Abstract: A shoe sole having improved cushioning characteristics is disclosed. The sole includes a midsole having a top layer of material and a bottom layer of material. In one embodiment, the top layer of material may be harder than the bottom layer of material. A pattern of lugs defining a wave may be formed on the bottom layer of material. The wave may generally be in the shape of sine wave so as to provide improved cushioning characteristics for the sole. An outsole may also be formed on the bottom layer of material and an upper may be connected to the top layer of material, such that a shoe is formed.

Abstract: A shoe sole comprising a foot engaging plate for accommodating a foot of a user and a ground engaging surface/plate. The foot engaging plate is sufficiently rigid so as to resist distortion of the foot engaging plate, during use of the shoe sole, so that the foot remains supported by the foot engaging plate during use of the shoe sole. A pivot member is located between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate to facilitate relative pivoting motion between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate. A layer of resilient material is sandwiched between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate. The resilient material may have one or more bores formed therein which accommodate a compressible material therein to facilitate programming of a desired compression characteristic for the shoe sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper for securing the article of footwear to a wearer. The footwear also includes a sole assembly operatively coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a bladder that contains a fluid. The bladder has a posterior portion, an anterior portion, and a middle portion disposed between the posterior and anterior portions. The posterior portion has a heel recess that is approximately coincidental with a center of a heel of the wearer. The middle portion includes a neck chamber that extends between the posterior and anterior portions. The neck chamber is elongate and has a width that is less than both the posterior and anterior portions, and the anterior portion has a plurality of toe recesses that extend generally away from the neck chamber.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly with a rib that is resiliently flexible, and the rib has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The transverse axis extends at an acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib includes a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second longitudinal ends. A height of the first and/or second longitudinal end is greater than that of the middle portion. The rib is operable to axially support a first force applied substantially along the acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib transverse axis remains substantially straight in response to the first force. The rib resiliently bends about the rib longitudinal axis in response to a second force applied substantially normal to the ground surface to make the rib transverse axis non-linear.

Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot. The footwear component can also include a cushioning member that provides support and cushioning for the heel.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members, e.g., for use in footwear or other foot-receiving devices, include: (a) a first body member having a base region and three (or more) leg portions extending from the base region. A second body member, with similar leg portions, may be arranged facing the first member such that the free ends of the various leg portions lie adjacent one another. A retaining member may extend between and/or at least partially around the body members to at least partially hold them in place with respect to one another. Such impact-attenuation systems may be arranged in the heel (or other portions) of an article of footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole chassis for shoes comprising a flexible front sheet assigned to the front foot area, which is connected in an articulated manner via a bending edge to a flexurally rigid rear sheet assigned to the rear foot area, wherein the front sheet comprises a corrugated structured sole made of spring steel or another flexible hard material, which can be bent at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and is designed to be flexurally rigid in the transverse area and is connected to the rear sheet via a bending edge.

Abstract: Devices with one or more internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, to provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability. An internal sipe is formed by at least a portion of two opposing internal surfaces that can move relative to each other in a sliding sideways motion. Siped devices can be used in most existing products, including footwear; orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding and cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and other structural or support elements in mechanical, architectural, or other products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a customized shoe sole having a multi-level cushion column, which can improve impact absorption and dispersion while walking. The customized shoe sole comprises at least one multi-level cushion column including a plurality of cushion layers piled vertically, wherein at least one of the cushion layers has an elastic hardness different from those of the other layers, so as to start to be elastically deformed under a specific load condition.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slopes at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.

Abstract: A shoe sole structure includes a midsole body that extends from the heel region to the forefoot region of a shoe and an outsole that is attached to the midsole body. The outsole includes a plurality of protrusions arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, while extending at least partially between the lateral edge and the medial edge of the shoe. One or more of the half tube structures can include grooves and/or projections to enhance traction on a contact surface.

Abstract: A stabilizer and connecting member is provided for a cushioning device in an article of footwear, comprising a top platform with a diameter larger than a central portion, a corresponding bottom platform and a resilient central portion.

