U.S. patent application number 13/970274 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for reactive shoe.
The applicant listed for this patent is Keegan Rehfeldt, Michael Thompson, Scott Tucker. Invention is credited to Keegan Rehfeldt, Michael Thompson, Scott Tucker.
Application Number | 20140047740 13/970274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50099036 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140047740 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tucker; Scott ; et
al. |
February 20, 2014 |
REACTIVE SHOE
Abstract
This invention relates generally to footwear and methods for
making the same, and more particularly to an athletic shoe with a
reactive midsole. In one aspect of the invention, the midsole
provides a continuously increasing offset between a heel center of
pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure between the loading
and a toe off gait phases.
Inventors: |
Tucker; Scott; (Lafayette,
CO) ; Thompson; Michael; (Broomfield, CO) ;
Rehfeldt; Keegan; (Broomfield, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tucker; Scott
Thompson; Michael
Rehfeldt; Keegan |
Lafayette
Broomfield
Broomfield |
CO
CO
CO |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50099036 |
Appl. No.: |
13/970274 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61684563 |
Aug 17, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/103 ; 12/142R;
36/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/14 20130101; A43B
13/145 20130101; A43B 13/223 20130101; A43B 13/187 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/103 ; 36/83;
12/142.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/14 20060101
A43B007/14 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper attachable to a foot
of a user; and a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first
portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate
a ball-of-foot of the foot, the heel of the foot having a heel
center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a
first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground,
and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second
portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot
center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the
first distance minus the second distance is increased between a
loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first portion is
generally of constant thickness and the second portion is generally
of decreasing thickness along a longitudinal axis of the midsole
from the heel to the ball-of-foot.
3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the first portion is
30-50% of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the
midsole.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the first portion is
interconnected to the second portion.
5. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the decreasing
thickness generally forms a French curve.
6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the distance offset
is always positive between the loading gait phase and the toe off
gait phase.
7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the distance offset
at the toe off gait phase is at least 40 mm.
8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the distance offset
of the first distance minus the second distance is continuously
increased between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait
phase.
9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a foot center of
pressure imparted to the midsole continuously increases between the
loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.
10. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear comprising:
forming an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and forming a
midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate
a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of
the foot, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure
imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between
the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot
center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a
second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the
ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the
second distance is increased between a loading gait phase and a toe
off gait phase.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first portion is generally
of constant thickness and the second portion is generally of
decreasing thickness along a longitudinal axis of the midsole from
the heel to the ball-of-foot.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first portion is 30-50% of
a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole and the
first portion is interconnected to the second portion.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the distance offset is always
positive between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait
phase.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the distance offset at the toe
off gait phase is at least 40 mm.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the distance offset of the
first distance minus the second distance is continuously increased
between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein a foot center of pressure
imparted to the midsole continuously increases between the loading
gait phase and the toe off gait phase.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the midsole is manufactured
using injection molding.
18. An athletic shoe, comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of
a user; and a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first
portion generally of constant thickness proximate a heel of the
foot and a second portion generally of decreasing thickness along a
longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot
and proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the first portion 30-50%
of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole and
interconnected to the second portion, the heel of the foot having a
heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining
a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the
ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the
second portion and defining a second distance between the
ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance
offset of the first distance minus the second distance is
continuously increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off
gait phase and is always positive between the loading gait phase
and the toe off gait phase.
19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein a foot center of
pressure imparted to the midsole continuously increases between the
loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.
20. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the distance
offset at the toe off gait phase is at least 40 mm.
21. An article of footwear comprising: an upper attachable to a
foot of a user; a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first
portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate
a ball-of-foot of the foot; and an outsole connected to the midsole
comprising a central portion, a medial portion and a lateral
portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion forming a
substantially non-smooth surface, the central portion forming a
substantially smooth surface with a curvilinear edge.
22. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein the heel of the
foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion
and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure
and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to
the second portion and defining a second distance between the
ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance
offset of the first distance minus the second distance is increased
between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.
23. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein the central
portion is of a first material and the medial and lateral portions
are of a second material.
24. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein the central
portion extends over and is integral to at least one of a toe
portion and a heel portion of the article of footwear.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/684,563, entitled "REACTIVE SHOE" filed
on Aug. 17, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein. This application also cross-references the
following U.S. Design patent application Ser. Nos. 29/428,044,
29/428,045, 29/428,047, 29/428,049, 29/428,051 and 29/428,052, all
filed Jul. 25, 2012 and all entitled "Shoe Sole," the entire
disclosures of which are all incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to a midsole for footwear, more
particularly to a reactive midsole having a dynamic offset.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Athletic footwear ideally provides protection from injury
while enhancing performance. Generally, athletic footwear comprises
an upper portion and a sole portion. The upper portion at minimum
secures the footwear to the user's foot and attaches to the sole.
The sole traditionally comprises a midsole and an outsole. The
outsole contacts the ground and commonly has wear-resistant and
slip-resistant properties. The midsole cushions the foot against
forces imparted by the ground while walking or exercising. In the
case of running, the midsole is particularly important for
absorbing ground impact forces transferred to the foot, leg and
body, and because it may influence the runner's gait. For a general
description of human gait and running gait in particular, see
"Biomechanics and Analysis of Running Gait," Duagn et al, Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 16 (2005),
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0004] Traditional running shoes are designed with midsoles focused
on mitigating ground forces translated to the runner via the foot,
or on influencing the runner's gait. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,678,327 to Halberstadt discloses an athletic shoe incorporating a
cushioning and gait-adapting device which provides resilient
cushioning while adapting to the gait of the user during running
and other athletic activities. The shoe comprises an upper and a
sole with the sole having a heel with medial and lateral
ground-engaging elements. A cushioning and energy return and
gait-adapting device is provided and comprises a support structure
and one or more spring devices. Each spring device has a generally
U-shaped pivot or swivel section and lateral and medial resiliently
flexible pods. The pivot section has a mid-portion which is
supported by the pivot cradle of the support structure. Resilient
flexing of the lateral pod responsive to weight-bearing forces
causes reaction forces to be applied across to the medial pod which
is then caused to flex so that the medial pod is brought into an
orientation for contact with the ground. Halberstadt is
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
[0005] Also, U.S. Pat. No. 7,076,892 to Meschan discloses a shoe
including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the
shoe, an arch bridge integral with the plate, and at least one
inflated cushion spaced apart from the plate during the entire
walking gait cycle of the wearer, during the entire running gait
cycle of the wearer, when the shoe is in an unloaded state and at
all other times. Meschan is incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
[0006] Some running shoe designs focus on particular types of
running gaits, for example U.S. Pat. No. 8,166,672 to Murphy
("Murphy") focuses on midfoot strikers. Murphy discloses a shoe
sole for a running shoe conducive to a midfoot striking gait
including a cushioning element positioned between the upper surface
and the ground-contacting surface, at least a portion of which is
positioned on a lateral side of the sole and contained within a
region between 15% and 90% of the length of the shoe sole as
measured from a rearfoot end of the sole. One or more high
abrasion-resistant ground-contacting crash pads are positioned
below the cushioning element, and include a lateral side portion
contained within a region extending a distance of 20% the length of
the shoe sole, as measured from a rearfoot end of the shoe sole.
The shoe sole, preferably devoid of at least vertical arch
sculpting, also includes a longitudinal flex groove positioned just
medial of the crash pads. Murphy is incorporated by reference for
all purposes.
[0007] Furthermore, some recent efforts have been made to design
running shoes with enhanced resilient features, such as U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2011/0138652 to Lucas ("Lucas"). Lucas discloses a
shoe which includes a sole plate having in a forefoot area and a
plurality of leaf spring elements, wherein the sole plate and the
plurality of leaf spring elements are manufactured as a single
piece. Each of the plurality of leaf spring elements has one free
end not connected with the sole plate. Lucas is incorporated by
reference for all purposes. Similar designs to Lucas include U.S.
Patent Publication No. 2009/0178303 to Hurd ("Hurd") and U.S.
Patent Publication No. 2008/0034615 to Nishikawa ("Nishikawa"),
both of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes.
[0008] However, the conventional designs do not appreciably if at
all influence the loading dynamics of a runner's heel center of
pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure, or combinations
thereof, during the phases of engagement with the ground. That is,
for example, during initial ground contact through to loading,
transition and toe off phases.
[0009] Conventional running shoes use a static offset midsole. That
is, the midsole thickness at a given point generally remains
constant or static, albeit with some compression due to pressures
and forces between the runner's foot and the ground.
[0010] What is needed is an athletic shoe with a reactive midsole.
For example, a reactive midsole that provides a continuously
increasing offset between a heel center of pressure and a
ball-of-foot center of pressure between the loading and a toe off
gait phases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is one aspect of the present invention to provide an
athletic shoe with a reactive midsole that provides an increasing
offset between a heel center of pressure and a ball-of-foot center
of pressure between the loading and a toe off gait phases. Such a
midsole creates a dynamic offset and, among other things, provides
a smoother and more efficient running experience. In some
embodiments, the midsole comprises a first portion adjacent the
heel and a second portion, interconnected to the first, of
generally decreasing thickness, in which the first portion is of
equal or less total distance of the longitudinal axis of the
midsole. In some embodiments, a foot center of pressure imparted to
the midsole continuously increases between the loading gait phase
and the toe off gait phase.
[0012] Although many of the embodiments are focused on athletic
footwear, other applications are available. Such applications
include activities in which one or more of increased footwear
performance, increased athletic performance and increased comfort
is desired.
[0013] Furthermore, the concepts disclosed with respect to footwear
and footwear midsoles may be applied to footwear styles that are
specifically designed for a variety of other athletic activities,
including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, walking, and
hiking, for example, and may also be applied to various
non-athletic footwear styles. Accordingly, one skilled in the
relevant art will recognize that the concepts disclosed herein may
be applied to a wide range of footwear styles and are not limited
to the specific embodiments discussed below and depicted in the
figures.
[0014] The concepts also may be applied to footwear styles that are
generally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes,
loafers, sandals, and work boots. The concepts disclosed herein
apply, therefore, to a wide variety of footwear styles. Also,
aspects of this invention may be used in conjunction with other
portions of a footwear structure, such as the outsole and
insole.
[0015] As used herein, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or
more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or
more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is
also to be noted that the terms "comprising", "including", and
"having" can be used interchangeably.
[0016] As used herein, "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or"
are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and
disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at
least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or
more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or
C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C
together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
[0017] As used herein, the term, "innersole" refers to a removable
portion of the sole of an article of footwear, which is inserted
into the article of footwear from the opening in the upper and
which is designed to provide support to the wearer's foot,
depending upon the wearer's anatomy and the intended use of the
article of footwear.
[0018] As used herein, the term, "midsole" refers to that portion
of the sole of an article of footwear sandwiched between the
innersole and the outsole, to which is attached the outsole.
[0019] As used herein, the term, "outsole" refers to that portion
of the sole of an article of footwear that is furthest from the
upper.
[0020] As used herein, the term, "upper" refers to any portion of
the shoe above the sole.
[0021] As used herein, the terms "shoe" and "footwear" refer to an
article to be worn by a user's foot.
[0022] As used herein, "gait" is the pattern of movement of the
limbs during locomotion over a solid surface.
[0023] As used herein, "foot strike" is how the foot strikes the
ground, which may be via the heel, midfoot or forefoot.
[0024] In one embodiment, a article of footwear is disclosed, the
article of footwear comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of a
user; and a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first
portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate
a ball-of-foot of the foot, the heel of the foot having a heel
center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a
first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground,
and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second
portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot
center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the
first distance minus the second distance is increased between a
loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.
[0025] The first portion may be generally of constant thickness and
the second portion may generally be of decreasing thickness along a
longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot.
The first portion may be 30-50% of a total distance of the
longitudinal axis of the midsole. The first portion may be
interconnected to the second portion. The decreasing thickness of
the second portion may generally form a curve, such as a French
curve, a compound curve, a uniform curve or arc, an S-shaped curve,
a continuous curve and a discontinuous curve. The distance offset
may always be positive between the loading gait phase and the toe
off gait phase. The distance offset at the toe off gait phase may
be at least 40 mm. The distance offset of the first distance minus
the second distance may continuously increase between the loading
gait phase and the toe off gait phase. A foot center of pressure
imparted to the midsole may continuously increase between the
loading gait phase and the toe off gait phases.
[0026] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an article
of footwear is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an upper
attachable to a foot of a user; and forming a midsole connected to
the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot
and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the heel
of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first
portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of
pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure
imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance
between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein
a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance
is increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait
phase.
[0027] In a further embodiment, an athletic shoe is disclosed, the
athletic shoe comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of a user;
and a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion
generally of constant thickness proximate a heel of the foot and a
second portion generally of decreasing thickness along a
longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot
and proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the first portion 30-50%
of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole and
interconnected to the second portion, the heel of the foot having a
heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining
a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the
ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the
second portion and defining a second distance between the
ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance
offset of the first distance minus the second distance is
continuously increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off
gait phase and is always positive between the loading gait phase
and the toe off gait phase.
[0028] In yet another embodiment, an article of footwear is
disclosed comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of a user; a
midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate
a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of
the foot; and an outsole connected to the midsole comprising a
central portion, a medial portion and a lateral portion, the medial
portion and the lateral portion forming a substantially non-smooth
surface, the central portion forming a substantially smooth surface
with a curvilinear edge. Further, in one embodiment, the central
portion is of a first material and the medial and lateral portions
are of a second material. In one embodiment, the central portion
extends over and is integral to at least one of a toe portion and a
heel portion of the article of footwear.
[0029] The preceding is a simplified summary of the invention to
provide an understanding of some aspects of the invention. This
summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the
invention and its various embodiments. It is intended neither to
identify key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate
the scope of the invention but to present selected concepts of the
invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more
detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other
embodiments of the invention are possible utilizing, alone or in
combination, one or more of the features set forth above or
described in detail below.
[0030] The present disclosure, in various embodiments,
configurations, or aspects, includes components, methods,
processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and
described herein, including various aspects embodiments,
configurations, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of
skill in the art will understand how to make and use the various
aspects, embodiments, configurations, sub-combinations, and subsets
of the present disclosure after understanding the disclosure. The
present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and
configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the
absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various
aspects, embodiments, or configurations hereof, including in the
absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or
processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or
reducing cost of implementation.
[0031] The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. The
foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or
forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for
example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in
one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose
of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects,
embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in
alternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features
than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of
a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, or configuration.
Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this
Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate preferred embodiment.
[0032] Moreover, though the description of the disclosure has
included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, or
configurations and certain variations and modifications, other
variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of
the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of
those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is
intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects,
embodiments, or configurations to the extent permitted, including
alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,
ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a
part of the specification to illustrate several examples. These
drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of
the invention(s). The drawings simply illustrate preferred and
alternative examples of how the invention(s) can be made and used
and are not to be construed as limiting the invention(s) to only
the illustrated and described examples.
[0034] Further features and advantages will become apparent from
the following, more detailed, description of the various
embodiments of the invention(s), as illustrated by the drawings
referenced below.
[0035] FIG. 1A is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment
of the reactive shoe during the initial ground contact gait
portion;
[0036] FIG. 1b is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment
of the reactive shoe during the loading gait portion;
[0037] FIG. 1c is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment
of the reactive shoe during the transition gait portion;
[0038] FIG. 1d is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment
of the reactive shoe during the toe off portion;
[0039] FIG. 2a is a left elevation view of a portion of one
embodiment of the reactive shoe;
[0040] FIG. 2b is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of
the reactive shoe;
[0041] FIG. 2c is a right elevation view of a portion of one
embodiment of the reactive shoe;
[0042] FIG. 2d is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the
reactive shoe;
[0043] FIG. 2e is a rear elevation view of one embodiment of the
reactive shoe;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a right elevation view of a portion of one
embodiment of the reactive shoe;
[0045] Example A1 illustrates a lateral elevation view of a portion
of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the
reactive shoe of Example A2--the drawing is to scale with
dimensions in millimeters; [0046] Example A2 illustrates a bottom
perspective view of a portion of an example construction of a
particular embodiment of the reactive shoe--the drawing is to scale
with dimensions in millimeters; [0047] Example A3 illustrates a
medial elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a
particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2--the
drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; [0048] Example
A4 illustrates a detailed view of Section A-A' of Example A2--the
drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; [0049] Example
A5 illustrates a toe (i.e. front) elevation view of a portion of an
example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive
shoe of Example A2--the drawing is to scale with dimensions in
millimeters; [0050] Example A6 illustrates a heel (i.e. rear)
elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a
particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2--the
drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; [0051] Example
A7 illustrates a detailed view of Section B-B' of Example A2--the
drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; [0052] Example
A8 illustrates a detailed view of Section C-C' of Example A2--the
drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; [0053] Example
A9 illustrates a detailed view of Section D-D' of Example A2--the
drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; [0054] Example
A10 illustrates a detailed view of Section E-E' of Example A2--the
drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; [0055] Example
A11 illustrates a detailed view of Section F-F' of Example A2--the
drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; [0056] Example
A12 illustrates a detailed view of Section G-G' of Example A2--the
drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; and [0057]
Example A13 illustrates a table of dimensions identified in
Examples A1-A4 with respect to shoe size--the dimensions are in
millimeters.
[0058] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the invention is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] The present disclosure relates generally to footwear and
methods for making the same, and more particularly to an athletic
shoe with a reactive midsole. In one aspect of the invention, the
midsole provides an increasing offset between a heel center of
pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure between the loading
and a toe off gait phases.
[0060] In the following description, and for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the
invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the
relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, known structures and
devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid
obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the
operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various
forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be
implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many
different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies
to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of
the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described
below.
[0061] The following description will typically be with reference
to specific structural embodiments and methods. It is to be
understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the
specifically disclosed embodiments and methods but that the
invention may be practiced using other features, elements, methods
and embodiments. Preferred embodiments are described to illustrate
the present invention, not to limit its scope, which is defined by
the claims. Furthermore the embodiments of discussed may be
combined with any one or more other embodiments described
explicitly or impliedly herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize a variety of equivalent variations on the
description that follows. Like elements in various embodiments are
commonly referred to with like reference numerals.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, several representations and
configurations of the present invention are shown. In regard to
FIGS. 1a-d, one embodiment of a reactive shoe is depicted as worn
by a user through four gait phases. That is, FIG. 1a depicts a user
in the initial ground contact gait portion (state a), FIG. 1b in
the loading gait portion (state b), FIG. 1c in the transition gait
portion (state c) and FIG. 1d in the toe off portion (state d). A
leg 20 of a user with foot 22, toes 24, ball-of-foot 26, arch 28
and heel 30 is depicted as fitted to shoe 100 while in locomotion
(e.g. walking or running) along ground 10. With regards to FIGS.
1-3, shoe 100 comprises shoe upper 110, shoe upper 110, shoe
forefoot 120, shoe heel portion 130, shoe lateral portion 140, shoe
medial portion 150, shoe outsole 160 and shoe midsole 170. Shoe
outsole 160 comprises shoe outsole thickness 162, shoe outsole
nominal traction pattern 164, and shoe outsole S-wave pattern 166.
Shoe midsole 170 comprises shoe midsole exterior upper edge 172 and
shoe midsole interior upper edge 174.
[0063] With respect to FIGS. 1a-d, an axis of center of
pressure--heel CP.sub.h and an axis of center of
pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf are shown. Each of these axes are
parallel to the ground 10 and extend laterally with respect to shoe
100. Each of these axes run through their respective points of
center of pressure, as defined by a point through which a center of
pressure is formed by the ball-of-foot and the heel of a user.
Stated another way, in the case of the heel of a user, the heel
forms a surface that presses against the inside of the shoe 100 and
receives an upward force from the ground 10; that heel surface thus
undergoes a force over the heel surface area, i.e. a pressure,
which may be kinematically translated to a center of pressure
point. These two pressure points, i.e. heel center of pressure
point and ball-of-foot center of pressure point, may by
kinematically combined to form one center of pressure (COP) for the
entire foot 22 of the user.
[0064] The axis of center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h will define a
distance to the ground 10 as the user translates along ground 10.
Similarly, the axis of center of pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf
will define a distance to the ground 10 as the user translates
along ground 10. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1a, when the
user is in an initial ground contact gait portion (state a), the
axis of center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h defines a distance to
heel D.sub.h-a and the axis of center of pressure--ball-of-foot
CP.sub.bf defines a distance to ball-of-foot D.sub.bf-a. Similarly,
as shown in FIG. 1b, when the user is in the loading gait portion
(state b), the axis of center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h defines a
distance to heel D.sub.h-b and the axis of center of
pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf defines a distance to ball-of-foot
D.sub.bf-b. As shown in FIG. 1c, when the user is in a transition
gait portion (state c), the axis of center of pressure--heel
CP.sub.h defines a distance to heel D.sub.h-c and the axis of
center of pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf defines a distance to
ball-of-foot D.sub.bf-c. Finally, as shown in FIG. 1d, when the
user is in an initial ground contact gait portion (state d), the
axis of center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h defines a distance to
heel D.sub.h-d and the axis of center of pressure--ball-of-foot
CP.sub.bf defines a distance to ball-of-foot D.sub.bf-d.
[0065] It should be noted that each of the axis of center of
pressure--heel CP.sub.h and the axis of center of
pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf are disposed at an interface of
the respective heel 30 and ball-of-foot 26 and the inside bottom of
the shoe 100. In FIGS. 1a-d, this interface is depicted to reside
opposite the upper edge of the midsole 170. However, in some
embodiments, the midsole 170 is not of uniform height, and instead,
as shown in FIG. 3, comprises a shoe midsole exterior upper edge
172 and a shoe midsole interior upper edge 174. In such an
embodiment, the axis of center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h and the
axis of center of pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf are disposed at
an interface of the respective user heel and user ball-of-foot and
shoe midsole interior upper edge 174. Further, in some embodiments
an insole resides on top of the midsole 170, wherein the axis of
center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h and the axis of center of
pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf are disposed at an interface of
the respective user heel and user ball-of-foot and upper surface of
insole.
[0066] The difference between the distance to heel and the distance
to ball-of-foot at any particular gait portion is the offset. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1b, the offset is defined as distance to
heel D.sub.h-b minus distance to ball-of-foot D.sub.bf-b.
[0067] In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
loading gait portion (state b) is between 0.1 and 5 mm. In a more
preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
loading gait portion (state b) is between 0.1 and 4 mm. In a most
preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
loading gait portion (state b) is between 0.1 and 3 mm.
[0068] In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
loading gait portion (state b) is approximately 1 mm.
[0069] In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
transition gait portion (state c) is between 2 and 10 mm. In a more
preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
transition gait portion (state c) is between 3 and 9 mm. In a most
preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
transition gait portion (state c) is between 4 and 9 mm.
[0070] In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
transition gait portion (state c) is approximately 6 mm.
[0071] In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
toe off portion (state d) is between 5 and 60 mm. In a more
preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe
off portion (state d) is between 10 and 55 mm. In a most preferred
embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe off portion
(state d) is between 10 and 50 mm.
[0072] In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the
toe off portion (state d) is approximately 45.5 mm.
[0073] In one embodiment, the value of the distance of the axis of
center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h and the bottom of the midsole
below the axis of center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h minus the
distance of the axis of center of pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf
and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of
pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm
throughout a user's gait. In a more preferred embodiment, this
distance is between 0.1 mm and 9 mm. In a most preferred
embodiment, this distance is between 1 and 7.5 mm. In one
embodiment, this distance is between 1 and 4.5 mm. In another
embodiment, this distance is between 4 and 7.5 mm.
[0074] In one embodiment, the value of the distance of the axis of
center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h and the bottom of the midsole
below the axis of center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h minus the
distance of the axis of center of pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf
and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of
pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf is between 0.1 mm and 6 mm at
initial ground contact gait portion (state a). In a more preferred
embodiment, this distance is between 0.1 mm and 9 mm. In a most
preferred embodiment, this distance is between 0.5 and 8 mm. In one
embodiment, this distance is approximately 1 mm. In another
embodiment, this distance is approximately 4 mm.
[0075] In one embodiment, the value of the distance of the axis of
center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h and the bottom of the midsole
below the axis of center of pressure--heel CP.sub.h minus the
distance of the axis of center of pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf
and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of
pressure--ball-of-foot CP.sub.bf is between 3 mm and 10 mm at
transition gait portion (state c). In a more preferred embodiment,
this distance is between 4 mm and 9 mm. In a most preferred
embodiment, this distance is between 4 and 8 mm. In one embodiment,
this distance is approximately 4.5 mm. In another embodiment, this
distance is approximately 7.5 mm.
[0076] FIG. 3 is a right elevation view of a midsole portion of one
embodiment of the reactive shoe. Specifically, midsole 170 is shown
comprising shoe midsole exterior upper edge 172 and shoe midsole
interior upper edge 174. Also depicted is shoe outsole 160
comprising shoe outsole thickness 162. Shoe outsole 160 is depicted
with shoe outsole first distance x.sub.1 defined along a
longitudinal axis of midsole 170 and shoe and beginning from the
distal or heel end of outsole. Shoe outsole has total longitudinal
distance of shoe outsole second distance x.sub.2. Shoe outsole has
shoe outsole height y defined at the proximal or toe end of
outsole.
[0077] In one embodiment, shoe outsole first distance x.sub.1 as a
percentage of shoe outsole second distance x.sub.2 is between 25%
and 55%. In a more preferred embodiment, shoe outsole first
distance x.sub.1 as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance
x.sub.2 is between 30% and 55%. In a most preferred embodiment,
shoe outsole first distance x.sub.1 as a percentage of shoe outsole
second distance x.sub.2 is between 30% and 50%.
[0078] In one embodiment, shoe outsole first distance x.sub.1 as a
percentage of shoe outsole second distance x.sub.2 is about
40%.
[0079] In one embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of
shoe outsole second distance x.sub.2 is between 10% and 25%. In a
more preferred embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of
shoe outsole second distance x.sub.2 is between 12% and 20%. In a
most preferred embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of
shoe outsole second distance x.sub.2 is between 12% and 18%.
[0080] In one embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of
shoe outsole second distance x.sub.2 is approximately 16%.
[0081] Any of several means may be used to achieve the offset
described. In one embodiment, the offset is achieved by way of the
geometry of the midsole and/or midsole/outsole combination
(collectively, the "shoe bottom area"). That is, the geometry of
the shoe bottom area is such that a first portion (of two
portions), beginning at the rear or heel area of the shoe, is
generally planar and/or flat, and the second of two portions curves
away from the ground beginning at a point at least at the midpoint
of the shoe bottom area, if not even closer to the heel or rear of
the shoe than the midpoint. Stated another way, when the shoe alone
(i.e. the shoe when not worn) is placed on a flat surface, the rear
of first portion rests on the ground for only 50% or less of the
total longitudinal length of the shoe, and the remaining (second)
portion of the shoe does not rest on the ground but instead curves
away from the ground. Such a geometry enables the dynamic offset
functionality or functionalities described.
[0082] Alternatively or in combination, the offset may be achieved
by midsole and/or midsole/outsole combinations with different
material properties, e.g. different elasticity properties and
geometric properties. For example, Example A1-13 details
cross-sectional views of the midsole/outsole areas of different
geometric and material properties, thereby providing different
elasticity properties that may enable the afore-mentioned dynamic
offset functions.
[0083] In one embodiment, an outsole is connected to the midsole
comprising a central portion, a medial portion and a lateral
portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion forming a
substantially non-smooth surface, the central portion forming a
substantially smooth surface with a curvilinear edge. In one
embodiment, the medial portion of the outsole is of greater lateral
distance to the closest edge of the central portion than the
lateral portion is of lateral distance to its closest edge of the
central portion, in the ball-of-foot region of the outsole and/or
the front 50% of the outsole. In one embodiment, the medial portion
of the outsole is of approximately equal distance to the closest
edge of the central portion to that of the lateral portion is of
lateral distance to its closest edge of the central portion, in the
heel region of the outsole and/or the back 50% of the outsole. In
one embodiment, the dimensions of Example A2 (a figure draw to
scale, with dimensions in mm), are used to define the geometries of
the lateral, central and medial portions of the outsole and/or
outsole/midsole.
[0084] As referenced above, "offset" refers to the distance between
portions of the bottom surface of the wearer's foot and the ground.
Specifically, offset is the difference between the wearer's heel
height above the ground compared to the wearer's ball-of-foot
height above the ground. For example, most shoes are designed to
put the heel height 5 mm to 15 mm above the ball-of-foot height.
This is often determined by measuring the total thickness of the
shoe sole (outsole, midsole, lasting material, and insole) in the
center of the heel and at the ball-of-foot. With flat-soled shoes,
the distance between the wearer's heel and the ground and the ball
of the wearer's foot and the ground are generally equal, which
provides an offset of about zero.
[0085] The offset of the shoe can affect the wearer's posture and
the angles at which the wearer's foot and lower leg assume during
the stride. The body posture and the angles between the foot and
lower leg can impact the functioning of the muscles and joints that
control the body's motion. A bare foot running or walking on a flat
surface can be used as a reference. A barefoot would experience
zero offset when the heel and ball-of-foot are on the flat surface.
In the stride sequence the foot goes from zero offset while the
heel and ball-of-foot are both in ground contact to a positive
offset as the heel lifts off the ground in the propulsion phase of
the stride. When the heel and ball-of-foot remain at the same
offset, the offset can be said to be "static" and not changing.
Therefore, barefoot running or walking exhibits a static offset.
Shoes are generally designed with static offsets that range between
zero mm and 15 mm. However, some shoes, such as from the brand
Earthshoes.RTM., have been designed with a negative offset, often
referred to as a "negative heel".
[0086] A static offset causes the motion of the foot during the
stride to pause briefly from the moment of initial ground contact
until heel-lift and propulsion. This brief pause is often referred
to as the "stance" phase of the stride. A pause in the motion of
the foot during the stride, no matter how brief, reduces the
smoothness of the motion and can increase the shock experienced by
the forefoot. Eliminating the pause creates a smoother sensation
and reduces the shock. A rigid rocker-soled shoe can eliminate this
pause by literally rocking the foot as a whole from heel to toe
during the stride. The present invention is not to be confused with
a rocker-soled shoe.
[0087] Force plate data reveals the pause in motion of a static
offset shoe. Using mathematical techniques to calculate the center
of pressure (COP), the velocity of the center of pressure (COPV),
and the acceleration of the center of pressure (COPA) it becomes
apparent that as runners come to stance, their COP can even reverse
and move toward the heel. For the center of pressure to move in a
negative direction, the COPV must reverse and become negative
before returning to positive during the propulsion phase. The COPA
required to make the COPV negative is referred to as the breaking
phase.
[0088] Conversely the COP of shoes with dynamic offset moves
smoothly forward along the axis of the foot. The dynamic offset
sole demonstrates no reversal in COPV. The dynamic offset enhances
the running experience of all runners as well as wearers that
employ a mid-foot striking gait.
[0089] Embodiments provide a shoe that mitigates if not eliminates
the pause in the foot's motion by creating a continuously changing
offset for the foot called a dynamic offset. The dynamic offset
shoe allows the foot to assume one offset at the beginning of the
stride, and then to continuously increase that offset through the
propulsion phase. This is accomplished, in one embodiment, by
allowing the foot to force the forward half of the shoe downward as
the center of force on the foot migrates from the rear portion of
the foot forward. The shoe sole must necessarily bend downward in
the forward half of the shoe under the pressure of the forefoot,
thus changing the shape of the sole. By contrast, a rocker-soled
shoe maintains most, if not all, of its rocker shape throughout the
stride.
[0090] Regarding FIGS. 1a-d, it is important to note that the foot
position at initial ground contact is immaterial to the function
and design of the shoe 100, that is the dynamic offset motion
function(s).
[0091] One embodiment of the present invention provides a shoe that
places the wearer's foot in a position with an offset of 1 mm at
the moment in the stride when the force on the foot is centered in
the rear half of the foot (i.e. the "loading" phase). The offset
gradually increases to 4.5 mm as the center of force under the foot
moves toward the toes (i.e. the "transition" phase). The offset
continuously increases after the transition phase through to
toe-off.
[0092] In one embodiment, the dynamic offset is achieved through
the precise dimensions and shapes of the sole materials. Broadly
speaking, the vertical dimensions of the sole under the rear half
of the foot are almost constant from the middle of the heel to the
midfoot point, and then decrease in a smooth fashion from the
midfoot to the toe. Although most shoes decrease the vertical
dimension of the sole in the forefoot, there are two critical
differences between a dynamic offset shoe and other shoes in one
embodiment, i.e.: 1) a dynamic offset shoe has a rear portion with
a relatively constant vertical dimension (relative to the taper in
the forefoot), and 2) a dynamic offset shoe tapers the vertical
sole dimension of the shoe beginning at the midfoot rather than at
the ball-of-foot as in other shoes.
[0093] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the
outsole/midsole treads may be fashioned in any form to provide the
desired contact characteristics between the sole and the
contemplated surface of operation. That is, road tread patterns are
generally smoother than trail tread pattern, which may also include
nubs or other stiffening members to help dig into loose or uneven
ground. Further, it is one aspect of the present invention to
provide a sole that has various stiffening characteristics. More
specifically, the sole in some embodiments are neutrally balanced
wherein the shoe is stiffened along the longitudinal axis thereof.
In another embodiment, the sole is made for individuals that
pronate, wherein additional stiffness is provided adjacent to the
medial heel portion of the shoe. These techniques are well known in
the art and can be employed in combination with the embodiments of
the present invention shown and described herein.
[0094] In one embodiment, to provide a minimum offset during
mid-foot strike, the sole of one embodiment of the present
invention is angled upwardly. More specifically, the toe portion of
this embodiment is angled relative to the heel portion and mid-foot
portion of the shoe by way of a curve to provide a sole that has a
linear portion and a portion angled relative thereto. One of skill
in the art will appreciate that a transition portion between the
mid foot portion and the toe portion may also be angled relative to
the heel portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
length of the linear portion is between about 30-50% of the total
horizontal length of the sole as measured from the tip of the toe
to the heel. The length of the linear portion of one embodiment is
about 40% of the total length of the sole. In some embodiments of
the present invention an end of the linear portion is spaced from
the heel such that the heel is spaced or angled from the ground a
predetermined amount.
EXAMPLE
[0095] Without intending to limit the scope of the invention,
Example A1-A13 depicts one example construction of one embodiment
of the invention in drawings each to scale. Dimensions are in
millimeters.
[0096] Examples A1-A3 depicts respective lateral, bottom, and
medial views of the outsole/midsole portion of one embodiment of
the invention. Examples A5-A6 depict respective toe and heel views
of the outsole/midsole of Examples A1-3. Example A4 depicts a
generally longitudinal cross-sectional view along axis Section A-A'
of Example A2. Examples A7-A12 depict sequential cross-sectional
views of insole/midsole of Examples A1-3.
[0097] Note different materials and different geometries of
Examples A7-A12. For example, the material of upper left to lower
right cross-section markings (the dominant material of Example A7)
is of a first material (here, CMEVA), the material with lower left
to upper right cross-section markings (the mid-upper portion of
Example A7) is of a second material (here, VGB), and two mid-bottom
portions (with no cross-section markings) are of a third material
(here, semi-blown rubber). These same mappings of markings to
material apply to Examples A8-A10. In Examples A11-12, while the
upper left to lower right cross-section markings (the dominant
material of Examples A11-12) is of the first material (here, CMEVA)
and the portions with no markings (at mid bottom portion of
Examples A11-12) are of the third material (here, semi-blown
rubber), the material with lower left to upper right cross-section
markings (the lower left bottom portions of Examples A11-12) is of
a fourth material (here, carbon rubber). Note that CMEVA is
Compression Molded Ethyl Vinyl Acetate.
[0098] As will be appreciated, it would be possible to provide for
some features of the inventions without providing others.
[0099] To provide further clarity to the Detailed Description
provided herein in the associated drawings, the following list of
components and associated numbering are provided as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Reference No. Component 10 Ground 20 Leg 22 Foot 24
Toes 26 Ball-of-Foot 28 Arch 30 Heel 100 Shoe 110 Shoe Upper 120
Shore Forefoot 130 Shoe Heel Portion 140 Shoe Lateral Portion 150
Shoe Medial Portion 160 Shoe Outsole 162 Shoe Outsole Thickness 164
Shoe Outsole Nominal Traction Pattern 166 Shoe Outsole S-wave
Pattern 170 Shoe Midsole 172 Shoe Midsole Exterior Upper Edge 174
Shoe Midsole Interior Upper Edge CP.sub.h Axis of Center of
Pressure-Heel CP.sub.bf Axis of Center of Pressure-Ball-of-Foot
D.sub.h-a Distance to Heel-state a D.sub.bf -a Distance to
Ball-of-Foot-state a D.sub.h-b Distance to Heel-state b D.sub.bf-b
Distance to Ball-of-Foot-state b D.sub.h-c Distance to Heel-state c
D.sub.bf-c Distance to Ball-of-Foot-state c D.sub.h-d Distance to
Heel-state d D.sub.bf-d Distance to Ball-of-Foot-state d x.sub.1
Shoe Outsole First Distance x.sub.2 Shoe Outsole Second Distance y
Shoe Outsole Height
[0100] While various embodiment of the present disclosure have been
described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and
alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such
modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of
the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims.
[0101] The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. The
foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or
forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for
example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in
one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the
disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as
reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more
features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the
following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all
features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the
following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate
preferred embodiment of the disclosure.
[0102] Moreover, though the present disclosure has included
description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and
modifications, other variations and modifications are within the
scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and
knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present
disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include
alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including
alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,
ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
* * * * *