Laminated Patents (Class 36/30R)
  • Patent number: 5046267
    Abstract: A cushioning sole for use in footwear, in particular athletic shoes, is disclosed. The cushioning sole includes a pronation control device incorporated into the midsole. The device functions to gradually increase the resistance to compression of the midsole from the lateral side to a maximum along the medial side. The device includes generally vertically extending rigid members and a plurality of horizontally extending plate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignees: Nike, Inc., Nike International Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Martyn R. Shorten
  • Patent number: 5044096
    Abstract: The sole structure comprises a lower part with a tread, preferably made of rubber or other synthetic material, and having holes formed therein which traverse its thickness. The lower part is covered by a membrane made of microporous, waterproof material which permits transpiration. The structure is completed by an upper part adapted for having a foot rested thereon and being made of rubber or other synthetic material. Holes which traverse the thickness of the upper part are provided at the portion thereof affected by the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Pol Scarpe Sportive S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Polegato
  • Patent number: 5042174
    Abstract: A unitary multilayer sole construction for an athletic shoe in which a stiffening board member is provided between the outsole and the mid-sole of the shoe. The stiffening board member is placed in the rear foot portion of the shoe and immediately adjacent the inner surface of the outsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: K-Swiss Inc.
    Inventor: Steven B. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5025573
    Abstract: A composite shoe bottom is disclosed comprising a lower layer of firm material and an upper softer layer superposed thereon. Each layer has an upper contoured surface such that the total compressibility of the shoe bottom, as determined by the relative thicknesses of the layers, is predetermined and differs along the surface. The upper layer has an uppermost surface which is shaped to fit against and be complemental to the bottom of the foot of a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Comfort Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik O. Giese, Roger J. Brown
  • Patent number: 5022168
    Abstract: A footwear insert comprising a first fabric layer having first strands extending widthwise thereof and second strands extending lengthwise thereof and interwoven with the first strands, a second fabric layer having third strands extending widthwise thereof and fourth strands extending lengthwise thereof and interwoven with the third strands, fifth strands extending widthwise of the insert and disposed between the first and third strands and forming walls transverse to the first and second layers, and sixth strands extending lengthwise of the insert and interwoven with the first, third and fifth strands, the sixth strands forming loops substantially larger in size than loops formed by the second and fourth strands, the first and second layers and the walls forming voids bound in part by the sixth strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventors: John Jeppson, III, Joseph P. Herlihy
  • Patent number: 5014449
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an intermediate layer for a shoe sole consisting of a hollow shell having convolutions disposed along the periphery thereof. The convolutions are adapted to cushion the foot by compressing when force is applied thereto, and expanding to their original configuration when the force is relieved. An inner filler material may be provided within the shell for added cushioning and resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Avia Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Richard, Kenneth Kolman, Charles Case, Ronald Becker, Alex Gross
  • Patent number: 5010662
    Abstract: The sole comprises a case in which a liquid-containing chamber is connected to an air-containing chamber by means of a resilient inner wall. Pressure on the weight-bearing portion of the foot is redistributed isostatically across the plantar portion of the foot by the liquid-containing chamber. The pressure created in the liquid-containing chamber is applied against the air chamber. The compressed air chamber and inner wall which presses against it store energy when the foot pushes against the ground and release it, spring-like, into the liquid chamber when the foot moves from the ground. The sole also provides for use of unequal ceiling and floor surface areas in the liquid chamber for decreased or increased forces felt on the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventors: Leonid V. Dabuzhsky, Moisey M. Lerner
  • Patent number: 4999931
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new shock absorber which may be used as an insole or as a midsole for an article of footwear. The shock absorber comprises a multi-cell membrane which may be embedded in a flexible envelope or which may be used itself as a one-piece multi-cell membrane insole or midsole. The shock absorber exhibits improved shock absorbing characteristics which increases the comfort of the wearer of the shoes and reduces damage to the foot during athletic exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 4984376
    Abstract: A flexible innersole, or component thereof, for footwear of a foamed thermoplastic multi-block copolymer elastomer having a substantially uniform closed cell structure and having a specific gravity of less than about 0.35, an energy return ratio greater than about 0.55 when compressed and released said foam being prepared from a thermoplastic multi-block copolymer elastomer having a Shore D hardness of 25-45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Timothy H. Walter, Thomas M. Pontiff
  • Patent number: 4974345
    Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14). A reinforcing layer (28) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18). A transverse reinforcing segment (30) is integrally formed with the peripheral member (22) to provide stability and support to a wearer of the shoe (12). Segment (30) forms a front receptacle (32) and a heel receptacle (34) dimensioned to receive insert (10). Insert (10) has a transverse slot (42) to match with the transverse segment (30). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Autry Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lin Yung-Mao
  • Patent number: 4958446
    Abstract: A disposable sandal is adapted to apply an advertising message repeatedly into sandy soil at a beach or the like. The sandal is formed of sheet material, and a pair of blind-ended slits in the sheet material define an elongate stem and a strap integral with and extending to either side of the stem. The sheet material is sufficiently flexible that the stem and strap can be raised by hand from the general plane of the sheet material. The stem is received between the wearer's toes and the strap is fitted over the wearer's foot to retain the sandal. The sandal has a lower exposed surface with projections defining a mirror image of the advertising message. The projections are sufficiently large that the advertising message is stamped repeatedly into the soil in a form intelligible to the unassisted human eye, as the wearer walks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: James G. Brown
  • Patent number: 4930231
    Abstract: An improved shoe sole structure, wherein the sole made of rubber comprises a plurality of crosswise parallel grooves in the upper face of the front half section and a large recess in the upper face of the rear half section, and the grooves are filled in and glued with wooden strips and the recess filled in and glued with a wooden board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Su H. Liu
  • Patent number: 4908962
    Abstract: A midsole (10 and 32) for heeled shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10), a peripheral heel member (26) and a peripheral midsole member (32). The peripheral heel member (26) is joined to a portion of the perimeter of an upper surface (20) of an outsole (14) and peripheral midsole member (32) is joined to the remaining portion of upper surface (20) of outsole (14) and to an upper leveling surface (30) of heel member (26) to form a stepped orifice (38). A reinforcing layer (40) substantially less thick than the peripheral members (26 and 32) is joined to the outsole upper surface (20) within the orifice (38). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (46, 48 and 50) depend from a base member (44) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the stepped orifice (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Autry Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lin Yung-Mao
  • Patent number: 4905382
    Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14) to form a receptable (28). A reinforcing layer (31) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18) within the receptable (28). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Autry Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lin Yung-Mao
  • Patent number: 4894933
    Abstract: This invention pertains to the encapsulation of a cellular insert, in the form of cellular components, formed of woven material fabricating such cellular components that present voids or cavities therein, or which may be formed from spirally or helically wound strands of a polymer having a hardness exceeding that of the foamed or other polymer composition in which the insert locates, as within the structure of a sole for an athletic shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Kangaroos U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond F. Tonkel, Alexander L. Gross
  • Patent number: 4894932
    Abstract: An air-permeable shoe including a shoe constructed of an open-cell rubber foam. A base cloth is attached to the sole or insert therein. The sole of the shoe is exposed on a side surface of the sole of the shoe wherein a top side surface of the sole is in communication with the inside of the shoe and the ambient atmosphere. The open-cell rubber foam may be a rubber latex foam having a microstructure with a compression permanent set of less than 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Nippon Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masasuke Harada, Yutaka Kumagawa, Yoshiharu Moronaga
  • Patent number: 4890397
    Abstract: A shoe for use in sports involving running and comprising an outer ground engaging sole, an inner foot engaging sole and a midsole therebetween, the midsole having therein, at least at the outer portion of the heel, a shock absorbing member comprising a shock absorbing synthetic resin foam layer bonded at its upper and lower surfaces to hard plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Nippon Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masasuke Harada, Hiroshi Kumagawa, Junji Izumi
  • Patent number: 4881328
    Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises an insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). A reinforcing member (31) is preferably joined to the outsole upper surface (18) for torsional stability. The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Autry Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lin Yung-Mao
  • Patent number: 4878300
    Abstract: An athletic shoe provided with a bottom structure embodying spaced, parallel midsole members, a shock-dispersing plate disposed therebetween and an outsole attached to the lower one of the midsole members, characterized in that the lowermost one of the midsole members and the outsole member contain at the heel vertical openings centered within the heel area which penetrate the layers such as to permit the shock-dispersing plate to yield in the area of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Tretorn AB
    Inventor: Robert D. Bogaty
  • Patent number: 4876806
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an asymmetric shoe which provides greater support, proper flexion and a more accurate fit than conventional shoes. The shoe of the present invention structures one or more of the following portions of the shoe upper and sole asymmetrically between the medial and lateral sides. First, a lateral stability strap is positioned immediately posterior of the fifth metatarsal-phalanges joint while a medial stability strap is positioned posterior of the first metatarsal-phalanges joint. Second, a lateral flex notch is aligned with the fifth metatarsal-phalanges joint and a medial flex notch is aligned with the first metatarsal-phalangess joint to allow the shoe to flex along the foot's natural flex line. Third, a medial quarter notch is positioned anterior of a lateral quarter notch to accommodate the difference between the medial and lateral malleolar lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Robinson, Daniel J. Richard
  • Patent number: 4876808
    Abstract: There is disclosed a sport shoe that is adaptable for multiple competitive events. Specifically, the sport shoe is useful for both cycling and running without compromising either competition. The shoe uses clipless pedals which, heretofore, have only been useful with a cleat that is permanently attached to the cyclist's shoes. The shoes can be quickly mounted to the clipless pedal and the wearer can thus compete in running and cycling events without changing footwear. The shoe of the invention has a composite sole with an outer sole, an intermediate sole and a cushioning layer therebetween. The composite sole has a plurality of apertures which are positioned on a preselected array and which receive a plurality of detent members, preferably in the form of upright posts which are permanently affixed to a pedal of a cycle. The upright posts have detent members which snap into the composite sole, thereby firmly securing the shoe to the pedal of a bicycle without any clips or attachment cleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventor: Gerald W. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4858340
    Abstract: A shoe, e.g. a sports shoe or a walking shoe, has an upper and a multi-layer sole including an elastic sock liner stitched to the upper, a deformable top sole, a midsole of elastic material, and a wear resistant outsole. The top sole is anatomically shaped and formed of a material possessing a high hysteresis to conform to the contours of the foot and to retain such shape during running, walking, or active sports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Prince Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen M. Pasternak
  • Patent number: 4858337
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber footwear vulcanizate to which an outsole may be separately affixed. The vulcanizate may be suitably manufactured from an assembly of an uncured rubber upper insole, welt and a vulcanized midsole. The inner and outer surfaces of the midsole may be suitably roughened, and the surface thereof which interfaces the uncured assembly may be precoated with an uncured rubber. The assembled uncured rubber footwear components may be vulcanized into a footwear product of unitary construction. The outer midsole surface permits a wide variety of outer soles of different compositions to be separately secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: La Crosse Footwear, Inc.
    Inventor: Tarachand S. Barma
  • Patent number: 4854057
    Abstract: An athletic running shoe having a polymeric foamed midsole and a special stiffening formation formed separately of the midsole and received between two layers of the midsole to reduce non-uniform midsole degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Tretorn AB
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Misevich, Rob R. McGregor, Anthony J. Corrao
  • Patent number: 4845863
    Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14). A reinforcing layer (28) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18). A transverse reinforcing segment (30) is integrally formed with the peripheral member (22) to provide stability and support to a wearer of the shoe (12). Segment (30) forms a front receptacle (32) and a heel receptacle (34) dimensioned to receive insert (10). Insert (10) has a transverse slot (42) to match with the transverse segment (30). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Autry Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lin Yung-Mao
  • Patent number: 4843741
    Abstract: A midsole (12 and 24) for an activewear shoe (10) comprises a removable insert (12) and a peripheral member (24). The peripheral member (24) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (20) of an outsole (16). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (12), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (24). A window (14) is formed through the peripheral member (24) and/or the outsole (16) to allow observation of the insert (12) from exterior the shoe (10). To reinforce the peripheral member (24) proximate the window (14), a row of stiffened cushioning elements (62) is formed on the insert (12). The stiffened elements (62) have a higher durometer reading than the remaining elements (40) and are formed during an injection molding process. A transverse reinforcing segment (31) may be provided to inhibit movement of the insert (12) within the shoe (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Autry Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lin Yung-Mao
  • Patent number: 4831750
    Abstract: A shoe foundation in which a shoe support is formed by several superimposed layers mutually connected to one another includes a base layer of rubber-bound cork, an elastic support layer of foamed material disposed on the base layer, and a cover layer of leather or the like disposed on the support layer, and wherein the layers are interconnected into a unit free of any adhesive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Hubert Muller
  • Patent number: 4817304
    Abstract: Footwear having an improved cushioning sole structure is disclosed. The footwear includes an upper and a sole member attached to the upper. The sole member includes a sealed inner member of a flexible material which is inflated with a gaseous medium to form a compliant and resilient insert. An elastomeric yieldable outer member encapsulates the insert about preselected portions of the insert. The inner and outer members function together to form a viscoelastic unit for attenuating the shock and returning the energy of foot impact. A mechanism adjusts the impact response of the unit so that the effect of the insert dominates the impact response function in a predetermined area adjacent at least one side of the insert. The adjusting mechanism includes a gap in the outer member along the side of the insert adjacent the predetermined area so that the flexible material of the sealed inner member can flex in the gap during foot impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Nike, Inc. and Nike International Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark G. Parker, David M. Forland, Lester Q. Lee, Thomas McGuirk, Daniel R. Potter, Stephen F. Potter
  • Patent number: 4810178
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding an outer sole of elastomer and an inner sole of a mixture of isocyanate and a polyol reacting into polyurethane to shoe uppers includes a vertically movable upper cross block supporting a pivotably mounted mold carrier with a heatable first mold part at one end for the molding of outer soles, and a lower, vertically adjustable cross block has a heatable plate in contact with the first mold part. The mold carrier is pivoted such that the heatable first mold part containing the molded outer sole forms a mold cavity for an inner sole together with laterally movable mold elements and a last supported shoe upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Klockner Ferromatik Desma GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Proll, Gunter Rebers
  • Patent number: 4805319
    Abstract: This invention pertains to the encapsulation of a cellular insert, formed of various woven cellular components, or fabricated to a grooved design formed of a series of linearly woven strands, each of which presents various voids or cavities within their formed structure, and then foamed in place within a polymer formed sock liner or insole for use within footwear, and particularly an athletic shoe, including the sole of a walking or other shoe. The cellular insert may be formed of a series of woven or wound cellular shaped components, having their voids therein, and which may be arranged intermediate a pair of liners, which form the upper and lower liners for the formed insert, or arranged upon a singular liner, or having the liner woven through its midpoint, in order to provide for its rather proper location within the structure of the polymer formed sole or insole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Kangaroos U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 4798010
    Abstract: This invention relates to a midsole for sports shoes, which comprises a hard elastic member and a soft elastic member which has a lower hardness than that of said hard elastic member, one surface of said hard elastic member being joined to one surface of said soft elastic member which is opposite to said one surface of said hard elastic member, said one surface of said hard elastic member having a wavy configuration at the outer area of the heel portion thereof with respect to a longitudinal direction of said midsole said one surface of said soft member having a complementary configuration to said one surface of said hard elastic member at the outer area of the heel portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Asics Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunori Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 4798009
    Abstract: The spring comprises layers of resilient material connected and spaced apart by compression members. The compression members are also spaced apart and indexed so that those between one pair of layers are located opposite the spaces between the compression members between the adjacent pair of layers. Springs of various shapes and areas are cut from sheets of spring structure and the spring rates are expressed in terms of pounds per inch per square inch of spring work area. Spring rates range from 1000 to 1250 pounds per inch per square inch of spring. Work capacities range from 13 to 120 inch pounds per square inch of spring. Ratios of work capacity to weight range from about 200 for springs about 1/4 inch thick to 600 for springs 3/4 inch thick. The cavities in the springs are vented to ambient to enhance linearity and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Inventors: Richard C. Colonel, Devere Lindh
  • Patent number: 4794707
    Abstract: A shoe for casual or athletic footwear which provides support cushioning and walking comfort due to the presence of an internal dynamic rocker element disposed in a forefoot area of the midsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Converse Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Franklin, Rui M. Parracho, Lloyd S. Smith, Richard P. Bunch, Jack A. Boys, II, Alexander L. Gross, Robert W. Pagluiso
  • Patent number: 4785557
    Abstract: A shoe sole construction especially designed for but not limited to walking shoes, comprising a sole having a midsole and two substantially U-shaped outer sole sections. One outer sole section is secured to the peripheral portion of the midsole in the rear portion and the second outer sole is secured to the peripheral portion of the midsole in the front portion leaving exposed the entirety of the midsole between the two U-shaped outer sole sections. An arch extension extends integrally from the middle portion of the midsole in the area below the arch of the wearer. The arch extension extends below the front and rear sections of the midsole and below the plane of the outer sole sections. The arch extension may further include an enlarged region adjacent the peripheral portion of the medial side of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: AVIA Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenda Kelley, James K. Tong
  • Patent number: 4783910
    Abstract: A shoe includes a midsole with an anti-G-force heel capsule that nests in a corresponding aperture in the heel. The heel capsule interacts with an anti-torsion member, the rearmost portion of which lies proximate to the heel plug, and with an energy-efficient forefoot midsole section, thus providing a support and cushioning system that absorbs shocks associated with walking, and also prevents excessive pronation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Inventors: Jack A. Boys, II, Richard P. Bunch, Alexander L. Gross, Robert W. Pagluiso, Rui M. Parracho, Lloyd S. Smith
  • Patent number: 4779361
    Abstract: A sole of a shoe provides for limiting the flex of the shoe. The sole includes a flexible portion positioned in the flexing area of the shoe corresponding to the ball of the wearers foot, a generally rigid front plate extending forward from the flexible portion, and a generally rigid rear plate extending rearward from the flexible portion. Further, a flexible banding or strapping layer is provided for underlying the flexible portion and at least part of the front and rear plates. The flexible strapping layer is fixed to the flexible portion and to the plates to maintain the positional relationship therebetween. Further, the flexible portion includes a plurality of generally laterally extending rigid slats. In a cross-sectional view, each of the generally laterally extending rigid slats has a top, a bottom, and opposing side shoulders. The bottom is affixed directly to the strapping layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: Sam Kinsaul
  • Patent number: 4766679
    Abstract: A midsole for athletic shoes, especially for medium and long distance track events, of soft elastic material, which in the heel area has, on its underside, a recess into which is inserted a stabilizing element of a material that is harder than that of the midsole is improved so that harmful supination positions are avoided. This is achieved by the fact that the stabilizing element (9) consists of a U-shaped part (10), covering the entire heel edge area, and a part which closes the U-shaped part at the middle part of the foot in a manner creating a window (13) into which an island of the full thickness of the midsole engages. The stabilizing element (9) also has a strip which extends along the lateral side of the midsole up to at least, approximately, the little toe area of a shoe provided with such a midsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: PUMA Aktiengesellschaft Rudolf Dassler Sport
    Inventor: Gerhard Bender
  • Patent number: 4766680
    Abstract: The specification disclosed a plastic shoe for being worn on a human foot. The shoe includes a transparent plastic sole and an upper for securing the sole to the foot. At least one opaque scuff pad is disposed on the lower surface of the transparent sole to absorb scuffing when the sole is walked upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Grendene S.A.
    Inventors: Joao P. Maciel, Jose H. Baungratz
  • Patent number: 4760652
    Abstract: A composite outsole has a substantially planar first element with a bottom tread surface, a top surface spaced from the bottom surface, and an outwardly facing side edge extending around the bottom tread surface. A lip extends around the top surface and protrudes laterally beyond the outwardly facing side edge.A second element is molded onto the top surface of the first element. The second element has a peripheral portion overlapping the lip of the first element. An inwardly facing side edge on the peripheral portion is spaced laterally from the outwardly facing side edge of the first element to define a downwardly open groove therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Quabaug Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold S. Austin
  • Patent number: 4759136
    Abstract: A lightweight athletic shoe includes a midsole of compressible material having portions of differing hardness which limit overpronation and effectively absorb shock while conforming to the shape of the foot. The midsole includes a central portion of relatively soft material, a lower peripheral portion of intermediate hardness extending around the central portion in the heel region and forward along each side to the toe region, and a raised upper peripheral portion of relatively hard material located above the lower peripheral portion and extending forward to the ball region of the midsole. The central portion conforms to the contour of the foot so that the force is uniformly distributed, while the peripheral portions cradle the sides of the foot so as to limit overpronation and oversupination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Reebok International Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas Stewart, Juan A. Diaz
  • Patent number: 4757620
    Abstract: A sole structure of a shoe, e.g. a sport shoe, comprising an outer wearing sole, an inner or intermediate layer, and additionally a cushioning and supporting structure between the sole and layer. The cushioning and supporting structure has a flexible toe portion extending substantially from a tip of the shoe to a ball area of a foot in the shoe, a resilient heel portion tapering in a wedge-like manner from a rear edge of the shoe towards the forward tip of the shoe, and extending at least over a heel area of the shoe, and additionally a body piece fitted above the heel portion and substantially extending from the rear edge of the shoe to the ball area of the foot, over a zone adapted to fit against the heel of the arch of the foot. The body piece is substantially stiffer and harder than the heel portion and the toe portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Karhu-Titan Oy
    Inventor: Antti-Jussi Tiitola
  • Patent number: 4741114
    Abstract: A shoe sole including an outer sole of substantially uniform thickness and a midsole. The midsole has peripheral portions that are relatively thick compared to its central portion which is relatively thin. The lower surface of the midsole is preferably configured as a concavity. The outer sole has a top surface which is connected to the concave lower surface of the midsole to define, along with the midsole, a general lateral concavity for the shoe. The lower surface of the outer sole includes tread members. The outermost tread members, outer sole and midsole cooperate to support the relatively thin central portion of the midsole in a cantilever fashion. Upon ground impact, the lower extremities of the tread members are urged resiliently upwardly and outwardly, and the relatively thin central portion flexes downwardly to provide cushioning for the foot of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: AVIA Group International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Stubblefield
  • Patent number: 4733483
    Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises an insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Autry Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Yung-Mao Lin
  • Patent number: 4731939
    Abstract: In an athletic shoe, an external counter and cushion assembly includes a substantially rigid external counter extending medially to approximately the front flex line, and a rearfoot cushion member is mounted within the rigid counter. This assembly mounts externally to the heel and counter region of a lasted upper. The floor of the cushion member also extends forwardly toward the front-flex region of the shoe and is preferably wedge-shaped to serve as a heel-lift layer. The cushion walls are generally coextensive with the counter walls, insulating the upper from the rigid counter in this region. The external counter construction includes a base flange which mounts atop the midsole periphery on a plane substantially below the bottom surface of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Converse Inc.
    Inventors: Rui M. Parracho, Lloyd S. Smith, Richard P. Bunch, Alexander L. Gross
  • Patent number: 4730402
    Abstract: The invention is in a sole unit for footwear including a midsole/wedge component (16, 30, 40, 60) of plastic material. The midsole/wedge component includes a core (26, 36, 46, 62) which may be characterized as a V-channel within a central longitudinal portion extending away from the back of the heel along substantially the longitudinal axis of the component. A pair of posts (22 and 24, 32 and 34, 42 and 44, 64 and 66) describing a lateral and medial post extend along the component at least to the region of the heel seat of the wedge. The density of the medial post (Shore A) may be equal to or greater than the density of the lateral post, and both posts have a density (Shore A) greater than that of the core to minimize excessive rear foot motion and instability.The invention also envisions several process for forming the midsole/wedge component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Norton, Craig F. Fram, Kenneth W. Graham, James A. Smith
  • Patent number: 4724622
    Abstract: A shoe outsole assembly having a separate tread insert received by and bonded within a downwardly open sole cavity defined by a peripheral wall, and protruding downwardly from the cavity beyond the peripheral wall to form a ground and floor engaging member, the bottom of the insert being substantially flush with the peripheral wall at the termini of the toe and heel of the outsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Mills
  • Patent number: 4694591
    Abstract: An athletic shoe having a midsole subassembly formed of a lower layer and an upper layer, the lower layer having a rear higher density portion terminating short of the front end and integrally bonded with a lower density toe off pad portion into which the toes can sink during toe off. The upper layer extends beneath the heel and forwardly, terminating short of the toe area. This upper layer and the toe off pad have cooperative transverse grooves which are located relative to each other and to vertical flex grooves in the medial and lateral sides of the shoe upper, to enable the shoe to flex in a smooth curve with the foot. This upper layer has overlapping, laterally tapered wedge portions of different density and an integral, upstanding heel stabilizing cup, one portion from each wedge. The outsole has portions of different densities, the heel and ball portions of greater density for wear durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard P. Banich, Daniel E. Norton
  • Patent number: 4676010
    Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, resilient sole adapted for athletic footwear including a relatively soft midsole made of a synthetic such as ethylene vinyl acetate, the midsole being wedge-shaped and including a relatively thick heel section and a relatively thin and flexible forepart section, and a plurality of discontinuous independent outsole pieces made of a relatively hard and wear-resistant synthetic rubber, such as styrene-butadiene rubber, the outsole pieces being disposed across the forepart section of the midsole with open spaces between the outsole pieces to maintain the flexibility of the forepart section, with the outsole pieces being vulcanized to the lower surface of the midsole to form a composite sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Quabaug Corporation
    Inventor: Melvyn P. Cheskin
  • Patent number: 4674205
    Abstract: Described herein is a stamped cushioning piece of a two-layered latex foam, produced with paddings in various places from a latex foam of greater specific weight. First, a layer of latex foam of slight specific weight is applied to a textile carrying sheet. Into this, depressions are stamped, whereupon a second layer of latex foam, preferably of a high specific weight, is applied. Manufacture occurs continuously on so-called large-scale machines, and the pieces are stamped out of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Nitex GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Anger
  • Patent number: RE33066
    Abstract: A shoe sole construction which features an outer sole (18) having at least one opening (26) through which a protrusion (30) of a less dense midsole (16) extends. The cutout area (26) of the more dense outsole (18) decreases the overall weight of the sole (12), while the less dense protrusion (30) aids in cushioning the foot to provide greater comfort and support. Other protrusions (32 and 68) may also be provided through other openings in the outsole to further lessen weight and increase the cushioning effect on the foot. Additionally, grooves (42) may be provided on the upper surface (40) of the midsole (16) to increase flexibility of the sole (12) and further aid in cushioning the foot and providing peripheral support where needed. The invention may be applied to athletic shoes (FIGS. 1-9), a woman's high-heeled shoe (FIGS. 10-14), or other footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: AVIA Group International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Stubblefield