, an
arch portion 40 and a heel portion 42. The heel portion 42 is
assembled from discretely formed components including an outsole
44, a lower midsole 46 (also referred to as the "Truss Cradle"),
and an upper midsole 48. The arch portion 40 of the shoe bottom 36
includes a shank 50 which extends forward into the forefoot portion
38 and rearward into the heel portion 42, being inserted between
the lower midsole 46 and the upper midsole 48 in the heel portion
42. In the finished shoe bottom 36, the upper midsole 48, the shank
50, the lower midsole 46, and the outsole 44 are permanently bonded
together. The upper midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46 absorb
impact. The shank 50 supports the arch portion 40 and stiffens the
shoe bottom 36. The outsole 44 provides traction and resists
abrasion. Lenticular openings 94 are formed between the upper
midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a bottom plan view of the shoe bottom heel
portion 36 in accordance with the present invention in a shoe
bottom 36 having a forefoot portion 38, an arch portion 40, and a
heel portion 42 including the shank 50, the upper midsole 48, and
the lower midsole 46. The lower midsole 46 has two
downward-projecting ridges 80. The outsole 44 is permanently
attached to the lower midsole 46 between the ridges 80.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows an unfolded perspective view of the upper
midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46 of the shoe bottom 36 (the
upper midsole 48 being inverted, the lower midsole 46 being
uplifted and rotated). The shank 50 is also shown, separated from
the upper midsole 48. The heel portion 42 of the upper midsole 48
includes left and right forward pillars 52, left and right middle
pillars 54 and a rear pillar 56, these being arranged peripherally
about a central shank-adhering inset 58 including a smoothly convex
central bulge 60. The shank-adhering inset 58 extends forward,
between the left and right forward pillars 52, onto the arch
portion 40, and then spreads laterally onto the forefoot portion
38. A forward adhesion area 62 partially surrounds each forward
pillar 52. A middle adhesion area 64 adjoins each middle pillar 54.
A rear adhesion area 66 adjoins the rear pillar 56.
[0047] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the upper midsole 48 is
compression molded of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and has a 65
shore C durometer hardness, which is a higher value than the 55
durometer hardness that is commonly used in cushioning elements of
footwear. At a hardness of 65, the upper midsole 48 in this
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is stiffer and
harder, i.e., more resistant to compression, than it would be at a
hardness of 55. It is also more capable of retaining its originally
molded shape and dimensions for the lifetime of the product. In
particular, at a durometer hardness of 65, the forward pillars 52,
middle pillars 54, rear pillar 56 and central bulge 60 have greater
structural definition and durability than they would have at a
hardness of 55.
[0048] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the lower midsole 46
includes left and right forward sockets 68, left and right middle
sockets 70 and a rear socket 72, these being arranged peripherally,
and a truncated central mound 74 forming a shallow shank-adhering
cup 76. Between the forward sockets 68, the front edge 78 of the
lower midsole 46 is indented rearward to the cup 76. The lower
midsole 46 is injection molded of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and
is considerably harder and stiffer than the upper midsole 48.
[0049] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the shank 50 is shaped
to conform to the shank-adhering inset 58 of the upper midsole 48
and to the shank-adhering cup 76 of the lower midsole 46. The shank
50 is relatively thin, but is molded of a polymeric material
hardness equivalent to or greater than that of the lower midsole
46. The shank 50 includes upturned side portions 82 which stiffen
the upper midsole 48 in the arch portion 40. Additionally, the
shank 50 has high tensile strength. Thus, when bonded to the upper
midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46, the shank 50 cooperates with
those structures to provide increased stiffness.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 4 and also with reference to the rear
sectional views of FIGS. 5-7 and the side sectional view (inverted)
of FIG. 8, the upper midsole 48, the shank 50, the lower midsole
46, and the outsole 44 are permanently bonded together. The rear
socket 72 of the lower midsole 46 receives and is bonded to the
rear pillar 56 of the upper midsole 48. The rear adhesion area 66
abuts and is bonded to the lower midsole 46 adjacent the rear
socket 72. Each middle socket 70 receives and is bonded to the
corresponding middle pillar 54 of the upper midsole 48. Each middle
adhesion area 64 abuts and is bonded to the lower midsole 46
adjacent the corresponding middle socket 70. Each forward socket 68
receives and is bonded to the corresponding forward pillar 52 of
the upper midsole 48. Each forward adhesion area 62 abuts and is
bonded to the lower midsole 46 adjacent the corresponding forward
socket 68.
[0051] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, the rear pillar
56 and the rear adhesion area 66 cooperate with the rear socket 72
with the lower midsole 46 adjacent the rear socket 72 to form a
rear contact 88, represented as a region circumscribed by a dotted
oval in FIG. 8. In the rear contact 88, the rear adhesion area 66
and the rear pillar 56 provide substantial surface area for bonding
to the lower midsole 46, thereby resisting separation. Because the
rear pillar 56 projects into the rear socket 72, the rear contact
88 also resists lateral displacement of the upper midsole 48
relative to the lower midsole 46. Additionally, when a load is
applied to the heel portion 42 of the shoe bottom 36, the rear
contact 88 transfers a portion of that load to the lower midsole
46.
[0052] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 8 and also with
reference to FIG. 6, in similar manner, each middle pillar 54 and
each middle adhesion area 64 cooperate with the corresponding
middle socket 70 and with the lower midsole 46 adjacent the middle
socket 70 to form a middle contact 90; and each forward pillar 52
and each forward adhesion area 62 cooperate with the corresponding
forward socket 68 and with the lower midsole 46 adjacent the
forward socket 68 to form a forward contact 92. Also in similar
manner, separation and lateral displacement are resisted and loads
are transferred from the upper midsole 48 to the lower midsole
46.
[0053] With continued reference to FIG. 3 and to the inverted side
sectional view of FIG. 8, between each forward contact 92 and the
corresponding middle contact 90, and also between each middle
contact 90 and the rear contact 88, the opposed upper midsole 48
and lower midsole 46 form lenticular openings 94. Loads passing
from the upper midsole 48 to the lower midsole 46 via the forward
contacts 92, middle contacts 90 and rear contact 88 must bypass
these openings 94. As the loads increase, they not only compress
the upper midsole 48 and, to a far lesser extent, the lower midsole
46, but also bend both the upper midsole 48 and the lower midsole
46, forcing the gently concave, opposed upper midsole 48 and lower
midsole 46 into closer proximity and flattening the openings 94. By
bending under the load, the relatively hard 65 shore C durometer
hardness EVA upper midsole 48 cooperates with the even harder TPU
lower midsole 46 to provide a heel portion 42 which yields under
impact as if it contained a softer, 55-durometer upper midsole 48.
With a 65-durometer upper midsole 48 instead of 55-durometer, the
shoe bottom 36 will more likely retain its shape and bulk
characteristics over its lifetime. Thus, the shoe bottom 36 will
cushion a wearer's footsteps as well as the wearer might expect
from a shoe bottom 36 incorporating larger amounts of a softer
material.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 4-7, in the assembled shoe bottom
36, the shank 50 forms a shallow bowl 96 which is centered on and
bonded to the shank-adhering cup 76 of the lower midsole 46 and
which extends peripherally beneath and is bonded to the upper
midsole 48. Rearward and laterally of the shank-adhering cup 76,
the opposed upper midsole 48 and lower midsole 46 are gently
concave and form a cavity 98. When a load is applied to the heel
portion 42 of the shoe bottom 36, a major portion of that load
passes through the central bulge 60 of the upper midsole 48 into
the bowl 96 of the shank 50. The lower midsole 46 directly supports
the bowl 96 of the shank 50 only through the shank-adhering cup 76,
which is smaller than the bowl 96. Therefore, the central bulge 60
and the bowl 96 cooperate to concentrate a portion of the load from
the upper midsole 48 into the central mound 74 of the lower midsole
46. In the process, as a greater load is applied to the heel
portion 42, the bowl 96 of the shank 50 is bent so that it assumes
a shallower shape, the opposed upper midsole 48 and lower midsole
46 move into closer proximity, and the volume of the cavity 98
decreases. By bending under the load, the relatively hard 65 shore
C durometer hardness EVA central bulge 60 of the upper midsole 48
cooperates with the even harder lower midsole 46 and with the thin,
stiff bowl 96 of the shank 50 to allow the heel portion 42 to yield
under impact as if it contained a softer, 55-durometer upper
midsole 48. Thus, these structures cushion a wearer's footsteps as
well as the wearer might expect from a shoe bottom 36 incorporating
larger amounts of a softer material. With a 65-durometer upper
midsole 48 instead of 55-durometer, the shoe bottom 36 will more
likely retain its shape and bulk characteristics over its
lifetime.
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, it is noted that the front
edge 78 of the lower midsole 46 is indented rearward, between the
forward sockets 68, to the cup 76. The shank 50 extends forward
beyond the front edge 78 of the lower midsole 46, being bonded to
the upper midsole 48 in the arch portion 40. Consequently, as loads
are applied to the upper midsole 48 in the arch portion 40, the
shank 50 directs a portion of these loads rearward into the central
mound 74 and laterally into the forward contacts 92. Thus, the
shank 50, the upper midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46 cooperate
to resist deformation by supporting the arch portion 40, while at
the same time absorbing impact by yielding gradually with
increasing load on the arch portion 40.
[0056] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a first alternative embodiment of the
shoe bottom heel portion in accordance with the present invention,
which includes the central mound 74, cup 76, shank 50 and central
bulge 60 functioning as described for the preferred exemplary
embodiment, and which may have the same exterior appearance,
including lenticular openings 94 and a cavity 98. However, in this
first alternative embodiment, the contacts 88, 90 and 92 are
simplified and flattened and do not include the pillars 52, 54 and
56 and sockets 68, 70 and 72 described for the preferred exemplary
embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 9 shows an unfolded perspective view of the upper
midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46 of the shoe bottom 36 (the
upper midsole 48 being inverted, the lower midsole 46 being
uplifted and rotated). The shank 50 is also shown, separated from
the upper midsole 48. The heel portion 42 of the upper midsole 48
includes a central shank-adhering inset 58 including a smoothly
convex central bulge 60. The shank-adhering inset 58 extends
forward onto the arch portion 40, and then spreads laterally onto
the forefoot portion 38.
[0058] With continued reference to FIG. 9, the upper midsole 48 is
compression molded of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and has a 65
shore C durometer hardness, which is a higher value than the 55
durometer hardness that is commonly used in cushioning elements of
footwear. At a hardness of 65, the upper midsole 48 in this
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is stiffer and
harder, i.e., more resistant to compression, than it would be at a
hardness of 55. It is also more capable of retaining its originally
molded shape and dimensions for the lifetime of the product. In
particular, at a durometer hardness of 65, the central bulge 60 has
greater structural definition and durability than it would have at
a hardness of 55.
[0059] With continued reference to FIG. 9, the lower midsole 46
includes a truncated central mound 74 forming a shallow
shank-adhering cup 76. The front edge 78 of the lower midsole 46 is
indented centrally rearward to the cup 76. The lower midsole 46 is
injection molded of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and is
considerably harder and stiffer than the upper midsole 48.
[0060] With continued reference to FIG. 9, the shank 50 is shaped
to conform to the shank-adhering inset 58 of the upper midsole 48
and to the shank-adhering cup 76 of the lower midsole 46. The shank
50 is relatively thin, but is molded of a polymeric material with a
hardness equivalent to or greater than that of the lower midsole
46. The shank 50 includes upturned side portions 82 which stiffen
the upper midsole 48 in the arch portion 40. Additionally, the
shank 50 has high tensile strength. Thus, when bonded to the upper
midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46, the shank 50 cooperates with
those structures to provide increased stiffness.
[0061] With reference to FIG. 10, the upper midsole 48, the shank
50, the lower midsole 46, and the outsole 44 are permanently bonded
together.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, in the assembled shoe
bottom 36, the shank 50 forms a shallow bowl 96 which is centered
on and bonded to the shank-adhering cup 76 of the lower midsole 46
and which extends peripherally beneath and is bonded to the upper
midsole 48. Rearward and laterally of the shank-adhering cup 76,
the opposed upper midsole 48 and lower midsole 46 are gently
concave and form a cavity 98. When a load is applied to the heel
portion 42 of the shoe bottom 36, a major portion of that load
passes through the central bulge 60 of the upper midsole 48 into
the bowl 96 of the shank 50. The lower midsole 46 directly supports
the bowl 96 of the shank 50 only through the shank-adhering cup 76,
which is smaller than the bowl 96. Therefore, the central bulge 60
and the bowl 96 cooperate to concentrate a portion of the load from
the upper midsole 48 into the central mound 74 of the lower midsole
46. In the process, as a greater load is applied to the heel
portion 42, the bowl 96 of the shank 50 is bent so that assumes a
shallower shape, the opposed upper midsole 48 and lower midsole 46
move into closer proximity, and the volume of the cavity 98
decreases. By bending under the load, the relatively hard 65 shore
C durometer hardness EVA central bulge 60 of the upper midsole 48
cooperates with the even harder lower midsole 46 and with the thin,
stiff bowl 96 of the shank 50 to allow the heel portion 42 to yield
under impact as if it contained a softer, 55-durometer upper
midsole 48. Thus, these structures cushion a wearer's footsteps as
well as the wearer might expect from a shoe bottom 36 incorporating
larger amounts of a softer material. With a 65 shore C durometer
hardness upper midsole 48 instead of 55-durometer, the shoe bottom
36 will more likely retain its shape and bulk characteristics over
its lifetime.
