U.S. patent application number 13/563706 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for footwear with integrated energy wave sockliner.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is David L. Vattes. Invention is credited to David L. Vattes.
Application Number | 20130318817 13/563706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49668512 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130318817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vattes; David L. |
December 5, 2013 |
FOOTWEAR WITH INTEGRATED ENERGY WAVE SOCKLINER
Abstract
A shoe assembly is designed to enable unhindered natural foot
motion between the foot and the ground. The shoe assembly includes
an integrated anatomically shaped sockliner and outsole. The
sockliner includes a top face and a bottom face, each having a
generally planar surface, extending along a base plane. On the top
face of the sockliner, a plurality of grooves extend across the
base plane in a generally undulating pattern for engagement with
the sole of the foot. The bottom face of the sockliner may include
a plurality of alternating ridges and/or valleys extending from the
inside to the outside of the foot in a generally undulating pattern
for engagement with the outsole. A strobel insole of encapsulated
high resiliency foam may be positioned between the sockliner and
the outsole. An optional midfoot support element may be positioned
between the insole and outsole to control tortional stiffness.
Inventors: |
Vattes; David L.;
(University City, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vattes; David L. |
University City |
MO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
49668512 |
Appl. No.: |
13/563706 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13484379 |
May 31, 2012 |
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13563706 |
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13491570 |
Jun 7, 2012 |
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13484379 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/12 20130101;
A43B 7/144 20130101; A43B 7/141 20130101; A43B 13/40 20130101; A43B
23/22 20130101; A43B 7/142 20130101; A43B 13/187 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/28 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18 |
Claims
1. A shoe assembly comprising: an anatomically shaped sockliner
having a top face and a bottom face, said sockliner having a
plurality of grooves on said top face, at least some of said
grooves forming a generally undulating geometry; said sockliner
further having a perimeter edge shaped to enable said sockliner to
be strobel stitched to an upper; and an anatomically shaped
outsole.
2. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the sockliner further
includes a plurality of ridges and valleys on said bottom face, at
least some of said ridges and valleys extending across said
sockliner in a generally undulating pattern.
3. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the sockliner includes a
raised portion at the midfoot region to underlie a medial arch of a
wearer's foot.
4. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the top face of the
sockliner further includes a recessed area to receive the heel of
the foot.
5. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the top face of the
sockliner conforms to the general shape of the human foot.
6. The shoe assembly of claim 2 wherein the ridges and valleys of
the sockliner alternate with one another.
7. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the sockliner is formed
from a cushioning material.
8. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the sockliner is formed in
unitary construction with an outsole.
9. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the outsole includes a
raised portion at the midfoot region to underlie a medial arch of a
wearer's foot.
10. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the sockliner includes
raised peripheral edges around the hind foot region thereof to
receive and wrap around a heel of a wearer's foot.
11. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the outsole includes
raised peripheral edges around the hind foot region thereof to
receive and wrap around a heel of a wearer's foot.
12. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the sockliner includes a
radiused portion at the forefoot region.
13. The shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the outsole includes a
radiused portion at the forefoot region.
14. The shoe assembly of claim 1 including a midfoot support
element located between the sockliner and the outsole, the midfoot
support element having a higher stiffness than the outsole.
15. The shoe assembly of claim 2 wherein the bottom face of said
sockliner further includes a base plane, each ridge further
including a ridge surface and a ridge sidewall, the ridge surface
being positioned parallel and below the base plane, said ridge
sidewall extending upwardly towards said base plane, each valley
further including a valley surface and a valley sidewall, said
valley surface being positioned parallel and above said base plane,
said valley sidewall extending downwardly towards said base
plane.
16. The shoe assembly of claim 2 wherein the top face of said
sockliner includes a first base plane, said plurality of grooves
extending downwardly below said first base plane, each said groove
in said top face including opposing sidewalls and a bottom, the
bottom of each groove in said top face residing generally in a
first lower plane; and wherein the bottom face of said sockliner
includes a second base plane, said plurality of valleys extending
upwardly above said second base plane, each said valley in said
bottom face including opposed sidewalls and a top, the top of each
valley in said bottom face residing generally in a first upper
plane; said plurality of ridges extending downwardly below said
second base plane, each said ridge in said bottom face including
opposing sidewalls and a bottom, the bottom of each ridge in said
bottom face residing generally in a second lower plane.
