U.S. patent application number 11/924947 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for shoe containing a progressive compression element.
Invention is credited to Steven E. Rosen.
Application Number | 20080155857 11/924947 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39581948 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080155857 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosen; Steven E. |
July 3, 2008 |
Shoe Containing A Progressive Compression Element
Abstract
A cushioning component for use in shoes including athletic shoes
and, for example, running shoes includes a cushioning layer
including a first zone and a second zone where the first zone
comprises a progressive compression material. In one aspect, the
first zone can comprise one or more areas defined within the second
zone. For example, the first zone can comprise two areas, one area
in a relative front portion of the shoe component and another area
in a relative rear portion of the shoe component. Alternatively, in
another aspect, the first zone and second zone can be arranged in a
laminate-type relationship in the shoe component. In this regard,
the first zone can be located either above or below the second
zone. The shoe component can be employed as a traditional element
of a shoe, such as a midsole or the outsole. Alternatively, the
shoe component can comprise an additional component, for example,
the shoe component can be employed between the midsole and outsole
of a shoe or an insert located above the midsole.
Inventors: |
Rosen; Steven E.; (Davie,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven Rosen
2090 SW 71st Terrace Bay G-9
Davie
FL
33317
US
|
Family ID: |
39581948 |
Appl. No.: |
11/924947 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60855687 |
Oct 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/88 ; 36/114;
36/14; 36/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/04 20130101;
A43B 13/188 20130101; A43B 7/144 20130101; A43B 7/1445
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/88 ; 36/114;
36/14; 36/28 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/14 20060101
A43B007/14; A43B 5/00 20060101 A43B005/00; A43C 13/08 20060101
A43C013/08; A43B 13/18 20060101 A43B013/18 |
Claims
1. A shoe component comprising a cushioning layer, which layer
comprises a first zone and a second zone where the first zone
comprises a progressive compression material.
2. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the first zone
comprises one or more areas defined within the second zone.
3. The shoe component according to claim 2 wherein the first zone
comprises at least two areas including at least one area in a front
portion of the shoe component and at least one area in a rear
portion of the shoe component.
4. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the first zone
and second zone are arranged in a laminate-type relationship in the
shoe component.
5. The shoe component according to claim 4 wherein the first zone
is located above the second zone.
6. The shoe component according to the claim 1 wherein the
component is the midsole of a shoe.
7. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the component is
the outsole of a shoe.
8. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the shoe
component is employed between the midsole and outsole of a
shoe.
9. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the shoe
component is employed above the midsole of a shoe.
10. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the component
is employed in an athletic shoe.
11. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the component
is employed in a running shoe.
12. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the progressive
compression material comprises a cellular material.
13. The shoe component according to claim 12, wherein the cellular
material comprises a closed cell material.
14. The shoe component according to claim 12 wherein the cellular
material comprises an open-cell material.
15. The shoe component according to claim 12 wherein the cellular
material comprises a foam material.
16. The shoe component according to claim 12 wherein the cellular
material comprises a polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a
polychloroprene, a nitrile, a nitrile-butadiene a urethane, a
latex, and mixtures thereof.
17. The shoe component according to claim 12 wherein the cellular
material comprises a polyethylene-vinyl acetate material, a
polyvinyl chloride-nitrile material, a vinyl-nitrile material, or a
nitrile-butadiene material.
18. The shoe component according to claim 12 wherein the cellular
material comprises a rubber.
19. The shoe component according to claim 18 wherein the rubber
comprises a neoprene rubber, a nitrile rubber, a natural rubber, a
styrene-butadiene rubber, or an ethylene propylene-diene
rubber.
20. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the progressive
compression material is a cushioning material.
21. The shoe component according to claim 20 wherein the cushioning
material comprises at least one polymer, which is in its
viscoelastic state between the temperatures of 10 F and 120 F, and
which has been blown into a closed-cell cellular material.
22. The shoe component according to claim 20 wherein the cushioning
material comprises a modified polymer or a blend of two or
polymers.
