REACTIVE SHOE

This invention relates generally to footwear and methods for making the same, and more particularly to an athletic shoe with a reactive midsole. In one aspect of the invention, the midsole provides a continuously increasing offset between a heel center of pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure between the loading and a toe off gait phases.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/684,563, entitled “REACTIVE SHOE” filed on Aug. 17, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. This application also cross-references the following U.S. Design patent application Ser. Nos. 29/428,044, 29/428,045, 29/428,047, 29/428,049, 29/428,051 and 29/428,052, all filed Jul. 25, 2012 and all entitled “Shoe Sole,” the entire disclosures of which are all incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to a midsole for footwear, more particularly to a reactive midsole having a dynamic offset.

BACKGROUND

Athletic footwear ideally provides protection from injury while enhancing performance. Generally, athletic footwear comprises an upper portion and a sole portion. The upper portion at minimum secures the footwear to the user's foot and attaches to the sole. The sole traditionally comprises a midsole and an outsole. The outsole contacts the ground and commonly has wear-resistant and slip-resistant properties. The midsole cushions the foot against forces imparted by the ground while walking or exercising. In the case of running, the midsole is particularly important for absorbing ground impact forces transferred to the foot, leg and body, and because it may influence the runner's gait. For a general description of human gait and running gait in particular, see “Biomechanics and Analysis of Running Gait,” Duagn et al, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 16 (2005), herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Traditional running shoes are designed with midsoles focused on mitigating ground forces translated to the runner via the foot, or on influencing the runner's gait. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,327 to Halberstadt discloses an athletic shoe incorporating a cushioning and gait-adapting device which provides resilient cushioning while adapting to the gait of the user during running and other athletic activities. The shoe comprises an upper and a sole with the sole having a heel with medial and lateral ground-engaging elements. A cushioning and energy return and gait-adapting device is provided and comprises a support structure and one or more spring devices. Each spring device has a generally U-shaped pivot or swivel section and lateral and medial resiliently flexible pods. The pivot section has a mid-portion which is supported by the pivot cradle of the support structure. Resilient flexing of the lateral pod responsive to weight-bearing forces causes reaction forces to be applied across to the medial pod which is then caused to flex so that the medial pod is brought into an orientation for contact with the ground. Halberstadt is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Also, U.S. Pat. No. 7,076,892 to Meschan discloses a shoe including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe, an arch bridge integral with the plate, and at least one inflated cushion spaced apart from the plate during the entire walking gait cycle of the wearer, during the entire running gait cycle of the wearer, when the shoe is in an unloaded state and at all other times. Meschan is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Some running shoe designs focus on particular types of running gaits, for example U.S. Pat. No. 8,166,672 to Murphy (“Murphy”) focuses on midfoot strikers. Murphy discloses a shoe sole for a running shoe conducive to a midfoot striking gait including a cushioning element positioned between the upper surface and the ground-contacting surface, at least a portion of which is positioned on a lateral side of the sole and contained within a region between 15% and 90% of the length of the shoe sole as measured from a rearfoot end of the sole. One or more high abrasion-resistant ground-contacting crash pads are positioned below the cushioning element, and include a lateral side portion contained within a region extending a distance of 20% the length of the shoe sole, as measured from a rearfoot end of the shoe sole. The shoe sole, preferably devoid of at least vertical arch sculpting, also includes a longitudinal flex groove positioned just medial of the crash pads. Murphy is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Furthermore, some recent efforts have been made to design running shoes with enhanced resilient features, such as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0138652 to Lucas (“Lucas”). Lucas discloses a shoe which includes a sole plate having in a forefoot area and a plurality of leaf spring elements, wherein the sole plate and the plurality of leaf spring elements are manufactured as a single piece. Each of the plurality of leaf spring elements has one free end not connected with the sole plate. Lucas is incorporated by reference for all purposes. Similar designs to Lucas include U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0178303 to Hurd (“Hurd”) and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0034615 to Nishikawa (“Nishikawa”), both of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

However, the conventional designs do not appreciably if at all influence the loading dynamics of a runner's heel center of pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure, or combinations thereof, during the phases of engagement with the ground. That is, for example, during initial ground contact through to loading, transition and toe off phases.

Conventional running shoes use a static offset midsole. That is, the midsole thickness at a given point generally remains constant or static, albeit with some compression due to pressures and forces between the runner's foot and the ground.

What is needed is an athletic shoe with a reactive midsole. For example, a reactive midsole that provides a continuously increasing offset between a heel center of pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure between the loading and a toe off gait phases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide an athletic shoe with a reactive midsole that provides an increasing offset between a heel center of pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure between the loading and a toe off gait phases. Such a midsole creates a dynamic offset and, among other things, provides a smoother and more efficient running experience. In some embodiments, the midsole comprises a first portion adjacent the heel and a second portion, interconnected to the first, of generally decreasing thickness, in which the first portion is of equal or less total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole. In some embodiments, a foot center of pressure imparted to the midsole continuously increases between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

Although many of the embodiments are focused on athletic footwear, other applications are available. Such applications include activities in which one or more of increased footwear performance, increased athletic performance and increased comfort is desired.

Furthermore, the concepts disclosed with respect to footwear and footwear midsoles may be applied to footwear styles that are specifically designed for a variety of other athletic activities, including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, walking, and hiking, for example, and may also be applied to various non-athletic footwear styles. Accordingly, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the concepts disclosed herein may be applied to a wide range of footwear styles and are not limited to the specific embodiments discussed below and depicted in the figures.

The concepts also may be applied to footwear styles that are generally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and work boots. The concepts disclosed herein apply, therefore, to a wide variety of footwear styles. Also, aspects of this invention may be used in conjunction with other portions of a footwear structure, such as the outsole and insole.

As used herein, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

As used herein, “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

As used herein, the term, “innersole” refers to a removable portion of the sole of an article of footwear, which is inserted into the article of footwear from the opening in the upper and which is designed to provide support to the wearer's foot, depending upon the wearer's anatomy and the intended use of the article of footwear.

As used herein, the term, “midsole” refers to that portion of the sole of an article of footwear sandwiched between the innersole and the outsole, to which is attached the outsole.

As used herein, the term, “outsole” refers to that portion of the sole of an article of footwear that is furthest from the upper.

As used herein, the term, “upper” refers to any portion of the shoe above the sole.

As used herein, the terms “shoe” and “footwear” refer to an article to be worn by a user's foot.

As used herein, “gait” is the pattern of movement of the limbs during locomotion over a solid surface.

As used herein, “foot strike” is how the foot strikes the ground, which may be via the heel, midfoot or forefoot.

In one embodiment, a article of footwear is disclosed, the article of footwear comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.

The first portion may be generally of constant thickness and the second portion may generally be of decreasing thickness along a longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot. The first portion may be 30-50% of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole. The first portion may be interconnected to the second portion. The decreasing thickness of the second portion may generally form a curve, such as a French curve, a compound curve, a uniform curve or arc, an S-shaped curve, a continuous curve and a discontinuous curve. The distance offset may always be positive between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase. The distance offset at the toe off gait phase may be at least 40 mm. The distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance may continuously increase between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase. A foot center of pressure imparted to the midsole may continuously increase between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phases.

In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear is disclosed, the method comprising: forming an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and forming a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.

In a further embodiment, an athletic shoe is disclosed, the athletic shoe comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion generally of constant thickness proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion generally of decreasing thickness along a longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot and proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the first portion 30-50% of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole and interconnected to the second portion, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is continuously increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase and is always positive between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

In yet another embodiment, an article of footwear is disclosed comprising: an upper attachable to a foot of a user; a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot; and an outsole connected to the midsole comprising a central portion, a medial portion and a lateral portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion forming a substantially non-smooth surface, the central portion forming a substantially smooth surface with a curvilinear edge. Further, in one embodiment, the central portion is of a first material and the medial and lateral portions are of a second material. In one embodiment, the central portion extends over and is integral to at least one of a toe portion and a heel portion of the article of footwear.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the invention to provide an understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the invention and its various embodiments. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention but to present selected concepts of the invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects embodiments, configurations, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the various aspects, embodiments, configurations, sub-combinations, and subsets of the present disclosure after understanding the disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment.

Moreover, though the description of the disclosure has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention(s). The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the invention(s) can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the invention(s) to only the illustrated and described examples.

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various embodiments of the invention(s), as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

FIG. 1A is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment of the reactive shoe during the initial ground contact gait portion;

FIG. 1b is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment of the reactive shoe during the loading gait portion;

FIG. 1c is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment of the reactive shoe during the transition gait portion;

FIG. 1d is a side view of a user fitted with one embodiment of the reactive shoe during the toe off portion;

FIG. 2a is a left elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the reactive shoe;

FIG. 2b is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the reactive shoe;

FIG. 2c is a right elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the reactive shoe;

FIG. 2d is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the reactive shoe;

FIG. 2e is a rear elevation view of one embodiment of the reactive shoe;

FIG. 3 is a right elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the reactive shoe;

    • Example A1 illustrates a lateral elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A3 illustrates a medial elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A4 illustrates a detailed view of Section A-A′ of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A5 illustrates a toe (i.e. front) elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A6 illustrates a heel (i.e. rear) elevation view of a portion of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the reactive shoe of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A7 illustrates a detailed view of Section B-B′ of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A8 illustrates a detailed view of Section C-C′ of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A9 illustrates a detailed view of Section D-D′ of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A10 illustrates a detailed view of Section E-E′ of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A11 illustrates a detailed view of Section F-F′ of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters;
    • Example A12 illustrates a detailed view of Section G-G′ of Example A2—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in millimeters; and
    • Example A13 illustrates a table of dimensions identified in Examples A1-A4 with respect to shoe size—the dimensions are in millimeters.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to footwear and methods for making the same, and more particularly to an athletic shoe with a reactive midsole. In one aspect of the invention, the midsole provides an increasing offset between a heel center of pressure and a ball-of-foot center of pressure between the loading and a toe off gait phases.

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

The following description will typically be with reference to specific structural embodiments and methods. It is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specifically disclosed embodiments and methods but that the invention may be practiced using other features, elements, methods and embodiments. Preferred embodiments are described to illustrate the present invention, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore the embodiments of discussed may be combined with any one or more other embodiments described explicitly or impliedly herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of equivalent variations on the description that follows. Like elements in various embodiments are commonly referred to with like reference numerals.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, several representations and configurations of the present invention are shown. In regard to FIGS. 1a-d, one embodiment of a reactive shoe is depicted as worn by a user through four gait phases. That is, FIG. 1a depicts a user in the initial ground contact gait portion (state a), FIG. 1b in the loading gait portion (state b), FIG. 1c in the transition gait portion (state c) and FIG. 1d in the toe off portion (state d). A leg 20 of a user with foot 22, toes 24, ball-of-foot 26, arch 28 and heel 30 is depicted as fitted to shoe 100 while in locomotion (e.g. walking or running) along ground 10. With regards to FIGS. 1-3, shoe 100 comprises shoe upper 110, shoe upper 110, shoe forefoot 120, shoe heel portion 130, shoe lateral portion 140, shoe medial portion 150, shoe outsole 160 and shoe midsole 170. Shoe outsole 160 comprises shoe outsole thickness 162, shoe outsole nominal traction pattern 164, and shoe outsole S-wave pattern 166. Shoe midsole 170 comprises shoe midsole exterior upper edge 172 and shoe midsole interior upper edge 174.

With respect to FIGS. 1a-d, an axis of center of pressure—heel CPh and an axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf are shown. Each of these axes are parallel to the ground 10 and extend laterally with respect to shoe 100. Each of these axes run through their respective points of center of pressure, as defined by a point through which a center of pressure is formed by the ball-of-foot and the heel of a user. Stated another way, in the case of the heel of a user, the heel forms a surface that presses against the inside of the shoe 100 and receives an upward force from the ground 10; that heel surface thus undergoes a force over the heel surface area, i.e. a pressure, which may be kinematically translated to a center of pressure point. These two pressure points, i.e. heel center of pressure point and ball-of-foot center of pressure point, may by kinematically combined to form one center of pressure (COP) for the entire foot 22 of the user.

The axis of center of pressure—heel CPh will define a distance to the ground 10 as the user translates along ground 10. Similarly, the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf will define a distance to the ground 10 as the user translates along ground 10. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1a, when the user is in an initial ground contact gait portion (state a), the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh defines a distance to heel Dh-a and the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf defines a distance to ball-of-foot Dbf-a. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1b, when the user is in the loading gait portion (state b), the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh defines a distance to heel Dh-b and the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf defines a distance to ball-of-foot Dbf-b. As shown in FIG. 1c, when the user is in a transition gait portion (state c), the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh defines a distance to heel Dh-c and the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf defines a distance to ball-of-foot Dbf-c. Finally, as shown in FIG. 1d, when the user is in an initial ground contact gait portion (state d), the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh defines a distance to heel Dh-d and the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf defines a distance to ball-of-foot Dbf-d.

It should be noted that each of the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh and the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf are disposed at an interface of the respective heel 30 and ball-of-foot 26 and the inside bottom of the shoe 100. In FIGS. 1a-d, this interface is depicted to reside opposite the upper edge of the midsole 170. However, in some embodiments, the midsole 170 is not of uniform height, and instead, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises a shoe midsole exterior upper edge 172 and a shoe midsole interior upper edge 174. In such an embodiment, the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh and the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf are disposed at an interface of the respective user heel and user ball-of-foot and shoe midsole interior upper edge 174. Further, in some embodiments an insole resides on top of the midsole 170, wherein the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh and the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf are disposed at an interface of the respective user heel and user ball-of-foot and upper surface of insole.

The difference between the distance to heel and the distance to ball-of-foot at any particular gait portion is the offset. For example, as shown in FIG. 1b, the offset is defined as distance to heel Dh-b minus distance to ball-of-foot Dbf-b.

In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the loading gait portion (state b) is between 0.1 and 5 mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the loading gait portion (state b) is between 0.1 and 4 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the loading gait portion (state b) is between 0.1 and 3 mm.

In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the loading gait portion (state b) is approximately 1 mm.

In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the transition gait portion (state c) is between 2 and 10 mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the transition gait portion (state c) is between 3 and 9 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the transition gait portion (state c) is between 4 and 9 mm.

In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the transition gait portion (state c) is approximately 6 mm.

In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe off portion (state d) is between 5 and 60 mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe off portion (state d) is between 10 and 55 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe off portion (state d) is between 10 and 50 mm.

In one embodiment, the offset when the shoe 100 is in the toe off portion (state d) is approximately 45.5 mm.

In one embodiment, the value of the distance of the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh minus the distance of the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm throughout a user's gait. In a more preferred embodiment, this distance is between 0.1 mm and 9 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, this distance is between 1 and 7.5 mm. In one embodiment, this distance is between 1 and 4.5 mm. In another embodiment, this distance is between 4 and 7.5 mm.

In one embodiment, the value of the distance of the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh minus the distance of the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf is between 0.1 mm and 6 mm at initial ground contact gait portion (state a). In a more preferred embodiment, this distance is between 0.1 mm and 9 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, this distance is between 0.5 and 8 mm. In one embodiment, this distance is approximately 1 mm. In another embodiment, this distance is approximately 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the value of the distance of the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure—heel CPh minus the distance of the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf and the bottom of the midsole below the axis of center of pressure—ball-of-foot CPbf is between 3 mm and 10 mm at transition gait portion (state c). In a more preferred embodiment, this distance is between 4 mm and 9 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, this distance is between 4 and 8 mm. In one embodiment, this distance is approximately 4.5 mm. In another embodiment, this distance is approximately 7.5 mm.

FIG. 3 is a right elevation view of a midsole portion of one embodiment of the reactive shoe. Specifically, midsole 170 is shown comprising shoe midsole exterior upper edge 172 and shoe midsole interior upper edge 174. Also depicted is shoe outsole 160 comprising shoe outsole thickness 162. Shoe outsole 160 is depicted with shoe outsole first distance x1 defined along a longitudinal axis of midsole 170 and shoe and beginning from the distal or heel end of outsole. Shoe outsole has total longitudinal distance of shoe outsole second distance x2. Shoe outsole has shoe outsole height y defined at the proximal or toe end of outsole.

In one embodiment, shoe outsole first distance x1 as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x2 is between 25% and 55%. In a more preferred embodiment, shoe outsole first distance x1 as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x2 is between 30% and 55%. In a most preferred embodiment, shoe outsole first distance x1 as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x2 is between 30% and 50%.

In one embodiment, shoe outsole first distance x1 as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x2 is about 40%.

In one embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x2 is between 10% and 25%. In a more preferred embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x2 is between 12% and 20%. In a most preferred embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x2 is between 12% and 18%.

In one embodiment, shoe outsole height y as a percentage of shoe outsole second distance x2 is approximately 16%.

Any of several means may be used to achieve the offset described. In one embodiment, the offset is achieved by way of the geometry of the midsole and/or midsole/outsole combination (collectively, the “shoe bottom area”). That is, the geometry of the shoe bottom area is such that a first portion (of two portions), beginning at the rear or heel area of the shoe, is generally planar and/or flat, and the second of two portions curves away from the ground beginning at a point at least at the midpoint of the shoe bottom area, if not even closer to the heel or rear of the shoe than the midpoint. Stated another way, when the shoe alone (i.e. the shoe when not worn) is placed on a flat surface, the rear of first portion rests on the ground for only 50% or less of the total longitudinal length of the shoe, and the remaining (second) portion of the shoe does not rest on the ground but instead curves away from the ground. Such a geometry enables the dynamic offset functionality or functionalities described.

Alternatively or in combination, the offset may be achieved by midsole and/or midsole/outsole combinations with different material properties, e.g. different elasticity properties and geometric properties. For example, Example A1-13 details cross-sectional views of the midsole/outsole areas of different geometric and material properties, thereby providing different elasticity properties that may enable the afore-mentioned dynamic offset functions.

In one embodiment, an outsole is connected to the midsole comprising a central portion, a medial portion and a lateral portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion forming a substantially non-smooth surface, the central portion forming a substantially smooth surface with a curvilinear edge. In one embodiment, the medial portion of the outsole is of greater lateral distance to the closest edge of the central portion than the lateral portion is of lateral distance to its closest edge of the central portion, in the ball-of-foot region of the outsole and/or the front 50% of the outsole. In one embodiment, the medial portion of the outsole is of approximately equal distance to the closest edge of the central portion to that of the lateral portion is of lateral distance to its closest edge of the central portion, in the heel region of the outsole and/or the back 50% of the outsole. In one embodiment, the dimensions of Example A2 (a figure draw to scale, with dimensions in mm), are used to define the geometries of the lateral, central and medial portions of the outsole and/or outsole/midsole.

As referenced above, “offset” refers to the distance between portions of the bottom surface of the wearer's foot and the ground. Specifically, offset is the difference between the wearer's heel height above the ground compared to the wearer's ball-of-foot height above the ground. For example, most shoes are designed to put the heel height 5 mm to 15 mm above the ball-of-foot height. This is often determined by measuring the total thickness of the shoe sole (outsole, midsole, lasting material, and insole) in the center of the heel and at the ball-of-foot. With flat-soled shoes, the distance between the wearer's heel and the ground and the ball of the wearer's foot and the ground are generally equal, which provides an offset of about zero.

The offset of the shoe can affect the wearer's posture and the angles at which the wearer's foot and lower leg assume during the stride. The body posture and the angles between the foot and lower leg can impact the functioning of the muscles and joints that control the body's motion. A bare foot running or walking on a flat surface can be used as a reference. A barefoot would experience zero offset when the heel and ball-of-foot are on the flat surface. In the stride sequence the foot goes from zero offset while the heel and ball-of-foot are both in ground contact to a positive offset as the heel lifts off the ground in the propulsion phase of the stride. When the heel and ball-of-foot remain at the same offset, the offset can be said to be “static” and not changing. Therefore, barefoot running or walking exhibits a static offset. Shoes are generally designed with static offsets that range between zero mm and 15 mm. However, some shoes, such as from the brand Earthshoes®, have been designed with a negative offset, often referred to as a “negative heel”.

A static offset causes the motion of the foot during the stride to pause briefly from the moment of initial ground contact until heel-lift and propulsion. This brief pause is often referred to as the “stance” phase of the stride. A pause in the motion of the foot during the stride, no matter how brief, reduces the smoothness of the motion and can increase the shock experienced by the forefoot. Eliminating the pause creates a smoother sensation and reduces the shock. A rigid rocker-soled shoe can eliminate this pause by literally rocking the foot as a whole from heel to toe during the stride. The present invention is not to be confused with a rocker-soled shoe.

Force plate data reveals the pause in motion of a static offset shoe. Using mathematical techniques to calculate the center of pressure (COP), the velocity of the center of pressure (COPV), and the acceleration of the center of pressure (COPA) it becomes apparent that as runners come to stance, their COP can even reverse and move toward the heel. For the center of pressure to move in a negative direction, the COPV must reverse and become negative before returning to positive during the propulsion phase. The COPA required to make the COPV negative is referred to as the breaking phase.

Conversely the COP of shoes with dynamic offset moves smoothly forward along the axis of the foot. The dynamic offset sole demonstrates no reversal in COPV. The dynamic offset enhances the running experience of all runners as well as wearers that employ a mid-foot striking gait.

Embodiments provide a shoe that mitigates if not eliminates the pause in the foot's motion by creating a continuously changing offset for the foot called a dynamic offset. The dynamic offset shoe allows the foot to assume one offset at the beginning of the stride, and then to continuously increase that offset through the propulsion phase. This is accomplished, in one embodiment, by allowing the foot to force the forward half of the shoe downward as the center of force on the foot migrates from the rear portion of the foot forward. The shoe sole must necessarily bend downward in the forward half of the shoe under the pressure of the forefoot, thus changing the shape of the sole. By contrast, a rocker-soled shoe maintains most, if not all, of its rocker shape throughout the stride.

Regarding FIGS. 1a-d, it is important to note that the foot position at initial ground contact is immaterial to the function and design of the shoe 100, that is the dynamic offset motion function(s).

One embodiment of the present invention provides a shoe that places the wearer's foot in a position with an offset of 1 mm at the moment in the stride when the force on the foot is centered in the rear half of the foot (i.e. the “loading” phase). The offset gradually increases to 4.5 mm as the center of force under the foot moves toward the toes (i.e. the “transition” phase). The offset continuously increases after the transition phase through to toe-off.

In one embodiment, the dynamic offset is achieved through the precise dimensions and shapes of the sole materials. Broadly speaking, the vertical dimensions of the sole under the rear half of the foot are almost constant from the middle of the heel to the midfoot point, and then decrease in a smooth fashion from the midfoot to the toe. Although most shoes decrease the vertical dimension of the sole in the forefoot, there are two critical differences between a dynamic offset shoe and other shoes in one embodiment, i.e.: 1) a dynamic offset shoe has a rear portion with a relatively constant vertical dimension (relative to the taper in the forefoot), and 2) a dynamic offset shoe tapers the vertical sole dimension of the shoe beginning at the midfoot rather than at the ball-of-foot as in other shoes.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the outsole/midsole treads may be fashioned in any form to provide the desired contact characteristics between the sole and the contemplated surface of operation. That is, road tread patterns are generally smoother than trail tread pattern, which may also include nubs or other stiffening members to help dig into loose or uneven ground. Further, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a sole that has various stiffening characteristics. More specifically, the sole in some embodiments are neutrally balanced wherein the shoe is stiffened along the longitudinal axis thereof. In another embodiment, the sole is made for individuals that pronate, wherein additional stiffness is provided adjacent to the medial heel portion of the shoe. These techniques are well known in the art and can be employed in combination with the embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein.

In one embodiment, to provide a minimum offset during mid-foot strike, the sole of one embodiment of the present invention is angled upwardly. More specifically, the toe portion of this embodiment is angled relative to the heel portion and mid-foot portion of the shoe by way of a curve to provide a sole that has a linear portion and a portion angled relative thereto. One of skill in the art will appreciate that a transition portion between the mid foot portion and the toe portion may also be angled relative to the heel portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the linear portion is between about 30-50% of the total horizontal length of the sole as measured from the tip of the toe to the heel. The length of the linear portion of one embodiment is about 40% of the total length of the sole. In some embodiments of the present invention an end of the linear portion is spaced from the heel such that the heel is spaced or angled from the ground a predetermined amount.

EXAMPLE

Without intending to limit the scope of the invention, Example A1-A13 depicts one example construction of one embodiment of the invention in drawings each to scale. Dimensions are in millimeters.

Examples A1-A3 depicts respective lateral, bottom, and medial views of the outsole/midsole portion of one embodiment of the invention. Examples A5-A6 depict respective toe and heel views of the outsole/midsole of Examples A1-3. Example A4 depicts a generally longitudinal cross-sectional view along axis Section A-A′ of Example A2. Examples A7-A12 depict sequential cross-sectional views of insole/midsole of Examples A1-3.

Note different materials and different geometries of Examples A7-A12. For example, the material of upper left to lower right cross-section markings (the dominant material of Example A7) is of a first material (here, CMEVA), the material with lower left to upper right cross-section markings (the mid-upper portion of Example A7) is of a second material (here, VGB), and two mid-bottom portions (with no cross-section markings) are of a third material (here, semi-blown rubber). These same mappings of markings to material apply to Examples A8-A10. In Examples A11-12, while the upper left to lower right cross-section markings (the dominant material of Examples A11-12) is of the first material (here, CMEVA) and the portions with no markings (at mid bottom portion of Examples A11-12) are of the third material (here, semi-blown rubber), the material with lower left to upper right cross-section markings (the lower left bottom portions of Examples A11-12) is of a fourth material (here, carbon rubber). Note that CMEVA is Compression Molded Ethyl Vinyl Acetate.

As will be appreciated, it would be possible to provide for some features of the inventions without providing others.

To provide further clarity to the Detailed Description provided herein in the associated drawings, the following list of components and associated numbering are provided as follows:

Reference No. Component  10 Ground  20 Leg  22 Foot  24 Toes  26 Ball-of-Foot  28 Arch  30 Heel 100 Shoe 110 Shoe Upper 120 Shore Forefoot 130 Shoe Heel Portion 140 Shoe Lateral Portion 150 Shoe Medial Portion 160 Shoe Outsole 162 Shoe Outsole Thickness 164 Shoe Outsole Nominal Traction Pattern 166 Shoe Outsole S-wave Pattern 170 Shoe Midsole 172 Shoe Midsole Exterior Upper Edge 174 Shoe Midsole Interior Upper Edge CPh Axis of Center of Pressure-Heel CPbf Axis of Center of Pressure-Ball-of-Foot Dh-a Distance to Heel-state a Dbf -a Distance to Ball-of-Foot-state a Dh-b Distance to Heel-state b Dbf-b Distance to Ball-of-Foot-state b Dh-c Distance to Heel-state c Dbf-c Distance to Ball-of-Foot-state c Dh-d Distance to Heel-state d Dbf-d Distance to Ball-of-Foot-state d x1 Shoe Outsole First Distance x2 Shoe Outsole Second Distance y Shoe Outsole Height

While various embodiment of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and
a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first portion is generally of constant thickness and the second portion is generally of decreasing thickness along a longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the first portion is 30-50% of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole.

4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the first portion is interconnected to the second portion.

5. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the decreasing thickness generally forms a French curve.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the distance offset is always positive between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the distance offset at the toe off gait phase is at least 40 mm.

8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is continuously increased between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a foot center of pressure imparted to the midsole continuously increases between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

10. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear comprising:

forming an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and
forming a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first portion is generally of constant thickness and the second portion is generally of decreasing thickness along a longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first portion is 30-50% of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole and the first portion is interconnected to the second portion.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the distance offset is always positive between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the distance offset at the toe off gait phase is at least 40 mm.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is continuously increased between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein a foot center of pressure imparted to the midsole continuously increases between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the midsole is manufactured using injection molding.

18. An athletic shoe, comprising:

an upper attachable to a foot of a user; and
a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion generally of constant thickness proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion generally of decreasing thickness along a longitudinal axis of the midsole from the heel to the ball-of-foot and proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot, the first portion 30-50% of a total distance of the longitudinal axis of the midsole and interconnected to the second portion, the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is continuously increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase and is always positive between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein a foot center of pressure imparted to the midsole continuously increases between the loading gait phase and the toe off gait phase.

20. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the distance offset at the toe off gait phase is at least 40 mm.

21. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper attachable to a foot of a user;
a midsole connected to the upper comprising a first portion proximate a heel of the foot and a second portion proximate a ball-of-foot of the foot; and
an outsole connected to the midsole comprising a central portion, a medial portion and a lateral portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion forming a substantially non-smooth surface, the central portion forming a substantially smooth surface with a curvilinear edge.

22. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein the heel of the foot having a heel center of pressure imparted to the first portion and defining a first distance between the heel center of pressure and the ground, and a ball-of-foot center of pressure imparted to the second portion and defining a second distance between the ball-of-foot center of pressure and the ground, wherein a distance offset of the first distance minus the second distance is increased between a loading gait phase and a toe off gait phase.

23. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein the central portion is of a first material and the medial and lateral portions are of a second material.

24. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein the central portion extends over and is integral to at least one of a toe portion and a heel portion of the article of footwear.

Patent History
Publication number: 20140047740
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 19, 2013
Publication Date: Feb 20, 2014
Inventors: Scott Tucker (Lafayette, CO), Michael Thompson (Broomfield, CO), Keegan Rehfeldt (Broomfield, CO)
Application Number: 13/970,274
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Having Particular Outsole (e.g., Sectional Sole) (36/103); Boots And Shoes (36/83); 12/142.00R
International Classification: A43B 7/14 (20060101);