U.S. patent application number 14/438634 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-10 for footwear sole structure with suspended elastomeric web or mesh support.
The applicant listed for this patent is Graeme Scott ATTEY, Cadmus LIN. Invention is credited to Graeme Scott Attey, Cadmus Lin.
Application Number | 20150250259 14/438634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50626214 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150250259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Attey; Graeme Scott ; et
al. |
September 10, 2015 |
Footwear Sole Structure with Suspended Elastomeric Web or Mesh
Support
Abstract
A footwear sole structure has a suspended elastomer web or mesh
(1) support for a foot of a wearer of the footwear. A gap or space
under the web/mesh allows it to flex down e.g. towards the outsole
(3) or the ground. The web or mesh can be secured to a peripheral
portion of the sole base by projections or loops (5) on the web or
mesh. The web or mesh can be a one piece or multi part moulded
component. The web or mesh can provide a peripheral zone around a
central zone. The central body (2) can be a moulding incorporating
a front strap pair (6) and rear strap pair (7) folded up into a
wearing position and lugs (8), and have a higher density elastomer
sole that fits up and is bonded into a matching lip in the base of
the central body (2) and the elastomer web or mesh (1) fits down
over the central body (2) such that the loops (5) stretch around
corresponding lugs (8) on the central body (2) and the web or mesh
(1) is largely held in pre-tension via the strength of the sole
supports and there is still space between the web or mesh 1 and the
sole for the web/mesh (1) to flex down into via weight of foot.
Inventors: |
Attey; Graeme Scott; (South
Fremantle, AU) ; Lin; Cadmus; (Taichung City,
TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ATTEY; Graeme Scott
LIN; Cadmus |
Taichung City |
|
US
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
50626214 |
Appl. No.: |
14/438634 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
October 30, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2013/001256 |
371 Date: |
April 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/103 ; 36/28;
36/30R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/128 20130101;
A43B 5/06 20130101; A43B 13/42 20130101; A43B 13/28 20130101; A43B
13/125 20130101; A43B 13/181 20130101; A43B 13/14 20130101; A43B
13/185 20130101; A43B 3/108 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/12 20060101
A43B013/12; A43B 5/06 20060101 A43B005/06; A43B 3/12 20060101
A43B003/12; A43B 13/42 20060101 A43B013/42; A43B 13/28 20060101
A43B013/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 30, 2012 |
AU |
2012904759 |
Jul 1, 2013 |
AU |
2013902424 |
Claims
1. A sole structure for footwear, the sole structure including a
suspended elastomer web or mesh support for a foot of a wearer of
the footwear.
2. The sole structure of claim 1, including a gap space under the
web or mesh allowing the web or mesh, in use, to flex down into the
gap space between the web/mesh and the outsole or, in an open soled
footwear where the ground engaging part is the surround supporting
the web/mesh, the ground.
3. The sole structure of claim 1, including open or closed cell
foam material under the web or mesh providing impact
cushioning.
4. The sole structure of claim 1, the web or mesh/net stretched
across a sole base.
5. The sole structure of claim 4, wherein the web or mesh is
secured to a peripheral portion of the sole base by projections on
the web or mesh
6. The sole structure of claim 5, wherein the projections include
knobs or loops or combinations thereof to fit into or over
corresponding recesses or lugs respectively designed into the
footwear peripheral portion.
7. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the flexible web or mesh
is a one piece or multi part moulded component.
8. The sole structure of claim 7, wherein the flexible web or mesh
is injection moulded.
9. The sole structure of claim 7, wherein the flexible web or mesh
includes polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer.
10. The sole structure of claim 7, the web or mesh being moulded
with a sole peripheral portion of the footwear in one part.
11. The sole structure of claim 10, the moulding being a single
shot injection mould from the same material for both the flexible
web or mesh and the sole peripheral portion, or an over-mould
process using differing materials that bond together during the two
shot over-mould process.
12. The sole structure of claim 1, the web or mesh pre-tensioned in
the mould and the outer sole and/or sole base is moulded around it
to form a sole structure with the pre-tension maintained after the
sole structure is removed from the mould.
13. The sole structure of claim 9, the web or mesh elastomer having
a durometer value of 30-120 Shore A.
14. The sole structure of claim 13, the durometer value being
between 80 and 95 Shore A.
15. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the web or mesh forms a
peripheral zone around a central zone of a different material or
grade of material or a material having at least one different
physical characteristic(s) to that of the peripheral web/mesh.
16. Footwear including a sole structure including a suspended
elastomer web or mesh support for a foot of a wearer of the
footwear.
17. Footwear according to claim 16, the footwear being a shoe,
boot, trainer or running shoe or sandal.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to footwear, such as shoes,
boots and sandals.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional footwear consists of an outer sole (outsole)
for contact with the ground and an inner sole (insole) for
cushioning the user's foot.
[0003] Enclosed footwear, such as shoes and boots also have an
upper to enclose and position the foot.
[0004] For the sake of clarity, in this specification the term
`footwear` relates to outer footwear, such as shoes, boots, sandals
and does not include items of fabric clothing worn on the feet,
such as socks, stockings, tights and pantyhose.
[0005] Known footwear by way of conventional shoes consists of
cushioned soles to provide comfort. However, no matter what the
design or construction method of conventional soles, they are all
based on the principle of compression cushioning. In other words,
when the weight of a foot is applied to the sole, the cushioning by
way of traditional foam material is compressed by the person's
weight. The comfort is therefore provided by the cushioning
properties of the shoe sole material under compression.
[0006] Many options have been tried to improve the cushioning
properties of soles, including different types of foam and
densities, air pockets, adjustable air pressure chambers, insert
balls, springs etc. However, all these approaches are still based
on compression of the cushioning material.
[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,601,321 and 7,555,847 by Kendall describe a
shoe with a suspended, woven lattice of "high tensile strength, low
`springiness` fibres" and further states "In all such embodiments,
the principal load bearing component of the lattice is a
non-elastomeric polymer or metal based homogenous or composite
fibre or yarn."
[0008] The present invention avoids such unyielding structures, and
proposes an entirely different structure having a weight bearing
web formed of a flexible elastomer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention may be utilized in or as part of a
footwear structure (such as in a shoe) that features a suspended
elastomer web or mesh on which, in use, the user's foot is
supported.
[0010] With the aforementioned in mind, an aspect of the present
invention provides a sole structure for footwear, the sole
structure including a suspended elastomer web or mesh support for a
foot of a wearer of the footwear.
[0011] The present invention advantageously provides a unique
arrangement for footwear where the principle feature negates the
need for the normal compression cushioning sole design and instead
utilizes a suspended flexible elastomer mesh or web which, placed
under tension by the flexing down under foot weight, provides an
upward reaction force to support the weight applied through the
foot of the wearer, somewhat like a flexible hammock.
[0012] It is a desirable feature of at least one form of the
present invention to reverse the traditional compression cushioning
of shoe soles by providing an elastomer web or mesh suspended via,
at least in part, a peripheral outer sole edge such that much of
the weight of the foot is absorbed by the web/mesh. Weight applied
by the foot flexes the web down but in so doing stretches the
web/mesh, placing its elastomer material into tension. This
effectively means the foot is somewhat suspended from the ground or
outsole in a flexible `hammock,` suspended within the outer
surround or rim of the footwear sole structure.
[0013] Air circulation is also a very significant issue as
conventional shoes usually incorporate smooth areas of padding in
contact with the foot, making ventilation very poor. While some
shoes and sandals have been designed with small recessed grooves to
improve air ventilation, by definition there still needs to be a
significant cushioned area in contact without adequate air
circulation.
[0014] The suspended elastomeric web/mesh footwear is able to
provide superb ventilation as the open mesh design allows the
majority of the foot to breathe due to the low surface area
physical contact with the web/mesh.
[0015] It is most important to understand that the web/mesh
elastomer not only offers comfort and ventilation but critically
eases pressure on limbs such as ankles and knees. Because the mesh
is a flexible elastic/elastomer material it flexes and rebounds
gently to ease the impact pressure on knees, ankles etc.
[0016] The web or mesh is designed to flex down into the gap/space
under the web/mesh (i.e. between the web/mesh and the outsole or,
in an open soled footwear, the ground when the ground engaging part
is the surround supporting the web/mesh).
[0017] During normal walking, should a large downward force be
applied (such as 50 kg or landing from jumping), then the mesh can
flex down until touching the sole or the ground.
[0018] It is therefore possible to also include soft foam in at
least some of this space or gap. The web/mesh can therefore touch
the foam if forced down far enough, which in turn can soften the
pressure applied to the bottom of the sole. Importantly, although
the web/mesh has `bottomed out` it has still absorbed a large part
of the downward force and impact in the process and can in turn
rebound a percentage of this force as the web/mesh returns to a
more normal position. In fact, the rebound is the most immediately
noticeable characteristic of the footwear. This can effectively
reduce the energy exerted by the wearer, particularly if climbing
stairs etc.
[0019] In such instances of high load, because the web has absorbed
a large percentage of the initial load, it means the foam can be
softer than usual (on a normal shoe, the foam must take the FULL
load) further accentuating the comfort of the shoe.
[0020] The footwear web or mesh/net stretches across the sole base
outer rim and can be secured to the outer edges via projections,
such as end knobs or loops, to fit into or over corresponding
recesses or lugs respectively designed into the footwear outer.
[0021] The flexible web/mesh/net can typically be moulded flat via
injection moulding and an ideal example material is flexible
polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer such as used in surfboard
leg-ropes or leashes. The characteristics of this material are a
supreme ability to stretch and rebound.
[0022] The web/mesh elastomer may have a durometer value of 30-120
Shore A, more preferably between 80 and 95 Shore A (90 A being very
typical), to provide the required elastomeric stretch
characteristics with sufficient weight support. Example injection
moulding grade elastomers commercially available include BASF
Elastollan 1185 and BAYER Desmopan 385S.RTM.s. BASF Elastollan and
BAYER Desmopan are both injection moulding grade
thermoplastics.
[0023] An alternative elastomer is Erapol by Era Plastics, which is
a chemical set (not injection mould grade) polymer classed as a
`liquid isocyanate terminated pre-polymer based on PTMEG polyether
polyol.` Other elastomers, including polyurethanes, exhibiting
suitable elastomeric characteristics and strength can be
utilised.
[0024] Connection methods other than loops over corresponding sole
base projections e.g. `hooks` may be used, including examples such
as knobs and slotted designs. However, an option is to mould the
web and sole outer edge support in one part. This can be achieved
via a single shot injection mould from the same material or an
over-mould process using different materials that nevertheless bond
together during the two shot over-mould process.
[0025] The web or mesh can be placed in pre-tension in the mould
and once the outer sole and/or sole base is moulded around it, the
pre-tension is maintained after exit from the mould.
[0026] Another option for at least one embodiment of the present
invention has the upright or vertical outer edge or rim (e.g. outer
sole or outsole) and the sole base moulded together as one part.
Alternatively they can be over-moulded into one part if bonding is
a problem. The elastomer web/mesh may be connected to the base via
the loops of the elastomer, as previously described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] One or more embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a multi part sole structure
including a web or mesh, sole surround and outsole according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Note that the sole surround
has integral sections forming the upper, which may be attachable in
other embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a partly assembled portion of the sole
structure shown in FIG. 1. The sole surround and outsole are placed
together.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows the assembled sole structure of FIG. 1 with the
web or mesh in place engaged with the sole surround.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows the fully assembled structure of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows a side view of an item of footwear in phantom
and incorporating a sole structure according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 6a shows a front cross sectional view of a sole
structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 6b and 6c show components of the structure in FIG. 6a.
[0034] FIG. 7a shows an item of footwear incorporating an
embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7b to 7e show various
components of the structure in the footwear in FIG. 7a.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a sole structure according
to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. A sole
surround includes an integrally moulded flexible elastomeric web or
mesh support.
[0036] FIG. 8A shows a plan/top view of the sole structure of FIG.
8 and in particular the mesh pattern.
[0037] FIG. 9 shows an alternative arrangement of a sole structure
incorporated into an item of footwear according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 10a shows a front on sectional view of an assembled
sole structure and FIG. 10b shows an exploded view of the same,
according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 11 shows a chart of comparative average g values.
[0040] FIG. 12 shows a chart of comparative average ER values.
[0041] FIG. 13 shows a chart of comparative ratios of the average
ER to average g values (Er:g) from the charts in FIGS. 11 and
12.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] The present invention will be described in relation to two
embodiments, but it is to be understood that the scope of the
invention is not limited to just those embodiments.
[0043] Four examples of footwear embodying the present invention
are depicted in FIGS. 1-4, 5-6, 7 and 8-10 respectively.
[0044] FIGS. 1-4 show a web/mesh moulded separately, along with two
other parts; a central main body (which may also incorporate
in-mould upper-shoe strapping as shown in FIGS. 1-4) and a sole
itself in higher density material and incorporating curved
stiffening lugs which provide cross-stiffness to prevent the shoe
from collapsing inward under tension from the web/mesh once hooked
into place.
[0045] Only the sole base needs to be bonded into a matching lip of
the central body such that there is sufficient space/gap between
the web and the sole base for the web to be able to flex down under
weight of foot. The sole base can typically be a higher density
polyurethane elastomer in the order of 65 D to ensure the sole
outer does not collapse inwards under either web pre-tension or
foot weight on the web. In total, this creates a complete sandal
that only needs the addition of a fastener arrangement, such as
hook and loop fasteners, and optional padding to complete the
product.
[0046] It will be appreciated that one or more alternative
embodiments of the present invention has the upright or vertical
outer edge or rim (e.g. outer sole or outsole) and the sole base
moulded together as one part. Alternatively they can be
over-moulded into one part if bonding is a problem. The elastomer
web/mesh may be connected to the base via the loops of the
elastomer, as previously described.
[0047] The web/mesh can have a grid styled pattern or geometric
layout, such as a hexagonal web, or more `organic` or irregular
arrangements/patterns, designed to specifically absorb the load of
the foot.
[0048] Also, the footwear mould can incorporate as an option an
upper (shoe top), such as typical leather or runner style designs
or sandal designs shown as examples in FIGS. 1-4.
[0049] The front and rear strap pairs used as examples can be
included in the single part central body shot or over-mould design
process and the mould layout can be flat or with strap pairs angled
at nearly 90 degrees to the web/mesh.
[0050] Alternatively, the front and rear strap pairs can be omitted
and other typical conventional style uppers, such as runners etc.,
can be incorporated with the Web-Shoe web/mesh, outer and sole
design concept.
[0051] These shoe tops/uppers can be bonded onto the central body
outer top sections via conventional, known means.
[0052] A second example of the footwear structure embodying the
present invention is depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. This structural
system utilizes the same type of web/mesh but the end loops of the
mesh hook over lugs of `comb`-like structures on each side of the
shoe outer or cover.
[0053] The `combs` are generally metal lattices (the material can
also be synthetic materials such as carbon or hard, reinforced
injection moulded plastic) consisting of lugs for the web end loops
on the top sections and teeth in the bottom sections that fit into
corresponding slots in the sole/cover outer. The web is then
stretched across and the end loops hooked onto the combs on each
side, placing the web/mesh under pre-tension to be able to suitably
absorb foot weight without flexing too far down to the sole
base.
[0054] A third example embodiment of the footwear structure
embodying the present invention is depicted in FIG. 7. This
structural system is similar to the second example previously
described but has the advantage of easier manufacture that better
suits existing footwear production techniques. Rather than a
comb-like structure on each side of the shoe, this third embodiment
uses a simple peg and hole arrangement.
[0055] A sole contains U shaped metal wire (or stiff material) pegs
that incorporate horizontal sections oriented laterally across the
sole. The stiffness provided stops the shoe from collapsing inward
when the web/mesh/net is stretched across the pegs. The vertical
sections of the U shaped pegs are designed to slot into matching
holes in an H-Shaped shoe mid-section. This H-shaped mid-section
incorporates the web/mesh/net throughout and is surrounded by
vertical sections of the web/mesh/net elastomer that contain the
peg holes.
[0056] The lower sole section (with wire pegs) fits up into the
H-shaped mid-section (with holes) and the shoe upper fits on top of
that. The H-shaped mid section is stretched outward to fit over the
corresponding pegs in the sole, which applies pre-stretch onto the
web/mesh/net to help support foot weight.
[0057] A fourth example embodiment of the footwear structure
embodying the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 8, 8A, 9 and
10. This structural system is similar to the second and third
examples previously described but has a more straightforward method
of manufacture, not requiring any additional structural assistance
such as U shaped metal wire etc. This requires an `H` shaped cross
section moulding, with the outer vertical sections of the `H` being
moulded elastomer/rubber/urethane and the horizontal section of the
`H` being the web/mesh, moulded in one part from the same material.
Although described as moulded in one part, it is also possible to
mould the web/mesh separately and over-mould the vertical rim
section, or vice versa or combinations thereof.
[0058] In each embodiment of the present invention, the web/mesh is
pre-tensioned. Without pre-tension, the web-mesh can too easily
flex down to the sole base when the weight of a person is applied
down through the foot without the web/mesh providing sufficient
resistance within the short distance between the web-mesh and the
ground or upper face of the outsole.
[0059] Pre-tension does not mean that the web requires unnecessary
stretch; rather, it simply means that the web is taught without
sagging before weight is applied. It is therefore preferred to
mould the web and the vertical outer rim in one part and still
incorporate sufficient pre-tension on the web with the simple
addition of the sole and top.
[0060] It is possible to incorporate many different combinations of
footwear design incorporating the present invention to suit the
footwear market. For example, sandals, traditional shoes, runners,
trainers, sneakers, thongs/flip-flops, boots etc. Design principles
utilizing an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to
virtually any form of outer footwear type.
[0061] In order that the invention may be more readily understood
and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the
FIGS. 1 to 3, in which:
[0062] FIG. 1 is an example of a first embodiment of the footwear
embodying the present invention as described above, being a rear
angled perspective view of the three main components: [0063] (a) at
the top, a typical elastomer web/mesh 1 in a diagonal grid style
pattern 4 and with outer connection loops 5, [0064] (b) in the
middle, the central body 2 being a single part moulding
incorporating a front strap pair 6, rear strap pair 7, lugs 8 and
inner lip 9, and [0065] (c) at the bottom, the higher density
elastomer sole 3 featuring curved cross-brace supports 10; wherein
the higher density sole 3 fits up and is bonded (or even moulded
together as one part) into a matching lip 9 in the base of the
central body 2 (see upwards direction arrows) and the elastomer web
1 fits down over the central body 2 such that the web loops 5
stretch around corresponding lugs 8 on the central body 2 (see
downward direction arrows) such that the web/mesh 1 is largely held
in pre-tension via the supports 10 and there is still space between
the web/mesh 1 and the sole 3 for the web/mesh 1 to flex down into
via weight of foot.
[0066] FIG. 2 is an example of the same first embodiment of the
footwear described, being a rear angled perspective view of the
lower two main components of the system, the central body 2 being a
single part moulding incorporating a front strap pair 6, rear strap
pair 7 and lugs 8, and inserted from below, the higher density
elastomer sole 3 featuring curved cross-brace supports 10; wherein
the higher density sole 3 fits up and is bonded into a matching lip
in the base of the central body 2. In production, it is also
possible to mould parts 2 and 3 (central body 2 and elastomer sole
3) as one part, negating the need to bond them together.
[0067] FIG. 3 is an example of the same first embodiment of the
footwear described, being a rear angled perspective view of the
three main components of the footwear: [0068] (a) at the top a
typical elastomer web/mesh 1 in a diagonal grid pattern 4 and with
outer connection loops 5, [0069] (b) in the middle the central body
2 being a single part moulding incorporating a front strap pair 6,
rear strap pair 7 and lugs 8, and [0070] (c) at the bottom, but not
visible, the higher density elastomer sole; wherein the higher
density sole fits up and is bonded into a matching lip in the base
of the central body 2 and the elastomer web/mesh 1 fits down over
the central body 2 such that the web/mesh loops 5 stretch around
corresponding lugs 8 on the central body 2 such that the web/mesh 1
is largely held in pre-tension via the strength of the sole
supports and there is still space between the web/mesh 1 and the
sole for the web/mesh 1 to flex down into via weight of foot.
[0071] FIG. 4 is an example of the same first embodiment of the
sole structure described, being a front angled perspective view of
the three main components of the system: (a) at the top a typical
elastomer web or mesh 1 in a diagonal grid style pattern 4 and with
outer connection loops 5, (b) in the middle the central body 2
being a single part moulding incorporating a front strap pair 6 and
rear strap pair 7 folded up into a wearing position and lugs 8, and
(c) at the bottom, but not visible, the higher density elastomer
sole; wherein the higher density sole fits up and is bonded into a
matching lip in the base of the central body 2 and the elastomer
web or mesh 1 fits down over the central body 2 such that the loops
5 stretch around corresponding lugs 8 on the central body 2 such
that the web or mesh 1 is largely held in pre-tension via the
strength of the sole supports and there is still space between the
web or mesh 1 and the sole for the web/mesh 1 to flex down into via
weight of foot.
[0072] FIG. 5 is an example of a second embodiment of the structure
described, being a side view of a structure showing a higher
density elastomer cover/outer 30 fitted with a web or mesh
supporting system consisting of (on each side of the shoe) `comb`
structures 28, the bottom sections of which incorporate `teeth` 24
which insert into matching slots in the cover/outer 30 and the top
sections of which hold the web or mesh 20 end loops 22. When the
comb 28 teeth 24 are inserted into the cover/outer 30 the web or
mesh 20 is stretched across from side to side and held in position
and under pre-tension via the end loops 22 hooked over the top lugs
of the comb 28 supports.
[0073] FIG. 6 is an example of the same second embodiment of the
Web-Shoe described in FIG. 5, being three exploded cross-sectional
explanatory views of the structure in FIG. 5 showing a higher
density elastomer cover/outer 30 fitted with a Web supporting
system on each side of the cover/outer 30 consisting of `comb`
structures 28, the bottom sections of which incorporate `Teeth` 24
which insert into matching Slots 26 in the cover/outer 30 and the
top sections of the combs 28 hold the web or mesh 20 end loops 22.
When the comb 28 teeth 24 are inserted into the slots 26 of the
cover/outer 30 the web or mesh 20 is stretched across from side to
side and held in position and under light pre-tension via the end
loops 22 hooked over the top lugs of the comb 28 supports.
[0074] FIG. 7 is an example of a third embodiment of the structure
described, being three side views and two cross-sections of a
system 40. The top side view shows the complete system 40 and the
two side views below that show detailed section side views of an
H-Section mid-section 48 incorporating mesh 20 throughout the
middle with vertical edge sections around the periphery that
incorporate peg holes 42. Also shown is the higher density
elastomer sole 44 that incorporates the U-shaped metal or stiff
wire pegs 46. The horizontal sections of the pegs 46 provide
lateral stiffness to permit the web or mesh 20 to be pre-stretched
and the vertical sections of the pegs 46 slot into matching recess
peg holes 42 in the H-section 48 above it.
[0075] FIGS. 8 and 8A show an example of a fourth and simplest
embodiment of the structure described, being an exploded
perspective view (FIG. 8) and top/plan view (FIG. 8A) of the two
main parts of the lower shoe section of a Web-Shoe. The section 90
is the single piece moulded H-Section (or two piece over-moulded
H-section) incorporating web/mesh 20 throughout the (horizontal)
middle with vertical edge sections around the periphery 80. Also
shown is the generally higher density elastomer sole 88 that fits
up into and becomes attached to the vertical edge sections 80
around the periphery. Of course, in production it is also possible
to mould parts 88 and 80 together as one part, and over-mould the
web/mesh 20, negating the need to bond the parts together.
[0076] FIG. 9 is an example of the same fourth and simplest
embodiment of the Web-Shoe described, being a side view of a
sneaker style, flat sole example. Shown are a shoe upper 100
mounted onto the lower shoe section of a web/mesh-shoe as shown in
FIG. 8, depicting the section 90, which includes the single piece
moulded H-Section (or two piece over-moulded H-section)
incorporating web/mesh throughout the middle (horizontal) with
vertical edge sections 80 around the periphery. Also shown is the
generally higher density elastomer sole 88 that fits up into and
becomes attached to the vertical edge sections 80 around the
periphery.
[0077] FIG. 10 is an example of the same fourth and simplest
embodiment of the structure described, being a cross-sectional view
of the sneaker style, flat sole example of FIG. 9. On the left is
the system fitted together and on the right is the same shoe system
in exploded cross-section. Each show a shoe upper 100, the single
piece moulded H-Section 90 (or two piece over-moulded H-section)
incorporating Web/Mesh 20 (horizontal) throughout the middle with
vertical edge sections 80 around the periphery. Also shown is the
generally higher density elastomer sole 88 that fits up into and
becomes attached to the vertical edge sections 80 around the
periphery.
[0078] Further shown is an optional thin top foam pad 120
(typically EVA or silicone foam) to cover the Web/Mesh 20 and an
optional base foam pad 140 (typically EVA or silicone foam) to
assist the web/mesh 20 absorb high weight loads.
[0079] It is also possible that the optional thin top foam pad 120
can be an orthotic shaped pad or even a higher density material
supported by the web/mesh or web/mesh periphery.
[0080] The web/mesh can form a peripheral zone around a central
zone, with the central zone being a different material from that of
the web/mesh, or being the same material as the web/mesh but of a
different grade of material, or different thickness or thicknesses,
or having at least one different physical characteristic(s) to that
of the peripheral web/mesh (such as its `spring`, stretch or
resilience), or being a solid rather than web/mesh type material.
It will be appreciated that the web/mesh can be woven or moulded
elastomeric material.
[0081] Various modifications may be made in details of design and
construction without departing from the scope or ambit of the
present invention.
[0082] Performance characteristics of footwear, such as rebound
(bounce or comfort in walking), can be measured using the following
parameters: [0083] a). Shock Absorption ("g")--is a measure of
deceleration, and a lower shock (g-value) generally indicates a
softer sole and more comfort to the wearer. A lower g value is
therefore better for comfort. [0084] b). Energy Return (ER)--A high
ER value, while not as critical for comfort, provides "spring" in
the user's step. Such `spring` can reduce a user's energy
expenditure and also reduce impact from shock. A high energy return
value is also an indicator of resistance to `packing down` of the
cushion material under the foot. The higher the ER value the better
for reducing energy expenditure.
[0085] Different types of footwear have different "g" & "ER"
values. In general, a material with a lower "g" also has a lower
"ER" as well. Independent comparative testing was conducted by the
Taiwan `Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute` on
an embodiment of the present invention. The following data arose
from that testing:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 SHOCK ENERGY ABSORBTION RETURN % FOOTWEAR
TYPE (g value) (ER value) 1. Typical Running Shoes 9-15 30-45 2.
Typical Trainers and 12-21 25-48 Sports Shoes 3. Typical Casual
Shoes 12-19 30-38 (soft heels) 4. Typical Town or Formal 28-42
22-41 Shoes (hard heels) 5. Embodiment of 11.5 67 Present Elastoweb
.TM. Footwear Invention
[0086] FIG. 11 shows a chart of comparative average g values from
the table above. FIG. 12 shows a chart of comparative average ER
values from the table above. FIG. 13 shows a chart of comparative
ratios of the average ER to average g values (Er:g) of the charts
in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0087] The chart in FIG. 11 reveals that the shock absorbing
capacity of the footwear embodiment of the present invention under
test has a lower `g` value than the average for the comparative
shoes (running shoes g average=12, trainers and sports shoes g
average=16.5, casual shoes g average=15.5 and town/formal shoes g
average=35). The g value for the embodiment of the present
invention under test (termed "Elastoweb.TM.") was recorded as
g=11.5. A low g value indicates a more comfortable shoe.
[0088] The chart in FIG. 12 reveals that the Energy Returns (ER)
value for the same "Elastoweb.TM." shoe of the embodiment of the
present invention under test is larger than all of the average
values of the comparative footwear categories in the chart. A much
larger ER value indicates a greater amount of energy return or
`spring` effect back to the wearer, thereby making walking less
tiring.
[0089] In the chart of FIG. 13, ratio of ER to g values
demonstrates the amount of spring returned to a wearer for a given
amount of shock absorbing. In essence, a value for the amount of
energy returned relative to the energy absorbed i.e. how much
energy is returned in comparison to how much is absorbed. The chart
in FIG. 13 clearly demonstrates that the "Elastoweb.TM." variant of
the present invention has a much greater energy return for the
shock absorbed when compared to the average values for the
comparative footwear categories in the chart.
* * * * *