23. The shoe component according to claim 20 wherein the cushioning
material comprises one or more of foamed ethylene vinyl acetate,
foamed polyurethane, foamed polyvinylchloride-polyacrylonitrile
copolymer, foamed elastomeric polypropylene or Duralon.RTM..
24. The shoe component according to claim 1 wherein the second zone
includes one or more additional cushioning elements.
25. A shoe comprising an insole, midsole and outsole, wherein at
least one portion of the shoe includes a cushioning layer, which
layer comprises a first zone and a second zone where the first zone
comprises a progressive compression material.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from
provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/855,687, entitled "Shoe
Containing a Progressive Compression Element" by Steven E. Rosen,
filed Oct. 30, 2006, which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In 2004, nearly 500 million pairs of athletic shoes were
sold in the U.S.
[0003] There have been a number of studies looking at the impact of
shoes on injuries in runners. See, for example: [0004]
http://www.physsportmed.com/issues/2005/0105/asplund.htm [0005]
http://www.cbssportsstore.com/sm-running-shoe-buyers-guide--bg-222919.htm-
l
[0006] The present invention relates to shoes and, in particular,
to shoes having a cushioned sole.
[0007] One type of shoe associated with this invention is an
athletic shoe, and in particular, a running shoe.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Among other aspects, the invention relates to a cushioning
component for use in shoes including athletic shoes and, for
example, running shoes.
[0009] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a shoe component
comprising a cushioning layer, which layer comprises a first zone
and a second zone where the first zone comprises a progressive
compression material.
[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the first zone can
comprise one or more areas defined within the second zone. For
example, the first zone can comprise two areas, one area in a
relative front portion of the shoe component and another area in a
relative rear portion of the shoe component.
[0011] Alternatively, in another example, the first zone and second
zone can be arranged in a laminate-type relationship in the shoe
component. In this regard, the first zone can be located either
above or below the second zone.
[0012] The shoe component according to the invention can comprise a
traditional element of a shoe, such as a midsole or the outsole.
Alternatively, the shoe component can comprise an additional
component, for example, the shoe component can be employed between
the midsole and outsole of a shoe or an insert located above the
midsole.
[0013] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a shoe
having a cushioning midsole comprising cushioning material
including, but not limited to a cushioning polymeric material or a
cellular material.
[0014] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a shoe
having a cushioning outsole comprising: [0015] a. a first upper
zone comprising a cushioning material including, but not limited
to, a cushioning polymeric material or a cellular material; and
[0016] b. a second lower zone comprising a resilient material.
[0017] In still another embodiment, the invention relates to a shoe
having a cushioning sole system comprising: [0018] a. a first upper
zone comprising a progressive compression material including, but
not limited to a cushioning polymeric material or a cellular
material; and [0019] b. a second lower zone comprising a solid
rubber material.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to an
element of a shoe that is capable of providing for an increase in
the progressive compression of the shoe when worn, which element
comprises a progressive compression providing material.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate examples of shoes according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] As discussed above, the cushioning component of the
invention includes at least one layer and having at least two
zones--hereafter identified as a first zone and a second zone.
However, it should be recognized that additional layers and/or
additional zones could be employed within the context of this
invention.
[0023] The cushioning component can be designed to be employed in
connection with any shoe where the wearer desires to have a desired
cushioning effect. Suitable shoes include any and all types of
athletic shoes. Since the cushioning effect can be particularly
useful in walking and jogging environment, running shoes are
particularly suitable for use with the cushioning component of the
invention.
[0024] One feature of the cushioning attachments of this invention
is a first zone including a progressive compression material.
[0025] The term "progressive compression" in the context of this
invention relates to those materials capable of providing a
decreased rate of force application to one or more joints of the
wearer by compression of the first zone progressively over the
course of a step, e.g., a running step, i.e., the planting of the
foot in stride, the rolling of the foot as the opposite foot swings
forward and the lifting of the foot at the completion of the
running step, as opposed to the rate that the force is applied in
the absence of the device.
