Midsole For A Shoe Which Has The Shock-dispersing Function And The Same Foot Rolling Function

Abstract

Disclosed is a midsole for a shoe which is capable of peacefully supporting the sole of the foot on which most of the wearer's weight may be applied, which is capable of performing the shock-dispersing function and the same foot rolling function, and which is capable of providing elastic air cushioning and shock-absorbing effects for relieving foot pressure. The midsole 11 has a shock-absorbing space 12 for providing a cushioning effect in an underside thereof, the shock-absorbing space 12 extending from a heel portion to a toe portion of the shoe along an outer periphery surface of the midsole 11. Cross sectional areas are defined by the shock-absorbing space 12 increasing from an arch-supporting middle segment to a heel-supporting rear segment or a toe-supporting front segment. A plurality of cutaway grooves 18 are formed at a bottom surface of the midsole 11 along the longitudinal direction of the midsole 11 at a certain distance. A plurality of ribs 17 protrude from an upper surface of the midsole 11 within the shock-absorbing space 12 in such a way as to align the position of the rib 17 with the position of the cutaway groove 18.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a midsole for a shoe which is capable of peacefully supporting the sole of the foot on which most of the wearer's weight may be applied, which is capable of performing the shock-dispersing function and the same foot rolling function, and which is capable of providing elastic air cushioning and shock-absorbing effects for relieving foot pressure, by defining a sufficient shock-absorbing space in an underside or an upper surface of the midsole that constitutes a part of a shoe sole, wherein the shock absorbing space is an enclosed space extending from a heel portion to a toe portion of the shoe along an outer periphery surface of the midsole, by controlling a cross sectional area of the enclosed space in such a way as to make a middle area corresponding to an arch-supporting middle segment of the midsole get compressed at a relatively small compressibility and to make a heel area corresponding to a heel-supporting rear segment and a toe area corresponding to a toe-supporting front segment of the midsole get compressed at a relatively large compressibility, and by making the midsole get bent as the shape of a curved surface along the longitudinal direction of the sole of the foot in accordance with a predetermined walking course of the wearer.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Generally, many different types of shoes for protecting feet of a person have been available in the market. Typically, the most common type of the shoes was consisted of a sheath for covering and protecting the top of the foot and the ankle portion of the wearer, and a sole of the shoe for providing good bottom support, elastic air cushioning and shock-absorbing effects for relieving foot pressure.

[0003] In the typical shoes as described above, in order to obtain shock-absorbing effects for relieving foot pressure, the insoles of a pair of shoes may be located on an inner bottom surface of the shoe, which the soles of your feet rest on. Alternatively, the sole of the shoe and the heel portion of the shoes may be made of a soft layer such as a rubber or a foaming sponge having excellent shock-absorbing effects. Alternatively, any elastic member such as an air bag or a spring can be installed in the sole.

[0004] In a case that the sole of the shoe and the heel portion of the shoes are made of a rubber or a foaming sponge, or any elastic member such as an air bag or a spring is installed in the sole as described above, only shock-absorbing effects for relieving foot pressure can be obtained. Considering that the heel portion, the arch-shaped middle portion and the toe portion of the sole may be touched with the ground in sequence in accordance with a predetermined walking course of the wearer while walking or running, then conventional shoe soles to be employed in many different types of shoes cannot provide the wearer with natural and efficient walking effects.

[0005] Recently, due to improvement in the standard of living and the diffusion of the policy of five-day work week, the population of enjoying outdoor activities will highly expand to come. Considering the trend of outdoor activities, the shoe manufactures have developed many different types of functional shoes, which are capable of providing a person enjoying outdoor activities with good feelings to wear and which provides resilient, cushioned support for the sole of the foot, the foot joint and the knee joint of the wearer, and which distributes the wearer's weight on the feet while standing, walking or running in such a manner as to promote his or her comfort and health.

