U.S. patent application number 12/955556 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-31 for articles of footwear and heel suspension system therefore.
Invention is credited to Marc Loverin.
Application Number | 20120131819 12/955556 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46125677 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120131819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loverin; Marc |
May 31, 2012 |
Articles of Footwear and Heel Suspension System Therefore
Abstract
A heel suspension system for an article of footwear includes a
sling receiving and supporting a heel portion of an upper of the
article of footwear. The sling has first and second end portions
supported on lateral and medial sides of the upper. A remaining
portion of the sling is suspended between the supported end
portions.
Inventors: |
Loverin; Marc; (Scituate,
MA) |
Family ID: |
46125677 |
Appl. No.: |
12/955556 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/35R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 21/06 20130101;
A43B 21/26 20130101; A43B 1/10 20130101; A43B 13/181 20130101; A43B
7/144 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/35.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 21/26 20060101
A43B021/26 |
Claims
1. A heel suspension system for an article of footwear, the heel
suspension system comprising: first and second sling supports
spaced from each other; and a sling having first and second end
portions, the first end portion connected to the first sling
support and the second end portion connected to the second sling
support; wherein the sling receives a heel portion of an upper of
the article of footwear between the first and second sling
supports.
2. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the sling
comprises an elastic material.
3. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the sling is
positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the
Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear.
4. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the first and
second end portions of the sling each define a Y-shape that
provides two connections to each of the corresponding first and
second sling supports.
5. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the sling
suspends at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper of the
article of footwear above an outsole of the article of
footwear.
6. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the first and
second sling supports each define an arcuate shape.
7. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein each sling
support comprises: a base; and an arch disposed on the base, the
arch connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling.
8. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein each sling
support comprises an elliptical ring portion connected to and
supporting an end portion of the sling, the elliptical ring portion
elastically deformable under a load greater than a threshold
load.
9. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the first and
second sling supports are each received and supported by an outsole
of the article of footwear.
10. A heel suspension system for an article of footwear, the heel
suspension system comprising a sling receiving and supporting a
heel portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the sling
having first and second end portions supported on lateral and
medial sides of the upper, a remaining portion of the sling
suspended between the supported end portions.
11. The heel suspension system of claim 10, wherein the sling
comprises an elastic material.
12. The heel suspension system of claim 10, wherein the sling is
positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the
Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear.
13. The heel suspension system of claim 12, wherein the sling
elastically deforms to dissipate at least some of the transmitted
forces.
14. The heel suspension system of claim 10, wherein the sling
suspends at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper of the
article of footwear above an outsole of the article of
footwear.
15. The heel suspension system of claim 10, further comprising a
suspension frame that supports the first and second end portions of
the sling on lateral and medial sides of the upper.
16. The heel suspension system of claim 15, wherein the suspension
frame comprises lateral and medial sling supports, each sling
support comprising: a base; and an arch disposed on the base, the
arch connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling.
17. The heel suspension system of claim 15, wherein the suspension
frame comprises lateral and medial sling supports, each sling
support defining an elliptical ring portion connected to and
supporting an end portion of the sling, the elliptical ring portion
elastically deformable under a load greater than a threshold
load.
18. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole; a heel
suspension system disposed on the outsole; and an upper supported
at least indirectly by the heel suspension system and the outsole;
wherein the heel suspension system comprises a sling receiving and
supporting a heel portion of the upper, the sling having first and
second end portions supported on lateral and medial sides of the
upper, a remaining portion of the sling suspended between the
supported end portions.
19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the sling
comprises an elastic material.
20. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the sling is
positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the
Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear.
21. The article of footwear of claim 20, wherein the sling
elastically deforms to dissipate at least some of the transmitted
forces.
22. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the sling suspends
at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper above the
outsole.
23. The article of footwear of claim 18, further comprising a
suspension frame that supports the first and second end portions of
the sling on the lateral and medial sides of the upper.
24. The article of footwear of claim 23, wherein the suspension
frame comprises lateral and medial sling supports, each sling
support comprising: a base; and an arch disposed on the base, the
arch connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling.
25. The article of footwear of claim 23, wherein the suspension
frame comprises lateral and medial sling supports, each sling
support defining an elliptical ring portion connected to and
supporting an end portion of the sling, the elliptical ring portion
elastically deformable under a load greater than a threshold
load.
26. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the outsole
includes at least one heel stop positioned below the heel portion
of the upper to limit vertical movement of the heel portion of the
upper as the sling elastically stretches during loading.
27. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole; first and second
sling supports spaced from each other and supported by the outsole;
a sling having first and second end portions, the first end portion
connected to the first sling support and the second end portion
connected to the second sling support; and an upper supported at
least indirectly by the sling and the outsole; wherein the sling
receives a heel portion of the upper between the first and second
sling supports.
28. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the sling
comprises an elastic material.
29. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the sling is
positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the
Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear.
30. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the first and
second end portions of the sling each define a Y-shape that
provides two connections to each of the corresponding first and
second sling supports.
31. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the sling suspends
at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper above the
outsole.
32. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the first and
second sling supports each define an arcuate shape.
33. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein each sling support
comprises: a base; and an arch disposed on the base, the arch
connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling.
34. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein each sling support
comprises an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an
end portion of the sling, the elliptical ring portion elastically
deformable under a load greater than a threshold load.
35. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the outsole
includes at least one heel stop positioned below the heel portion
of the upper to limit vertical movement of the heel portion of the
upper as the sling elastically stretches during loading.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to articles of footwear having heel
suspension systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In general, shoes, a type of articles of footwear, include
an upper secured to a sole. The upper and the sole together define
a void that is configured to hold a human foot. Often, the upper
and/or the sole are/is formed from multiple layers that can be
stitched or adhesively bonded together. For example, the upper
portion can be made of a combination of leather and fabric, or foam
and fabric, and the sole can be formed from at least one layer of
natural rubber. Often materials are chosen for functional reasons,
e.g., water-resistance, durability, abrasion-resistance, and
breathability, while shape, texture, and color are used to promote
the aesthetic qualities of the shoe.
SUMMARY
[0003] One aspect of the disclosure provides a heel suspension
system for an article of footwear. The heel suspension system
includes first and second sling supports spaced from each other and
a sling having first and second end portions. The first end portion
of the sling is connected to the first sling support and the second
end portion of the sling is connected to the second sling support.
The sling receives a heel portion of an upper of the article of
footwear between the first and second sling supports.
[0004] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of
the following features. In some implementations, the sling
comprises an elastic material. The sling may be positioned to
receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a
user wearing the article of footwear. In some examples, the first
and second end portions of the sling each define a Y-shape that
provides two connections to each of the corresponding first and
second sling supports. The sling may suspend at least a portion of
the heel portion of the upper of the article of footwear above an
outsole of the article of footwear.
[0005] In some implementations, the first and second sling supports
each define an arcuate shape. Each sling support may comprise a
base and an arch disposed on the base. The arch is connected to and
supports an end portion of the sling. In some examples, each sling
support includes an elliptical ring portion connected to and
supporting an end portion of the sling. The elliptical ring portion
elastically deforms under a load greater than a threshold load
(e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and
between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult shoes). An outsole of
the article of footwear may receive and support each of the first
and second sling supports.
[0006] In another aspect of the disclosure, a heel suspension
system for an article of footwear includes a sling receiving and
supporting a heel portion of an upper of the article of footwear.
The sling has first and second end portions supported on lateral
and medial sides of the upper. A remaining portion of the sling is
suspended between the supported end portions.