[0026] However, it is also preferred that the desired cushioning
material is not overly soft as overly soft materials can (i) cause
instability, increasing the risk of loss-of-balance as well as
adverse effects on overall body posture during use and/or (ii)
negate all or part of the progressive compression effect by
collapsing too quickly thus transferring force more rapidly to the
joints of the wearer.
[0027] In an example of a suitable material, the first zone can
comprise a cushioning polymeric material. By "cushioning polymeric
material" it is meant a material comprising at least one polymer,
which polymer is in its viscoelastic, or rubbery, state between the
temperatures of 10 F and 120 F, preferably at ambient
temperature.
[0028] The cushioning polymeric material can comprises copolymers
such as block copolymers and random copolymers, modified polymers
or even blends of two or more polymers.
[0029] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cushioning
polymeric material includes those polymers which have been blow
into a closed-cell cellular material.
[0030] Specific examples of suitable cushioning polymeric materials
include one or more of foamed ethylene vinyl acetate, foamed
polyurethane, foamed polyvinylchloride-polyacrylonitrile copolymer
or foamed elastomeric polypropylene. One example of a suitable
commercially available material is sold under the trademark of
[0031] Duralon.RTM..
[0032] The invention also includes the use of first zones which
comprise cellular materials. The cellular material can be either an
open-cell cellular material or a closed cell cellular materials, in
many instances, closed cell materials can be preferred.
[0033] The cellular material can be any cellular material
recognized in the art, with cellular foam materials being a
specific example of a suitable cellular material.
[0034] Specific examples of suitable cellular material include
polyethylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polychloroprenes, nitrites,
nitrile-butadienes, urethanes, latex materials, and mixtures
thereof.
[0035] Other examples of suitable cellular materials include
polyethylene-vinyl acetate materials, polyvinyl chloride-nitrile
materials, vinyl-nitrile materials, and nitrile-butadiene
materials
[0036] In addition, the cellular material can comprise a rubber
material. Suitable rubbers can include both natural and man-made
rubbers. Specific examples of suitable rubber include, but are not
limited to neoprene rubbers, nitrile rubbers, natural rubbers,
styrene-butadiene rubbers, and ethylene propylene-diene
rubbers.
[0037] In certain embodiments of the invention, suitable materials
for use in connection with the first zone include those materials
having an elastic modulus (compressibility), which is measured in
megapascals (MPa) that is not greater than 1 MPa. In other
embodiments, the first zone comprises materials having an elastic
modulus not greater than 0.9 MPa, or even no greater than 0.8
MP.
[0038] In addition, the first zone can comprise materials having an
elastic modulus not less than 0.6 MPa, and even, not less than 0.5
MPa or, even still not less than 0.4 MPa.
[0039] The invention also envisions the use of first zones which
comprise materials having a compression deflection of not greater
than 0.7 according to ASTM D575. Moreover, in certain embodiments
of the invention, the use of materials having a compression
deflection of not greater than 0.5 according to ASTM D575 can be
employed.
[0040] In addition, the first zone can employ those materials
having a compression deflection of not less than 0.2 according to
ASTM D575. Moreover, the use of materials having a compression
deflection of not less than 0.1 according to ASTM D575 can be
employed.
[0041] The compression deflection of suitable materials employed in
the first zone can also be characterized according to ASTM D1056.
In this regard, the use of materials having a compression
deflection of not greater than 30 psi according to ASTM D1056 can
be employed. In other embodiments, the use of materials having a
compression deflection of not greater than 20 psi according to ASTM
D1056 can be employed. In still other embodiments, the use of
materials having a compression deflection of not greater than 17
psi according to ASTM D1056 can be employed.
[0042] The invention also includes embodiments wherein the material
for the first zone has a compression deflection of not less than 9
psi according to ASTM D1056. In addition, the attachment of the
invention includes embodiments where the material for the first
zone has a compression deflection of not less than 6 psi according
to ASTM D1056. Still other embodiments employ materials having a
compression deflection of not less than 4 psi according to ASTM
D1056.
[0043] In addition, additives such as internal lubricants (or
plasticizers) and mineral fillers can be introduced into the
polymer in order to modify or improve one or more property of the
polymer. Specific examples of suitable additives include carbon and
silica fillers.
[0044] Additional suitable materials for use in connection with the
first zone include those materials previously employed in an
"anti-fatigue" environment, e.g., anti-fatigue pads, mats, runners
and the like. In this regard, anti-fatigue mats are designed to
make workers more comfortable when they must stand on their feet
for many consecutive hours. Anti-fatigue mats offer more cushioning
not only for comfort but also to improve circulation and absorb
shock, helping to reduce muscle tension, aches, and general
fatigue.
[0045] Suitable materials include those rubber materials-both
natural and man-made-materials employed in connection with
anti-fatigue mats and the like. Examples of such materials include
natural rubbers, nitrile rubbers and modified nitrile rubbers which
are recognized in the art. Specific examples of suitable
anti-fatigue materials are sold under the Nitricell.RTM. trade name
from the Wearwell Company.
[0046] A specific example of a suitable material for use in the
first zone is Ensolite.RTM. available from Armacell LLC. Ensolite
is a PVC/NPR polymer having the following characteristics:
[0047] 25% Compression Resistance (psi), ASTM D-1056, 5.0 to
8.0
[0048] 50% Compression Set (%), ASTM D-1056, 25 max.
[0049] Density (lb/ft.3), ASTM D-1056, 6.5 to 8.5
[0050] Water Absorption (lb/ft2), ASTM D-1667, 0.1 max.
[0051] Tensile (psi), ASTM D-412, 80 min.
[0052] Elongation (%), ASTM D-412, 100 min.
[0053] C-Tear Strength (lbs/in.) ASTM D-624 Die C 10 min.
[0054] Temperature Use: ASTM D-1056 Cold Crack -20 C and High 200
C
[0055] A second consideration in connection with the first zone is
the thickness of the progressive compression material.
[0056] The thickness is capable of affecting the cushioning ability
of the attachment. As such, the preferred thickness can be
dependent upon a number of factors including the nature of the
cushioning component, (e.g., as a midsole, an outsole or a
additional element of the shoe), material of construction, the type
of shoe to which the component is to be employed, the desired
function of the shoe for the wearer, the shape, height and weight
of the wearer of the shoe/attachment combination and even the
environment and weather conditions that the wearer is likely to
face.
[0057] For example, a 300 lb man may prefer the use of an
attachment with a thicker first zone than a 100 lb woman.
Similarly, a runner who is running on harder surfaces may prefer a
different thickness than one who is running on relatively softer
surfaces.
[0058] Optimization of the thickness for any particular material of
construction would be within the purview of those skilled in the
art. For example, where the component is an outsole of the shoe, in
optimizing the thickness of the first zone, one should also
consider the concept of bottoming out, i.e. the bottoming out point
for the material in question, and the "densification strain"
(bottoming out point as a percentage of thickness). The invention
envisions the use of densification strains greater than 40%,
greater than 50% and even greater than 60%, still even greater than
70% or 80%.
[0059] As was the case with the thickness of the first zone, the
nature of the second zone can be largely dependent on the overall
purpose and/or location of the cushioning component layer in the
shoe.
[0060] For example, where the cushioning component is to be
employed as the midsole of a shoe, the second zone can comprise
materials which are suitable for use in traditional midsole
construction.
[0061] The construction of midsoles for shoes is very well
recognized in the art. For example, attention is directed to the
following websites which illustrates key features in midsole
construction: [0062] http://www.scire.com/sds/Pages/partmid.html
[0063]
http://www.americanrunning.org/displayindustryarticle.cfm?articlenbr=1430
[0064]
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/running-shoe-guide-for-du-2.sh-
tml
[0065] As can be seen, the use of a variety of additional
cushioning elements, from foams to air pockets to liquid pockets
has been employed in the construction of midsoles. As such, they
can be effectively employed in connection with the second zone of
the invention.
[0066] Moreover, the relationship of the first zone to the second
zone can be widely varied. For example, the first zone can be
defined in one or more areas of the midsole, surrounded by the
second zone. Such an arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 1. The
number of first zone areas is dependent on a number of factors
including the nature and purpose of the shoe and optimization of
such is within the purview of those skilled in the art.
[0067] Alternatively, the first zone and the second zone can be
arranged or `layered` in a laminate-style arrangement such as that
shown in FIG. 2. Once again, the second zone can comprise one or
more layers depending on the nature and purpose of the resulting
shoe.
[0068] In each case, the material of construction of the second
zone can be selected to optimize the properties of the cushioning
component--in this case, the midsole of the shoe.
[0069] In another alternative, the cushioning component can be
employed as an outsole for a shoe. In fact, as was the case with
the midsole, the construction of outsoles is well-recognized in the
art. See, for example, the following website: [0070]
http://www.scire.com/sds/Pages/partout.html
[0071] In one example of this aspect of the invention, the
component can have a laminate-type arrangement in which where the
first zone is typically be a layer located above the second
zone.
[0072] Functions of the second zone in such an arrangement
typically include one or more of (i) providing for a more resilient
surface, e.g., sole, in contact with the ground, as compared to the
first zone, and (ii) improving the traction of the shoe.
[0073] The material of construction for the second zone is not
critical and can include any material capable of providing the
desired function. Specific examples of suitable materials include
resilient materials such as solid rubber materials.
[0074] Examples of suitable materials of the second zone in such
constructions include any of those material recognized in the art
for use in outsoles of shoes, and in particular, running shoes.
[0075] The thickness of the second zone is not critical to the
invention as long as it does not adversely impact the desired
function of the component as an outsole of a shoe or the cushioning
function of the first zone.
[0076] In another embodiment of the invention, the cushioning
component can comprise an additional component, such as an insert,
for the shoe. As such the insert can include features of inserts
that are recognized in the art. Such inserts are recognized in the
art, see for example: [0077]
http://www.scire.com/sds/Pages/partinst.html
[0078] In another example of this aspect of the invention, the
insert can comprise materials in order to enhance the function of
the first zone. In one example of such an embodiment, the first
zone can comprise a layer of progressive compression material while
the second zone can comprise one or more reinforcement means
attached to one or both sides of the first zone. Moreover, the
second zone can comprise one or more layers of material, however,
in most situations, a single layer is adequate.
[0079] The second zone can comprise any material that can be
effectively attached to the material of the first zone and is
preferably capable of improving the durability of the cushioning
material. For example, the use of a reinforcement layer can improve
the tensile or tear resistance of the first zone. Specific examples
of suitable materials include fabric materials such as nylon,
Dacron, polyester, cotton, or mixtures thereof.
[0080] The reinforcement layer(s) of the second zone can be
attached to the cellular material by way of any technique
recognized in the art of Suitable techniques include the use of
adhesive materials such as polyurethane, acrylic, epoxy, and
cyanoacrylate adhesives that are recognized in the art.
[0081] In yet another embodiment, the cushioning component can
comprise a layer that is employed between the midsole and the
outsole of the shoe. In such an arrangement, the structure of the
component can be similar to that of the insert discussed above.
Alternatively, the structure of the component can be similar to
that of the midsole as discussed above. As was discussed above,
optimization of the structure to provide for enhanced progressive
compression is within the purview of those skilled in the art.
[0082] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate examples of shoes employing cushioning
component of this invention.
[0083] FIGS. 1a-b illustrate a shoe 1 wherein the outsole 2 has a
first zone of progressive compression material present in two areas
3 in the second zone 4.
[0084] FIGS. 2a-b illustrate a shoe 11 where the outsole 12 has a
first zone of progressive compression material 13 defined in a
laminate relationship with the second zone 14. FIG. 2b illustrates
a cross section which further shows midsole 15.
[0085] FIGS. 3a-b illustrate the cross-section similar to that of
FIG. 2b. FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate two alternative examples of
shoes according to the invention.
[0086] In FIG. 3a, the shoe 31 includes outsole 32, midsole 35 and
insole 36. In FIG. 3a, the cushioning layer is the midsole 35 of
the shoe. In FIG. 3b, the cushioning layer 37 is between the
midsole 35 and the insole 37.
* * * * *
References