U.S. patent application number 11/762731 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-04 for comfort heel for heeled shoes.
This patent application is currently assigned to COMFORT PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Mark Joseph.
Application Number | 20090139111 11/762731 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40674301 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090139111 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Joseph; Mark |
June 4, 2009 |
Comfort Heel for Heeled Shoes
Abstract
A shoe shock absorbing and support system that is able to
cushion the impact of a heel striking a surface to reduce injury
and fatigue and to compensate for uneven surfaces while minimizing
injury to the wearer. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a cushion layer formed of a soft, shock-absorption
material is incorporated into the heel. The present invention also
provides a multiple layer contour system that provides stability
and cushioning without greatly increasing the thickness of the
inner sole of the shoe.
Inventors: |
Joseph; Mark; (Aspen,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLENN L. WEBB;GLENN L. WEBB P.C.
P.O BOX 951
CONIFER
CO
80433
US
|
Assignee: |
COMFORT PRODUCTS, INC.
Aspeh
CO
|
Family ID: |
40674301 |
Appl. No.: |
11/762731 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11457454 |
Jul 13, 2006 |
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11762731 |
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09894516 |
Jun 27, 2001 |
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11457454 |
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60214086 |
Jun 27, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/92 ; 36/28;
36/35R; 36/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 21/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/92 ; 36/28;
36/35.R; 36/43 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/16 20060101
A43B007/16; A43B 13/18 20060101 A43B013/18; A43B 21/00 20060101
A43B021/00; A43B 13/38 20060101 A43B013/38 |
Claims
1. A shoe having an elevated heel, said shoe comprising: a heel
base on said elevated heel; a cushion layer formed from a shock
absorbing material mounted to said heel base; said cushion layer
including a thick portion at the rear of said shoe to absorb the
initial impact of the heel strike and a thinner portion at the mid
portion of said heel of said shoe to provide cushioning and
stability when the shoe is substantially flat on the surface; an
inner sole; a cushioning layer on said inner sole; and a thin
composite layer on said inner sole formed from a composite polymer
material for providing a thin cross section with lateral stability
that allow said cushioning layer to be several times thicker yet
stay within a thin overall cross-section for fashion purposes.
2. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said cushion layer includes: varying
hardness of said cushion layer at differing parts of said cushion
layer.
3. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said shoe includes: said cushion
layer having an asymmetrical shape to allow forward/rearward
movement while minimizing lateral movement of said cushion layer
relative to said heel base.
4. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said composite layer includes: an
overmolded fiberglass and urethane layer.
5. A shoe having an elevated heel, said shoe comprising: a heel
base on said elevated heel; and a cushion layer formed from a shock
absorbing material mounted to said heel base; said cushion layer
formed in an asymmetrical shape for providing shock absorption as
said heel initially strikes a surface while providing lateral
stability for said heel base as said heel is in substantial contact
with the surface.
6. The shoe of claim 5 wherein said cushion layer includes: a
portion of said cushion layer having a thicker portion for greater
shock absorption at the point of the heel strike.
7. The shoe of claim 5 wherein said cushion layer includes: various
thickness at differing parts of said cushion layer to provide shock
absorption and stability for said heel base.
8. The shoe of claim 5 wherein said cushion layer includes: a thick
portion at the rear of said shoe to absorb the initial impact of
the heel strike; and a thinner portion at the mid portion of said
heel of said shoe to provide cushioning and stability when the shoe
is substantially flat on the surface.
9. The shoe of claim 5 wherein said cushion layer includes: varying
hardness of said cushion layer at differing parts of said cushion
layer.
10. The shoe of claim 5 wherein said shoe includes: said cushion
layer having an asymmetrical shape to allow forward/rearward
movement while minimizing lateral movement of said cushion layer
relative to said heel base.
11. The shoe of claim 5 wherein said shoe further comprises: an
inner sole; a cushioning layer on said inner sole; and a thin
composite layer on said inner sole formed from a rigid polymer
material for providing lateral stability of the shoe while
maintaining a thin profile.
12. The shoe of claim 5 wherein said contour layer includes: an
overmolded rigid polymer and soft urethane layer.
13. A shoe having an inner sole; said shoe comprising: an inner
sole; a cushioning layer on said inner sole; and a thin composite
layer on said inner sole formed from a composite polymer material
for providing a thin cross section that allow said cushioning layer
to be several times thicker yet stay within a thin overall
cross-section for fashion purposes.