17. The shoe assembly of claim 2 wherein at least some of said
ridges and valleys extend across the sockliner in a generally
sinusoidal pattern.
18. A shoe assembly comprising: an atomically shaped sockliner
having a top face and a bottom face; a plurality of grooves on said
top face; a plurality of alternating ridges and valleys on said
bottom face, at least some of said ridges and valleys extending
across said sockliner in a generally undulating pattern; and an
anatomically shaped outsole.
19. The shoe assembly of claim 18 wherein the sockliner includes a
raised portion at the midfoot region to underlie a medial arch of a
wearer's foot.
20. The shoe assembly of claim 18 wherein the top face of the
sockliner further includes a recessed area to receive the heel of
the foot.
21. The shoe assembly of claim 18 wherein the sockliner is formed
from a cushioning material.
22. The shoe assembly of claim 18 including a midfoot support
element positioned and located between said sockliner and said
outsole, said midfoot support element having a higher stiffness
than said outsole.
23. The shoe assembly of claim 18 wherein said sockliner includes a
perimeter edge shaped to enable said sockliner to be strobel
stitched to an upper.
24. The shoe assembly of claim 18 wherein said sockliner includes a
perimeter edge shaped to enable cementing the edges of an upper
under the perimeter edge of the sockliner.
25. A shoe assembly comprising: an anatomically shaped sockliner
having a top face and a bottom face, said sockliner having a
plurality of grooves on said top face, at least some of said
grooves forming a generally undulating geometry; a strobel insole
including a foam inner layer sandwiched between top and bottom
fabric layers; and an anatomically shaped outsole.
26. The shoe assembly of claim 25 wherein said sockliner further
includes a plurality of ridges and valleys on said bottom face, at
least some of said ridges and valleys extending across said bottom
face in a generally undulating pattern.
27. The shoe assembly of claim 25 wherein the sockliner includes a
raised portion at the midfoot region to underlie a medial arch of a
wearer's foot.
28. The shoe assembly of claim 25 wherein the top face of the
sockliner further includes a recessed area to receive the heel of
the foot.
29. The shoe assembly of claim 25 wherein the sockliner is formed
from a cushioning material.
30. The shoe assembly of claim 26 wherein the ridges and valleys of
the sockliner alternate with one another.
31. The shoe assembly of claim 26 wherein said plurality of ridges
and valleys extend across said sockliner in a generally sinusoidal
wave pattern.
32. The shoe assembly of claim 25 wherein said plurality of grooves
form a generally sinusoidal wave pattern.
33. The shoe assembly of claim 25 including a midfoot support
element located between said strobel insole and said outsole, said
midfoot support element having a higher stiffness than said
outsole.
34. The shoe assembly of claim 25 wherein said strobel insole has a
hardness in the range of between about 10C and 60C on an Asker
Scale.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional application is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/484,379, titled FOOTWEAR
PROMOTING NATURAL MOTION, filed May 31, 2012, and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/491,570, titled ENERGY WAVE SOCKLINER, filed Jun. 7, 2012. This
application incorporates by reference all of the disclosures
therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the construction
of a shoe, and, more particularly, to a shoe assembly which
provides improved comfort and which promotes a natural motion of
the foot by simulating a barefoot experience, and by allowing
better flexibility, improved ground contact and less weight.
[0003] Shoes, at their most fundamental level, are intended to
provide protection and comfort to the human foot during the course
of day-to-day activities. Shoe designs have varied greatly over
time as well as from culture to culture, with the predominate focus
relating to functionality. As people became more sophisticated,
shoes became more than just a protective clothing item. In this
regard, shoes were designed not only for day-to-day activities, but
also for fashion. Shoe designers are thus required to balance
function with form, as people desire shoes that are both
comfortable and attractive. Because of these market demands, there
are currently numerous kinds of shoes with a variety of styles,
designs and purposes, varying in their degrees of functionality and
fashionability.
[0004] Throughout the years, in addition to changes in style, shoes
have been made lighter, more durable and more comfortable. In fact,
numerous patents have been issued relating to structural
alternations of the shoe in furtherance of this goal. Oftentimes,
individuals will add a removable cushioning device, such as a foam
or gel insert, in the hopes of improving comfort. Numerous types of
removable cushioning devices have been developed for use in shoes
to provide such relief. Typically, layers of cushioning materials
(which may include foam, cellulose, polyurethane, rubber,
elastomer, plastic, etc.) are added to the sole construction to
give the illusion of comfort. However, these designs usually lose
their effectiveness over the course of a day, as they become
increasingly compressed. In some cases, prolonged use may result in
increasing discomfort as the cushioning becomes less effective.
