U.S. patent application number 12/301153 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-11 for shoe having an elastic body.
Invention is credited to Hyun-Wook Ryoo.
Application Number | 20100058616 12/301153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38723520 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100058616 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ryoo; Hyun-Wook |
March 11, 2010 |
SHOE HAVING AN ELASTIC BODY
Abstract
Disclosed is a shoe provided with at least one elastic body,
which is combined with the outer sole thereof, so that friction
induced in the shoe itself can be reduced, thereby enhancing the
endurance of the shoe, and the shock absorption efficiency of the
shoe becomes excellent, thereby allowing walking to be easier. The
inventive shoe provided with at least one elastic body includes a
plate-type outer sole protection sheath (21), a plate-type elastic
body (22) stacked on the outer sole protection sheath (21), an
outer sole body (23) stacked on the entire area on the top of the
outer sole protection sheath (21) including the top of the
plate-type elastic body (22), and a block type elastic body
complementarily fitted in the outer sole body (23).
Inventors: |
Ryoo; Hyun-Wook; (Seoul,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF DELIO & PETERSON, LLC.
121 WHITNEY AVENUE, 3RD FLLOR
NEW HAVEN
CT
06510
US
|
Family ID: |
38723520 |
Appl. No.: |
12/301153 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
May 23, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2007/002516 |
371 Date: |
November 17, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/102 ; 36/27;
36/28; 36/30R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/187 20130101;
A43B 13/182 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/102 ; 36/27;
36/28; 36/30.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18; A43B 13/28 20060101 A43B013/28; A43B 13/12 20060101
A43B013/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 23, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0046050 |
Jan 12, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0003649 |
Claims
1. A shoe with an outer sole, a shoe upper, and a middle sole,
comprising: an outer sole protection sheath 21 formed in a shape of
a foot bottom, the bottom of the outer sole protection sheath
coming into contact with the ground; at least one plate-type
elastic body 22 stacked on and joined to the central area of the
top of the outer sole protection sheath 21; an outer sole body 23
stacked on and joined to the entire area on the top of the outer
sole protection sheath 21 including the top of the plate-type
elastic body 22, the outer sole body 23 being formed with at least
one depression G or through-hole on the top side thereof, the
through-hole being formed when the bottom of the depression G is
removed; and at least one block type elastic body 24 which is
fitted in the depression G or through-hole of the outer sole body
23.
2. A shoe with an outer sole, a shoe upper, and a middle sole,
comprising: an outer sole protection sheath 21 formed in a shape of
a foot bottom, the bottom of the outer sole protection sheath
coming into contact with the ground; an outer sole body 23 stacked
on and joined to the top of the outer sole protection sheath 21,
the outer sole body 23 being formed with at least one depression G
or through-hole on the top side thereof, the through-hole being
formed when the bottom of the depression G is removed; and at least
one block type elastic body 24 which is fitted in the depression G
or through-hole of the outer sole body 23.
3. The shoe as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the block type
elastic body 24 comprises: a cylindrical or polyhedron-shaped
elastic block 24A formed from a flexible material; and a coil
spring embedded in the elastic block 24A the coil spring being
selected from a truncated-cone-shaped coil spring 24B spirally
wound in such a manner that the diameter of the coil spring 24B
increases from one end to the other end thereof, a
truncated-pyramid-shaped coil spring 24B' wound in such a manner
that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the coil spring 24B'
gradually increases from one end to the other end thereof, a
jar-shaped coil spring 24B'', the diameter of which gradually
decreases when approaching the opposite ends thereof from the
vertically central area thereof, and an hour-glass-shaped coil
spring 24B'', the diameter of which gradually increases when
approaching the opposite ends from the vertically central area
thereof.
4. The shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate-type elastic
body 22 is downwardly convex.
5. The shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein a gap N is formed
between the bottom of the outer sole body and the top of the
plate-type elastic body 22.
6. The shoe as claimed in claim 5, wherein the outer sole body 23
forming the gap N has a plurality of projections E formed on the
bottom thereof.
7. The shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer sole body 23
has a rear end area, the bottom S.sub.E of which is upwardly
inclined so that it does not come into contact with the ground.
8. A shoe having a shock-absorption structure, which comprises: an
outer sole 100 with a longitudinal front area from the front end to
the central area in the longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal
rear area from the central area to the rear end in the longitudinal
direction, the bottom of the longitudinal front area coming into
contact with the ground, and the bottom of the longitudinal rear
area being inclined upwardly so that it does not come into contact
with the ground; and at least one hour-glass-shaped elastic member
200 combined with the outer sole, the elastic member having a
diameter w, which gradually decreases from the top end thereof
engaged with the bottom of the rear area to the center thereof, and
then gradually increases from the center to the bottom end thereof
engaged with the ground.