14. The shoe of claim 13 wherein said contour layer includes: an
overmolded fiberglass and urethane layer.
15. The shoe of claim 13 wherein said shoe further comprises: an
elevated heel base on said shoe; a cushion layer for attachment to
the elevated heel base; and a portion of said cushion layer having
a thicker portion for shock absorption at the point of initial heel
strike.
16. The shoe of claim 13 wherein said cushion layer includes:
various thickness at differing parts of said cushion layer to
provide shock absorption and stability for said heel base.
17. The shoe of claim 13 wherein said cushion layer includes: a
thick portion at the rear of said shoe to absorb the initial impact
of the heel strike; and a thinner portion at the mid portion of
said heel of said shoe to provide cushioning and stability when the
shoe is substantially flat on the surface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/457,454
filed on Jul. 13, 2006 which is a continuation in part of Ser. No.
09/894,516 filed on Jun. 27, 2001 which claims priority from
provisional application 60/214,086, filed on Jun. 27, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This application relates to the field of heeled shoes, and
particularly to the field of providing comfort and stability in
heeled shoes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of heeled shoes, and particularly shoes with
high-heels, are prevalent in today's fashion. Typically,
high-heeled fashion shoes are designed so that the heel of the foot
wearing the shoe is higher than the toes. The heel of the shoe is
typically formed of a hard plastic. The heel often is tapered so
that the point of impact between the heel and surface is relatively
small in cross-sectional area. Thus, the foot and body of the user
of such shoes are subject to impressive forces when the heel
strikes the ground. This impact is repeated numerous times while
the user is walking. This repeated, high-energy impact causes
discomfort, not only in the heel of the foot, but also transferred
throughout the body of the user of such shoes. Additionally, since
the heel is elevated, the impact forces the foot forward in the
shoe, jamming the toes against the front of the shoe to cause
further discomfort. The onset-rate, that is the rate at which the
impact occurs and the forces are transmitted through hard narrow
high heels, is typically very rapid. This rapid onset-rate does not
allow time for the ankle, foot and leg muscles to adapt to the
impact. This causes muscle and foot surface fatigue and increases
vulnerability to twisting an ankle or other injuries.
[0004] The use of heeled shoes on uneven surfaces causes additional
discomfort and danger. The angle of the foot relative to the
surface creates a propensity for the user to roll or twist an
ankle. Even if the ankle is not twisted, the surrounding muscles
and ligaments are fatigued in trying to prevent the ankle from
twisting or rolling. This is exacerbated even more by narrow or
spike high-heels.
[0005] Another problem with existing high-heeled shoes is foot
fatigue resulting from the elevated stance. This elevated position
magnifies movement of the leg. The muscles in the ankle and lower
leg are required to adjust to the movement of the leg from this
position. This constant muscle contraction thus results in fatigue
and cramping of the foot.
[0006] These and other problems are the result of the use of hard
plastic heels as well as other types of heels in most heeled shoes.
There have been attempts in the past to address these problems, but
these attempts have not been successful at providing a heeled shoe
that reduces the shock from the impact of the heel and surface
while maintaining the lateral stability of the shoe. Examples of
such prior attempts include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,311,677; 4,876,805;
4,972,612; 4,429,473; 4,866,805 and many others disclose using
cushioned insoles. Also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,063,691; 5,212,878;
5,212,878; and 5,782,014 disclose using shock absorbers in heels.
However, none of these patents disclose any apparatus for
maintaining lateral stability while providing increased shock
absorption or any feature that will allow compensation for uneven
surfaces. In many designs, increasing cushioning in heels with a
small profile results in the heel becoming less stable since
movement of the cushioning elements occurs over the entire heel. In
this case, lateral stability is greatly sacrificed to provide
cushioning.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,168 discloses a shock absorbing high
heel that uses an inelastic rigid inner core for stabilization and
an elastic outer envelope for shock-absorption. This design allows
the heel to compress laterally and does not provide lateral
stability or support for uneven surfaces.
[0008] Another problem that occurs with prior shoe designs is the
lack of cushioning in the inner soles of the shoes, particularly in
fashionable shoe designs. Typically, the shoe middle sole support
structures are made of a thick paperboard and steel construction
onto which an outer sole and insole is glued or attached. The inner
sole may be formed with a heel cup and a slight arch at the mid
portion to provide some measure of comfort to the wearer. However,
in order to maintain the style and look of the shoe, and avoid the
shoe sole body becoming thick in appearance, very little cushioning
is provided. Also, in those shoes that attempt to provide
additional cushioning, the stability of the shoe is often lost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention used in heeled fashion shoes provides
a heel sub-assembly and/or a shoe heel that is able to cushion the
impact of a heel striking a surface and lengthen the onset rate of
impact as the heel first strikes. Thus, injury and fatigue is
reduced from the use of heeled shoes, particularly with high-heeled
shoes. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention
enables the shoe to maintain lateral stability and compensate for
uneven surfaces and on both even and uneven surfaces to minimize
fatigue and injury to the wearer.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
cushion layer formed of a soft, shock-absorption material is
incorporated into the heel between the tread and hard heel
structure. The cushion layer provides greater shock absorption in
the areas receiving the most impact from the heel striking a
surface, namely the back edge of the heel that first strikes the
ground. The heel cushion layer entirely contacts the ground as the
entire foot touches the ground. The heel cushion at this point has
cushioning yet is able to move only minimally laterally thus
providing more support than cushioning
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the soft
shock absorbing layer is in between the heel tread and the hard
heel structure. The components of the heel sub-assembly can be
affixed together by bonding, insert molding, bi-injection molding,
adhesives, screws, pins, barbed fasteners, detents or other known
fastening mechanisms.
[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the shoe design provides greatly increased cushioning through the
body of the foot while maintaining stability to the wearer. The
support section of the shoe from the heel to the ball of the foot
is made of a polymer that is much thinner and stronger than typical
shoe midsoles. This allows more room in the shoe construction for a
thicker cushioning layer providing more cushioning so that the
overall aesthetic look of the shoe is not affected and comfort is
greatly increased.
[0013] These and other features of the present invention are
evident from the claims, and the detailed description of preferred
embodiments and from the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded assembly perspective view of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the heel subassembly
of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of another preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another preferred
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another preferred
embodiment.
[0020] FIGS. 7-9 are side views showing the action of the cushion
layer of a preferred embodiment of the present invention during a
heel strike movement.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side cut-away view of a prior art shoe.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a side cut-away view of the contoured layer
system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-10. It is to be expressly understood that
the descriptive embodiments are provided herein for explanatory
purposes only and are not meant to unduly limit the claimed
inventions. The exemplary embodiments describe the present
invention in terms of a cushioned heel subassembly and increased
thickness cushion for use on heeled shoes, as shown in FIGS. 1-10.
It is to be understood that the present invention is intended for
use with other types of women's footwear that have elevated heels
including high heels, mid heels, lower heels as well as elevated
shoes having a heel of a wedge design, sandals, and other types of
footwear having the heel surface higher that the forefoot
surface.
[0024] The preferred embodiments of the present invention include
two components that may be used either in combination with one
another or separately to improve the comfort of wearing heeled
shoes while still retaining the aesthetics and style of such shoes.
These components include a cushion built into the heel of the shoe
to minimize shock transferring to the user during a heel strike and
a contoured inner sole system to provide increased cushioning while
retaining the shape and style of the shoe.
[0025] Heel Cushion Component
[0026] In the preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1-3, shoe 10
includes heel assembly 12 and sole 14. It is to be understood that
the present invention is intended for use with women's footwear
having an elevated heel portion. In this embodiment, heel 12
includes a heel sub-assembly 20 and a heel base 22. Generally,
under the present invention, heel sub-assembly 20, shown in FIGS.
1-3, includes a heel tread with posts 30 and cushion layer 50. The
cushion layer 40 is formed of a relatively soft, shock-absorbing
material, such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, urethane,
cork, or other materials having shock-absorption properties. These
two elements are typically attached to a rigid heel body that
elevates the rear portion of the shoe 22. In the preferred
embodiment, the cushion layer 50 is formed of polyether, or
polyester or polyurethane elastomeric material with a Shore A
hardness from 40 to 70.
[0027] The cushion layer 50, in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, absorbs at least a portion of the impact from
the heel striking a surface while providing support, particularly
at other locations in the cushion layer. In the preferred
embodiment, the cushion layer 50 accomplishes this by allowing
absorption of the shock by the thicker soft shock absorption
material at the rear of the heel strike zone of the heel. Heel
strike is defined as the impact occurring when the heel of the shoe
hits the ground before the toe touches down during the stride of
the wearer.
[0028] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the material
is much thicker at the strike area 70, thus more able to absorb
impact at that location. The thinner area 72 of the cushion layer
50 is aligned perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the
shoe. This causes the thicker material 70 to move more and absorb
more shock during initial heel strike. Area 72 is thinner to offer
less cushioning and greater stability as the shoe is flat to the
ground. In this embodiment, the cushion layer 50 may also include
pockets or voids 74 in the material to allow the material to
displace easier at those locations.
[0029] The heel tread with posts 30, in the preferred embodiment,
secures the cushion layer 50 to the hard heel structure 22 of the
shoe in a manner that allows the cushion layer 50 to asymmetrically
flex or flow. That is, the cushion layer 50 and the heel base 22
are able to flex forward, rearward and upward relative to the hard
heel structure 22 but do not flex as much sideways or torsionally
in order to maintain lateral stability. The flex may be
accomplished by the cushion layer 50 actually flexing, but in a
preferred embodiment, the material of the cushion layer 50 is
displaced by the impact of the force of the heel strike especially
in the areas of the thicker material. It bulges outwards and may
move into perforations within the layer.
[0030] The design of the heel tread with posts 30 is accomplished
in numerous variations and is not meant to be limited to these
descriptive embodiments. The heel tread may include adhesives,
pins, screws, button barbs or many other types of securing
devices.
[0031] The heel tread 30 includes a plurality of post members 32,
34, 36, 38 that engage in mating holes 40, 42, 44, 46 formed in
heel base 22. These post members 32-38 have mushroom shaped heads
that are slightly larger than the body of the post members. The
heel tread 30 may also include a centrally located hole 48 for
decorative purposes. In this embodiment, heel tread is formed of a
hard durable high-grip plastic material.
[0032] Cushion layer 50, in this preferred embodiment, is formed of
a soft polyurethane material. The cushion layer 50 includes a
plurality of holes 52, 54, 56, 58 aligned with the members 32, 34,
36, 38 of the mounting plate, a central cut out portion 60 and a
tab member 62 extending partially into the cut-out portion 60.
[0033] The midsole 14, which will be described in greater detail
below, includes an engagement member 76 extending downward into an
aperture 24 in the heel base 22 to secure the sole to the heel
assembly 12.
[0034] These components are assembled as shown in cross section in
FIGS. 1-3. The post members 32-38 engage through holes 52-58 of the
cushion layer 50 into holes 40-46 of the heel base. The engagement
member 70 of the sole 12 is inserted through aperture 24 of the
heel base 22, to engage the cut-out 62 of the cushion layer 50 with
the open upper recess 48. The four posts 32-38 of the mounting
plate are inserted through the holes 52-58 of the cushion layer 50
and into the holes 40-46 of the heel base 22. The mushroom shaped
head portions of the posts deform into the holes 40-46 to form a
retaining mechanism for securing the mounting plate and cushion
layer to the heel base 22. Further retaining mechanisms may be
used, such as adhesives, screws or other interlocking means, to
secure the components to one another. The tab member 62, shown in
FIG. 3, engages in the center hole 48 to minimize movement between
the thinner center portion of the cushion layer 50 and the heel
tread 30 and for cosmetic reasons. Thus, the components are easily
and securely mounted to the heel base 22 of the shoe 10 in a
snap-together fashion.
[0035] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
cushion layer is varied in thickness. Different areas of the
cushion layer 50 may have differing thickness and/or hardness. This
provides greater shock absorption at the rear area that that
receives the greatest impact. Other areas of the cushion layer that
are thinner or harder to provide greater stability for the heel
tread when it sits flat on the ground. In an alternative
embodiment, the cushion layer may include a lateral bar extending
from side to side to allow greater shock absorption at the rear or
front of the heel while maintaining lateral stability in the heel.
The thicker rear profile of the cushion layer 70 has an added
benefit in that it lengthens the onset rate of impact by absorbing
the impact more slowly than a typical hard heel tread and heel
structure. This longer onset rate allows the muscles, tendons and
bones of the foot and lower leg more time to compensate and meet
the forces of impact thus greatly reducing fatigue to the lower
extremity.
[0036] It is to be expressly understood that other types of
fastening techniques can be used to provide the unique features of
providing shock or impact absorption while maintaining lateral
stability. For example, and without limiting other equivalent
fastening mechanisms considered under the scope of the claimed
inventions, mechanical fasteners such as barbs, screws, buttons may
be used. Various shapes of the cushion layer and components provide
the lateral stability while allowing non-symmetrical flexing of the
cushion layer.
[0037] Another embodiment of the present invention for use with
narrower heels is shown in FIG. 4. Since the heel area is much
smaller, the heel assembly 140 uses a cushion layer 150 with a
thicker area 152 and thinner area 154 and two holes 156, 158
extending through it. The heel tread with posts 160 includes two
posts 162, 164 aligned with the holes 156, 158. The posts 162, 164
are inserted through the two holes 156, 158 and into mating holes
of the heel base to secure the components to the heel base. The
cushion layer 140 also performs similar to the above described
embodiment. The thicker rear area 152 provides greater cushioning
during the initial impact of a heel strike. The forward part of the
cushion layer 154 is thinner to provide some cushioning with
increased lateral stability. This design provides shock absorption
without affecting the lateral stability of the heel that might
cause imbalance to the shoe wearer. The two posts 162, 164 may be
made of metal or other strong material that is co-molded with the
heel tread material if the heel profile is very small for extra
strength.
[0038] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIG. 5. This embodiment includes a cushion layer 250 having a
thicker area 252 and a thinner area 254. The heel tread 230
includes a single post 232. In this embodiment, the post 232 is in
a T shape cross section that attaches the heel tread yet prevents
rotation between the cushion layer 250 and the mounting plate 230,
although other shapes may be used as well. These shapes may be a
square, rectangle or other keyed shape that securely attached the
heel tread while preventing rotation during use. The post 232 is
inserted into a similar shaped hole 256 in the cushion layer 250
and into engagement with a similarly shaped hole in the heel base
of the shoe. The cushion layer also performs similar to the above
described embodiments. The thicker rear 252 provides greater
cushioning during the impact of a heel strike. This provides shock
absorption without affecting the lateral stability of the heel that
might cause imbalance to the shoe wearer.
[0039] Another preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. This
embodiment uses an elevated wedge shaped heel 260. The wedge heel
260 includes a cushion layer insert 262. The cushion layer insert
262 has a thicker rear area 264 for absorbing the initial heel
strike with a thinner front area 266 for providing cushioning and
stability when the heel is parallel and in contact with the ground
surface.
[0040] Other shapes and sizes and engagement mechanisms of the
cushion layer and the mounting plate are considered to be within
the scope of the presently claimed inventions that allow different
portions of the cushion layer to absorb the impact of the heel
strike while other portions of the cushion layer provide greater
stability.
[0041] In use, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the thicker area 70 of the
cushion layer absorbs the impact of the initial heel strike. As the
wearer's foot and shoe passes through the stride and the toe drops
to the ground, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the weight of the wearer
is transferred to the thinner area 72 of the heel cushion layer.
This area does not afford as much shock absorption which is not
necessary as the shock has already been absorbed. Instead, this
thinner area provides some shock absorption while providing greater
lateral and torsional stability so that the wearer has greater
control. This is important for heeled shoes as they are typically
less stable and simply providing soft cushioning uniformly across
the entire heel results in considerable loss of lateral stability
as the soft heel flexes laterally. In addition, the thinner
cushioning area allows the heel to conform to uneven surfaces
increasing safety and comfort. The shoe of the preferred embodiment
thus provides greater shock absorption where it is most needed
while maintaining lateral stability and control and better
adaptability to uneven surfaces.
[0042] Inner Sole Support and Cushioning
[0043] The second component of the overall system of the present
invention, that can be used alone or in combination with the above
described heel cushion, is the contoured layer system 100. The
contoured layer system of the present invention is similar to the
system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,025,573; 5,572,805; and
5,575,098, assigned to the assignee of this patent application and
incorporated herein by reference.
[0044] A cross-sectional view of a typical heeled shoe 10 is shown
in FIG. 10. The shoe 10 includes an outer sole 14, formed of an
abrasion resistant material known in the industry or other suitable
materials, an inner sole 16 formed of resin filled cardboard,
paper, or other typical material used for structural inner soles.
These typical middle sole materials lack structural strength
compared to modern polymer and reinforced plastic materials used in
the preferred embodiment. Thus, they must be much thicker in
profile to provide adequate strength. The typical heeled fashion
shoe cushion layer 18 is very thin and provides only a minimal
amount of cushioning. This is because high heel shoes have a high
degree of aesthetic design that does not allow the thicker profiles
for fashion reasons. Thus, typical heeled fashion shoe construction
and materials only allow for a relatively thin layer of cushioning
material when compared to more comfortable walking and athletic
shoes.
[0045] The shoe of a preferred embodiment of the present invention
is shown in FIGS. 1, 10 and 11. This shoe includes a contoured
layer system 106. The contoured layer system 106 includes an upper
cushion layer 108 and a structural polymer composite layer 110. The
polymer composite layer 110 of this preferred embodiment is formed
of modern strong high impact plastic that is far stronger than the
typical structural materials described above. These polymers may be
reinforced with fiberglass or other structural additives as well as
thin metal reinforcements. This allows the structural polymer layer
110 to be much thinner in cross section than typical construction
allowing many times thicker cushioning layers than a typical heeled
fashion shoe as shown in FIG. 11.
[0046] It is to be expressly understood that other materials may be
used as well that function in a substantially similar manner. The
polymer layer 110 is molded into a contour that not only supports
the contours of the foot in a comfortable manner but also provides
stability as well. The contour layer may transition from a stiff
heel portion 112 and arch portion 114 into a thinner, flexible
portion 116 at the ball and toe portion of the shoe. The entire
contour layer 110 provides stiffness laterally while allowing a
degree of flexibility at the ball and toe portion to enable the
foot of the shoe wearer to flex as they stride forward. This
flexible portion 116 may be a separate part or may be over molded
or co-molded as a unitized piece with the polymer layer 110 to
increase stability and provide a smooth flex transition under the
ball of the foot.
[0047] The cushion layer 108 is formed of a foam material that
provides advanced cushioning and lengthens the onset of impact yet
minimizes breaking down during use. This cushion layer also
transitions from a thicker portion at the heel area to a thinner
portion at the ball and toe box portion of the shoe and has a
contoured shape to provide support to the bottom of the foot. The
thick cushion layer 108 in the preferred embodiment is made of
closed cell urethane foam, or closed cell polymer foam with a high
degree of impact absorption, cushioning and durability as opposed
to the typically used thin open cell foam layer found in typical
heeled fashion shoes. The use of the unique composite layer having
a relatively thin cross section enables the cushion layer to have
sufficient thickness to greatly reduce the stress that occurs
during walking thus increasing comfort.
[0048] This unique multiple layer contour system provides greater
cushioning than previously available while keeping the thickness of
the inner sole of the shoe at a relatively minimum for aesthetic
and fashion reasons. In the preferred embodiment discussed above,
the structural polymer midsole 110 is maintained at less than one
eighth inch while the cushion layer 108 is maintained at more than
one quarter inch. This is the inversion of typical heeled fashion
shoe construction where the structural layer is maintained at more
than one quarter inch and the cushioning layer is maintained at
less than one eighth inch Additionally, the stability of the heel
region and the lateral stability of the entire shoe is increased by
the structural polymer midsole 110 along with the greater
cushioning.
[0049] Heel Cushion Component Combined With Inner Sole Support and
Cushioning
[0050] The previously described Inner Sole Support and Cushioning
design is best used with the Heel Cushioning Component design as a
complete system to substantially increase the cushioning, support
and comfort of heeled fashion shoes while maintaining a low profile
thin soled design as desired in fashion heeled shoes. The two
designs work in tandem to reduce the onset rate of initial impact,
increase support and stability to the entire foot, and provide
smooth transitional impact absorption through the entire phase of
stepping. The result is reduced fatigue to tendons, bones and
muscles of the lower leg and foot in addition to increased
stability and reduced incidence of injury. In addition, lengthening
of the onset rate of impact at initial heel strike combined with
increased support and cushioning through the surface of the sole
reduces the forward force applied to the toes that compresses them
into the front portion of the toe box thus addressing a common
source of discomfort when wearing high heeled fashion shoes.
[0051] The two designs can also be used independently. The use of
the Heel Cushion System may enable the cushion layer 108 to be
further reduced in thickness while providing an improved level of
comfort and fatigue reduction.
[0052] These and other features of the present invention are found
in combination or singly. It is to be expressly understood that the
above descriptions of embodiments are for explanatory purposes only
and are not meant to limit the scope of the claimed inventions.
* * * * *