This is because the foot comes into increasingly direct contact
with the rigid structural components of the shoe which exist
directly beneath the cushioning materials.
[0005] Furthermore, in recent years, the "barefoot" running trend
in footwear has been gaining popularity, with many examples of
footwear coming onto the market with variations of this minimalist
theme. Market leaders have created an iconic platform--a thin
rubber outsole and elastic textile uppers that are assembled with
individual toe segmentation to create "fingers." Other brands have
taken a similar approach without improving on the benefits
delivered. However, there are many problems with such "barefoot"
running shoes, and their "fingers." The lack of cushioning and
protection underfoot, combined with encouragement to users that
they land on their forefoot (rather than their heels) increases the
impact force and potential discomfort experienced by the wearer.
Further, the radical design is a turn-off to many mainstream
consumers, which limits the end use and wearing occasions.
[0006] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved shoe
construction for various types of footwear which promotes natural
foot motion but yet provides improved comfort while still
stimulating the barefoot experience. The most important factor to
address in all footwear is the ability to provide comfort and
support to the wearer as the shoe is worn throughout the day.
Specifically, this invention improves upon the "barefoot" running
trend without utilizing "fingers," while still providing comfort
benefits delivered in more standard running footwear. Furthermore,
this invention introduces a cushioning device which allows for
better distribution of foot pressure and which provides long
lasting comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Although the present invention will be described in
connection with one embodiment of a typical shoe, it is likewise
well-suited for use in essentially any type of shoe construction,
including shoes having a midsole and/or shoe constructions having a
high heel or no heel (flat) configuration. The present shoe
assembly is designed to enable unhindered natural foot motion
between the foot and the ground. To begin the design process, the
shoe is constructed with a cupped heel, a contoured arch, a
radiused forepart and neutral heel/forefoot position to create a
foot bed that anatomically cradles a wearer's foot. An integrated
sockliner/strobel insole is added, the sockliner/strobe insole
including a plurality of grooves on its top face and it may
optionally include a plurality of ridges and valleys on its bottom
face. The integrated sockliner/strobel insole includes perimeter
edges for attaching the sockliner/insole to the upper either by
strobel stitching or cementing the upper edges under the perimeter
of the sockliner/insole edges. The outsole is sculpted to have
rounded natural edges and an anatomically correct flex location
toward the forefoot of the shoe where softer, more flexible
materials are used. The outsole is further designed with harder,
protective materials strategically placed in high ground-contact
areas to deliver protection and support. An optional midfoot
support element (or support shank) may be positioned between the
sockliner and outsole to control torsional stiffness. Upper
materials are selected to minimize restriction of movement and
promote breathability.
[0008] The integrated sockliner of the present invention further
includes a raised area in the midfoot region and a recessed area
located in the hind foot region. The sockliner is preferably
comprised of a base foam, including, but not limited to, EVA,
polyurethane (PU), blended co-polymers and the like. Sockliner
hardness would preferably be in the range of about 25C to 70C on an
Asker C scale. The midfoot support element is preferably made from
a material including, but not limited to, molded plastic, rigid
EVA, Texon/tuck board and the like, with a thickness of between
about 1 mm and 3 mm, and with a hardness of between about 50A and
90A on a Shore A scale. Such a construction allows for: (a)
increased contact between the foot and shoe interior; (b) a
flexibility improvement such that less foot force is required to
bend the shoe; (c) an improved gait by enabling natural motion
during walking; (c) promoting more midfoot versus heel strike; (d)
reduced weight over conventional shoes; and (e) increased foot
stimulation through more utilization of bones, tendons and muscles
during footstrike. The raised area is positioned to underlie the
medial arch of the wearer's foot and the recessed area is
positioned to underlie the heel of the wearer's foot. The recessed
area is defined by the peripheral edges formed around the hind foot
region from the medial side to the lateral side of the heel. The
peripheral edge in the hind foot region forms a raised portion
where it wraps around the heel of the wearer's foot.
[0009] The anatomically shaped and formed integrated sockliner has
been designed to reflect the natural contours of the human foot.
The sockliner of the present invention extends from the rear of the
shoe forward, receiving the wearer's toes. The shaped plantar
surface topography maximizes surface contact with the wearer's foot
and increases comfort. The recessed area functions as an extended
heel seat located in the distal portion of the sockliner, cradling
the foot and bearing a majority of the weight while distributing
pressure. A reduced heel center thickness is provided to avoid peak
heel pressure during heel impact. The shape and outline of the
sockliner reflects the natural contours of the human foot. As the
foot is "loaded" with body weight during heel strike, the present
sockliner compresses and expands within the shoe, supporting the
foot and insuring maximum contact.
[0010] The surface topography of the present invention includes a
top face and a bottom face, each having a generally planar surface,
extending along a base plane. On the top face, a plurality of
grooves extend across the base plane in a generally undulating
pattern for engagement with the sole of the foot. For the purposes
of this disclosure, "undulating" describes a smooth, wavelike
pattern, as further discussed below. On the bottom face, the
integrated socket liner may include a plurality of alternating
ridges and/or valleys extending from the inside of the foot to the
outside of the foot in a generally undulating and/or sinusoidal
pattern.
[0011] For the purposes of this disclosure, all directions
discussed hereinafter (up, down, etc.) use a frame of reference in
which the top face of the sockliner faces "up" while the bottom
face of the sockliner faces "down." Thus, while grooves in the top
face extend "downwardly" into the sockliner, the valleys in the
bottom face extend "upwardly" into the sockliner and the ridges on
the bottom face extend "downwardly" away from the sockliner.
[0012] The optional ridge surfaces are positioned parallel and
below the base plane, extending downwardly. The upward extension of
the ridge surfaces forms the side walls of the ridges which are
generally perpendicular to the base plane. The optional valley
surfaces are positioned parallel and above the base plane,
extending downwardly. The downward extension of the valley surfaces
form the side walls of the valleys which are generally
perpendicular to the base plane. On the bottom face, the ridge
surfaces may come into direct or indirect contact with the upper
surface of the outsole. The outsole is preferably constructed from
rubber or polyurethane, in either single or dual compound areas.
For example, a dual compound outsole may have high-traction
compound at high ground-contact locations, and a wear-resistant
compound toward the perimeter of the outsole. Preferably, the
hardness of either or both of these compounds would be in the range
of about 45A to 75A on a Shore A scale. Such configurations
effectively lock in the anatomical shape within the shoe while
providing cushioning and support to the wearer.
[0013] When a foot is inserted into a shoe that houses the present
shoe assembly, the recessed area of the integrated sockliner serves
to receive and locate the heel in a recessed area which is
substantially concaved, and the raised area acts to support the
medial arch of the wearer's foot so that the integrated sockliner
substantially contacts the entire bottom surface of the wearer's
foot. The combination of a raised area under the medial arch, a
recessed area immediately under the heel, and the use of a
sockliner material that substantially maintains its form, improves
the distribution of the pressure and the comfort of shoes made in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is
generally recognized that the integrated sockliner of the present
invention is more resistant to "bottoming out," which for purposes
of this disclosure, means that the sockliner will not reach a
threshold of force where the material comprising the sockliner will
not further compress. As pressure is applied to the sockliner, the
ridges compress vertically, causing them to expand horizontally.
The valleys provide space for the ridges to expand horizontally,
allowing for additional compression and cushioning.
[0014] In still another embodiment, the present shoe assembly
includes an energy wave sockliner, a strobel insole, and an
outsole. In this embodiment, the strobe insole is provided as a
separate layer and is positioned between the energy wave sockliner
and the outsole. Preferably, the top surface of the outsole is
shaped to conform to the bottom surface of the strobel insole and
may be constructed of a high resiliency foam such as, but not
limited to, neoprene, polyurethane, SEBS, EBA, rubber and the like.
The energy wave sockliner, the strobel insole, and the outsole may
be secured to one another using any suitable attachment means. An
optional midfoot support element may likewise be positioned between
the strobel insole and the outsole to again control tortional
stiffness toward the midfoot region.
[0015] Specific advantages and features of the present assembly
will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description
of several illustrative embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a three dimensional perspective view of
one embodiment of a shoe assembly including an upper, an integrated
sockliner and an outsole constructed according to the teachings of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a three dimensional perspective view of
another embodiment of a shoe assembly including an upper, a
sockliner, a strobel insole and an outsole constructed according to
the teachings of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
sockliner of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a close up view of the top of the sockliner of
FIG. 3 taken at section 3A of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the
sockliner of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a close up view of the bottom of the sockliner of
FIG. 3 taken at section 4A of FIG. 4.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the sockliner of
FIG. 3 taken along line 5-5 therein.
[0023] It should be understood that the present drawings are not
necessarily to scale and that the embodiments disclosed herein are
sometimes illustrated by fragmentary views. In certain instances,
details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present
invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may
have been omitted. It should also be understood that the invention
is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments
illustrated herein. Like numbers utilized throughout the various
figures designate like or similar parts or structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring now to the drawings, more particularly by
reference numbers, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the shoe
assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention. The present shoe assembly 10 is configured to
provide improved comfort during running and other activities. The
shoe assembly 10 includes an upper 12 that can be formed in any
suitable style or shape, an integrated sockliner/strobel layer 14
and an outsole 16. The outsole 16 is positioned on the underside of
the shoe for engagement with a walking surface such as the ground,
sidewalk, floor or other supporting surface. Preferably, the top
surface of the outsole 16 is shaped to conform to the bottom
surface of the sockliner 14. The sockliner 14 and outsole 16 may be
secured to one another using any suitable attachment means
including, but not limited to, cement, adhesives, glue, welt,
direct attachment constructions and the like.
[0025] For ease of reference herein, the human foot may be
generally considered to have three regions: the forefoot region
(area adjacent the toes), the midfoot region (area adjacent the
medial arch, between the forefoot and the hind foot regions) and
the hind foot region (area adjacent the heel). As shown in FIG. 1,
the integrated sockliner 14 and outsole 16 similarly include three
regions substantially underlying the above-referenced corresponding
three regions of the wearer's foot: the forefoot region 22A, 22B of
the sockliner 14 and outsole 16 respectively; the midfoot region
24A, 24B of the sockliner 14 and outsole 16 respectively; and the
hind foot region 26A, 26B of the sockliner 14 and outsole 16
respectively. It should be understood, however, that the boundaries
between the forefoot, midfoot and hind foot areas are not precise
and that these terms should be interpreted loosely and with a great
deal of flexibility. The ball of the foot, located in the midfoot
region, is generally the area of the foot at the juncture between
the metatarsal bones and the phalanges bones. The forefoot region
22A, 22B of the integrated sockliner 14 and outsole 16 is
positioned to underlie at least an area of the wearer's toes
located at the proximate end of the shoe. The forefoot region 22A,
22B includes a radiused forepart and a neutral heel/forefoot
position. The midfoot region 24A, 24B of the sockliner 14 and
outsole 16 is preferably raised to underlie at least an area of the
medial arch of the wearer's foot. The hind foot region 26A, 26B of
the sockliner 14 and outsole 16 is positioned and is cupped to
underlie at least an area of the wearer's heel located at the
distal end of the shoe. The hind foot region 26A, 26B is defined by
the peripheral edges 28A, 28B formed around the hind foot region
26A, 26B from the medial side to the lateral side of the heel. The
hind foot peripheral edge 28A, 28B forms a raised portion where it
wraps around the heel of the wearer's foot. The anatomically shaped
and formed integrated sockliner 14 and outsole 16 are thereby
designed to reflect the natural shapes of the human foot. The
shaped plantar surface topography maximizes surface contact with
the wearer's foot and increases comfort. The midfoot region 24B of
outsole 16 may include a midfoot support element (or support shank)
30 having a stiffness which is higher than the rest of outsole 16
so as to properly provide arch support to the wearer.
[0026] The shoe assembly 10 is constructed to enable unhindered
natural foot motion between the foot and the ground. To this end,
the soft, flexible strobel stitched insole 18 referenced in
Applicant's pending application Ser. No. 13/484,379 is now
integrated into sockliner 14, which disclosure is incorporated by
reference herein. The integrated sockliner 14 is made of a foam
material such as EVA, PU, blown co-polymers and other suitable
materials which are molded to fit the anatomical shapes of the
upper 12 and the outsole 16 and includes a stitching margin along
the perimeter thereof. The perimeter edges of integrated sockliner
14 are structured to enable the sockliner 14 to be strobel stitched
to form the bottom of the upper 12. The perimeter edges of the
integrated sockliner 14 are modified to enable strobel stitching to
the upper 12 thereby ensuring that the sockliner edge thickness and
shape are conducive to stitching and having enough strength to
avoid tearing. The sockliner 14 is stitched and turned to the
bottom of the upper 12 to close the shoe 10. The shape and
structure of the integrated sockliner 14 is substantially identical
to the structure of the energy wave sockliner disclosed in
Applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 13/491,570, as will be
hereinafter explained, which disclosure is likewise incorporated
herein by reference and is further disclosed below.
[0027] It is also recognized that the integrated sockliner 14 may
likewise be attached to the upper 12 by cementing the edges of the
upper 12 to the perimeter edges of the integrated sockliner 14.
[0028] The outsole 16 is sculpted to have rounded natural edges and
an anatomically correct flex location toward the forefoot region
22B of the shoe where softer, more flexible materials are used. The
outsole 16 is further designed with harder, protective materials
strategically placed in high ground-contact areas to deliver
protection and support. An optional midfoot support element 30 may
be positioned between the integrated sockliner 14 and outsole 16 to
control torsional stiffness toward the midfoot region 24A, 24B.
Upper materials are selected to minimize restriction of movement
and promote breathability.
[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the integrated sockliner 14
improves comfort and achieves this objective by providing a
generally undulating geometry of grooves which are integrated into
the top face of a sockliner 14 and an optional generally undulating
geometry of ridges and/or valleys which can also be integrated into
the bottom face of a sockliner 14. The generally undulating
geometry which may be a generally sinusoidal wave pattern may be
further combined with a raised area of the sockliner 14 positioned
to underlie the medial arch area, and/or a recessed area which is
substantially concave and is formed to underlie the heel.
[0030] The surface topography of the sockliner 14 includes a top
face 32 and a bottom face 34, each having a generally planar
surface extending along a base plane 36. On the top face 32, a
plurality of grooves 38 (as illustrated in FIG. 3A) extend
downwardly from base plane 36A across the sockliner 14 in a
generally undulating geometry 40 for engagement with the sole of
the wearer's foot. The top face 32 preferably shaped to match the
natural contour or silhouette of the wearer's foot, for example, by
providing a recessed area 42 and/or a raised area 44 (as will be
hereinafter further explained) and is positioned and oriented for
engagement with the wearer's foot. The generally undulating
geometry 40 of the top face 32 is designed to support the wearer's
foot and is incorporated into the integrated sockliner/strobel 14.
The top face 32 may be exposed for direct contact with the wearer's
foot. The top face 32 may further include a peripheral edge 28A,
extending upwardly, becoming the edge of the sockliner 14. Thus,
the top face 32 is positioned and oriented for engagement with the
undersurface of the wearer's foot.
[0031] In one embodiment of the integrated sockliner 14, the bottom
face 34 may be generally flat to facilitate attachment of the
sockliner 14 to the upper surface of the outsole 16. A flat bottom
surface allows for maximum bonding contact with the upper surface
of the outsole 16. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the
sockliner 14 does not include the ridges 46 and valleys 48
discussed below and illustrated in FIGS. 4, 4A and 5.
[0032] Although the bottom face 34 of the integrated sockliner 14
may be generally flat as explained above, the bottom face 34 may
likewise optionally include a plurality of alternating ridges 46
and/or valleys 48 which extend from the inside of the foot to the
outside of the foot in a generally undulating or sinusoidal pattern
as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A. Alternatively the
alternating ridges 46 and/or valleys 48 (as illustrated in FIG. 4A)
may extend from the heel to the toe and/or in a variety of other
patterns which may provide comfort and support. It is preferable
that the ridges 46 and valleys 48 alternate, however, in
alternative embodiments, it would be possible to have several
ridges 46 and/or valleys 48 in series without significantly
departing from the spirit of the invention. Each ridge 46 includes
a ridge surface 50 which may be positioned parallel to and below
the base plane 36B (FIG. 5). Upward extensions of each ridge
surface 50 form side walls 52A of each ridge 46 which are generally
perpendicular to the base plane 36B as best shown in FIG. 5. Each
valley 48 includes a valley surface 54 which may be positioned
parallel to and above the base plane 36B. Downward extensions of
each valley surface 54 form side walls 52B of each valley 48 which
are generally perpendicular to the base plane 36B. The bottom face
34 is positioned and oriented for direct engagement with the upper
surface of the outsole 16.