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, it is noted that the front
edge 78 of the lower midsole 46 is indented rearward to the cup 76.
The shank 50 extends forward beyond the front edge 78 of the lower
midsole 46, being bonded to the upper midsole 48 in the arch
portion 40. Consequently, as loads are applied to the upper midsole
48 in the arch portion 40, the shank 50 directs a portion of these
loads rearward into the central mound 74. Thus, the shank 50, the
upper midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46 cooperate to resist
deformation by supporting the arch portion 40, while at the same
time absorbing impact by yielding gradually with increasing load on
the arch portion 40.
[0064] FIG. 11 shows a second alternative embodiment of the shoe
bottom heel portion in accordance with the present invention, which
does not include the shank inset 58 and the shank 50 as described
for the preferred exemplary embodiment. This second alternative
embodiment may optionally include the central mound 74 and central
bulge 60 as described for the preferred exemplary embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 11 shows an unfolded perspective view of the upper
midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46 of the shoe bottom 36 (the
upper midsole 48 being inverted, the lower midsole 46 being
uplifted and rotated). The heel portion 42 of the upper midsole 48
includes left and right forward pillars 52, left and right middle
pillars 54 and a rear pillar 56, these being arranged peripherally
about a smoothly convex central bulge 60. A forward adhesion area
62 partially surrounds each forward pillar 52. A middle adhesion
area 64 adjoins each middle pillar 54. A rear adhesion area 66
adjoins the rear pillar 56.
[0066] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the upper midsole 48 is
compression molded of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and has a 65
shore C durometer hardness, which is a higher value than the 55
durometer hardness that is commonly used in cushioning elements of
footwear. At a hardness of 65, the upper midsole 48 in this
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is stiffer and
harder, i.e., more resistant to compression, than it would be at a
hardness of 55. It is also more capable of retaining its originally
molded shape and dimensions for the lifetime of the product. In
particular, at a durometer hardness of 65, the forward pillars 52,
middle pillars 54, rear pillar 56 and central bulge 60 have greater
structural definition and durability than they would have at a
hardness of 55.
[0067] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the lower midsole 46
includes left and right forward sockets 68, left and right middle
sockets 70 and a rear socket 72, these being arranged peripherally,
and a truncated central mound 74. Between the forward sockets 68,
the front edge 78 of the lower midsole 46 is indented rearward to
the mound 74. The lower midsole 46 is injection molded of
thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and is considerably harder and stiffer
than the upper midsole 48.
[0068] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the upper midsole 48,
the lower midsole 46, and the outsole 44 are permanently bonded
together. The rear socket 72 of the lower midsole 46 receives and
is bonded to the rear pillar 56 of the upper midsole 48. The rear
adhesion area 66 abuts and is bonded to the lower midsole 46
adjacent the rear socket 72. Each middle socket 70 receives and is
bonded to the corresponding middle pillar 54 of the upper midsole
48. Each middle adhesion area 64 abuts and is bonded to the lower
midsole 46 adjacent the corresponding middle socket 70. Each
forward socket 68 receives and is bonded to the corresponding
forward pillar 52 of the upper midsole 48. Each forward adhesion
area 62 abuts and is bonded to the lower midsole 46 adjacent the
corresponding forward socket 68.
[0069] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the rear pillar 56 and
the rear adhesion area 66 cooperate with the rear socket 72 with
the lower midsole 46 adjacent the rear socket 72 to form a rear
contact 88, represented as a region circumscribed by a dotted oval
in FIG. 8. In the rear contact 88, the rear adhesion area 66 and
the rear pillar 56 provide substantial surface area for bonding to
the lower midsole 46, thereby resisting separation. Because the
rear pillar 56 projects into the rear socket 72, the rear contact
88 also resists lateral displacement of the upper midsole 48
relative to the lower midsole 46. Additionally, when a load is
applied to the heel portion 42 of the shoe bottom 36, the rear
contact 88 transfers a portion of that load to the lower midsole
46.
[0070] With continued reference to FIG. 11, in similar manner, each
middle pillar 54 and each middle adhesion area 64 cooperate with
the corresponding middle socket 70 and with the lower midsole 46
adjacent the middle socket 70 to form a middle contact 90; and each
forward pillar 52 and each forward adhesion area 62 cooperate with
the corresponding forward socket 68 and with the lower midsole 46
adjacent the forward socket 68 to form a forward contact 92. Also
in similar manner, separation and lateral displacement are resisted
and loads are transferred from the upper midsole 48 to the lower
midsole 46.
[0071] With continued reference to FIG. 11 and also with reference
to FIG. 1, between each forward contact 92 and the corresponding
middle contact 90, and also between each middle contact 90 and the
rear contact 88, the opposed upper midsole 48 and lower midsole 46
form lenticular openings 94. Loads passing from the upper midsole
48 to the lower midsole 46 via the forward contacts 92, middle
contacts 90 and rear contact 88 must bypass these openings 94. As
the loads increase, they not only compress the upper midsole 48
and, to a far lesser extent, the lower midsole 46, but also bend
both the upper midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46, forcing the
gently concave, opposed upper midsole 48 and lower midsole 46 into
closer proximity and flattening the openings 94. By bending under
the load, the relatively hard 65 shore C durometer hardness EVA
upper midsole 48 cooperates with the even harder TPU lower midsole
46 to provide a heel portion 42 which yields under impact as if it
contained a softer, 55-durometer upper midsole 48. With a
65-durometer upper midsole 48 instead of 55-durometer, the shoe
bottom 36 will more likely retain its shape and bulk
characteristics over its lifetime. Thus, the shoe bottom 36 will
cushion a wearer's footsteps as well as the wearer might expect
from a shoe bottom 36 incorporating larger amounts of a softer
material.
[0072] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 11, in the assembled
shoe bottom 36, the central bulge 60 of the upper midsole 48 is
centered on and bonded to the central mound 74 of the lower midsole
46. Rearward and laterally of the central mound 74, the opposed
upper midsole 48 and lower midsole 46 are gently concave and form a
cavity 98. When a load is applied to the heel portion 42 of the
shoe bottom 36, a major portion of that load passes through the
central bulge 60 of the upper midsole 48 into the central mound 74
of the lower midsole 46. As a greater load is applied to the heel
portion 42, the opposed upper midsole 48 and lower midsole 46 move
into closer proximity, and the volume of the cavity 98 decreases.
At the same time, with increasing load, the central mound 74
gradually intrudes into the central bulge 60, deforming the central
bulge 60 and allowing the heel portion 42 to yield under impact as
if it contained a softer, 55-durometer upper midsole 48. Thus,
these structures cushion a wearer's footsteps somewhat as a wearer
might expect from a shoe bottom 36 incorporating larger amounts of
a softer material. With a 65-durometer upper midsole 48 instead of
55-durometer, the shoe bottom 36 will more likely retain its shape
and bulk characteristics over its lifetime.
[0073] With continued reference to FIG. 11, it is noted that the
front edge 78 of the lower midsole 46 is indented rearward, between
the forward sockets 68, to the mound 74. As loads are applied to
the upper midsole 48 in the arch portion 40, the a portion of these
loads is directed rearward through the upper midsole 48 into the
central mound 74 and laterally into the forward contacts 92. Thus,
the upper midsole 48 and the lower midsole 46 cooperate to resist
deformation by supporting the arch portion 40, while at the same
time absorbing impact by yielding gradually with increasing load on
the arch portion 40.
[0074] In this second alternative embodiment, the locations of the
central bulge 60 and the central mound 74 may be exchanged, one or
the other of them may be exaggerated or reduced, and either may be
replaced by the other to provide opposing bulges or opposing
mounds.
[0075] While the foregoing detailed description sets forth
exemplary embodiments of a shoe bottom heel portion in accordance
with the present invention, it is to be understood that the above
description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed
invention. Indeed, it will be appreciated that the embodiments
discussed above and the virtually infinite embodiments that are not
mentioned could easily be within the scope and spirit of the
present invention. Thus, the present invention is to be limited
only by the claims as set forth below. [0076] shoe bottom heel
portion 30 [0077] shoe 32 [0078] shoe upper 34 [0079] shoe bottom
36 [0080] forefoot portion 38 [0081] arch portion 40 [0082] heel
portion 42 [0083] outsole 44 [0084] lower midsole 46 [0085] upper
midsole 48 [0086] shank 50 [0087] forward pillar 52 [0088] middle
pillar 54 [0089] rear pillar 56 [0090] inset 58 [0091] central
bulge 60 [0092] forward adhesion area 62 [0093] middle adhesion
area 64 [0094] rear adhesion area 66 [0095] forward socket 68
[0096] middle sockets 70 [0097] rear socket 72 [0098] central mound
74 [0099] shank-adhering cup 76 [0100] front edge 78 [0101] ridges
80 [0102] side portions 82 [0103] rear contact 88 [0104] middle
contact 90 [0105] forward contact 92 [0106] lenticular openings 94
[0107] bowl 96 [0108] cavity 98
* * * * *