Basketball Shoe Sole

A new sole for basketball shoes that make use of a spring board and cushioning system to reduce the likelihood that a user will roll and sprain their ankle and to provide more support for lateral movements in both directions. The spring board, cushioning and support provide the present invention with a unique compression system covering the rear foot, the forefoot, and the tip of the foot. On the rear foot, the compression system is able to absorb impact during landings to increase surface contact between the outsole and the ground. On the fore foot, during aggressive changes in direction, the compression system compresses and provides the user a flexible slanted surface to push off of. On the tip of the foot, the compression system provides users with more surface contact to the ground for increase friction and stability. The advantages of the present invention decrease the likelihood a user will roll or sprain their ankle and increase the stability for lateral movements in both directions.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to new shoe sole that is specially designed for the sports of basketball. It can accomplish several purposes: (1) reduce the chances of ankle sprains at the rear foot, (2) provide lateral support for more efficient direction change both left at fore foot mid-section and (3) right at fore foot tip-section. More specifically, the present invention utilizes a unique compression layering system with three different designs at different portion of shoe sole to prevent the rolling of ankles and allows users to make sudden changes in direction more efficiently and comfortably.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sole designs for athletic shoes are very similar besides some minor differences in shape, materials and types of cushions. Due to the unique nature of the sports of basketball, more tailored design should be used. The two major issues to focus on are: (1) ankle support or sprain prevention, (2) ease of lateral movements. Traditional basketball shoes have soles that are formed in one piece with various cushioning systems equipped inside. In such designs, the interior will provide cushion while the exterior walls provide support. But such design failed in the two issues identified earlier. First, the relative rigid walls around the sole area can easily allow users to sprain their ankles. For example, in condition when the angle between the rear bottom of the shoe and the ground surpasses 45 degrees, whether the user is making a hard cut run or landing awkwardly, it is likely the user will roll and sprain the ankle due to lack of flexibility and support at the rear outer end of the shoe. Second, the relative rigid walls around the sole area are not natural for lateral movement. For example, the insole and the shoe bottom are always parallel to each other in all kinds of situations. But when the wearer is moving laterally, it is more natural and comfortable if a slope can be created inside the shoe towards the direction of movement. The present invention makes use of a new spring board and cushion system to overcome this problem. The uniquely positioned and shaped cushions on the shoe sole at the rear end contribute to the prevention of ankle sprains. Additionally, the unique structure of spring boards and cushions at the front end contributes to the lateral flexibility and support of a user's foot while changing directions. The spring board and cushioning system at rear end are compressed in extreme conditions to reduce the angle between the shoe bottom and the ground, resulting in a reduced likelihood that a user will roll and sprain their ankle. During normal conditions of use, the spring board and cushioning systems at rear end also help provide additional propulsion during a user's stride. The front mid-section of the sole uses similar mechanism to provide more support and comfort for the user while changing direction towards the inside of the sole. The front tip-section of the sole uses similar mechanism to provide more support and traction for the user while changing direction towards the outside of the sole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left side elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view showing a plane upon which a section view is taken and shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view showing the internal layering of the present invention. The positioning of the cushions and supports are shown.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing a plane upon which a section view is taken and shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view showing the layering and cushioning system in the rear of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explosion view of all of the components comprised in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the first sole layer of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the second sole layer of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the third sole layer of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the fourth sole layer of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of forefoot components of the second sole layer, the third sole layer, and the fourth sole layer showing a plane upon which a section view is taken and shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view showing the layering and components of the upper forefoot spring board and lower forefoot spring board. The reverse E-shaped cushion is not shown to highlight the shape of the upper cushion grooves and the lower cushion grooves.

FIG. 15 is a view of the cushions and supports of the third sole layer relative to a foot imprint.

 DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The following description of the present invention relates to an embodiment of the present invention for a right side shoe. The embodiment of the present invention for a left side shoe will be a mirror image of the following description.

The present invention is a new design of a shoe sole specifically for basketball shoes. However, the design is not limited to basketball shoes and can be applied to other suitable types of shoes. In reference to FIG. 8, the present invention comprises of multiple layers including a first sole layer 1, a second sole layer 2, a third sole layer 3, and a fourth sole layer 4. Additionally, the present invention comprises of an outsole 5, and a rubber wraps 7 to hold all of the layers together as well as integrate to the rest of the shoe. The objective of the present invention is to reduce the risk of ankle sprains for wearers when they land awkwardly or land on the shoes of other players at the rear foot. The present invention also reduces deformation of the right side wall of the forefoot shoe upper 84 when a wearer is abruptly changing direction towards left. Simultaneously, the present invention will provide more support and comfort at the forefoot mid-section. In addition, the sole will provide more propulsion as the mid-section of the forefoot is about to leave the ground towards left. The present invention also increases the friction at the tip of the forefoot while the wearer is changing directions aggressively towards right by providing more surface area of the outsole 5 that touches the ground, and provides more propulsion as the tip of the forefoot is about to leave the ground.

In reference to FIG. 9, the first sole layer 1 comprises a first spring board 11. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first spring board 11 is made of carbon fiber. However, the first spring board 11 can be made of other materials that possess similar properties and characteristics as carbon fiber. The first spring board 11 spans the majority of the first sole layer 1. The first spring board 11 comprises a front right curl 111 and a rear cupping curl 112. The front right curl 111 is a curl curving upwards and is located at the front right lateral side of the first spring board 11. The rear cupping curl 112 is a curl curving upwards as well. The rear cupping curl 112 is located on the rear heel end of the first spring board 11. The front right curl 111 provides support to a user making a hard left cut run. The support reduces the amount of deformation on the right side of the shoe upper 84 will experience as a user is making a hard left cut run and prolongs the usage life of the shoe. The rear cupping curl 112 is used to conform to and mount the heel of the user for additional support for stability and comfort. For added comfort, the first spring board 11 will be shaped to conform to the curves on the sole of the user's foot. This means the first spring board 11 will have curves to support areas of the foot such as the arch.

In reference to FIG. 10, the second sole layer 2 comprises an upper rear foot spring board 21 and an upper forefoot spring board 22. The upper rear foot spring board 21 comprises a first C-shaped curl 211. The upper forefoot spring board 22 comprises a first right mid curl 221, a first tip curl 222, and upper cushion grooves 223. The upper rear foot spring board 21 is positioned on the rear side of the second sole layer 2. The first C-shaped curl 211 is a curl curving downwards. The first C-shaped curl 211 is located around the edge of the upper rear foot spring board 21 from the front side to the left side. The front side to the left side of the upper rear foot spring board 21 defines the left lateral front side of the upper rear foot spring board 21. The first right mid curl 221 is a curl curving downwards located on the right lateral edge of the upper forefoot spring board 22. The right lateral edge of the upper forefoot spring board 22 defines the upper right lateral side. The first tip curl 222 is a curl curving downwards located on the front left tip end of the upper forefoot spring board 22. The front left tip end defines the upper toe side of the upper forefoot spring board 22. The upper cushion grooves 223 are located on the center and runs across the majority of the upper forefoot spring board 22. The upper cushion grooves 223 are a downwardly protruding groove with decreasing protrusion depth towards the left lateral side of the second sole layer 2.

In reference to FIG. 12, the fourth sole layer 4 comprises a lower rear foot spring board 41 and a lower forefoot spring board 42. The lower rear foot spring board 41 comprises a second C-shaped curl 411. The lower forefoot spring board 42 comprises a second right mid curl 421, a second tip curl 422, and lower cushion grooves 423. The lower rear foot spring board 41 is positioned on the rear side of the fourth sole layer 4. The second C-shaped curl 411 is a curl curving upwards. The second C-shaped curl 411 is located around the edge of the lower rear foot spring board 41 from the front side to the left side. The front side to the left side of the lower rear foot spring board 41 defines the left lateral front side of the lower rear foot spring board 41. The second right mid curl 421 is a curl curving upwards located on the right lateral edge of the lower forefoot spring board 42. The right lateral edge of the lower forefoot spring board 42 defines the lower right lateral side. The second tip curl 422 is a curl curving upwards located on the front left tip end of the lower forefoot spring board 42. The front left tip end defines the lower toe side of the lower forefoot spring board 42. The lower cushion grooves 423 are located on the center and runs across the majority of the lower forefoot spring board 42. The lower cushion grooves 423 are upwardly protruding grooves with continuously decreasing protrusion depth towards the left lateral side of the fourth sole layer 4.

In reference to FIG. 11, the third sole layer 3 is the sole layer that comprises all the cushions and supports for the present invention and is positioned in between the second sole layer 2 and the fourth sole layer 4. The third sole layer 3 comprises a C-shaped cushion 31, an O-shaped cushion 32, a triangle support 33, a reverse E-shaped cushion 35, an L-shaped cushion 36, an S-shaped support 37, and a stabilizing tension band 38. The C-shaped cushion 31 is a support cushion that is positioned between the first C-shaped curl 211 and the second C-shaped curl 411. The O-shaped cushion 32 is centered in relation to and positioned between the upper rear foot spring board 21 and the lower rear foot spring board 41. The stabilizing tension band 38 is positioned between the edges of the upper rear foot spring board 21 and the lower rear foot spring board 41. The C-shaped cushion 31 and the stabilizing tension band 38 encloses the O-shaped cushion 32 between the upper rear foot spring board 21 and the lower rear foot spring board 41. The C-shaped cushion 31 works together with the O-shaped cushion 32 to support and provide cushioning for the rear and heel of the users foot. The O-shaped cushion 32 is a compression only cushion. The C-shaped cushion 31 is both a compression cushion and an extension cushion. When the user is applying more weight to the left side of the rear foot, the C-shaped cushion 31 and the O-shaped cushion 32 both compresses to support the weight. After the peak of compression, the C-shaped cushion 31 and the O-shaped cushion 32 work together to force the two spring boards 21 and 41 back to the neutral position. When the user is applying more weight to the right side of the rear foot, the O-shaped cushion 32 provides cushioning and also becomes a pivoting point as the rear right portion of the lower rear foot spring board 41 converges towards the upper rear foot spring board 21. As the right rear portion of the lower rear foot spring board 41 converges towards the upper rear foot spring board 21, the front left portion of the lower rear foot spring board 41 is pulling away from the upper rear foot spring board 21. The C-shaped cushion 31 works as an extension cushion to pull the two spring boards back to the neutral position. The S-shaped support 37 comprises a front hook 371, a rear hook 372, and the crescent support 373. The S-shaped support 37 is used to support the user's forefoot as shown in FIG. 15. The user's toes will rest towards the front hook 371 of the sole. The balls of the feet will rest directly on the reverse E-shaped cushion 35 behind the middle portion of the S-shaped support 37. The middle portion of the S-shaped support 37 is where the front hook 371 and the rear hook 372 meet. The front hook 371 is smaller in size compared to the rear hook 372 and occupies the front tip of the third sole layer 3 to encompass the user's toes. The rear hook 372 is larger compared to the front hook 371 and loops around the remaining areas of the forefoot to provide necessary support to the user's forefoot. The front hook 371 is positioned between the first tip curl 222 and the second tip curl 422. The rear hook 372 is positioned between the first right mid curl 221 and the second right mid curl 421. The rear hook 372 bends towards the rear of the sole layer and is connected to the crescent support 373. The specific positioning of the S-shaped support 37 in relationship to a user's foot serves two major functions. First, the middle portion of the S-shaped support 37 serves as a pivot point between the L-shaped cushion 36 and the reverse E-shaped cushion 35. With a pivot point, the L-shaped cushion 36 and the reverse E-shaped cushion 35 can work together to effectively accomplish their functions. While the L-shaped cushion 36 is compressed the reverse E-shaped cushion 35 will pull it back and vice versa. Second, the middle portion of the 5-shaped support 37 also acts as a barrier to separate the balls of the foot from the toes. By separating the balls of the foot from the toes, the toes are able to grab onto the middle portion of the S-shaped support 37 for additional stability and reduce the longitudinal sliding of foot inside the shoe. The L-shaped cushion 36 is positioned between the upper forefoot spring board 22 and the lower forefoot spring board 42. The L-shaped cushion 36 lies adjacently along the right lateral side and the lower toe side. The reverse E-shaped cushion 35 is positioned between the upper forefoot spring board 22 and the lower forefoot spring board 42. The reverse E-shaped cushion 35 is bound between the rear hook 372, the crescent support 373, and the middle portion of the S-shaped support 37. The reverse E-shaped cushion 35 extends towards the left side of the sole and stops at an opening adjacent to the crescent support 373 and the front hook 371. Additionally, the reverse E-shaped cushion 35 is fit between the upper cushion grooves 223 and the lower cushion grooves 423. The triangle support 33 is positioned in the mid-section of the third sole layer 3 and laterally wedged between the S-shaped support 37 and the C-shaped cushion 31.

In reference to FIG. 8, the third sole layer 3 is positioned between the second sole layer 2 and the fourth sole layer 4. The second sole layer 2, the third sole layer 3, and the fourth sole layer 4 are adhered together and enveloped by the rubber wraps 7. The rubber wraps 7 serves to unify the unique cushioning and support system defined by the second sole layer 2, the third sole layer 3, and the fourth sole layer 4. The rubber wraps 7 comprises a front left opening 71, a front tip opening 72, and a rear right opening 73. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rubber wraps 7 are two rubber pouches wrapping the forefoot components and the rear foot components separately. On top of the rubber wraps 7 and the three sole layers is adhered the first sole layer 1. The first sole layer 1 is adhered to the shoe upper 84 by means of a rubber seal cushion 83. The rear cupping curl 112 and the front right curl 111 conforms to the outer surface of the shoe upper 84. In another embodiment of the present invention, to additionally secure the shoe upper 84 to the lower sole layers, minuscule holes are punctured through the border of the first spring board 11, the upper rear foot spring board 21, and the upper forefoot spring board 22 to be sewn together with the shoe upper 84. The sewing of the shoe upper 84 further tightens the entire shoe upper 84 to the lower sole layers of the invention. For more stability and support, the present invention can optionally comprise of a rubber reinforcement that is peripherally adhered to the rubber wraps 7 and the shoe upper 84. The rubber reinforcement can also serve to conceal the stitchings. The different sole layers can be secured and fastened together in any other suitable methods as well. Within the shoe upper 84 is the insole layering for the present invention. On top of the shoe upper 84 is a mesh liner 81 that prevents slipping or shifting within the shoe upper 84. Lastly, an insole 82 is arranged on top of the mesh liner 81. The insole 82 is in direct contact with the user's foot. The layering system within the shoe upper 84 is shaped to conform to a user's foot with the help of the first sole layer 1 on the outside surface of the shoe upper 84. This includes having curving supports for the arch of a user's foot. On the bottom of the rubber wraps 7 and the sole layers is adhered the outsole 5. The outsole 5 envelops the lower surface of the rubber wraps 7. The outsole 5 is the surface of the present invention that makes contact with the ground. The specific layering sequence of the three layers of spring boards 1, 2, and 4 serves two major functions. First, the unique layering system allows the present invention to provide the user with a stable platform by having two layers of spring boards 1 and 2 closer to the bottom of user's foot. The present invention is able to isolate deformations to the lower layers of 3, 4, and 5 by using the cushioning and support system of layer 3 and spring board of layer 4 to absorb the majority of the deformations for minimal intrusion to the upper sole layers above layer 1 for maximum comfort and stability. Second, the unique layering system takes advantage of the physical property of carbon fiber being flexible but not extendable and rubber being extendable. The present invention is able to ensure minimum longitudinal deformation provided by the layer of spring board 1 and maximum longitudinal deformation provided by the layer of outsole 5 between the forefoot and rear foot portions of the rubber wraps 7. Resultantly, the present invention has both stability at the surface that touches the bottom of the foot with the insole 82 and flexibility at the surface that touches the ground with the outsole 5.

The positioning of the different types of cushions and supports serves to provide flexibility and comfort for a reduced likelihood that a user may roll and sprain their ankles. As shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, during normal use of forwards and backwards motion, the E-shaped cushion 35 is compressed evenly to provide the same cushioning like a normal shoe. However, when a user pushes off their foot while weighing heavily on their forefoot to make a hard left cut, the first right mid curl 221 and the second right mid curl 421 are held apart at a distance by the rear hook 372 of the S-shaped support 37 and the curvatures of both curls. With the reverse E-shaped cushion 35 being compressible, the left side of the upper forefoot spring board 22 and of the lower forefoot spring board 42 is forced closer together. The upper cushion grooves 223 and the lower cushion grooves 423 being uniquely shaped allow the left side of the E-shaped cushion to compress further compared to the right side. Resultantly, the upper cushion grooves 223 and the lower cushion grooves 423 come together and transform the entire forefoot portion of the present invention into a slanted platform. The transformation of the forefoot portion of the present invention provides the user a better angle to push their foot off for more force and stability. A larger percentage of force applied by the user's legs is directed towards propulsion rather than towards maintaining stability of their ankles to prevent themselves from rolling and spraining. Additionally, because the shoe upper 84 is flexible, the front right curl 111 of the first spring board 11 on the first sole layer 1 serves as a barrier for the user's feet from sliding past the sole area. On the rear of the present invention, the unique arrangement of the C-shaped cushion 31, the O-shaped cushion 32, and the stabilizing tension band 38 also contributes to reducing the chances of ankle injury. As shown in FIG. 7, when the user falls back onto their heel with their weight pushing down onto the sole and a force pushing their weight out and away from the ankle, the majority of the weight is balanced on the right rear edge of the sole. To compensate for this, the first C-shaped curl 211 and the second C-shaped curl 411 are held apart at a distance by the C-shaped cushion 31. The C-shaped cushion 31 also acts to pull together the first C-shaped curl 211 and the second C-shaped curl 411 as the spring boards are returning to a normal neutral position when the stabilizing tension band 38 decompresses. Although the stabilizing tension band 38 is able to compress and decompress, it only serves to provide tension stabilization for the upper rear foot spring board 21 and the lower rear foot spring board 41. The stabilizing tension band 38 is a structural support that possesses physical properties that do not allow it to extend nor allow it to bounce. With the lower rear foot spring board 41 having a reducing thickness towards the rear right side of the sole, the thinner portions of the lower rear foot spring board 41 distort more easily. For this purpose, the lower rear foot spring board 41 is normally downwardly angled to allow retention of the shape of the sole. Before the stabilizing tension band 38 is adhered to the lower rear foot spring board 41, the lower rear foot spring board 41 is not flat. Instead, as the lower rear foot spring board 41 should curl down slightly in the tangent directions of the thickness lines indicating the reducing thickness on the lower rear foot spring board 41. When the stabilizing tension band 38 is applied to the upper rear foot spring board 21 and the lower rear foot spring board 41, the upper rear foot spring board 21 and the lower rear foot spring board 41 is parallel to each other. The stabilizing tension band 38 is normally bearing some tension. The tension experienced by the stabilizing tension band 38 will be reduced when a person is wearing and standing on the present invention. The purpose of this design is to prevent the collapsing of the rear right portion of the shoe. Therefore, the user of the present invention is supported by a balanced platform.

In reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 12, the spring boards for all of the sole layers are additionally shaped to conform to the shapes and curves of the cushions and supports. On areas of the upper forefoot spring board 22 and the lower forefoot spring board 42 not contacting the cushions and supports thin cut-outs are made to improve the flexibility of the spring boards while still maintaining rigidity. The cut-outs from the spring boards form teeth like flaps where the cushions and supports are connected. On the upper rear foot spring board 21 and the lower rear foot spring board 41 thin cut-outs are made to fit the stabilizer cushions 38. Although, the first sole layer 1 is not in contact with the cushions and supports of the third sole layer 3, it similar comprises of the same forefoot thin cut-outs. Additionally, the first sole layer 1 comprises a thin cut-out on the mid-section outlining the rear spring boards stopping at the mid-point of the sole layer. This allows the first sole layer 1 to flex along with the lower sole layers and prevents the present invention from becoming too stiff and uncomfortable for the user. The forefoot portion of the present invention is also slightly curved up to contribute to the ease of walking or running as the foot makes a forward rolling action to proceed with a stride.

For an ordinary basketball shoe, the rear outer end has a 90 degree angle. Once the angle between the ordinary outsole 5 and the ground surpasses 45 degrees, it will rollover due to the lack of flexibility and support. For the present invention, the spring board and cushioning system flexes while the user lands on the right rear side of the shoe. The deformation of the spring board reduces the angle between the bottom of the shoe and the ground. This reduces the possibility of the rolling of the ankle and the spraining of the user's ankle. In effect, the springboard acts to bounce and normalize the user's foot to an upright leveled position. During normal conditions, the spring board is used to cushion and absorb energy of the user's stride to provide forward propulsion.

On the mid-section towards the left of the shoe, the spring board system flexes while compressing the reverse E-shaped cushion 35 to create a slope towards the left when the user is aggressively making a left cut run. The slope allows the force applied by the user to change directions not entirely to be applied on the shoe upper 84, but to be shared by the shoe sole as well. The created slope, in turn, is more natural and comfortable for the wearer when changing directions. Furthermore, the spring board provides bounce and propulsion when the mid-section leaves the ground to save the user's energy.

On the tip of the shoe towards the right of the shoe bottom, the spring board system flexes as the user changes direction towards the right on the tip of the toe. The deformation of the spring board system increases the amount of rubber surface of the outsole 5 that touches the ground, reducing the risk of slipping in extreme conditions when the cutting run force surpasses the friction between the shoe and the ground. The increase in surface contact serves to increase the maximum frictional force between the shoe and the ground to prevent slipping.

The provided cushions of the present invention are unique in its form as well. Together, the S-shaped support 37, the O-shaped cushion 32, the L-shaped cushion 36, and the reverse E-shaped cushion 35 spell out the word ‘SOLE’. Things are more beautiful when form meets function.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A basketball shoe sole comprises,

A first sole layer;
A second sole layer;
A third sole layer;
A fourth sole layer;
An outsole;
A mesh liner;
A rubber seal cushion;
An insole;
A shoe upper;
The first sole layer comprises of a first spring board;
The second sole layer comprises of an upper rear foot springboard and an upper forefoot springboard;
The third sole layer comprises of a C-shaped cushion, a O-shaped cushion, a triangle support, an E-shaped cushion, an L-shaped cushion, and a S-shaped support;
The fourth sole layer comprises of a lower rear foot springboard and lower forefoot springboard;
The second sole layer being connected and overlapping the third sole layer;
The third sole layer being connected and positioned between the second sole layer and the fourth sole layer; and
The fourth sole layer being connected and positioned between the third sole layer and the outsole.

2. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

The upper rear foot spring board comprises of a first C-shaped curl;
The first C-shaped curl being downwardly curving and positioned on a upper left lateral front side of the upper rear foot spring board;
The lower rear foot spring board comprises of a second C-shaped curl;
The lower rear foot spring board downwardly angled and reducing in thickness towards a rear right side; and
The second C-shaped curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a lower left lateral front side of the lower rear foot spring board.

3. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

The upper forefoot spring board comprises of a first right mid curl, a first tip curl, and upper cushion grooves;
The first right mid curl being downwardly curving and positioned on an upper front right lateral side of the upper forefoot spring board;
The first tip curl being downwardly curving and positioned on an upper toe side of the upper forefoot spring board;
The lower forefoot spring board comprises of a second right mid curl, a second tip curl, and lower cushion grooves;
The second right mid curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a lower front right lateral side of the lower forefoot spring board;
The second tip curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a lower toe side of the lower forefoot spring board;
The upper cushion grooves being centered and positioned on the upper forefoot spring board; and
The lower cushion grooves being centered and positioned on the lower forefoot spring board.

4. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

The first spring board having a front right curl and rear cupping curl;
The front right curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a front right lateral side of the first spring board; and
The rear cupping curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a rear heel end of the first spring board.

5. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 2 comprises,

The C-shaped cushion being positioned between the first C-shaped curl and the second C-shaped curl;
The O-shaped cushion being positioned between the upper rear foot spring board and the lower rear foot spring board;
The stabilizing tension band being positioned between the upper rear foot spring board and the lower rear foot spring board; and
The C-shaped cushion and the stabilizing tension band enclosing the O-shaped cushion.

6. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 3 comprises,

The S-shaped support having a front hook, a rear hook, and a crescent support;
The S-shaped support being positioned between the upper forefoot spring board and the lower forefoot spring board;
The front hook being positioned between the first tip curl and the second tip curl;
The rear hook being position between the first right mid curl and the second right mid curl;
The crescent support being positioned between the upper forefoot spring board and the lower forefoot spring board and being connected to the rear hook;
The L-shaped cushion being positioned between the upper forefoot spring board and the lower forefoot spring board;
The L-shaped cushion being arranged adjacent to the lower front right lateral side and the lower toe side;
The reverse E-shaped cushion being positioned between the upper cushion grooves and the lower cushion grooves;
The upper cushion grooves reducing in depth towards a upper left lateral side of the second sole layer; and
The lower cushion grooves reducing in depth towards a lower left lateral side of the fourth sole layer.

7. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

The triangle support being positioned in a mid-section of the third sole layer and laterally wedged between the S-shaped support and the C-shaped cushion;
The rubber wraps enveloping the second sole layer, the third sole layer, and the fourth sole layer;
The rubber wraps having a front left opening, a front tip opening, and a rear right opening;
The outsole enveloping a lower surface of the rubber wraps;
The first sole layer being adhered to the rubber wraps;
The first sole layer being adhered to the shoe upper by the rubber seal cushion;
The mesh liner being adhered to and arranged between the insole and the shoe upper; and
The insole being adhered to and overlapping the mesh liner.

8. A basketball shoe sole comprises,

A first sole layer;
A second sole layer;
A third sole layer;
A fourth sole layer;
An outsole;
A mesh liner;
A rubber seal cushion;
An insole;
A shoe upper;
The first sole layer comprises of a first spring board;
The second sole layer comprises of an upper rear foot springboard and an upper forefoot springboard;
The third sole layer comprises of a C-shaped cushion, a O-shaped cushion, a triangle support, an E-shaped cushion, an L-shaped cushion, and a S-shaped support;
The fourth sole layer comprises of a lower rear foot springboard and lower forefoot springboard;
The second sole layer being connected and overlapping the third sole layer;
The third sole layer being connected and positioned between the second sole layer and the fourth sole layer;
The fourth sole layer being connected and positioned between the third sole layer and the outsole;
The upper forefoot spring board comprises of a first right mid curl, a first tip curl, and upper cushion grooves;
The lower forefoot spring board comprises of a second right mid curl, a second tip curl, and lower cushion grooves;
The first right mid curl being downwardly curving and positioned on an upper front right lateral side of the upper forefoot spring board;
The second right mid curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a lower front right lateral side of the lower forefoot spring board;
The triangle support being positioned in a mid-section of the third sole layer and laterally wedged between the S-shaped support and the C-shaped cushion;
The rubber wraps enveloping the second sole layer, the third sole layer, and the fourth sole layer; and
The rubber wraps having a front left opening, a front tip opening, and a rear right opening.

9. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 8 comprises,

The upper rear foot spring board comprises of a first C-shaped curl;
The first C-shaped curl being downwardly curving and positioned on a upper left lateral front side of the upper rear foot spring board;
The lower rear foot spring board comprises of a second C-shaped curl;
The lower rear foot spring board downwardly angled and reducing in thickness towards a rear right side; and
The second C-shaped curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a lower left lateral front side of the lower rear foot spring board.

10. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 8 comprises,

The first tip curl being downwardly curving and positioned on an upper toe side of the upper forefoot spring board;
The second tip curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a lower toe side of the lower forefoot spring board;
The upper cushion grooves being centered and positioned on the upper forefoot spring board; and
The lower cushion grooves being centered and positioned on the lower forefoot spring board.

11. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 8 comprises,

The first spring board having a front right curl and rear cupping curl;
The front right curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a front right lateral side of the first spring board; and
The rear cupping curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a rear heel end of the first spring board.

12. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 9 comprises,

The C-shaped cushion being positioned between the first C-shaped curl and the second C-shaped curl;
The O-shaped cushion being positioned between the upper rear foot spring board and the lower rear foot spring board;
The stabilizing tension band being positioned between the upper rear foot spring board and the lower rear foot spring board; and
The C-shaped cushion and the stabilizing tension band enclosing the O-shaped cushion.

13. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 10 comprises,

The S-shaped support having a front hook, a rear hook, and a crescent support;
The S-shaped support being positioned between the upper forefoot spring board and the lower forefoot spring board;
The front hook being positioned between the first tip curl and the second tip curl;
The rear hook being position between the first right mid curl and the second right mid curl;
The crescent support being positioned between the upper forefoot spring board and the lower forefoot spring board and being connected to the rear hook;
The L-shaped cushion being positioned between the upper forefoot spring board and the lower forefoot spring board;
The L-shaped cushion being arranged adjacent to the lower front right lateral side and the lower toe side;
The reverse E-shaped cushion being positioned between the upper cushion grooves and the lower cushion grooves;
The upper cushion grooves reducing in depth towards an upper left lateral side of the second sole layer; and
The lower cushion grooves reducing in depth towards a lower left lateral side of the fourth sole layer.

14. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 8 comprises,

The outsole enveloping a lower surface of the rubber wraps;
The first sole layer being adhered to the rubber wraps;
The first sole layer being adhered to the shoe upper by the rubber seal cushion;
The mesh liner being adhered to and arranged between the insole and the shoe upper; and
The insole being adhered to and overlapping the mesh liner.

15. A basketball shoe sole comprises,

A first sole layer;
A second sole layer;
A third sole layer;
A fourth sole layer;
An outsole;
A mesh liner;
A rubber seal cushion;
An insole;
A shoe upper;
The first sole layer comprises of a first spring board;
The second sole layer comprises of an upper rear foot springboard and an upper forefoot springboard;
The third sole layer comprises of a C-shaped cushion, a O-shaped cushion, a triangle support, an E-shaped cushion, an L-shaped cushion, and a S-shaped support;
The fourth sole layer comprises of a lower rear foot springboard and lower forefoot springboard;
The second sole layer being connected and overlapping the third sole layer;
The third sole layer being connected and positioned between the second sole layer and the fourth sole layer;
The fourth sole layer being connected and positioned between the third sole layer and the outsole;
The upper forefoot spring board comprises of a first right mid curl, a first tip curl, and upper cushion grooves;
The lower forefoot spring board comprises of a second right mid curl, a second tip curl, and lower cushion grooves;
The first right mid curl being downwardly curving and positioned on an upper front right lateral side of the upper forefoot spring board;
The second right mid curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a lower front right lateral side of the lower forefoot spring board;
The triangle support being positioned in a mid-section of the third sole layer and laterally wedged between the S-shaped support and the C-shaped cushion;
The rubber wraps enveloping the second sole layer, the third sole layer, and the fourth sole layer;
The rubber wraps having a front left opening, a front tip opening, and a rear right opening;
The first tip curl being downwardly curving and positioned on an upper toe side of the upper forefoot spring board;
The second tip curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a lower toe side of the lower forefoot spring board;
The upper cushion grooves being centered and positioned on the upper forefoot spring board;
The lower cushion grooves being centered and positioned on the lower forefoot spring board;
The S-shaped support having a front hook, a rear hook, and a crescent support;
The S-shaped support being positioned between the upper forefoot spring board and the lower forefoot spring board;
The front hook being positioned between the first tip curl and the second tip curl;
The rear hook being position between the first right mid curl and the second right mid curl;
The crescent support being positioned between the upper forefoot spring board and the lower forefoot spring board and being connected to the rear hook;
The L-shaped cushion being positioned between the upper forefoot spring board and the lower forefoot spring board; and
The L-shaped cushion being arranged adjacent to the lower front right lateral side and the lower toe side.

16. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 15 comprises,

The upper rear foot spring board comprises of a first C-shaped curl;
The first C-shaped curl being downwardly curving and positioned on a upper left lateral front side of the upper rear foot spring board;
The lower rear foot spring board comprises of a second C-shaped curl;
The lower rear foot spring board downwardly angled and reducing in thickness towards a rear right side; and
The second C-shaped curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a lower left lateral front side of the lower rear foot spring board.

17. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 15 comprises,

The first spring board having a front right curl and rear cupping curl;
The front right curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a front right lateral side of the first spring board; and
The rear cupping curl being upwardly curving and positioned on a rear heel end of the first spring board.

18. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 16 comprises,

The C-shaped cushion being positioned between the first C-shaped curl and the second C-shaped curl;
The O-shaped cushion being positioned between the upper rear foot spring board and the lower rear foot spring board;
The stabilizing tension band being positioned between the upper rear foot spring board and the lower rear foot spring board; and
The C-shaped cushion and the stabilizing tension band enclosing the O-shaped cushion.

19. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 15 comprises,

The reverse E-shaped cushion being positioned between the upper cushion grooves and the lower cushion grooves;
The upper cushion grooves reducing in depth towards a upper left lateral side of the second sole layer; and
The lower cushion grooves reducing in depth towards a lower left lateral side of the fourth sole layer.

20. The basketball shoe sole as claimed in claim 15 comprises,

The outsole enveloping a lower surface of the rubber wraps;
The first sole layer being adhered to the rubber wraps;
The first sole layer being adhered to the shoe upper by the rubber seal cushion;
The mesh liner being adhered to and arranged between the insole and the shoe upper; and
The insole being adhered to and overlapping the mesh liner.
Patent History
Publication number: 20120079740
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 4, 2010
Publication Date: Apr 5, 2012
Inventor: Bo ZHOU (Columbia, MO)
Application Number: 12/897,601
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Cushion (36/28); 36/30.00R; Insoles (36/43)
International Classification: A43B 13/18 (20060101); A43B 13/38 (20060101); A43B 13/12 (20060101);