[0033] A pattern may therefore be formed in the bottom face 34. The
pattern beginning, for example, at a ridge surface 50, moving up a
side wall 52A, across a base plane 36B, up a side wall 52B, across
a valley surface 54, moving down a side wall 52B, across a base
plane 36B, moving down a side wall 52A and ending at a ridge
surface 50. The sockliner 14 is designed to support the foot and is
generally foot-shaped. It is understood that the integrated
sockliner 14 may be fashioned into other shapes, as desired, to
accommodate various alternative designs of the shoe assembly.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the grooves 38
of the top face 32 and the ridges 46 and the valleys 48 of the
bottom face 34 are integrated into the structure of the sockliner
14 by unitary construction (as shown in FIG. 5, taken along line
5-5 of FIG. 3), however, it is envisioned that the grooves 38, the
ridges 46 and the valleys 48 may be integrated into the surfaces of
the sockliner 14 in any conventional manner. In the present
embodiment, the grooves 38 of the top face 32 are off-set from the
ridges 46 and the valleys 48 of the bottom face 34. However, it is
envisioned that the grooves 38 of the top face 32 could be
substantially aligned with the ridges 46 or the valleys 48 of the
bottom face 34. On the bottom face 34, the generally sinusoidal
geometry 56 may come into direct contact with the upper surface of
the outsole, and may be secured to the outsole in any conventional
manner.
[0035] It is also recognized that the integrated sockliner 14 may
include a plurality of grooves on its top face 32 and/or a
plurality of ridges and valleys on its bottom face 34.
[0036] The sockliner 14 includes a recessed area 42 located in the
hind foot region 26A. The top face 32 of the hind foot region 26A
forms a recessed portion positioned at the distal end of the shoe
so as to receive the wearer's heel. The recessed area 42 is formed
by a peripheral edge 28A which wraps about the heel of the wearer's
foot. The depth of the recessed area 42 is typically in the range
of approximately 3 mm to 20 mm as measured from the top of the
peripheral edge 28A on the medial and lateral sides, extending
downward to the lowest portion of the recessed area 42 of the top
face 32. This depth may vary across the hind foot region 26A due to
the anatomical shape of the foot, shoe size and/or shoe type. The
area covered by the recessed area 42 may also be modified to
accommodate a variety of shoe sizes, with the size of the recessed
area 42 increasing with increasing length and/or width of the shoe.
When the wearer's foot is inserted into the shoe, the recessed area
42 serves to locate the heel in this substantially concaved area
located at the hind foot region 26A. The hind foot region 26A
further includes an extended heel seat design of the sockliner 14
for evenly distributing pressure through the foot's complete
contact with the generally sinusoidal geometry 56, maximizing
cushioning and comfort for the wearer. The recessed area 42
comprises a generally rounded or ellipsoid shape. Because sockliner
14 is generally made of a cushioning material (as will be
hereinafter further explained), the cushioning material
specifications for the sockliner 14 are engineered to adequately
support body weight in critical areas throughout the complete gait
cycle without bottoming out. By not fully compressing, peak plantar
pressures are avoided and the cushioning material provides long
lasting comfort and support to the wearer.
[0037] The sockliner 14 may further include a raised area 44 in the
midfoot region 24A. The raised area 44 is positioned to underlie
the medial arch of the wearer's foot. The raised area 44 comprises
a generally rounded or ellipsoid shape, preferably having a
narrower portion located towards the distal end of the shoe and a
wider portion located toward the proximate end of the shoe. The
raised area 44 is for positioning and supporting the medial arch so
that sockliner 14 is in direct contact with the entire bottom face
of the wearer's foot.
[0038] The dimensions of the present integrated sockliner 14 as
well as the specific shape and configuration of the various regions
thereof are subject to wide variation and may be sized and/or
shaped into a variety of different sizes and/or configurations.
Such variations are necessary to make the sockliner 14 compatible
with the size and/or shape of the particular footwear into which
the sockliner 14 is to be integrated, conforming with any space
limitations associated therewith without departing from the
teachings and practice of the present invention.
[0039] The sockliner 14 may be made from a variety of cushioning
materials, such as any type of non-rigid, cellular type foam, which
may be open cell or closed cell, such as EVA, PU and/or blown
co-polymers, depending on the specific characteristics desired. In
another embodiment, the sockliner 14 may be formed from any
flexible cushioning material, including but not limited to, molded
plastic, natural or synthetic rubber, cellulose, thermoplastic
rubber, rubber sponge, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer,
latex, ethylene vinyl acetate and the like.
[0040] When installed, the integrated sockliner 14 is located
within the shoe, its hind foot region 26A at the distal end of the
shoe so that the recessed area 42 substantially underlies and
receives the heel of the wearer and the peripheral edge 28A wraps
around a substantial portion of the wearer's foot. The raised area
44 substantially underlies the medial arch of the wearer's foot and
tapers toward the proximate end of the shoe. Thus, when the
wearer's foot is inserted into the shoe that houses the present
integrated sockliner 14, the top face 32 is designed to match the
natural contours of the foot for optimal cushioning and support.
The sockliner 14 thus engages the entire bottom of the foot with
the recessed area 42 receiving the heel, securing it into its
substantially concave surface and the raised area 44 positioning
and supporting the medial arch. This complete engagement in
combination with the use of cushioning material integrating the
generally sinusoidal geometry onto the top face 32 and/or the
bottom face 34 prevents bottoming out and provides sustainable
cushioning and support to the wearer of the shoe.
[0041] Such a construction allows for: (a) increased contact
between the foot and shoe interior; (b) a flexibility improvement
such that less foot force is required to bend the shoe; (c) an
improved gait by enabling natural motion during walking; (c)
promoting more midfoot versus heel strike; (d) reduced weight over
conventional shoes; and (e) increased foot stimulation through more
utilization of bones, tendons and muscles during footstrike.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates still another alternative embodiment of
the present shoe assembly 18 where the strobel insole 20 is not
incorporated into the sockliner 14' but is provided as a separate
layer. In embodiment 18, the assembly includes an energy wave
sockliner 14' as fully described in Applicant's co-pending
application Ser. No. 13/491,570, which disclosure is fully
incorporated herein, and as disclosed above with respect to FIGS.
3-5, a strobel stitched insole 20, and an outsole 16. The outsole
16 is constructed and functions as previously described with
respect to shoe assembly 10. The strobel stitched insole (or
strobel sock insole) 20 is positioned between the sockliner 14 and
the outsole 16. Preferably, the top surface of the strobel sock
insole 20 is shaped to conform to the bottom surface of the
sockliner 14' regardless of whether the bottom surface of the
sockliner 14' is substantially flat or includes a plurality of
ridges 46 and/or valleys 48 as explained above. Preferably, the top
surface of the outsole 16 is shaped to conform to the bottom
surface of the strobel stitched insole 20. The sockliner 14',
strobel stitched insole 20 and outsole 16 may be secured to one
another using any suitable attachment means including, but not
limited to, cement, adhesives, glue, welt, direct attachment
constructions and the like.
[0043] The strobel insole (or strobel sock insole) 20 utilizes
encapsulated high resiliency foam and preferably includes a foam
interior sandwiched between fabric layers on the top and bottom.
More specifically, the strobel insole 20 may be constructed from,
but is not limited to, non-woven textiles, fiber boards, polyester
knit or wovens, composite textile and fiber packages, an EVA/rubber
blended sheet and the like. In one embodiment, these materials
would have a hardness of between about 10C and about 60C on an
Asker C scale. The insole 20 may be formed and shaped to provide a
consistent foundation within the shoe for supporting the
anatomically shaped sockliner 14'. The outsole 16 is sculpted to
have rounded natural edges and an anatomically correct flex
location toward the forefoot 26 of the shoe where softer, more
flexible materials are used. The optional midfoot support element
30 may be positioned between the insole 20 and outsole 16 to
control torsional stiffness toward the midfoot region.
[0044] Further, the overall dimensions of the present shoe
assemblies 10 and 18 as well as the specific shape and
configuration of the various sections thereof are also subject to
wide variations and may be sized and shaped into a wide variety of
different sizes and configurations so as to be compatible with the
size and shape of the particular footwear onto which the present
structures may be mounted, or to conform with any space limitations
associated therewith without impairing the teachings and practice
of the present invention.
[0045] It is also understood that various modifications may be made
to all of the various embodiments without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
[0046] Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments
of a shoe assembly which provides improved comfort and promotes a
natural foot motion. As is evident from the foregoing description,
certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the
particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is
therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications,
or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The
terms "having" and "including" and similar terms as used in the
foregoing specification are used in the sense of "optional" or "may
include" and not as "required." Many changes, modifications,
variations and other uses and applications of the present invention
will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after
considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All
such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and
applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is
limited only by the claims which follow.
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