Abstract: An impact absorber for a shoe includes a multichamber housing having a plurality of springs located therein. Each spring can be adjusted as necessary to customize the impact absorbing characteristics of the shoe. A dividing wall is located in the multichamber housing to divide the housing into two chambers and springs can be located in each of the chambers. Cushion elements can be located in the chambers as well. A multichamber housing is located adjacent to the heel of the shoe and another multichamber housing can be located adjacent to the ball of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A spring cushioned shoe is disclosed. The shoe includes a sole assembly that has a first spring disposed within a vacuity in the heel portion of the assembly, and a second spring disposed within a vacuity in the ball portion of the assembly. The springs are, e.g., wave springs that extend vertically from the upper to the lower internal boundaries of the vacuities.

Abstract: A spring cushioned shoe is disclosed. The shoe includes a sole assembly that has a first spring disposed within a vacuity in the heel portion of the assembly, and a second spring disposed within a vacuity in the ball portion of the assembly. The springs are, e.g., wave springs that extend vertically from the upper to the lower internal boundaries of the vacuities.

Abstract: The shoe system comprises a shoe that has a toe section and a heel portion. A shoe sole is disposed inside the shoe and has a groove defined therein. The groove extends angularly from an upper surface of the shoe sole rearwardly towards the heel portion of the shoe. A wedge section is removably attached to the shoe sole. A shoe insert has a stiff first member and a resilient second member attached to the first member. The second member is inserted into the groove. The second member has one side that may be thicker than the opposite side so that the second member is only twistable in one direction.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing insole for footwear, including a top member adapted to be in contact with the user's foot; a bottom member partly connected to the top member and adapted to rest on the inside sole of a piece of footwear, and defining a space with a heel portion of the top member, and a shock-absorbing unit including, in superposition, a top plate, at least one rubber pad and at least one effective member provided with a plurality of elastically deformable elements, the at least one rubber pad and the at least one effective member forming a cohesive packet which is introducible into the space via a window-like opening in a rim portion of the bottom member.

Abstract: The shoe construction of the present invention includes an upper and a sole comprised of a lower portion which is mobile with respect to the upper portion, and at least one leaf spring which resiliently resists forces tending to bring closer together the lower and upper portions of the sole. The leaf spring or springs are arranged outside the space taken by the user's foot, and advantageously bend in a manner similar to buckling.

Abstract: A shock absorption and energy return assembly for increasing the overall performance of a shoe by increasing the stability and shock absorption of the heel. The inventive device includes a lower guide member having a plurality of lower apertures and lower spring retainers, an upper guide member having a plurality of upper apertures and upper spring retainers, a plurality of compression springs positioned within the lower spring retainers and the upper spring retainers, a sealed encasement having a lower portion and an upper portion surrounding the lower guide member and the upper guide member, and a plurality of lower extrusions and upper extrusions. The lower guide member and the upper guide member are preferably U-shaped. The plurality of compression springs are aligned within the perimeter of the lower guide member and the upper guide member for providing maximum stability and response for the user.

Abstract: A midsole system for a running shoe or foot prosthesis have a sole spring, a heel spring and/or a forefoot spring stores energy of foot impact and releases it during the running cycle. A preferred embodiment provides bending beam sole systems for shoes or foot prostheses comprising a bending beam heel spring, a bending beam forefoot spring, a two coupled spring sole system, and a three coupled spring sole system. The sole systems of this invention maximize stability, cushioning, and walking or running economy.

Abstract: A shoe having a preassembled spring assembly incorporated into the sole thereof is provided. The spring assembly includes a pair of plates having a plurality of apertures formed therein. The pair of plates define an upper plate and a lower plate in which the apertures formed in the upper and lower plates are axially aligned when the upper plate is disposed directly above the lower plate. A plurality of spring members are disposed between the upper and lower plates. The spring members are axially aligned with the plurality of apertures. A mechanism for retaining the spring members between the upper and lower plates is also provided. The mechanism for retaining is designed for retaining the upper and lower plates at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An article of footwear for being worn on a wearer's foot as the wearer steps on a support surface. The article of footwear comprises a sole member having an upper surface for supporting the sole of the wearer's foot, a lower surface, a heel end, and a toe end; and a heel mechanism attached to the heel end of the sole member; the heel mechanism including a first plate for attachment to the lower surface of the sole member adjacent the heel end thereof, the first plate having a first end and a second end; the heel mechanism including a second plate having a first end attached to the first end of the first plate and a second end normally urged away from the second end of the first plate; the heel mechanism including lever structure associated with the second plate for urging the second end of the second plate toward the second end of the first plate when the wearer of the article of footwear takes a step.

Abstract: A footwear shock-absorbing device comprises a lower receiving member, an upper receiving member, a plurality of fastening members, and a plurality of coil springs. The lower receiving member has a flat bottom provided with a plurality of columnar projections. The upper receiving member is located on the lower receiving member and provided with a flat top in contact with a footwear pad. The fastening members are fastened respectively at one end thereof with the flat top of the upper receiving member and at another end thereof with said columnar projections. The coil springs are fitted respectively over the fastening members such that both ends of the coil springs urge the flat top of the upper receiving member and the flat bottom of the lower receiving member, so as to enable the fastening members to locate at an upper dead point at such time when the fastening members are not exerted on by an external force.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a spring cushioned midsole assembly which is advantageous from a combined stability and impact absorption/energy dissipation standpoint. A preferred form of the invention includes a spring foam midsole unit having plural spaced projections in forefoot and heel regions, with an additional spring foam heel unit having projections facing the projections of the heel portion of the midsole unit. In addition, the central region of the midsole unit is substantially flat to provide sufficient support and stability, while also providing advantageous impact/force absorption and energy dissipation in the front and heel regions of the shoe. By providing spaced projections, in combination with a modulator or base portion having a substantial thickness, the projections can act independently with respect to one another and can interact with the modulator portion to provide an advantageous stable cushioning effect.

Abstract: A shoe heel insert, especially suitable for athletic shoe applications, providing for superior shock absorption and energy return characteristics to the wearer, as well as a high degree of stability. The unit which is referred to as the SPRING-AIR SYSTEM, will consist of a substantially heel shaped outer spring mechanism which also serves as the internal spring housing by way of a plurality of internally formed projections, and a plurality of vertically affixed compression springs retained by the said projections with the springs biasing the outer spring mechanism. The entire unit will be filled with a pressurized gas and hermetically sealed with a clear, durable polyurethane material which completely encapsulates the device while still allowing the inner springs to be visible. The assembled unit will be molded within the heel section of the mid-sole of an athletic shoe, or any suitable type shoe, during the shoes manufacturing process.

Abstract: A shoe is provided with a spring mechanism in the heel area. The spring includes a pair of generally circular end portions which are supported by the outsole and a beam portion which extends between the end portions. Initial impact cushioning is provided by resilient deflection of the end portions and compression of surrounding materials. The main cushioning is provided by linear deflection of the beam portion. Overload protection is provided by restorable collapsing of the cross section of the beam.

Abstract: 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 midportion 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.

Abstract: A highly elastic shoe sole comprises a lower layer, an upper layer, and a flexible cushion sandwiched between the lower layer and the upper layer. The lower layer is provided with a plurality of containers for holding compression springs serving to provide the shoe sole with elastic force. The upper layer of a soft material serves to provide a shoe wearer with a wearing comfort. The flexible cushion of a corrugated construction is provided in the underside thereof with a plurality of grooved portions and ridged portions corresponding in location to the containers of the lower layer.

Abstract: A combined resilient sole of a shoe comprises a sole body defining a cavity at a heel position thereof. A retaining bracket is mounted within the cavity and a number of blind holes in a surface defining the recess. A number of springs are disposed in the blind holes. A footstock is disposed over the retaining bracket. The footstock has a number of bosses extending from an undersurface thereof so that the springs may be compressed between the retaining bracket and the footstock. In a preferred embodiment, a setting sheet is disposed in the recess, and has a same dimension as that of the surface defining the recess. The setting sheet is disposed in the recess and defines a plurality of holes therein aligning with the blind holes of the recess, through which the springs may extend. In such an embodiment, a layer of sponge is covered on a top periphery of the retaining bracket to provide a resilient effect, the layer of sponge being configured as a frame.

Abstract: An insert for a shoe sole includes a heel lever which absorbs energy from the foot during heel strike and returns the energy to the foot during heel lift-off.

Abstract: An athletic shoe (10) has a bottom sole (12) and a removable insole (16). The bottom sole (12) has two cavities (24) and (26) that are accessible from the interior (22) of the shoe. Respectively sized removably mounted cushioning cassettes (30) and (32) are removably mounted in the cavities (24) and (26). Each cassette is resiliently flexible and has spring elements (44) seated therein. Viscous fluid indicators (60) and (80) are also mounted on the shoe to determine the impact stresses and compression fit of the shoe on the foot.

Abstract: An athletic shoe device that fits through the wedge sole and insole through a hole in the heel area of a sports shoe, which I named the Roosevelt Spring. The spring is activated with the weight of an athlete, while walking or running, this is done by absorbing the shock and giving energy in sequence to the athlete without losing balance or stability, and causes no pain in the foot. The athlete is also supported by the strength of the spring. It increases the lifetime to the sport shoes and will help be responsible for the decline in sports related injuries, as well as enable man to go farther and faster.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an outsole with a cavity in the heel region in which a cushioning insert is installed to cushion impacts and provide added lift to the wearer. The heel region of the outsole projects outwardly beyond the periphery of the heel region of the shoe upper to form a projecting peripheral rim. The cavity has an upper wall and a lower wall and a plurality of springs extend between the upper and lower walls at spaced intervals around the peripheral rim. Opposing magnets are mounted in the upper and lower walls in a central region of the cavity with their like poles facing one another to provide a magnetic biassing force which augments the spring load.

Abstract: An adjustable shoe heel spring and stabilizer device provides the wearer of a shoe the ability to adjust the energy absorption and return characteristics of the shoe to suit their particular needs. An operable adjustment device is located on an exterior surface of the shoe. The wearer operates the adjustment device to selectively position a fulcrum at a desired location relative to upper and lower members of a spring mechanism disposed within the mid-sole of the shoe. The position of the fulcrum defines the energy absorption and return characteristics for the shoe. An indicator is provided for displaying to the wearer the relative position of the fulcrum, and hence the energy absorption and return setting for the shoe.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a spring interposed in its sole providing superior shock absorbance and energy return. The coil spring increases in diameter and is fixed between two spacers, wherein the spacer adjacent the largest diameter end of the spring delimits a space therein. During compression, the smaller end of the spring passes through the larger end and into the space defined by the spacer. The structure maximizes energy return and prevents bottoming out during compression. In an alternate construction, the sole having the spring is removable from the shoe portion such that the shoe portion can be fixed to a plurality of soles. The arrangement can be further revised to accommodate a hoofed foot of an animal. The spring can also be concealed in a hollow heel member of a dress shoe.

Abstract: An adjustable internal energy return system for use in running shoes and the like to provide an energy storage and release mechanism in the heel portion of the running shoe. The energy return system utilizes a tension adjustment strap to increase the base tension of a resilient carriage by providing additional resiliency. The tension adjustment strap is an additional independent energy return mechanism to the resilient carriage.

Abstract: A shoe having an outer sole, an upper attached to the outer sole for enclosing the wearer's foot, and an insole. A compressible and expansible elastic insert is accommodated in a cavity between the outer sole and the insole. The elastic insert has a flat body formed of spring material. Projecting out of the plane of the body is a spiraling, tapering leaf which elastically deflects in response to relative movements of the outer sole and the insole toward and away from one another.

Abstract: The shoe shall include at least one spring (R), notably a metal spring, set into the sole between an upper plate (2) extending as far as the back of the shoe and a lower plate (3) to cushion the shoe from shocks from the ground.

Abstract: A midsole having a bellows type of shock absorbing air bag and a method for preparation of such a midsole. The present midsole comprises a hexahedral-shaped air bag for absorbing an outer shock and comprising upper and lower parts which are provided with a plurality of vertical bellows members, a plurality of elastic bodies for providing elasticity for the air bag and being received in each bellow member, a plurality of upper and lower caps for causing the elastic bodies to maintain their positions in the bellows members and being mounted on the air bag as engaging with an open end of each bellows member, an air control valve for controlling air charge in or air discharge from the air bag and an air communication pipe for permitting the air bag to communicate with the air control valve by being connected at an end thereof to the air bag and at the other end to the air control valve.

Abstract: An improved arch support device and shoe incorporating such device. A device and shoe incorporating the device is disclosed which include rigid members for supporting and distributing weight along the foot both forward and rearward away from the arch and a flexible member for cushioning the heel region of the shoe during standing, walking or other movement.

Abstract: A high-heeled shoe has a resilient U-shaped blade which forms the heel of the shoe, one limb of the blade being fixed to a rear portion of the sole of the shoe, and the other limb of the blade resting on the ground. Between said one and said other limbs, the blade is gently curved.

Abstract: An improved arch support device and shoe incorporating such device. A device and shoe incorporating the device is disclosed which include rigid members for supporting and distributing weight along the foot both forward and rearward away from the arch and a flexible member for cushioning the heel region of the shoe during standing, walking or other movement.

Abstract: The sports shoe according to the invention has a highly elastic heel which reduces the shock on the foot during running and jogging. The heel which is made of a resilient, elastic material is in the shape of a strip which is arched in dowward direction and connected to the sole at its front end while forming a longitudinal cavity with the sole which is open towards the rear end of the shoe. A spring composed of two leaves which are connected at one end and unconnected at the other end of the spring, are inserted into the cavity with the connected ends positioned at the front end of the cavity and with the unconnected ends close to the rear end of the heel, whereby the upper of the two leaves is connected to the sole and the lower, strongly bent leaf to the arched heal strip.

Abstract: A self-ventilating device for a shoe insole, which includes a heel chamber body having a spring disposed therein, an inlet valve having a plurality of sole aperture for communicating with a plurality of channels in the sole portion of the shoe insole, and a pair of outlet valves disposed in both side walls thereof for communicating to the atmosphere, whereby when each step is taken by the shoe user, a moisture and odor waste quantity of air is forced from the channels in the sole portion through the inlet valve to the heel chamber body when the pair of outlet valves are closed and expelled through the pair of outlet valves to the atmosphere automatically when the inlet valve is closed.

Abstract: A plate is molded into the lift of a heel. Resilient material is interposed between the lower surface of the heel block and the lift. Primary and secondary posts pass through the plate in a moveable manner. The primary post is joined to a primary shaft received in the heel block. The upper end of the shaft is in engagement with a compressible material. The secondary post is received in a secondary shaft and adapted for movement therein. The dual post arrangement in combination with the plate prevents the lift from being torn from the heel block.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resilient heel support for a ladies' shoe which, most preferably, is convertible to heel supports of varied heights, thereby permitting the altering of the height of the heels, at the wearer's whim. The shoe is formed with a conventional upper having a toe and heel portion and a continuous flexible sole. The sole is bifurcated and has an upper arm that extends rearwardly from the instep, following the shoe arch and the contour of the inner sole of the shoe. The lower arm of the bifurcated sole is coplanar with its forward portion terminates in an upwardly directed vertical recess. A convertible heel support is attached to the undersurface of the first arm of the sole at the heel area and this heel support extends into a sliding reception within the vertical recess. The support is pivotally attached to the undersurface of the heel of the first member to permit changing the height of the heel supports.

Abstract: This heel device is designed to cause a heel portion of a shoe to rebound when a person walks or jogs. Primarily, it consists of a base plate secured to the bottom of the heel portion of the shoe, and a leaf hinge is secured to the base plate and pivots. Projections are secured to the leaves of the hinge and include a pair of shafts that retain and support an endless rubber belt that provides the tension for the shoe to rebound.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a spring in the midsole of the shoe. The spring is generally oval-shaped and includes convex top and bottom walls and a laterally extending opening. The spring is molded from high tensile material such as graphite fibers and resin, kevlar fibers and resin, glass fibers and resin, or ceramic materials.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a spring device positioned in the heel portion of the article's midsole. The device is comprised of two, horizontal, rectangular, semi-elliptical shaped plates, with outwardly curving surfaces facing, joined at either end and having a plurality of springs positioned between the plates and joined to the plates at either end of the plates.

Abstract: A shoe has a sole with an energy control system for shock absorption and for propulsion of the wearer. The energy control system includes a spring system and an overlying energy absorbing member located in a cavity in the midsole. The spring system includes a spring plate with a plurality of curved, resilient strips projecting there from. The resilient strips are deformed under the load of the foot of the wearer and then return to their original shape as the foot is lifted and the lead is removed. A support rib at the rear of each resilient strip directs the released energy in a forward force component as the strip returns to its uncompressed shape. An energy absorbing member, preferably a layer of urethane is provided over the spring system.

Abstract: A deflectable heel insert for use in the heel portion of a footwear. The heel insert includes at least one load-bearing plate which is deflectable under loads exerted by the heel of a shoe wearer. The plate is supported above a plate support surface as part of the heel or a base plate forming part of the laminate heel construction.

