U.S. patent application number 12/741425 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-20 for footwear suspension system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Linckia Development LLC. Invention is credited to Bernard Daoust, Scott Hardy.
Application Number | 20110010964 12/741425 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40626192 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110010964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hardy; Scott ; et
al. |
January 20, 2011 |
FOOTWEAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Abstract
Footwear includes an upper, an outsole attached to a lower
portion of the upper; and a sock liner disposed within to the upper
and attached to a region of the upper above a bottom portion of the
sock liner, the sock liner having a heel portion spaced above a top
surface of the outsole, the sock liner attached to the upper
Inventors: |
Hardy; Scott; (Charlotte,
VT) ; Daoust; Bernard; (Sutton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OCCHIUTI ROHLICEK & TSAO, LLP
10 FAWCETT STREET
CAMBRIDGE
MA
02138
US
|
Assignee: |
Linckia Development LLC
Williston
VT
|
Family ID: |
40626192 |
Appl. No.: |
12/741425 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
November 7, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/82796 |
371 Date: |
September 14, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60986074 |
Nov 7, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/103 ; 36/10;
36/134; 36/28; 36/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/182 20130101;
A43B 13/26 20130101; A43B 13/14 20130101; A43B 13/12 20130101; A43B
7/08 20130101; A43B 13/36 20130101; A43B 7/16 20130101; A43B 17/18
20130101; A43B 9/00 20130101; A43B 21/24 20130101; A43B 5/06
20130101; A43B 7/1465 20130101; A43B 19/00 20130101; A43B 7/24
20130101; A43B 23/07 20130101; A43B 21/30 20130101; A43B 13/186
20130101; A43B 23/22 20130101; A43B 13/183 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/103 ; 36/28;
36/134; 36/10; 36/45 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/00 20060101
A43B013/00; A43B 13/18 20060101 A43B013/18; A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00; A43B 17/00 20060101 A43B017/00; A43B 23/00 20060101
A43B023/00 |
Claims
1. Footwear comprising: an upper; an outsole attached to a lower
portion of the upper; and a sock liner disposed within to the upper
and attached to a region of the upper above a bottom portion of the
sock liner, the sock liner having a heel portion spaced above a top
surface of the outsole, the sock liner attached to the upper.
2. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the upper is formed of
injection-molded plastic.
3. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the sock liner includes a
mesh.
4. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the sock liner includes
over-molded injection molded plastic.
5. The footwear of claim 1 further comprising replaceable pods
attached to a bottom surface of the outsole.
6. The footwear of claim 5 wherein the replaceable pods include
layers of different colors.
7. The footwear of claim 1 further comprising a shock absorber
including: a base shank attached to an upper surface of the
outsole; and a side shank integrally attached to the base shank and
a side region of the upper.
8. The footwear of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of shock
absorbers each having a different stiffness characteristic.
9. The footwear of claim 5 further comprising an adjustable shock
absorber including: a post attached positioned between the outsole
and the upper; a resilient member attached to the post; a regulator
configured to adjust the level of resilience of the resilient
member.
10. The footwear of claim 9 wherein the regulator includes a
rotatable knob.
11. The footwear of claim 9 wherein the resilient member is a
coiled spring surrounding the post.
12. The footwear of claim 1 further comprising a shock absorber
including: a back strip attached between the outsole and an upper
region of the upper; and at least one stiffening band attached to a
surface of the back strip; and a regulator configured to adjust the
level of stiffness of the at least one stiffening band.
13. The footwear of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of back
strips, each including at least one stiffening band attached to a
surface of a corresponding one of the back strips and a regulator,
one of the plurality of back strips attached to a first side region
of the upper and another one of the plurality of back strips
attached to a second side region, opposite the first side region of
the upper.
14. The footwear of claim 12 wherein the regulator includes a
rotatable knob.
15. The footwear of claim 1 further comprising replaceable cleats
configured to be attached to the lower portion of the upper.
16. The footwear of claim 1 further comprising replaceable cleats
configured to be attached to a bottom surface of the outsole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application No. 60/986,074, filed Nov. 7, 2007, and entitled
"Footwear Suspension System," which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to footwear.
