U.S. patent application number 14/240711 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for lightweight shoe sole having structure displaying shock absorption and rebound elasticity.
The applicant listed for this patent is Woo Seung Seo. Invention is credited to Woo Seung Seo.
Application Number | 20140202031 14/240711 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47288640 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140202031 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seo; Woo Seung |
July 24, 2014 |
LIGHTWEIGHT SHOE SOLE HAVING STRUCTURE DISPLAYING SHOCK ABSORPTION
AND REBOUND ELASTICITY
Abstract
The present invention relates to a lightweight shoe sole having
a structure for shock absorption and rebound resilience that is
capable of improving shock absorption and rebound resilience
characteristics, while providing light weight. The lightweight shoe
sole includes: a reinforcing member; a first midsole having first
protrusions formed integrally therewith, the first protrusions
being supported on one surface of the reinforcing member; and a
second midsole having second protrusions formed integrally
therewith, the second protrusions being supported on the other
surface of the reinforcing member, wherein the first protrusions
and the second protrusions are supported by means of the
reinforcing member in non-overlapping regions therebetween.
Inventors: |
Seo; Woo Seung; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seo; Woo Seung |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
47288640 |
Appl. No.: |
14/240711 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
August 24, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2012/006784 |
371 Date: |
February 24, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/28 ;
36/25R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/026 20130101;
A43B 13/187 20130101; A43B 13/185 20130101; A43B 13/16 20130101;
A43B 13/181 20130101; A43B 13/127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/28 ;
36/25.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 25, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0085064 |
May 25, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0055863 |
Claims
1. A lightweight shoe sole having a structure for shock absorption
and rebound resilience, comprising: a reinforcing member; a first
midsole having first protrusions formed integrally therewith, the
first protrusions being supported on one surface of the reinforcing
member; and a second midsole having second protrusions formed
integrally therewith, the second protrusions being supported on the
other surface of the reinforcing member, wherein the first
protrusions and the second protrusions are supported by means of
the reinforcing member in non-overlapping regions therebetween.
2. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the
reinforcing member is made of a high resilient material having
relatively higher resilience than the first midsole and the second
midsole.
3. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the
first protrusions of the first midsole are spaced apart from each
other, while the second protrusions of the second midsole are
spaced apart from each other, and a first shock-absorbing space is
formed between the neighboring first protrusions, while a second
shock-absorbing space is formed between the neighboring second
protrusions, so that the first protrusions are supported on the
second shock-absorbing spaces by means of the reinforcing member,
and the second protrusions are supported on the first
shock-absorbing spaces by means of the reinforcing member.
4. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 3, wherein at least
any ones of the first shock-absorbing spaces and the second
shock-absorbing spaces are formed in such a manner as to
communicate with the outside.
5. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 3, wherein the
first protrusions and the second protrusions are provided in an
integral form located continuously in the width directions of the
first midsole and the second midsole or in a plural form located
discontinuously in the width directions thereof.
6. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 3, wherein at least
any ones of the first shock-absorbing spaces and the second
shock-absorbing spaces are filled with a filling material.
7. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 3, wherein the
reinforcing member comprises: a reinforcing plate against which the
first protrusions and the second protrusions are supported; and
reinforcing side walls formed integrally with the side end portion
of the reinforcing plate to surround the side surfaces of at least
one of the first midsole and the second midsole.
8. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 7, wherein the
reinforcing side walls surround the whole or partial side surfaces
of the first midsole or the second midsole to prevent foreign
matters from entering the first shock-absorbing spaces or the
second shock-absorbing spaces.
9. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 3, wherein the
reinforcing member comprises: a reinforcing plate against which the
first protrusions and the second protrusions are supported; and
reinforcing side walls formed integrally with the side end portion
of the reinforcing plate to surround the side surfaces of one of
the first midsole and the second midsole, so that the other is
adapted to cover the whole or partial outside surfaces of the
reinforcing side walls.
10. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the
reinforcing member comprises: a reinforcing plate against which the
first protrusions and the second protrusions are supported; and
reinforcing ribs extended integrally from the side end portion of
the reinforcing plate, while being spaced apart from the
reinforcing plate by a given distance, so as to surround the side
surfaces of at least one of the first midsole and the second
midsole.
11. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 10, wherein the
reinforcing ribs have a relatively higher thickness than the
reinforcing plate.
12. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 10, wherein the
reinforcing plate has incised portions formed thereon.
13. The lightweight shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the
first midsole or the second midsole disposed on the underside of
the reinforcing member has exposure holes formed thereon, through
which a portion of the reinforcing member is exposed from the
underside surface of the first midsole or the second midsole.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a shoe sole, and more
particularly, to a lightweight shoe sole having a structure for
shock absorption and rebound resilience that is capable of
improving shock absorption and rebound resilience characteristics,
while providing light weight.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Shoes are generally used to protect a wearer's feet, but as
the cultural levels of people have been improved, the functions and
utilization of the shoes have been complicated and developed.
[0003] In the past, especially, various exercises are carried out
just with a pair of gym shoes, but recently, specialized functional
shoes for various purposes such as walking, running, climbing,
playing football, playing tennis, playing baseball, playing golf
and the like have been developed in accordance with the needs of
wearers.
[0004] A shoe largely includes an upper part formed to protect the
top side of the foot and the joint portions and a sole part formed
to protect the sole of the foot. The shocks caused during walking
and running may be transmitted to the wearer's body through the
sole part of the shoe, and thus, if the sole part is a little
heavy, he or she may feel easily fatigued. Therefore, the sole part
of the shoe should have a light structure capable of providing
shock absorption characteristics.
[0005] As a result, various studies on the sole part of the shoe
have been recently made to reduce the shocks applied to the human
body during walking and running as well as to achieve substantially
light weight, but unfortunately, such studies do not completely
satisfy the needs of wearers. Therefore, there is a definite need
for the development of a lightweight shoe sole having shock
absorption performance.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0006] An aspect of the present invention provides a lightweight
shoe sole having a structure for shock absorption and rebound
resilience that has shock absorption characteristics capable of
minimizing the shocks applied to a wearer during walking and
running and at the same time that has rebound resilience
characteristics capable of providing energy for next operation.
[0007] An aspect of the present invention also provides a
lightweight shoe sole having a structure for shock absorption and
rebound resilience that has excellent wearing comfort, while
improving the energy efficiency of a wearer even during long hours
wearing to reduce the fatigue applied to the wearer's foot.
Technical Solution
[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a lightweight shoe sole having a structure for shock
absorption and rebound resilience, including: a reinforcing member;
a first midsole having first protrusions formed integrally
therewith, the first protrusions being supported on one surface of
the reinforcing member; and a second midsole having second
protrusions formed integrally therewith, the second protrusions
being supported on the other surface of the reinforcing member,
wherein the first protrusions and the second protrusions are
supported by means of the reinforcing member in non-overlapping
regions therebetween.
[0009] Preferably, the first protrusions of the first midsole are
spaced apart from each other, while the second protrusions of the
second midsole are spaced apart from each other, and a first
shock-absorbing space is formed between the neighboring first
protrusions, while a second shock-absorbing space is formed between
the neighboring second protrusions.
[0010] Preferably, the shapes, sizes and spacing distances of the
first protrusions and the second protrusions are freely varied in
accordance with their requirements and design specifications, and
accordingly, the shapes and sizes of the first shock-absorbing
spaces and the second shock-absorbing spaces are changed, depending
upon the shapes, sizes and spacing distances of the first
protrusions and the second protrusions. For example, the first
protrusions and the second protrusions are provided in a form of
waves in the longitudinal directions of the first midsole and the
second midsole. Further, the first protrusions and the second
protrusions are provided in an integral form located continuously
in the width directions of the first midsole and the second midsole
or in plural forms located discontinuously in the width directions
thereof.
[0011] Preferably, the first midsole and the second midsole are
made of the same material to have the same resilience and hardness
as each other, and in some cases, they may be made of different
materials to have different resilience and hardness from each
other.
[0012] Preferably, the first protrusions and the second protrusions
are supported by means of the reinforcing member in non-overlapping
regions therebetween. This means the supported portions of the
first protrusions and the second protrusions by means of the
reinforcing member are not laid on each other at the top view. In
more detail, when viewing from the top, the first protrusions are
supported on the second shock-absorbing spaces by means of the
reinforcing member, and the second protrusions are on the first
shock-absorbing spaces by means of the reinforcing member. Further,
at least any ones of the first shock-absorbing spaces and the
second shock-absorbing spaces are formed in such a manner as to
communicate with the outside.
[0013] Preferably, the reinforcing member is made of a high
resilient material having relatively higher resilience than the
first midsole and the second midsole. In some cases, it may be made
of a low resilient material having relatively lower resilience than
the first midsole and the second midsole, and the hardness of the
reinforcing member and the respective midsoles may be varied in
accordance with their requirements and design specifications.
[0014] Preferably, the structure of the reinforcing member is
freely changed in accordance with the requirements and design
specifications thereof. For example, the reinforcing member largely
includes a reinforcing plate against which the first protrusions
and the second protrusions are supported and reinforcing ribs bent
integrally from the side end portion of the reinforcing plate, so
as to surround the side end portion of at least one of the first
midsole and the second midsole.
[0015] Preferably, the reinforcing ribs serve to suppress the
twisting generated during walking and running, thereby ensuring
more stable walking and running, and the reinforcing ribs have a
relatively higher thickness than the reinforcing plate.
[0016] So as to ensure the mobility of the reinforcing member
during walking and running in a more stable manner, preferably, the
reinforcing plate has at least one or more incised portions formed
thereon. On the other hand, the first midsole disposed on the
underside of the reinforcing member has a plurality of exposure
holes formed thereon, through which a portion of the reinforcing
plate is exposed from the underside surface of the first
midsole.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0017] As set forth in the foregoing, there is provided the
lightweight shoe sole having a structure for shock absorption and
rebound resilience that is capable of improving the shock
absorption and distribution performance to minimize the shocks
applied to the wearer during walking and running and that is
capable of enhancing rebound resilience performance to provide
energy for next operation, while providing light weight.
[0018] According to the present invention, especially, the first
protrusions of the first midsole and the second protrusions of the
second midsole are supported by means of the reinforcing member
made of a high resilient material in non-overlapping regions
therebetween, so that the shocks generated during walking and
running can be effectively absorbed and distributed. That is, the
shocks transmitted from the first protrusions and the second
protrusions are evenly distributed and absorbed by means of the
reinforcing member, thereby optimizing the shock absorption and
distribution performance thereof.
[0019] Further, the first protrusions and the second protrusions
are supported by means of the reinforcing member made of the high
resilient material, thereby optimizing the rebound resilience
performance providing the energy for next operation. That is,
momentum (rebound resilience) at the time of taking off during the
walking and running can be improved.
[0020] Further, the lightweight shoe sole according to the present
invention provides excellent wearing comfort, ensures more
comfortable walking and running, and improves the energy efficiency
of the wearer even during long hours wearing to reduce the fatigue
applied to the wearer's foot.
[0021] Furthermore, the lightweight shoe sole according to the
present invention provides the first shock-absorbing spaces and the
second shock-absorbing spaces, placing the reinforcing member
therebetween, thereby ensuring excellent shock absorption
performance and substantially reducing the weight of the shoe
sole.
[0022] Additionally, the lightweight shoe sole according to the
present invention effectively absorbs and distributes side shocks
generated from the sides of the shoe sole.
[0023] Lastly, the lightweight shoe sole according to the present
invention has the filling materials filled into the first
shock-absorbing spaces and the second shock-absorbing spaces to
previously prevent foreign matters such as sand, gravels and the
like from entering the first shock-absorbing spaces and the second
shock-absorbing spaces, thereby completely keeping the cushion
force and the shock absorption performance from being
diminished.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] The above and other aspects of the present invention will
become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments of the
invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of
which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a structure of a lightweight
shoe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the lightweight shoe sole
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the lightweight shoe sole
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG.
3.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG.
3.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG.
3.
[0031] FIGS. 7 and 8 are side views showing variations of the
lightweight shoe sole according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a lightweight shoe sole
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing a lightweight shoe sole
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the lightweight shoe sole of
FIG. 10.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG.
10.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line E-E of FIG.
10.
MODE FOR INVENTION
[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The exemplary
embodiments are described below in order to explain the present
invention by referring to the figures.
[0038] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a structure of a lightweight
shoe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a side view showing the lightweight shoe sole according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is
a bottom view showing the lightweight shoe sole according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 is a
sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a
sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a
sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 3. On the other
hand, FIGS. 7 and 8 are side views showing variations of the
lightweight shoe sole according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0039] As shown in the drawings, a lightweight shoe sole having a
structure for shock absorption and rebound resilience largely
includes a reinforcing member 300, a first midsole 100, and a
second midsole 200.
[0040] The reinforcing member 300 is provided between the first
midsole 100 and the second midsole 200, and the first midsole 100
and the second midsole 200 having the reinforcing member 300
located therebetween are disposed between an insole (not shown) and
an outsole 400. Hereinafter, an example, where the first midsole
100 is disposed on the underside of the reinforcing member 300 and
the second midsole 200 on the top of the reinforcing member 300,
will be explained. In some cases, the positions of the first
midsole 100 and the second midsole 200 may be changed to each
other.
[0041] The first midsole 100 has first protrusions 110 formed
integrally with the top surface thereof. For example, the first
midsole 100 having the first protrusions 110 is made of rubber or
synthetic resin by means of typical foaming, and in some cases, the
first midsole 100 may be made of an unfoamed material or other
materials.
[0042] The first protrusions 110 are spaced apart from each other
by a given distance in the longitudinal direction of the first
midsole 100, and a first shock-absorbing space 120 is formed
between the neighboring first protrusions 110.
[0043] The shapes, sizes and spacing distances of the first
protrusions 110 may be freely varied in accordance with their
requirements and design specifications, and accordingly, the shapes
and sizes of the first shock-absorbing spaces 120 may be changed,
depending upon the shapes, sizes and spacing distances of the first
protrusions 110. Hereinafter, an example, where the first
protrusions 110 are provided in a form of waves in the longitudinal
direction of the first midsole 100, will be explained.
[0044] Moreover, the first protrusions 110 may be provided in an
integral form located continuously in the width direction of the
first midsole 100 or in a plural form located discontinuously in
the width direction thereof. Hereinafter, an example, where the
first protrusions 110 are provided in a plural form located
discontinuously in the width direction of the first midsole 100,
will be explained.
[0045] If the first protrusions 110 are provided in a plural form
located discontinuously in the width direction of the first midsole
100, light weight of the shoe sole can be achieved, and even though
shocks are generated from sides, they will be effectively absorbed
and distributed through a plurality of spaces formed between the
first protrusions 110. That is, since the first protrusions 110 are
formed discontinuously in the width direction of the first midsole
100, given spaces between the neighboring first protrusions 110 are
provided, and as a result, even though shocks are generated from
sides, the given spaces can effectively absorb and distribute the
side shocks. Under the above structure, furthermore, inside air can
be moved along the spaces between the first protrusions 110 upon
the generation of the shocks caused in the loading direction,
thereby further improving the shock absorption and distribution
characteristics.
[0046] The second midsole 200 is provided on the top side of the
first midsole 100 and has second protrusions 210 formed integrally
with the underside surface thereof. For example, the second midsole
200 having the second protrusions 210 is made of rubber or
synthetic resin by means of typical foaming, and in some cases, the
second midsole 200 may be made of an unfoamed material or other
materials.
[0047] The second protrusions 210 are spaced apart from each other
by a given distance in the longitudinal direction of the second
midsole 200, and a second shock-absorbing space 220 is formed
between the neighboring second protrusions 210.
[0048] The shapes, sizes and spacing distances of the second
protrusions 210 may be freely varied in accordance with their
requirements and design specifications, and accordingly, the shapes
and sizes of the second shock-absorbing spaces 220 may be changed,
depending upon the shapes, sizes and spacing distances of the
second protrusions 210. Hereinafter, an example, where the second
protrusions 210 are provided in a form of waves in the longitudinal
direction of the second midsole 200, will be explained.
[0049] Moreover, the second protrusions 210 may be provided in an
integral form located continuously in the width direction of the
second midsole 200 or in a plural form located discontinuously in
the width direction thereof. Hereinafter, an example, where the
second protrusions 210 are provided in a plural form located
discontinuously in the width direction of the second midsole 200,
will be explained.
[0050] The first midsole 100 and the second midsole 200 are made of
the same material to have the same resilience and hardness as each
other, and in some cases, they may be made of different materials
to have different resilience and hardness from each other.
[0051] The first protrusions 110 and the second protrusions 210 are
supported by means of the reinforcing member 300 in the
non-overlapping regions therebetween. This means the supported
portions of the first protrusions 110 and the second protrusions
210 by means of the reinforcing member 300 are not laid on each
other at the top view. In more detail, when viewing from the top,
the first protrusions 110 are supported on the second
shock-absorbing spaces 220 by means of the reinforcing member 300,
and the second protrusions 210 are on the first shock-absorbing
spaces 110 by means of the reinforcing member 300.
[0052] On the other hand, at least any ones of the first
shock-absorbing spaces 120 and the second shock-absorbing spaces
220 may be formed in such a manner as to communicate with the
outside. Hereinafter, an example, where both of the first
shock-absorbing spaces 120 and the second shock-absorbing spaces
220 are pierced in a form of a tunnel in the width directions of
the first midsole 100 and the second midsole 200 in such a manner
as to communicate with the outside, will be explained. In some
cases, any ones of the first shock-absorbing spaces 120 and the
second shock-absorbing spaces 220 are formed to communicate with
the outside, and alternatively, they are formed to have a form of a
tunnel having one end closed.
[0053] Like this, the structure, wherein the first shock-absorbing
spaces 120 and the second shock-absorbing spaces 220 are formed to
communicate with the outside, can be used as a kind of open air
chambers, and accordingly, unlike generally known closed air
chambers, the open air chambers allow the air in the first
shock-absorbing spaces 120 and the second shock-absorbing spaces
220 to be moved along the first shock-absorbing spaces 120 and the
second shock-absorbing spaces 220 and emitted to the outside,
thereby more effectively absorbing and distributing the shocks
applied to the sole.
[0054] The reinforcing member 300 is made of a high resilient
material having relatively higher resilience than the first midsole
100 and the second midsole 200 and is interposed between the first
midsole 100 and the second midsole 200 to resiliently support the
first protrusions 110 and the second protrusions 210.
[0055] For example, the reinforcing member 300 is made of
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) having relatively higher
resilience than the first midsole 100 and the second midsole 200.
In some cases, it may be made of a low resilient material having
relatively lower resilience than the first midsole 100 and the
second midsole 200, and the hardness of the reinforcing member 300
and the respective midsoles may be varied in accordance with their
requirements and design specifications.
[0056] The reinforcing member 300 is made of a typical foaming or
unfoamed material and may be made of other materials in accordance
with the requirements and design specifications thereof.
[0057] The structure of the reinforcing member 300 is freely
changed in accordance with the requirements and design
specifications thereof. For example, the reinforcing member 300
largely includes a reinforcing plate 310 against which the first
protrusions 110 and the second protrusions 210 are supported and
reinforcing ribs 320 bent integrally from the side end portion of
the reinforcing plate 310, while being spaced apart from the
reinforcing plate 310 by a given distance, so as to surround the
side end portion of at least one of the first midsole 100 and the
second midsole 200. The reinforcing ribs 320 are formed to a form
of a rib from the reinforcing plate 310. Hereinafter, an example,
where the reinforcing ribs 320 are bent upwardly from the
reinforcing plate 310 to surround the side end portion of the
second midsole 200, will be given.
[0058] The reinforcing ribs 320 have given sizes, and further, they
are spaced apart from each other by a given distance along the side
end portion of the reinforcing plate 310. The sizes of the
reinforcing ribs 320, the number of reinforcing ribs 320, and the
spacing distances thereof are appropriately changed in accordance
with their requirements and design specifications.
[0059] The reinforcing ribs 320 serve to suppress the twisting
generated during the walking and running, thereby ensuring more
stable walking and running. So as to improve the function of
suppressing the twisting, moreover, the reinforcing ribs 320
desirably has a relatively higher thickness than the reinforcing
plate 310 (T2>T1). In some cases, the reinforcing plate 310 may
be provided alone, without having any separate reinforcing ribs
320.
[0060] So as to ensure the mobility of the reinforcing member 300
during the walking and running in a more stable manner, further,
the reinforcing plate 310 has at least one or more incised portions
312 formed thereon. The incised portions 312 may be formed in the
longitudinal or width direction of the reinforcing plate 310 in
accordance with their requirements and design specifications, and
the sections where the incised portions 312 are formed are
appropriately varied in accordance with their requirements.
Further, the incised portions having different sizes and shapes may
be formed by special section (for example, forefoot, midfoot and
heel).
[0061] Moreover, the incised portions 312 help the weight of the
shoe sole light and allow the air movement between the first
shock-absorbing spaces 120 and the second shock-absorbing spaces
220, thereby achieving the shock absorption and distribution in a
more gentle manner. Furthermore, even though the shocks are
generated from the sides of the sole, the incised portions 312
ensure the mobility of the reinforcing plate 310, thereby
effectively absorbing and distributing the side shocks.
[0062] On the other hand, the first midsole 100 disposed on the
underside of the reinforcing member 300 has exposure holes 130
formed thereon, through which a portion of the reinforcing plate
310 is exposed from the underside surface of the first midsole 100.
The exposure holes 130 provide a bridge structure to the first
midsole 100, thereby improving the shock absorption function, and
further, the formation of the exposure holes 130 permits the shoe
to be lighter.
[0063] The outsole 400 is disposed on the underside of the first
midsole 100. The outsole 400 is a portion that comes into direct
contact with the ground, which is made of a material and structure
capable of preventing sliding and providing stability.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 7, on the other hand, a first midsole 1100
has first protrusions 1110 spaced apart from each other by a given
distance in an embossing form, and a second midsole 1200 has second
protrusions 1210 spaced apart from each other by a given distance
in an embossing form. In the same manner as above, the first
protrusions 1110 and the second protrusions 1210 are supported by
means of a reinforcing member 1300 in non-overlapping regions
therebetween.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, furthermore, at least ones of first
protrusions 2110 of a first midsole 2100 and second protrusions
2210 of a second midsole 2200 are formed to a form of a closed
loop. For example, the first protrusions 2110 and the second
protrusions 2210 are formed to a shape of a generally hollow
cylindrical closed loop, and in this case, the second protrusions
2210 have relatively smaller diameters than the first protrusions
2110 in such a manner as to be supported by means of a reinforcing
member 2300 in the regions corresponding to the internal regions of
the first protrusions 2110. In some cases, the second protrusions
2210 have relatively larger diameters (or sizes) than the first
protrusions 2110 in such a manner as to be supported by means of
the reinforcing member 2300 in the regions corresponding to the
external regions of the first protrusions 2110. Further, the first
protrusions 2110 and the second protrusions 2210 may have other
closed loop shapes in accordance with their requirements and design
specifications, and alternatively, they may have the closed loop
shapes corresponding to the whole shape of the shoe. Further, each
of the first protrusions and the second protrusions having the
closed loop shape corresponding to the whole shape of the shoe may
be spaced apart from each other in such a manner as to have
gradually reduced or increased sizes.
[0066] On the other hand, FIG. 9 is a side view showing a
lightweight shoe sole according to another exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. Further, the same components as the
above-mentioned structure of the shoe sole are indicated by the
same reference numerals as each other, and for the brevity of the
description, the explanation on their repeated features will be
avoided.
[0067] According to the present invention, the first
shock-absorbing spaces and the second shock-absorbing spaces are
provided as air chambers, but in some cases, they may be filled
with separate filling materials.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 9, that is, the first shock-absorbing
spaces 120 and the second shock-absorbing spaces 220 are filled
with filling materials 510 and 520. The kinds of features of the
filling materials 510 and 520 may be varied in accordance with
their requirements and design specifications, and therefore, the
present invention is not limited to the kinds and features of the
filling materials 510 and 520. For example, the filling materials
510 and 520 filled into the first shock-absorbing spaces 120 and
the second shock-absorbing spaces 220 are made of an ultra light
material such as urethane foam.
[0069] The above structure previously prevents foreign matters such
as sand, gravels and the like from entering the first
shock-absorbing spaces 120 and the second shock-absorbing spaces
220, thereby completely keeping the cushion force and the shock
absorption performance from being diminished.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing a lightweight shoe sole
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 11 is a side view showing the lightweight shoe sole of FIG.
10, FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG.
10, and FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line E-E of
FIG. 10.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, a lightweight shoe sole having
high resilience largely includes a reinforcing member 3300, a first
midsole 3100, and a second midsole 3200.
[0072] The reinforcing member 3300 includes a reinforcing plate
3310 interposed between the first midsole 3100 and the second
midsole 3200 and reinforcing side walls 3320 adapted to partially
surround the side surfaces of the second midsole 3200. The
reinforcing side walls 3320 are injected integrally with the
reinforcing plate 3310 and desirably are made of a transparent
material to permit the structure of the second midsole 3200
disposed at the inside thereof to be seen to the outside.
[0073] The first midsole 3100 is located on the underside of the
reinforcing member 3300 and has first protrusions 3110 formed
integrally with the top surface thereof. The first midsole 3100 is
adapted to allow the outside surface of the reinforcing member 3300
on which the reinforcing side walls 3320 are formed to be partially
accommodated thereinto and further to allow the reinforcing member
3300 and the second midsole 3200 in the regions where the first
protrusions 3110 are not formed to be partially seen.
[0074] The second midsole 3200 is located on the top of the
reinforcing member 3300 and has second protrusions 3210 formed
integrally with the underside thereof.
[0075] The first protrusions 3110 and the second protrusions 3210
are formed to a form of a post in the regions where they are not
laid up and down on each other, and as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
they support the reinforcing plate 3310.
[0076] In more detail, as shown in FIG. 12, the first protrusions
3110 are located in the middle of the sole, and second
shock-absorbing spaces 3220 are formed over the first protrusions
3110 in such a manner as to up and down correspond to the first
protrusions 3110. At the same time, the second protrusions 3210 are
formed on the left and right sides of the second shock-absorbing
spaces 3220, and first shock-absorbing spaces 3120 are formed under
the second protrusions 3210 in such a manner as to up and down
correspond to the second protrusions 3210. When viewed at the
sectional position of FIG. 12, the reinforcing member 3300 is seen
to the outside through the first shock-absorbing spaces 3120.
[0077] In FIG. 13, on the other hand, both sides of the reinforcing
member 3300 are supported by means of the first midsole 3100, and
the center thereof is not supported. That is, the first protrusions
3110 are formed on the left and right sides of the first midsole
3100, and the second shock-absorbing spaces 3220 are provided over
the first protrusions 3110 in such a manner as to be laid up and
down on each other. At the same time, the second protrusions 3210
are provided between the second shock-absorbing spaces 3220, and in
this case, the second protrusions 3210 have a separate space formed
thereinto so as to help the weight of the shoe sole light. The
first shock-absorbing spaces 3120 are provided under the second
protrusions 3210 in such a manner as to be laid up and down on each
other.
[0078] The reinforcing side walls 3320 serve to block the second
shock-absorbing spaces 3220 from the outside and to prevent foreign
matters from entering the second shock-absorbing spaces 3220.
Furthermore, the reinforcing side walls 3320 are located between
the first midsole 3100 and the second midsole 3200 to permit the
rear portion of the second midsole 3200 to be accommodated in a
shape of U-like section, thereby suppressing the twisting of the
shoe sole occurring during walking and running and thus ensuring
the walking and running in a more stable manner.
[0079] Additionally, the reinforcing side walls 3320 may be
extended to the lower portion of the side surfaces of the upper
part of the shoe so as to partially support the lower portion of
the upper part of the shoe, thereby helping the wearer walk and run
stably.
[0080] Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present
invention have been shown and described, the present invention is
not limited to the described exemplary embodiments. Instead, it
would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may
be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the
principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is
defined by the claims and their equivalents.
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