SPRING PLATE FOR ATHLETIC SHOE MIDSOLE
In general, one or more aspects of the disclosure relates to an athletic shoe comprising an upper and a sole. The sole further comprises an upper midsole, a lower midsole and a plate disposed between the upper midsole and the lower midsole. The plate comprises a toe region having a planar shape. The toe region is encapsulated between the upper midsole and the lower midsole. The plate additionally comprises a heel region having a contoured incurvature. The heel region protrudes externally from between the upper midsole and the lower midsole to form a sidewall that encompasses a heel region of the upper midsole. The unique combination of the two shapes of the plate provides comfort and stability as well as enhanced energy return in the heel with less force upon the heel of the wearer and with the sidewalls provides stability and then the planar forefoot shape placed between the two midsoles offers propulsion, at the metatarsal flex and toe area during the gait cycle.
Running shoes are made to optimize training performance. These shoes are designed to provide support and cushioning for the foot during physical activities in effort to make training as safe and comfortable as possible. each shoe is made up of several components that work together to enhance the performance and protect the foot from injury. A running shoe is made of several main parts, including the upper and the sole.
The upper of an athletic shoe refers to the uppermost part of the shoe that covers the foot. It is the portion of the shoe that encloses the foot and provides protection, support, and a secure fit.
The upper is typically constructed using a combination of materials, including synthetic fabrics, mesh, leather, or a combination of these materials. These materials are chosen for their durability, breathability, flexibility, and comfort. The upper is designed to accommodate the natural shape and movement of the foot while providing stability and protection during athletic activities.
The sole is the bottom part of the shoe that comes into contact with the ground. It is made up of several layers of material that work together to provide cushioning, support, and traction. The outer layer of the sole is usually made of rubber or other durable material to provide traction and prevent slipping. The middle layer of the sole is called the midsole, which is designed to absorb shock and provide cushioning for the foot. The midsole is often made of foam or other soft materials that compress under pressure and return energy back to the user. The inner layer of the sole is called the insole, which provides additional cushioning and support for the foot. The insole is usually removable and can be replaced with custom orthotics if necessary.
SUMMARYIn general, one or more aspects of the disclosure relates to an athletic shoe comprising an upper and a sole. The sole further comprises an upper midsole, a lower midsole and a plate disposed between the upper midsole and the lower midsole. The (unique?) plate comprises a toe region having a planar shape. The toe region is encapsulated between the upper midsole and the lower midsole. The plate additionally comprises a heel region having a contoured incurvature. The heel region protrudes externally from between the upper midsole and the lower midsole to form a sidewall that encompasses a heel region of the upper midsole.
In general, one or more aspects of the disclosure relates to a contoured propulsion plate for an athletic shoe. The plate comprises a toe region having a planar shape. The planar shape of the toe region acts as a propulsion plate that provides a rebound energy return during a gate cycle. The plate further comprises a heel region having a contoured incurvature. The contoured incurvature of the heel region approximates the anatomical heel shape of a foot of a wearer.
In general, one or more aspects of the disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing in athletic shoe. The method includes forming an upper midsole and forming a lower midsole. The method includes bonding a plate disposed between the upper midsole and the lower midsole. As part of the bonding process, a toe region of the plate is encapsulated between the upper midsole and the lower midsole. The toe region has a planar shape. A heel region of the plate protrudes externally from between the upper midsole and the lower midsole to form a sidewall that encompasses a heel region of the upper midsole. The heel region has a contoured incurvature.
Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
Like elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONIn general, embodiments are directed to an innovative athletic shoe design comprising an upper and a sole. The sole is a multi-layered structure, consisting of an upper midsole, a lower midsole, and a plate positioned between them. The plate exhibits distinct characteristics in different regions of the shoe.
The toe region of the plate is planar, and it is securely encased between the upper midsole and the lower midsole, forming a flat and supportive base for the front part of the foot.
In the heel region, the plate protrudes outwardly from between the upper midsole and the lower midsole, creating a sidewall that surrounds and encompasses the heel region of the upper midsole. The heel region of the plate features a unique contoured incurvature that provides enhanced stability and support for the heel, allowing for support for a variety of runners with differing heel strike areas during the gait cycle, ensuring optimal comfort, stability and reduces the increased compression of the shoes midsole often seen at the heel strike area in shoes without a unique contoured incurvature such a performance during athletic activities.
By integrating the plate with its planar toe region and contoured incurvature heel region, the athletic shoe offers improved overall support, responsiveness, and impact absorption, thereby enhancing the wearer's athletic performance and reducing the risk of potential injuries.
The combination of these components in the sole design results in a well-balanced and technologically advanced athletic shoe, suitable for various sports and activities, appealing to athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking superior comfort, performance, and protection for their feet. This novel design sets the shoe apart from conventional athletic footwear, offering athletes a more supportive and responsive footwear solution, optimizing heel strike stability, supports the upper midsole and provides comfort as well as increased energy return throughout the gait cycle and providing increased stiffness and propulsion for the wearer with the plates forefoot planar area,
Turning to
As used herein, the upper (102) is the portion of the shoe that covers the top of the foot and encompasses the area from the toes to the heel. The upper (102) is is a fundamental component of the shoe, responsible for providing protection, support, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.
The upper (102) may consist of one or more layers and is typically constructed from various materials, including but not limited to synthetic fabrics, natural fibers, leather, mesh, or combinations thereof. These materials are selected based on their desired properties such as breathability, durability, flexibility, and moisture management. It may incorporate decorative elements, branding, or color schemes, thereby enhancing the overall appearance and appeal of the athletic shoe.
The upper (102) is designed to securely enclose the foot, maintaining proper positioning within the shoe during physical activities. It functions to shield the foot from external elements, including debris, allows the easy removal during the gait cycle of any moisture, thereby offering a protective and highly functional barrier. To ensure optimal fit and support, the upper may incorporate additional features such as overlays, straps, laces, foam inserts or closure systems. These elements contribute to adjusting the tension and snugness of the upper around the foot, providing customized fit and support for individual wearers.
The upper (102) is also responsible for facilitating proper airflow and ventilation within the shoe. This ventilation can be achieved through the integration of perforations, mesh panels, or other breathable materials strategically placed throughout the upper. The enhanced breathability helps to maintain a comfortable internal environment, reducing moisture buildup and promoting air circulation.
As used herein, the sole (104) is defined as the bottom part of the shoe that is responsible for providing traction, cushioning, stability, and protection to the wearer's foot. The sole typically comprises multiple layers of materials that work collectively to achieve the desired performance characteristics. These layers may include an outsole, a midsole, and an insole, as well as other additional components.
The outer layer of the sole, commonly known as the outsole, directly interfaces with the ground surface. The outsole can be made of a durable and resilient material, such as rubber or synthetic compounds, selected to provide excellent traction, resist wear, and prevent slipping or skidding during various athletic activities.
Positioned above the outsole, the midsole is responsible for shock absorption, cushioning, and energy return. The midsole can be made from polymer foam materials, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or other suitable materials known in the art. The composition and properties of the midsole can be tailored to optimize cushioning, responsiveness, stability, and weight according to specific athletic requirements.
The insole, which is located above the midsole, is designed to provide added cushioning, support, and comfort to the wearer's foot. The insole may be removable, allowing for customization or replacement with orthotic inserts if desired.
One or more additional elements, such as plates or shanks, may be incorporated within the midsole. These elements provide structural integrity, support, and stability to specific areas of the foot, such as the arch or the forefoot, to enhance performance during activities like running, jumping, or pivoting.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, one or more of the upper midsole (108) and/or the lower midsole (110) is formed from a foamed thermoplastic elastomer designed to absorb shock and provide cushioning for the foot during physical activities. The density and thickness of the foam can also vary depending on the intended use of the shoe. For example, shoes designed for long-distance running may have a thicker and more resilient midsole than shoes designed for sprinting or jumping.
The thickness of the upper midsole (108) and/or lower midsole (110) can be tuned to provide enhanced features as outlined above. Furthermore, a heel region of the upper midsole (108) and/or lower midsole (110) can have a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the midfoot and/or toe region of the upper midsole (108) and/or lower midsole (110).
For example, in some embodiments, the upper midsole (108) may have a thickness at the heel region can be from about 6 to about 20 millimeters, from about 8 to about 18 millimeters, from about 9 to about 16 millimeters, or from about 10 to about 14 millimeters. In one particular embodiment, the thickness of the upper midsole (108) at the heel region is about 13 millimeters.
In some embodiments, the upper midsole (108) may have a thickness at the toe region can be from about 5 to about 15 millimeters, from about 6 to about 14 millimeters, from about 7 to about 13 millimeters, from about 8 to about 12 millimeters or from about 9 to about 11 millimeters. In one particular embodiment, the thickness of the upper midsole (108) at the toe region, particularly at forefoot flex area, is about 10 millimeters.
For example, in some embodiments, the lower midsole (110) may have a thickness at the heel region can be from about 9 to about 24 millimeters, from about 10 to about 22 millimeters, from about 11 to about 20 millimeters, from about 12 to about 18 millimeters, or from about 13 to about 16 millimeters. In one particular embodiment, the thickness of the upper midsole (108) at the heel region is about 14 millimeters.
In some embodiments, the lower midsole (110) may have a thickness at the toe region can be from about 3 to about 13 millimeters, from about 4 to about 12 millimeters, from about 5 to about 11 millimeters, from about 6 to about 10 millimeters or from about 7 to about 9 millimeters. In one particular embodiment, the thickness of the upper midsole (108) at the toe region, particularly at forefoot flex area, is about 8 millimeters.
Different types of foam can be used in the midsole, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyester, co-polyester, polyether, polyamide, styrene block copolymers, vulcanizates, ethylene vinyl acetate), and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a supercritical foam. For example, one or more of the upper midsole (108) and/or the lower midsole (110) is formed from a supercritical foam selected from the group consisting of supercritical ethylene-vinyl acetate, supercritical polyurethane, supercritical polyamide, supercritical polyether, and combinations thereof. In one particular example, the supercritical foam is a commercially available polyamide-polyether copolymeric foam, sold under the trade name Pebax®. Pebax® is a registered trademark of Arkema France Corporation.
Supercritical foam is created using a supercritical gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide as a single blowing agent. In this process, the foam is produced by mixing a polymer with supercritical CO2 and then rapidly depressurizing the mixture. The resulting polymeric foam is both highly resilient and lightweight, having small scale, uniform cell sizes.
Using a pre injected polymer, supercritical foam can be used to produce a foam midsole by the introduction of nitrogen gas into a highly pressurized vessels, thereby enabling expansion of the foam piece. Midsoles produced by this process provide consistency of density throughout the length of the midsole, and resist the rapid compression that is typical of midsoles known in the art.
Supercritical foam is used in the midsole of shoe (100) to provide cushioning and support for the foot. The foam is used in the midsole of the shoe, where it can absorb shock and provide energy return during physical activities. Supercritical foam has several advantages over traditional foam materials used in athletic shoes, including improved cushioning, enhanced durability, increased energy return, reduced weight, lowered compression set.
Compared to other midsole materials, supercritical foam may provide more highly responsive cushioning. The supercritical foam can compress and rebound quickly, for a longer period providing an elevated level of energy return with each step. This energy return can help to reduce fatigue and improve performance during physical activities.
The plate (112) is a structural component within the midsole, situated between the upper midsole (108) and the lower midsole (110). The plate (112) provide one or more benefits, such as enhancing stability, providing support, and improving overall performance during athletic activities.
The plate (112) can be constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid material, selected based on desired properties such as strength, durability, and weight. Examples of suitable materials for the plate (112) may include carbon fiber, thermoplastic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials known in the art.
In some embodiments, the plate (112) is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer selected from a group consisting of: polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyester, co-polyester, polyether, polyamide, styrene block copolymers, vulcanizates, and combinations thereof. For example, the plate (112) can be formed from polyether block amide, available from Arkema S.A. under the tradename of PEBAX®, and from Evonik Industries AG under the tradename VESTAMIDE®.
Placement and design of the plate (112) contribute to improved energy transfer, responsiveness, and efficiency of movement. The plate (112) aids in distributing forces evenly across the sole, providing equalized pressure on the midsole reducing compression, and can reduce stress on the foot and lower limbs, thereby potentially enhancing performance, and reducing the risk of injuries.
Characteristics and configuration of the plate (112) may vary based on the specific athletic shoe application and the intended use. It can be customized to cater to different sports or activities, considering factors such as impact forces, multidirectional movements, and specific performance requirements
In some embodiments, the plate (112) consists of multiple regions that are described based on regions and/or anatomical structures of a human foot wearing that shoe, and by assuming that shoe is properly sized for the wearing foot. For example, as illustrated in
The toe region (400) of the plate (112) is proximately located beneath a wearer's forefoot when the shoe is worn, including the metatarsal and phalangeal bones (or a portion thereof).
The thickness of the toe region (400) can be tuned to provide enhanced features as outlined above. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the toe region can be from about 1.0 to about 4.0 millimeters, from about 1.2 to about 3.6 millimeters, from about 1.4 to about 3.2 millimeters, from about 1.6 to about 2.8 millimeters, or from about 0.8 to about 2.4 millimeters. In one particular embodiment, the thickness of the toe region is about 2 millimeters.
In some embodiments, the toe region (400) of the plate (112) has a planar shape that is encapsulated between the upper midsole (108) and the lower midsole (110). This planar shape ensures a flat and supportive base for the front part of the foot, and acts as a propulsion plate (112), offering a mechanism for rebound energy return during the gait cycle.
For example, as the wearer engages in walking or running activities, the plate (112), and more specifically the toe region (400) of the plate (112), stores energy upon impact with the ground as a deflection of the toe region (400). During the subsequent propulsion phase of the gait cycle, the stored energy is released, providing an enhanced rebound effect when transitioning through the midfoot towards toe-off. This energy return mechanism contributes to an increased efficiency of movement, optimizing use of the kinetic energy in the heel-strike to assist in forward propulsion, and potentially reducing fatigue during extended periods of activity. In this manner, the plate (112) may capitalize on the energy transfer properties of the toe region (400), resulting in improved efficiency of movement and potential gains in speed and/or agility.
The midfoot region (410) of the plate (112) is proximately located beneath a wearer's midfoot when the shoe is worn, including the cuboid, navicular, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform and lateral cuneiform bones and the heads of the metatarsal bones (or a portion thereof). The midfoot region (410) may overlap with the toe region (400).
In some illustrative embodiments, the plate (112) comprises a midfoot region (410) that features an arched shape designed to provide support to the instep of the wearer's foot. The arched shape within the midfoot region (410) of the plate (112) accommodates the natural curvature of the foot's instep, ensuring a supportive and comfortable fit for the wearer.
The arched shape of the midfoot region (410) may contribute to the overall stability of the shoe, distributing the critical stage and the full body weight upon the sole, and forces evenly along the foot, minimizing excessive pressure on the instep area. Furthermore, the arched shape helps to promote proper foot alignment and biomechanical efficiency, maintaining a neutral position of the foot during movements, and reducing the risk of pronation and/or supination.
The heel region (420) of the plate (112) is proximately located beneath a wearer's heel when the shoe is worn, including the talus and calcaneus bones (or a portion thereof). The heel region (420) may overlap with the midfoot region (410). The heel region (420) is characterized by a contoured incurvature that is intentionally shaped to enhance the performance and functionality of the athletic shoe.
The thickness of the plate can be tuned to provide enhanced features as outlined above. The heel region (420) can have a thickness that is greater than a thickness of teethe midfoot region (410) and/or toe region (400) to provide additional enhancement of the features, and provide support for a wider user base. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the heel region (420) can be from about 1.5 to about 6.0 millimeters, from about 1.8 to about 5.5 millimeters, from about 2.0 to about 5.0 millimeters, from about 2.3 to about 4.5 millimeters, from about 2.5 to about 4.0 millimeters, or from about 2.8 to about 3.5 millimeters. In one particular embodiment, the thickness of the heel region is about 3 millimeters.
The heel region (420) extends outwardly and protrudes externally from between the upper midsole (108) and the lower midsole (110). This design creates a sidewall (430) that surrounds and encompasses the corresponding heel region (420) of the upper midsole (108). By encompassing the heel region (420) of the upper midsole (108), the sidewall (430) ensures that the upper midsole (108) is securely contained and supported within the shoe. In this manner, the sidewall (430). contributes to the overall stability and structural integrity of the athletic shoe, particularly during activities involving rapid changes in direction, impact forces, or uneven surfaces.
In some embodiments, the plate (112), including the sidewall (430), may be rigid or semi rigid. The semi-rigid heel region (420) and sidewall (430) possess a certain level of stiffness or rigidity, allowing them to resist excessive deformation compression, and provide a structural trampoline effect for the wearer through to the toe of stage. As a result, the sidewall (430) functions as a supportive structure that helps to maintain the integrity and shape of the shoe's midsole, particularly in the heel area.
For example, when a wearer's foot contacts the ground during heel strike, significant forces are exerted on the shoe's midsole. The semi-rigid nature of the heel region (420) and sidewall (430) helps to distribute and manage these forces effectively, preventing excessive compression of the upper midsole (108). In other words, the sidewall (430) limit compression and control deformation of the upper midsole (108) during the heel strike phase of the gait cycle. By limiting the compression of the upper midsole (108), they prevent it from collapsing or bottoming out, ensuring that the midsole retains its cushioning properties and supportive function.
In some illustrative embodiments, the contoured incurvature of the heel region (420) is designed to approximate the shape of a wearer's foot, offering an anatomically aligned fit. The approximation of the foot's shape within the contoured incurvature of the heel region (420) enhances the overall fit and stability of the shoe. the contoured incurvature helps to distribute forces evenly throughout the heel region (420), reducing pressure points and potential discomfort. Additionally, the contoured incurvature may contribute to improved control and responsiveness during athletic movements, allowing for precise and confident foot placement while minimizing unwanted movement or slippage of the heel during physical activities.
In some embodiments, the contoured incurvature of the heel region (420) may limit the compression of the upper midsole (108) during the heel strike phase of the gait cycle. During the heel strike phase of the gait cycle, the contoured incurvature of the heel region (420) acts as a barrier, mitigating excessive compression and preventing the upper midsole (108) from compressing beyond a desired threshold. This controlled compression restriction ensures that the shoe maintains its structural integrity and supportive properties, offering optimal cushioning and stability to the wearer. By limiting compression of the upper midsole (108), the contoured incurvature of the heel region (420) promotes consistent support and cushioning throughout the gait cycle. The contoured incurvature of the heel region (420) may enable a smoother and more comfortable transition from heel strike to toe-off, reducing the impact on the foot and potentially minimizing the risk of discomfort, excessive pronation or supination, and/or collapse of the midfoot region (410) when fully loaded.
In some embodiments, the plate (112) may radially transfer a downward force imparted to the upper midsole (108) during the heel strike to the lower midsole (110) according to the contoured incurvature of the heel portion. For example, as illustrated in
For example, when a wearer's foot strikes the ground, a vertical force is exerted on the shoe, primarily concentrated in the heel region (420). The contoured incurvature of heel region (420) is specifically designed to facilitate the radial dispersion of this force to the lower midsole (110). As the vertical force is applied through the upper midsole (108) to the heel region (420), the force is radially dispersed to the lower midsole (110). In other words, the force on the lower midsole (110) is exerted in a direction normal to the contoured incurvature. This dispersion of force helps to distribute the impact load more evenly, reducing localized pressure on specific areas of the midsole and enhances the pace of energy return through the radial compression of the lower midsole (110).
As such, the contoured incurvature contributes to improved stability within the shoe by dispersing the force radially. The even distribution of forces promotes a balanced platform for the foot, minimizing the risk of instability or unwanted movements during athletic activities. This radial dispersion of the forces due to the contoured incurvature in the heel region (420) enables the plate (112) to provide stability regardless of the wearer's individualistic heel strike characteristics (i.e., regular, pronated, and/or supinated).
Furthermore, the contoured incurvature in the heel region (420) also engages the energy return process the plate (112) during the gait cycle more quickly than other known plates. In other words, the sidewall (430) assists during the energy return phase by directing off-center forces from pronated and/or supinated heel strike to the lower midsole (110) in a direction normal to the contoured incurvature. This radial force direction encourages both the engagement of the plate (112) during the loading phase, and activation of the plate (112) during an energy return phase of the gait cycle, regardless of the wearer's individualistic heel strike characteristics (i.e., regular, pronated, and/or supinated).
While
Turning to
The method includes forming an upper midsole (step 610) and forming a lower midsole (step 620). In some embodiments, one or more of the upper midsole and/or the lower midsole is formed from a foamed thermoplastic elastomer foam such as polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyester, co-polyester, polyether, polyamide, styrene block copolymers, vulcanizates, and/or ethylene vinyl acetate. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer is a supercritical foam, such as supercritical ethylene-vinyl acetate and/or supercritical polyurethane.
The method includes bonding a plate disposed between the upper midsole and the lower midsole (step 630). As part of the bonding process, a toe region of the plate is encapsulated between the upper midsole and the lower midsole (step 640). The toe region has a planar shape. A heel region of the plate protrudes externally from between the upper midsole and the lower midsole to form a sidewall that encompasses a heel region of the upper midsole (Step 650). The heel region has a contoured incurvature.
The plate can be constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid material, selected based on desired properties such as strength, durability, and weight. For example, the plate may include carbon fiber, thermoplastic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials known in the art. In some embodiments, the plate is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyester, co-polyester, polyether, polyamide, styrene block copolymers, vulcanizates, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the plate is formed from polyether block amide.
The following examples are for explanatory purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Example 1: Compressive Energy Return TestingTests were conducted to assess the energy return capabilities and evaluate their compressive stiffness. This test provides information about how the shoe responds to various levels of compression.
The shoes were installed on a testing apparatus. The test apparatus employs digital position control, and sets a 90-degree sine wave pattern for the shoe. An inertial compensation system was used to account for external factors or vibrations. Load and amplitude targets are specified for different test conditions. forces from about 100 to 1000 N (Newtons) were applied to the shoe and displacements measured to assess the stiffness of the shoe. Results are summarized in Table 1.
Tests were conducted to assess the bending stiffness of shoe samples. This test provides information about how the shoe responds to various levels of compression. Shoe samples were installed in testing apparatus, and soles were bent/displaced by 7.5 mm, and the incremental load/stiffness measured. The recorded stiffness values offer insights into the bending characteristics of each shoe, aiding in the comparison and assessment of their performance.
The illustrative embodiments described herein provide for an innovative athletic shoe design comprising an upper and a sole. The sole is a multi-layered structure, consisting of an upper midsole, a lower midsole, and a plate positioned between them. The plate is exhibits distinct characteristics in different regions of the shoe.
The toe region of the plate is planar, and it is securely encased between the upper midsole and the lower midsole, forming a flat and supportive base for the front part of the foot.
In the heel region, the plate protrudes outwardly from between the upper midsole and the lower midsole, creating a sidewall that surrounds and encompasses the heel region of the upper midsole. The heel region of the plate features a unique contoured incurvature that provides enhanced stability and support for the heel, ensuring optimal comfort and performance during athletic activities.
By integrating the plate with its planar toe region and contoured incurvature heel region, the athletic shoe offers improved overall support, responsiveness, and impact absorption, thereby enhancing the wearer's athletic performance and reducing the risk of potential injuries. The combination of these components in the sole design results in a well-balanced and technologically advanced athletic shoe, suitable for various sports and activities, appealing to athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking superior comfort, performance, and protection for their feet. This novel design sets the shoe apart from conventional athletic footwear, offering athletes a more supportive and responsive footwear solution.
The term “about,” when used with respect to a physical property that may be measured, refers to an engineering tolerance expected by or determined by one ordinary skill in the art. The exact quantified degree of an engineering tolerance depends on the product being produced, the process being performed, or the technical property being measured. For a non-limiting example, two angles may be “about congruent” if the values of the two angles are within ten percent of each other. However, if the ordinary artisan determines that the engineering tolerance for a particular product should be tighter, then “about congruent” could be two angles having values that are within one percent of each other. Likewise, engineering tolerances could be loosened in other embodiments, such that “about congruent” angles have values within twenty percent of each other. In any case, the ordinary artisan is capable of assessing what is an acceptable engineering tolerance for a particular product, and thus is capable of assessing how to determine the variance of measurement contemplated by the term “about.”
As used herein, the term “connected to” contemplates at least two meanings. In a first meaning, unless otherwise stated, “connected to” means that component A could have been separate from component B, but is joined to component B in either a fixed or a removably attached arrangement. In a second meaning, unless otherwise stated, “connected to” means that component A is integrally formed with component B. Thus, for example, assume a bottom of a pan is “connected to” a wall of the pan. The term “connected to” may be interpreted as the bottom and the wall being separate components that are snapped together, welded, or are otherwise fixedly or removably attached to each other. Additionally, the term “connected to” also may be interpreted as the bottom and the wall being contiguously together as a monocoque body formed by, for example, a molding process.
In the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as an adjective for an element (i.e., any noun in the application). The use of ordinal numbers is not to imply or create any particular ordering of the elements nor to limit any element to being only a single element unless expressly disclosed, such as by the use of the terms “before”, “after”, “single”, and other such terminology. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between the elements. By way of an example, a first element is distinct from a second element, and the first element may encompass more than one element and succeed (or precede) the second element in an ordering of elements.
Further, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “or” is an “inclusive or” and, as such, includes the term “and.” Further, items joined by the term “or” may include any combination of the items with any number of each item, unless expressly stated otherwise.
In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Further, other embodiments not explicitly described above can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.
Claims
1. An athletic shoe comprising:
- an upper; and
- a sole, wherein the sole further comprises: an upper midsole; a lower midsole; and a plate disposed between the upper midsole and the lower midsole, wherein the plate comprises: a toe region having a planar shape, wherein the toe region is encapsulated between the upper midsole and the lower midsole; and a heel region having a contoured incurvature, wherein the heel region protrudes externally from between the upper midsole and the lower midsole to form a sidewall that encompasses a heel region of the upper midsole.
2. The athletic shoe of claim 1, where in the sidewall further encompasses a midfoot region of the upper midsole.
3. The athletic shoe of claim 1, where in the upper midsole and the lower midsole are formed from a foamed thermoplastic elastomer selected from a group consisting of: polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyester, co-polyester, polyether, polyamide, styrene block copolymers, vulcanizates, and combinations thereof.
4. The athletic shoe of claim 3, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a supercritical foam selected from the group consisting of supercritical ethylene-vinyl acetate, supercritical polyurethane, and combinations thereof.
5. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the upper midsole has a thickness of about 10 mm at a toe region of the upper midsole and about 13 mm at a heel region the upper midsole.
6. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the lower midsole has a thickness of about 8 mm at a toe region of the lower midsole and about 14 mm at a heel region of the upper midsole.
7. The athletic shoe claim 1, wherein the plate for their comprises:
- a midfoot region having an arched shape for supporting an instep of foot of a wearer.
8. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the plate is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer selected from a group consisting of: polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyester, co-polyester, polyether, polyamide, styrene block copolymers, vulcanizates, and combinations thereof.
9. The athletic shoe of claim 7, wherein the plate is formed from polyether block amide.
10. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the plate has a thickness of about 2 mm at a toe region of the plate and about 3 mm at a heel region of the plate.
11. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the planar shape of the toe region acts as a propulsion plate that provides a rebound energy return during a gate cycle.
12. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein deflection the toe region during a gate cycle provides a rebound energy return when transitioning through the mid foot towards toe-off.
13. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein at least the contoured incurvature of the heel region approximates a foot of a wearer.
14. The athletic shoe of claim 12, wherein the contoured incurvature limits compression of the upper midsole during a heel strike of a gate cycle.
15. The athletic shoe of claim 13, wherein a downward force imparted to the upper midsole during the heel strike is transferred radially to the lower midsole according to the contoured incurvature of the heel portion.
16. The athletic shoe of claim 14, wherein radially transferring the downward force from the upper midsole to the lower midsole increases stability for both pronated heel strike and supinated heel strike.
17. The athletic shoe claim 1, wherein the athletic shoe provides an energy return of greater than about 70% when measured at a compression of:
- 2000 Newtons over an impulse width of 185 milliseconds; and
- 1400 Newtons over an impulse width of 170 milliseconds.
18. The athletic shoe claim 1, wherein the plate of the athletic shoe is displaced greater than about 7 millimeters when measured at a compression of:
- 2000 Newtons over an impulse width of 185 milliseconds; and
- 1400 Newtons over an impulse width of 170 milliseconds.
19. A contoured propulsion plate for an athletic shoe, the plate comprising:
- a toe region having a planar shape, wherein the planar shape of the toe region acts as a propulsion plate that provides a rebound energy return during a gait cycle; and
- a heel region having a contoured incurvature, wherein at least the contoured incurvature of the heel region approximates a foot of a wearer.
20. The contoured propulsion plate of claim 18, wherein the plate is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer selected from a group consisting of: polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyester, co-polyester, polyether, polyamide, styrene block copolymers, vulcanizates, and combinations thereof.
21. The contoured propulsion plate of claim 19, wherein the plate is formed from polyether block amide.
22. The contoured propulsion plate of claim 18, wherein the plate has a thickness of about 2 mm at a toe region of the plate and about 3 mm at a heel region of the plate.
23. A method of manufacturing an athletic shoe, the method comprising:
- forming an upper midsole;
- forming a lower midsole;
- bonding a plate disposed between the upper midsole and the lower midsole, wherein: a toe region of the plate is encapsulated between the upper midsole and the lower midsole, wherein the toe region has a planar shape; and a heel region of the plate protrudes externally from between the upper midsole and the lower midsole to form a sidewall that encompasses a heel region of the upper midsole, wherein the heel region has a contoured incurvature.
24. The method of claim 22, where in the upper midsole and the lower midsole are formed from a foamed thermoplastic elastomer that is a supercritical foam selected from the group consisting of supercritical ethylene-vinyl acetate, supercritical polyurethane, and combinations thereof.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the plate is formed from a polyether block amide.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 31, 2023
Publication Date: Mar 6, 2025
Applicant: Hettas Sport Ltd. (Vancouver)
Inventors: Douglas E. Sheridan (Surry), Kyle Robert Housman (Vancouver)
Application Number: 18/459,412
