US20110162232A1 - Sole structure - Google Patents
Sole structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110162232A1 US20110162232A1 US12/737,113 US73711308A US2011162232A1 US 20110162232 A1 US20110162232 A1 US 20110162232A1 US 73711308 A US73711308 A US 73711308A US 2011162232 A1 US2011162232 A1 US 2011162232A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sole structure
- cavity
- cushion member
- structure according
- midsole
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0072—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of transparent or translucent materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/026—Composites, e.g. carbon fibre or aramid fibre; the sole, one or more sole layers or sole part being made of a composite
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
- A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
- A43B21/26—Resilient heels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/144—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an improved sole structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sole structure, which has improved capabilities in terms of shock absorbing and comfort for the user's foot.
- a conventional shoe generally comprises an upper that is associated to a sole structure.
- the sole structure typically comprises an outsole provided with a tread in contact with the ground, a midsole for supporting the user's foot and one or more insoles for a better comfort of the user's foot.
- the sole structure may often comprise additional elements such as a shank member and a counter member, which are positioned respectively at the arch plantar and at heel region of user's foot for providing additional support.
- shock absorbing capabilities are an important factor to consider in a sole structure, particularly when the shoe is addressed to the exploitation of sports activities.
- shoe technology has been constantly focused on the development of sole arrangements aimed at providing a shock absorbing action.
- a shock absorbing body which consists of a shaped piece of an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane or soft rubber, that is received in a recess formed in the outsole, under the midsole, typically at the heel region of the user's foot.
- the shock absorbing body has a channeled structure, which comprises a plurality of vertical channels, in which a filler material is arranged.
- This arrangement is characterized by a relatively poor level of compressibility in a direction towards the ground, since the vertical channels are defined by a support lattice having walls oriented in the same direction of the pressure exerted by the user's foot. This fact constitutes a severe limitation to shock absorbing performances.
- the shock absorbing body has a cellular structure, which is instead horizontally oriented and defines different levels of cells that are filled with a filler material, such as gel, silicone, polyurethane resins or soft rubber.
- a filler material such as gel, silicone, polyurethane resins or soft rubber.
- This solution has the drawback of entailing an increased thickness for the sole structure, since multiple levels of cells are needed for providing a satisfactory shock absorbing effect.
- the distance between the user's foot and the ground thus increases with detrimental effects for the user's balance and step control.
- the main aim of the present invention is to provide a sole structure, which allows the overcoming of the drawbacks of the state of the art and the satisfaction of such a need.
- the sole structure comprises an insert member, which is positioned between the outsole and the midsole and comprises at least a cage portion, positioned at the heel region of the user's foot.
- the cage portion comprises a first cavity, which accommodates at least partially a cushion member, which can be at least partially inserted in a second cavity of the midsole.
- the sole structure has improved capabilities in terms of shock absorbing and support to the user's foot and, at the same time, it is quite robust and simple to manufacture.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports shoe, comprising the sole structure, according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective partial view of the sole structure, according to the present invention, in a first embodiment
- FIG. 3 schematically shows an exploded view of the sole structure, according to the present invention, in said first embodiment
- FIG. 4 schematically shows a partial lateral view of the sole structure of FIGS. 2-3 ;
- FIG. 5 schematically shows a partial sectional view of the sole structure of FIGS. 2-3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a partial lateral view of the sole structure, according to the present invention, in a further embodiment.
- FIG. 7 schematically shows a partial exploded view of the sole structure of FIG. 6 .
- the present invention relates to a sole structure 10 , which is normally associated to an upper 11 defining a volume for receiving the user's foot, thereby forming a shoe 100 .
- the sole structure 10 comprises an outsole 31 , which may comprises a tread 313 that may have different shapes, according to the needs.
- the outsole 31 is divided in two distinct pieces 311 and 312 that are positioned respectively at the heel region 100 A and the toe region 100 C of the user's foot.
- the outsole 31 may instead comprise a unique piece that covers also the arc plantar region 100 B.
- the outsole 31 may preferably comprise a window (not shown) and/or it may be of a transparent material, so as to allow internal inspection.
- the outsole 31 may be made of a polymeric material resistant to wear, such as rubber, thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane or other polyurethane materials.
- the sole structure 10 comprises a midsole 33 , which extends above the outsole 31 , so as to provide support to the user's foot.
- the midsole 33 is preferably made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and comprises a lower surface 332 and an upper surface 331 .
- EVA Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
- the sole structure 10 preferably comprises also one or more insoles 150 (shown in FIG. 3 only), which lay above the midsole 33 , within the volume defined by the upper 11 and which are preferably removable.
- the sole structure 10 comprises an insert member 4 , which is positioned between the outsole 31 and the midsole 33 , at least at the heel region 100 A.
- the insert member 4 comprises at least a cage portion 410 , which is positioned at the heel region 100 A.
- said cage portion 410 is made of a unique piece of relatively rigid plastic material, e.g. a polyurethane material.
- the cage portion may be obtained by overlapping a plurality of relatively rigid shells.
- the cage portion 410 may be integral with a shank portion 420 , which is positioned at the arch plantar region 100 B.
- shank portion 420 may be provided as a separated piece that is operatively associated to the insert member 4 and/or the outsole 31 .
- the cage portion 410 comprises a first cavity 41 , which preferably extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground.
- the first cavity 41 preferably comprises a bottom end 41 A, at which a bottom wall 414 is provided.
- the bottom wall 414 optionally comprises a window (not shown) and/or it may be of a transparent material.
- the first cavity 41 is instead fully or partially open towards the midsole 33 .
- the first cavity 41 will be in communication with the internal volume of the shoe 100 , which is defined by the upper 11 .
- the cage portion 410 preferably comprises a first lateral wall 411 that may have a horseshoe shape, with the cavity oriented towards the toe region 100 C.
- the lateral wall 411 has an internal surface 412 , which laterally defines at least partially the perimeter of the first cavity 41 , and an external surface 413 , which defines at least partially the contour of the sole structure 10 at the heel region 100 A.
- the cage portion 410 preferably comprises also a second lateral wall 415 , which has an arched shape with its convexity directed towards the toe region 100 C.
- the lateral wall 415 advantageously defines the remaining perimeter of the first cavity 41 .
- the cage portion 410 preferably comprises one or more third cavities 43 , which communicate with the first cavity 41 and advantageously extend at least partially through the first lateral wall 411 .
- the third cavities 43 are holes passing through the entire thickness of the first lateral wall 411 from the internal surface 41 to the external surface 413 , so as to put the first cavity 41 in communication with the external environment.
- the third cavities may be closed at the end 43 A ( FIG. 2 ) that is positioned opposite with respect to the first cavity 41 .
- the first cavity 41 and the third cavities 43 extend along directions that are not parallel, preferably perpendicular.
- each side of the lateral wall 411 comprises a plurality of parallel third cavities 43 that have a substantially tubolar shape, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 .
- the cage portion 10 comprises two elongates cavities 43 , each positioned at one side of the first lateral wall 411 .
- the third cavities 43 may be also positioned along the second lateral wall 415 or along both the walls 411 and 415 .
- the shape of the third cavities 43 may be any, according to the needs, as well as their position along the lateral wall 411 and/or 415 .
- the first cavity 41 accommodates at least partially a cushion member 5 , which preferably comprises a main body 51 having at least an upper portion 510 that is or can be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity 330 .
- the cushion member 5 is capable to enter in contact with the user's foot or with an insole 150 .
- the cavity 330 is a hole passing through the thickness of the midsole 33 an advantageous direct contact is realized between the cushion member 5 and the user's foot or the insole 150 .
- the user's foot can benefit from an improved cushioning effect, since the pressure of the user's heel is directly exerted on the cushion member 5 and not on the midsole anymore. In this manner, the midsole 33 does not attenuate at all the cushioning effect offered by the cushion member 5 .
- the upper portion 510 is preferably inserted in the cavity 330 , so as to slightly protrude from the upper surface 331 . This solution remarkably facilitates the realization of a contact between the cushion member 5 and user's foot or the insole 150 .
- the upper portion 510 may be shaped according to a slightly rounded profile, as shown in FIG. 5 , a stepped profile, so as to ensure a good coupling with the lateral wall of the second cavity 330 or a mushroom profile, so as to ensure a good coupling with the upper edge of the second cavity and with the upper surface 331 of the midsole 33 .
- the upper portion 510 may be inserted in the second cavity 330 , so as to stay at the same level with respect to the upper surface 331 of the midsole 33 .
- the upper portion 510 is only partially inserted in the second cavity 330 .
- the upper portion 510 may be positioned outside the cavity 330 and be aligned with it.
- the pressure of the user's foot will cause the full insertion of the upper portion 510 in the second cavity 330 and its protrusion from the upper surface 331 of the midsole 33 , thus forcing the cushion member 5 to enter in contact with the user's foot or the insole 150 .
- the cushion member 5 comprises also one or more lateral portions 520 , which are preferably accommodated at least partially in the third cavities 43 and which are advantageously shaped, so as to match with the internal profile of the third cavities 43 .
- the cushion member 5 is thus arranged, so as to be capable to change its volume in a predefined manner when a pressure is applied on it, and more particularly, to expand along one or more predefined directions 200 not parallel and preferably perpendicular with respect to the direction 201 , along which pressure of the user's foot is applied.
- the cushion member is arranged so as to be capable of expanding along one or more directions 200 that are horizontal with respect to the ground while the pressure on it is exerted along a vertical direction 201 .
- the cushion member 5 when pressure is applied (e.g. because the user leans his foot on ground) the cushion member 5 may expand through the third cavities 43 . Conversely, when pressure is released (e.g. because the user lift his foot from ground) the cushion member 5 may recover at least partially its initial volume.
- the cushion member 5 is preferably made of a gel material, an impact-resistant elastic material (e.g. d3oTM) or an elastomeric material.
- the cushion member 5 consists of a shaped pad that is filled with a gel material. This solution allows a quicker expansion of the cushion member 5 when a pressure is exterted on it.
- the cushion member 5 may also comprise a plurality of portions made of different materials and/or made of the same material having different densities, such as a plurality of layers of different materials, which are overlapped or positioned side by side.
- the upper portion 510 may comprise a layer of gel, which is injected over the main body 51 that comprises a different material or a gel having a different density.
- a layer of gel which is injected over the main body 51 that comprises a different material or a gel having a different density.
- other combinations of layers and/or materials are possible.
- the main body 51 may be formed by a plurality of vertical layers of different materials, which have a cylindrical geometry and are positioned according to a concentric layout.
- the sole structure, according to the invention, allows to achieving the intended aim and objects.
- the sole structure 10 comprises the insert member 4 having the cage portion 410 that comprises a cavity 41 for accommodating the cushion member 5 and defined by one or more lateral walls.
- the midsole 33 is provided with the second cavity 330 , through which the cushion member 5 can be inserted.
- This feature allows to bring the cushion member in direct contact with the user's foot or with an internal insole.
- the presence of the midsole 33 does not anymore constitute an obstacle to the achievement of a maximum shock absorbing and cushioning effect.
- the cushion member 5 may expand along predefined directions, preferably perpendicular to the pressure applied. This allows a further improving of the shock absorbing effect.
- the cage portion 410 of the insert member 41 is structured with the third cavities 43 , so as to help this anisotropic expansion of the cushion member 5 while providing support to the user's foot at the same time.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an improved sole structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sole structure, which has improved capabilities in terms of shock absorbing and comfort for the user's foot.
- As is widely known, a conventional shoe generally comprises an upper that is associated to a sole structure.
- The sole structure typically comprises an outsole provided with a tread in contact with the ground, a midsole for supporting the user's foot and one or more insoles for a better comfort of the user's foot.
- The sole structure may often comprise additional elements such as a shank member and a counter member, which are positioned respectively at the arch plantar and at heel region of user's foot for providing additional support.
- As is known, shock absorbing capabilities are an important factor to consider in a sole structure, particularly when the shoe is addressed to the exploitation of sports activities.
- For this reason, shoe technology has been constantly focused on the development of sole arrangements aimed at providing a shock absorbing action.
- In most sole structures, a shock absorbing body is adopted, which consists of a shaped piece of an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane or soft rubber, that is received in a recess formed in the outsole, under the midsole, typically at the heel region of the user's foot.
- Unfortunately, these traditional constructions provide a poor and not really perceivable shock absorbing effect and reveal severe limitations in terms of robustness and stress resistance. The midsole itself prevents from the obtaining of an effective dampening of shocks, since it constitutes a separation element between the user's foot and the shock absorber.
- In some known sole structures, the shock absorbing body has a channeled structure, which comprises a plurality of vertical channels, in which a filler material is arranged. This arrangement is characterized by a relatively poor level of compressibility in a direction towards the ground, since the vertical channels are defined by a support lattice having walls oriented in the same direction of the pressure exerted by the user's foot. This fact constitutes a severe limitation to shock absorbing performances.
- In patent application US2008/0115389A1, the shock absorbing body has a cellular structure, which is instead horizontally oriented and defines different levels of cells that are filled with a filler material, such as gel, silicone, polyurethane resins or soft rubber.
- This solution has the drawback of entailing an increased thickness for the sole structure, since multiple levels of cells are needed for providing a satisfactory shock absorbing effect. The distance between the user's foot and the ground thus increases with detrimental effects for the user's balance and step control.
- In addition, this sole structure has revealed to be quite complex to arrange and relatively expensive to manufacture at industrial level.
- From the considerations above, it is apparent that there still is a largely felt need for sole structures, which are capable of providing a remarkable shock absorbing effect and, more in general, a high level of comfort for the user's foot, while being quite easy to manufacture at industrial level with relatively low costs and labor.
- The main aim of the present invention is to provide a sole structure, which allows the overcoming of the drawbacks of the state of the art and the satisfaction of such a need.
- This aim is achieved, according to the invention, by a sole structure according to the following claim 1.
- In its more general definition, the sole structure, according to the invention, comprises an insert member, which is positioned between the outsole and the midsole and comprises at least a cage portion, positioned at the heel region of the user's foot.
- The cage portion comprises a first cavity, which accommodates at least partially a cushion member, which can be at least partially inserted in a second cavity of the midsole.
- The sole structure, according to the invention, has improved capabilities in terms of shock absorbing and support to the user's foot and, at the same time, it is quite robust and simple to manufacture.
- Other features and advantages of the sole structure, according to the present invention, will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports shoe, comprising the sole structure, according to the invention; and -
FIG. 2 is a perspective partial view of the sole structure, according to the present invention, in a first embodiment; and -
FIG. 3 schematically shows an exploded view of the sole structure, according to the present invention, in said first embodiment; and -
FIG. 4 schematically shows a partial lateral view of the sole structure ofFIGS. 2-3 ; and; -
FIG. 5 schematically shows a partial sectional view of the sole structure ofFIGS. 2-3 ; and; -
FIG. 6 is a partial lateral view of the sole structure, according to the present invention, in a further embodiment; and -
FIG. 7 schematically shows a partial exploded view of the sole structure ofFIG. 6 . - Referring now to the cited figures, the present invention relates to a
sole structure 10, which is normally associated to an upper 11 defining a volume for receiving the user's foot, thereby forming ashoe 100. - The
sole structure 10 comprises anoutsole 31, which may comprises atread 313 that may have different shapes, according to the needs. - In the cited figures, the
outsole 31 is divided in twodistinct pieces heel region 100A and the toe region 100C of the user's foot. - According to the needs, the
outsole 31 may instead comprise a unique piece that covers also the arcplantar region 100B. - At the
heel region 100A, theoutsole 31 may preferably comprise a window (not shown) and/or it may be of a transparent material, so as to allow internal inspection. - The
outsole 31 may be made of a polymeric material resistant to wear, such as rubber, thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane or other polyurethane materials. - The
sole structure 10 comprises amidsole 33, which extends above theoutsole 31, so as to provide support to the user's foot. - The
midsole 33 is preferably made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and comprises alower surface 332 and anupper surface 331. - The
sole structure 10 preferably comprises also one or more insoles 150 (shown inFIG. 3 only), which lay above themidsole 33, within the volume defined by the upper 11 and which are preferably removable. - The
sole structure 10 comprises aninsert member 4, which is positioned between theoutsole 31 and themidsole 33, at least at theheel region 100A. - The
insert member 4 comprises at least acage portion 410, which is positioned at theheel region 100A. - Preferably, said
cage portion 410 is made of a unique piece of relatively rigid plastic material, e.g. a polyurethane material. - As an alternative, the cage portion may be obtained by overlapping a plurality of relatively rigid shells.
- Advantageously, the
cage portion 410 may be integral with ashank portion 420, which is positioned at thearch plantar region 100B. - As an alternative, the
shank portion 420 may be provided as a separated piece that is operatively associated to theinsert member 4 and/or theoutsole 31. - The
cage portion 410 comprises afirst cavity 41, which preferably extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground. - The
first cavity 41 preferably comprises abottom end 41A, at which abottom wall 414 is provided. Thebottom wall 414 optionally comprises a window (not shown) and/or it may be of a transparent material. - At an
upper end 41B, thefirst cavity 41 is instead fully or partially open towards themidsole 33. - The
midsole 33 comprises asecond cavity 330 that is arranged substantially aligned with saidupper end 41B, so as to communicate with thefirst cavity 41. - The
second cavity 330 is preferably a hole that passes through the entire thickness of themidsole 33 between thesurfaces - In this case, the
first cavity 41 will be in communication with the internal volume of theshoe 100, which is defined by the upper 11. - In a possible option (not shown), the
second cavity 330 may be upwardly closed by a layer of material, associated to themidsole 33, or by a wall that is integral with themidsole 33. - Preferably, said layer of material (or said wall) is relatively thin and flexible. Such a layer of material may be also at least partially removable.
- The
cage portion 410 preferably comprises a firstlateral wall 411 that may have a horseshoe shape, with the cavity oriented towards the toe region 100C. - The
lateral wall 411 has aninternal surface 412, which laterally defines at least partially the perimeter of thefirst cavity 41, and anexternal surface 413, which defines at least partially the contour of thesole structure 10 at theheel region 100A. - The
cage portion 410 preferably comprises also a secondlateral wall 415, which has an arched shape with its convexity directed towards the toe region 100C. Thelateral wall 415 advantageously defines the remaining perimeter of thefirst cavity 41. - In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the
first cavity 41 may be laterally defined by a unique lateral wall having an annular shape. - The
cage portion 410 preferably comprises one or morethird cavities 43, which communicate with thefirst cavity 41 and advantageously extend at least partially through the firstlateral wall 411. - Preferably, the
third cavities 43 are holes passing through the entire thickness of the firstlateral wall 411 from theinternal surface 41 to theexternal surface 413, so as to put thefirst cavity 41 in communication with the external environment. - As an alternative, the third cavities may be closed at the
end 43A (FIG. 2 ) that is positioned opposite with respect to thefirst cavity 41. - The
first cavity 41 and thethird cavities 43 extend along directions that are not parallel, preferably perpendicular. - Preferably, each side of the
lateral wall 411 comprises a plurality of parallelthird cavities 43 that have a substantially tubolar shape, as shown inFIGS. 1-5 . - In an alternative embodiment of the
sole structure 10, shown inFIGS. 6-7 , thecage portion 10 comprises twoelongates cavities 43, each positioned at one side of the firstlateral wall 411. - In further alternative embodiments (not shown), the
third cavities 43 may be also positioned along the secondlateral wall 415 or along both thewalls - In general, the shape of the
third cavities 43 may be any, according to the needs, as well as their position along thelateral wall 411 and/or 415. - The
first cavity 41 accommodates at least partially acushion member 5, which preferably comprises amain body 51 having at least anupper portion 510 that is or can be at least partially accommodated in thesecond cavity 330. - Advantageously, at the
upper portion 510, thecushion member 5 is capable to enter in contact with the user's foot or with aninsole 150. - When the
cavity 330 is a hole passing through the thickness of themidsole 33 an advantageous direct contact is realized between thecushion member 5 and the user's foot or theinsole 150. - When the
cavity 330 is upwardly closed by a thin and flexible layer or wall, an indirect contact is obtained. - In both these cases, the user's foot can benefit from an improved cushioning effect, since the pressure of the user's heel is directly exerted on the
cushion member 5 and not on the midsole anymore. In this manner, themidsole 33 does not attenuate at all the cushioning effect offered by thecushion member 5. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theupper portion 510 is preferably inserted in thecavity 330, so as to slightly protrude from theupper surface 331. This solution remarkably facilitates the realization of a contact between thecushion member 5 and user's foot or theinsole 150. - According to this preferred embodiment, the
upper portion 510 may be shaped according to a slightly rounded profile, as shown inFIG. 5 , a stepped profile, so as to ensure a good coupling with the lateral wall of thesecond cavity 330 or a mushroom profile, so as to ensure a good coupling with the upper edge of the second cavity and with theupper surface 331 of themidsole 33. - Alternatively, the
upper portion 510 may be inserted in thesecond cavity 330, so as to stay at the same level with respect to theupper surface 331 of themidsole 33. - As a further alternative, the
upper portion 510 is only partially inserted in thesecond cavity 330, - As a yet further alternative, the
upper portion 510 may be positioned outside thecavity 330 and be aligned with it. - In all these alternative embodiments (not shown), the pressure of the user's foot will cause the full insertion of the
upper portion 510 in thesecond cavity 330 and its protrusion from theupper surface 331 of themidsole 33, thus forcing thecushion member 5 to enter in contact with the user's foot or theinsole 150. - The
cushion member 5 comprises also one or morelateral portions 520, which are preferably accommodated at least partially in thethird cavities 43 and which are advantageously shaped, so as to match with the internal profile of thethird cavities 43. - The
cushion member 5 is thus arranged, so as to be capable to change its volume in a predefined manner when a pressure is applied on it, and more particularly, to expand along one or morepredefined directions 200 not parallel and preferably perpendicular with respect to thedirection 201, along which pressure of the user's foot is applied. - Preferably, the cushion member is arranged so as to be capable of expanding along one or
more directions 200 that are horizontal with respect to the ground while the pressure on it is exerted along avertical direction 201. - It should be noticed how the
third cavities 43 help this anisotropic expansion since they provide thecushion member 5 with predefined expansion routes. - Thus, when pressure is applied (e.g. because the user leans his foot on ground) the
cushion member 5 may expand through thethird cavities 43. Conversely, when pressure is released (e.g. because the user lift his foot from ground) thecushion member 5 may recover at least partially its initial volume. - The
cushion member 5 is preferably made of a gel material, an impact-resistant elastic material (e.g. d3o™) or an elastomeric material. - According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
cushion member 5 consists of a shaped pad that is filled with a gel material. This solution allows a quicker expansion of thecushion member 5 when a pressure is exterted on it. - The
cushion member 5 may also comprise a plurality of portions made of different materials and/or made of the same material having different densities, such as a plurality of layers of different materials, which are overlapped or positioned side by side. - As an example, the
upper portion 510 may comprise a layer of gel, which is injected over themain body 51 that comprises a different material or a gel having a different density. Of course, other combinations of layers and/or materials are possible. - In another example, the
main body 51 may be formed by a plurality of vertical layers of different materials, which have a cylindrical geometry and are positioned according to a concentric layout. - The sole structure, according to the invention, allows to achieving the intended aim and objects.
- The
sole structure 10 comprises theinsert member 4 having thecage portion 410 that comprises acavity 41 for accommodating thecushion member 5 and defined by one or more lateral walls. - This allows to have a relatively small thickness of the
sole structure 10 at theheel region 100A and at the same time to provide support to the user's foot. - The
midsole 33 is provided with thesecond cavity 330, through which thecushion member 5 can be inserted. - This feature allows to bring the cushion member in direct contact with the user's foot or with an internal insole.
- Thus, the presence of the
midsole 33 does not anymore constitute an obstacle to the achievement of a maximum shock absorbing and cushioning effect. - The
cushion member 5 may expand along predefined directions, preferably perpendicular to the pressure applied. This allows a further improving of the shock absorbing effect. - The
cage portion 410 of theinsert member 41 is structured with thethird cavities 43, so as to help this anisotropic expansion of thecushion member 5 while providing support to the user's foot at the same time. - Manufacturing tests have proven that the
sole structure 10 according to the present invention, can be assembled in a simple manner, particularly at industrial level. This feature allows to remarkably reducing the manufacturing costs.
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB2008/001826 WO2010007456A1 (en) | 2008-07-14 | 2008-07-14 | An improved sole structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110162232A1 true US20110162232A1 (en) | 2011-07-07 |
Family
ID=40433840
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/737,113 Abandoned US20110162232A1 (en) | 2008-07-14 | 2008-07-14 | Sole structure |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110162232A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2303049A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2011527924A (en) |
CN (1) | CN102076235A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010007456A1 (en) |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100186265A1 (en) * | 2009-01-23 | 2010-07-29 | Nike, Inc. | Removable Heel Pad for Foot-Receiving Device |
US20130125416A1 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2013-05-23 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear Having Corresponding Outsole and Midsole Shapes |
US20140109440A1 (en) * | 2012-10-22 | 2014-04-24 | Converse Inc. | Shoe With Interchangeable Sole Portion |
US20150272269A1 (en) * | 2012-11-05 | 2015-10-01 | Feet2 Oy | Midsole structure for a sports shoe and sports shoe |
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US20230263265A1 (en) * | 2015-10-02 | 2023-08-24 | Nike, Inc. | Plate with foam for footwear |
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US20150264999A1 (en) * | 2014-03-19 | 2015-09-24 | Nike, Inc. | Sole assembly with thermoplastic polyurethane component thereon and and method of manufacturing same |
ITUB20153770A1 (en) | 2016-01-16 | 2017-07-16 | Gregorio Farolfi | Shock absorption and propulsion boost system optimized for shoes and soles |
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EP3563709A1 (en) * | 2018-05-03 | 2019-11-06 | Lotto Sport Italia S.p.A. | Sole for a sport footwear |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN102076235A (en) | 2011-05-25 |
EP2303049A1 (en) | 2011-04-06 |
WO2010007456A1 (en) | 2010-01-21 |
JP2011527924A (en) | 2011-11-10 |
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