[0006] Anti-slipping function, shock-absorbing function, bad smell removing function and athlete's foot preventing function due to operation of the ventilation among the variety of functions which can be applied to the shoes have been already actively practiced. In addition, the shoe manufactures have developed many different types of functional shoes, which are capable of providing the wearer with shock-absorbing effects in walking and which are capable of allowing the wearer to efficiently walk in a very natural way in such a manner that a ball rolls over a plane, which is so called by the same foot rolling function.

[0007] In view of this, the present applicant has developed a plurality of inventions related to functional shoes and a device for aid of walking adapted to be employed thereto, which are capable of allowing the wearer to perform the same foot rolling function in a very natural way during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer. See for example, Korean Patent No. 10-0560367, which was filed on Dec. 9, 2005 in Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-120288, which discloses a device for aid of walking and shoes employing it therein.

[0008] In this Korean Patent No. 10-0560367, the device for aid of walking developed by the present applicant comprises heel-shaped upper and lower bodies, and a plurality of partitions vertically installed between the upper body and the lower body. The partitions comprise a main partition, which vertically extends between the upper body and the lower body at a position that is correspond to an approximate 3/5.about.4/5 point of the total horizontal length.

[0009] The partitions further comprise pluralities of first and second partitions, which are vertically formed between the upper body and the lower body at a slanted angle of 16.about.20 degrees. Considering the horizontal direction of the device, these first and second partitions are positioned at distal end portions of the upper and the lower bodies on both sides thereof. The slanted angle of first and second partitions is gradually increased from the main partition to both sides of the upper and the lower bodies. Preferably, the slanted angle of first and second partitions is about 16.about.20 degrees at both distal ends thereof.

[0010] If a user rests his or her weight on the device for aid of walking of the shoe sole during walking gait cycle of the wearer, the compressibility of the device is relatively high at both distal ends thereof. The compressibility of the device in the middle segment thereof is substantially smaller than in either the rear segment or the front segment so that the device is softer and much more readily deformable in the middle segment. Consequently, the device for aid of walking of the shoe sole may get bent as a circular arc shape.

[0011] If the device for aid of walking is installed in the heel portion of the shoe sole or it has function to act as the heel, the device may be compressed due to the wearer's weight applied on the shoe sole from the heel portion to the toe portion in accordance with the walking course of the wearer, so that it can be adapted to perform the same foot rolling function.

[0012] Accordingly, it is enabled to act as the wearer's weight while the wearer is standing still and also during each step while walking or running, so as to provide a shock-absorbing effect during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer. In addition, it is possible to allow the wearer to efficiently walk in a very natural way so that the knee joint and the ankle of the wearer can be protected. In addition, it is possible to get rid of foot fatigue of the wearer.

[0013] However, a drawback of such known device for aid of walking is that it must be applied to the heel portion of the sole, thereby resulting in the dissatisfaction of performing the shock-dispersing function and the same foot rolling function. Although the conventional device for aid of walking can accomplish the same foot rolling function at the time that the heel portion of the shoe begins to be contacted with the ground, it cannot accomplish the shock-dispersing function and the same foot rolling function at the time that the arch-supporting middle portion and the toe-supporting front portion of the midsole are touched with the ground in sequence and then they are squeezed during walking and the accompanying rolling of the foot.

[0014] In conclusion, the shoe sole including the device for aid of walking developed by the present applicant is unable to accomplish a reasonable and efficient dispersion of wearer's weight and is unable to provide the same foot rolling function. The rigidity of the sole bottom is proven a very unsatisfactory characteristic for wearing and walking and easy to break. Accordingly, it is unable to allow the wearer to efficiently walk in a natural way so that the knee joint and the ankle of the wearer cannot be properly protected and the foot fatigue of the wearer cannot be properly removed. In addition, the device for aid of walking may be used for a part of the shoe sole as an individual constitutional element such as the air bag or the spring. It is self-evident that such situation, uncomfortable in the manufacturing process, requires multiple operations so that the overall manufacturing costs are very high.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

[0015] In consideration of the above-mentioned disadvantages or inconveniences of the conventional midsole, a first object of the present invention is to provide a midsole for a shoe which is capable of peacefully supporting the sole of the foot on which most of the wearer's weight may be applied, which is capable of performing the shock-dispersing function and the same foot rolling function, and which is capable of getting rid of foot fatigue of the wearer by defining a sufficient shock-absorbing space in an underside of the midsole that constitutes a part of a shoe sole, wherein the shock absorbing space is an enclosed space extending from a heel portion to a toe portion of the shoe along an outer periphery surface of the midsole.

[0016] In addition, a second object of the present invention is to provide a midsole for a shoe which is capable of providing a wearer with good feelings to wear, which is capable of performing the same foot rolling function, and which is capable of providing resilient cushioned support for the sole of the foot, the foot joint and the knee joint of the wearer, by controlling a cross sectional area of the shock-absorbing space in such a way as to make a middle area corresponding to an arch-supporting middle segment of the midsole get compressed at a relatively small compressibility and to make a heel area corresponding to a heel-supporting rear segment and a toe area corresponding to a toe-supporting front segment of the midsole get compressed at a relatively large compressibility, and by making the midsole get bent as the shape of a curved surface along the longitudinal direction of the sole of the foot in accordance with a predetermined walking course of the wearer.

[0017] In addition, a third object of the present invention is to provide a midsole for a shoe which is capable of peacefully supporting the sole of the foot on which most of the wearer's weight may be applied, which is capable of performing the shock-dispersing function and the same foot rolling function, and which is capable of providing an attractive appearance for the shoe sole, by defining a sufficient shock-absorbing space in an upper surface of the midsole that constitutes a part of a shoe sole, by forming a plurality of cutaway grooves at a bottom surface of the midsole along the longitudinal direction thereof at a certain distance, and by forming a plurality of ribs protruding from the upper surface of the midsole within the enclosed space in such a way as to align the position of the rib with the position of the cutaway groove and by attaching the bottom sole to the bottom surface of the midsole except for the region corresponding the cutaway grooves.

[0018] Finally, a fourth object of the present invention is to provide a midsole for a shoe which is capable of performing the same foot rolling function, which is capable of providing an attractive appearance for the shoe sole, and which is capable of easily producing functional shoes without employing additional processes so that a short time occurs to perform the process for manufacturing the shoe and thereby it has good productivity, and which gives a considerable reduction in manufacturing costs of the shoes, by defining a sufficient shock-absorbing space in an upper surface of the midsole that constitutes a part of a shoe sole, by forming a plurality of cutaway grooves at a bottom surface of the midsole along the longitudinal direction thereof at a certain distance, and by forming a plurality of ribs protruding from the upper surface of the midsole within the enclosed space in such a way as to align the position of the rib with the position of the cutaway groove and by attaching the bottom sole to the bottom surface of the midsole except for the region corresponding the cutaway grooves.

Solution to Problem

[0019] In order to achieve the objects, the present invention provides a midsole for a shoe of the type in which it constitutes a part of a shoe sole and it the wearer's weight while the wearer is standing still and also during each step while walking or running, the improvement comprising:

[0020] the midsole having a shock-absorbing space for providing a cushioning effect in an underside thereof;

[0021] the shock-absorbing space extending from a heel portion to a toe portion of the shoe along an outer periphery surface of the midsole; and

[0022] cross sectional areas being defined by the shock-absorbing space increasing from an arch-supporting middle segment to a heel-supporting rear segment or a toe-supporting front segment.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a midsole for a shoe of the type in which it constitutes a part of a shoe sole and it actthe wearer's weight while the wearer is standing still and also during each step while walking or running, the improvement comprising:

[0024] the midsole having a shock-absorbing space for providing a cushioning effect in an upper surface thereof;

[0025] the shock-absorbing space extending from a heel portion to a toe portion of the shoe along an outer periphery surface of the midsole;

[0026] cross sectional areas being defined by the shock-absorbing space increasing from an arch-supporting middle segment to a heel-supporting rear segment or a toe-supporting front segment;

[0027] a plurality of cutaway grooves being formed at a bottom surface of the midsole along the longitudinal direction of the midsole at a certain distance; and

[0028] a plurality of ribs protruding from an upper surface of the midsole within the shock-absorbing space in such a way as to align the position of the rib with the position of the cutaway groove.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0029] As described above, in the midsole according to the present invention, the sole of the foot on which most of the wearer's weight may be applied in walking can be peacefully supported by the midsole, which has a sufficient shock-absorbing space in an underside thereof, wherein the shock absorbing space is an enclosed space extending from a heel portion to a toe portion of the shoe along an outer periphery surface of the midsole, and which is capable of getting rid of foot fatigue of the wearer during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer.

[0030] In addition, since the midsole or an insole lying on the midsole positioned over the total surface of the sole get bent as the shape of a curved surface along the longitudinal direction of the sole of the foot in accordance with a predetermined walking course of the wearer, it is possible to naturally and efficiently perform the same foot rolling function. Furthermore, it is possible to provide resilient cushioned support for the sole of the foot, the foot joint and the knee joint of the wearer and to distribute the wearer's weight on the feet while standing, walking or running in such a manner as to promote his or her comfort and health.

[0031] In addition, since a sufficient shock-absorbing space, shock absorbing grooves, a plurality of cutaway grooves and a plurality of ribs are formed at the midsole during the manufacturing process of the midsole to be employed in the shoe, it is possible to easily produce functional shoes without employing additional processes so that a short time occurs to perform the process for manufacturing the shoe and thereby it has good productivity, and which gives a considerable reduction in manufacturing costs of the shoes.

[0032] Finally, since a plurality of cutaway grooves are formed at a bottom surface of the midsole along the longitudinal direction thereof at a certain distance and a bottom sole is attached to the bottom surface of the midsole except for the regions corresponding the cutaway grooves, the cutaway grooves can be exposed to the outside through the side portion and the bottom portion of the shoe sole, and thereby resulting in an attractive appearance for the shoe sole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] The above object and other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a shoe sole according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which has a midsole capable of providing a shock-absorbing effect and the same foot rolling function during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer;

[0035] FIGS. 2A and 2B are rear side perspective views of the midsole according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a rear side view of the midsole according to the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 4A is a sectional view taken along line "A-A" shown in FIG. 3;

[0038] FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line "B-B" shown in FIG. 3;

[0039] FIG. 4C is a sectional view taken along line "C-C" shown in FIG. 3;

[0040] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the midsole according to the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a midsole according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0042] FIG. 7 is a side sectional view according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, the constitution and the operation of midsoles according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0044] Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments according to the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding of the invention identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the different views which are illustrated in each of the attached drawing Figures.

[0045] As will be best seen in FIG. 1, a midsole 11 according to the present invention is a part of a shoe sole 10 having an out sole 13 of which non-slip surfaces 14 are provided over the total bottom surface of the out sole 13. The midsole 11 for elastically supporting the wearer's weight is preferably formed of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber or a foamed, resilient material, such as polyurethane, polypropylene or other suitable materials.

[0046] The midsole 11 according to the present invention has a shock-absorbing space 12 for providing a cushioning effect, which is formed in an underside thereof. The shock-absorbing space 12 having a predetermined depth extends from a heel portion to a toe portion along an outer periphery surface of the shoe of the foot.

[0047] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, typically, the shoe sole has a heel-supporting rear segment, an arch-supporting middle segment and a toe-supporting segment. In the shoe sole, cross sectional areas defined by the enclosed space 12 are gradually increased from the arch-supporting middle segment to the heel-supporting rear segment or the toe-supporting front segment. Preferably, the depth of the enclosed space 12 may be maintained within the range of about 1/2.about.2/3 of total thickness of the midsole 11.

[0048] Due to the existence of the shock-absorbing space 12, the substantial volume of the midsole 11 decreases along a curved line "P" as illustrated in FIG. 3, which is used to represent the change of the wearer's weight transferred from the heel portion of the toe portion during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer. In other words, the force for supporting the wearer's weight fulfilled by the midsole 11 decreases at the position on which the enclosed space 12 is provided in the midsole 1.

[0049] As result, the compressibility of the midsole 11 may be changed in accordance with the portions corresponding to the heel-supporting rear segment, the arch-supporting middle segment or the toe-supporting front segment in the enclosed space 12. If the wearer's weight is not applied thereto, the compressed and transformed midsole 11 return to its initial state.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C, if the wearer's weight is applied to the shoe sole along the curved line "P" representing the change of the wearer's weight, the compressibility of the midsole 11 is relatively large at the heel portion and the toe portion and it tends to decrease from the heel portion or the toe portion to the arch-supporting middle segment during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer. The transform's profile of the compressibility of the midsole 11 comprises an arc-shaped profile, which is adapted to perform the same foot rolling function, in accordance with the curved line "P".

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of shock-absorbing grooves 16 for providing a cushioning effect are formed at a bottom surface of the midsole 11 along an inner periphery of the shock-absorbing space 12. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the shock-absorbing space 12 can be divided into a plurality of shock-absorbing grooves 16 for providing a cushioning effect. Preferably, the shock-absorbing groove 16 comprises a circular groove.

[0052] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made for the shape of shock-absorbing groove 16 without departing from the scope of the invention. In other words, the shock-absorbing groove 16 can be formed as a triangle shape, a rectangular shape, an oval shape, an elongated groove and so on. In addition, many modifications for cross sectional areas of the shock-absorbing space 12 or the shock-absorbing groove 16 may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention with considering the thickness and the compressibility of the midsole 11.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Cross sectional area of the shock-absorbing space or the shock-absorbing grooves along the sole of the foot the sole of the foot (midsole) the toe portion the arch-supporting the heel portion 1/3 1/3 1/3 middle portion 1/2 1/2 50~80% 30~50% 10~30% 0~10% 20~50% 50~80%

[0053] According to the table 1, since the length of the toe portion is larger than that of the heel portion in the longitudinal direction, the sectional area of the toe portion is divided into three segments and the sectional area of the heel portion is divided into two segments, thereby individual unit sectional area becomes uniform.

[0054] Since the thickness of the midsole 11 is gradually increased from the arch-supporting middle portion to the heel portion and decreases from the arch-supporting middle portion to the toe portion, the sectional areas of the shock-absorbing space 12 or the shock-absorbing groove 16 have a relatively small deviation at the toe portion and have a relatively large deviation at the heel portion.

[0055] While one representative aspect according to the present invention has been described with reference to the Table 1, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the numeral ranges illustrated in Table 1.

[0056] In addition, many modifications for sectional areas and the depth of the shock-absorbing space 12 or the shock-absorbing groove 16 can be made by a manufacturer with considering the material and the elasticity of the midsole 11 and the thickness of certain zone in the midsole 11 without departing from the essential scope thereof.

[0057] Now referring to FIG. 5, when the shock-absorbing grooves 16 are formed at the midsole 11 for the purpose of providing shock-absorbing effects, they may be vertically oriented as an acute design at a middle area corresponding to the arch-supporting middle segment of the midsole 11. Alternatively, the shock-absorbing grooves 16 may be vertically oriented as an acute design and simultaneously slanted at an acute angle at a heel area corresponding to the heel-supporting rear segment and at a toe area corresponding to the toe-supporting front segment of the midsole 11.

[0058] Although the shock-absorbing grooves 16 are formed in such a manner as to be slanted relative to the midsole 11 at a heel area corresponding to the heel-supporting rear segment and at a toe area corresponding to the toe-supporting front segment of the midsole 11 and the numbers and the sectional areas of the grooves 16 are set at a relatively small value, it is enable to obtain a preferred compressibility of the midsole 11, which is sufficient to perform the same foot rolling function. Preferably, the slanted angle of the shock-absorbing grooves 16 may be maintained within the range from 16 to 20 degrees, which is correspond to an angle between the foot of the wearer and the ground in walking.

[0059] Meanwhile, FIGS. 6 and 7 show a midsole 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the midsole 11 has a shock-absorbing space 12 for providing a cushioning effect in an upper surface thereof. A plurality of cutaway grooves 18 are formed at a bottom surface of the midsole 11 along the longitudinal direction thereof at a certain distance. A plurality of ribs 17 protrude from the upper surface of the midsole 11 within the shock-absorbing space 12 in such a way as to align the position of the rib 17 with the position of the cutaway groove 18.

[0061] In other words, the shock-absorbing space 12 may be applied to the upper surface of the midsole 11. Since an insole (not shown) to cover the upper surface of the midsole 11 is strongly supported by the ribs 17, it is enable to perform the shock-dispersing function and the same foot rolling function due to operation of the shock-absorbing space 12 as described above without making the wearer to have trouble to walk.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, the ribs 17 are located at predetermined positions within the shock-absorbing space 12 on the upper surface of the midsole 11 in a manner to positionally correspond to the cutaway grooves 18 formed at the bottom surface of the midsole 11 at a certain distance, so that the cutaway grooves 18 may be formed as a uniform shape of groove.

[0063] Due to formation of the cutaway grooves 18 at the bottom surface of the midsole 11, the shoe sole 10 may be easily curved along the walking course of the wearer during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer. Since the cutaway grooves 18 can be exposed to the outside through the side portion and the bottom portion of the shoe sole 10, the operation of the midsole 11 may have influence to the ground through the shoe sole 10. Due to this structure, the shoe sole 10 employing the midsole 11 according to the present invention can have an attractive appearance and thereby a consumer can easily recognize the structure of the shoe sole 10.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of out soles 13 are attached to the bottom surface of the shoe sole 10 except for the regions corresponding to the cutaway grooves 18. Alternatively, one piece of out sole 13 can be applied to the bottom surface of the shoe sole 10 in such a manner that the midsole 11 has the shock-absorbing space 12 and the ribs 17 without having the cutaway grooves 18.

[0065] The position and the structure of the cutaway grooves 18 has a basic structure which is constituted as the same manner as the grooves 16 as described above. In detail, at a middle area corresponding to the arch-supporting middle segment of the midsole 11 or in the vicinity thereof, the cutaway grooves 18 are formed at a bottom surface of the midsole 11 in such a manner that they are perpendicular to the midsole 11.

[0066] At a heel area corresponding to the heel-supporting rear segment and a toe area corresponding to the toe-supporting front segment of the midsole 11, the cutaway grooves 18 are formed at the bottom surface of the midsole 11 in such a manner that they are vertically oriented as an acute design and simultaneously slanted at an acute angle relative to the midsole 11. Preferably, the ribs 17 are formed at the upper surface of the midsole 11 in a manner to positionally correspond to the cutaway grooves 18.

[0067] If the midsole 11 according to the present invention is applied to the shoe sole 10, the sole of the foot to which the wearer's weight may be substantially applied during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer is more peacefully supported by the enclosed space 12 or the grooves 16. Accordingly, it is enable to relieve fatigue that is applied to the sole of the foot in walking.

[0068] When the wearer walks with wearing the shoe sole 10 of which the midsole 11 according to the present invention is employed thereto, he or she can perform the same foot rolling function due to operation of the enclosed space 12 and the grooves 16.

[0069] In detail, a heel area corresponding to the heel-supporting rear segment may be touched with the ground and then a middle area corresponding to the arch-supporting middle segment of the midsole 11 may be touched with the ground during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer. Thereafter, a toe area corresponding to the toe-supporting front segment of the midsole 11 may be touched with the ground, at the same time, the heel portion leaves the ground during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer. Consequently, the wearer can walk with accomplishing the same foot rolling function during walking gait cycle of the wearer.

[0070] Accordingly, it is enable to provide a person enjoying outdoor activities with good feelings to wear by putting on the shoe employing the midsole 11 according to the present invention, which provides resilient, cushioned support for the sole of the foot, the foot joint and the knee joint of the wearer, and which can distribute the wearer's weight on the feet while standing, walking or running in such a manner as to promote his or her comfort and health.

[0071] With respect to the afore-mentioned problem that the device for aid of walking or the air bag or the spring are manufactured as separate constitutional parts and thereafter they are incorporated into the shoe sole at a late date, the midsole 11 is formed as a one-piece, integral, molded body of relatively soft, deformable and resilient material having rubber-like characteristics in a manner that the shock-absorbing space 12, the shock-absorbing grooves 16, the cutaway grooves 18 and the ribs 17 are easily provided therein during the formation of the midsole 11. Accordingly, a short time occurs to perform the process for manufacturing a functional shoe capable of accomplishing the same foot rolling function, which gives a considerable reduction in costs.

[0072] The reference numeral "15" (shown in FIG. 1) represents an edge portion for the purpose of inserting the midsole 11 into the bottom sole 13 so that the midsole 11 can be integrally sealed with the shoe sheath. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made for the appearance of the midsole 11 and the bottom sole 13 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0073] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.

[0074] Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0075] The present invention could be applicable to many different types of shoes for protecting feet of a person have been available in the market.

Claims

1. A midsole 11 for a shoe of the type in which it constitutes a part of a shoe sole 10 and it the wearer's weight while the wearer is standing still and also during each step while walking or running, the improvement comprising: the midsole 11 having a shock-absorbing space 12 for providing a cushioning effect in an underside thereof; the shock-absorbing space 12 extending from a heel portion to a toe portion of the shoe along an outer periphery surface of the midsole 11; and cross sectional areas being defined by the shock-absorbing space 12 increasing from an arch-supporting middle segment to a heel-supporting rear segment or a toe-supporting front segment.

2. The midsole for a shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of shock-absorbing grooves 16 for providing a cushioning effect are formed at a bottom surface of the midsole 11 along an inner periphery of the shock-absorbing space 12.

3. The midsole for a shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shock-absorbing space 12 is divided into a plurality of shock-absorbing grooves 16 for providing a cushioning effect.

4. The midsole for a shoe as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the grooves 16 are vertically oriented as an acute design at a middle area corresponding to the arch-supporting middle segment of the midsole 11, and they are vertically oriented as an acute design and simultaneously slanted at an acute angle at a heel area corresponding to the heel-supporting rear segment and at a toe area corresponding to the toe-supporting front segment of the midsole 11.

5. A midsole 11 for a shoe of the type in which it constitutes a part of a shoe sole 10 and it actthe wearer's weight while the wearer is standing still and also during each step while walking or running, the improvement comprising: the midsole 11 having a shock-absorbing space 12 for providing a cushioning effect in an upper surface thereof; the shock-absorbing space 12 extending from a heel portion to a toe portion of the shoe along an outer periphery surface of the midsole 11; cross sectional areas being defined by the shock-absorbing space 12 increasing from an arch-supporting middle segment to a heel-supporting rear segment or a toe-supporting front segment; a plurality of cutaway grooves 18 being formed at a bottom surface of the midsole 11 along the longitudinal direction of the midsole 11 at a certain distance; and a plurality of ribs 17 protruding from an upper surface of the midsole 11 within the shock-absorbing space 12 in such a way as to align the position of the rib 17 with the position of the cutaway groove 18.

6. The midsole for a shoe as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cutaway grooves 18 are vertically oriented as an acute design at a middle area corresponding to the arch-supporting middle segment of the midsole 11, and they are vertically oriented as an acute design and simultaneously slanted at an acute angle at a heel area corresponding to the heel-supporting rear segment and at a toe area corresponding to the toe-supporting front segment of the midsole 11.