9. The shoe as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elastic member 200
comprises: an hour-glass-shaped coil 210 spring wound in such a
manner that its diameter w gradually decreases from the top end to
the center thereof, and then gradually increases from the center to
the bottom end thereof; and a sheath 220 enclosing the outside of
the hour-glass-shaped coil spring in such a manner that a sealed
space R is formed within the inner diameter of the
hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210.
10. The shoe as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elastic member 200
comprises: an hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 wound in such a
manner that its diameter w gradually decreases from the top end to
the center thereof, and then gradually increases from the center to
the bottom end thereof; and a sheath 220' enclosing the periphery
of a wire material for use in forming the hour-glass-shaped coil
spring 210.
11. The shoe as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the sheath 220 or
220' is formed from a material selected from a group consisting of
polyurethane, silicone, and rubber.
12. A shoe having a shock-absorption structure, which comprises: a
bottom member 300 formed in a shape of a foot bottom, the bottom of
the bottom member 300 coming into contact with the ground; and an
outer sole 100 stacked on the top of the bottom member 100 in such
a manner that the bottom of the outer sole 100 is stuck fast to the
top of the front area of the bottom member, S.sub.F, in the area
from the front end to the central area in the longitudinal
direction thereof, and is inclined upwardly in the area from the
central area to the rear end thereof in the longitudinal direction
thereof so that it does not come into contact with the top of the
rear area of the bottom member, S.sub.R; and at least one
hour-glass-shaped elastic member 200 combined with the outer sole,
the elastic member having a diameter w, which gradually decreases
from the top end thereof engaged with the bottom of the rear area
to the center thereof, and then gradually increases from the center
to the bottom end thereof engaged with the ground.
13. The shoe as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elastic member 200
comprises: an hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 wound in such a
manner that its diameter w gradually decreases from the top end to
the center thereof, and then gradually increases from the center to
the bottom end thereof; and a sheath 220 enclosing the outside of
the hour-glass-shaped coil spring in such a manner that a sealed
space R is formed within the inner diameter of the
hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210.
14. The shoe as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elastic member 200
comprises: an hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 wound in such a
manner that its diameter w gradually decreases from the top end to
the center thereof, and then gradually increases from the center to
the bottom end thereof; and a sheath 220' enclosing the periphery
of a wire material for use in forming the hour-glass-shaped coil
spring 210.
15. The shoe as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the sheath 220
or 220' is formed from a material selected from a group consisting
of polyurethane, silicone, and rubber.
16. The shoe as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a
shock-absorption member 400 interposed between the outer sole 100
and the bottom member 300, wherein the at least one elastic member
200 is embedded in the shock-absorption member 400.
17. The shoe as claimed in claim 16, wherein the bottom member 300
and the shock-absorption member 400 are integrally formed with each
other.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a shoe with an outer sole
combined with at least one elastic body in such a manner that
friction induced in the elastic body itself can be reduced, thereby
enhancing the endurance of the shoe, and the shock absorption
efficiency can be greatly improved, thereby making walking
easier.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As man began to walk erect, shoes have been developed. Early
shoes merely served to protect the feet of a shoe wearer, so that
the shoe wearer comfortably walks without being injured. However,
as techniques for fabricating shoes have developed together with a
rise in the standard of living, shoes have been used for various
purposes, such as for walking, climbing, medical treatment, and
specific sports purposes.
[0003] In particular, as concern about the importance of health has
greatly increased, shoes for use in exercise have made rapid
progress, and shoes of novel materials and features have been
continuously developed. In view of body health, however, the
problem to be preferentially solved in the art is how to provide
ventilation and cushion in a shoe.
[0004] In order to achieve the basic purpose of permitting a shoe
wearer's activity while enclosing and protecting the wearer's feet,
almost all kinds of shoes except slippers take the form in which an
internal space of a shoe is substantially sealed, except for a top
opening area provided so as to allow the wearer to put on or take
off the shoe. Due to this feature of the shoes, ventilation-related
problems may be unavoidable. However, various materials excellent
in ventilation and various ventilation features suitable for shoes
have been developed.
[0005] In view of body health, the more important factor as
compared to the ventilation in a shoe is cushion. If shoes are poor
in cushion, feet are liable to feel tired. Furthermore, as well
known in the art, shock induced when the outer soles of shoes come
into contact with the ground is transferred to the shoe wearer's
brain through the spine of the shoe wearer and exerts a harmful
influence on the shoe wearer's health. Therefore, shoes should be
sufficiently cushioned.
[0006] A lot of the cushion-related problems have been already
solved because various materials excellent in shock-absorption
performance have been developed. However, it is impossible to solve
all the cushion-related problems with the materials excellent in
shock-absorption performance.
[0007] Korean Utility Model Publication No. 1995-0005782 discloses
a shoe with at least one air-cushion combined with the outer sole
of the shoe so as to minimize shock. The air-cushion is very
effective in absorbing shock. However, such an air-cushion is
dis-advantageous in that when the air-cushions are used for a long
time, the air gradually leaks from the air-cushions like a
conventional air tube to such an extent that they cannot serve as a
cushion.
[0008] In order to solve this disadvantage of the air-cushions, a
shock absorption spring equipped airbag for a shoe and a method of
fabricating the same have been developed, which are disclosed in
Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-100800. The airbag
includes a plurality of upright post type supports provided within
the airbag, and a plurality of coil springs fitted on the supports,
respectively, so that the air filled in the airbag and the springs
can cooperate with each other so as to absorb shock.
[0009] However, this shock absorption structure employs cylindrical
coil springs. As a result, when the shoe wearer walks or jumps to
such an extent that shock is exerted to the shoes, upper and lower
adjacent turns in each of the springs come into contact with each
other, thereby restricting the shock absorbing amount of the
springs. In addition, the contact of the turns may damage the
springs. Furthermore, the outer sole of the shoe should be thick
enough because the springs have a predetermined height even if they
are fully compressed.
[0010] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, a conventional
cylindrical coil spring 11 takes a spirally wound structure with a
constant diameter W throughout its height.
[0011] Therefore, the minimum height h.sub.2 of the spring when it
is fully compressed is represented as follows:
h.sub.2=h.sub.1-n.times.d
[0012] wherein h.sub.1 is the maximum height of the spring when the
spring is not compressed, n is the number of turns of the spring,
and d is the diameter of a wire material used for forming the
spring. The spring cannot be compressed beyond the minimum height
h.sub.2. Therefore, in order to install such a spring within the
outer sole of a shoe, the thickness of the outer sole should exceed
the minimum height h.sub.2 of the spring. As a result, there is a
disadvantage in that the thickness should be inevitably thicker
than it needs.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0013] The present invention has been made so as to solve the
above-mentioned problems of conventional shoes with at least one
cylindrical spring, and the present invention provides a shoe with
a coil spring, wherein the adjacent turns of the coil spring are
prevented from coming into contact with each other so as to prevent
the occurrence of noise and the wear caused by the contact, the
height of the spring when fully compressed is as low as the
thickness of a wire material used for forming the coil spring, the
elasticity of the coil spring is reinforced so as to more
effectively allow walking, in particular of the old and the weak,
to be easier, and the increase in thickness of an outer sole, which
is resulted from the provision of the above-mentioned elastic
material, can be minimized.
Advantageous Effects
[0014] The inventive shoe provided with at least one elastic body
has advantages in that because the diameter of a coil spring
forming a block type elastic body increases or decreases, the turns
of the coil spring do not come into contact with each other,
thereby preventing the occurrence of noise. In addition, no
compression stopping shock is produced, which is caused if the
turns of the coil spring come into contact each other, thereby
instantaneously stopping the elastic compression of the coil
spring. Further, the shock absorption distance of the inventive
coil spring is longer than that of a conventional cylindrical coil
spring. Moreover, a plate-type elastic body makes walking
easier.
[0015] Furthermore, because the compressed displacement of the
inventive coil spring is large, unlike a conventional cylindrical
coil spring, the shock absorption efficiency is excellent, and the
friction induced in the coil spring itself is reduced, whereby the
endurance of the coil spring can be improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0017] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a coil spring
before and after compression, respectively;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a shoe according
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the shoe according
to the first embodiment of the present invention in a disassembled
state;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the shoe according
to the first embodiment of the present invention in an assembled
state;
[0021] FIGS. 5A to 5C are perspective views showing a
truncated-cone-shaped block type elastic body, a cylindrical block
type elastic body, and a rectangular hexahedron-shaped block type
elastic body, respectively;
[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views showing a
truncated-cone-shaped coil spring and a truncated-pyramid-shaped
coil spring, respectively;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment
of an outer sole body and a plate-type elastic body, which are
employed in the present invention, in an assembled state;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment
of an outer sole body and a plate-type elastic body, which are
employed in the present invention, in an assembled state;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment
of an outer sole body and a plate-type elastic body, which are
employed in the present invention, in an assembled state;
[0026] FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views showing a jar-shaped
coil spring and an hour-glass-shaped coil spring, which are
employed in an another embodiment of the present invention,
respectively;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a shoe to which a
shock absorption structure is assembled according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the shoe of FIG. 11;
[0029] FIGS. 13A and 13B are side views showing an
hour-glass-shaped coil spring before and after compression,
respectively;
[0030] FIG. 14A and a partially sectioned perspective view and a
cross-sectional view of an elastic member, which is employed in
another embodiment of the present invention, respectively;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic view, which
is employed in another embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a shoe, to which a
shock absorption structure is assembled, according to another
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0033] FIG. 17 is a side view showing partially in cross-section
one or more elastic members embedded in a shock absorption member
which is employed in a shoe according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0034] The above-mentioned objects of the present invention can be
accomplished by a block type elastic body, the appearance of which
has a cylindrical shape, a truncated-pyramid shape, or the like,
and a plate-type elastic body with a curved face.
[0035] The inventive shoe provided with the above-mentioned elastic
bodies is technically characterized in that shock is primarily
absorbed by the block type elastic body, and then secondarily
absorbed by the plate elastic body. At the same time, the block
type elastic body and the plate-type elastic body cooperate with
each other so as to render the shoe to move forward.
[0036] In construction, the inventive shoe described above is
characterized in that at least one block type elastic body and at
least one plate-type elastic body are combined with the outer sole
of the shoe.
[0037] In general, a shoe includes an outer sole coming into
contact with a floor, a shoe upper joined at the edge of the top of
the outer sole, and a middle sole stacked on and joined to the top
of the outer sole. In particular, in sports shoes or the like, an
outer sole may include: an outer sole body which is formed from a
flexible material, such as urethane or the like, so as to provide
cushion, and the thickness of which is typically not less than 1
cm; and a plate-type or sheet type outer sole protection sheath,
the top of which is joined to the bottom of the outer sole body,
and the thickness of which is not more than 5 mm, the outer sole
protection sheath being somewhat superior to the outer sole body in
wear-resistance but still flexible.
[0038] The outer sole of the inventive shoe also includes an outer
sole body and an outer sole protection sheath as described above,
wherein at least one block type elastic body is fitted in the outer
sole body, and at least one plate-type elastic body is interposed
between the outer sole body and the outer sole protection sheath at
the central area thereof.
[0039] That is, the length and width of the plate-type elastic body
are smaller than those of the bottom of the outer sole body,
wherein the plate-type elastic body is joined to the central area
of the bottom of the outer sole body, and then the top of the outer
sole protection sheath is stuck fast to the entire area on the
bottom of the outer sole body, including the bottom of the
plate-type elastic body.
[0040] The inventive shoe with the construction as described above
is technically characterized by the block type elastic body and the
plate-type elastic body, each of which will be described below.
[0041] The block type elastic body includes an elastic block formed
from a material flexible but superior in restoration to the
original state when it is elastically deformed, such as urethane,
rubber or silicone; and a coil spring embedded in the elastic
block, wherein the coil spring is wound in such a manner that its
diameter gradually increases or decreases from one end to the other
end thereof so as to form a truncated-cone shape or a
truncated-pyramid shape, unlike a conventional cylindrical coil
spring, which is wound to have a constant diameter.
[0042] At this time, in order to enhance the endurance of the coil
spring, the truncated-cone shape is preferable to the
truncated-pyramid shape in order to prevent the wire material of
the coil spring from being bent. However, if desired, the coil
spring may take the truncated-pyramid shape.
[0043] When forming such a coil spring, it is necessary to adjust
the rate of changing the diameters of respective turns of the coil
spring in such a manner that a turn with a diameter smaller than
that of an adjacent upper or lower turn can be inserted into the
inside of the adjacent turn without contact, thereby preventing a
pair of neighbored upper and lower turns from being piled one on
another or interfered with each other when the coil spring is
compressed.
[0044] By being wound in a truncated-cone or truncated-pyramid
shape, all of the turns of the inventive coil spring come into
contact with the same plane if it is fully compressed against the
plane, wherein the maximum height of the coil spring when fully
compressed is substantially equal to the diameter of the wire
material of the coil spring.
[0045] Of course, the coil spring cannot be fully compressed
because it is embedded in the elastic block, wherein shock can be
absorbed by the interaction between the elastic block and the coil
spring.
[0046] The plate-type spring, which is a downwardly convex plate,
may be formed from a metallic material, a hard synthetic resin, or
the like. One plate-type spring or two or more plate-type springs
can be stacked on and joined to the outer sole, as desired. Such a
plate-type spring serves to upwardly move the heel of a foot.
[0047] That is, if the outer sole comes into close contact with a
floor so that the plate spring(s) is elastically deformed in a
plate shape, the elastic force accumulated in the plate-type spring
helps the upward movement of the heel of a foot when the heel
starts to move upward for forward walking, thereby making the
walking easier.
[0048] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
[0049] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a shoe
according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
3 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the shoe according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] As shown in the drawings, the inventive shoe provided with
at least one elastic body includes:
[0051] an outer sole protection sheath 21 formed in a shape of a
foot bottom, the bottom of the outer sole protection sheath 21
coming into contact with the ground;
[0052] at least one plate-type elastic body 22 stacked on and
joined to the central area of the top of the outer sole protection
sheath 21;
[0053] an outer sole body 23 stacked on and joined to the entire
area on the top of the outer sole protection sheath 21 including
the top of the plate-type elastic body 22, the outer sole body 23
being formed with one or more depressions G on the top side
thereof;
[0054] one or more block type elastic bodies 24 which are
complementarily fitted in the depressions G of the outer sole body
23, respectively;
[0055] a shoe upper 25 joined to the outer sole body 23 along the
peripheral edge of the top of the outer sole body 23; and
[0056] a middle sole 26 stacked on and joined to the top of the
outer sole body 23, the middle sole being formed in the shape of
the foot bottom.
[0057] Herein, the subassembly of the outer sole protection sheath
21 and the outer sole body 23 is referred to as an "outer sole
20."
[0058] In addition, each depression G formed on the top of the
outer sole body 23 may be formed as a through-hole extending
through the outer sole body 23 from the top to the bottom of the
outer sole body 23. The top surface of each block type elastic body
24 may be lower than, flush with, or higher than the top of the
outer sole body 23 in the state in which the bottom surface of the
block type elastic body is abutted against the bottom of the
depression G when the depressions G are formed, or in the state in
which the bottom surface of the block type elastic body is flush
with the bottom of the outer sole body 23 when the depressions G
are formed as the through-holes.
[0059] If the top surfaces of the block type elastic bodies 24 are
lower than the top of the outer sole body 23, the initial shock
exerted to the shoe is primarily absorbed by the outer sole body 23
and then secondarily absorbed by the block type elastic bodies 24.
If the top surfaces of the block type elastic bodies 24 are flush
with the top of the outer sole body 23, the initial shock exerted
to the shoe is absorbed by the outer sole body 23 and the block
type elastic bodies 24. In addition, if the top surfaces of the
block type elastic bodies 24 are higher than the top of the outer
sole boy 23, the initial shock exerted to the shoe is primarily
absorbed by the block type elastic bodies 24 and then secondarily
absorbed by the outer sole body 23.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, each of the block type elastic
bodies 24 includes:
[0061] a cone-shaped, cylindrical or polyhedron-shaped elastic
block 24A formed from a flexible material; and
[0062] a coil spring 24B embedded in the elastic block 24A, the
coil spring 24B being spirally wound in such a manner that the
diameter of the coil spring 24B increases from the top end to the
lower end thereof.
[0063] Also as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, although the elastic block
24A may be formed in various shapes such as a truncated-cone shape,
an inverted truncated-cone shape, a cylindrical shape, a hexahedron
shape, etc. as needed, the coil spring 24B is formed in the same
truncated-cone shape. If desired, it is possible to adjust the
entire cushion of the block type elastic body 24 by properly
adjusting the external size of the elastic block 24A with reference
to the external size of the coil spring 24B.
[0064] If desired, although the coil spring 24B may be a
truncated-cone-shaped coil spring 24B, the diameter of which
decreases from one end to the other end thereof, it is also
possible to form the coil spring 24B as a truncated-pyramid-shaped
coil 24B' or a truncated-cone-shaped spring 24, as shown in FIGS.
6A and 6B.
[0065] In addition, although the number of the block type elastic
bodies 24 may be varied depending on the application of a shoe, in
which the block type elastic bodies are employed, it is desired to
provide one elastic body at each of the front and rear halves of
the outer sole body 23, wherein the front and rear block type
elastic bodies 24 are preferably positioned at the front and rear
ends of the top of the plate-type elastic body 22,
respectively.
[0066] That is, when two or more block type elastic bodies 24 are
employed, two block type elastic bodies 24 positioned at the
front-most and rear-most areas with reference to the outer sole
should be positioned at the front and rear ends of the plate-type
elastic body 22 so as to maximize the interaction force between the
plate-type elastic body 22 and the block type elastic bodies
24.
[0067] In addition, the plate-type elastic body 22 is stuck fast to
the bottom of the outer sole body 23 forming the outer sole 20.
However, because the plate-type elastic body 22 is downwardly
convex, the longitudinal central area of the top of the plate-type
elastic body 22 cannot be stuck fast to the bottom of the outer
sole body 23, thereby forming a gap N in relation to the bottom of
the outer sole body 23.
[0068] Of course, it is possible to form the outer sole body 23 so
that its bottom is downwardly convex, or to forcibly bend the outer
sole body 23 so that its bottom of the outer sole body 23 is
downwardly convex, and then to make the top of the plate-type
elastic body 22 be stuck fast to the bottom of the outer sole body
23.
[0069] However, rather than making the top of the plate-type
elastic body 22 and the bottom of the outer sole body 23 be stuck
fast to each other, it is also desired to form the gap N, as shown
in FIG. 7, and then to form a plurality of projections E on the
bottom of the outer sole body 23 at the area forming the gap N in
relation to the plate-type elastic body 22, so that the projections
E come into contact with the top of the plate-type elastic body 22,
as shown in FIG. 8.
[0070] In addition, it is also possible to concavely form the
longitudinally central area S.sub.C of the bottom of the outer sole
body 23 as shown in FIG. 9, so that the gap N is always formed, and
then to form a plurality of projections E on the concave area
S.sub.C.
[0071] If the gap N is formed between the plate-type elastic body
22 and the outer sole body 23, it is possible to use the elastic
force of the plate-type elastic body 22 as much as possible. In
addition, because the plate-type elastic body 22 is supported by
the projections E, the plastic deformation of the plate-type
elastic body 22, which is caused by repeated elastic deformation of
the plate-type elastic body 22, can be prevented or minimized,
whereby the endurance of the plate-type elastic body 22 can be
improved.
[0072] At this time, the bottom ends of the projections E can be
made to be in contact with or somewhat spaced from the top of the
plate-type elastic body 22.
[0073] In addition, in order to reduce the shock transferred to the
heel, it may be desired to form the rear area of the bottom of the
outer sole 20 to be upwardly slanted, so that the bottom of the
rear area of the outer sole 20 does not come into contact with the
ground. In such a case, it is possible to form the outer sole body
23 of the outer sole 20 in such a manner that the bottom of the
rear area S.sub.E thereof is slanted upward, and then to attach the
outer sole protection sheath 21 formed from a flexible material to
the bottom of the outer sole body 23.
[0074] Although the inventive shoe with at least one elastic body
configured as described above is most effective when the block type
elastic bodies and the plate-type elastic body are combined in
unison, it is also possible to employ one of the plate-type elastic
body and the block type elastic bodies as needed.
[0075] In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the coil spring of the
block type elastic body may be formed as a jar-shaped coil spring
24B, the diameter of which gradually decreases when approaching the
opposite ends thereof from the vertical central area thereof, or as
an hour-glass-shaped coil spring 24B''', the diameter of which
gradually increases when approaching the opposite ends thereof from
the vertical central area thereof, rather than being formed as the
truncated-cone-shaped coil spring 24B or the
truncated-pyramid-shaped coil spring 24B'.
[0076] At this time, in order to prevent or minimize the contact of
the turns of the coil spring, it is desired to form the coil spring
in such a manner that the turns positioned opposite to each other
with reference to the vertically central area of the coil spring
have different diameters.
[0077] Referring to the jar-shaped coil spring 24B'' by way of an
example, it is desired to wind the coil spring in such a manner
that the diameter of the upward second turn from the vertically
central area is different from that of the downward second turn
from the vertically central area, i.e., the diameter of the upward
second turn is positioned between the diameter of the vertically
central turn and the diameter of the downward first turn, or
between the diameters of the lower second and third turns.
[0078] According to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 17, the
above-mentioned objects of the present invention can be achieved by
an hour-glass-shaped elastic member, the diameter of which
decreases when approaching the vertically central area from the
opposite ends thereof.
[0079] The shock absorption structure of another embodiment of the
inventive shoe includes an outer sole, the bottom of which is
inclined upwardly in relation to the ground from the longitudinal
center to the rear end thereof, and at least one hour-glass-shaped
elastic member which is joined to the bottom of the rear area of
the outer sole.
[0080] With the shock absorption structure of the present
embodiment, the upwardly inclined rear area of the outer sole is
adapted to primarily absorb external shock, and the
hour-glass-shaped elastic member is adapted to secondarily absorb
the elastic de-formation of the outer sole. The functions of the
upwardly inclined rear area and the elastic member will be
described below.
[0081] A shoe body including a shoe upper is joined to the top of
the outer sole, wherein the front area from the front end to
longitudinally central area of the bottom of the outer sole is
adapted to come into contact with the ground but the rear area from
the central area to the rear end of the bottom of the outer sole is
upwardly inclined when approaching to the rear end, so that the
rear area does not come into contact with the ground. As to the
external shock, the rear area is vertically deformed with reference
to the boundary between the front area and the rear area, which
serves as the center of action, whereby the external shock is
primarily absorbed by the deformation of the rear area.
[0082] If the external shock is too strong, the rear area of the
outer sole may be excessively deformed elastically to such an
extent that the bottom of the rear area comes into contact with the
ground, and if such a condition is repeated, the elasticity of the
outer sole may be abruptly deteriorated or damaged.
[0083] In order to compensate this disadvantage and to more
effectively absorb the external shock, at least one
hour-glass-shaped elastic member is combined under the bottom of
the rear area of the outer sole.
[0084] The hour-glass-shaped elastic member has a circular
horizontal cross-section, wherein the diameter of the elastic
member gradually decreases when approaching the center from the top
end joined to the bottom of the rear area of the outer sole, and
then gradually increases when approaching the bottom end, which
will come into contact with the ground, from the center. That is,
the elastic member is formed in an hour-glass shape, the upper part
of which is an inverted truncated-cone shape elastic member and the
lower part of which is a truncated-cone shape.
[0085] The hour-glass-shaped elastic member is employed so as to
more effectively absorb the external shock exerted to the shoe. If
a cylindrical or thick-pad type elastic member, the horizontal
cross-section of which is not varied depending on the height
thereof, is employed, it is inevitable that the compressible
height, i.e. the elastic displacement be very short because the
elastic member is compressed in the vertical direction. In
addition, because the shock is absorbed through a very short
distance, the shock absorption is executed rapidly rather than
gradually. As a result, it may be difficult to keep one's balance
due to the inertia induced by the rapid shock absorption.
[0086] In other words, the shock absorption by such an elastic
member should be executed rapidly and through a sufficiently long
elastic displacement so as to provide the optimum sense of
stability. Because the inventive hour-glass-shaped elastic member
is configured in such a manner that the diameter of the elastic
member increases when approaching the opposite ends thereof from
the vertically central area, the diameter of which is the smallest
in the elastic member, the pressure components directed toward the
core area of the elastic member are minimized. As a result, the
compressible elastic displacement increases, so that the external
shock can be more effectively absorbed.
[0087] For example, assuming that an elastic member is formed with
a plate-type central elastic body with a diameter of 5 mm, and
plate-type top and bottom elastic bodies with a diameter of 6 mm,
which are joined to the top and bottom sides of the central elastic
body, respectively, and compressive force is applied to the top of
the elastic member, the peripheral marginal areas of the top and
bottom elastic bodies are pressed without compressing the central
elastic body, although the central areas of the top and bottom
elastic bodies compress the central elastic body.
[0088] That is, the peripheral marginal areas of the top and bottom
elastic bodies have an elastic displacement longer than that of the
central areas thereof. Such an effect can be maximized if an
hour-glass-shaped coil spring is employed which is formed by
winding a wire from the top end to the bottom end of the coil
spring in such a manner that the diameter of the coil spring
gradually decreases from the top end to the central area and then
gradually increases from the central area to the bottom end.
[0089] If compressive force is exerted to the hour-glass-shaped
coil spring, the hour-glass-shaped coil spring is compressed until
the top and bottom ends of the coil spring is engaged with each
other. Therefore, the hour-glass-shaped coil spring has a
compressive displacement which is not less than several times of
that of a conventional cylindrical coil spring, whereby the
hour-glass-shaped can more effectively absorb external shock.
[0090] If the hour-glass-shaped coil spring has the same
compressive displacement as a cylindrical coil spring, it is
possible to reduce the length of the hour-glass-shaped coil spring
as compared to the cylindrical coil spring. As a result, the
construction for combining the hour-glass-shaped coil spring with
the shoe can be miniaturized.
[0091] In addition, because such a conventional cylindrical coil
spring takes a spirally wound construction with a constant
diameter, two adjacent turns of the coil spring come into contact
with each other when the coil spring is compressed, thereby
producing contact noise. Such a disadvantage can be naturally
eliminated by the hour-glass-shaped coil spring.
[0092] With the inventive elastic construction with an elastic
member being combined with the bottom of the outer sole of a shoe,
the bottom end of the elastic member comes into contact with the
ground. As such, the bottom end of the elastic member may be
readily worn or damaged.
[0093] Therefore, it is also preferable if a bottom member is
provided, which includes front and rear areas, the top of the front
area of the bottom member is stuck fast to the bottom of the front
area of the outer sole, and the rear area is spaced from the bottom
of the rear area of the outer sole, and the bottom end of the
hour-glass-shaped coil spring is joined to the bottom member at a
side of the top of the rear area of the bottom member.
[0094] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a shoe with the
inventive shock absorption construction, and FIG. 12 is an exploded
perspective view of the inventive shock absorption
construction.
[0095] As shown in the drawings, the inventive shock absorption
construction for a shoe with an elastic body includes:
[0096] an outer sole 100 having a front area from the front end to
the center in the longitudinal direction thereof and a rear area
from the center to the rear end, the bottom of the front area
coming contact with the ground, and the bottom of the rear area
being upwardly inclined in relation to the ground so that it does
not come into contact with the ground, wherein a shoe body
including a shoe upper 110 is joined to the top of the outer sole
100; and
[0097] at least one hour-glass-shaped elastic member 200 joined to
the bottom of the rear area of the outer sole 100, the diameter of
the hour-glass-shaped elastic member 200 gradually decreasing from
the top end to the center of the height and then gradually
increasing from the center to the bottom end.
[0098] At this time, if the height of the bottom of the rear end of
the outer sole 100, H, is too high, excessive force is exerted to
the front end of the foot, thereby tensioning the calf of the leg.
If so, the shoe wearer may feel inconvenience. If the height H is
too low, the bottom of the rear area of the outer sole 100 may come
into contact with the ground due to the body weight of the shoe
wearer. If so, the external shock exerted to the outer sole may be
directly transferred to the body of the shoe wearer. As a result,
the height of the rear end of the outer sole 100, H, should be
determined in consideration of the shock transferred to the shoe
wearer when walking or exercising.
[0099] The hour-glass-shaped elastic member 200 may be variously
formed. The most preferable elastic member is formed by winding a
wire material in such a manner that the diameter of the elastic
member gradually decreases from the top end to the center of the
elastic member 200, and then increases from the center to the
bottom end, like the hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 shown in
FIG. 13, as will be described below in detail.
[0100] The hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 takes a construction
formed by a pair of truncated-cone-shaped elastic bodies which are
equal to each other in shape, wherein one elastic body is joined to
another elastic body on the top of the other elastic body in the
inverted posture. More specifically, the upper elastic body takes a
form of an inverted truncated-cone shape, the diameter w of which
is gradually reduced from the top end to the bottom end thereof,
and the lower elastic body takes a form of a truncated-cone shape,
the diameter w of which gradually increases from the top end to the
bottom end thereof.
[0101] Therefore, if the upper and lower halves of the
hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 are fully compressed, all of the
turns of the upper and lower halves form a coplanar spiral shape
without forming a stack arrangement, unlike a cylindrical coil
spring 11.
[0102] For example, if a hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 with ten
(10) turns for each of the upper and lower halves and a cylindrical
coil spring 11 with twenty (20) turns are fully compressed, the
minimum height of the hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 is merely
two (2) times of the diameter of the wire material of the coil
spring 210, while the minimum height of the cylindrical coil spring
11 is twenty (20) times of the wire material of the coil spring 11.
This is because the turns of the upper and lower halves of the
hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 form a coplanar arrangement when
the coil spring 210 is fully compressed.
[0103] That is, if the hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 and the
cylindrical coil spring 11 are equal to each other in maximum
height h.sub.i', the minimum height h.sub.2' of the
hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 is merely one tenth of that of
the cylindrical coil spring 11.
[0104] Such an hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 may be directly
employed in an outer sole 100 of a shoe as an elastic member 200.
However, because such a spring is generally formed from a metallic
material, in particular from a carbon-steel which is poor in
corrosion resistance, the surface of the spring rusts within a
short length of time, even if the surface is treated, whereby the
appearance of the spring is spoiled and the spring itself becomes
damaged. Therefore, it is desired to cover the surface of the
spring with an elastic flexible material, such as poly-urethane,
silicone, rubber or the like.
[0105] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b, such an
elastic member 200 combined with the outer sole 100 may consist of
an hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 and a synthetic resin sheath
220 enclosing the entire surface of the coil spring 210. By
additionally covering the coil spring 210 with the sheath 220 as a
flexible elastic body, the elasticity of the hour-glass-shaped coil
spring 210 is reinforced, while the endurance of the coil spring
210 is also improved.
[0106] In addition, if the sheath 220 only encloses the outer
peripheral area of the hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210, a space R
sealed from the outside is formed within the hour-glass-shaped coil
spring 210. As a result, the space R serves as an air spring,
thereby further enhancing the elasticity of the elastic member
200.
[0107] In addition, it is also possible to provide a sheath 220'
covering the peripheral surface of the wire material of the
hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210, as shown in FIG. 15.
[0108] That is, it is possible to coat the wire material of the
hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 with the material of the sheath
and then to fabricate the hour-glass-shaped coil spring 210 with
the coated wire material.
[0109] At this time, the bottom of the elastic member 200
configured as described above comes into contact with a floor, i.e.
the ground, thereby being continuously subjected to frictional
force. As a result, the sheath 220 or 220' may be easily worn.
[0110] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, it is preferable to combine
a bottom member 300 with the outer sole in such a manner that the
top of the front area S.sub.F of the bottom member 300 is stuck
fast to the bottom of the front area of the outer sole 100, while
the top of the rear area S.sub.R of the bottom member 300 is spaced
from the bottom of the rear area of the outer sole 100.
[0111] As being engaged with the top of the bottom member 300, the
bottom of the elastic member 200 can be protected from the friction
with the ground. In addition, if the bottom member 200 is formed
from a highly elastic member, the entire shock absorption
capability of the shoe can be enhanced.
[0112] In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, it is also preferable to
interpose a separate shock absorption member 400 between the outer
sole 100 and the bottom member 300, and to embed at least one
elastic member 200 into the shock absorption member 400, so that
the elastic members 200 are not exposed to the outside and the
cushion of the shoe can be further improved by the shock absorption
member 400.
[0113] If two or more elastic members 200 are embedded, depending
on the use of the shoe, it is possible to employ the elastic
members in such a manner that all the elastic members have the same
elasticity, or the elasticity increases or decreases from the front
elastic member to the rear elastic member. In addition, the bottom
member 300 and the shock absorption member 400 may be integrally
formed.
[0114] The inventive elastic member combined shoe structure is not
limited to but can be applied to any types of shoes having an outer
sole, including special-purpose shoes, such as sports shoes,
slippers, men's shoes, mountain-climbing boots, safety shoes,
medical shoes, etc.
* * * * *