U.S. patent application number 14/079854 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-15 for sports footwear traction elements.
This patent application is currently assigned to PUMA NORTH AMERICA, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Puma North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Grant Martin Knudson, Robert Alan Philion.
Application Number | 20140130370 14/079854 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50680241 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140130370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knudson; Grant Martin ; et
al. |
May 15, 2014 |
SPORTS FOOTWEAR TRACTION ELEMENTS
Abstract
The invention generally relates to footwear for sports, and
particularly to a footwear system for improved athletic
performance. The invention provides a footwear system for athletes
in which elements provide padding and prevent slippage between an
athlete and the ground. The elements are arranged according to
precision measurements of maximal stresses that occur between the
sole of the feet and the ground during an athletic performance.
Using a system of the invention, an athlete avoids unpredictable
slippage during a performance and also positions their feet
consistently, with the result that performance is consistent and
commensurate with equipment choice and physical abilities.
Inventors: |
Knudson; Grant Martin;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Philion; Robert Alan; (Carlsbad,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Puma North America, Inc. |
Westford |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PUMA NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Westford
MA
|
Family ID: |
50680241 |
Appl. No.: |
14/079854 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US13/69996 |
Nov 14, 2013 |
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14079854 |
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13676620 |
Nov 14, 2012 |
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PCT/US13/69996 |
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13676620 |
Nov 14, 2012 |
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13676620 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/28 ;
12/146B |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/02 20130101;
A43B 17/003 20130101; A43B 5/001 20130101; D04B 39/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/28 ;
12/146.B |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18 |
Claims
1. A sports footwear insert comprising: a shoe insert defining a
ball-of-foot portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, an inner arch
portion, and an outer arch portion, the insert comprising a
plurality of elements for padding and traction disposed in an
arrangement corresponding to a template provided by measurements of
stress exhibited by an athlete's foot during performance.
2. The insert of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elements
comprises at least four areas of material raised from a surrounding
surface of the insert by at least 1 mm.
3. The insert of claim 1, wherein the elements are all of uniform
size.
4. The insert of claim 1, wherein an element on the heel is largest
and an element on the outer arch portion is smallest.
5. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert is reversible, with
high-relief elements on one side and low-relief elements on the
other side.
6. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert is provided as part of
a pair.
7. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
8. The insert of claim 1, wherein the elements define a plurality
of discrete elements of one material adhered to a second material
providing a main body of the insert.
9. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert and the elements are
monolithically formed of a single piece of material.
10. A sports footwear system comprising: a shoe having an insole
comprising a plurality of features for traction and padding; and a
sock comprising a cuff, a leg, an instep, a toe, a heel flap, and a
sock sole, the sock sole comprising a ball-of-foot portion, an
inner arch portion, an outer arch portion, and a heel portion,
wherein the sock further comprises a plurality of elements for
traction and padding disposed on the sock sole in an arrangement
corresponding to an arrangement of the plurality of features of the
insole of the shoe.
11. The system of claim 10, further wherein each of the elements
comprises an elastomer.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the features comprise the
elastomer.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the elements and the features
each comprise a cross-sectional profile designed to interlock with
the other to prevent relative lateral motion between the sock sole
and the shoe in at least one direction when the system is worn by a
person.
14. A method to improve an athlete's ability, the method
comprising: obtaining, using a computer, stress pattern data
exhibited by a sole of a foot of the athlete; preparing, using the
stress pattern data, a template comprising a location of stress
exhibited by the sole; and preparing footwear comprising at least
one element for padding and traction disposed at the location of
stress.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the template includes a
location of maximal stress exhibited by the sole during an athletic
performance.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the location of maximal stress
is an area of about 1 cm.sup.2 that includes a spot on the sole
where at least 85% of a maximum stress is exhibited during a golf
swing.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the footwear comprises at least
one shoe insert.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the footwear comprises at least
one sock.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the computer is provided by a
kiosk that also includes a measuring platform for the athlete to
stand on, wherein obtaining the stress pattern data includes making
a measurement using the computer and the measuring platform.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein preparing the template
comprises receiving data from a golfer obtained through the
golfer's use of a personal computer and storing the data in a
server computer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of International Patent
Application Serial No. PCT/US13/69996, filed Nov. 14, 2013, and of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/676,620, filed Nov. 14, 2012,
the contents of which are incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to footwear for sports, and
particularly to a footwear system for improved athletic
performance.
BACKGROUND
[0003] When an athlete performs, he would like to achieve
consistent excellence. Whether the objective is to score goals,
maneuver adroitly, or run fast, the athlete wants to maximize
performance. In many sports, this requires a complex kinematic
performance in which the athlete's body provides many moving parts
that must all be coordinated to give the desired performance.
Unfortunately, some athletes do not obtain the best results that
they desire. Golfers miss shots, as do basketball players. Baseball
players strike out and runners sometimes stumble.
[0004] What is particularly bedeviling is that results can be
inconsistent. When an athlete executes a move that is, for all
purposes, the same as a move that they made earlier in the same
day, sometimes the athlete gets a different result. Even where the
athlete knows that they are repeating the same physical
motions--the same muscle contractions with the same club in the
same weather on the same day--the outcome may be unpredictable. As
a result, scores suffer. Not only are the poor scores a source of
frustration and displeasure to athletes, but the unpredictability
itself can be very vexing. Additionally, athletes experience
problems such as discomfort associated with foot pressure and
sweat. Playing a sport for a long time can lead to soreness and
weariness. Poor weather can create uncomfortable and risky
low-traction conditions. All of these factors can have an adverse
effect on the athlete's performance.
[0005] The fact that athletes experience such vexatious and
frustrating phenomena is a significant problem facing athletes.
SUMMARY
[0006] The invention provides a footwear system for athletes in
which elements for traction and padding are arranged according to
precision measurements of maximal stresses that occur between the
sole of the feet and the ground at different moments throughout an
athlete's performance. The elements may be provided as part of a
shoe, an insert, a sock, or a combination thereof. Footwear
elements provide traction that opposes lateral stresses while
providing cushioning that relieves discomfort associated with
compressive stresses. Since discomfort is relieved at just those
spots in which an athlete experiences maximal compressive stresses,
the athlete does not make continuous or subconscious adjustments of
their foot positioning throughout the performance. Since the
padding and traction elements are positioned precisely according to
measurements of stress during an athletic performance, an athlete
experiences maximal comfort by repeatedly positioning their feet
consistently in the same way continually and day-after-day. By
providing a system that incorporates elements placed according to
measurements of maximal stresses, lateral motions between the foot
and the ground are prevented. Since lateral motions between the
foot and the ground are prevented just at those spots of maximal
stress, the athlete plus the Earth form a single mass transferring
momentum to the objects the athlete interacts with (e.g., a
javelin, a golf ball, a baseball, other players), giving much more
predictable, consistent results than an athlete that slips,
relative to the Earth. Using a system of the invention, the athlete
avoids unpredictable slippage during a performance and also
positions their feet consistently, with the result that results are
commensurate with equipment choice and physical abilities. Thus the
athlete enjoys the rewarding experience that, as their athletic
abilities improve, their scores improve. Their experiences in the
sport are predictable and pleasurable and athletes can focus on
getting the best performance from their equipment.
[0007] The invention includes the insight that stress between an
athlete's feet and the ground can be dynamic and asymmetrical and
influenced by the athlete's choice of footwear. The invention
includes models of compressive and shear stresses as distributed
across both of an athlete's feet during a performance. The
invention provides templates for footwear systems that incorporate
the stress models. A template of stress patterns can be used to
provide a sock with cushioning elements, a shoe with cushioning
elements, a shoe insole with cushioning elements, or a combination
thereof. Because compressive and shear stresses may be
non-uniformly distributed across the sole of a foot and
asymmetrically distributed between a pair of feet, a template and
footwear made accordingly avoids the positioning of non-useful
elements in spots where they would not provide benefit and could
instead increase discomfort, provide adverse biofeedback
incentives, decrease tactile information specificity, or interfere
with other material functions such as stretching or breathing.
Accordingly, the invention provides sports footwear systems in
which a sock and a shoe or an insole interact generally, as well as
systems that specifically incorporate patterns of maximal stress.
To maximize a consumer's ability to tune their footwear to their
needs, the invention provides whole-footwear systems as well as
shoes, socks, or shoe insoles that can be obtained separately and
mixed-and-matched according to the athlete's judgment.
[0008] In certain aspects, the invention provides a sports footwear
system that includes one or a pair of shoe inserts. The insert has
a plurality of features for padding and traction disposed in an
arrangement corresponding to a template provided by measurements of
stress exhibited by an athlete's foot during performance. A side of
the insert can be described as including a ball-of-foot portion, a
toe portion, a heel portion, an inner arch portion, and an outer
arch portion. According to certain measured stress templates, the
ball-of-foot portion, the outer arch portion, and the heel portion
of the insert each have at least one padding element. Some
templates may provide multiple elements for padding and traction
(e.g., 2, 3, 4, many) for the ball-of-foot portion, the outer arch
portion, or both. The elements may all be of uniform size. In some
embodiments, an element on the heel is largest and an element on
the outer arch portion is smallest. The insert may optionally
include elements to correspond to an underside of a toe of an
athlete. In some embodiments, the insert is reversible, with
high-relief elements on one side and low-relief elements on the
other side. Preferably, the insert is provided as part of a
pair.
[0009] The insert and the elements may include an elastomer such as
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The elements may be a plurality
of discrete elements of one material adhered to a second material
providing a main body of the insert, or the insert may be singular
areas of material.
[0010] In a related aspect, the invention provides a method of
preventing fatigue while playing a sport by wearing a shoe insert
that has a plurality of elements for padding and traction. By
playing a sport while wearing the footwear, consistent performance
is encouraged, in part because the elements of the insert prevent
the foot from slipping within a shoe.
[0011] In certain aspects, the invention provides a sports footwear
system that includes a shoe and a sock. The shoe has an insole with
a plurality of features for padding and traction. The
sock--generally including a cuff, a leg, an instep, a toe, a heel
flap, and a sock sole, the sock sole having a ball-of-foot portion,
an inner arch portion, an outer arch portion, and a heel
portion--has a plurality of elements for padding and traction
disposed on the sock sole in an arrangement corresponding to the
arrangement of the plurality of features of the insole of the shoe.
The arrangement may correspond to a template provided by
measurements of stress exhibited by an athlete while playing the
sport. According to certain measured stress templates, the
ball-of-foot portion, the outer arch portion, and the heel portion
of the sole of the sock each have at least one padding element.
Some templates may provide multiple elements for padding and
traction (e.g., 2, 3, 4, many) for the ball-of-foot portion, the
outer arch portion, or both. The elements may all be of uniform
size. In some embodiments, an element on the heel is largest and an
element on the outer arch portion is smallest. The sock sole may
optionally include elements to correspond to an underside of a toe
of the athlete. Elements for padding and traction may be located
strictly on the downward facing area of the sock, or they may
extend around up to the side of the sock. In certain embodiments,
the sport is golf.
[0012] Each of the padding and traction elements on the sock sole
may include an elastomer such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),
as may padding and traction elements on the insole of the shoe. The
elements may be a plurality of discrete elements of material
adhered to the fabric of the sock, or may be singular areas of
material.
[0013] In some embodiments, the elements on the sock and the
features on the shoe each have a cross-sectional profile designed
to interlock with the other to prevent relative lateral motion
between the sock sole and the shoe in at least one direction, and
optionally more than one, when the system is worn by a person.
[0014] In a related aspect, the invention provides a method of
preventing fatigue while playing a sport by dressing in a sock in
which a sole of the sock has a plurality of elements for padding
and traction and wearing a shoe having an insole with a plurality
of features for padding and traction arranged to correspond to the
elements. By playing the sport while wearing the footwear,
consistent performance is encouraged, in part because the elements
of the sock may interlock with the features of the shoe insole to
prevent the sock from slipping within the shoe.
[0015] Aspects of the invention also include a sports sock defining
a cuff, a leg, an instep, a toe, a heel flap, and a sole. The sole
includes a ball-of-foot portion, an inner arch portion, an outer
arch portion, and a heel portion. The sole may further include one
or more elements for padding and traction located according to a
measured pattern of stress exhibited by an athlete's foot during
performance. For example, in some embodiments, the ball-of-foot
portion includes a first element for padding and traction, the
outer arch portion includes a second such element, and the heel
portion includes a third such element. The elements may be of
uniform size or the first element has a larger area than the second
element while the third element has a larger area than the first
element. In certain embodiments, the plurality of elements for
padding and traction is disposed on the sole in an arrangement
corresponding to a known arrangement of features on an insole of a
pre-determined shoe. In certain embodiments, the sport is golf and
the elements are located according to a measured pattern of stress
exhibited on a golfer's foot during a golf swing.
[0016] In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making
socks. Methods of the invention include receiving a template that
shows a pattern corresponding to regions of maximal stress
experienced on the sole of an athlete's foot during an athletic
performance and adding elements for padding and traction to the
sole of a fabric sock according to the pattern. The method may
further include making the sock for example, by knitting it. The
elements may be added by screen-printing onto the fabric of the
sock. An elastomer such as TPU or other material may be screen
printed. The sport may be golf.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a shoe insert for sports improvement.
[0018] FIG. 2 gives a cross-section through a shoe insert showing a
double-sided embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows an apparatus for measuring stress between a
foot and ground.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows measured stresses between feet and ground
during a golf swing.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows vectors of shear stresses between feet and
ground during a golf swing.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a sock of embodiments of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 depicts a socklet according to embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a diagram of regions of a sole.
[0025] FIG. 9 depicts a sole of a sock of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a sole of a sock according to embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a sock sole of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 shows a sock according to the invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 portrays a sock according to certain
embodiments.
[0030] FIG. 14 exhibits a pair of socks according to embodiments of
the invention.
[0031] FIG. 15 demonstrates a pair of socks according to certain
embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 16 displays an exemplary pair of socks of the
invention.
[0033] FIG. 17 reveals a pair of socks according to
embodiments.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a reproduction of results of measuring sole
stress during a golf swing.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a contour diagram of regions of stress shown in
FIG. 16.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method of improving a golfer's
game.
[0037] FIG. 21 shows an exemplary system for improving a golfer's
game.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a detailed diagram of regions of a sole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a shoe insert 1 for improved performance
in sports. Shoe insert 1 may be provided for any sport such as, for
example, soccer, football, golf, baseball, running, motorsports,
fitness, sailing, cricket, rallycross, etc. Insert 1 has a
plurality of elements 13a, 13b, . . . , 13n for padding and
traction disposed in an arrangement corresponding to a template
provided by measurements of stress exhibited by an athlete's foot
during performance. Insert 1 includes a ball-of-foot portion, a toe
portion, a heel portion, an inner arch portion, and an outer arch
portion (see FIG. 8 and accompanying description). According to
certain measured stress templates, the ball-of-foot portion, the
outer arch portion, and the heel portion of the insert each have at
least one element 13. Some templates may provide multiple elements
13 for padding and traction (e.g., 2, 3, 4, many) for the
ball-of-foot portion, the outer arch portion, or both. Elements 13
may all be of uniform size. In some embodiments, element 13 at the
heel is largest and an element 13 on the outer arch portion is
smallest. In a preferred embodiment, each element 13 includes 18
protruding dots (e.g., as shown as element 201a in FIG. 9), which
may be found to provide maximal multi-directional slip resistance.
Insert 1 may optionally include elements to correspond to an
underside of a toe of an athlete. Preferably, the insert is
provided as part of a pair.
[0040] Insert 1 and elements 13 may include an elastomer such as
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The elements 13 may be a
plurality of discrete elements of one material adhered to a second
material providing a main body of the insert, or insert 1 may
consist of a single monolithically formed piece of material. In
some embodiments, insert 1 has one side that is textured with
elements 13 targeted according to a pressure point management
system and the other side will be smooth. In certain embodiments,
insert 1 is reversible, with high-relief elements on one side and
low-relief elements on the other side.
[0041] FIG. 2 gives a cross-section through a shoe insert 1 showing
a double-sided embodiment, with high-relief elements 13 on one side
and low-relief elements 13 on the other side. High relief elements
13 may protrude from insert 1 by about twice as much as a
protrusion of low relief elements (e.g., by about 2 mm and about 1
mm, respectively). Dual-relief insert 1 as pictured in FIG. 2 gives
an athlete an option for controlling an amount of traction and
padding provided by elements 13 as well as for fine-tuning comfort
provided by insert 1. Thus, an athlete can use insert 1 to
counteract ground-reaction forces that arise during sports
performances, and even to exploit and capitalize on ground reaction
forces.
[0042] Thus, in some embodiments, insert 1 is reversible. A
consumer may place insert 1 in a first orientation to use one side,
and then may reverse insert 1 (e.g., into the other shoe) to use
the other side. Some athlete's may find that it is particularly
beneficial and desirable to reverse insert sides during a day of
activity, as the change in relief or pattern may provide a variable
stimulus that prevents fatigue and discomfort.
[0043] In certain embodiments, insert 1 is washable. Insert 1 may
be made from a machine-washable polyurethane foam or similarly heat
and detergent resilient material. This provides the benefit of
allowing insert 1 to simply be put through the washer and dryer (or
even through a dishwasher) for cleaning.
[0044] Ground reaction forces and center of pressure patterns have
previously been studied. See Williams, RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN GROUND
REACTION FORCES DURING THE GOLF SWING AND ABILITY LEVEL, 1999,
Proc. 5th Eng. Sports Mtg., 7 pages. One application of the
insights so gleaned involves studying how a shoe interacts with the
ground. The interaction of the sole of the foot and the insole of
the shoe cannot best be addressed until the interaction of the
outsole of the shoe and the ground is understood.
[0045] The physics of momentum transfer from events involving an
athlete is dependent on the relationship between the athlete and
the ground. The stress and strain relationships between athlete and
ground is mediated through a number of surface interfaces: the sole
of the foot and the insole of a sock; the outsole of the sock and
the top-side of insert 1; the bottom-side of insert 1 and the
insole of a shoe; the outsole of a sock and the insole of a shoe
(if no insert 1 is present); and the outsole of the shoe and the
ground. Before turning to phenomenon within the shoe, the
relationship between shoe and ground is first addressed.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a test apparatus 201 for measuring stress
between a shoe and ground. Shoe 219 sits on turf 225. Tray 213
rests on a last inside of shoe 219 via post 231, all inside of sled
207. Casters 237 minimize friction between tray 213 and sled 207.
Mass 209 simulates an athlete's downward force. Ground reaction
forces (shear) and center of pressure forces can be measured using
a force platform 227, such as one provided by Kistler (Winterthur,
Switzerland). A sport performance, such as a golf stroke, is
mimicked by releasing weighted pendulum 241 so that the tip of the
pendulum engages a loop on a cable thereby exhibiting a lateral
impact force on sled 207.
[0047] Horizontal (Fy) and vertical (Fz) forces are measured as the
force is applied until slip occurs. A traction score, T, is
calculated as the peak horizontal force, at the instant a shoe
slips, divided by vertical force.
[0048] When a variety of shoes were tested, a baseline Tmin is
established using a smooth-sole shoe and is used with a Tmax from
the best shoe among the set to calculate a relative traction for
the ith shoe based on the traction score Ti for the ith shoe.
Relative traction (%)=((Ti-Tmin).times.100/(Tmax-Ti) (Eq. 1)
[0049] In a test of leading brands of golf shoes, a shoe with 6 mm
spikes gave Tmax, a Puma Tour gave the next best relative traction
(99.7). The poorest, other than the smooth-soled shoe, was 74.2.
Accordingly, a first step to minimizing variability or
unpredictability of sports performances includes wearing a shoe
with a good relative traction score. Once an athlete maximizes the
relative traction between shoe and ground, for example, by wearing
a Puma Tour shoe for golf, methods of improving performance include
optimizing interactions between the shoe and foot. Sports shoes are
discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,117; U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,783; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,761,833; and U.S. Pub. 2009/0100718, the contents of
each of which are incorporated by reference.
[0050] Having now established a pattern of shoe/ground interaction
and, more particularly, a test thereof that can be performed for
any shoe, shoe/foot interactions are addressed. Any particular
mechanism for affecting shoe/foot interactions may look to force
patterns exhibited between the feet and the Earth during a sports
performance.
[0051] FIG. 4 shows measured stresses between feet and ground
during a golf swing. FIG. 4 gives a separate graph for the left and
the right foot. Along the x-axis (time), start bar 305 indicates a
position of a beginning of a downswing. Stroke bar 309 shows a
moment of ball impact. In each graph, a box is drawn around a
moment of maximum shear force, corresponding to pendulum impact of
apparatus 201. Patterns that appear in FIG. 4 may be mapped onto
the soles of feet or shoes.
[0052] FIG. 5 shows vectors of shear stresses between feet and
ground during a golf swing, with each vector originating from a
point of maximum vertical force (Fz). The points of maximum
vertical force are drawn as small circles that are connected by a
broad line that traces the progression of the maximum vertical
force during a swing. Studying the vectors shown in FIG. 3, it can
be understood that a left foot exhibits a maximum shear force in a
nearly true heel-to-toe direction at a spot located at the center,
forward part of a ball-of-foot region. In contrast, a right foot
exhibits a maximum shear force in a direction from inside-toe to
outside-heel, on a spot located at the inside, heel-ward part of a
ball of the foot. The patterns revealed in FIG. 5 describe a
significant stress phenomenon that a golfer contends with while
making a shot.
[0053] Even with the best shoe (e.g., a Puma Tour), a golfer's foot
will be pushed, relative to the insole of the shoe, according to
the pattern of shear force vectors and center of pressure locations
described in FIG. 3. Given that it is not a known practice to
directly functionalize the human foot with cleats, it is an
objective of the invention to functionalize the human foot with
traction elements that resist the pattern shown.
[0054] An insight of the invention is that, while socks participate
in two of the three body/ground interface surfaces, the fabric of
socks can be exploited to attenuate body/ground slippage associated
with shear forces as well as, simultaneously, discomfort associated
with compressive forces. A footwear system with direct contact
between elements on the outsole of a sock and an insole of a shoe
may provide traction at both the interface between the sock outsole
and shoe insole and the interface between the foot and the sock
insole (e.g., due to the fabric pliability of the sock).
Accordingly, the invention provides footwear systems, including
individual socks, with one or more elements on the outsoles of
socks that have an arrangement corresponding to a location of one
or more of a maximum stress between a foot and the ground during a
sports performance. In some embodiments, systems and articles of
the invention will include at least one sock.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a sock 101 of embodiments of the
invention. Sock 101 generally includes a cuff 107 at a terminus of
leg portion 111. Leg portion 111 extends to instep 119, which
terminates at toe region 123. Leg portion 111 also extends to heel
flap 131. A sock sole 137 generally extends between heel flap 131,
edges of instep 119, and toe 123. While sock 101 in FIG. 6 is drawn
with lines appearing to set off heel flap 131, cuff 107, and toe
123, these portions of a sock need not be of separate material or
separate pieces of material than the other parts of sock 101, and
they need not correspond in size or shape to those areas shown in
FIG. 4.
[0056] Sock 101 can be made from any suitable material and by any
suitable method. Sock 101 can be manufactured by a machine, such as
an industrial fabricator or a home knitting machine. Sock 101 may
be made by sewing pieces of fabric together. In certain
embodiments, sock 101 is knit using a circular knitting machine.
The machine uses needles on a cylinder or double cylinder. As the
cylinder rotates, the needles knit the yarn, creating a tube of
sock with an open toe, which is then closed. A separate toe piece
can be sewn on, or the toe can be sewn closed. The socks are
optionally dyed or decorated or shaped on fiberboard forms.
[0057] In some embodiments, socks are obtained in which a fabric
portion is pre-made substantially as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 and
further functionalized according to methods of the invention.
Methods for making socks are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,029;
U.S. Pat. No. 7,047,767; U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,701; and U.S. Pub.
2012/0024014, the contents of which are incorporated by reference
for all purposes.
[0058] A sock of the invention can be any suitable size, style, or
material. Socks can be made of cotton, wool, acrylic, or any other
natural or synthetic fiber. Socks can include nylon, polyester,
rayon, or a combination of any of these materials. Socks can be
foot-shaped or tube socks, and can have any thickness of material,
overall length, or other dimensions. A sock can include a gusset at
the area where heel flap, leg, and instep come together. Socks may
extend above the knee, or at least cover the ankle, or not.
[0059] FIG. 7 depicts a socklet according to embodiments. A socklet
is typically a sock that does not extend above the ankle. Some
golfers may prefer a socklet for the stress-attenuation benefits of
the invention while simultaneously having maximum exposure to
outdoor air (e.g., on a hot day). Regardless of the length of a
sock, the invention provides functionalization of a sole 137 of the
sock. The invention includes the insight that different regions of
a sole of a sock, as well as corresponding regions of an insole of
a shoe, may each play a different role in the performance of a
golfer's shot.
[0060] FIG. 8 is a diagram of regions of a sole 137. Sole 137
includes an inside toe region 141 and an outside toe region 146
just forward of a ball-of-foot region 151. There is an inside
ball-of-foot region 169 disposed alongside an outside ball-of-foot
region 157, as there is an inside mid-foot region 167 disposed
along an outside mid-foot region 161. Distal to the toe area is a
heel region 165.
[0061] The dashed lines in FIG. 8 do not necessarily show precise
boundaries. A region is just an area of a sock, and one region may
be deemed to overlap or extend into another. Any arbitrary area on
a sock may be said to lie within a region if it overlaps that
region and may be said to lie substantially within a region if a
substantial portion of the area lies within the region. A region's
boundary need not be thought of as a single clearly defined line,
but may be understood more generally to be a transition zone. In
certain embodiments, a sole 137 of a sock 101 is functionalized by
the provision of a cushioning or traction element, which may be
referred to as a padding element.
[0062] The invention provides socks and footwear systems in which a
sole of a sock includes a padding element. A padding element is an
element on a sole of a sock that affects the interplay between the
foot and the insole of a shoe. Padding can mean cushioning, in one
of its familiar senses. However, padding can be taken to have
meanings that include the provision of displacement, as from a
shim, or the provision of a foundation or support (e.g., analogous
to the pouring of a concrete pad in construction). Padding may be
taken to mean the provision of shape (e.g., as in a shoulder pad in
a jacket), the provision of a feature for human contact (e.g., as
in a keypad), the provision of a material for compressive impact or
energy displacement (e.g., as in a drum pad), or a combination of
any of the foregoing. For example, a pad may comprise a plurality
of hard plastic areas, as does a keypad. In some embodiments, a pad
includes or consists of a foam material (e.g., foam rubber) or an
area in which a fabric is provided more thickly than in surrounding
areas. In certain embodiments, a pad includes one or a plurality of
areas of a polymer on the fabric of a sock. Pads can include one or
more of a rubber, fabric, polymer, plastic, leather, wax, thread,
fiber, paper, cardboard, or other material, in any combination.
[0063] A pad (e.g., polymer) may be infused into, or adhered onto,
the fabric of a sock. A polymer may be so affixed only by its own
material properties, or through the use of an adhesive or
stitching. A polymer may be attached to fabric by any suitable
method including gluing, stitching, printing, molding, melting,
fusing, others, or a combination thereof. Any suitable polymer may
be used including, for example, a polyurethane such as
thermoplastic polyurethane. Methods of adding pads are discussed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,342; U.S. Pub. 2011/00233215; U.S. Pub.
2007/0204482; U.S. Pub. 2007/0028365; and U.S. Pub. 2005/0241186,
the contents of which are incorporated by reference for all
purposes. In general, at least one padding element will typically
be included in sole 137 disposed, for example, at or near a
location of maximal stress during a golf swing.
[0064] FIG. 9 depicts sole 137 of sock 101 according to certain
embodiments of the invention. Sole 137 is shown here including ten
of padding element 201a, 201b, . . . , 201n. Each padding element
201 includes 18 spots of polymer affixed to sole 137. The 18 spots
of an element 201 are disposed in a substantially hexagonal array.
It may be found that the use of 18 sub-elements makes for an
optimal pattern for traction control by providing an excellent
coefficient of static friction in many lateral directions--better
even than other simpler geometric patterns. Where a padding element
201 includes a shape, a polygon, circle or ellipse, or irregular
shape may be used. In some embodiments, a polygon is included due
to, for example, the ability to provide edges that oppose the shear
force. An edge of padding element 201 may provide particular
traction in a direction perpendicular to an edge. A direction of
traction may be viewed as a vector, with components in directions
other than the vector. For any shear force, two non-parallel edges
of a polygon will provide at least one component of a vector of
traction that is antiparallel to the vector of shear force. In some
embodiments, the strongest traction vector is associated with the
edge most nearly perpendicular to the shear force vector. For a
series of shear forces oriented in different directions, or for one
shear force that will be oriented in an unpredictable direction,
the more sides a polygon has, the greater probability that it will
present at least one edge at less than some arbitrary maximum
deviation from the direction perpendicular to the shear force(s).
Accordingly, hexagons may generally provide more traction than
pentagons and squares, etc. Note that in alternative embodiments,
maximum traction may not be associated with an edge of a polygon,
but may be associated with a material of element 201, and amount of
vertical relief, a material of an insole of a shoe, other factors,
or a combination thereof.
[0065] Where element 201 has a shape of a polygon, it may be
preferred to use a polygon or combination of polygons that
tessellate or exhibit efficient packing. Packing of polygons may be
taken to mean a ratio of area enclosed by a polygon to a ratio of
total area when a pattern of polygons is arranged to maximize that
ratio. Efficient packing may then refer to the minimizing of
interstitial "space" between polygons. Fully tessellating regular
polygons include isosceles triangles, rectangles, and hexagons. In
some embodiments, a hexagon is used to have a fully tessellating
form with edges in a desired number of directions. In alternative
embodiments, it may be desired to optimize an edge to area ratio
(e.g., to maximize it), and another form (e.g., isosceles triangle
or square) may be used. Furthermore, a particular shape (e.g., such
as a given overall shape) may be desired to optimize an aspect of a
manufacturing process. For example, where elements 201 are
manufactured separately from sock 201 and then adhered thereto,
elements 201 may be manufactured in a sheet form, for example, as a
material adhered to a paper substrate. Accordingly, it may be
desired to use a shape with arbitrarily high packing efficiency or
tessellation to minimize waste of the sheet. As shown in FIG. 7,
elements 201 have a hexagonal overall shape, and are presented in
three different sizes. Other patterns are within the scope of the
invention. It will be noted that sole 137 depicted in FIG. 9
appears as the sole of one foot. A sock 101 of the invention may be
provided as a pair, and in some embodiments, the pair of socks has
a symmetrical pattern of elements 201 (one sock is the minor image
of the other). In certain embodiments, a pattern of elements 201 on
the soles 137 of a pair of socks in asymmetrical. In other
embodiments, only one sock of a pair has elements 101. Any
exemplary sock herein may be taken to show a pair where the other
sock may be the symmetrical match to the depicted sock.
Additionally, any two socks depicted herein may be taken to form a
pair. In some embodiments, the invention provides a pair of socks
in which one sock has one of the patterns shown or discussed
herein, or a variant thereof, and the other sock as a related but
non-matching pattern, such as the inclusion of at least one
matching element but in a non-corresponding location.
[0066] FIG. 10 shows a sole 137 that is similar to the sole shown
in FIG. 9 but without elements 201 disposed at the toe area. It can
be noted in FIGS. 7 and 8 that elements 201 are presented in at
least three different sizes. The medium size is shown at interior
ball-of-foot region 169, an element of large size is shown at heel
region 165, and at least one small element 201 is depicted in
outside mid-foot region 161. In some embodiments, this pattern is
preferable as a heel needs a large element 201 for comfort and
weight distribution while interior ball-of-foot region 169 needs a
compact but substantially effective element 201. An outside
mid-foot region 161 is an optional location for an element 201.
[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates a sole 137 that includes
irregularly-shaped elements 201. Here, the shape, size, and
thickness (including optionally variations in thickness) of
elements 201 are shown provided in a fashion that can correspond
with great precision to regions of maximal stress.
[0068] FIGS. 10 and 11 show exemplary socks according to the
invention. Sock 101 can include features known in socks, such as
toe, heel flap, or both being provided in another material or
color. Socks 101 can include printed information, for example,
relating to the benefits of elements 201. Printed information can
provide a significant utilitarian benefit. One or more indicia
printed on a sock can direct a golfer in proper use of the footwear
system. By using graphics, text, layout, or a combination thereof,
to communicate the benefits of the elements for padding and
traction, provide information concerning proper use, or both,
printed indicia may enhance a golfer's benefit from use of the
invention. Useful printed indicia can include indications of
locations of elements 201, information about a corresponding
insole, sock size or foot (e.g., L v R), a wear indicator, or
simply a brand name or statement of the function of the sock or
footwear system.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, elements 201 may have an
overall shape (here, square) of one material, with additional
features therein or thereon. Here, each square of element 201
includes a hexagonal pattern of spots of material. This may be
preferred where, for example, sock 101 and element 201 are
manufactured separately and then elements 201 are affixed to sock
101. Other shapes and patterns of elements 201 are provided.
[0070] FIG. 14 shows a pair of socks in which elements 201 are
provided as localized regions of gripping dots including a material
such as TPU.
[0071] In certain aspects, the invention provides a footwear system
in which a sock 101 has an element 201 on a sole of the sock and
the system further includes an insole of a shoe with a feature in a
corresponding location. While useful in any sport, golf provides an
excellent illustrative example. Such a system provides the
particular benefit of locking a golfer's foot to the foot-bed of
their shoe. When used in conjunction with a shoe that scores
acceptably on the stress test described above, excellent locking
between a golfer's foot and the ground is achieved. Accordingly,
the invention provides methods of improving one's performance by
using a sock with a padding element and a shoe with an insole with
an interacting feature in a corresponding location. The elements on
the sock and on the insole of the shoe interact for maximum
comfort, grip, or both. Systems of the invention can include shoes
that have features corresponding to the elements 201 on sole 137 of
sock 101. In certain embodiments, the invention provides insoles
for shoes wherein the insoles have the features. Thus an athlete
may procure functionalized shoes and socks, or functionalized
insoles and socks, and insert the insoles into their golf shoes to
obtain the benefits of the invention. Insoles may optionally
include a mechanism for fixing them into the foot-bed of shoes such
as, for example, an adhesive backing.
[0072] By providing insoles that interact with socks 101, systems
and methods of the invention optimize an athlete's performance. The
features on the insoles of the shoes can have a profile that
complements elements 201 on socks 101. For example, elements 201
can be gripping dots, and the insoles can have pockets. In some
embodiments, elements 201 are textured areas for high friction and
the insoles feature complementary textured areas or rubber
areas.
[0073] FIG. 15 shows a pair of socks 101 in which elements 201 are
included having a linear pattern. Each element 201 may be provided
with a series of ridges and valleys, which can be straight (as
shown in FIG. 13), sinuous, curved, zigzag, irregular, etc. In some
aspects,
[0074] In certain embodiments, elements 201 include
ridge-and-valley structures and the insoles are provided with
corresponding ridge-and-valley structures. When the
ridge-and-valley elements 201 of socks 101 mate with the structured
insoles, shear motion perpendicular to the ridgelines is prevented.
Moreover, by providing a padding element of a deformable material
(e.g., polyurethane), a cushioning aspect is provided.
[0075] In certain embodiments, a padding element 201 (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 13) may have a ridge-line or edge that is
substantially perpendicular to vector of maximum shear stress
(e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). A sole 137 may include a plurality of
such elements 201, in which each element includes an edge or
contour that is substantially perpendicular to a corresponding
vector. In some embodiments, each dot (e.g., at the origin of each
vector) shown in FIG. 5 corresponds substantially to a geometric
center of gravity of an element 201 on a sole 137 of a sock 101,
and each element 201 has a linear component oriented normal to the
corresponding vector. The invention also includes footwear systems
in which an insole of a shoe includes features with linear elements
that correspond to, and interlock with, elements 201.
[0076] According, in some embodiments, FIG. 15 shows elements 201
having ridge-and-valley structures. The invention also provides
insoles with corresponding structures. The ridges may be oriented
so that ridgelines run substantially perpendicular to a vector of
maximal shear stress. A sole 137 may include a large element 201,
for example, at the ball-of-foot region. To supplement the shear
resistance of the ridgelines, sole 137 may include other elements
201 having ridgelines that run in other directions, as shown in
FIG. 13. While depicted in FIG. 15 as being approximately
symmetric, a pattern of elements need not be. In fact, in some
embodiments, only one sock of a pair includes one or more of
element 201.
[0077] FIG. 16 displays an exemplary pair of socks 101 in which
only one sock includes elements 201. Here, element 201 is depicted
as a pattern of ten triangles. Where only one sock include element
201, it may be either sock of a pair. A golfer may prefer element
201 on a dominant foot.
[0078] An element 201 as depicted in any figure herein, or as
discussed herein, may include an amount of relief. Relief,
generally, is a measure of an amount of thickness added to fabric
by virtue of a thickness of element 201. An element 201 may have 0
(zero) relief by being printed substantially smoothly on the fabric
(as type is typically printed on a page). An element 201 may have
uniform relief, indicating a generally planar surface with a
contour that mimics the contour of a surface of sock 101 (and
therefore a contour of a foot). An element 201 may have varying
relief, such as is provided by a rippled, textured, sloped,
beveled, or contoured surface. An amount of relief at any given
point may be zero, or it may be between 0.001 mm and 1 cm. In
certain embodiments, an amount of relief is between about 0.5 mm
and about 3 mm (e.g., between about 0.7 mm and about 1.5 mm).
[0079] FIG. 17 shows a pair of socks 101 according to certain
embodiments in which element 201 is a hexagonal ring with a vacant
area in the middle of about a quarter of the area of the overall
hexagon. While depicted here as only being on sock, a pair of socks
may be provided in which both include element 201. A location or
distribution of elements may be determined with reference to
information about ground stresses on a golfer.
[0080] The invention includes methods of making socks for improved
golfing by using information about ground stress. Ground stress
information may be had by performing tests on a golfer, or by
reference to available information. In the context of footwear
systems of the invention, a pattern of ground stress information
may be used as a template for making socks. Methods of the
invention include receiving a template that shows a pattern
corresponding to regions of maximal stress experienced on the sole
of a golfer's foot during a golf swing and adding padding elements
201 to the sole of a fabric sock 101 according to the pattern.
[0081] FIG. 18 is a reproduction of results of measuring sole
stress during a golf swing. The results depicted in FIG. 18 were
originally presented in color. For the purposes of preparing a
template for making socks, color data may be reformatted as black
and white.
[0082] FIG. 19 is a contour diagram of regions of stress shown in
FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 17, black regions correspond to what were
red regions of the display shown in FIG. 16. White areas
immediately adjacent to the black areas correspond to, and may be
pictured as, orange. Gray zones (in FIG. 17) were depicted as
yellow zones in FIG. 18 and the outer white zones may be pictured
as green. Striped zones correspond to blue zones. In this manner,
the color spectrum in FIG. 18 that stood for a measure of stress
intensity can processed as specific areas. Any suitable image
processing operation may be used. In certain embodiments, a
morphological processing operation--such as erosion, dilation,
others, or a combination thereof--may be used to prepare a template
such as the one depicted in FIG. 17. Known computer programs can
generate color separations. See, for example, Markham, CMYK COLOR
SEPARATIONS USING THE GIMP, accessed on Nov. 1, 2011, from the web
site Alternative Photography. One benefit of a template such as
FIG. 19 or a color separation of data such as that shown in FIG. 18
(noting that a color separation is, by nature, a black and white
image) is that it itself may be used as camera-ready art in the
preparation of silk screens for printing TPU elements onto socks.
That is, in certain embodiments, the template dictates the
positioning of elements 201 on socks 101. In some embodiments, such
a template is used to determine where to locate elements 201 on
socks 101. A template can be any information that relates areas of
stress during a golfer's swing and can have any suitable format.
For example, a template may consist of numerical coordinates
indicating locations on soles and values that indicate stress by
magnitude, vector, or both.
[0083] FIG. 20 diagrams a method of improving a golfer's game.
Steps of methods of the invention can be performed in any suitable
order. FIG. 20 provides but one exemplary diagram. A template, as
discussed above, is obtained along with any parameters relating to
footwear. For example, where socks are to be manufactured, an order
of socks and parameters relating to color, decoration, size, etc.,
may be received. Where a footwear system (e.g., a single custom
system for a golfer) is to provided, information about a preferred
shoe may be received.
[0084] Obtaining a template may include using a fitting system to
obtain stress data points that are then transferred to a computer
for processing. A fitting system may include a device for measuring
stresses, an area set up like a sports-playing area (e.g., a
golfing tee-off area, a baseball batting diamond, a square of
basketball court with net, a race car simulator with seat and
pedals, etc.) A fitting system may be provided by a store or
similar enterprise (such as a university athletic department or a
pro sports league training gym). A portable fitting system may be
taken to, and used at, events such as a PGA show. A fitting system
may be an installation in a sports pro shop, such as a golf pro
shop. A fitting system may be a kiosk with a measuring platform
(e.g., a frame with a metal and/or rubberized pad that measures
stress via sensors such as a scale or magnetic shear measurements)
that measures stress and transmits the measurements to a computer
in the kiosk for use in a template of the athlete's stress
patterns. Foot mapping kiosks are described in U.S. Pub.
2012/0191554 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,117,922. A kiosk may be used in a
store or at a show or public event to measure properties associated
with an athlete's foot and to provide the template.
[0085] Footwear is then prepared. This can include making socks
and/or mounting them on some suitable frame. Elements 201 are then
added to the socks. In certain embodiments, this involves screen
printing TPU onto sock fabric. Any required details (e.g.,
cuff-stitching, printing of size information, monogramming) are
added. In contexts that involve customization or personalization,
relevant details are prepared. For example, a golfer may provide a
personalized template for locations of elements 201. In some
embodiments, a golfer is given choice of different styles of
elements 201. In embodiments in which a footwear system is being
provided, an insole is provided, either as part of a shoe, or for
inserting into a shoe. Once the sock and optional insole is
prepared it is delivered. For example, a shipment of socks can be
delivered to a truck, to be carried to a distribution center. Or a
customer's online order can be shipped to their home.
[0086] FIG. 21 shows an exemplary system for improving a golfer's
game. In some aspects, the invention provides a system for making a
sock that provides the ability to receive a template that shows a
pattern corresponding to regions of maximal stress (e.g., FIG. 3,
FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 17, etc.) and to coordinate operations for
adding elements for padding and traction to a sock according to the
pattern.
[0087] FIG. 21 shows components in an exemplary system for
producing footwear systems. As shown in FIG. 19, system 400
generally includes one or more computer, communicably coupled via
network 415. Systems and methods of the invention may generally be
implemented through the use of one or more computer such as any
combination of a provider computer 481, a production computer 461,
and a consumer computer 401 along with, for example, a sales server
441 and a production server 421. A computer generally includes a
processor (e.g., 409, 489, 469, 449, 429) operably coupled to a
memory (e.g., 407, 487, 467, 447, 427) and configured to send or
receive information via input-output device (e.g., 405, 485, 465,
445, 425).
[0088] One of skill in the art will recognize that a processor may
be provided by one or more processors including, for example, one
or more of a single core or multi-core processor (e.g., AMD Phenom
II X2, Intel Core Duo, AMD Phenom II X4, Intel Core i5, Intel Core
i& Extreme Edition 980X, or Intel Xeon E7-2820). In certain
embodiments, any of consumer computer 401, provider computer 481,
production computer 461 may be a notebook or desktop computer sold
by Apple (Cupertino, Calif.) or a desktop, laptop, or similar
PC-compatible computer such as a Dell Latitude E6520 PC laptop
available from Dell Inc. (Round Rock, Tex.). Such a computer will
typically include a suitable operating system such as, for example,
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows XP, all from Microsoft (Redmond,
Wash.), OS X from Apple (Cupertino, Calif.), or Ubuntu Linux from
Canonical Group Limited (London, UK). In some embodiments, any of
consumer computer 401, provider computer 481, production computer
461 may be a tablet or smart-phone form factor device and processor
481 can be provided by, for example, an ARM-based system-on-a-chip
(SoC) processor such as the 1.2 GHz dual-core Exynos SoC processor
from Samsung Electronics (Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea).
[0089] In some embodiments, either of sales server 441 or
production server 421 can be a Hitachi Compute Blade 500 computer
device sold by Hitachi Data Systems (Santa Clara, Calif.). Either
of processor 449 or processor 429 can be, for example, a E5-2600
processor sold under the trademark Xeon by Intel Corporation (Santa
Clara, Calif.).
[0090] Input-output devices generally includes one or a combination
of monitor, keyboard, mouse, data jack (e.g., Ethernet port, modem
jack, HDMI port, mini-HDMI port, USB port), Wi-Fi card, touchscreen
(e.g., CRT, LCD, LED, AMOLED, Super AMOLED), pointing device,
trackpad, microphone, speaker, light (e.g., LED), or light/image
projection device.
[0091] In certain embodiments, a template is received via a
consumer's use of consumer computer 401 or via a designer's use of
provider computer 481 and the selection is received at sales server
441 and stored in memory 447. Sales server 441 may use a network
card for input/output 445 to received data. Sales server 441 may
provide an order database 443 which may include accounts 444 where
consumer information is stored (e.g., for payment and delivery
information).
[0092] After orders are received and ready for production, one or
more templates, other order information, or a combination thereof
can be transferred via input/output 445 from sales server 441 to
production server 421 via input/output 425, which may also be a
network card or other data transfer mechanism. Order information
(e.g., orders 439) is stored in production database 435 in memory
427. Processor 429 executes computer program instructions stored in
memory 427 to initiate production.
[0093] A production facility may be equipped with a production
computer 461 which either automatically coordinates the operation
of machines or provides information to production employees, e.g.,
via input/output 465, which could include, for example, a monitor
or laser printer.
[0094] Many of the steps and functions described herein can be
planned or coordinated by a provider personnel using provider
computer 481. For example, engineers or sales personnel can prepare
and upload information (e.g., one or more template, digital files
such as in a comma-separated values (CSV) format). That is, in
certain embodiments, provider personnel use provider computer 481
to design or plan production of particular socks or footwear
systems.
[0095] A memory generally refers to one or more storage devices for
storing data or carrying information, e.g., semiconductor,
magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. In certain
embodiments, a storage device of the invention includes a tangible,
non-transitory computer readable medium for memory. Exemplary
devices for use as memory include semiconductor memory devices,
(e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, solid state drive (SSD), and flash memory
devices e.g., SD, micro SD, SDXC, SDIO, SDHC cards); magnetic
disks, (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks);
magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks).
The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or
incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.
[0096] Footwear systems and articles of the invention may be made
with reference to particular portions of a sole of a foot, sock, or
insole. FIG. 8 displayed regions of a sole. In some embodiments,
elements or features are located on a sole with more particular
reference to detailed specific regions of a sole.
[0097] FIG. 22 is a detailed diagram of specific regions of a sole
137. Sole 137 includes an inside toe region 141 and an outside toe
region 145 just forward of a ball-of-foot region 151. A shared
central toe portion 177 occupies parts of inside toe region 141 and
outside toe region 145. There is an inside ball-of-foot region 169
disposed alongside an outside ball-of-foot region 157, both in
connection with fore-central ball-of-foot region 175. There is an
outer-edge ball-of-foot region 153. Sole 137 further includes an
inside mid-foot region 167 disposed along an outside mid-foot
region 161. Outside mid-foot region 161 is lead by forward outside
mid-foot area 159 and trailed by trailing outside mid-foot area
163. Heel region 165 is lead by forward heel region 155 and trailed
by trailing heel region 173. In certain embodiments, a sock 101 or
insole of the invention comprises an element 201 or feature,
respectively, substantially or essentially contiguous with central
toe portion 177, fore-central ball-of-foot region 175, forward
outside mid-foot area 159, forward heel region 155, or a
combination thereof. In some embodiments, a sock 101 or insole of
the invention comprises an element 201 or feature, respectively,
substantially or essentially contiguous with central toe portion
177, fore-central ball-of-foot region 175, forward outside mid-foot
area 159, and forward heel region 155, as depicted in FIG. 20, as
this may provide enhanced benefits of improved golfing according to
insights of the invention.
[0098] In certain embodiments, a pair of socks of the invention
includes elements 201 at locations corresponding to the origins of
one or more of the vectors depicted in FIG. 3. For example--making
reference to FIG. 20, and imaging its minor image to visualize both
a left and a right sock 101--in some embodiments, a right sock
includes an element 201 at each of inside ball-of-foot region 169,
fore-central ball-of-foot region 175, and outside ball-of-foot
region 157, or a continuous element 201 across a corresponding area
(optionally including element 201 at outer-edge ball-of-foot region
153 for additional lateral support benefit). A left sock includes
an element 201 at each of fore-central ball-of-foot region 175,
outside ball-of-foot region 157, and forward outside mid-foot area
159, or a continuous element 201 disposed across a corresponding
area. In certain alternative embodiments, the left and the right
sock are substantially symmetric to one another to offer a benefit
to consumers of matched feel for certain consumer who may find
asymmetric socks a distraction. In some embodiments, the invention
provides insoles with corresponding features. The features and
elements may be designed to provide a high degree of traction to
resist lateral displacement that would result from unmitigated
shear stresses. Displacement-resistance can be provided by a
textured surface, a pliable material (e.g., TPU), ridgelines or
contours, edges, corresponding protrusions and divots, gripping
balls, nubbins, or combinations thereof. Additionally, in some
embodiments, one or more of element 201 may wrap from the sole,
outwards and upwards, extending to the sides of sock 101 (e.g.,
towards the instep 119) for the benefit of additional tactile
feedback. While discussed above in terms generally of traction and
cushioning (e.g., to offset stresses and prevent fatigue, which
reduces subconscious foot positioning), additional benefits include
tactile feedback. The inclusion of one or more of element 201 give
stimulus points by which a golfer may understand the positioning of
the foot in relationship to the shoe and the ground, thereby aiding
a golfer in continually improving their athletic ability.
[0099] As used herein, the word "or" means "and or or", sometimes
seen or referred to as "and/or", unless indicated otherwise.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0100] References and citations to other documents, such as
patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books,
papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure.
All such documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
EQUIVALENTS
[0101] Various modifications of the invention and many further
embodiments thereof, in addition to those shown and described
herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
full contents of this document, including references to the
scientific and patent literature cited herein. The subject matter
herein contains important information, exemplification and guidance
that can be adapted to the practice of this invention in its
various embodiments and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *