U.S. patent application number 11/966251 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for reinforcing cage for shoes.
Invention is credited to Donald Raymond Reardon, Jake RIVAS.
Application Number | 20080244930 11/966251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39589218 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080244930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RIVAS; Jake ; et
al. |
October 9, 2008 |
Reinforcing Cage For Shoes
Abstract
An article of footwear comprising a reinforcing cage. In one
exemplary embodiment, a reinforcing cage may comprise a base, a
plurality of spaced ribs located along a wall of the cushioning
component, each of said plurality of spaced ribs including a first
end and a second end, a bottom rim attached a lower end of at least
one of the plurality of spaced apart ribs, and a top rim attached a
upper end of at least one of the plurality of spaced apart
ribs.
Inventors: |
RIVAS; Jake; (Oakland,
CA) ; Reardon; Donald Raymond; (Portland,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENYON & KENYON LLP
RIVERPARK TOWERS, SUITE 600, 333 W. SAN CARLOS ST.
SAN JOSE
CA
95110
US
|
Family ID: |
39589218 |
Appl. No.: |
11/966251 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60877919 |
Dec 29, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/88 ; 36/28;
36/3R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/24 20130101; A43B
23/17 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/88 ; 36/3.R;
36/28 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/14 20060101
A43B007/14; A43B 7/06 20060101 A43B007/06; A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole; an upper attached
to the outsole; a cushioning component located between the outsole
and the upper and comprising a side wall; and a reinforcing cage
further comprising: a base; a plurality of spaced ribs extending
along the side wall of the cushioning component, each of said
plurality of spaced ribs including a first end and a second end; a
bottom rim attached to the first end of at least one of the
plurality of spaced ribs; and a top rim attached to the second end
of at least one of the plurality of spaced ribs.
2. The article of footwear in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
spaced ribs, the bottom rim, and the top rim extend to a user's
midfoot.
3. The article of footwear in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
spaced ribs, the bottom rim, and the top rim extend to a user's
forefoot.
4. The article of footwear in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
spaced ribs form at least one rib aperture.
5. The article of footwear in claim 4, wherein the at least one rib
aperture is one of a circle, ellipse, triangle, quadrilateral, S,
and X shape.
6. The article of footwear in claim 1, wherein the base, the
plurality of spaced ribs, the bottom rim, and the top rim at least
partially encase the cushioning component.
7. The article of footwear in claim 1, wherein the upper, the
outsole, the base, the plurality of spaced ribs, the bottom rim,
and the top rim fully encase the cushioning component.
8. The article of footwear in claim 1, wherein the base comprises a
ventilation channel.
9. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole; an upper attached
to the outsole; a cushioning device comprising a sidewall located
between the outsole and the upper, and a reinforcing cage further
comprising: a first portion comprising a base; a second portion
attached to the first portion; a third portion attached to the
first portion and the second portion, wherein the third portion
further comprises: a plurality of spaced ribs extending along the
sidewall of the cushioning component, each of said plurality of
spaced ribs including a first end and a second end; a bottom rim
attached to the first end of at least one of the plurality of
spaced ribs; and a top rim attached to a second end of at least one
of the plurality of spaced ribs, wherein the base, the plurality of
spaced ribs, the bottom rim, and the top rim at least partially
encase the cushioning component.
10. The article of footwear in claim 9, wherein the plurality of
spaced ribs, the bottom rim, and the top rim extend to a user's
midfoot.
11. The article of footwear in claim 9, wherein the plurality of
spaced ribs, the bottom rim, and the top rim extend to a user's
forefoot.
12. The article of footwear of claim of 9, wherein the first
portion comprises an aperture.
13. The article of footwear of claim of 9, wherein the second
portion comprises a flap.
14. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the third portion
comprises a heel aperture.
15. The article of footwear in claim 9, wherein the plurality of
spaced ribs form at least one rib aperture and wherein the at least
one rib aperture is one of a circle, ellipse, triangle,
quadrilateral, S, and X shape.
16. The article of footwear in claim 9, wherein second portion
extends to a user's midfoot.
17. An article of footwear comprising: a reinforcing cage
comprising a base, a plurality of spaced apart ribs, and a rim;
wherein the plurality of ribs extend outwardly from the base,
extend along the side wall of a cushioning component and attach to
the rim.
18. The article of footwear in claim 17, wherein the plurality of
spaced ribs, the bottom rim, and the top rim extend to a user's
midfoot.
19. The article of footwear in claim 17, wherein the plurality of
spaced ribs, the bottom rim, and the top rim extend to a user's
forefoot.
20. The article of footwear in claim 17, wherein the plurality of
spaced ribs form at least one aperture, and wherein the at least
one aperture is one of a circle, ellipse, triangle, quadrilateral,
S, and X shape.
