U.S. patent application number 13/868771 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for sole construction for biomechanical stability and afferent feedback.
This patent application is currently assigned to Newton Running Company, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is NEWTON RUNNING COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Daniel Cody Abshire, Danny Abshire, Ian Adamson, Bob Taylor.
Application Number | 20140310981 13/868771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51727897 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140310981 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abshire; Danny ; et
al. |
October 23, 2014 |
SOLE CONSTRUCTION FOR BIOMECHANICAL STABILITY AND AFFERENT
FEEDBACK
Abstract
In accordance with one implementation, a sole construction for
biomechanical stability and afferent feedback includes a cushioning
and support layer that cushions and supports a foot and an afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate positioned between the
cushioning and support layer and the user's foot. The afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate may be positioned within a
forefoot, midfoot, and/or heel area of the sole construction and
may provide improved afferent feedback to the foot during a contact
and stance phase of the gait cycle.
Inventors: |
Abshire; Danny; (Boulder,
US) ; Abshire; Daniel Cody; (Boulder, CO) ;
Taylor; Bob; (Qingdao, CN) ; Adamson; Ian;
(Boulder, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEWTON RUNNING COMPANY, INC. |
Boulder |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Newton Running Company,
Inc.
Boulder
CO
|
Family ID: |
51727897 |
Appl. No.: |
13/868771 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/1445 20130101;
A43B 7/144 20130101; A43B 7/148 20130101; A43B 7/1425 20130101;
A43B 7/142 20130101; A43B 7/1485 20130101; A43B 7/143 20130101;
A43B 13/127 20130101; A43B 13/188 20130101; A43B 7/1435
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/28 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18 |
Claims
1. A sole construction for a shoe comprising: a cushioning and
support layer to cushion and support a user's foot; an afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate positioned between the
cushioning and support layer and the user's foot when the shoe is
in use, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate to
underlie an area between a metatarsal region and a heel region of
the user's foot.
2. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate extends longitudinally from a forefoot
region of the sole construction and into a midfoot region of the
sole construction.
3. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate extends longitudinally from a forefoot
region of the sole construction to a distal end of a heel
region.
4. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate extends longitudinally from a toe
region of the user's foot to a distal end of a heel region.
5. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate has a plurality of perforations formed
therein.
6. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate has a density in one region of the sole
construction that is different from a density in another region of
the sole construction.
7. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate has a different thickness on a lateral
side of the sole construction than on a medial side of the sole
construction.
8. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate has an aperture in a midfoot area of
the sole construction.
9. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate has at least one sidewall that is
substantially perpendicular to a foot-facing surface of the sole
construction.
10. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate is articulated.
11. The sole construction of claim 1, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate is incorporated into a removable foot
bed.
12. An article comprising: a cushioning and support layer to
cushion and support a user's appendage; an afferent feedback and
biomechanical support plate positioned between the cushioning and
support layer and the user's appendage.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate underlies toes of the user's foot when
in use.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the afferent feedback and
biomechanical support plate underlies at least one arch bone of the
user's foot when in use.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate extends longitudinally from a forefoot
region of the user's foot to a distal end of a heel region of the
user's foot.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate has a plurality of perforations formed
therein.
17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate has an aperture in a midfoot area of
the sole construction.
18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate has at least one sidewall that is
substantially perpendicular to a foot-facing surface of the sole
construction.
19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate is articulated.
20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate is incorporated into a removable insert
for insertion into a glove or shoe.
21. A method comprising: providing afferent feedback to a user's
foot during an impact event with a ground surface using an afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate in a shoe located between a
cushioning and support layer of the shoe and the user's foot.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate underlies a region between the user's
forefoot and the user's midfoot.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate underlies a region between the user's
forefoot and the user's heel.
24. A sole construction for a shoe comprising: a cushioning and
support layer to cushion and support a user's foot; an afferent
feedback and biomechanical support plate positioned between a
cushioning and support layer and the user's foot when the shoe is
in use, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
underlying a heel region of the user's foot.
25. The sole construction of claim 24, wherein a hole is defined in
the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate in a heel region
of the shoe, the hole underlying the calcaneus bone of the human
foot when the shoe is in use.
26. The sole construction of claim 24, wherein the hole is at least
one of oval or circular in shape.
27. The sole construction of claim 24, wherein the afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate has a plurality of
perforations formed therein.
28. The sole construction of claim 24, wherein the afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate has a density in one region of
the sole construction that is different from a density of another
region of the sole construction.
29. The sole construction of claim 25, wherein the afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate is incorporated into a
removable foot bed.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Stabilization of the body's coronal, sagittal, and
transverse planes is important to efficient, injury-free running
Most athletic shoes support a person's weight with a bed of foam,
which is a soft and unstable platform that allows a runner's foot
to sink or settle into the shoe upon contact with the ground.
Uneven sinking or settling of the foot reduces stability, creates
an unnecessary strain on the foot, leg and torso muscles, and masks
afferent feedback to the central nervous system. Additionally, a
foam bed may encourage uneven weight distribution across the bones
of the foot. Such uneven weight distribution may, over time, create
depressions in the foam that result in injuries due to misalignment
of the bones and excessive stress on connective tissues.
SUMMARY
[0002] Implementations described herein may be utilized to address
at least one of the foregoing problems by providing an article that
reduces damping of afferent feedback to the central nervous system
when a compressive weight is placed thereon. In one implementation,
the article includes a cushioning and support layer to cushion and
support a user's foot and an afferent feedback and biomechanical
support plate positioned between the cushioning and support layer
and the user's foot. Such a plate may help a runner to initiate
stability as they contact and load their foot and allow for a more
evenly distributed compression of the cushioning and support
layer.
[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. These and various other features and advantages
will be apparent from a reading of the following Detailed
Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
present technology may be realized by reference to the figures,
which are described in the remaining portion of the
specification.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an example cross-sectional perspective of
a sole construction of a shoe for biomechanical stability and
afferent feedback.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective top-view of an example sole
construction for stability and afferent feedback including a foam
cushioning and support layer and an afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective top-view of an example sole
construction for stability and afferent feedback including a foam
cushioning and support layer and an afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate with a plurality of perforations for reduced weight
and increased flexibility.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective top-view of another example
sole construction for stability and afferent feedback including a
foam cushioning and support layer and an afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective top-view of yet another
example sole construction having multiple afferent feedback
biomechanical support plates.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective top-view of yet another
example sole construction 600 having multiple afferent feedback
biomechanical support plates.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective top-view of yet another
example sole construction for stability and afferent feedback
including a foam cushioning and support layer and an afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate having an x-shaped area
removed for increased torsional flexibility.
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective top-view of yet another
example sole construction for stability and afferent feedback
including a foam cushioning and support layer and an afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate with sidewalls and that
encapsulate a portion of the foam cushioning and support layer.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates example operations for providing afferent
feedback to a user during an impact event.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Recent studies have shown that a "natural running" form can
help to reduce the frequency and severity of some common running
injuries. "Natural running" refers to a form of running that a
habitually barefoot runner adopts to reduce loading rates and
protect the foot from excessive impact while moving quickly and
efficiently. A runner practicing natural running form strikes the
ground close to a point under the body's center of gravity with a
relaxed foot rather than over striding (e.g., landing with the foot
in front of the runner's center of gravity) with an aggressively
dorsiflexed ankle In an efficient gait cycle, the runner lands
lightly with a relaxed foot and avoids exaggerated joint positions
and excessive use of muscular force.
[0015] Afferent feedback is the body's mechanism for sensing the
environment. During the contact phase of the gait cycle, afferent
neurons carry nerve impulses toward the central nervous system.
Conventional running shoes impede the ability of the central
nervous system to receive such feedback by dampening sensory input
to the foot. The technology disclosed herein reduces damping of
afferent feedback to the runner by providing a structured support
surface that causes the runner's central nervous system to transmit
sensory input from the bottom of the foot to the user's central
nervous system. Such a plate assists in stabilization during the
contact and stance phase of the gait cycle, which helps the runner
to respond effectively to the running surface, reduce loading
rates, and reduce the risk of injury.
[0016] The described technology may also be useful for providing
afferent feedback to areas of the body other than feet, such as the
hands. Thus, this technology is also contemplated for use in gloves
and other active wear for use during physical activities (e.g.,
running, biking) when enhanced afferent feedback is desirable.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example side perspective view of a
sole construction 100 with of a shoe for stability and afferent
feedback. Portions of the sole construction 100 are shown
transparent for illustrative purposes. The sole construction 100
includes a hindfoot or heel region 106, a midfoot region 104, a
forefoot region 102, and a toe region 112. The heel region 106
preferably underlies or substantially underlies the length and
width of a heel of a runner's foot. The midfoot region 104 is
positioned forward or anterior to the heel region 106, and
underlies or substantially underlies the arch or "middle" region of
the foot, which typically includes the region underlying the
navicular, cuboid, and cuneiform bones of the foot. The forefoot
region 102 is positioned forward or anterior to the midfoot region
104, and underlies or substantially underlies the ball of the foot.
In particular, the forefoot region 102 underlies the metatarsal
bones, metatarsophalangeal joints. The toe region 112 is anterior
to the forefoot region 102, and underlies or substantially
underlies the phalanges (i.e., toes).
[0018] The sole construction 100 includes a cushioning and support
layer 110 (i.e., a midsole layer) including an upper surface (e.g.,
a foot-facing surface) that is sized and shaped to receive and
substantially underlie the foot. The cushioning and support layer
110 is a layer that cushions and supports a user's foot. The
cushioning and support layer 110 may be composed of a variety of
materials such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or other foam or
soft, pliable material. In other implementations, an elastomeric
viscous foam, gel, or other flexible framework may be used.
[0019] The sole construction 100 further includes an afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 108 adjacent to the
foot-facing surface of the cushioning and support layer 110 and
extending longitudinally from the ball of the foot (e.g.,
underlying the metatarsal bones in the forefoot region 102) through
the hindfoot region 106. The afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 108 may laterally span some or substantially the
entire width of the sole construction 100. In various
implementations, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
108 underlies or substantially underlies one or more of the
hindfoot region 106, the midfoot region 104, the forefoot region
102, and the toe region 112. Additionally, more than one afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 108 may be included in a
single shoe sole.
[0020] In operation, the afferent feedback biomechanical support
plate 108 helps a runner to initiate stability when landing in the
midfoot area 104 of the shoe. When the runner's midfoot contacts
the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 108, afferent
feedback is provided to the central nervous system. Such feedback
allows the runner's midfoot and/or heel to quickly "lock" into
place and stabilize. In one implementation, the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate remains substantially planar even when
under load during the contact and stance phase of the gait cycle.
The afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 108 above the
cushioning and support layer 110 encourages even weight
distribution across the cushioning and support layer 110, and
protects the cushioning and support layer 110 from deterioration,
including wear caused by uneven weight distribution.
[0021] The afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 108 may be
constructed of a stiff, lightweight material with sufficient
elasticity to permit torsional compliance and movement, although
the degree of such movement permitted may vary according to
specific design criteria. Suitable material choices for the
afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 108 include without
limitation solid ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), thermal
polyurethane, rubber, synthetic rubber, DuPont Hytrel.TM., and
carbon-fiber.
[0022] The hardness value of the afferent feedback and
biomechanical support plate 108 is greater than a hardness value of
the cushioning and support layer 110. Although a variety of
hardness values are contemplated, the afferent feedback and
biomechanical support plate 108 has a hardness value of at least 45
shore D. In one implementation, the hardness of the afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 108 is about 65 shore D. In
the same or another implementation, the hardness of the cushioning
and support layer 110 is at least 45 shore D. The afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 108 may vary in thickness according to
design criteria, such as to allow for more or less flexibility
along lateral and longitudinal axis of the sole construction 100.
In one implementation, the afferent feedback biomechanical support
plate 108 is constructed of solid EVA and the cushioning and
support layer 110 is constructed of an EVA foam.
[0023] The afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 108 may
have a substantially even (i.e., non-variable) thickness, or a
variable thickness. The thickness of the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 108 may range, for example, from
between about one and about three millimeters. In one
implementation, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
108 is about 2 mm thick and the cushioning and support layer 110 is
greater than or substantially equal to 6 mm thick. In another
implementation, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
108 is about 1.2 mm thick and the cushioning and support layer 110
is greater than or substantially equal to 6 mm thick.
[0024] In yet another implementation, the thickness of the afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 108 is variable along its
length and/or width to provide stiffer or firmer support under
different regions of the runner's foot. For example, the afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 108 may be thinner along the
lateral side (e.g., outside) of the midfoot 104 and thicker along
the medial side (e.g., inside, along the arch) of the midfoot 104
to provide for additional protection against late-stage pronation.
Alternatively, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
108 may be thicker along the lateral side of the midfoot 104 and
thinner along the medial side of the midfoot 104 to provide for
additional stability under the midfoot and protection against
pronation and supination. In one implementation, the foam plate 108
has a thickness of about 0.9 mm on a first side (e.g., a lateral or
medial side), and a thickness of about 1.5 mm on an opposite side
(e.g., the medial or lateral side). In at least one implementation,
the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 108 is positioned
such that it is closer to a foot-facing outer surface of the sole
construction 100 than to a ground-facing outer surface of the sole
construction 100.
[0025] In yet another implementation, the thickness of the afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 108 is substantially
non-variable and the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
108 has regions of increased density with respect to other
regions.
[0026] The length and width of the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 108 may vary according to design criteria. In various
implementations, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
108 underlies one or more than one of the toe region 112, the
forefoot region 102, the midfoot region 104, or the heel region
106. For example, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
108 may underlie the heel region 106 and a portion of the midfoot
region 104, but exclude the forefoot region 102. In at least one
implementation, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
108 is incorporated into a removable foot bed that can be inserted
into and removed from a shoe by a user.
[0027] The afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 108 may
also include one or more cutout areas (i.e., apertures or holes) to
allow for engagement of one or more actuators of the sole
construction 100. Such actuators may be positioned under one or
more primary pressure points of the foot, such as under the heel,
midfoot, forefoot, or toes. The sole construction 100 includes an
actuator 114 in the heel region 106, substantially underlying the
center of the runner's heel. The afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 108 includes a hole (not shown) sized and shaped to
receive the actuator 116 to permit contact between the actuator and
the runner's heel during a mid-stance or contact phase of the gait
cycle.
[0028] In one implementation, the actuator is capable of storing
some of the runner's kinetic energy as potential energy and
returning such kinetic energy to the runner as the runner removes
his or her weight from the heel region 102 of the shoe.
[0029] The sole construction 100 also includes an upper 124 (i.e.,
fabric forming the top of the shoe) attached to a stability layer
122 that underlies and contacts the runner's foot when the foot is
in the shoe. The upper 124 may be attached to the stability layer
122 in a variety of ways such as via stitching, adhesives, etc. For
example, the upper 124 may be attached to the stability layer 122
by stitching around the periphery of the stability layer 122. Other
attachment mechanisms may also be employed to bond the upper 124 to
the stability layer 122.
[0030] The stability layer 122 may be foam (e.g., EVA), rubber,
fiberboard (e.g., Strobel Board) or other flexible material. In one
implementation, the stability layer 122 is a Strobel Board about 2
mm thick, which is sewn to the upper 124. Other methods of
attachment may also be employed to bond the stability layer 122 to
the cushioning and support layer 110.
[0031] The sole construction 100 further includes an
abrasive-resistant underlayer 126 that contacts the ground when the
shoe is in use. Other implementations may include layers in
addition to or in lieu of those layers (e.g., the
abrasive-resistant underlayer 126, the cushioning and support layer
110, and the stability layer 122) illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0032] In various implementations, one or more layers may also be
interleaved between the user's foot and the afferent feedback and
biomechanical support plate 108.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective top-view of an example sole
construction 200 for stability and afferent feedback including a
foam cushioning and support layer 210 and an afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 208. The foam cushioning and support
layer 210 spans substantially the entire length of the foot, both
medial to lateral and posterior to anterior, and includes an upper
surface (e.g., a foot-facing surface) that is sized and shaped to
receive and substantially underlie a runner's foot. The afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 208 is adjacent to and in
contact with a portion of a forefoot region 202 (e.g., a portion
underlying the metatarsal bones of the foot) and a midfoot region
204 of the foot-facing surface of the cushioning and support layer
210. In particular, the afferent feedback biomechanical support
plate 208 extends laterally across the width of the sole
construction 200 along the ball of the foot (in the forefoot region
202) and tapers with longitudinal distance throughout the midfoot
region 204 toward a heel region 206. The afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 208 extends a greater distance
longitudinally (e.g., toward the heel region 206) along a lateral
side 214 of the midfoot region 204 than along the medial side 216
of the midfoot region 204.
[0034] In FIG. 2, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
208 underlies or substantially underlies metatarsal bones in the
forefoot region 202 and one or more bones in the midfoot region
204. In particular, the afferent feedback biomechanical support
plate 208 underlies the cuboid bone of the foot. However, in this
and other implementations, the cuboid bone and/or other bones in
the midfoot region 204 may not actually touch down onto the sole
construction 200 while in use in a shoe.
[0035] The afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 208
provides pressure below the metatarsal bones of the foot. In
particular, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 208
provides pressure below the base of the fifth (e.g., lateral side
214) metatarsal where a high-speed runner typically lands. This
pressure allows the runner to lock the hindfoot and ankle when the
midfoot strikes the ground in the midfoot region 204 of the sole
construction 200, allowing for quick stabilization and efficient
elastic recoil and push-off from the ground. Because the afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 208 does not underlie the
hindfoot region 206 of the foot, the implementation of FIG. 2 may
be of particular benefit to a high-speed runner, for which
heel-strike is typically reduced.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective top-view of an example sole
construction for stability and afferent feedback including a foam
cushioning and support layer 310 and an afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 308 with a plurality of perforations
(e.g., a perforation 318) for reduced weight and/or increased
flexibility.
[0037] The perforations are formed across substantially the entire
length and width of the afferent feedback biomechanical support
plate 308 to reduce the weight of the sole construction 300 without
substantially reducing the stability and afferent feedback provided
by the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 308. In
another implementation, the afferent feedback and biomechanical
support plate 308 has perforations formed across less then all of
the plate. Although the afferent feedback biomechanical support
plate 308 could be implemented in a variety of specialty shoe types
(running, walking, cross-training, etc.), the implementation of
FIG. 3 may be well-suited for a racing flat or track spike because
of its reduced weight.
[0038] In yet another implementation, small perforations are formed
across some or all of the afferent feedback biomechanical support
plate 308 to provide increased torsional flexibility (i.e.,
flexibility along a longitudinal axis 320). For example, hollow
perforations may be formed on the lateral side 314 of the midfoot
region 304 but not the medial side 316 of the midfoot region 304
(e.g., to reduce or prevent pronation). Alternatively, hollow
perforations may be formed on the medial side 316 of the midfoot
region 304 rather than the lateral side 314 of the midfoot region
304 (e.g., to reduce or prevent supination).
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective top-view of another example
sole construction 400 for stability and afferent feedback including
a foam cushioning and support layer 410 and an afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 408. The foam cushioning and support
layer 410 spans substantially the entire length of the foot, both
medial to lateral and posterior to anterior, and includes an upper
surface (e.g., a foot-facing surface) that is sized and shaped to
receive and substantially underlie a runner's foot. The afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 408 is adjacent to and in
contact with the foot-facing surface of the cushioning and support
layer 410. Along its length, the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 408 spans substantially the entire width of the sole
construction 400. Longitudinally, the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 408 extends from just above the ball of
the foot (e.g., above the metatarsals in a forefoot region 402)
throughout a heel region 406.
[0040] In the heel region 406, the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 408 includes a cutout 422 (e.g., a hole) that may
underlie the center of a runner's heel to engage the runner's heel
bones with a heel actuator (not shown) upon contact with the
ground. In particular, the cutout 422 may underlie the calcaneus
bone of the runner's foot. Although the cutout 422 illustrated is
oval shaped, a variety of shapes are contemplated including without
limitation circular, triangular, rectangular, or non-traditional
shapes. The actuator may be configured to absorb, store, and return
energy to the runner. The sole constructions of FIGS. 2 and 3
illustrate similar cutouts in the heel region for receiving heel
actuators. However, in the implementations of FIGS. 2 and 3, the
afferent feedback biomechanical support plate does not underlie or
substantially underlie the heel region 406, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0041] In the implementation of FIG. 4, the runner's heel is
stabilized side-to-side when it extends down into the heel actuator
(e.g., during a mid-stance or contact phase of the gait cycle).
Such side-to-side stabilization increases the shock absorption
capability of the heel actuator by effectively centering the heel
above the actuator so that it is the heel actuator (and not the
foam cushioning and support layer 410 on either side of the heel
actuator) that absorbs the shock of impact. Because heel-strike
occurs more frequently in the gait cycle of a walker than a runner,
the implementation of FIG. 4 may be ideal for a walking shoe or for
use in other physical activities where heel-strike is common (e.g.,
downhill running, trail running, etc.). In addition to providing
increased stability and control of the foam cushioning and support
layer 410, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 408
may also serve as a barrier to protect overlying areas of the foot
from underlying rocks and other sharp objects during use.
[0042] The width of the afferent feedback biomechanical support
plate 408 overlying the waist 418 of the sole construction 400 is
relatively narrow as compared to a width 416 of the forefoot region
402 and a width 420 of a hindfoot region 406. Consequently, the
sole construction 400 provides for more torsional flexibility than
a sole construction with a wider afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 408 of substantially the same thickness. In other
implementations, the thickness of the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 408 and/or the width of the waist
portion 418 of the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
408 is selectively varied to provide for less torsional flexibility
(such as in a stability running shoe) or more torsional flexibility
(such as in a neutral running shoe). For example, torsional
flexibility may be selectively increased by decreasing the
thickness of the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 408
or by tapering the width of the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 408 around the waist 418 with respect to the portions
of the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 408 underlying
the metatarsal and/or heel bones of the foot. Alternatively,
torsional flexibility of the sole construction 400 can be reduced
by increasing the thickness of the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 408 and/or the width of the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate around the waist 418.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective top-view of yet another
example sole construction 500 having multiple afferent feedback
biomechanical support plates (e.g., a number of individual toe
plates 514, a forefoot plate 516, a midfoot plate 518, and a heel
plate 520). The toe plates 514 are positioned to each substantially
underlie one of the toes of a user's foot. The heel plate 520 is
positioned to underlie or substantially underlie a runner's
calcaneus bone in a heel region 506. The forefoot plate 518 is
articulated into separate regions (e.g., five regions 516a, where
each region is substantially aligned with and underlying one of the
five metatarsal bones of the foot). The midfoot plate 518 is also
articulated into separate regions (e.g., four regions 518a, where
each region has a longitudinal axis approximately perpendicular to
the regions of the forefoot plate 516a).
[0044] The sole construction 500 also includes a cushioning and
support layer 510. In one implementation, the sole construction 500
is a single-piece insert (e.g., a removeable foot bed) that a user
can insert into a compatible athletic shoe, glove, or other article
of clothing.
[0045] The plates with articulated regions may be designed so as to
provide for flexibility between each of the articulated regions.
For instance, each of the articulated regions of the midfoot plate
518 and/or the forefoot plate 516 may be substantially separated
from one another, such as via one or more slits between each of the
articulated regions. In the same or another implementation, the
regions are separated from one another by region boundaries of
decreased density as compared to the density at the center of each
articulated region. In yet other implementations, different plates
or different regions within a single plate may be raised up or
elevated to different heights with respect to the underside (i.e.,
the ground-facing side) of the sole construction 500.
[0046] A sole construction may include one or more articulated
plates and/or one or more non-articulated plates. The
non-articulated plates may be, for example, the same or similar to
the afferent feedback and biomechanical stability plates
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 7, and 8. The articulated regions of the
articulated plates may be of any size or shape and situated at any
angle.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective top-view of yet another
example sole construction 600 having multiple afferent feedback
biomechanical support plates (e.g., a forefoot plate 616, midfoot
plate 618, and heel plate 620). A medial-side portion 622 of the
sole construction is elevated slightly toward the arch of a user's
foot to provide for additional stability and support.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective top-view of yet another
example sole construction 700 for stability and afferent feedback
including a foam cushioning and support layer 710 and an afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 708. The foam cushioning and
support layer 710 includes an upper surface (e.g., a foot-facing
surface) that is sized and shaped to receive and substantially
underlie a runner's foot. The afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 708 is adjacent to and in contact with the
foot-facing surface of the cushioning and support layer 710. Along
its length, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 708
spans substantially the entire width of the sole construction 700.
Longitudinally, the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate
708 extends from just behind the ball of the foot throughout
substantially the entire heel region 706 of the sole construction
700. In the heel region 706, the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 708 includes a cutout 714 (i.e., a hole) sized and
shaped to receive a heel actuator (not shown) that may underlie the
center of a runner's heel and engage the heel bones upon
contact.
[0049] Material of the afferent feedback biomechanical support
plate 708 has been removed from an area 712 in the midfoot region
704 to reduce the total weight of the shoe and provide for
increased torsional flexibility. Although the shape of the area of
removed material is that of an "x", a variety of other shapes are
contemplated to achieve the same or similar effect.
[0050] The cushioning and support layer 710 also includes a cavity
716 underlying the metatarsal bones of the foot. The cavity 716 is
sized and shaped to receive a number of metatarsal actuators (not
shown). The metatarsal actuators may be configured to absorb,
store, and return energy to the runner. One or more additional
layers may be formed between the actuators (not shown), afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 708, and an upper (i.e.,
fabric forming the top of the shoe)(not shown).
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective top-view of yet another
example sole construction 800 for stability and afferent feedback
including a foam cushioning and support layer 810 and an afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 808 with sidewalls 812 and 814
that encapsulate a portion of the foam cushioning and support layer
810. The foam cushioning and support layer 810 includes an upper
surface (e.g., a foot-facing surface) that is sized and shaped to
receive and substantially underlie a runner's foot. The afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 808 is adjacent to and in
contact with the foot-facing surface of the cushioning and support
layer 810. Along its length, the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate 808 spans substantially the entire width of the sole
construction 800. Longitudinally, the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 808 extends from a region underlying
the ball of the foot (e.g., from a forefoot region 802 under lying
the metatarsal bones of the foot), through a midfoot region 804,
and stops just anterior to a heel region 806 of the sole
construction 800.
[0052] The sidewalls 812 and 814 of the afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate 808 form an edge with the foot-facing
surface of the afferent feedback biomechanical support plate 808 on
both a medial side and a lateral side of the sole construction 800.
Specifically, the sidewalls 812 and 814 wrap around a portion of
the forefoot region 802 to provide additional stability. In
particular, the sidewalls 812 and 814 may reduce or prevent lateral
or medial movement and breakdown. Additionally, the sidewalls may
reduce compression and breakdown of the foam cushioning and support
layer 810 and may extend the effective life of the shoe.
[0053] In another implementation, the sidewalls 812 and 814 wrap
around some of or substantially the entire the midfoot region 804
in addition to or in lieu of wrapping around some or all of the
forefoot region 802. In yet another implementation, the afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate 808 has sidewalls that wrap
around some or substantially the entire heel region 806.
[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates example operations 900 for providing
afferent feedback to a user during an impact event with a ground
surface. A providing operation 905 provides a cushioning and
support layer in a shoe sole to cushion a user's foot during the
impact event. The cushioning and support layer is made of a soft,
pliable material. In one implementation, the cushioning and support
layer spans substantially the entire length of the user's foot,
both medial to lateral and posterior to anterior. The cushioning
and support layer may include an upper surface (e.g., a foot-facing
surface) that is sized and shaped to receive and substantially
underlie the user's foot.
[0055] A second providing operation 910 provides an afferent
feedback biomechanical support plate between the cushioning and
support layer and the user's foot to assist transmission of sensory
input from the ground to an area of the user's foot during the
impact event. The afferent feedback biomechanical support plate may
be a substantially rigid plate adjacent to the foot-facing surface
of the cushioning and support layer. In one implementation, the
afferent feedback biomechanical support plate extends
longitudinally along an area under the midfoot (e.g., an area
underlying at least one of a cuneiform bone, the cuboid bone, or
the navicular bone).
[0056] A third providing operation 915 provides a stability layer
to underlie and contact the user's foot during the impact event. A
fourth providing operation 920 provides an upper (see, e.g., the
compliant upper 124 illustrated in FIG. 1) that positions the
user's foot in place above the stability layer and aligns one or
more bones of the foot with the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate.
[0057] A force application operation 925 applies a force to a
ground-facing surface of the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate during the impact event. The afferent feedback
biomechanical support plate distributes the force across an area of
the user's foot overlying the afferent feedback biomechanical
support plate. In one implementation, the afferent feedback plate
remains substantially planar during the impact event. In response
to the force, the user's central nervous system provides afferent
feedback to the user's cerebellum, which allows the user to quickly
stabilize.
[0058] The above specification, examples, and drawings provide a
complete description of the structure and use of exemplary
implementations of the invention. Since many implementations of the
invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter
appended. Furthermore, structural features of the different
implementations may be combined in yet another implementation
without departing from the recited claims.
* * * * *