Abstract: The cushioning assembly for the shoe is located in the rear part and comprises at least one spring positioned between the outer sole and the shoe upper, the shoe comprising an intersole positioned between the outer sole and the upper. The outer sole has at least one internally threaded orifice and at least one pin is provided with an externally threaded portion, the externally threaded portion being engageable with the threaded orifice of the outer sole. The intersole has at least one threaded orifice of same size as the orifice and the spring rests on the threaded portion of the pin. The upper member has at least one tooth, the tooth entering the upper part of the spring, whereby the spring is held in place. Preferably a plurality of pins and springs and a plurality of teeth are provided and the springs may also be held in place between one tooth and the adjacent tooth.

Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly for an athletic shoe having a resilient metal plate in the form of a beam which is supported at its end portions by a pair of laterally spaced relatively non-compressible supports. Included between the spaced supports is an open area to permit downward deflection of the metal plate between the supports caused by the weight of a person wearing the shoe whereby the application of downward pressure on the heel portion by a person wearing the shoe downwardly deflects the resilient plate and cradles the heel of said person.

Abstract: A boot-type of footwear device is equipped with springs which enable the user to experience a bouncing effect. Four coil springs disposed in a rectangular pattern are disposed upon the underside of the boot. The upper extremities of the springs are embedded in an anchoring base such as a monolithic plastic casting affixed to the underside of the boot. The lowermost extremities of the springs have a non-slip footing. By virtue of its specialized construction, the device provides a more controlled effect during use.

Abstract: A shoe including a hollow chamber in its heel vented so to contract at each step and a curved steel leaf springs inside the chamber bearing between an upper inside and a bottom sole of the shoe heel, the springs extending forwardly-rearwardly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heel construction capable of providing an optimal response for an individual wearing a shoe to which it is attached. The construction is adaptable to being permanently or detachably fixed to a shoe having an upper section and sole section which extend in a generally horizontal direction and form a toe area at one end and a heel area at the opposite end. The heel construction comprises a generally Z-shaped resilient plate the upper arm of the plate extending towards the toe area and the lower arm of the plate extending towards the periphery of the heel area of a shoe to which the construction is fixed.

Abstract: An undamped spring having multi-spring rates is provided in the heel support portion of a shoe for resiliently compressing under heel pressure against the ground and returning a substantial portion of the energy of the pressure to the wearer's foot. The spring is formed of upper and lower leaf-like legs which are integrally joined together at an acute angle whose apex is directed forwardly relative to the shoe. An intermediate leaf-like leg is located between and integrally joined with one and extended towards the other of the upper and lower legs. Thus, heel pressure compresses the upper leg towards the lower leg until the intermediate leg is engaged and, thereafter, spring compression continues at an increased spring rate.

Abstract: Footwear includes a high modulus moderator located between the wearer's foot and cushioning material above the foot in which the moderator is a relatively thin, lightweight material having a modulus of elasticity of at least about 250,000 psi. The heel moderator includes medial and lateral legs positioned to be located under the calcaneus of the foot with the cushioning located beneath the moderator such that a cushioning medium is located below the calcaneus. The moderator, which deflects without permanent deformation and includes portions extending upwardly, operates to absorb, redistribute and sore the energy of localized loads. A moderator may also be located under the forefoot, as described.

Abstract: A running shoe has a longitudinal slot in the sole extending from its back edge into the arch region and dividing the shoe sole into upper and lower segments. A spring wire in this slot decreases the velocity of the heel impact and then, as the runner's weight shifts forward onto the ball and toes of the foot, launches the runner into a comfortable stride and reduces stress.

Abstract: An improved spring moderator for articles of footwear which absorbs, redistributes, and stores energy of localized loads and forces, through elastic deformation, and then returns the energy to the user in useful forms as the load is then removed, while providing comfort and support.

Abstract: A heel having a circular wear-element spring-locked to a heel base, in which position the wear-element may be manually unlocked against the spring action to permit rotation and relocation in a new position on the heel base, and being manually releasable for spring-locking in the relocated position.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanically cushioned heel for a shoe comprises a heel insert attached to the heel area of the shoe and a ground-engaging member removably attached to the insert. The ground-engaging member includes a relatively stiff spring element to provide a cushioning effect in the heel area. An adjustable coupling between the ground-engaging member and the insert allows the user to alter the spring constant of the spring element to vary the cushioning effect of the heel.