21. The article of footwear in claim 17, wherein each of the
plurality of ribs comprises a first end with a first width, a
second end with a second width, and a middle portion with a third
width.
22. The article of footwear in claim 21, wherein the third width is
greater than the first width and the second width.
23. The article of footwear in claim 21, wherein the third width is
lesser than the first width and the second width.
24. The article of footwear in claim 21, wherein the first width,
the second width, and the third width are approximately equal.
25. An method comprising: providing an outsole; attaching an upper
to the outsole; inserting a cushioning device comprising a side
wall between the outsole and the upper; and attaching a reinforcing
cage further comprising: a first portion comprising a base; a
second portion attached to the first portion; a third portion
attached to the first and second portions, wherein the third
portion further comprises: a plurality of spaced ribs extending
along the side wall of the cushioning component, each of said
plurality of spaced ribs including a first end and a second end,
and a bottom rim attached to the first end of at least one of the
plurality of spaced apart ribs; and a top rim attached to the
second end of at least one of the plurality of spaced apart ribs,
wherein the base, the plurality of spaced ribs, the bottom rim, and
the top rim at least partially encase the cushioning component.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A. Field of the Invention
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward
footwear. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to
a reinforcing cage for shoes that, among other things, may aid in
energy return to the user and prolong the shoe sole life. The
design, configuration, and location of the reinforcing cage may
vary significantly and still be within the scope of the present
invention.
[0003] B. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The sport shoe industry is currently enjoying great success
in the consumer environment. This may be attributed to a trend of
ever-increasing sophistication in the footwear products. In the
recent years, athletic shoes have been customized to fit a great
many number of activities (e.g., hiking, trail running, and
distance running), each requiring its own performance criteria.
Design considerations for these shoes may vary based on upon such
criteria as gender, durability, and aesthetics.
[0005] These variable considerations have led to a large spectrum
of performance footwear, wherein any particular shoe design may be
directed to a certain circumstance or setting. For example, short
distance running shoes may emphasize comfort, whereas long distance
running shoes may emphasize low weight and streamlined design.
Trail running shoes may be designed to emphasize optimal
combination of these considerations. Similarly, competitive runners
may have different performance criteria than recreational runners.
In each case, using a shoe designed for another purpose may have
negative consequences on performance, and even the user's
health.
[0006] Foot motion (e.g., running, walking) requires constant
absorption and dissipation of forces and pressures. Various design
considerations have attempted to alleviate the effects of these
pressures and forces on the user. For example, one advance in this
area has been the incorporation of cushioning component in the shoe
sole to cushion the foot as the shoe strikes the ground. Such
cushioning components can comprise multiple layers.
[0007] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional shoe construction is
shown. Boot 110 may includes an outsole 112, midsole 114, shank
116, and shell 118. Heel cushion 120 and forefoot cushion 122 may
be disposed between an insole 124 and shell 118. An upper 126 also
is provided, and optionally may include lacing 128. Outsole 112,
midsole 114, insole 124, and forefoot cushion 122 each may comprise
a first surface, a second surface, and a side wall joining the
first and second surfaces. Preferably, shank 116 is disposed in a
recess 114a in midsole 114, while cushions 120, 122 are disposed in
recesses in insole 124.
[0008] In this exemplary embodiment, outsole 112 is formed of
carbon rubber, while midsole 114 is formed of molded ethyl vinyl
acetate foam. Shank 116 may be formed of thermoplastic
polyurethane, while upper 126 may be formed of leather, fabric
textiles, foam and other suitable insulation. The various polymer
components may be coupled to each other with an adhesive or other
bonding agent, while upper 126 may be coupled to shell 118, for
example, using stitching proximate the lower edge of leather
portion 130 of upper 126.
[0009] The kinesiology of a human foot during motion (e.g.,
walking, running) is enormously complex. Between first contact of a
heel to the ground to the ending push-off from the ground with the
toes, a great number of different tissue (e.g., muscle, bone)
movements take place throughout the foot. During these movements,
various parts of the foot move or turn with respect to each other,
and multiple, substantial forces are distributed and balanced. For
example, when a user's body weight puts pressure on the sole, it
typically causes the sole to compress and swell outwards in a
lateral direction parallel to the ground. This swelling tendency is
undesirable as it alters the desired, optimum shape of the shoe
sole and lessens shoe sole life.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 provides an illustration of an conventional shoe
construction;
[0011] FIGS. 2a-b provides an illustration of perspective views of
a shoe comprising an exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in
accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 provides an illustration of perspective bottom view
of a shoe comprising an exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in
accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4a-c provides an illustration of multiple views shoes
and shoe components comprising an exemplary reinforcing cage
embodiment in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 provides an illustration of a perspective view of an
exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 provides an illustration of a rear view of an
exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 provides an illustration of a side view of an
exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 provides an illustration of a bottom view of an
exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 provides an illustration of a bottom view of shoe
comprising an exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance
with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 provides an illustration of a side view of an
exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 provides an illustration of a side view of exemplary
reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 provides an illustration of a side view of exemplary
reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 13 provides an illustration of a side view of exemplary
reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 provides an illustration of a side view of exemplary
reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0024] FIG. 15 provides an illustration of a side view of exemplary
reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Reinforcing cage embodiments for shoes are provided. The
specific configurations described below are intended to provide an
understanding of the reinforcing cage according to one embodiment
of the present invention. In other embodiments of the invention,
the configuration of the reinforcing cage may be significantly
different.
[0026] In certain embodiments of the present invention, a
reinforcing cage may comprise a first portion, second portion and a
third portion, and may be located approximately near the heel
portion of a shoe.
[0027] In certain embodiments of the present invention, a first
portion of a reinforcing cage may be located near the bottom of the
heel, and may comprise apertures and indentations to provide
cushioning, reinforcement, weight reduction, energy return and
greater flexibility. A first portion may further comprise a base
that may be, for example, attached to the outsole.
[0028] A second portion of a reinforcing cage may, in certain
embodiments, extend from the rearfoot region (i.e., heel portion)
to the midfoot. A second portion may also comprise various
indentations; for example, a second portion may be cut along its
outer regions to form a flap. A flap may create a "hinge" to
increase foot stability and flexibility and attenuate impact.
[0029] A third portion as may be included in certain reinforcing
cage embodiments according to the present invention may, in certain
embodiments, be located approximately near the heel and extend
outwardly from the base of the second portion along the sidewalls
of a cushioning component (e.g., a midsole). The third portion may
comprise ribs that form rib apertures located along the sidewalls
of the cushioning component. The rib apertures may be formed in a
variety of shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular,
S-shaped, X-shaped). These rib apertures may extend to top and
bottom portions of the third portion. These top and bottom
portions, or "rims", may aid in encasing the cushioning components
of the sole. Finally, the third portion may further comprise a heel
aperture on the back of the heel sidewall.
[0030] FIGS. 2a-b provides an illustration of perspective views of
a shoe comprising an exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in
accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2a illustrates
reinforcing cage 201 attached to midsole 202. The forefoot portion
of midsole 202 may include dampening compound 209 for impact
attenuation.
[0031] FIG. 2b illustrates upper 203 attached to midsole 202,
reinforcing cage 201 and tongue 204. Reinforcing cage 201, as
described above, comprises third portion 205. Third portion 205 may
include ribs 206 that shape apertures 207. In this embodiment, ribs
206 are shape triangle shaped apertures 207.
[0032] FIG. 3 provides an illustration of perspective bottom view
of a shoe comprising an exemplary reinforcing cage embodiment in
accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, first
portion 309 may be attached to second portion 311. Reinforcing cage
embodiments as described herein may include ventilation channels to
reduce thermal deterioration of footwear adhesives and foams (e.g.,
in the base). In this embodiment, first portion 309 includes
ventilation channels 313 to prevent overheating of the midsole.
Second portion 311 may include flap (or hinge) 312.
[0033] FIG. 4a-c provides an illustration of multiple views a shoe
and shoe components comprising an exemplary reinforcing cage
embodiment in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated
in FIG. 4b, outsole 401 may be attached to first portion 409,
second portion 411, and third portion 405 of the reinforcing cage
embodiment. In this embodiment, first portion 409 comprises base
419. FIG. 4a illustrates an isolated view of portion of third
portion 405 of the reinforcing cage embodiment comprising ribs 406
and apertures 407. As described above, third portion 405 may
comprise top rim 412 and bottom rim 413. In this embodiment, ribs
406 are cut to form quadrilateral-shaped apertures 407.
[0034] In embodiments of the present invention, ribs (e.g., FIG.
4c, 413) may comprise a first end 414, a second end 415 and a
middle portion 416. First end 414 may attach to one of a top rim
417 and a bottom rim 418, while second end 415 may attach to the
other of the top rim 417 and bottom rim 418. For example, in
certain reinforcing cage embodiments of the present invention, the
rib width of the middle portion may be greater than the width near
the first or second ends. Conversely, in other embodiments, rib
width near the first or second ends may be greater than the rib
width of the middle portion. Also, in other embodiments, the rib
width may be approximately uniform along its length.
[0035] In this embodiment, for example, first portion 409, second
portion 411, and third portion 405 may fully encase at least a
portion of the cushioning component 408. In certain other
embodiments of the present invention, the reinforcing cage may be
utilized to partially encase cushioning component 408 by, for
example, eliminating top rim 412.
[0036] In certain embodiments of the present invention, reinforcing
cages (including a third portion comprising said ribs and rib
apertures) encasing cushioning components may extend from the heel
portion of the shoe to the midfoot region; in other embodiments,
such reinforcing cages may extend to the forefoot region. Extending
the reinforcing cage in such a manner may enhance structural
reinforcement, stability and cushioning in the midfoot and forefoot
regions.
[0037] Further embodiments of the reinforcing cage embodiments as
disclosed in the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 5-8.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a reinforcing cage wherein
the rib apertures 501 form slanted lines wherein the ends of the
lines are wider than the middle. FIG. 6 is a rear view of a
reinforcing cage embodiment in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 7 is a side view of a reinforcing cage embodiment
in accordance with the present invention. The embodiment is similar
to the embodiment in FIG. 5, in that the rib apertures 701 form
slanted lines wherein the ends of the lines are wider than the
middle. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a reinforcing cage embodiment in
accordance with the present invention. This embodiment includes the
ergonomically designed heel "dome" 801 located approximately under
the heel. FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, shown from the bottom and including the ergonomically
designed heel "dome" 901. This embodiment includes the ventilation
channels or cavities 902 as described above.
[0038] FIGS. 10-15 illustrate alternate embodiments of the present
invention. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment
reinforcing cage element wherein the rib apertures 1001 are cut to
form rectangles. FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment reinforcing cage
element wherein the rib apertures 1101 are cut to form triangles.
FIG. 12 illustrates a reinforcing cage embodiment wherein the rib
apertures 1201 are cut to form inverted triangles. FIG. 13
illustrates a reinforcing cage embodiment wherein the rib apertures
1301 are cut in the "S" shape discussed above. In this embodiment,
the "S" is slanted. FIG. 14 illustrates a reinforcing cage
embodiment wherein the rib apertures 1401 are cut in "S" shape as
well, but the "S" shape is relatively straight. FIG. 15 illustrates
a reinforcing cage embodiment wherein the rib apertures 1501 are
cut in the "X" shape discussed above. In this embodiment of the
present application, the "X" wall shape arcs upwards (as discussed
above).
[0039] Reinforcing cage embodiments as described herein may provide
structural support to the midsole and other cushioning components,
thereby prolonging the life of a shoe. In particular, a reinforcing
cage embodiment may improve durability and reduce material
breakdown from excessive compression of the shoe sole materials
(i.e., midsole, additional cushioning components).
[0040] As described above, the rib apertures of the reinforcing
cage embodiments may be cut away form a structural "wall" (e.g.,
shapes resembling that of an "S", "Z" or a triangle) to encase the
sole materials and provide a reinforced structure to support the
rearfoot region of the runner. These structural walls may aid
restraining and counteracting the outward swelling of shoe sole
components (e.g., midsole, other cushioning components) and allow
the sole to remain compact in its optimum form, thereby extending
the life of the shoe. Apertures of the reinforcing cage embodiments
(e.g., in the third portion) may provide for weight reduction and
greater flexibility for the footwear item. Additionally, the
reinforcing cage embodiments may provide supplemental mechanical
cushioning to the midsole and support during mild pronations.
[0041] Another advantage provided by the reinforcement heel cage
embodiments described in the present invention may be that since
the reinforcing cage structure extends into the midfoot arch area,
it may act as a support shank enhancing foot stability.
[0042] An additional advantage provided by the reinforcement cage
may be that it "returns" energy to the runner. As described above,
the weight of the runner may be distributed laterally (parallel to
the ground) on the sole, causing an outward swelling of sole.
However, a shoe comprising a reinforcing cage as described may
force the some distribution of the pressure to be contained within
the cage, thereby causing some of the excesses pressure from the
foot to be redistributed back upwards through the sole. This upward
surge of "return" energy may be beneficial to a wearer in that it
supplements the natural movement (e.g., walking, running) during
use and alleviates the negative effects of pressures from the
surface (i.e., concrete, rocks etc.). Moreover, the wall (including
the aforementioned ribs) of the reinforcing cage itself has a
structural integrity that may counteract the weight of the wearer,
and may serve to return energy as well. The shapes, structure, and
component materials of the wall may be chosen to optimize impact
attenuation and energy return.
[0043] While the present invention has been described with
reference to the aforementioned applications, this description of
the preferred embodiments is not meant to be construed in a
limiting sense. It shall be understood that all aspects of the
present invention are not limited to the specific depictions,
configurations or dimensions set forth herein which depend upon a
variety of principles and variables. Various modifications in form
and detail of the disclosed apparatus, as well as other variations
of the present invention, will be apparent to a person skilled in
the art upon reference to the present disclosure. It is therefore
contemplated that the appended claims shall cover any such
modifications or variations of the described embodiments as falling
within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *