U.S. patent application number 14/178189 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-21 for cushioned sole with air chamber and resistance protrusions.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Walking Company Holdings, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is The Walking Company Holdings, Inc.. Invention is credited to Antonio Colella, Andrew Feshbach.
Application Number | 20140230272 14/178189 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51350057 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140230272 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feshbach; Andrew ; et
al. |
August 21, 2014 |
Cushioned Sole with Air Chamber and Resistance Protrusions
Abstract
A shoe providing increased comfort and decreased weight without
sacrificing in quality or durability by cresting a chamber below
the insole, and preferably in between an outsole and a midsole,
with protrusions projecting up from the outsole towards the chamber
directly beneath the midsole. In some embodiments, the protrusions
may project directly into the chamber but maintains a gap between
the top of the protrusions and the midsole.
Inventors: |
Feshbach; Andrew; (Santa
Barbara, CA) ; Colella; Antonio; (Thousand Oaks,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Walking Company Holdings, Inc. |
Santa Barbara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Walking Company Holdings,
Inc.
Santa Sarbara
CA
|
Family ID: |
51350057 |
Appl. No.: |
14/178189 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61763260 |
Feb 11, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/29 ;
36/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/144 20130101;
A43B 7/1445 20130101; A43B 13/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/29 ;
36/28 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/20 20060101
A43B013/20; A43B 13/18 20060101 A43B013/18 |
Claims
1. A shoe, comprising: a. an outsole; b. a midsole positioned above
the outsole, wherein the midsole is feed to the outsole; c. a
chamber in between the outsole and the midsole, wherein the chamber
extends from a front portion of the shoe to a heel portion of the
shoe; d. a plurality of protrusions projecting up from the outsole
into the chamber directly beneath the midsole, wherein the
protrusions are characterized by a rounded top portion and a base
opposite the top portion, the base integrally formed with the
outsole, wherein the top portion of each protrusion and the midsole
define a gap therebetween when in a natural state; and e. an arch
support within the chamber in between the front portion and the
heel portion, wherein the arch support is a rigid sheet having a
convex top surface and a concave bottom surface.
2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the air chamber comprises a heel
chamber section and a metatarsal chamber section.
3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the heel chamber section and the
metatarsal chamber section are sealed from each other.
4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the air chamber 108, 110 is lined
with an airtight lining.
5. A shoe, comprising: a. an outsole; b. a midsole positioned above
the outsole; c. an insole positioned above the midsole; d. a
chamber below the insole, wherein the chamber extends from a front
portion of the shoe to a heel portion of the shoe; and e. a
plurality of protrusions projecting up towards the insole, wherein
the protrusions are characterized by a rounded top portion and a
base opposite the top portion, the base formed adjacent the
outsole, wherein the top portion of each protrusion and the insole
define a gap therebetween when in a natural state.
6. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the chamber comprises a heel
chamber and a metatarsal chamber.
7. The shoe of claim 6, wherein the two air chambers are sealed
from each other.
8. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the air chamber is lined with an
airtight lining.
9. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the midsole is a sealed bladder
having a top side and a bottom side with the air chamber defined by
the top and bottom side of the midsole.
10. The shoe of claim 9, wherein the protrusions are Integrally
formed with the outsole and abut the bottom side of the
midsole.
11. The shoe of claim 5, further comprising an arch support in
between the front portion and the heel portion, wherein the arch
support is a rigid sheet having a convex top surface and a concave
bottom surface.
12. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the protrusions are integrally
formed with the outsole and protrude into the chamber beneath the
midsole, wherein the top portion of each protrusion and the midsole
define the gap.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/763,260, entitled
"Cushioned Sole with Air Chamber and Resistance Protrusion," filed
Feb. 11, 2013, which application is incorporated in its entirety
here by this reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to shoes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many hours are spent standing, walking, and running. Poor
shoes create discomfort in each of these activities, and can cause
or exacerbate knee pain and back pain. Further causing discomfort
is the weight of a shoe. An old adage indicates a pound of weight
on the foot equals shout five pounds carried on the back. Some
studies indicate carrying a certain amount of weight on the foot
required about 5 to 6 times more energy to carry that same weight
on the back. Therefore, it is important to wear lightweight shoes
that provide the proper support to the feet.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention is directed to an improved shoe that
has reduced weight than the average shoe by creating air chambers
underneath the insole, preferably in between the outsole and the
midsole, but providing improved stability by using protrusions
projecting up from the outsole into the air chambers towards the
midsole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the present invention:
[0007] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 4 shows a dose-up of a cross-section of the front
portion of the shoe shown in FIG. 3;
[0009] FIG. 5 shows a close-up of a cross-section of the heel
portion of the shoe shown in FIG. 3;
[0010] FIG. 6 shows a close-up of a cross-section of the arch of
the shoe shown in FIG. 3; and
[0011] FIG. 7 shows another close-up of a cross-section of the heel
portion of the shoe shown in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of
presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not
intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is
to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent fractions
and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are
also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0013] The present invention is an improved shoe providing
increased comfort and decreased weight without sacrificing in
quality or durability by creating an air chamber 108, 110 below the
insole 102, and preferably in between the outsole 106 and the
midsole 104, with protrusions 114 projecting op from the outsole
106 into the chamber directly beneath the midsole 104. A typical
shoe comprises an upper 101 that covers the top portion of the foot
and a sole 100 that covers the bottom portion of the foot and
provides a safe surface tor the toot to rest upon. The sole 100,
therefore, serves as the interface between the wearer's foot and
the ground, while the upper 101 provides covering and protection
for the top portion of the foot.
[0014] Depending on the type of shoe, the upper 101 can be made of
many different materials, such as canvas, rubber, leather, nylon
and the like.
[0015] The sole 100 generally comprises an insole 102, a midsole
104, and the outsole 106. The insole 102 is the first or top layer
of material inside the shoe upon which the foot rests. The insole
102 provides a comfortable surface and support for the foot. As
such, the insole 102 may be made of soft or cushiony material, such
as foam, rubber, silicone, leather, cotton and the like.
[0016] The outsole 106 is the exposed or outside part of the sole
that makes contact with the ground. The outsole 106 can be made of
any type of material that provides grip, is durable, and
optionally, water resistant. In the preferred embodiment, the
outsole 106 may be made of rubber, leather, plastic, and the
like.
[0017] To improve comfort and shock absorption, a midsole 104 is
provided in between the insole 102 and the outsole 106. In the
preferred embodiment, the midsole 104 is made of ethylene-vinyl
acetate EVA, but polyurethane, and other types of rubber, foam,
plastic, and the like are also suitable. In the preferred
embodiment, the insole 102 is fixed to the midsole 104 and the
midsole 104 is fixed to the outsole 106. However, the insole 102
and the midsole 104 can be removable.
[0018] To further improve shock absorption and comfort, the midsole
104 and the outsole 106 are constructed so as to create a chamber
108, 110 or cavity in between the midsole 104 and the outsole 106.
In some embodiments, the chamber 108, 110 may be one continuous
chamber from the front portion 10 of the shoe underneath the ball
of the foot or the metatarsals all the way to the heel portion 12
of the shoe. In other words, the chamber 108, 110 may extend
substantially the fall length and width of the shoe.
[0019] The portion of the shoe underneath the arch of the foot may
be filled, or include an arch support 112 to provide added support
to the arches. To maintain lightness, the arch support may be made
from a rigid sheet of material, such as plastic, metal, and the
like, having a convex top surface and a concave bottom surface. The
concave bottom surface is curved, to fit or mate with the contours
of the outsole at the arch portion. The convex top surface provides
the upwardly arching curve to provide support for the arches of the
wearer's foot. The arch support is glued, cemented, welded, bonded,
or otherwise adhered to the outsole for added stability, while
still allowing for some give or flexibility so as not to cause pain
in the arches. The area support 112 is sufficiently stiff so as to
maintain its general form while the shoe is worn.
[0020] Due to the arch support 112, the cavity between the outsole
and midsole define two distinct chamber sections 108, 110, one
under the heel of the foot (heel chamber section 108) and one under
the ball (metatarsal chamber section 110), since most of the
pressure is applied at the heel and the ball of the foot. The two
chamber sections 108, 110 may be sealed from each other or may be
in fluid communication. Creation of the chamber 108, 110 not only
provides a more comfortable feel, but it also allows the shoe to be
lighter in weight as much of the material that would have been
occupied by the outsole 106 or the midsole 104 can be removed.
[0021] In some embodiments, to ensure a tight seal, the chamber
108, 110 may be lined with an airtight lining. In another
embodiment, the midsole 104 itself may be constructed in the form
of a sealed bladder with the chamber 108, 110 inside the midsole
104. In other words, the bladder defines the air chamber 108, 110.
The bladder may have a top side upon which the insole is
positioned, and a bottom side which rests upon the outsole 106. The
protrusions 114 may be on the outsole 106 and abut against the
bottom side of the outsole 104. In some embodiments with the
bladder, the protrusions 114 may be on the inner side of the bottom
side of the midsole 104 protruding into the chamber 108, 110.
[0022] The chamber 108, 110 created between the midsole 104 and the
outsole 100 is the preferred embodiment. This allows for the
creation of a plurality of protrusions 114 to project up from the
outsole 100 into the air chamber 108, 110. The protrusions 114
create added stability and support under the heel and the ball of
the feet where most pressure is applied. Preferably, the
protrusions 114 are integrally formed with the outsole 106.
Therefore the protrusions 114 may be made of the same material as
the outsole 186. The outsole 106 and protrusions 114 can be created
by the use of a mold. However, the protrusions 114 can be modified
to have a particular hardness that is the same as or different from
the outsole 106 to provide the proper support.
[0023] The combination of a sealed air chamber 108, 110 and
protrusions 114 creates superior comfort and stability while
minimizing the weight of the shoe. The air chamber 108, 110 alone,
although providing comfort can collapse, especially if the air
chamber 108, 110 is not air tight. Using the protrusions 114
without the air light chamber may provide improved stability;
however, it may not necessarily be as comfortable by itself.
[0024] Although the protrusions 114 can be any shape, preferably,
the protrusions 114 are characterized by a rounded top portion 120
and a base 122 opposite the top portion 120, the base 122
integrally formed with the outsole 106. The height of the
protrusions 114 may vary depending on their location. Preferably,
the height of the protrusion 114 is slightly smaller than the
height of the chamber within which they reside. The chamber may
have varying heights due to the contours of the midsole 104 and/or
the outsole 106. As such, the heights of each individual protrusion
114 may vary accordingly so as to maintain a constant gap between
the top of the protrusion 114 and the midsole 104 in its natural
state, meaning when no weight is applied to the midsole. When
weight is applied to the midsole, specifically, when a user is
wearing the shoe and standing, the gap may be diminished or
eliminated due to the pressure applied to the midsole causing it to
depress towards the protrusions. Preferably, the average height of
the protrusions 114 located in the heel air chamber is taller than
the average height of the protrusions 114 in the metatarsal air
chamber.
[0025] Although the protrusions 114 can be dome shaped, in the
preferred embodiment, the main body of the protrusions 114 is
cylindrical. In other words, the walls of each protrusion 114 are
generally parallel to each other. This provides the most
variability in determining the density of the protrusions 114 as
well as the height of the protrusions 114. This also provides the
greatest strength to the protrusions to resist axial force along
the longitudinal axis.
[0026] Each protrusion 114 being cylindrical defines a longitudinal
axis L. Preferably, the protrusion 114 has a diameter or thickness
sufficiently great enough so as not to bend or have the
longitudinal axis deviate from its normal direction when put under
pressure, for example during walking or running. This allows the
protrusions 114 to create an internal spring or recoil when
pressure is applied along the longitudinal axis. This prevents the
midsole 104 from collapsing into the void created by the air
chambers 108, 110.
[0027] To create the sole 100, the outsole 106 and the midsole 104
may be compression or injection molded. Then the midsole 104 and
the outsole 106 can be glued, cemented, bonded, welded, or
otherwise adhered together. If a liner is used, the liner can be
filled with a fluid and inserted into the chamber before the
midsole 104 and outsole 106 are attached. The upper and insole 102
can then be glued, cemented, bonded, welded, or otherwise adhered
to the midsole 104 and outsole 106.
[0028] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this
detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *