TREA

SOLE FOR A SHOE, AND SHOE WITH A SOLE

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Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20250204639
  • Publication Number
    20250204639
  • Date Filed
    December 21, 2023
    a year ago
  • Date Published
    June 26, 2025
    a month ago
  • Inventors
    • O'Neill; Jic Joseph (Glasford, IL, US)
Information
Abstract
A sole for a shoe that includes a bottom sole platform for supporting a foot of a human. The bottom sole platform includes a top surface shaped to support the foot and a bottom surface spaced from and facing away from the top surface, wherein the bottom surface includes: a longitudinal axis intersecting a front end and a rear end of the bottom surface; and a lateral axis intersecting a curved instep portion of the bottom surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. First, second, third, and fourth symmetric protrusions contacting the bottom surface including centers positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis and forward or rear of the lateral axis and to a left side of the longitudinal axis and forward or rear of the lateral axis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field

The present invention is directed to a sole for a shoe, such as an athletic shoe.


Background Art

The human foot is a complicated structure of bones, joints, and ligaments that interact with one another so as to provide support for a person who is standing and to enable motion of the human during walking and running. In order to protect the foot from the abrasive surfaces that it could encounter during standing, walking, and running, the foot is inserted within a shoe.


As an example, a typical running shoe 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-8. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the shoe 100 includes a bottom sole platform 102 to support a foot, wherein the foot is placed on a top surface 104 of the bottom sole platform 102. The bottom sole platform 102 usually includes a midsole 106 that is usually made of foam, which helps with cushioning the foot. On the top surface 107 of the midsole 106 is attached a strobel 108 that is usually made of a fabric. The top surface of the strobel 108 provides a surface upon which the sole of the foot directly contacts or a sock worn on the foot directly contacts.


The bottom surface of the midsole 106 usually includes a tread pattern 110 formed integrally therefrom, wherein the tread is designed to grip various types of surfaces when the shoe is being used by a human for standing, walking, or running.


As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4-6, the front portion of the bottom sole platform 102 is angled upward relative to the rear portion of the bottom sole platform 102 and the surface upon which the bottom sole platform 102 lies. The upward angle θ ranges from greater than 0° to 10°. Such an upward tilt in the shoe 100 can limit the range for toe flexion (decreased utilization of toes while moving in a forward motion).


The shoe 100 includes an upper structure 112 that is made of a cloth-like material that has an edge attached to the sides of the midsole 106 by such attachments as glue or stitching. When the upper structure 112 is attached to the midsole 106, the upper structure 112 and the midsole 106 define a cavity 113 into which the foot is inserted so that sole of the foot lies upon the strobel 108. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the upper structure 112 includes a pair of lines of holes 114 that receive a shoelace 116 and are crisscrossed in a well-known manner. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the upper structure 112 includes a tongue 118 that freely pivots and is positioned below the crisscrossed shoelace 116. The tongue 118 protects the foot placed within the shoe when the shoelace 116 is tightened and tied so as to secure the foot within the cavity of the shoe 100. The above-described shoe 100 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2-8 is a left shoe and designed for insertion of a left foot of a human. The structure for a right shoe for insertion therein of a right foot of the same human is similar to that described previously, wherein the right shoe is the mirror image of the left shoe 100.


When both feet of the human are secured within the cavities of the left and right shoes previously described, the human is able to walk or run on a variety of surfaces without the feet of the human being subject to pain or discomfort from such surfaces. A brief description of the motion of the foot as it starts to contact the ground during walking or running is given herewith. In particular, the foot initially contacts the ground at an outer portion of the heel. Subsequently, a greater portion of the heel, along with the outer portion of the arch of the foot, then contacts the ground. The inner portion of the ball of the foot then contacts the ground. After the inner ball of the foot contacts the ground, the remainder of the ball of the foot and the toes contact the ground resulting in the foot being generally flat on the ground. Continuation of the motion results in the heel beginning to leave the ground. This results in weight being transferred to the ball of the foot. After the heel and arch leave the ground, most of a person's weight is concentrated on the inner portion of the ball of the foot. The inner portion of the ball of the foot and the big toe are the last areas to be in contact the ground when the foot begins to leave the ground.


In order to make the above-described motion of the foot to be most efficient, the amount of energy/force directed by the ground into the foot should be as close as possible as the amount of energy/force directed into the ground by the foot. Furthermore, the shoe worn by the foot should prolong the deceleration process when contacting the ground so as to alleviate the force encountered by the foot via transmission of force from the ground and into the sole of the shoe. When a human wears a pair of shoes on his or her feet, the above-described motion of a foot with respect to the ground is performed instead with respect to the strobel of the shoe worn. Accordingly, in order to make the motion of the foot wearing a shoe to be most efficient, the amount of energy/force directed by the ground into the shoe and transferred to the foot should be as close as possible as the amount of energy/force directed into the ground by the shoe due to the energy/force directed to the sole platform by the foot. Unfortunately, today's shoes are not very efficient in transferring energy/forces from the foot to the ground and vice versa. Many of today's shoes generate a rocking motion that limits the stretch in the arch of the foot. In addition, today's shoes usually do not provide sufficient pressure on the calcaneus and the 1st/lesser metatarsal joints which leads to the spreading of the force evenly across the foot and so there will be certain areas of the foot that are not designed to receive such a force. This is in contrast to the calcaneus and metatarsals that are designed for absorbing such a force.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention regards a sole for a shoe that includes a bottom sole platform for supporting a foot of a human. The bottom sole platform includes a top surface shaped to support the foot and a bottom surface spaced from and facing away from the top surface, wherein the bottom surface includes: a longitudinal axis intersecting a front end and a rear end of the bottom surface; and a lateral axis intersecting a curved instep portion of the bottom surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A first symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface including a first center positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis and forward of the lateral axis. A second symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface including a second center positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis and forward of the lateral axis. A third symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface including a third center positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis and rearward of the lateral axis. A fourth symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface including a fourth center positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis and rearward of the lateral axis.


A second aspect of the invention regards a shoe that includes a sole that includes a bottom sole platform for supporting a foot of a human. The bottom sole platform includes a top surface shaped to support the foot and a bottom surface spaced from and facing away from the top surface, wherein the bottom surface includes: a longitudinal axis intersecting a front end and a rear end of the bottom surface; and a lateral axis intersecting a curved instep portion of the bottom surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A first symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface including a first center positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis and forward of the lateral axis. A second symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface including a second center positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis and forward of the lateral axis. A third symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface including a third center positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis and rearward of the lateral axis. A fourth symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface including a fourth center positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis and rearward of the lateral axis. The shoe further including an upper structure attached to the sole, wherein the upper structure and the sole define a cavity into which the foot is inserted so that the foot lies upon the sole.


One or more aspects of the present invention provide the advantage of improving the efficiency in transferring energy/forces from the foot to the ground and vice versa when a shoe is being worn by the foot.


One or more aspects of the present invention provide the advantage of preventing or decreasing rocking motion, which leads to increased stretching of the arch of the foot.


One or more aspects of the present invention provide the advantage of directing forces generated by a shoe to those parts of the foot, such as the calcaneus and the 1st/lesser metatarsal joints, that are designed to absorb such forces.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features, advantages and other uses of the present apparatus and method will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawings in which:



FIG. 1A shows a top perspective view of a known bottom sole platform of a known running shoe, wherein a known strobel has been removed;



FIG. 1B shows a top perspective view of the known strobel that is unattached to the bottom sole platform of FIG. 1A;



FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 1A;



FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a known running shoe that uses the bottom sole platform of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2;



FIG. 4 shows a right side view of the known running shoe of FIG. 3;



FIG. 5 shows a left side view of the known running shoe of FIG. 3;



FIG. 6 shows a front view of the known running shoe of FIG. 3;



FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the known running shoe of FIG. 3;



FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the known running shoe of FIG. 3;



FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of a right shoe in accordance with the present invention;



FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the shoe of FIG. 9;



FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of a bottom sole platform to be used with a left footed version of the shoe of FIGS. 9-10 in accordance with the present invention;



FIG. 12 shows a left side view of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 13 shows a right side view of bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 14 shows a top view of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 16 shows a bottom, front perspective view of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 17 shows a rear view of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 18 schematically shows a front profile of a right foot version of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 19 schematically shows a rear profile of a right foot version of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 20 schematically shows a side profile of a right foot version of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 21 schematically shows a bottom profile of a right foot version of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 11;



FIG. 22 schematically shows a bottom perspective view of a right foot version of the bottom profile of the bottom sole platform of FIG. 21; and



FIG. 23 shows a top schematic view of the bones of a typical human when placed on a top surface of a right foot version of the bottom sole platform of FIGS. 11-17.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in the exemplary drawing figures is an embodiment of a bottom sole platform and a shoe using such bottom sole platform, wherein like elements are denoted by like numerals.



FIGS. 9-23 show an embodiment of a shoe 200. The shoe 200 includes a bottom sole platform 202 to support a foot, wherein the foot is placed on a top surface 204 of the bottom sole platform 202. The outer edge of the top surface 204 has a shape for supporting the foot thereon and has a shape that generally conforms to the shape of the bottom of the foot. As shown in FIGS. 10, 20, and 23, the top surface 204 has a front portion 205 that supports the toes of the foot placed thereon and is angled downward with respect to the remaining portion of the top surface by an angle β that ranges from 2 to 10°. As shown in FIG. 18, the front portion 205 dips by an amount of ⅜ of an inch relative to the remaining portion of the top surface for a size 10 men's shoe. As shown in FIG. 23, the front portion 206 begins to dip downward along a line 207 approximately where the Proximal Phalanges 209 of the foot meet the 1st-5th metatarsals 211, 213, 215, 217, 219 of the foot on the top surface 204. Along an edge of the front portion 206 is a raised curved wall 221 having a height that ranges from 1/32 to 1/48 of the length of the shoe 200, and so for lengths of the shoe 200 that range from 8 inches to 18 inches, the height of the curved wall 221 will range from 2/8 inches to ⅜ inches, respectively. Thus, the front portion 206 with its curved wall 221 define a toe well that provides added protection for the toes of the foot that are placed therein. Besides defining a toe well, the top surface 204 will have minimal arch support and will contour closely to the sides of the foot that it supports. The bottom sole platform 202 is a one-piece structure that is formed from an injection molding process. The material of the bottom sole platform 202 is a durable and flexible material, such as Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).


The top surface 204 of the bottom sole platform 202 can have a strobel 208 attached thereto via an adhesive, such as glue. The strobel 208 is made of a fabric, such as polyester or a cotton material, and has a shape that substantially matches the shape of the top surface 204. The fabric of the strobel 208 is chosen to provide additional cushioning for the foot placed thereon and can have the properties of absorbing sweat and odors emanating from the foot.


The shoe 200 includes an upper structure 210 that is made of a cloth-like material that has an edge attached to the sides of the bottom sole platform 202 by such attachments as glue or stitching. When the upper structure 210 is attached to the bottom sole platform 202, the upper structure 212 and the top surface 204 (and a strobel 208, if present) define a cavity 212. The top portion of the cavity 212 is defined by a top edge 214 of the upper structure 212. The foot is inserted through the opening defined by the top edge 214 and the sole of the foot lies upon the top surface 204 or strobel 208. Once inserted into the cavity 212, the foot is engaged by the top edge 214 so that the foot is retained in the cavity 212 into which the foot is inserted so that sole of the foot lies upon the top surface 204 or strobel 208. Of course, if the foot is wearing a sock, the sock will lie upon the top surface 204 or strobel 208. Note that embodiments are envisioned wherein there is no elastic or engagement structure associated with the top edge 214 to retain the foot in the cavity 212.


It is understood that other embodiments for the upper structure 210 are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the upper structure 210 can include a pair of lines of holes that receive a shoelace and are crisscrossed in a well-known manner. In addition, the upper structure 210 can include a tongue that freely pivots and is positioned below the crisscrossed shoelace in a well-known manner.


In another possible embodiment, the lace structure can be replaced by a strap structure that engages the upper structure 210 via a hook and loop attachment sold under the trademark of Velcro®.


A bottom surface 218 of the bottom sole platform 202 is spaced from and faces away from the top surface 204. The bottom surface 218 is spaced approximately 1½ inches from the top surface 204. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the bottom surface 218 defines a longitudinal axis 220 (dashed lines in FIG. 21) intersecting a front tip or end 222 and a rear heel or end 224 of the bottom surface 218. In addition, the bottom surface 218 defines a lateral axis 226 (dashed lines in FIG. 21) intersecting a curved portion 228 of the bottom surface 218 where the raised arch of the foot will be present and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the lateral axis 226 is located approximately along the center of the arch of the foot, halfway along the length of the longitudinal axis 220 from the front end 222 to the rear end 224, and approximately midway between the front pair of protrusions 230, 232 and the rear pair of protrusions 234, 236. The bottom surface 218 includes four protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236. The use of only four protrusions on the bottom surface 218 provides optimal pressure transfer and balance in most cases. While the examples shown in FIGS. 11-22 show the use of only four protrusions, it is envisioned that more than four protrusions can be used should a particular foot need the spreading of the pressure across the foot so as to improve balance. Additional protrusions would be placed near the locations of the original four protrusions. Besides the protrusions, the bottom surface 218 can include well known tread patterns for increased traction. Since the protrusions will normally lift the bottom surface 218 from the ground, there may be no need for adding tread patterns. With that said, adding tread patterns may provide the added benefit of exerting larger torque across the sole of the foot. The four protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 are preferably made of the same material as the bottom sole platform 202 and are integral with the bottom sole platform 202 by being formed simultaneously with the bottom sole platform 202 during the previously mentioned injection molding process that forms the bottom sole platform 202. It is also possible to use a stiffer material for one or more of the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236. When made from the same injection molding process, the bottom sole platform 202 and the four protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 are integral with one another. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 are not integrally formed with the bottom sole platform 202 and instead are attached to the bottom sole platform 202 by the use of mechanical attachments, such as plastic anchors similar to those used in dry walling. In this alternative embodiment, the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 are made of a durable material, such as rubber.


As shown in FIGS. 15, 21, and 22, the front pair of protrusions 230 and 232 are identical in shape and have a symmetrical, hemispherical shape and have a radius that ranges from 0.5 inches to 0.75 inches, depending on the size of the shoe 100 formed for a particular sized foot. The protrusion 230 contacts the bottom surface 218 and has a center 238 positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis 220 and forward of the lateral axis 226. The protrusion 232 contacts the bottom surface 218 and has a center 240 positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis 220 and forward of the lateral axis 226.


Like the front pair of protrusions 230 and 232, the rear pair of protrusions 234 and 236 are identical in shape and have a symmetrical, hemispherical shape and have a radius that ranges from 0.75 inches to 1.0 inches, depending on the size of the shoe 200 formed for a particular sized foot. The protrusion 234 contacts the bottom surface 218 and has a center 242 positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis 220 and rearward of the lateral axis 226. The protrusion 236 contacts the bottom surface 218 and has a center 244 positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis 220 and rearward of the lateral axis 226.


Note that each of the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 can have an identical radius. In another embodiment, the front protrusions 230, 232 have a smaller radius than the rear protrusions 234, 236. In either embodiment, the radius R of each protrusion 230, 232, 234, and 236 that 1) extends along a plane that symmetrically bisects the protrusion and 2) is perpendicular to the bottom surface 218. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, each protrusion 230, 232, 234, and 236 is oriented at an angle Γ that is defined to be the angle defined by a vertical axis V that intersects the center of the protrusion and an axis B that intersects the center and the apex of the protrusion. The angle Γ may be identical for each protrusion and has a value ranging from 40° to 60°, such as 55°. The angle Γ may be identical for each protrusion or there may be differences in the magnitude of the angle for each protrusion. Note that angling of the protrusions provide increased stability of the user of the shoe 200.


In order to improve the efficiency in transferring energy/forces from the foot to the ground and vice versa when the shoe 200 is being worn by the foot, the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 are positioned in a particular spatial orientation with respect to the bone structure of the foot being inserted. It is envisioned that a pair of shoes 200 can be specially made for the feet of a particular individual taking into account that the bones of the feet of people can be positioned differently than the bones of other people. In this scenario, a person has measurements made as to the positions of the bones of each foot of the person and as to other dimensions of each foot. From the measurements, a unique left shoe and a unique right shoe are manufactured for that person such that the locations of the protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 are positioned per the discussion to follow.


The general process for placement of the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 will now be described. For best results, a person's foot is measured so that a footprint of the foot is determined. Based on the size of the footprint, the radius R of the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 are determined. Next, the positions of the front protrusions 230 and 232 are determined. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the center 240 of the front protrusion 232 is positioned on the side of the footprint that is nearest the other foot of the person and is positioned approximately 0.5 inches behind the first metatarsal/phalange congression when the foot is placed on the footprint. Similarly, the center 238 of the front protrusion 230 is positioned on the side of the foot that is furthest from the other foot of the person and is positioned approximately 0.5 inches in front of the fifth metatarsal/phalange congression when the foot is placed on the footprint.


The positions of the rear protrusions 234 and 236 are next determined. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the center 244 of the rear protrusion 236 is positioned on the side of the footprint that is nearest the other foot of the person and is positioned approximately 1-2 inches forward of the medial process of the calcaneal tuberosity when the foot is placed on the footprint. Similarly, the center 242 of the rear protrusion 234 is positioned on the side of the foot that is furthest from the other foot of the person and is positioned approximately 1-2 inches forward of the lateral process of the calcaneal tuberosity when the foot is placed on the footprint. After the protrusions are positioned, then the above process is repeated for the footprint of the other foot of the person.


As shown in FIG. 21, the end result of the positioning process is that front protrusions 230 and 232 are on either side of the longitudinal axis 220 that intersects a front or tip end 222 and a rear heel or end 224 of the bottom surface 218. As shown in the example shown in FIG. 21, the rear heel or end 224 is located at the portion of the rear of the shoe 200 that is furthest from the front end of the shoe 200. The front or tip end 222 is located at the apex of an isosceles triangle with a base defined as the chord or side connecting the centers 238 and 240 of protrusions 230 and 232, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the front protrusions 230, 232 are separated from the rear protrusions 234, 236 by the lateral axis 226 previously described.


Depending on the size of the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 and their determined positions, it is possible that one or more of the protrusions extend beyond the footprint. In the example of FIG. 21, three protrusions (232, 234, and 236) extend past the edge of the footprint. For protrusions 232 and 236 that extend past the edge of the footprint, the protrusions prevent overpronation and provide improved stability.


While the above positioning process for the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 was performed for particular feet of a person, the process can be used for standard footprints for people that are used for the mass production of shoes. An example of the positioning of the protrusions 230, 232, 234, and 236 are given below.


A standard size 10 men's shoe and corresponding footprint are shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 14, 15, and 21-23. In the example, the centers 238 and 240 of protrusions 230 and 232, respectively, are separated from each other by approximately 3 inches (see FIGS. 18-19), and each center 238, 240 is a distance of approximately 3.25 inches from the front or tip end 222, as shown in FIG. 21. Furthermore, each side or chord defined by the end 222 with either the center 238 or center 240 defines an angle of approximately 24° with respect to the longitudinal axis 220, as shown in FIG. 21. In addition, the centers 242 and 244 of rear protrusions 234 and 236, respectively, are on either side of the longitudinal axis 220 and are separated from one another by approximately 2 inches as shown in FIGS. 18-19. Furthermore, the pair of centers 238 and 240 of front protrusions 230, 232, respectively, are separated from the centers 242 and 244 of the pair of rear protrusions 234, 236, respectively, by approximately 4.5 inches. The pair of centers 238 and 240 of front protrusions 230, 232, respectively, are separated from the lateral axis 226 by approximately 2.25 inches, and the pair of centers 242 and 244 of rear protrusions 234, 236, respectively, are separated from the lateral axis 226 by approximately 2.25 inches.


In the example of FIG. 21, protrusions 232, 234, and 236 have portions that extend past an exterior edge 246 of the bottom surface 218, wherein the exterior edge defines a foot-like shape. Protrusion 232 extends approximately ¼ inches past exterior edge 246. Protrusion 234 extends approximately ⅜ inches past exterior edge 246 and protrusion 236 extends approximately ⅜ inches past exterior edge 246. Protrusion 230 does not extend past exterior edge 246. As to whether a protrusion extends past an exterior edge 246 and the amount that a protrusion extends past the exterior edge 246, that depends on the position and size of the protrusions for a particular standardized size shoe.


As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the bottom sole platform 202 has a length from front tip 222 to the rear heel 224 of approximately 12 inches. As shown in FIGS. 18, 19, and 21, the bottom sole platform 202 has a maximum width of 4¾ inches. Each front protrusion 230, 232 has a radius R of approximately 0.5 inches and define an angle Γ of approximately 55°. As shown in FIG. 18, the angle Γ230 is defined to be the angle defined by a vertical axis V230 that intersects the center 238 of protrusion 230 and an axis B230 that intersects the center 238 and the apex 239 of the protrusion 230. Similarly, the angle Γ232 is defined to be the angle defined by a vertical axis V232 that intersects the center 240 of protrusion 232 and an axis B232 that intersects the center 240 and the apex 241 of the protrusion 232. As mentioned previously, the angles I 230 and Γ232 are equal in magnitude. It is possible that the angles Γ230 and Γ232 differ in magnitude from one another.


Each rear protrusion 234, 236 has a radius R of approximately 0.75 inches and define an angle Γ of approximately 47°. As shown in FIG. 19, the angle Γ234 is defined to be the angle defined by a vertical axis V234 that intersects the center 242 of protrusion 234 and an axis B234 that intersects the center 242 and the apex 243 of the protrusion 234. Similarly, the angle Γ236 is defined to be the angle defined by a vertical axis V236 that intersects the center 244 of protrusion 236 and an axis B236 that intersects the center 244 and the apex 245 of the protrusion 236. As mentioned previously, the angles Γ234 and Γ236 are equal in magnitude. It is possible that the angles Γ234 and Γ236 differ in magnitude from one another.


As shown in FIG. 18, the center 238 and 240 of the protrusions 230 and 232, respectively, are spaced approximately 1 inch from the portion of the top surface 204 that does not dip at the front portion of the top surface 204. As shown in FIG. 20, the centers 238 and 240 of front protrusions 230 and 232, respectively, are separated from the end 222 by approximately 4 inches, and the centers 242 and 244 of rear protrusions 234 and 236, respectively, are separated from the end 224 by approximately 3.5 inches.


In the case that pairs of shoes 200 are being made for mass consumption, such as for the standard size 10 men's shoe of FIGS. 9-23, the right shoe manufactured will be approximately a mirror image of the left shoe shown in FIGS. 9-23. Positioning and sizes of the protrusions and other parameters for mass produced shoes are given in the tables below. Note that sizes were based on using the values for a size 10 men's shoe and a size 11 women's shoe as a base line, since those shoes appears to be best for area contact.

























Women's















size















(U.S.)
RF
RR
LLong
ΔF
ΔR
δF
δR
D
ψ
ρ230
ρ232
ρ234
ρ236




























4
0.375
0.625
10.25
2.563
1.708
3.417
2.990
3.844
1.922
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


5
0.375
0.625
10.5
2.625
1.750
3.5
3.063
3.938
1.969
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


6
0.375
0.625
10.75
2.687
1.792
3.583
3.135
4.031
2.016
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


7
0.375
0.625
11
2.750
1.833
3.667
3.208
4.125
2.063
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


8
0.375
0.625
11.25
2.813
1.875
3.75
3.281
4.219
2.109
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


9
0.5
0.75
11.5
2.875
1.917
3.833
3.354
4.313
2.156
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


10
0.5
0.75
11.75
2.938
1.958
3.917
3.427
4.406
2.203
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


11
0.5
0.75
12
3.0
2
4
3.5
4.5
2.25
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


12
0.5
0.75
12.25
3.063
2.042
4.083
3.573
4.594
2.297
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


13
0.5
0.75
12.5
3.125
2.083
4.167
3.646
4.688
2.344
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


14
0.625
0.875
12.75
3.188
2.125
4.25
3.719
4.781
2.391
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


15
0.625
0.875
13
3.250
2.166
4.333
3.792
4.875
2.438
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


16
0.625
0.875
13.25
3.313
2.208
4.417
3.865
4.969
2.484
0
0.5
0.25
0.25
































Men's















size















(U.S.)
RF
RR
LLong
ΔF
ΔR
δF
δR
D
ψ
ρ230
ρ232
ρ234
ρ236




























6
0.375
0.625
11
2.750
1.833
3.667
3.208
4.125
2.063
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


7
0.375
0.625
11.25
2.813
1.875
3.75
3.281
4.219
2.109
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


8
0.5
0.75
11.5
2.875
1.917
3.833
3.354
4.313
2.156
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


9
0.5
0.75
11.75
2.938
1.958
3.917
3.427
4.406
2.203
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


10
0.5
0.75
12
3.0
2
4
3.5
4.5
2.25
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


11
0.5
0.75
12.25
3.063
2.042
4.083
3.573
4.594
2.297
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


12
0.5
0.75
12.5
3.125
2.083
4.167
3.646
4.688
2.344
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


13
0.625
0.875
12.75
3.188
2.125
4.25
3.719
4.781
2.391
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


14
0.625
0.875
13
3.250
2.166
4.333
3.792
4.875
2.438
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


15
0.625
0.875
13.25
3.313
2.208
4.417
3.865
4.969
2.484
0
0.5
0.25
0.25


16
0.625
0.875
13.5
3.375
2.250
4.5
3.938
5.063
2.531
0
0.5
0.25
0.25











    • RF=Radius of front protrusions in inches;

    • RR=Radius of rear protrusions in inches;

    • LLong=Length of longitudinal axis 220 in inches;

    • ΔF=Separation between centers 238 and 240 of front protrusions in inches;

    • ΔR=Separation between centers 242 and 244 of rear protrusions in inches;

    • δF=Separation of front protrusions from front end 222 in inches;

    • δR=Separation of front protrusions from rear end 224 in inches;

    • D=Separation between pair of front protrusion from pair of rear protrusions in inches;

    • Ψ=Separation of pair of front protrusions and pair of rear protrusions from lateral axis 226 in inches;

    • ρ230=Amount protrusion 230 extends past exterior edge 246 in inches;

    • ρ232=Amount protrusion 232 extends past exterior edge 246 in inches;

    • ρ234=Amount protrusion 234 extends past exterior edge 246 in inches;

    • ρ236=Amount protrusion 236 extends past exterior edge 246 in inches;





While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims
  • 1. (canceled)
  • 2. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, wherein the bottom sole platform is a one-piece structure.
  • 3. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, wherein the bottom sole platform, the first symmetric protrusion, the second symmetric protrusion, the third symmetric protrusion, and the fourth symmetric protrusion are integral with one another.
  • 4. The sole for a shoe according to claim 3, wherein the bottom sole platform, the first symmetric protrusion, the second symmetric protrusion, the third symmetric protrusion, and the fourth symmetric protrusion are made from an injection molding process.
  • 5. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, wherein the first symmetric protrusion is hemispherical in shape.
  • 6. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, wherein the third symmetric protrusion is hemispherical in shape.
  • 7. The sole for a shoe according to claim 5, wherein the third symmetric protrusion is hemispherical in shape.
  • 8. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, wherein the first symmetric protrusion has a radius ranging from approximately 0.5 inches to 0.75 inches.
  • 9. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, wherein the first symmetric protrusion and the second symmetric protrusion have the same shape.
  • 10. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, wherein the third symmetric protrusion and the fourth symmetric protrusion have the same shape.
  • 11. The sole for a shoe according to claim 9, wherein the third symmetric protrusion and the fourth symmetric protrusion have the same shape.
  • 12. The sole for a shoe according to claim 11, wherein the first symmetric protrusion and the third symmetric protrusion have the same shape.
  • 13. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, wherein the first symmetric protrusion is located approximately where a first metatarsal/phalange congression of the foot is located, the second symmetric protrusion is located approximately where a fifth metatarsal/phalange congression of the foot is located, the third symmetric protrusion is located approximately where a medial processes of a calcaneal tuberosity of the foot is located, and the fourth symmetric protrusion is located approximately where a lateral processes of a calcaneal tuberosity of the foot is located.
  • 14. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, wherein the first symmetric protrusion, the second symmetric protrusion, the third symmetric protrusion, and the fourth symmetric protrusion: each extend past an exterior edge of the bottom surface;are integral with one another; andare made from an injection molding process.
  • 15. The sole for a shoe according to claim 14, wherein the exterior edge defines a shape like a human foot.
  • 16. The sole for a shoe according to claim 18, further comprising a strobel attached to the top surface.
  • 17. (canceled)
  • 18. A sole for a shoe comprising: a bottom sole platform so dimensioned and shaped to support a foot of a human, wherein the bottom sole platform comprises: a top surface so dimensioned and shaped to support the foot, wherein the top surface comprises a front portion so dimensioned and shaped to support toes of the foot and is angled downward from a remaining portion of the top surface to a front portion of the top surface at an angle that ranges from 2° to 10°, anda bottom surface spaced from and facing away from the top surface, wherein the bottom surface comprises: a longitudinal axis intersecting a front end and a rear end of the bottom surface;a lateral axis intersecting a curved instep portion of the bottom surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;a first symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface comprising a first center positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis and forward of the lateral axis;a second symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface comprising a second center positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis and forward of the lateral axis;a third symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface comprising a third center positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis and rearward of the lateral axis;a fourth symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface comprising a fourth center positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis and rearward of the lateral axis; andwherein the top surface begins angling downward from the remaining portion of the top surface approximately from a lateral line where the Proximal Phalanges of the foot are positioned on the top surface to the front end of the top surface.
  • 19. (canceled)
  • 20. The shoe according to claim 31, wherein the upper structure comprises a pair of lines of holes that receive a shoelace.
  • 21. The shoe according to claim 20, wherein the upper structure comprises a tongue that freely pivots and is positioned below the shoelace.
  • 22. The shoe according to claim 31, wherein the sole comprises a strobel attached to the top surface.
  • 23. The shoe according to claim 31, wherein the bottom sole platform is a one-piece structure.
  • 24. The shoe according to claim 31, wherein the bottom sole platform, the first symmetric protrusion, the second symmetric protrusion, the third symmetric protrusion, and the fourth symmetric protrusion are integral with one another.
  • 25. The shoe according to claim 24, wherein the bottom sole platform, the first symmetric protrusion, the second symmetric protrusion, the third symmetric protrusion, and the fourth symmetric protrusion are made from an injection molding process.
  • 26. The shoe according to claim 31, wherein the first symmetric protrusion, the second symmetric protrusion, the third symmetric protrusion, and the fourth symmetric protrusion are each hemispherical in shape.
  • 27. The shoe according to claim 31, wherein the first symmetric protrusion is located approximately where a first metatarsal/phalange congression of the foot is located, the second symmetric protrusion is located approximately where a fifth metatarsal/phalange congression of the foot is located, the third symmetric protrusion is located approximately where a medial processes of a calcaneal tuberosity of the foot is located, and the fourth symmetric protrusion is located approximately where a lateral processes of a calcaneal tuberosity of the foot is located.
  • 28. The shoe according to claim 31, wherein the first symmetric protrusion, the second symmetric protrusion, the third symmetric protrusion, and the fourth symmetric protrusion: each extend past an exterior edge of the bottom surface;are integral with one another; andare made from an injection molding process.
  • 29. The shoe according to claim 28, wherein the exterior edge defines a shape like a human foot.
  • 30. (canceled)
  • 31. A shoe comprising: a sole comprising: a bottom sole platform so dimensioned and shaped to support a foot of a human, wherein the bottom sole platform comprises: a top surface so dimensioned and shaped to support the foot, wherein the top surface comprises a front portion that supports toes of the foot and is angled downward from a remaining portion of the top surface to a front portion of the top surface at an angle that ranges from 2° to 10°; anda bottom surface spaced from and facing away from the top surface, wherein the bottom surface comprises: a longitudinal axis intersecting a front end and a rear end of the bottom surface;a lateral axis intersecting a curved instep portion of the bottom surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;a first symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface comprising a first center positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis and forward of the lateral axis;a second symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface comprising a second center positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis and forward of the lateral axis;a third symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface comprising a third center positioned to a right side of the longitudinal axis and rearward of the lateral axis; anda fourth symmetric protrusion contacting the bottom surface comprising a fourth center positioned to a left side of the longitudinal axis and rearward of the lateral axis; andan upper structure attached to the sole, wherein the upper structure and the sole define a cavity into which the foot is inserted so that the foot lies upon the sole; andwherein the top surface begins angling downward from the remaining portion of the top surface approximately from a lateral line where the Proximal Phalanges of the foot are positioned on the top surface to the front end of the top surface.