BACKGROUND
The present application relates generally to footwear, and more particularly, to a stabilizing sole for an article of footwear that provides stability and uniformly supports a user's feet while reducing impact forces on the user's feet and enhancing forward propulsion during impact movements such as walking, jogging and running.
Running is particularly hard on a person's feet and body. For example, the impact of each foot striking the ground during running is the equivalent of three to five times of your body weight or more. There is a particular large impact force in the heel area of the foot during each heel strike. Insufficient cushioning and support and misalignment of a person's feet within their shoes reduces the absorption of this impact, thereby transferring more of the shock and stress from such impact forces to the user's body, and unnecessarily stressing the knees, hips and lower back. As a person runs, the shock and stress are repeated at every foot strike with the ground, which can cause stress injuries, pain and excess wear on a person's joints.
Further, the running motion is a succession of weight bearing phases and suspension phases, where a stride is a combination of a contact phase and a thrust phase. During the ground contact phase, there is a deceleration of the forward progress of a runner's body, where energy is stored in the muscles when the runner's leg bends to absorb shock from the contact between the runner's feet and the ground. During the forward thrust phase, the runner's body accelerates by applying the largest force possible to the ground in the shortest amount of time. This force is created by the leg muscles and the release of stored energy when the leg relaxes. In this way, the ground contact phase and the suspension phase minimize deceleration upon contact with the ground and maximize forward thrust of the runner.
When the feet and ankles are properly supported, aligned and sufficiently stabilized on the ground, a person's body is able to remain balanced and absorb large impact forces. Also, biomechanical efficiency improves to help reduce impact forces, while forming an efficient lever to channel power correctly during propulsion.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide footwear that uniformly supports, aligns and balances a person's feet during impact movements, such as walking, jogging and running, to help reduce the stresses on a person's feet and body from impact forces while enhancing propulsion of the person's body.
SUMMARY
The present article of footwear has a sole and an upper that provide enhanced balance on different types of surfaces, and balance and stability to a user's foot during walking, jogging and running.
In an embodiment, an article of footwear is provided and includes an upper having a bottom surface and a length and a sole secured to the bottom surface of the upper and including a midsole and an outsole, where the outsole includes a peripheral stabilizing member extending outwardly from the upper along a periphery of the upper from a medial side to a lateral side of the upper, the peripheral stabilizing member having a width and a length that are each at least 20% of the length of the upper.
In another embodiment, an article of footwear is provided and includes an upper having a bottom surface and a length and a sole secured to the bottom surface of the upper and including a midsole and an outsole, where the outsole includes a front stabilizing member and a rear stabilizing member, the front stabilizing member extending outwardly from a front end of the upper and the rear stabilizing member extending outwardly from a rear end of the upper, the rear stabilizing member having a width of at least 20% of the length of the upper and a length of at least 20% of the length of the upper.
In a further embodiment, an article of footwear is provided and includes an upper having a bottom surface and a length and a sole secured to the bottom surface of the upper and including a midsole and an outsole, the outsole including a lateral stabilizing member, the lateral stabilizing member having opposing first and second lobes, the first lobe extending from a medial side of the upper and the second lobe extending from a lateral side of the upper, the first and second lobes each having a length that is at least 5% of the length of the upper.
In another embodiment, an article of footwear is provided an includes an upper and a sole secured to the upper and including a midsole and an outsole, where the sole has a front portion with a front contact surface area, and a rear portion with a rear contact surface area, where the rear contact surface area is greater than the front contact surface area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a right side view of an embodiment of the present footwear.
FIG. 2 is a left side view of the footwear of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the footwear of FIG. 1 with the tongue and laces removed.
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the footwear of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the footwear of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a right side view of an embodiment of an outsole of the footwear of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is bottom view of the outsole of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a left side view of the outsole of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a top view of the outsole of FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a front view of the outsole of FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is a rear view of the outsole of FIG. 6.
FIG. 12 is a right side view of the outsole of FIG. 6 including a tongue and gusset component attached to the outsole, where the left side view of the tongue and gusset component is a mirror images thereof.
FIG. 13A is a top view of an embodiment of the tongue shown in FIG. 12.
FIG. 13B is an exploded top view of the different material layers of the tongue shown in FIG. 13A.
FIG. 14 is a right side view of the outsole of FIG. 12 including a rear collar attached to the outsole, where the left side view of the rear collar is a mirror image thereof.
FIG. 15A is a front view of an embodiment of the rear collar shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 15B is a rear view of the rear collar of FIG. 15A.
FIG. 16 is a right side view of the outsole of FIG. 15 including a vamp attached to the outsole, where the left side view of the vamp is a mirror image thereof.
FIG. 17 is a left side view of another embodiment of the present footwear.
FIG. 18 is a top view of the footwear of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a cross-section view of the footwear shown in FIG. 18 substantially along line B-B in the direction generally indicated.
FIG. 20 is a cross-section view of the footwear shown in FIG. 18 substantially along line C-C in the direction generally indicated.
FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of the footwear shown in FIG. 18 substantially along line D-D in the direction generally indicated.
FIG. 22 is a top view of another embodiment of the present footwear having a front stabilizing member.
FIG. 23 is a top view of a further embodiment of the present footwear having a rear stabilizing member.
FIG. 24 is a top view of another embodiment of the present footwear having a rear stabilizing member.
FIG. 25 is a top view of a further embodiment of the present footwear having lateral stabilizing members.
FIG. 26 is a top view of another embodiment of the present footwear having a peripheral rear stabilizing member.
FIG. 27 is a top view of a further embodiment of the present footwear having a front stabilizing member and a rear stabilizing member.
FIG. 28 is a top view of another embodiment of the present footwear having a front stabilizing member and lateral stabilizing members.
FIG. 29 is a cross-section view of the footwear in FIG. 27 taken substantially along line B-B in the direction generally indicated.
FIG. 30 is a top view of another embodiment of the present footwear having a front stabilizing member, lateral stabilizing members and a rear stabilizing member.
FIG. 31 is a top view of a further embodiment of the present footwear having a lateral stabilizing member having opposing lobes extending outwardly from a rear portion of the sole.
FIG. 32 is a top view of another embodiment of the present footwear having a front portion and a rear portion with different contact surface areas.
FIG. 33 is a top view of an embodiment of the present footwear including a peripheral stabilizing member connected to the sole by a peripheral support member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present footwear includes a balanced sole attached to an upper to form an article of footwear that stabilizes and cushions a user's feet during walking, jogging and running while enhancing propulsion. More specifically, the present article of footwear includes a sole having a stabilizing portion that extends outwardly from the upper at a rear end of the article of footwear and an extended toe portion positioned at a height above the ground that provides enhanced stability and propulsion for a user's feet during movement on different ground surfaces.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-16, an embodiment of the present article of footwear or shoe, generally indicated as 20, includes a sole 22 having a midsole 24 and an outsole 26, and an upper 28 attached to the sole. The midsole 24 extends from a heel portion 30 to a forefoot portion 32 of the shoe 20 and has a first height above the ground 34 at the heel portion 30 of the shoe 20 and a second height above the ground 34 at the front or toe portion 36 of the shoe. As shown in FIG. 1, the midsole 24 curves downwardly from the heel portion 30 toward the midfoot portion 38 of the shoe 20 and then curves upwardly from the midfoot portion 38 to the toe portion 36. In an embodiment, the midsole 24 has a first thickness T1 at the heel portion 30, a second thickness T2 at the midfoot portion 38 and a third thickness T3 at the forefoot portion 32 of the shoe where the second thickness is greater than the first and third thicknesses. In the illustrated embodiment, the first thickness T1 is 3.5 to 4.5 cm, the second thickness T2 is 4.0 cm to 6.0 cm and the third thickness T3 of the midsole is 3.0 cm to 5.0 cm. It should be appreciated that the thickness of the midsole may be the same from the heel to the forefoot of the shoe, and that the midsole 24 may also have any suitable thickness or combination of thicknesses based on the desired cushioning of the shoe. This construction provides more stability and cushioning in the midfoot and forefoot portions of the shoe 20 to help absorb impact forces when the forefoot portion 38 of the shoe repeatedly contacts the ground 34 during walking, jogging or running. In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 24 is made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). It should be appreciated that the midsole 24 may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, in an example embodiment, the sole 22 has a forefoot portion 40 that has a length of 9.0 cm and curves to a point that is at a height of at least 2.0 cm above the ground 34. The extended length and increased height of the forefoot portion 40 are both designed to increase the contact time between the forefoot portion 32 of the shoe 20 and the ground 34 and lengthen a user's gait cycle, i.e., the period of time between when a user's foot initially contacts the ground and when that same foot contacts the ground again, during walking, jogging or running. The combination of increasing the contact time and lengthening the gait cycle enables a user to move more smoothly on the ground, increases the propulsion force of a user's foot on the ground and also helps to delay fatigue during walking, jogging or running.
In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 24 is attached to a top surface 42 of the outsole 26, and extends from the heel portion 30 to the toe portion 36 of the shoe 20. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, 6 and 8, the outsole 26 includes a stabilizing portion 44 that extends outwardly from the midsole 24 at a designated angle ⊖ and distance relative to the midsole. As shown in FIG. 17, the angle ⊖ is the angle between the vertical line extending from the rear end of the midsole (such as E4) and a line at the top surface of the rear stabilizing member. To enhance stability and balance on different underlying surfaces, the stabilizing portion 42 extends about the periphery or perimeter of the heel portion 30 from a medial side 46 to a lateral side 48 of the shoe 20. In an embodiment, the stabilizing portion 44 forms an angle ⊖ of at least 50 degrees, and more preferably, at least 75 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle ⊖ is 65 to 80 degrees and more preferably 75-80 degrees, relative to the bottom surface 50 of the midsole 24, and extends outwardly from the midsole at least 4.0 cm, and preferably at least 5.0 cm from the rear end of the upper. By providing the stabilizing portion 44, which has a wider base near the heel portion 30, the present shoe 20 is able to remain relatively balanced and stable on different surfaces including uneven surfaces commonly found on trails and in urban areas. This construction thereby helps a user to walk, jog or run more smoothly and evenly on many different types of surfaces. In this embodiment, the stabilizing portion 44 is made of a combination of EVA and a foam material to provide both stability and cushioning to a user's feet during use. It should be appreciated that the stabilizing portion 44 may be made out of any suitable material or combination of materials.
Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 15B, the upper 28 is attached to the top surface 52 of the midsole 24 and is constructed of a plurality of different components. As shown in FIG. 12, a tongue 54 and an integrated gusset 56 are attached to the midsole 24. Specifically, the gusset 56 includes opposing lateral members 58 where one of the lateral members is attached to the medial side of the midsole 24 and the other lateral member is attached to the lateral side of the midsole 24 by stitching or other suitable attachment method. The gusset 56 further includes a forwardly extending top member 60 that is integrally formed with the lateral members 58 and extends over at least a portion of a user's foot near the toe cap 62. Preferably, the gusset 56 is made of a flexible fabric material but may be made with any suitable material.
The tongue 54 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B has a body 64 with a connecting part 66 and a tongue member 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the tongue 54 is preferably made with a similar material as the gusset 56 but may be made with any suitable material. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 13A, the connecting part 66 is attached to the gusset 56 by stitching, an adhesive or other suitable attachment method. The tongue member 68 extends from the gusset 56 toward the heel portion 30 of the shoe 20, and each side of the tongue member 68 includes a flap 70 that extends around at least a portion of the opposing sides of a user's foot. A pull member 72 at the end of the tongue member 68 provides a gripping area so that a user may grip the tongue member to adjust the fit and position of the tongue 54 and shoe 20 relative to a user's foot.
FIG. 13B shows the different material layers that combine to form the tongue 54. A first layer or base layer 74 is made of a first material that is preferably a stretchable and breathable material. A second layer 76 is attached to the first layer by stitching or adhesive and is made of a breathable material. A third layer 78 is attached to the second layer 76 and is made of a thin material the overlays the second layer and promotes the flow of air through the second and third layers of the tongue. A fourth layer 80 having a central opening 82 that is attached to the third layer 78 so that the combination of the second and third layers is exposed on the top side of the shoe. The first, second, third and fourth layers 74, 76, 78 and 80 may be made with any suitable material or combination of materials.
Referring to FIG. 14, a rear collar 84 is attached to the rear portion 86 of the midsole 24 by stitching or other suitable attachment method. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the rear collar 84 includes an outer lining 88, an inner lining 90 attached at least at the peripheral edge of the outer lining, and a foam material 92 positioned between the inner and outer linings. The foam material 92 is a polyurethane foam and is positioned in predetermined areas adjacent to a user's foot to provide cushioning and comfort. The rear collar 84 has upwardly extending arms 94 that extend to opposing sides of the tongue 54 as shown in FIG. 15 and overlap at least a portion of the outer surface of the tongue. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner and outer linings 88, 90 are made of a stretchable and breathable material, but may be made out of any suitable material.
Referring to FIG. 16, a vamp 96 having a general U-shape includes a first side 98 that extends along the medial side 46 of the shoe 20, and a second side 100 that extends along a lateral side 48 of the shoe 20. The vamp 96 further includes a toe portion 98 that connects the first and second sides 98, 100 and extends over at least a portion of the forefoot area of a user's foot. The vamp 96 is made of a durable material where the first and second sides 98, 100 of the vamp each include a series of tabs 102. Some of the tabs 102 form loops 104 and some of the tabs include holes 106. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a shoe lace 108 is threaded through the loops 104 and holes 106 associated with the tabs 102 on the first and second sides 98, 100 of the vamp 96 in a crisscross pattern to adjust the fit of the shoe 20 on a user's foot. It should be appreciated that the first and second sides 98, 100 of the vamp 96 may include tabs forming loops, tabs including holes or a combination of tabs forming loops and tabs with holes.
As shown in FIG. 3, the upper 28 is constructed to have a wider throat area 108, i.e., width between the opposing sides of the upper, at the heel portion 30 to allow for even pressure distribution by the user's heel on the shoe and to provide more comfort to the user's foot. Further, the upper 28 is constructed to extend higher along a user's foot in the heel portion 30 to enhance the stability and comfort of the shoe 20.
To enhance the positioning of the shoe 20 on a user's foot, a strap 110 is attached to the heel portion 30 of the shoe and extends from the medial side 46 to the lateral side 48 of the shoe about the heel portion. As shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the strap 110 extends a distance away from the heel portion 30 to form a loop at the heel portion of the shoe 20. The strap 110 can therefore be grabbed by a user to adjust the position of the shoe 20 on the user's foot or help to pull the shoe 20 onto the user's foot. A part of the strap 110 includes a reflective material to help make the shoe 20 and thereby the user visible in low light conditions. The strap 110 is preferably made out of a fabric webbing material.
As shown in FIG. 4, a bottom surface 112 of the outsole 26 includes a plurality of tread members 114 that extend from the bottom surface. The tread members 114 are made of a rubber material and help the shoe 20 engage and grip an underlying surface. It should be appreciated that the tread members 114 may be any suitable size and shape, and may be any combination of sizes and shapes as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
Referring now to FIGS. 17-31, in the following embodiments of the present shoe 198, the sole 200 comprises three structural axes that are embodied by stabilizing members extending outwardly from the general profile of the upper 202, i.e. to the front, to the rear or laterally, where the stabilizing members perform independently from one another, and according to different combinations. According to different embodiments discussed in the following paragraphs, the stabilizing members may consist of the same material as the sole 200, a different material than the sole 200, synthetic materials, composite materials, an insert molded in a synthetic material, or any combination of suitable materials, and may extend partially over the sole or over the entire sole 200.
In the illustrated embodiments, the midsole 208 includes a peripheral rim 204 consisting of a wall 206 extending upwardly that creates a recessed portion or cradle on the top of the midsole that receives and surrounds the bottom part of the upper 202. In other words, the top part of the sole 200 comprises the midsole 208 consisting of a hollow profile open at the top that is intended to receive the upper 202, the midsole 208 including the peripheral rim 204. It should be appreciated that the shoe 198 may be equipped with a glued or removable insole or footbed. As shown in the figures, the sole 200 extends substantially under the entire bottom surface of the upper 202 and upwardly along at least a portion of the upper, where the thickness thereof is typically greater at the heel than at the toe. In this way, the peripheral wall 206 provides support to the sides of the upper 202 to help support and balance a user's foot while walking, jogging or running on uneven terrain. In an embodiment, the length (LU) of the upper 202 corresponds substantially to the shoe size, i.e., women's size 7, men's size 9.5, etc. Note that a conventional sole extends to the front beyond the upper profile over a length of approximately 2.0 to 25 millimeters, i.e. approximately 0.8% to 6% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, and generally covers the front upper end of the upper, i.e., a toe cap, so as to protect the user's toes. The length ranges relative to the upper are not routine for sports shoes, but more suitable for walking or safety shoes, which are not suitable for running and particularly not for a long-distance run, or a speed run, particularly because they have an outsole, generally substantially planar, thick and rigid, having a Shore D hardness between 55 and 65.
Referring to FIGS. 17-21, in an embodiment, a shoe 198a includes sole 200, comprising a front stabilizing member 210 extending outwardly, longitudinally from the front of the sole 200 relative to the general profile of the upper 202. The front stabilizing member 210 provides a propulsion effect at the end of a stride while a user is walking, jogging or running. In the illustrated embodiments, the length (L2) of the front stabilizing member 210 is 7% to 60% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, and preferably 9% to 60% of the length (LU). It is also contemplated that the front stabilizing member 210 may be 9% to 40% of the length (LU), 9% to 25% of the length (LU), or 20% to 25% of the length (LU).
In this embodiment, the length (L2) of the front stabilizing member 210 is 9% to 11% of the length (LU) of the upper 202. Alternatively, according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, the length (L2) of the front stabilizing member 210 is 25% to 25% of the length (LU) of the upper 202. In one embodiment, not shown, the length (L2) of the front stabilizing member 210 is 25% to 60% of the length (LU) of the upper 202. Note that the length (L2) of the front stabilizing member 210 corresponds to the length between the distal end of the upper 202, relative to the heel, and the distal end of the front stabilizing member 210. The profile of the sole 200 extends to the front by the front stabilizing member 210. As shown, the front profile of the sole 200 curves upwardly, and thereby, decreases in thickness conventionally from the metatarsal region to the front end of the upper 202.
In an embodiment, the front stabilizing member 210 has a uniform, or substantially uniform thickness at thickness points (E3, E3a, E3b), along substantially the entire length (L) of the shoe (FIG. 18). Alternatively, the thickness points or thicknesses (E3, E3a, E3b) of the front stabilizing member 220 may decrease from the proximal end to the distal end of the sole 200 relative to the heel, or may be different thicknesses (E3, E3a, E3b). In the illustrated embodiment, the mean thickness (E3) of the front stabilizing member 210 is 2% to 30% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, i.e., the thickness (E3a) at the base of the front stabilizing member 210 is 2% to 30% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, and the thickness (E3b) substantially at the distal end of the front stabilizing member 210 is 2% to 30% of the length (LU) of the upper 202. Note that the thickness (E3a) at the base of the front stabilizing member 210 corresponds to the thickness of the sole 200 at the distal end of the upper 202 relative to the heel, whereas the thickness (E3b) substantially at the distal end of the front stabilizing member 210 corresponds to the thickness of the front stabilizing member 210 at approximately 4% of the length (LU) of the upper 202 relative to the distal end of the front stabilizing member 210. In this embodiment, the mean thickness (E3) of the front stabilizing member 210 is preferably 2% to 25% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, and more preferably 3% to 20% of the length (LU).
In one embodiment, the ratio between the thickness (E3b) at substantially the distal end thereof and the thickness (E3a) at the base of the front stabilizing member 210 is 0.25 to 2, more preferably 0.5 to 2. It should be appreciated that the thickness (E3) of the front stabilizing member 210 may be modulated according to the thickness of the sole 200, the constituent material(s) of the sole 200 and the length of the sole 200. A relatively large thickness (E3) of the front stabilizing member 210, measured from the bottom to the top of the front stabilizing member 210, makes it possible to store energy during the compression of the front stabilizing member 210 at the end of a stride and to release the stored energy with a spring effect during the launch phase of the weight bearing leg.
In the illustrated embodiment, the width (L2) of the widest part of the upper 202 is located at the metatarsal region and decreases toward the distal end of the upper 202, i.e., at the toe. As shown, the front stabilizing member 210 originates at the widest part of the front part of the upper 202 and extends distally, longitudinally outward. In other words, the front stabilizing member 210, forming an outward extension of the sole 200, extends from the widest zone of the front part of the upper 202 to the front, i.e. in the distal direction of the front end of the upper 202. Additionally, the curvature of the distal end of the front stabilizing member 210 is less than or equal to the curvature of the distal end of the upper 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature is oriented toward the medial part (PM) of the shoe, where the volume of the medial part (PM) of the front stabilizing member 210 is greater than the volume of the lateral part (PL) of the front stabilizing member 210. Note that the curvature of the front stabilizing member 210 enhances the propulsion effect by increasing the volume in the medial part (PM) of the front stabilizing member 210, which promotes ground contact and relaunch of a user's stride.
In the above embodiment, the front stabilizing member 210 is an integral part of the sole 200 and protects the front of the sole 200 in the distal direction of the front end of the upper 202. In another embodiment, the front stabilizing member 210 has an upward curvature, i.e., directed from the bottom end of the sole 200 to the upper 202. In this embodiment, the height (H2) of the distal end of the bottom surface of the front stabilizing member 210 relative to the bottom surface of the center of the sole 200, i.e., with respect to the ground, is 0% to 60% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, preferably 3% to 30% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, more preferably 3% to 20% of the length (LU) of the upper 202. It should be appreciated that the height (H2) may be modified based on the material(s) of the front stabilizing member 210 and the specific use of the shoe.
In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness (E2) of the sole at the widest part of the upper, i.e., at the base of the metatarsals, is 9.5% to 30% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, preferably 20% and 30% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, more preferably 20% to 25% of the length (LU) of the upper 202. Note that the thickness (E2) corresponds to the distance between the bottom end of the upper 202 and the bottom end of the sole 200, where the end of the sole 200 is in contact with the ground. In this embodiment, the range of thickness (E2) of the sole 200 at the metatarsal region, i.e. at the widest part 212 of the upper 202, provides a progressive shock absorbing effect, during repeated rolling contact between the shoe and the ground during walking, jogging and running. It should be appreciated that in an embodiment, the present shoe may include sole 200 having only the front stabilizing member 210, such as with shoe 198b shown in FIG. 22. In this embodiment, the front stabilizing member 210 extends a distance or length (L2) from the front of the upper.
Referring to FIGS. 17-19, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29 and 30, the sole 200 according to one embodiment, comprises a rear stabilizing member 214, extending longitudinally to the rear relative to the general profile of the upper 202. In these embodiments, the rear stabilizing member 214 extends the rolling ground contact phase, by initiating the ground contact earlier and distally relative to the heel. Note that the rear stabilizing member 214 provides a more progressive impact compared to a conventional shoe, through a fluidity of the pressure paths during each strike at the heel with the ground.
In the illustrated embodiments, the length (L3) of the rear stabilizing member 214 is at least 20% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, and preferably 9% to 60% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, more preferably 22% and 40% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, and more preferably 23% and 25% of the length (LU) of the upper 202. Note that the length (L3) of the rear stabilizing member 214 corresponds to the distance between the proximal end of the upper 202, i.e. the rear end of the upper 202 at the heel, and the distal end of the rear stabilizing member 214. Preferably, the rear stabilizing member 214 has a uniform, or substantially uniform, thickness (E4) along substantially the entire length of the rear stabilizing member 214. It is also contemplated that the thickness (E4) of the rear stabilizing member 214 decreases from the proximal end to the distal end of the rear stabilizing member. It should be noted that the mean thickness (E4) of the rear stabilizing member 214 is 7% to 40% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, preferably 9% to 30% the length (LU) of the upper 202, and more preferably 22% to 25% the length (LU) of the upper 202. In an embodiment, the thickness (E4) of the rear stabilizing member is at least 1.0 cm. Also, the thickness (E4) of the rear stabilizing member 214 may be modified according to the thickness, the constituent material(s) and the length of the sole.
A relatively large thickness (E4) of the rear stabilizing member 214 helps to enhance shock absorption during compression of the rear stabilizing member at the start of a stride and promotes the initiation of the ground contact phase from a strike downstream from the heel to a heel contact, followed by a forward propulsion. Also, combining a large thickness (E4) of the rear stabilizing member 214 with a large thickness of the general profile of the sole 200 creates longitudinal shear strain at the sole, which reduces the strain sustained by the joints and the back of a user.
As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the thickness (E4) of the rear stabilizing member 214 is greater than the thickness (E2) of the sole 200 at the heel 216. Note that the thickness (E2) corresponds to the distance between the bottom end of the upper 202 at the heel 216 and the bottom surface of the sole 200, i.e. the end of the sole 200, that contacts the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, the top part of the rear stabilizing member 214 substantially encases an outer periphery of the top part of the heel, which promotes shock absorption during ground contact of the heel. As shown in FIG. 2, the rear stabilizing member 214 has a concave shape, along a cross-section perpendicular to the bottom surface of the sole 200, where the concave shape of the rear stabilizing member 214 provides optimized strain distribution.
Referring to FIG. 29, in another embodiment, the rear stabilizing member 214 is raised upwardly, i.e. the rear stabilizing member is embodied by a tongue-shaped profile which has a concave curvature, along a perpendicular plane to the bottom surface of the sole 200.
Referring to FIG. 24, in a further embodiment, a shoe 198d includes sole 200 with rear stabilizing member 214, which originates at the widest part (L2) of the front part of the upper 202, and extends distally, longitudinally to the rear of the shoe, the lateral profile thereof following the rear lateral profile of the upper 202, but more broadly, extending distally beyond the heel. In this embodiment, the rear stabilizing member 214, forming an extension of the rear part of the sole 200, extends from the widest part 212 of the front part of the upper 202 to the rear, i.e., in the distal direction with respect to the heel.
In another embodiment shown in FIG. 23, a shoe 198c has a sole where the rear stabilizing member 214 originates at the narrowing part 218 of the upper 202 facing the arch of the foot and extends distally longitudinally to the rear of the shoe, the lateral profile thereof following the lateral profile of the upper 202, and extending distally beyond the heel. In all of these embodiments, the difference in lateral thickness of the rear stabilizing member 214 relative to the lateral profile of the upper 202 is 2% to 6% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, as illustrated for example, in FIG. 24.
In an embodiment, the curvature of the distal end of the rear stabilizing member 214, along a sectional plane parallel with the bottom surface of the sole 200, is equal to, or greater than, the curvature of the proximal end of the upper 202 at the heel. In another embodiment, the distal curvature cited above relative to the heel, of the rear stabilizing member 214 is equal to that of the upper 202. In a further embodiment, the distal curvature cited above relative to the heel, of the rear stabilizing member 214 is greater than that of the upper 202. It should be noted that the relatively large width (L6) of the rear stabilizing member 214 enables optimized contact with the ground upon an early strike of a stride, i.e. distally with respect to the heel. To this end, the mean width (L6) of the rear stabilizing member 214 is 20% to 40% of the length (LU) of the upper 202.
In the illustrated embodiment, the rear stabilizing member 214 is an integral part of the sole 200 and protects the rear of the sole 200 in the distal direction of the rear end of the upper 202. Also, the bottom surface of the rear stabilizing member 214 has an upward curvature, i.e. directed from the bottom end of the sole 200 to the upper 202. Furthermore, the height (H2) of the distal end of the bottom surface of the rear stabilizing member 214 relative to the bottom surface of the center of the sole 200, i.e., with respect to the ground, is 0 to 60% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, preferably 3% to 60% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, more preferably, 4% to 60% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, more preferably 4% to 30% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, more preferably 5% to 20% of the length (LU) of the upper 202.
Referring to FIG. 25, in a further embodiment, a shoe 198e includes sole 200 comprising a lateral stabilizing member 220 located on both sides of the heel. The lateral stabilizing member 220 includes two lobes (222a, 222b), i.e., a lateral lobe 222a and a medial lobe 222b, that are located on and extend outwardly from opposing sides of the rear part of the upper 202 at the heel. During use of the shoe, the lateral stabilizing member 220 increases the lateral stability during a strike at the heel, by realigning the pressure paths toward the longitudinal median axis of the shoe profile. Further, upon poor positioning of the foot on ground contact, the lateral stabilizing member provides a sufficient delay time for the reflex mechanism to react and recover from the poor positioning, which helps to prevent injury to the user. Also, the lateral stabilizing member 220 helps to realign a user's feet during the strike phase, which limits fatigue by improving the regularity of motion during stride sequences. It should be appreciated that the lateral stabilizing member may extend outwardly from the medial side, the lateral side or both sides of the shoe.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral width (L4) of the lateral stabilizing member 220, on one side of the upper 202 at the heel, i.e., the lateral width (L4) of a lobe (222a, 222b), i.e., the distance the lobes each extend outwardly from the upper, is at least 5% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, and preferably 5% to 20% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, and more preferably 5% to 22% of the length (LU) of the upper 202. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the width of the medial lobe 222b or inner lobe (i.e., the medial distance that the lobe 222b extends from the upper), is less than the width of the lateral lobe 222a or the outer lobe (i.e., the lateral distance that the lobe 222a extends from the upper). It should be appreciated that the width of the medial lobe 222b may be greater than the width of the lateral lobe 222a or the medial and lateral lobes may have the same width. Further, the greatest lateral width (L5) from one edge to the other edge of the lateral stabilizing member 220, at the bottom surface of the sole 200, is 50% to 60% of the length (LU) of the upper 202, and preferably 52% and 57% of the length (LU) of the upper 202.
In an embodiment, the greatest width (L5) of the lateral stabilizing member 220 at the bottom surface of the sole 200 is equal to or greater than the largest width (L2) of the upper 202 at the metatarsal region. Further, the ratio between the greatest width (L5) of the lateral stabilizing member 220 at the bottom surface of the sole 200 and the greatest width (L2) of the upper 202 at the metatarsal region, is 2 to 3, preferably 2.2 to 2.5, more preferably 2.2 to 2.5. It should be appreciated that the ration may also be 2.25 to 2, or within a range greater than or equal to 2.3 and less than 2. Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the ratio of the shoe is at least less than 2.0, and preferably 0.6 to 0.9. As shown in FIG. 25, the outer profile of the lateral stabilizing member 220 originates at the widest part 222 of the front part of the upper 202, and more specifically, at the center or midfoot area of the upper 202, i.e., preferably at least at the center of the arch of the foot, to extend in a flared manner up to the rear end of the upper 202. Note also that the greatest width (L5) of the lateral stabilizing member 220 is located substantially facing the rear end of the upper 202, and at least located straight above the heel 226, so as to provide maximum stability at the ground contact zone of the heel.
In another embodiment, the lateral stabilizing member 220, or the part of the sole 200 forming the lateral stabilizing member 220, i.e., the lobes (222a, 222b), is more flexible than the other parts of the sole 200. In this way, the lateral stabilizing member 220 limits torque effects by limiting any overly abrupt return effects to a normal position of the shoe upon poor positioning of the heel on the ground and then recovery to a natural position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral stabilizing member 220, i.e., the lobes (222a, 222b), include depressions, i.e., hollow parts, such as outer grooves, that soften the sole 200 on either side of the heel. In an embodiment, the lateral stabilizing member 220, i.e., the lobes (222a, 222b), is made of a more flexible material, i.e. having a lower Shore D hardness than the rest of the sole 200. It should be appreciated that the lateral stabilizing member may have the same or different hardness than the other parts of the sole 200.
In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 26, a shoe 198f includes sole 200 comprising a rear stabilizing member 214 and a lateral stabilizing member 220, thereby forming a rear peripheral stabilizing member 224 about the heel area of the shoe. In this embodiment, the rear peripheral stabilizing member 224 spreads out and realigns the stride, alleviates strain concentrations upon a heel strike, thereby spreading out the impact forces on a user's body. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 26, the rear peripheral stabilizing member 224 has an outer shape similar to an arc of a circle. As such, the rear peripheral stabilizing member 224 limits drifts and deviations relative to the positioning of the shoe along the preferential ground contact line of a natural stride. Note that the rear peripheral stabilizing member 224 thus extends distally relative to the heel over a length (L3) corresponding to the length of the rear stabilizing member 224 cited above, as well as over a width (L5) corresponding to that of the lateral stabilizing member 220.
Referring now to FIG. 27, in a further embodiment, a shoe 198g includes sole 200 comprising a front stabilizing member 210 and a rear stabilizing member 214, which increases the propulsion phase and generates a greater stride length or height. As such, the presence of the rear stabilizing member 214 in the combination cited above makes it possible, due to the increase particularly in the stride length, to initiate landing, and thereby initiate the ground strike phase earlier, which provides fluidity of motion of the user's stride. This fluidity of motion is provided both during the propulsion phase of a leg to the landing upstream from the heel on the other leg, and during the rear stride engagement phase to the forward rolling of the foot to the propulsion phase.
Referring to FIG. 28, in another embodiment, a shoe 198h includes sole 200 comprising a front stabilizing member 210 and a lateral stabilizing member 220. In the preceding embodiment, due to the spring effect of the front stabilizing member 210, the risk of drift of the force line of the launch and suspension phase increases. The presence of the lateral stabilizing member 220 in this embodiment thereby realigns the rear ground contact during the landing phase and limits the risk of loss of balance and consequently, the risk of injuries.
Referring to FIGS. 17-19, 29 and 30, in a further embodiment, a shoe 198i includes sole 200, which has a front stabilizing member 210, as well as a rear peripheral stabilizing member 214 formed from a rear stabilizing member 214 and a lateral stabilizing member 220, to form a full peripheral stabilizing member 226 of the sole 200. The full peripheral stabilizing member 226 provides fluidity of a stride between the propulsion phase and the early landing phase and vice versa. Furthermore, the full peripheral stabilizing member 226 also limits the risk of drift along the preferential ground contact line, i.e., potential risks of drift of the landing phase, due to the propulsion phase, which is increased, and due to the strike phase initiation phase which is also early. In this embodiment, the material(s) of the sole 200 have a Shore D hardness between 30 and 35, but may have any suitable hardness value or combination of hardness values.
Referring to FIG. 31, in another embodiment, a shoe 198j has a sole 200 with a rear stabilizing member 214 and a lateral stabilizing member 228, where the lateral stabilizing member includes protruding lobes 228a and 228b that extend outwardly from the rear portion of the sole. In an embodiment, the lobes 228a and 228b are integrally formed with and extend outwardly from the outsole 200 and are separated from the rear stabilizing member. In another embodiment, the shoe only includes the lateral stabilizing member 228 with lobes 228a and 228b and does not include the rear stabilizing member 214. In each embodiment, the lobes 228a and 228b provide lateral support and stability to a user while reducing impact forces on the user's feet. It should be appreciated that in each embodiment, the lobes 228a and 228b have a width, i.e., lateral distance from the upper, that is at least 5% of the length (LU) of the upper.
In an embodiment of the present footwear or shoe, a semi-rigid support plate, such as a carbon plate, is inserted between the midsole and the outsole to provide additional stability and support to a user's foot. The support plate is a generally planar plate that extends along at least a portion of the midsole. Alternatively, the plate may be inserted in or integrally formed with the midsole. The plate may extend along a portion of the midsole and outsole, such as in the heel area, or along the entire length (L) of the shoe. Additionally, the plate may be made out of metal, metal fibers encased by a resin, plastic or any suitable materials or combination of materials.
In another embodiment, a spring plate is inserted between the midsole and the outsole. The spring plate is a generally planar plate that extends under the upper and beyond the rear end of the wall 206 shown in FIG. 18 to provide a resilient spring effect in the heel area of the shoe to help absorb the impact force on a user's heel during heel strikes while walking, jogging or running. In another embodiment, the spring plate extends beyond the front end of the wall 206 to provide a spring effect during propulsion, i.e., push off force between the forefoot and the ground. It is contemplated that the spring plate may extend along the entire length (L) of the shoe, extend from the front end of the wall 206 to a point beyond the rear end of the wall 206, extend from the rear end of the wall 206 to a point beyond the front end of the wall 206 or extend beyond both the front end and the rear end of the wall 206. In this embodiment, the spring plate is made of a resilient metal, but may be made with plastic or any suitable material or combination of materials.
Referring to FIG. 32, in another embodiment, a shoe 198k includes an upper 232 having a bottom surface and a length, and a sole 230 secured to the bottom surface of the upper 232 and including a midsole and an outsole. As shown, the sole 230 has a front portion 234 with a front contact surface area and a rear portion 236 with a rear contact surface area, where the front portion has a front length (FL) and the rear portion has a rear length (RL) that are equal to each other relative to the overall length of the shoe (L) as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In this embodiment, the rear contact surface area (area of the bottom of the sole that contacts the ground) is equal to or greater than the front contact surface area to provide stability and balance to a user during walking, jogging and running, and to spread or reduce the impact force on a user's heel along the rear contact surface area thereby reducing the impact force on the user's body while enhancing propulsion. It should be appreciated that the length of the front portion 234 may be less than, equal to or greater than the rear portion 236 as long as the rear contact surface area is equal to or greater than the front contact surface area.
Referring to FIG. 33, in a further embodiment, a shoe 198l includes sole 237 having a midsole and an outsole. A peripheral stabilizing member 238 extends from a medial side 240a to a lateral side 240b of the sole and is attached to the midsole by a peripheral support member 242. In this embodiment, the peripheral support member 242 is a lattice structure that extends outwardly from the midsole to the peripheral stabilizing member 238 such that the peripheral stabilizing member is not directly connected to the sole 237. This provides a hollow space below the peripheral support member between the sole 237 and the peripheral stabilizing member 238 that allows the support member 242 and the peripheral stabilizing member 238 to flex during use to provide support and balance to a user on different terrains while reducing the impact force on the user's feet. In another embodiment, the peripheral stabilizing member is attached to the outsole by the peripheral support member. It should be appreciated that the peripheral stabilizing member 238 and the peripheral support member 242 may extend about a portion of the peripheral surface of the sole 237 from the medial to lateral sides of the sole or about the entire rear peripheral surface of the sole as shown in FIG. 33. It should also be appreciated that the peripheral support member 242 may be a lattice structure, a solid structure or any suitable structure that attaches the peripheral stabilizing member to the sole 237.
Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the front stabilizing member, the lateral stabilizing member including the opposing lobes, and the rear stabilizing member may be made out of the same material or different materials. Similarly, the front stabilizing member, the lateral stabilizing member and rear stabilizing member may be made of materials having the same hardness value or different hardness values. For example, one or more of the front stabilizing member, the lateral stabilizing member and rear stabilizing member may have the same hardness value or different hardness values.
While particular embodiments of the present footwear or shoe are shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.
Patent Grant
10966482