Abstract: Described are soles for a shoe having a midsole with a base body and a plurality of deformation elements, and an outsole with a first outsole region and a plurality of first outsole elements. Pressure load on one first outsole element of the plurality of first outsole elements leads to a deformation of at least one of the plurality of deformation elements which are associated with the one first outsole element of the plurality of first outsole elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foot cushion insert for the ball of a shoe. The insert may have a hemispherical shape having a substantially flat surface on the portion facing the shoe, beveled sides, and a recess in a portion of the surface facing the foot. Alternatively, the insert may haver a rhomboid shape and a U-shaped cut out on the side furthest from the heel of a foot. As another alternative, the insert may have a first layer for contact with the user's foot, wherein the first layer includes gel and a second layer for contact with the user's shoe, wherein the second layer includes EVA foam.

Abstract: In one method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber, two polymer layers are located between two mold portions, the surfaces of the mold portions cooperatively defining a peripheral cavity with first and second regions, an inward extent of the first region exceeding an inward extent of the second region. A tensile structure may be positioned between the polymer layers and the mold portions may be compressed together. Part of a peripheral portion of the chamber may be formed by drawing first and second areas of the chamber against the first and second regions of the peripheral cavity, respectively. After pressurization, the first region of the peripheral cavity may have a greater extent of outward protrusion than the second region of the peripheral cavity. Accordingly, an asymmetric medio-lateral shape may be imparted to the chamber without the use of a tensile structure that is itself tapered or contoured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoe sole including a main shock-absorber part that extends in the hindfoot region and from the medial side towards the lateral side of said sole, said main shock-absorber part comprising top and bottom elements and a partition element having at least one portion with a longitudinal axis (P), said partition element extending between said top and bottom elements so as to form at least two cavities, namely a medial cavity and a lateral cavity that open out respectively to the medial side and to the lateral side of said sole. Advantageously, the hind edges of the top and bottom elements include respective medial and lateral top regions and medial and lateral bottom regions arranged on either side of said axis (P), and the medial and lateral top regions extend in rectilinear manner respectively towards the lateral and medial bottom regions, so as to form an X-shaped structure with a longitudinal axis (l) that coincides with said axis (P).

Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a sole construction for biomechanical stability and afferent feedback includes a cushioning and support layer that cushions and supports a foot and an afferent feedback biomechanical support plate positioned between the cushioning and support layer and the user's foot. The afferent feedback biomechanical support plate may be positioned within a forefoot, midfoot, and/or heel area of the sole construction and may provide improved afferent feedback to the foot during a contact and stance phase of the gait cycle.

Abstract: An athletic shoe suitable for efficient running. A depression is formed in the rear foot portion which extends forward from the calcaneal bone and which does not contact the ground. A band-like area is provided in the middle foot portion extending in the front-rear direction in the central portion between the medial side and the lateral side of the shoe sole so as to be continuous with the depression. The reinforcement member and the midsole are provided in the middle foot portion so that the upper surface of the midsole less easily sinks downward due to a load from above on the medial side than in the band-like area and on the lateral side. In the front foot portion, a longitudinal groove is formed which extends in the front-rear direction in the central portion of the midsole body so as to be continuous with the band-like area. The longitudinal groove is curved so as to be generally parallel to the lateral edge of the front foot portion of sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a first portion having a lower ground engaging surface, an upper surface, and a recess formed in the upper surface. The upper surface of the first portion is in contact with the upper. A second portion is seated in the recess in the first portion and has an upper surface, with the upper surface of the second portion being in contact with the upper. The second portion comprises a foam material having a density less than 0.25 g/cm3.

Abstract: A high heeled shoe and shoe sole insert are provided that are configured to provide relief from the forces on the foot created by walking in high heels. The shoe comprises a layered sole having an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The midsole of the shoe comprises a cutout that is positioned over the metatarsal pressure point of the user's foot when positioned within the shoe. The cutout is filled with a shock absorbing material, such as Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and includes a layer of paperboard for further cushioning. The shoe sole insert similarly includes a metatarsal padded region and a medial longitudinal arch pad to provide a layer of cushioning above the midsole of a user's footwear. The present invention provides relief while wearing high heels by cushioning the user's foot in high pressure zones, thereby relieving the pressure and reducing injuries or soreness.

Abstract: A shoe construction utilizing a fluid containing chamber as a cushion. The shoe includes a stabilizer positioned in the shoe and having a heel portion in overlying relation to the cushion and a forward portion in overlying relation to at least a midfoot portion of the shoe bottom. The forward portion extends across a substantial portion of the inside width of the shoe where it is located to resist deformation of the shoe bottom under load from a user both in lateral bending and longitudinal torsion.

Abstract: A footwear sole assembly that includes a midsole, a strike pad disposed on the midsole in at least a heel region of the footwear sole assembly, and an outsole disposed on the strike pad. A heel top surface of the footwear sole assembly is elevated between about 4 mm and about 12 mm above a forefoot top surface of the footwear sole assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides footwear sole systems and methods of making the footwear sole systems. The footwear sole systems comprise soles or insoles that are designed to provide an easy and simple means of measuring the wear of footwear and of providing other information, such as motivational messages, to a user.

Abstract: A shoe midsole is strategically integrated or scored to produce various straight and arcuate lines. Straight lines are integrated widthwise between edges on an arch side on an outer side. Arcuate lines are integrated into various places at the top of a toe portion, with at least one extending down through a midpoint in a heel portion. The latter arcuate line maintains curvatures that parallel curvatures on the outer side at some places and the arch side at other places. Also crossing at the midpoint in the heel portion are intersecting lines.

Abstract: Decorative foamed articles are prepared from foamed pellets, beads, particles, or other articles of a thermoplastic elastomer infused with a supercritical fluid in a pressurized container, then rapidly depressurized and heated either by immersion in a heated fluid that can rapidly heat the article or with infrared or microwave radiation to heat and foam the pellets, beads, particles, or other articles that are then molded into the articles. The pellets are dyed with a nonionic or anionic dye one of: (1) before being infused with the supercritical fluid, (2) during being infused with the supercritical fluid by a nonionic or anionic dye dissolved or dispersed in the supercritical fluid, which optionally comprises a polar liquid, (3) during immersion in the heated fluid, where the heated fluid contains the dye, or (4) after being foamed.

Abstract: A sole structure may include at least one plate. The at least one plate may include a first portion located in a forefoot region of the sole structure and a second portion located in a rearfoot region of the sole structure. At least one compressible midsole component may be coupled to the at least one plate. A linkage rod couples the first and second portions and is configured to bias the first and second portions away from one another during bending of the sole structure.

Abstract: A method for making a rubber shoe sole with an air cell includes: a first curing step including putting rubber raw material into a mould assembly to form a lower member and an upper member of the shoe sole; a second curing step including putting raw material at a conjunction of the lower member and the upper member, pressing the lower and upper members against each other, and hot melting the rubber raw material to bond the lower and upper members together, whereby to form the air cell between the lower and upper members after the lower and upper members are bonded together; and a finishing step including demoulding and trimming the lower and upper members which have been bonded together by hot melting, so that a final product of the rubber shoe sole with an air cell is obtained.

Abstract: In a sole construction for a running shoe having an outer sole and an intermediate sole, the sole construction including a plurality of hollow elements which are in each case closed off by front and rear flanks in the longitudinal direction of the sole construction but are open at the sides and have upper and lower inner faces at a mutual spacing. The hollow elements are configured to absorb forces which act on them during running in each case by elastic deformation with a reduction in the spacing between their inner faces and optionally by horizontal displacement of their inner faces with respect to one another. The hollow elements are configured to deform to such an extent that their upper and lower inner faces come into contact with one another, and that this contact prevents a horizontal displacement of their inner faces with respect to one another.

Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a sole construction for energy rebound and storage includes one or more actuators located below primary pressure points of the foot. Each actuator may include a plunger element positioned above an elastic membrane. A cavity positioned below the elastic membrane may be vertically aligned with the plunger element and sized and configured to receive a portion of the membrane. The elastic membrane may be sized and configured to cradle and receive the plunger element so that when force is applied to the plunger element, the elastic membrane may stretch beneath the plunger toward the base of the cavity and store energy. A portion of this energy may be returned through the plunger element when the force is released and the elastic membrane springs back into place.

Abstract: The invention relates to shoes including sole elements having a cambered profile. An example sole element includes a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, the midfoot portion including a longitudinal arch including a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for solving the problems, such as high costs and intensive labor, associated with individual cutting and lamination of each component of a multilayered article of manufacture, particularly a footwear article. The combined midsole/insole described herein is cut from a layered composition having a Strobel (or insole board) layer, a cushioning layer, and a textile layer. The Strobel layer, the cushioning layer, and the textile layer are needle-punched or laminated together to form the layered composition. The layered composition may be produced as a sheet of material or be produced as a roll of material without delamination or separation of the layers.

Abstract: Flexible foot support members may include: (a) a first plantar support member; (b) a second plantar support member; and (c) a flex joint connecting the first and second plantar support members. The flex joint (e.g., one or more hinge structures) allows movement of the first plantar support surface with respect to the second plantar support surface in at least one direction, and optionally stops or limits this relative movement in the opposite direction. Footwear and sole structures including such flexible foot support members may allow more natural motion and flexion of a wearer's foot during a variety of motions, such as various phases of a walking or running step cycle, during turn or cutting events, when jumping, etc.

Abstract: A shoe including a footwear upper, an outer sole and an insole system, the insole system including a base insole component and an upper insole component. The base insole includes a chassis and first and a second shock absorbing inserts. The upper insole includes a spacer panel, first and a second gel insert members, and a fabric sheet layer. The insole system may be permanently secured in the shoe or be replaceable or interchangeable for installation and removal to and from the article of footwear by a user.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is generally directed to a sole assembly comprising a plurality of traction elements disposed on a ground-facing surface of the sole assembly, and wherein the sole assembly is configured to provide a rocker effect. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a sole assembly that includes a spring system based on a semi-rigid polymer shaped to provide the rocker effect. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a golf shoe with a sole profile having a geometric shape that provides a roll-over effect according to rocker shoe technology and wherein the sole profile is optimized to convey the benefits of rocker shoe technology to golf specific activities.

Abstract: An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed internally to the outer bladder to provide enhanced support. A valve member may also be disposed internally to the outer bladder. The valve member can include a contoured edge to provide a contoured shape for the outer bladder.

Abstract: A shoe including a footwear upper, an outer sole and an insole system, the insole system including a base insole component and an upper insole component. The base insole includes a chassis and first and a second shock absorbing inserts. The upper insole includes a spacer panel, first and a second gel insert members, and a fabric sheet layer. The insole system may be permanently secured in the shoe or be replaceable or interchangeable for installation and removal to and from the article of footwear by a user.

Abstract: A shoe providing increased comfort and decreased weight without sacrificing in quality or durability by cresting a chamber below the insole, and preferably in between an outsole and a midsole, with protrusions projecting up from the outsole towards the chamber directly beneath the midsole. In some embodiments, the protrusions may project directly into the chamber but maintains a gap between the top of the protrusions and the midsole.

Abstract: A resilient sole comprises a foot-shaped recess on the upper layer of the sole; a plurality of resilient hollow cylinders arranged in the recess, each of the hollow cylinders having open top that is an arched surface and capable to be closed.

Abstract: Improved soles for shoes, in particular for sports shoes, are described. A sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, is provided, said sole having a cushioning element that includes randomly arranged particles of an expanded material and a control element. The control element is free from expanded material and reduces the shearing motions in a first region of the cushioning element compared to shearing motions in a second region of the cushioning element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe sole device comprising two superposed chassis articulated relative to one another. For preference, movement-absorbing means, which notably absorb pivoting movements of the chassis relative to one another are provided. The invention also covers a shoe having such a shoe sole device and an assembly rig for manufacturing such a shoe.

Abstract: Improved cushioning elements for sports apparel, in particular for soles for sports shoes, are described. A cushioning element for sports apparel with a first deformation element is provided. The deformation element includes a plurality of randomly arranged particles of an expanded material, wherein there are first voids within the particles and/or between the particles.

Abstract: A footwear insole system for use with an article of footwear including a base insole component and an upper insole component. The base insole includes a chassis and first and a second shock absorbing inserts. The upper insole includes a spacer panel, first and a second gel insert members, and a fabric sheet layer. The insole system may be permanently secured to an article of footwear or the insole system may be replaceable or interchangeable for installation and removal to and from an article of footwear by a user.

Abstract: A footwear insole system for use with an article of footwear including a base insole component and an upper insole component. The base insole includes a chassis and first and a second shock absorbing inserts. The upper insole includes a spacer panel, first and a second gel insert members, and a fabric sheet layer. The insole system may be permanently secured to an article of footwear or the insole system may be replaceable or interchangeable for installation and removal to and from an article of footwear by a user.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a forefoot portion, a heel portion and an outsole having a bottom surface including a primary ground contacting surface. The bottom surface of the outsole includes a forefoot bulge and a heel bulge which provide the footwear with controlled instability for providing dynamic conditioning of the wearer's muscles during the gait cycle.

Abstract: A method of forming a sole assembly of an article of footwear including an interior space and an exterior surface includes providing a first portion of the sole assembly. The first portion includes a first surface that at least partially defines the interior space and a first chamber surface that opposes the first surface. The first portion is made from a first material. The method also includes providing a second portion of the sole assembly that includes a second surface that at least partially defines the exterior surface of the article of footwear and a second chamber surface that opposes the second surface. The second portion is made from a second material that is different from the first material. The method additionally includes operably securing the first and second portions such that the first chamber surface and the second chamber surface cooperate to at least partially define a chamber.

Abstract: A composite insole and bottom assembly includes two layers of EVA foam, the first layer a softer padding insole with an exposed upper surface. The second layer configured as an arch support and consists of an EVA foam of a greater density/hardness. The EVA foam arch support is attached to a bottom surface of the softer EVA foam padding insole, and both are then attached to an upper surface formed on a solid footwear bottom. Any of a decorative variety of upper restraints may be attached to the bottom, providing comfortable dress and casual footwear.

Abstract: A method of forming a sole assembly of an article of footwear that includes an interior space that receives a foot of a wearer is disclosed. The article of footwear also includes an exterior surface. The method includes providing a first portion of the sole assembly. The first portion includes a first surface that at least partially defines the interior space. The first portion also includes a first chamber surface that opposes the first surface. Moreover, the method includes providing a second portion of the sole assembly. The second portion includes a second surface that at least partially defines the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The second portion also includes a second chamber surface that opposes the second surface. The method further includes operably securing the first portion to the second portion such that the first chamber surface and the second chamber surface cooperate to at least partially define a substantially sealed chamber within the sole assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight shoe sole having a structure for shock absorption and rebound resilience that is capable of improving shock absorption and rebound resilience characteristics, while providing light weight. The lightweight shoe sole includes: a reinforcing member; a first midsole having first protrusions formed integrally therewith, the first protrusions being supported on one surface of the reinforcing member; and a second midsole having second protrusions formed integrally therewith, the second protrusions being supported on the other surface of the reinforcing member, wherein the first protrusions and the second protrusions are supported by means of the reinforcing member in non-overlapping regions therebetween.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and transmitting material comprising a framework of interconnected units comprising at least one unit having a base and a protrusion or cone extending from the base along an axis, and at least one connecting member or rod that connects the unit to at least one adjacent unit, the connecting members extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the unit from the base, where the framework is comprised of a single elastic material throughout, or configured so that when the framework is perturbed by tilting the unit towards the adjacent unit, the adjacent unit is tilted towards the unit.