[0007] In some implementations, the sling comprises an elastic
material and elastically deforms to dissipate at least some of the
transmitted forces. The sling can be positioned to receive vertical
forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the
article of footwear. The sling may suspend at least a portion of
the heel portion of the upper of the article of footwear above an
outsole of the article of footwear. In some implementations, the
heel suspension system includes a suspension frame that supports
the first and second end portions of the sling on lateral and
medial sides of the upper. The suspension frame may include lateral
and medial sling supports. Each sling support may include a base
and an arch disposed on the base. The arch is connected to and
supports an end portion of the sling. In some examples, each sling
support defines an elliptical ring portion connected to and
supporting an end portion of the sling. The elliptical ring portion
elastically deforms under a load greater than a threshold load
(e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and
between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult shoes).
[0008] In yet another aspect, an article of footwear includes an
outsole, a heel suspension system disposed on the outsole, and an
upper supported at least indirectly by the heel suspension system
and the outsole. The heel suspension system includes a sling that
receives and supports a heel portion of the upper. The sling has
first and second end portions supported on lateral and medial sides
of the upper. A remaining portion of the sling is suspended between
the supported end portions.
[0009] In some implementations, the sling comprises an elastic
material. The sling may be positioned to receive vertical forces
transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article
of footwear. Moreover, in some examples, the sling elastically
deforms to dissipate at least some of the transmitted forces. The
sling may suspend at least a portion of the heel portion of the
upper above the outsole.
[0010] In some implementations, the article of footwear includes a
suspension frame that supports the first and second end portions of
the sling on the lateral and medial sides of the upper. The
suspension frame may include lateral and medial sling supports. In
some examples, each sling support includes a base and an arch
disposed on the base. The arch is connected to and supports an end
portion of the sling. In additional examples, each sling support
defines an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an
end portion of the sling. The elliptical ring portion elastically
deforms under a load greater than a threshold load (e.g., between
about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and between about 100 lbs
and 250 lbs for adult shoes). The outsole may include at least one
heel stop positioned below the heel portion of the upper to limit
vertical movement of the heel portion of the upper as the sling
elastically stretches during loading.
[0011] In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an
outsole, first and second sling supports spaced from each other and
supported by the outsole, and a sling having first and second end
portions. The first end portion is connected to the first sling
support and the second end portion is connected to the second sling
support. The sling and the outsole at least indirectly support an
upper. The sling receives a heel portion of the upper between the
first and second sling supports.
[0012] In some implementations, the sling comprises an elastic
material. The sling can be positioned to receive vertical forces
transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article
of footwear. In some examples, the first and second end portions of
the sling each define a Y-shape that provides two connections to
each of the corresponding first and second sling supports. The
sling may suspend at least a portion of the heel portion of the
upper above the outsole. The first and second sling supports may
each define an arcuate shape. In some implementations, each sling
support includes a base and an arch disposed on the base. The arch
is connected to and supports an end portion of the sling. In some
examples, each sling support includes an elliptical ring portion
connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling. The
elliptical ring portion elastically deforms under a load greater
than a threshold load (e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for
toddler shoes and between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult
shoes). The outsole may include at least one heel stop positioned
below the heel portion of the upper to limit vertical movement of
the heel portion of the upper as the sling elastically stretches
during loading.
[0013] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure
are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description
below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent
from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary article of
footwear having a heel suspension system.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the article of footwear shown in
FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the article of footwear shown in
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIGS. 4 and 5 are opposite side views of the article of
footwear shown in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of the article of footwear shown in
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side exploded view of the article of footwear
shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary heel suspension
system.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a top view of an outsole of the sole assembly
shown in FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the outsole shown in FIG. 9.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a section view of the outsole shown in FIG. 10
along line 11-11.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a front view of the outsole shown in FIG. 9.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the sole assembly shown in FIG.
7.
[0026] FIGS. 14 and 15 are opposite side views of the sole assembly
shown in FIG. 7.
[0027] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements. By way of example only, all of the drawings are directed
to an article of footwear suitable to be worn on a right foot. The
invention includes also the mirror images of the drawings, i.e. an
article of footwear suitable to be worn on a left foot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in some implementations, an article
of footwear 10 includes an upper assembly 100 attached to a sole
assembly 200 (e.g., by stitching and/or an adhesive). Together, the
upper assembly 100 and the sole assembly 200 define a void 20
configured to securely and comfortably hold a human foot. The upper
assembly 100 and the sole assembly 200 each have a corresponding
forefoot portion 102, 202 and a corresponding heel portion 104,
204. Although the example shown illustrates a shoe, the article of
footwear 10 may be configured as other types of articles of
footwear, including, but not limited to boots, sandals, flip-flops,
clogs, etc.
[0029] In the example shown, the upper assembly 100 includes a
tongue opening 110, which is at least substantially covered by a
corresponding tongue 120. At least one tongue closure fastener 130
releasably connects lateral and medial sides 112, 114 of the tongue
opening 110. In the example shown, the tongue closure fastener 130
is a strap; however, other configurations are possible as well,
such as laces, elastic band, etc. In the example of a strap 130,
the strap 130 can be connected (e.g., by stitching and/or an
adhesive) to one of the lateral and medial sides 112, 114 of the
tongue opening 110. A strap holder 132 (e.g., a ring attached to
the upper assembly 100 or an opening defined by the upper assembly
100) on an opposite side 112, 114 of the tongue opening 110
receives the strap 130. The strap 130 can be pulled through the
strap holder 132 to obtain a desired closure width of the tongue
opening 110 and secured in place by a fastener 134, such as hook
and loop fasteners or a buckle. Other types of fasteners can be
used as well.
[0030] The upper assembly 100 may include lateral and/or media
reinforcing members 150a, 150b that each extend from or about the
tongue opening 110 to or about the sole assembly 200. The
reinforcing members 150a, 150b can be configured to transmit
closure and fitting forces received about the tongue opening 110
down to the sole assembly 200. The closure or fitting forces may
result from fastening the tongue closure fastener(s) 130 and/or be
experienced while wearing the article of footwear 10. In the
example shown, the reinforcing members 150a, 150b also extend from
the forefoot portion 102 to the heel portion 104 of the upper
assembly 100 in an arcuate fashion.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 7-15, in some implementations, the sole
assembly 200 includes a heel suspension system 300 in the heel
portion 204 of the sole assembly 200. The heel suspension system
300 provides shock or impact absorption qualities to the heel
portion 204 of the sole assembly 200 to reduce transmission of
ground contact forces to the user of the article of footwear 10. In
the example shown, the heel suspension system 300 is disposed
between an outsole 210 of the sole assembly 200 and the upper
assembly 100. The heel suspension system 300 and the outsole 210 at
least indirectly support the upper assembly 100. The outsole 210
can be made of natural rubber or formed of a rubber compound
including isobutylene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene
rubber and/or natural rubber. The outsole 210 may have a durometer
of between about 40 Shore A and about 70 Shore A (e.g., 50 Shore
A).
[0032] In some implementations, the heel suspension system 300
includes a sling 310 that receives and supports the heel portion
104 of the upper assembly 100. The sling 310 has first and second
end portions 312, 314 supported on lateral and medial sides 112,
114 of the upper assembly 100. A remaining portion of the sling 310
is suspended between the supported end portions 312, 314. In some
implementations, the sling 310 comprises an elastic material and
elastically deforms to dissipate at least some of the forces
transmitted from the ground in the heel portion 204 of the sole
assembly 200 to the user. The sling 310 can be positioned to
receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a
user wearing the article of footwear 10. Moreover, the sling 310
may suspend at least a portion of the heel portion 104 of the upper
assembly 100 above the outsole 210, such that ground contact forces
cannot propagate along a straight vertical path from the outsole to
at least a portion of the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly
100 (e.g., which can have a portion situated directly underneath
the user's Calcaneus bone).
[0033] In some implementations, the heel suspension system 300
includes a suspension frame 320 that supports the first and second
end portions 312, 314 of the sling 310 on lateral and medial sides
112, 114 of the upper assembly 100. The suspension frame 320 may
include lateral and medial sling supports 322, 324 spaced from each
other. In other examples not shown, the suspension frame 320 is one
contiguous piece (i.e., the lateral and medial sling supports 322,
324 are connected). Each sling support 322, 324 may include a base
340 and an arch 350 disposed on the base 350. The arch 340 is
connected to and supports an end portion 312, 314 of the sling 310.
The arch 340 may be made of a rigid material or an elastically
deformable material. For example, the arch 340 may elastically
deform under a load greater than a threshold load (e.g., between
about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and between about 100 lbs
and 250 lbs for adult shoes). In some examples, each sling support
322, 324 defines an elliptical ring connected to and supporting an
end portion 312, 314 of the sling 310. The elliptical ring 322, 324
elastically deforms under a load greater than a threshold load
(e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and
between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult shoes).
[0034] In the example shown, the suspension frame 320 supports the
sling 310 about the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100.
Moreover, the sling 310 receives and suspends the heel portion 104
of the upper assembly 100 above the outsole 210. In some examples,
the suspension frame 320 is made of a rigid material, such as a
rigid plastic. While in other examples, the suspension frame 320
made of a semi-rigid or elastic material, such as thermoplastic
rubber (TPR). The sling 310 can be made of an elastic material,
such as silicone or rubber, that elastically stretches to provide
shock and vibration absorption of the heel suspension system
300.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, in some implementations, a heel
portion 214 of the outsole 210 defines a frame seat 216 (FIG. 12)
configured to receive and support the suspension frame 320. The
outsole 210 may include or define at least one heel stop 218 in the
heel portion 214 to receive and limit downward movement of the heel
portion 104 of the upper assembly 100 as it moves with respect to
the outsole 210 when the heel suspension system 300 moves in
response to a received ground contact force. In some examples, the
frame seat 216 receives the lateral and medial sling supports 322,
324 (FIG. 8) on opposite sides of the at least one heel stop
218.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 12-15, in some implementations,
the suspension frame 320 includes lateral and medial sling supports
322, 324 spaced laterally from each other. In the example shown,
the sling supports 332, 324 are positioned on corresponding lateral
and medial sides 12, 14 of the article footwear 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3)
and define an arcuate shape (e.g., a substantially U-Shape) that
may deflect elastically to absorb shock or impact forces (FIGS. 10
and 11). Moreover, lateral and medial end portions 312, 314 of the
sling 310 may define a Y-shape, providing two points of connection
to the corresponding lateral and medial sling supports 322, 324. In
other examples, the lateral and medial end portions 312, 314 of the
sling 310 have one or many connection points with the sling
supports 312, 314. The sling 310 can be configured to suspend at
least a portion of the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100
above the outsole 210, such that the suspended portion of the heel
portion 104 does not directly contact the outsole 210.
[0037] The heel suspension system 300 allows a user to experience a
relative reduction in shock and impact forces incurred during
walking or running. The sling 310, in some examples, eliminates a
direct transmission of shock and impact forces from the outsole to
the bottom of the suspended heel portion 104 of the upper assembly
100. By positioning the sling 310 directly below a user's Calcaneus
bone, thus suspending the corresponding heel portion 104 of the
upper assembly 100, the user experiences an elastic cushioning
effect of the sling 310. Moreover, the sling 310 can be configured
(e.g., by material choice) to provide accentuation of a user's heel
push off. For example, when jumping, the user lower's his or her
weight and loads the article of footwear 10, during a loading
phase, with a take-off force. As the sling 310 elastically deforms
it stores take-off energy (as potential energy) and then releases
the stored energy (as kinetic energy) during a take-off phase of
the jump, thus accentuating the jump.
[0038] A number of implementations have been described.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope
of the following claims.
* * * * *