[0003] Each year two out of three runners are sidelined by a
running related injury. The injuries are caused by cumulative
micro-trauma caused by repetitive impact experienced during
running. A runner's heel strike generates a force that can equal as
2.5 times body weight at the foot and as much as seven times body
weight at the hip. For several decades, footwear manufacturers have
sought to alleviate detrimental heel strike through changes in
running shoe design. This mission brought about the cushioning
trend in running footwear. The idea was that a cushioning midsole
will respond to impact by absorbing and storing some of the impact
force as elastic energy. Unfortunately, the cushioned midsole of
the modern running shoe deprives the system of important sensory
information necessary for ankle, knee, and hip response to impact.
The arch support (or "orthotic") in modern running shoes prevents
the arch suspension system from absorbing energy by averting
flattening. Current arch support systems can eventually lead to
intrinsic muscle atrophy and complete loss of active muscular
control. These problems require a progressive shift in running shoe
design and technology.
[0004] Not only are runners commonly plagued with persisting
injuries, they also have to deal with a consistent monetary
investment for shoe upkeep. A typical maintenance problem is the
rapid deterioration of running shoe outsoles. Having to replace an
entire shoe when only one portion is faulty is a waste of money. In
addition, significant environmental problems are attributed to
overactive consumer consumption and the subsequent excessive
waste.
SUMMARY
[0005] In a general aspect of the invention, footwear comprises an
upper, an outsole attached to a lower portion of the upper; and a
sock liner disposed within to the upper and attached to a region of
the upper above a bottom portion of the sock liner, the sock liner
having a heel portion spaced above a top surface of the outsole,
the sock liner attached to the upper.
[0006] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include one
or more of the following features. The upper is formed of
injection-molded plastic. The sock liner is formed of a mesh and
possibly over-molded sections of additional injection molded
plastic. The footwear further comprises replaceable pods attached
to a bottom surface of the outsole. The replaceable pods include
layers of different colors. The footwear further comprises
replaceable cleats configured to be attached to the lower portion
of the upper or to a bottom surface of the outsole.
[0007] In a particular embodiment of the footwear, the footwear
comprises a shock absorber including a base shank attached to an
upper surface of the outsole; and a side shank integrally attached
to the base shank and a side region of the upper. In this
embodiment, the footwear can further include a plurality of shock
absorbers each having a different stiffness characteristic.
[0008] In another embodiment, the footwear further comprises an
adjustable shock absorber including a post attached positioned
between the outsole and the upper; a resilient member attached to
the post; and a regulator (e.g., a rotatable knob) configured to
adjust the level of resilience of the resilient member. The
resilient member can be a coiled spring surrounding the post.
[0009] In still another embodiment, the footwear further comprises
a shock absorber including a back strip attached between the
outsole and an upper region of the upper; at least one stiffening
band attached to a surface of the back strip; and a regulator
configured to adjust the level of stiffness of the at least one
stiffening band. In certain embodiments, the footwear includes a
plurality of back strips, each including at least one stiffening
band attached to a surface of a corresponding one of the back
strips and a regulator (e.g., a rotatable knob), one of the
plurality of back strips attached to a first side region of the
upper and another one of the plurality of back strips attached to a
second side region, opposite the first side region of the
upper.
[0010] Currently available running shoes use compression technology
that is based on the hardness or the design of injected material
(e.g., ethylene vinyl acetate "EVA"). The problem with the present
technology is that it cannot adapt to the individual
characteristics of the runner. Among other advantages, the footwear
described above, accommodates the various weights and sizes of
wearers (e.g., runners) by providing differing degrees of shock
absorption necessary for varying weight, cant, and comfort.
Absorption adjustment can be made for up and downward forces and
side to side roll. In addition, pronation can be remedied by
adjusting the shoe to cushion one side of the heel versus the
other. The injection molding process allows for an efficient shoe
design as well as a reduction in off-shore dependence in specialty
manufacturing (as this is a process that can be fully completed
closer to any point of sales). The on-shore production of the
footwear also serves to enhance the secondary goal of environmental
consciousness by reducing energy dispelled by long distance
transportation. The ecological mission is furthered by the use of
recyclable materials which will conserve energy, material, and
costs. Additionally, the use of replaceable pods that are secured
to the outsole will increase the life of the shoe and will
alleviate the amount of landfill waste created by shoes prematurely
discarded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of shoe having a suspended
sock.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional rear view of the show of FIG. 1
showing the "Tupperware" like seal.
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the shoe in use in a relaxed and
compressed state, respectively.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the shoe of FIG. 1 showing
replaceable outsole pods.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 1 describing the
process for assembling the replaceable outsole pods of FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart describing the process for assembling
the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shoe
having an adjustable shock absorber.
[0019] FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional side views of the heel portion
of the shoe of FIG. 8 in a relaxed state.
[0020] FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional side views of the heel portion
of the shoe of FIG. 8 in a compressed state.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shoe
having an adjustable shock absorber.
[0022] FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional side views of the heel portion
of the shoe of FIG. 9 in a relaxed state.
[0023] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional side views of the heel portion
of the shoe of FIG. 9 in a compressed state.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
shoe having an adjustable shock absorber.
[0025] FIG. 10a is a cross-sectional side view of the heel portion
of the shoe of FIG. 10 in a relaxed state.
[0026] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional side view of the heel portion
of the shoe of FIG. 10.
[0027] FIG. 11A is a bottom view of an embodiment of a shoe having
replaceable cleats.
[0028] FIG. 11B is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 11A showing
replaceable cleats.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a running shoe 100 includes a
sock liner 200, an upper 202, and an outsole assembly 204. The shoe
is assembled such that the sock liner 200 is inserted into the
upper 202 which is placed onto the outsole assembly 204. The sock
liner 200 is composed of a mesh encasement 206 with an injection
molded insole 208 at the base, an upper support member 210 that
surrounds an opening 211 where a wearer inserts her foot, a rear
support member 212 that runs vertically along the back of the mesh
encasement 206 to connect the insole 208 to the upper support
member 210, and an inner lacing support member 214 on the top.
Below the lacing support member 214 is a tongue 104 that stabilizes
the shoe on the foot. The lacing support member 214 includes holes
218 on either side of tongue 104 into which a shoelace 102 can be
woven. The mesh encasement 206 is made of a durable, self-adjusting
material. In alternative embodiments, the mesh can include
over-molded sections of additional injection molded plastic. The
mesh 206 slackens where parts of the foot need give, while
simultaneously tightening around the areas that need support. This
feature will be particularly beneficial to the navicular bone, one
of the tarsal bones of the foot. Most of the impingement force
caused by foot strike is focused at the central one third of the
navicular bone, and if this pressure is not braced, can lead to a
fracture or a more serious injury.
[0030] The sock liner 200 is inserted into the upper 202 such that
it is attached to the upper 202 at a front region 219 and such that
a heel portion 221 is suspended above the upper 202. As will be
discussed in greater detail below, this suspension design provides
shock absorption of differing degrees suitable for various runners'
weights and running conditions, and provides shock absorption for
upward, downward, and side-to-side forces. The upper 202 includes a
frame 222 with a base 224 that connects to the outsole assembly
204, an opening 226 where the wearer inserts her foot
(corresponding to the location of the opening 211 in the sock liner
200), and an outer lacing support member 228. The outer lacing
support member 228 has an array of holes 220 that align with the
holes 218 in the sock liner 200 to be used with a shoelace 102.
Both the right side and the left side of the frame 222 include rear
ventilation holes 232, middle ventilation holes 234, and side front
ventilation holes 236 for ventilating the foot. The frame 222 also
contains a single ventilation hole 238 for the same purpose. The
base 224 of the upper 202 also contains several holes 240 which are
used to connect the upper 202 to the outsole assembly 204. The
outsole assembly 204 includes a rear outsole pod 242 and the front
outsole pod 244. Both the rear outsole pod 242 and the front
outsole pod 244 contact the ground and include fastening features
248 for securely fastening the outsole assembly 204 to the bottom
of upper 202.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, the rear heel portion of running shoe
100 includes the upper support member 210 being attached to the
frame 222 of the outer lacing support member 228. Upper support
member 210 is attached to frame 222 with a rim-seal where the rim
of frame 222 is secured between integral walls 213 of upper support
member 210. This rim-seal is similar to that found with
Tupperware.RTM. plastic containers. The heel portion 221 is created
by a mesh encasement for the foot 212 being suspended from the
upper support member 210. The outsole 246 is attached to the frame
222 by the fastening members 248.
[0032] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 4a and 4b, when the
shoe is in use, the rear heel portion 221 softens the runner's
landing by receiving the downward force placed upon the frame 222
of the upper, rear outsole 242, front outsole 244, and the outsole
pods 246 and deflecting those forces outwardly to the sides of the
frame 222. This deflection is possible due to the absence of a heel
strike area. The heel portion 221 of the sock liner's insole 208
remains suspended upon impact, therefore causing the strike force
to radiate outwardly to the side periphery.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, the bottom of the frame 222 and
specifically the holes 240 formed within frame 220 receive the
fastening features 248 that receive the front pod 244 and rear
outsole pod 242. The fastening features securely lock into the
bottom of the shoe yet maintain the ability to be detachable.
Outsoles of traditional running shoes wear down differently
depending upon the running style of the individual. For example if
a runner is an overpronator (i.e. a runner with a overly inward
roll of the foot and in particular the heel and arch which occurs
naturally at the heel strike as a cushioning mechanism) they will
strike the outsides of their outsoles with more force, which result
in specific deterioration of those regions. All traditional running
shoe features are intrinsically linked, which means that when one
part is faulty it affects the entire shoe. Running shoe 100
minimizes this problem by using replaceable front outsole pod 244
and rear pod outsole 246. 244, 246 will also correct overpronation
and supination (also known as underpronation, is the opposite of
pronation, where the feet don't roll inward enough. Wearing the
wrong type of shoe will lead to painful shins and joints, or even
injury) for the runner will be able to customize the pods by
purchasing versions with various thicknesses. The pods can also be
modified for different weather and terrains. Harder compounds will
be available for asphalt, as well as soft compounds for rubber
tracks, textured cement, and other surfaces. A studded version is
an option for increased traction in inclement winter
conditions.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, both the front outsole pod 244 and the
rear outsole pod 242 lock into place by snapping into holes 240 for
connection with outsole assembly 204. When this process is complete
the fastening features 248 will be secured into the holes 240 for
connection with outsole assembly 204, and the outsole 246 will be
exposed to the ground surface. As these pods wear down through use,
instructive color sections will appear. For example, each pod is
black and with wear turns yellow and then finally red, which
indicates the need for replacement. With this color coded system,
the runner is able to replace select parts, thus extending the
longevity of the running shoe 100.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b, in another embodiment, the
bottom of frame 222 contains holes 260 for receiving cleats 262.
Each cleat 262 is formed of a base 264 and a stem 266. Stem 266 is
screwed into or otherwise attached to a receiving portion 267 of
hole 260 such that cleat 262 protrudes below the bottom of frame
222. Large cleats 268 and small cleats 270 may be used at various
positions on the bottom of frame 222 depending on the desired
effect (e.g., increased traction, minimize wear to frame or
outsole). The cleats 262 may be added and removed as necessary.
Alternatively, an outsole (not shown) may be attached to the bottom
of frame 222 and cleats 262 may be attached to the outsole.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 7, the process for constructing shoe 100
includes creating frame 222 using injection molded technology
(702). The flexible fiber inner sock liner 200 is knitted/weaved
(704). Outsole assembly 204 including outsole pods 242, 244 is
formed by compression molding using, in this embodiment, three
layers of colored rubber (706). The sock liner 200 supportive
elements are then over-injected molded to the sock liner 200 (708).
The injection molded edge of the sock liner 200 is then clipped
onto the corresponding edge of the plastic frame 222 (710). Outsole
pods 242, 242 are attached to the injection molded frame 222 (712).
Laces 102 are then threaded through the holes provided in the sock
liner 200 and frame 222 to join the parts (714).
[0037] Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a running shoe
includes an adjustable shock absorber for further providing
additional comfort and support for the shoe wearer (e.g., a
runner). For example, in this embodiment, a shank shock absorber
300 attaches to the shoe structure through two regions, a side
shank attachment 306 and a base shank attachment 308. The shank
structure 300 is formed with injection molded plastic, and can be
made into three models of varying stiffness: soft, medium, and
hard. These levels of stiffness will correspond to the runner's
specific weight class. While in use, the integral shank 300 bends
under the added weight and thereby increases stiffness which stores
heel strike energy for the runner. The side shank attachment 306,
includes a hole 312 that locks onto a fastening button 250 featured
on the side of the frame 222. The base shank attachment 308 has
additional support with the base shank fasteners 310.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 8a, the running shoe with the shank shock
absorber 300 is shown in a state of relaxation. In this state the
shank shock absorber 300, and in particular, the side shank
attachment 306 has a relatively low level of stress and remains in
its original positioning.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 8b, running shoe with shank shock
absorber 300 is shown in a state of downward forcing compression.
With the additional pressure, the sock liner 200, particularly the
injection molded heel portion 221, gains proximity to the outsole
assembly 204 and the base shank attachments 308. The side shank
attachment 306 adjusts to the increased weight and bends to
accommodate the frame 222 and the sock liner 206. This movement by
the side shank attachment 306 serves to provide heel strike support
to the runner. By providing a stable landing, injuries are less
likely to occur. Additional benefits include increased propulsion
from heel strike, which gives the runner a more enhanced
performance.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 9, a further embodiment of running shoe is
shown with a dual adjustable shock absorber 302. The dual
adjustable shock absorber 302 is permanently attached to the
posterior of the frame 222 and includes a threaded post 318
positioned through a coiled spring 316. A dial 314 and the coiled
spring 316 are attached to the threaded post 318. The threaded post
318 is located between the injection molded frame 222 and the
outsole assembly 204. The dial 314 is provided at the upper end of
threaded post 318 and is used to adjust the amount of tension held
by spring 316. By turning the dial 314, the spring 316 is
compressed upon the threaded post 318, which reduces the distance
between the coils of the spring 316 and increases the overall shock
resistance of the shock absorber 302. The benefit of having a dual
adjustable shock absorber 302 is the ability to adjust both sides
or just one side of the shoe 100. By adjusting one side of the dual
adjustable shock absorber 302, one can alter the cant of the shoe.
This provides a direct way to aid with addressing over-pronation
and supination by adjusting the shoe to cushion one side of the
heel versus the other.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 9a, the running shoe with the dual
adjustable shock absorber 302 is shown in a state of relaxation. In
this condition, the shoe does not experience compression with the
sole pressure being put on the spring applied by the positioning of
the adjustable dial 314.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 9b, the running shoe with dual adjustable
shock absorber 302 is shown in a state of downward-forcing
compression. The additional pressure forces the spring coils of
spring 316 to compress upon the threading rod 318, while the sock
liner 200, particularly the injection molded heel portion 221, is
moved closer to the outsole assembly 204.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 10, still a further embodiment of a
running shoe having an adjustable shock absorber option includes a
dual adjustable blade suspension 304. In this embodiment, the heel
portion of the shoe is exposed by side openings 328 and back
openings 330 in the frame 222. Openings 328, 330 leave two vertical
back strips of the frame 322 on either side of the heel area. The
back strips 322 are slightly concave to accommodate the sock liner
200 and the runner's foot when inserted into the shoe. On the
inside of the back strips 322 are two individual stiffening bands
324 that are secured into the back frame 322 by upper and lower
barriers 332. The stiffening bands 324 are also attached to the
main shoe frame 222 by a support pin 326 which links to a
corresponding adjustable dial 320 attached to each back strip 322.
Each dial 320 is used to either loosen or tighten the stiffening
bands 324. At the tightest setting of dial 320, the stiffening
bands 324 are flush against the back strips 322, which will provide
the runner with the highest level of stiffness; thus being the most
shock resistant. At the loosest setting of dial 320, stiffening
bands 324 will remain moderately slack and will be spaced away from
the back strips 322. This placement will offer maximum compression
and the least shock resistance.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 10a, the running shoe with the dual
adjustable blade suspension 304 is shown in a state of relaxation.
At this low level of stress, the only pressure applied to the
suspension system is the tension of the stiffening bands 324
controlled by the adjustable dial 320.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 10b, the running shoe with dual adjustable
blade suspension in a state of compression. This additional impact
will apply pressure on the back strips 322 as well as the
stiffening bands 324 causing them to flex outwards. The stiffening
bands 324 will provide optimal shock absorption for whatever level
of tension the runner chooses.
[0046] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is
intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention,
which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other
embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *