CA2221804A1 - Insert for a shoe sole - Google Patents
Insert for a shoe sole Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2221804A1 CA2221804A1 CA002221804A CA2221804A CA2221804A1 CA 2221804 A1 CA2221804 A1 CA 2221804A1 CA 002221804 A CA002221804 A CA 002221804A CA 2221804 A CA2221804 A CA 2221804A CA 2221804 A1 CA2221804 A1 CA 2221804A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- heel
- insert
- foot
- support
- foot support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
- A43B21/24—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by the constructive form
- A43B21/30—Heels with metal springs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
- A43B13/183—Leaf springs
Abstract
An insert (44) for a shoe (10) sole (12) includes a heel lever (52) which absorbs energy from the foot during heel strike and returns the energy to the foot during heel lift-off.
Description
W 096/38062 PCT~US96/06459 Insert for a Shoe Sole Field of t~l e Invention The present invention relates to an insert for a shoe, and more particularly to an insert which responds to shifts in body weight in a similar manner as the longitudinal arch of a human foot.
Background of the Invenfion One of the major concerns of the footwear industry is constructing shoes which are comfortable. After all, if a shoe is uncomfortable, the purchaser will be unable to wear the shoe and the reputation of the m~nllf~cturer will be t~rni~hed.
In order to design a comfortable shoe, it is necessary that the shoe designer take into consideration the structure of the foot and the functio~ of particular elements of that structure.
The human foot has to combine the two functions of: ( 1 ) supporting the weight of the body while keeping it properly balanced, and (2) propelling the body fol w~d. One element of the foot which is particularly useful in combining the above functions is the lon~ih~ n:~l arch. Ul folLullately, the longitudinal arch has largely been ignored by shoe designers.
Referring to Figure 1, the longitudinal arch A, which is useful for both shock absorption and propulsion, extends from the calcaneum C or heel bone to the heads ofthe met~t~rs~l bones M ofthe foot. When st~nt1in~, the weight ofthe body is borne by areas of the foot other than the longitudinal arch, causing the CA 0222l804 l997-ll-2l W 096/38062 PCTrUS~G/OC15 longitudinal arch to extend longitudinally, becoming longer and lower to the ground.
During ~,valking, the entire body weight is taken by each foot in turn and is transferred from heel to toe as the center of gravity of the body moves in S relation to the ground. The first part of the foot to contact the ground is the heel, and the term used to describe this stage of foot propulsion is "heel strike." The calf muscles then lower the rem~in~ler of the foot down in relation to the leg.
During the body weight shifting stages of foot propulsion following heel strike,the longitudinal arch acts as a rubber band. That is, it goes through a series of dimensional changes which are both tiring and stressful to the foot.
First, the foot is lengthened, causing the inner longitudinal arch to lengthen and flatten. As the body weight continues to be transferred toward the metatarsal bones, and the muscles of the foot contract, the inner l~ngitll~lin~l arch is raised and shortened. This stage is commonly termed "heel lift-off." In the final stage of propulsion, commonly termed "toe-off," the inner longitudinal arch is then used as a lever to lift the body at the joint of the big toe and propel the foot forvrard.
Heretofore, various devices have been proposed which are designed to assist the dimensional changes of the inner longitudinal arch during propulsion and to relieve fatigue of the foot. One example of such a device is disclosed inU.S. Patent No. 634,588 to Roche, which describes an arch support for a shoe.
The support comprises a spring plate which is placed upon the insole of the shoe.
The plate is curved to conform to the arch of the foot. One end of the plate is h~ to the shoe at the heel end. The other end of the plate is freely moveable.
When ~le~ from the foot is applied to and released from the spring, as during walking, the free end of the spring moves along the length of the insole and thespring is allowed to flatten and raise respectively.
While the device of the Roche patent may provide a yielding support for the arch and a portion of the heel of the foot, it suffers from several disadvantages which are overcome by the present invention. For example, the spring of the W 096/38062 PCTrUS~610C~5 Roche patent does not begin to flatten until the forefoot has contacted the ground and the body weight has shifted. Therefore, the arch support provided by the Roche spring is not effectuated until the body weight is already positioned overthe spring. The arch support of the present invention begins to flatten at heel S strike, before the forefoot contacts the ground thereby, providing spring to the foot. Hence, as the longitudinal arch lends spring to the foot so does the arch support of the present invention.
Furthermore, the Roche spring is used in combination with a non-yielding shoe sole which may cause the foot to experience shock when it contacts the ground. In contrast the arch support of the present invention may be used in combination with a yielding shoe sole and therefore, provides added cushioning for the foot. Moreover, in the Roche patent there is no provision of a heel lever which absorbs energy from heel-strike and returns energy to the heel during heellift-off. Hence, much of the energy generated during heel-strike is lost.
Therefore, the need exists for an arch support which responds to body weight shifting in the same manner as the longitudinal arch of a human foot, i.e., one which begins deflection as soon as body weight transfer has begun. Also, theneed exists for an arch support which is provided in combination with a yieldingshoe sole so that the shock associated with ground contact is eliminz1tP~l Further-more, the need exists for a heel support which cushions the heel and which absorbs energy from heel-strike and returns that energy to the heel at heel lift-off.
Summary of the Invention The present invention compri.~.?s an insert for an article of footwear. The insert includes a heel support which absorbs shock from the foot and returns energy during the gait cycle. The insert may have an arch support which generally follows the lon~ rlin~l arch of the foot. The arch support flattens inresponse to ~ lllC from the foot. The insert may be placed in a cavity formed W 096/38062 PCT~US96/06459 within a sole body of an article of footwear. A plate comprising a moderator may be disposed above the insert.
Brief Description of ~he Figures The foregoing and o~er objects and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description of the present invention, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a foot skeleton;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a shoe for the right foot incorporating one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a rear view of the shoe of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the insert of Figure 2 taken from the front of the insert;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the insert of Figure 2 taken from the rear ofthe insert;
Figure 6 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the insert of the present invention for incorporation within a shoe for the left foot;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 6;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in Figure 6;
Figure 10 is a rear view of the insert of Figure 6;
Figure 11 is a rear view of an zllt~ te embodiment of the insert of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a side elevational view of a cross-section of a shoe sole incorporating the present invention;
Figure 13 is a side elevational view of a cross-section of a shoe sole incorporating the present invention;
W096/38062 PCTrUS96/06459 Figure 14 is a top plan view of anotller embodiment of the insert of the present invention for incorporation within a shoe for the right foot;
Figure 15 is a rear view of the insert of Figure 14;
Figure 16 is top plan view of the shoe sole of Figures 12 and 13;
S Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the sole taken along line 17-17 in Figure 16;
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the shoe sole of the present invention;
Figure 19 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of the insert of the present invention; and Figure 20 is a side elevational view of a cross-section of a shoe sole incorporating the insert embodiment of Figure 19.
De~i~e~l Descripfion of ~he Preferred Embodimenfs Referring now to the drawings, in which similar reference numerals have been used to refer to similar elements, and in particular to Figure 2, a shoe incorporating one embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 10.
A variety of shoe structures are capable of incorporating the principles of the present invention. However, it is plerellcd that the shoe include a sole body, shown generally at 12. While an upper 13 has been shown ~ r.h~l to sole body 12, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the upper structure which has been shown. Furthermore, while Figures 2 and 3 show a shoe for the right foot, it should be understood that the shoe incorporating the principles ofthe present invention for the left foot would be a mirror image ofthe shoe which is shown.
- Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the arch propulsion system of the present invention. The arch propulsion system comprises insert 44 which is disposed within sole body 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, arch support surface 58 of insert 44 may extend above the last line of shoe 10, i.e., the W096/38062 PCT~US96106459 line at which upper 13 is joined to sole body 12. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, sole body 12 is defined by a heel end 14, a toe end 16, medial side 18, and lateral side 20. Sole body 12 may comprise an outsole. a midsole, an insole, or any combination thereof. Sole body 12 has a thickness which is defined by a foot supporting or top surface 24 and a ground cont~cting or bottom surface 26.
Although not shown, a separate outsole layer may be provided on ground contacting surface 26.
Ground cont~rting surface 26 is shown in Figure 2 as having a rocker bottom 28, i.e., a semi-circular area lm~lerne~th the arch which provides a mound upon which the foot rolls when walking. Rocker bottom 28 may be disposed beneath the ball or metatarsal bones of the foot, or any other area of ground contacting surface 26. Rocker bottom 28 is not ç~.~enti~l to the present invention, however, and therefore a shoe embodying the principles of the present invention could very well have a flat sole. In addition, although not necec.~ry, medial side 18, as shown in Figure 3, may flare outwardly from sole body 12 to help prevent heel pronation. Lateral side 20 may also flare outwardly for improved stability.Furthermore, although not necessary, angled walls 21, 23 and 25 may be formed within sole body 12 adjacent the bottom of heel end 14, medial side 18 and lateral side 20 of sole body 12, respectively, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Angled walls21, 23 and 25 result in a sole body construction wherein insert 44 is disposed closer to ground cont~eting surface 26, and the impact forces on sole body 12 during heel strike are localized u~on insert 44. The localized and increased impact forces upon insert 44 may enhance the flexibility and hence the energy return char~cteri~tics of insert 44.
As shown in Figure 3, insert 44 may extend the full width of sole body 12 from medial side 18 to lateral side 20. However, it is ~le~ellèd that insert 44 only traverse a portion of the width of sole body 12 (see e.g, Figures 16-18). If desired, heel end 14, toe end 16, medial side 18, lateral side 20, top surface 24 and/or bottom surface 26 of sole body 12 may include a "window" or similar see-W096/38062 PCT~US96/06459 through construction, in order to make insert 44 of the present invention visible from the exterior of shoe 10.
With continuing reference to the embodiment of Figures 2-5, insert 44 comprises a leaf spring comprising an arch support, shown generally at 46, and a V-shaped heel support, shown generally at 48. V-shaped heel support 48 is defined by a heel lever 52 and heel incline surface 56, which form a recess 55.
V-shaped heel support 48 has a heel terrninn~ 50 and a fulcrum 54. Fulcrum 54 is disposed at the junction of heel incline surface 56 and heel level 52. Fulcrum 54 supports heel support 48, which absorbs energy from the foot during heel strike. Heel incline surface 56 receives pressure from the heel during heel strike, causing it to deflect. These and other aspects of the present invention are described in greater detail below.
Arch support 46 is defined by a forward end 62, an arch decline surface 60, an arch support surface 58, and a bottom surface 98. Arch support surface 58is arcuate, and preferably generally follows the curvature of the longit l-linz~l arch of a human foot. Fulcrum 54 lies in a plane lower than arch support surface 58 when insert 44 is in use. Arch support surface 58 deflects or flexes, i.e., lengthens and flzltten.~, when pressure is applied to heel incline surface 56 and to arch support surface 58 itself. Similarly, arch support surface 58 rises, i.e., shortens and curves, when pressure is relieved from arch support surface 58. This allows arch support surface 58 to respond to body weight shifting in the same manner as the longitudinal arch of the hurnan foot, and thereby assist the foot during propulsion.
As shown in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, a medial taper 64 and a lateral taper 66 may be provided where arch decline surface 60 meets fc l vv~.l end 62. Through holes 68 may be provided along angled wall 52, heel incline surface 56, or any other portion of insert 44. Through holes 68 reduce the stiffne~.s and the weight of insert 44. Also, if insert 44 is enf ~ps~ te~l within sole body 12 by molding, through holes 68 allow migr~tic)n of m~tf,ri~l in order to achieve better adherence b~Lw~en sole body 12 and insert 44.
-W096/38062 PCTrUS~G/OG
Figures 6- 10 show an alternate embodiment of the insert of the present invention. Although insert 44 of Figures 6- 10 is for incorporation within a shoe for the left foot, an insert for use in a shoe for the right foot would be a mirror image of the insert which is shown. Referring to Figure 6, insert 44 is slightlycurved along its medial side 94 and lateral side 96, in order to more closely follow the outline of the human foot. Referring to Figure 9, heel incline surface 56 forms an angle G with the horizontal axis I of fulcrum 54, which may equal approximately 42~. Similarly, heel lever 52 forms an angle H with horizontal axis I of fulcrum 54, which may equal approximately 30~.
As best shown in Figures 6 and 10, heel lever 52 may be divided by a cut-out 70 into two or more fingers 72, 74, and thereby have a substantially forked appearance. Fingers 72, 74 help reduce the weight and stiffness of insert 44, improve the flexibility of insert 44, and assist with rearfoot control. Whether insert 44 includes fingers 72, 74 (Figure 10) or does not include fingers (Figure 11), heel lever 52 may be disposed at an angle to the vertical axis E of insert 44, such that the surface area of fulcrum 54 is increased. For example, referring toFigure 6, lines E and F form an angle D which may equal approximately 15 ~, and the area between dotted lines E and F comprises fulcrum 54. Comparing the embodiment of Figures 6- 10 to that of Figures 2-5 (and particularly Figure 9 toFigure 2) fulcrum 54 of Figure 9 has a larger surface area disposed along holi~ont~l axis I than does fulcrum 54 of Figure 2.
As previously described, arch support surface 58 of insert 44 generally follows the longitudinal ~;ulv~ e of the arch of the foot. In addition, arch support 46 may also include a lateral curvature ~t~n~lin~ between medial side 94and lateral side 96 of insert44. The embodiment of Figures 6-10 discloses such a "compound curvature" construction. As shown in these figures, the degree of lateral curvature of arch support 46 increases as one moves from arch support surface 58 toward forward end 62 of insert 44. If insert 44 includes a lateral curvature, insert 44 may be constructed such that arch support surface 58 generally follows the lateral curvature of the arch of the foot.
W 096/38062 PCTrUS~G/OC459 g Insert 44 may be comprised of any suitable material which is flexible enough to deflect, yet stiff enough to avoid collapse when pressure from the foot is applied thereto. Furthermore, the deflection and stiffness characteristics ofinsert 44 will vary depending on the particular end use of the shoe in which insert 44 is incol~,ol~l~d. For example, when insert 44 is used in a running shoe, it may be necessary to increase the stiffnes~ of the insert over that used in a shoe inten-le~l for walking.
Insert 44 is preferably formed of carbon-fiber composite. A woven graphite m~t~ri~l, such as a carbon-glass weave, may be used. An epoxy resin may be poured over at least one surface of the weave. If a carbon-glass weave isused, the carbon material of insert 44 preferably runs in the anterior-posteriordirection, while the glass is oriented in the medial-lateral direction. Two suitable composites for forming insert 44 are m~nllf~rt~lred by Hexcel Corporation and BioMechanical Composites under product numbers XC1289 and TW1000, respectively. Other materials for use in making insert 44 include a carbon/aramid (KEVLAR)/glass composite, or an injection molded plastic polymer or composite. Examples of the latter m~t~ri~l include Nylon 6,6 which may be fiberglass reinforced and sold under the tr~lenn~rk ZYTEL by E.I. Dupont de Nemours, Wilmington, Delaware. Other suitable materials include DELRIN and ARYLON. Suitable coatings includepolypropelene, PELLETHANE (available from Dow Chemical Co.) or NUCREL (a resin available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours).
Sole body 12 may be made of any suitable flexible, el~tcmeric m~t~ri~l which is capable of withct~n~lin~ the friction generated when shoe 10 contacts the ground. The ~ere~ed m~tcri~l for sole body 12 is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
Molded polyurethane (PU) is another possible m~ten~l Sole body 12 may be separated by insert 44 into several regions. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, an upper heel region 36 is defined by recess 55.
A lower heel region 3 8 is defined by the area of the sole body 12 between heel lever 52, fulcrum 54, heel end 14 and a portion of ground contacting surface 26.
W 096/38062 PCTrUS96/06459 An instep region 40, shown in dotted outline in Figure 2, is defined in part by heel incline surface 56, arch support surface 58, and a portion of arch decline surface 60. A forefoot region 42 is defined by foot supporting surface 24, toe end 16 and a portion of ground contacting surface 28. Forefoot region 42 may connect with lower heel region 38 lm~lernf?~th instep region 40.
These regions may be comI-ri~e~l of m~t~ri~l having a similar density, or they may be comprised of m~1eri~l~ having varying density and compressibility.
If m~t~ri~l~ having varying density and compressibility are used, it is possible to provide cushioning to particular areas of the foot and to provide support to others.
One example of such would be to make upper heel region 36 of a material having a low density to provide cushioning for the heel during heel strike, e.g., a material having a shore C hardness of approximately 30 durometer. Similarly, lower heel region 38 may be c~-mpri~e~l of a more dense m~tf ri~l to support the heel during heel strike, e.g., one having a shore C hardness of ~ro~ ately 50 durometer.
lS Instep region 40 may be comprised of a less dense material, similar to the m~t~ri~l used in upper heel region 36, thereby allowing arch support surface 58 to deflect when pressure from the foot is applied to insert 44. Forefoot region 42 may be compri~e~l of a more dense m~t~ri~l, similar to that forming heel region 38, to provide overall support to the foot.
In an alternate embodiment, instep region 40 could be void of m~t~ri,~l In this in~f~nrc, the m~t~ri:~l of the insert itself would provide the n~ce~s~ryre~i~t~nre to the insert. This would also make sole body 12 lighter, and would allow greater flexing of insert 44. Furthermore, elastomeric material may be provided along foot supporting surface 24.
In the ~l~fell~d embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 12-18, insert 44 comprises a leaf spring which is completely disposed within a ~ul~ lly hollow cavity 76 formed within sole body 12. Referring to Figures 12-13 and 16-18, cavity 76 is defined by sidewalls 92 and 93, front wall 95, rear wall 97, and insert support surface 100. Insert support surface 100 includes a fulcrum support surface 102. Insert 44 is retained within cavity 76 by walls 92, W 096/38062 PCTrUS~G/CC45 93, 95 and 97 and insert support surface 100. Cavity 76 is shaped complementary to the shape of insert 44. Insert 44 rests upon the bottom surface of cavity 76, and the bottom 98 of insert 44 has a profile similar to that of insert support surface 100. Insert 44 only partially fills cavity 76. In this regard, referring to Figures 12, 13, insert 44 rests upon insert support surface 100, resulting in an open space or void 108 within cavity 76. In addition, as shown in Figure 18, sidewalls 92 and 93 may be angled in order to better contain insert 44 within cavity 76, and form a larger notch area 82 (discussed below).
Referring particularly to Figures 16-18, both cavity 76 and insert 44 traverse only a portion of the width of sole body 12, and do not extend the fullwidth of sole body 12 from medial side 18 to lateral side 20. It is preferred that sole body 12 beneath insert support surface 100, and particularly beneath fulcrum support surface 102, be relatively thin in order that insert 44 be in close contact with the ground or other support surface during use. Moreover, referring to Figures 12-13 and 17-18, sole body 12 includes a depressed heel area 104 adjacent fulcrum support surface 102. Depressed heel area 104 may be formed integrally with sole body 12, or may be a separate elastomeric piece secured to sole body 12. During heel strike, localized impact forces are placed upon depressed heel area 104, enh~ncing the energy return characteristics of insert 44.
A plate 78 covers the top of and further defines cavity 76. Plate 78 may comprise part of an outsole, midsole, insole or sockliner, or, as shown in Figures 12, 13 and 20, may be a separate element disposed within or above sole body 12. In the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, plate 78 rests upon cavity 76 by way of ends 80 which fit within or rest upon complement~ry notches 82 in sole body 12. The bottom 84 of plate 78 includes a forward protrusion 86, a center section 88, and a rear protrusion 90. During the gait cycle, rear protrusion 90 engages heel lever 52 during heel strike. As the body weight shifts fol ~.lly, center section 88 engages arch support surface 58. Toward the end of the gait cycle (i.e., toe-off), r~ ~d plol~ ion 86 engages arch decline surface 60 adjacent forward end 62 of insert 44. Plate 78 may be formed of plastic, or any CA 0222l804 l997-ll-2l W 096/38062 PCTrUS96/06459 suitably rigid material which will prevent the foot from "collapsing" into cavity 76. In this regard, plate 78 may act as a moderator of the impact forces of footstrike, and help control the flexing of insert 44. Plate 78 also controls the migration of the insert 44 within sole body 12.
S The preferred embodiment of insert 44 is shown in Figures 14 and 15.Instead of fingers, insert 44 inrl~l(le,c a semi-circular in~l~ntz~tion 106 formed with heel level 52 ~ cçnt heel t~-rrninu~ 50. Rear protrusion 90 of plate 78 is shaped complt~m~nt~ry to indentation 106, and engages and mates with in~lent~tion 106 during heel strike.
In operation of the present invention, the foot first contacts the ground during heel strike and all of the weight of the body is supported by the heel of the foot. Therefore, significant pressure is applied to the heel region of sole body 12 (including depressed heel area 104) causing the m~t~ri~l forming sole body 12 tocompress. Compression of the m~t~ri~l is restrained by heel lever 52, which is ~u~o,~d at fulcrum 54, and heel incline surface 56. Energy from heel-strike is absorbed along heel lever 52 and is returned to the heel of the foot during heellift-off. Energy from heel-strike is also absorbed by heel incline surface 56 causing heel incline surface 56 to move forward and flatten. This energy is returned to the arch of the foot during heel lift-off.
Before heel lift-off, as the weight of the body begins shifting toward the metatarsal bones, pressure on the heel region of sole body 12iS shifted toward heel incline surface 56, which fur~er forces heel incline surface 56 toward toe end 16 of sole body 12. This force causes arch support surface 58 to further deflect, as does the longitudinal arch of the foot. Ideally, the deflection of arch support surface 58 should be identical to the deflection experienced by the longitll~lin~l arch ofthe foot, i.e., arch support surface should flatten in the range of approxims.tely 14 millim~ter~, and should lengthen approximately 4 millim.oter.~.
As the weight of the body continues to be shifted from heel end 14 towards toe end 16, arch support surface 58 continues to flatten until it reaches CA 0222l804 l997-ll-2l W 096/38062 PCTrUS96/06459 its maximum deflection. At heel lift-off, when heel end 14 of shoe 10 leaves theground, heel lever 52 biases toward its original non-compressed state, thereby retnrning the energy stored from heel-strike to the foot. At toe-off, when toe end 16 leaves the ground, arch support surface 58 begins to rise and shorten back toS its original non-flexed configuration, thereby retllrning energy stored during heel-strike to the arch of the foot. Shoe 10 is then ready for the next heel-strike.
Hence, the present invention provides an insert for a foot support which cushions the foot, and aids in foot propulsion by responding to body weight shifting in the same manner as the inner longitudinal arch of a human foot.
The foregoing description ofthe preferred embodiment has been ~lt;sell~d for purposes of illustration and description. It is not int~n(led to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications are possible in light of the above t~chings For example, insert 44may be flipped over or turned "upside down," such that heel support 48 cl~mrriees an inverted V-shape. In addition, instead of an elongated insert 44 çxtentling forwardly to beneath either the metatarsal bones or the toe bones of the foot, ashortened plate which termin~tes leal~v~dly of these areas may be employed.
Figures 19 and 20 disclose such an embodiment. Similar to the embodiment disclosed in Figures 12-18, insert 44 of Figures 19 and 20 is disposed within cavity 76. Insert 44 includes a V-shaped heel support, shown generally at 48. V-shaped heel support 48 includes heel terminns 50, fulcrum 54 and a fol~v~ud terminus 51, and is defined by heel lever 52 and heel incline surface 56, which form a recess 55. Unlike r~lw~u-l end 62 of arch support surface 58, fol~,v~u.l terminnc 51 is not disposed beneath the mt?t~t~re~l bones of the foot. Rather, fc,l ~v~ud 1,~. ., .i. .l .e 51 is disposed adjacent the region where the heel merges with the longitudinal arch of the foot. The foregoing construction results in an "abbre~iated" version of insert 44, which nonethelese stores and returns energy.Further, because fewer m~t~ri~l s are needed to construct the insert of Figures 19 and 20, it is less expensive to m~mlf~ re than the "elnng~te~l" embodiment previously described.
W 096/38062 PCTrUS9G/OC1 As shown in Figure 20, Plate 78 covers cavity 76. Plate 78 of Figure 20 does not include forward protrusion 86 and rear protrusion 90, as protrusions 86and 90 are optional to the present invention.
It should be understood that the foregoing disclosure relates only to presently preferred embodiments, and that it is int~n~1ecl to cover all changes and modifications of the invention herein chosen for the purpose of the disclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims.
Background of the Invenfion One of the major concerns of the footwear industry is constructing shoes which are comfortable. After all, if a shoe is uncomfortable, the purchaser will be unable to wear the shoe and the reputation of the m~nllf~cturer will be t~rni~hed.
In order to design a comfortable shoe, it is necessary that the shoe designer take into consideration the structure of the foot and the functio~ of particular elements of that structure.
The human foot has to combine the two functions of: ( 1 ) supporting the weight of the body while keeping it properly balanced, and (2) propelling the body fol w~d. One element of the foot which is particularly useful in combining the above functions is the lon~ih~ n:~l arch. Ul folLullately, the longitudinal arch has largely been ignored by shoe designers.
Referring to Figure 1, the longitudinal arch A, which is useful for both shock absorption and propulsion, extends from the calcaneum C or heel bone to the heads ofthe met~t~rs~l bones M ofthe foot. When st~nt1in~, the weight ofthe body is borne by areas of the foot other than the longitudinal arch, causing the CA 0222l804 l997-ll-2l W 096/38062 PCTrUS~G/OC15 longitudinal arch to extend longitudinally, becoming longer and lower to the ground.
During ~,valking, the entire body weight is taken by each foot in turn and is transferred from heel to toe as the center of gravity of the body moves in S relation to the ground. The first part of the foot to contact the ground is the heel, and the term used to describe this stage of foot propulsion is "heel strike." The calf muscles then lower the rem~in~ler of the foot down in relation to the leg.
During the body weight shifting stages of foot propulsion following heel strike,the longitudinal arch acts as a rubber band. That is, it goes through a series of dimensional changes which are both tiring and stressful to the foot.
First, the foot is lengthened, causing the inner longitudinal arch to lengthen and flatten. As the body weight continues to be transferred toward the metatarsal bones, and the muscles of the foot contract, the inner l~ngitll~lin~l arch is raised and shortened. This stage is commonly termed "heel lift-off." In the final stage of propulsion, commonly termed "toe-off," the inner longitudinal arch is then used as a lever to lift the body at the joint of the big toe and propel the foot forvrard.
Heretofore, various devices have been proposed which are designed to assist the dimensional changes of the inner longitudinal arch during propulsion and to relieve fatigue of the foot. One example of such a device is disclosed inU.S. Patent No. 634,588 to Roche, which describes an arch support for a shoe.
The support comprises a spring plate which is placed upon the insole of the shoe.
The plate is curved to conform to the arch of the foot. One end of the plate is h~ to the shoe at the heel end. The other end of the plate is freely moveable.
When ~le~ from the foot is applied to and released from the spring, as during walking, the free end of the spring moves along the length of the insole and thespring is allowed to flatten and raise respectively.
While the device of the Roche patent may provide a yielding support for the arch and a portion of the heel of the foot, it suffers from several disadvantages which are overcome by the present invention. For example, the spring of the W 096/38062 PCTrUS~610C~5 Roche patent does not begin to flatten until the forefoot has contacted the ground and the body weight has shifted. Therefore, the arch support provided by the Roche spring is not effectuated until the body weight is already positioned overthe spring. The arch support of the present invention begins to flatten at heel S strike, before the forefoot contacts the ground thereby, providing spring to the foot. Hence, as the longitudinal arch lends spring to the foot so does the arch support of the present invention.
Furthermore, the Roche spring is used in combination with a non-yielding shoe sole which may cause the foot to experience shock when it contacts the ground. In contrast the arch support of the present invention may be used in combination with a yielding shoe sole and therefore, provides added cushioning for the foot. Moreover, in the Roche patent there is no provision of a heel lever which absorbs energy from heel-strike and returns energy to the heel during heellift-off. Hence, much of the energy generated during heel-strike is lost.
Therefore, the need exists for an arch support which responds to body weight shifting in the same manner as the longitudinal arch of a human foot, i.e., one which begins deflection as soon as body weight transfer has begun. Also, theneed exists for an arch support which is provided in combination with a yieldingshoe sole so that the shock associated with ground contact is eliminz1tP~l Further-more, the need exists for a heel support which cushions the heel and which absorbs energy from heel-strike and returns that energy to the heel at heel lift-off.
Summary of the Invention The present invention compri.~.?s an insert for an article of footwear. The insert includes a heel support which absorbs shock from the foot and returns energy during the gait cycle. The insert may have an arch support which generally follows the lon~ rlin~l arch of the foot. The arch support flattens inresponse to ~ lllC from the foot. The insert may be placed in a cavity formed W 096/38062 PCT~US96/06459 within a sole body of an article of footwear. A plate comprising a moderator may be disposed above the insert.
Brief Description of ~he Figures The foregoing and o~er objects and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description of the present invention, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a foot skeleton;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a shoe for the right foot incorporating one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a rear view of the shoe of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the insert of Figure 2 taken from the front of the insert;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the insert of Figure 2 taken from the rear ofthe insert;
Figure 6 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the insert of the present invention for incorporation within a shoe for the left foot;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 6;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in Figure 6;
Figure 10 is a rear view of the insert of Figure 6;
Figure 11 is a rear view of an zllt~ te embodiment of the insert of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a side elevational view of a cross-section of a shoe sole incorporating the present invention;
Figure 13 is a side elevational view of a cross-section of a shoe sole incorporating the present invention;
W096/38062 PCTrUS96/06459 Figure 14 is a top plan view of anotller embodiment of the insert of the present invention for incorporation within a shoe for the right foot;
Figure 15 is a rear view of the insert of Figure 14;
Figure 16 is top plan view of the shoe sole of Figures 12 and 13;
S Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the sole taken along line 17-17 in Figure 16;
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the shoe sole of the present invention;
Figure 19 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of the insert of the present invention; and Figure 20 is a side elevational view of a cross-section of a shoe sole incorporating the insert embodiment of Figure 19.
De~i~e~l Descripfion of ~he Preferred Embodimenfs Referring now to the drawings, in which similar reference numerals have been used to refer to similar elements, and in particular to Figure 2, a shoe incorporating one embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 10.
A variety of shoe structures are capable of incorporating the principles of the present invention. However, it is plerellcd that the shoe include a sole body, shown generally at 12. While an upper 13 has been shown ~ r.h~l to sole body 12, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the upper structure which has been shown. Furthermore, while Figures 2 and 3 show a shoe for the right foot, it should be understood that the shoe incorporating the principles ofthe present invention for the left foot would be a mirror image ofthe shoe which is shown.
- Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the arch propulsion system of the present invention. The arch propulsion system comprises insert 44 which is disposed within sole body 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, arch support surface 58 of insert 44 may extend above the last line of shoe 10, i.e., the W096/38062 PCT~US96106459 line at which upper 13 is joined to sole body 12. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, sole body 12 is defined by a heel end 14, a toe end 16, medial side 18, and lateral side 20. Sole body 12 may comprise an outsole. a midsole, an insole, or any combination thereof. Sole body 12 has a thickness which is defined by a foot supporting or top surface 24 and a ground cont~cting or bottom surface 26.
Although not shown, a separate outsole layer may be provided on ground contacting surface 26.
Ground cont~rting surface 26 is shown in Figure 2 as having a rocker bottom 28, i.e., a semi-circular area lm~lerne~th the arch which provides a mound upon which the foot rolls when walking. Rocker bottom 28 may be disposed beneath the ball or metatarsal bones of the foot, or any other area of ground contacting surface 26. Rocker bottom 28 is not ç~.~enti~l to the present invention, however, and therefore a shoe embodying the principles of the present invention could very well have a flat sole. In addition, although not necec.~ry, medial side 18, as shown in Figure 3, may flare outwardly from sole body 12 to help prevent heel pronation. Lateral side 20 may also flare outwardly for improved stability.Furthermore, although not necessary, angled walls 21, 23 and 25 may be formed within sole body 12 adjacent the bottom of heel end 14, medial side 18 and lateral side 20 of sole body 12, respectively, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Angled walls21, 23 and 25 result in a sole body construction wherein insert 44 is disposed closer to ground cont~eting surface 26, and the impact forces on sole body 12 during heel strike are localized u~on insert 44. The localized and increased impact forces upon insert 44 may enhance the flexibility and hence the energy return char~cteri~tics of insert 44.
As shown in Figure 3, insert 44 may extend the full width of sole body 12 from medial side 18 to lateral side 20. However, it is ~le~ellèd that insert 44 only traverse a portion of the width of sole body 12 (see e.g, Figures 16-18). If desired, heel end 14, toe end 16, medial side 18, lateral side 20, top surface 24 and/or bottom surface 26 of sole body 12 may include a "window" or similar see-W096/38062 PCT~US96/06459 through construction, in order to make insert 44 of the present invention visible from the exterior of shoe 10.
With continuing reference to the embodiment of Figures 2-5, insert 44 comprises a leaf spring comprising an arch support, shown generally at 46, and a V-shaped heel support, shown generally at 48. V-shaped heel support 48 is defined by a heel lever 52 and heel incline surface 56, which form a recess 55.
V-shaped heel support 48 has a heel terrninn~ 50 and a fulcrum 54. Fulcrum 54 is disposed at the junction of heel incline surface 56 and heel level 52. Fulcrum 54 supports heel support 48, which absorbs energy from the foot during heel strike. Heel incline surface 56 receives pressure from the heel during heel strike, causing it to deflect. These and other aspects of the present invention are described in greater detail below.
Arch support 46 is defined by a forward end 62, an arch decline surface 60, an arch support surface 58, and a bottom surface 98. Arch support surface 58is arcuate, and preferably generally follows the curvature of the longit l-linz~l arch of a human foot. Fulcrum 54 lies in a plane lower than arch support surface 58 when insert 44 is in use. Arch support surface 58 deflects or flexes, i.e., lengthens and flzltten.~, when pressure is applied to heel incline surface 56 and to arch support surface 58 itself. Similarly, arch support surface 58 rises, i.e., shortens and curves, when pressure is relieved from arch support surface 58. This allows arch support surface 58 to respond to body weight shifting in the same manner as the longitudinal arch of the hurnan foot, and thereby assist the foot during propulsion.
As shown in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, a medial taper 64 and a lateral taper 66 may be provided where arch decline surface 60 meets fc l vv~.l end 62. Through holes 68 may be provided along angled wall 52, heel incline surface 56, or any other portion of insert 44. Through holes 68 reduce the stiffne~.s and the weight of insert 44. Also, if insert 44 is enf ~ps~ te~l within sole body 12 by molding, through holes 68 allow migr~tic)n of m~tf,ri~l in order to achieve better adherence b~Lw~en sole body 12 and insert 44.
-W096/38062 PCTrUS~G/OG
Figures 6- 10 show an alternate embodiment of the insert of the present invention. Although insert 44 of Figures 6- 10 is for incorporation within a shoe for the left foot, an insert for use in a shoe for the right foot would be a mirror image of the insert which is shown. Referring to Figure 6, insert 44 is slightlycurved along its medial side 94 and lateral side 96, in order to more closely follow the outline of the human foot. Referring to Figure 9, heel incline surface 56 forms an angle G with the horizontal axis I of fulcrum 54, which may equal approximately 42~. Similarly, heel lever 52 forms an angle H with horizontal axis I of fulcrum 54, which may equal approximately 30~.
As best shown in Figures 6 and 10, heel lever 52 may be divided by a cut-out 70 into two or more fingers 72, 74, and thereby have a substantially forked appearance. Fingers 72, 74 help reduce the weight and stiffness of insert 44, improve the flexibility of insert 44, and assist with rearfoot control. Whether insert 44 includes fingers 72, 74 (Figure 10) or does not include fingers (Figure 11), heel lever 52 may be disposed at an angle to the vertical axis E of insert 44, such that the surface area of fulcrum 54 is increased. For example, referring toFigure 6, lines E and F form an angle D which may equal approximately 15 ~, and the area between dotted lines E and F comprises fulcrum 54. Comparing the embodiment of Figures 6- 10 to that of Figures 2-5 (and particularly Figure 9 toFigure 2) fulcrum 54 of Figure 9 has a larger surface area disposed along holi~ont~l axis I than does fulcrum 54 of Figure 2.
As previously described, arch support surface 58 of insert 44 generally follows the longitudinal ~;ulv~ e of the arch of the foot. In addition, arch support 46 may also include a lateral curvature ~t~n~lin~ between medial side 94and lateral side 96 of insert44. The embodiment of Figures 6-10 discloses such a "compound curvature" construction. As shown in these figures, the degree of lateral curvature of arch support 46 increases as one moves from arch support surface 58 toward forward end 62 of insert 44. If insert 44 includes a lateral curvature, insert 44 may be constructed such that arch support surface 58 generally follows the lateral curvature of the arch of the foot.
W 096/38062 PCTrUS~G/OC459 g Insert 44 may be comprised of any suitable material which is flexible enough to deflect, yet stiff enough to avoid collapse when pressure from the foot is applied thereto. Furthermore, the deflection and stiffness characteristics ofinsert 44 will vary depending on the particular end use of the shoe in which insert 44 is incol~,ol~l~d. For example, when insert 44 is used in a running shoe, it may be necessary to increase the stiffnes~ of the insert over that used in a shoe inten-le~l for walking.
Insert 44 is preferably formed of carbon-fiber composite. A woven graphite m~t~ri~l, such as a carbon-glass weave, may be used. An epoxy resin may be poured over at least one surface of the weave. If a carbon-glass weave isused, the carbon material of insert 44 preferably runs in the anterior-posteriordirection, while the glass is oriented in the medial-lateral direction. Two suitable composites for forming insert 44 are m~nllf~rt~lred by Hexcel Corporation and BioMechanical Composites under product numbers XC1289 and TW1000, respectively. Other materials for use in making insert 44 include a carbon/aramid (KEVLAR)/glass composite, or an injection molded plastic polymer or composite. Examples of the latter m~t~ri~l include Nylon 6,6 which may be fiberglass reinforced and sold under the tr~lenn~rk ZYTEL by E.I. Dupont de Nemours, Wilmington, Delaware. Other suitable materials include DELRIN and ARYLON. Suitable coatings includepolypropelene, PELLETHANE (available from Dow Chemical Co.) or NUCREL (a resin available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours).
Sole body 12 may be made of any suitable flexible, el~tcmeric m~t~ri~l which is capable of withct~n~lin~ the friction generated when shoe 10 contacts the ground. The ~ere~ed m~tcri~l for sole body 12 is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
Molded polyurethane (PU) is another possible m~ten~l Sole body 12 may be separated by insert 44 into several regions. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, an upper heel region 36 is defined by recess 55.
A lower heel region 3 8 is defined by the area of the sole body 12 between heel lever 52, fulcrum 54, heel end 14 and a portion of ground contacting surface 26.
W 096/38062 PCTrUS96/06459 An instep region 40, shown in dotted outline in Figure 2, is defined in part by heel incline surface 56, arch support surface 58, and a portion of arch decline surface 60. A forefoot region 42 is defined by foot supporting surface 24, toe end 16 and a portion of ground contacting surface 28. Forefoot region 42 may connect with lower heel region 38 lm~lernf?~th instep region 40.
These regions may be comI-ri~e~l of m~t~ri~l having a similar density, or they may be comprised of m~1eri~l~ having varying density and compressibility.
If m~t~ri~l~ having varying density and compressibility are used, it is possible to provide cushioning to particular areas of the foot and to provide support to others.
One example of such would be to make upper heel region 36 of a material having a low density to provide cushioning for the heel during heel strike, e.g., a material having a shore C hardness of approximately 30 durometer. Similarly, lower heel region 38 may be c~-mpri~e~l of a more dense m~tf ri~l to support the heel during heel strike, e.g., one having a shore C hardness of ~ro~ ately 50 durometer.
lS Instep region 40 may be comprised of a less dense material, similar to the m~t~ri~l used in upper heel region 36, thereby allowing arch support surface 58 to deflect when pressure from the foot is applied to insert 44. Forefoot region 42 may be compri~e~l of a more dense m~t~ri~l, similar to that forming heel region 38, to provide overall support to the foot.
In an alternate embodiment, instep region 40 could be void of m~t~ri,~l In this in~f~nrc, the m~t~ri:~l of the insert itself would provide the n~ce~s~ryre~i~t~nre to the insert. This would also make sole body 12 lighter, and would allow greater flexing of insert 44. Furthermore, elastomeric material may be provided along foot supporting surface 24.
In the ~l~fell~d embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 12-18, insert 44 comprises a leaf spring which is completely disposed within a ~ul~ lly hollow cavity 76 formed within sole body 12. Referring to Figures 12-13 and 16-18, cavity 76 is defined by sidewalls 92 and 93, front wall 95, rear wall 97, and insert support surface 100. Insert support surface 100 includes a fulcrum support surface 102. Insert 44 is retained within cavity 76 by walls 92, W 096/38062 PCTrUS~G/CC45 93, 95 and 97 and insert support surface 100. Cavity 76 is shaped complementary to the shape of insert 44. Insert 44 rests upon the bottom surface of cavity 76, and the bottom 98 of insert 44 has a profile similar to that of insert support surface 100. Insert 44 only partially fills cavity 76. In this regard, referring to Figures 12, 13, insert 44 rests upon insert support surface 100, resulting in an open space or void 108 within cavity 76. In addition, as shown in Figure 18, sidewalls 92 and 93 may be angled in order to better contain insert 44 within cavity 76, and form a larger notch area 82 (discussed below).
Referring particularly to Figures 16-18, both cavity 76 and insert 44 traverse only a portion of the width of sole body 12, and do not extend the fullwidth of sole body 12 from medial side 18 to lateral side 20. It is preferred that sole body 12 beneath insert support surface 100, and particularly beneath fulcrum support surface 102, be relatively thin in order that insert 44 be in close contact with the ground or other support surface during use. Moreover, referring to Figures 12-13 and 17-18, sole body 12 includes a depressed heel area 104 adjacent fulcrum support surface 102. Depressed heel area 104 may be formed integrally with sole body 12, or may be a separate elastomeric piece secured to sole body 12. During heel strike, localized impact forces are placed upon depressed heel area 104, enh~ncing the energy return characteristics of insert 44.
A plate 78 covers the top of and further defines cavity 76. Plate 78 may comprise part of an outsole, midsole, insole or sockliner, or, as shown in Figures 12, 13 and 20, may be a separate element disposed within or above sole body 12. In the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, plate 78 rests upon cavity 76 by way of ends 80 which fit within or rest upon complement~ry notches 82 in sole body 12. The bottom 84 of plate 78 includes a forward protrusion 86, a center section 88, and a rear protrusion 90. During the gait cycle, rear protrusion 90 engages heel lever 52 during heel strike. As the body weight shifts fol ~.lly, center section 88 engages arch support surface 58. Toward the end of the gait cycle (i.e., toe-off), r~ ~d plol~ ion 86 engages arch decline surface 60 adjacent forward end 62 of insert 44. Plate 78 may be formed of plastic, or any CA 0222l804 l997-ll-2l W 096/38062 PCTrUS96/06459 suitably rigid material which will prevent the foot from "collapsing" into cavity 76. In this regard, plate 78 may act as a moderator of the impact forces of footstrike, and help control the flexing of insert 44. Plate 78 also controls the migration of the insert 44 within sole body 12.
S The preferred embodiment of insert 44 is shown in Figures 14 and 15.Instead of fingers, insert 44 inrl~l(le,c a semi-circular in~l~ntz~tion 106 formed with heel level 52 ~ cçnt heel t~-rrninu~ 50. Rear protrusion 90 of plate 78 is shaped complt~m~nt~ry to indentation 106, and engages and mates with in~lent~tion 106 during heel strike.
In operation of the present invention, the foot first contacts the ground during heel strike and all of the weight of the body is supported by the heel of the foot. Therefore, significant pressure is applied to the heel region of sole body 12 (including depressed heel area 104) causing the m~t~ri~l forming sole body 12 tocompress. Compression of the m~t~ri~l is restrained by heel lever 52, which is ~u~o,~d at fulcrum 54, and heel incline surface 56. Energy from heel-strike is absorbed along heel lever 52 and is returned to the heel of the foot during heellift-off. Energy from heel-strike is also absorbed by heel incline surface 56 causing heel incline surface 56 to move forward and flatten. This energy is returned to the arch of the foot during heel lift-off.
Before heel lift-off, as the weight of the body begins shifting toward the metatarsal bones, pressure on the heel region of sole body 12iS shifted toward heel incline surface 56, which fur~er forces heel incline surface 56 toward toe end 16 of sole body 12. This force causes arch support surface 58 to further deflect, as does the longitudinal arch of the foot. Ideally, the deflection of arch support surface 58 should be identical to the deflection experienced by the longitll~lin~l arch ofthe foot, i.e., arch support surface should flatten in the range of approxims.tely 14 millim~ter~, and should lengthen approximately 4 millim.oter.~.
As the weight of the body continues to be shifted from heel end 14 towards toe end 16, arch support surface 58 continues to flatten until it reaches CA 0222l804 l997-ll-2l W 096/38062 PCTrUS96/06459 its maximum deflection. At heel lift-off, when heel end 14 of shoe 10 leaves theground, heel lever 52 biases toward its original non-compressed state, thereby retnrning the energy stored from heel-strike to the foot. At toe-off, when toe end 16 leaves the ground, arch support surface 58 begins to rise and shorten back toS its original non-flexed configuration, thereby retllrning energy stored during heel-strike to the arch of the foot. Shoe 10 is then ready for the next heel-strike.
Hence, the present invention provides an insert for a foot support which cushions the foot, and aids in foot propulsion by responding to body weight shifting in the same manner as the inner longitudinal arch of a human foot.
The foregoing description ofthe preferred embodiment has been ~lt;sell~d for purposes of illustration and description. It is not int~n(led to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications are possible in light of the above t~chings For example, insert 44may be flipped over or turned "upside down," such that heel support 48 cl~mrriees an inverted V-shape. In addition, instead of an elongated insert 44 çxtentling forwardly to beneath either the metatarsal bones or the toe bones of the foot, ashortened plate which termin~tes leal~v~dly of these areas may be employed.
Figures 19 and 20 disclose such an embodiment. Similar to the embodiment disclosed in Figures 12-18, insert 44 of Figures 19 and 20 is disposed within cavity 76. Insert 44 includes a V-shaped heel support, shown generally at 48. V-shaped heel support 48 includes heel terminns 50, fulcrum 54 and a fol~v~ud terminus 51, and is defined by heel lever 52 and heel incline surface 56, which form a recess 55. Unlike r~lw~u-l end 62 of arch support surface 58, fol~,v~u.l terminnc 51 is not disposed beneath the mt?t~t~re~l bones of the foot. Rather, fc,l ~v~ud 1,~. ., .i. .l .e 51 is disposed adjacent the region where the heel merges with the longitudinal arch of the foot. The foregoing construction results in an "abbre~iated" version of insert 44, which nonethelese stores and returns energy.Further, because fewer m~t~ri~l s are needed to construct the insert of Figures 19 and 20, it is less expensive to m~mlf~ re than the "elnng~te~l" embodiment previously described.
W 096/38062 PCTrUS9G/OC1 As shown in Figure 20, Plate 78 covers cavity 76. Plate 78 of Figure 20 does not include forward protrusion 86 and rear protrusion 90, as protrusions 86and 90 are optional to the present invention.
It should be understood that the foregoing disclosure relates only to presently preferred embodiments, and that it is int~n~1ecl to cover all changes and modifications of the invention herein chosen for the purpose of the disclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A foot support comprising:
a sole body having a toe end, a medial side, a lateral side, and a heel end;
a substantially hollow cavity formed within said sole body, said cavity defined by two sidewalls, a front wall, a rear wall and an insert supportsurface; and a flexible insert disposed within and partially filling said cavity which responds to body weight shifting of the wearer in the same manner as the longitudinal arch of the foot of said wearer, said insert including (a) a forward end, a heel terminus, a lateral side and a medial side;
(b) a bottom surface shaped correspondingly to said insert support surface;
(c) a generally arcuate arch support surface which follows the contour of the longitudinal arch of the foot, disposed between said forward end and said heel terminus of said insert;
(d) a heel lever disposed between said arch support surface and said heel terminus at an angle to said arch support surface; and (e) a heel incline surface disposed between said heel lever and said arch support surface, wherein said heel incline surface and said heel leverdefine a substantially V-shaped heel support including a fulcrum at the junctionof said heel incline surface and said heel lever which supports said heel support;
wherein said heel support absorbs energy from the impact of the foot of a user during heel strike and returns said stored energy to the foot of a user upon heel lift off.
a sole body having a toe end, a medial side, a lateral side, and a heel end;
a substantially hollow cavity formed within said sole body, said cavity defined by two sidewalls, a front wall, a rear wall and an insert supportsurface; and a flexible insert disposed within and partially filling said cavity which responds to body weight shifting of the wearer in the same manner as the longitudinal arch of the foot of said wearer, said insert including (a) a forward end, a heel terminus, a lateral side and a medial side;
(b) a bottom surface shaped correspondingly to said insert support surface;
(c) a generally arcuate arch support surface which follows the contour of the longitudinal arch of the foot, disposed between said forward end and said heel terminus of said insert;
(d) a heel lever disposed between said arch support surface and said heel terminus at an angle to said arch support surface; and (e) a heel incline surface disposed between said heel lever and said arch support surface, wherein said heel incline surface and said heel leverdefine a substantially V-shaped heel support including a fulcrum at the junctionof said heel incline surface and said heel lever which supports said heel support;
wherein said heel support absorbs energy from the impact of the foot of a user during heel strike and returns said stored energy to the foot of a user upon heel lift off.
2. The foot support of claim 1, wherein said insert is disposed on said insert support surface of said cavity.
3. The foot support of claim 1, further comprising a depressed heel area disposed adjacent said heel end of said sole body beneath said cavity.
4. The foot support of claim 1, wherein said sole body is formed of an elastomeric material.
5. The foot support of claim 4, wherein said elastomeric material comprises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
6. The foot support of claim 1, wherein said insert is formed of a carbon-fiber composite.
7. The foot support of claim 6, wherein said carbon-fiber composite comprises carbon and glass.
8. The foot support of claim 1, further comprising a plate having a bottom disposed above said cavity.
9. The foot support of claim 8, wherein said plate is formed of plastic.
10. The foot support of claim 8, further comprising:
an indentation formed within said heel lever adjacent said heel terminus; and a protrusion disposed on said plate bottom, wherein said protrusion engages said indentation during heel strike.
an indentation formed within said heel lever adjacent said heel terminus; and a protrusion disposed on said plate bottom, wherein said protrusion engages said indentation during heel strike.
11. The foot support of claim 1, wherein said sole body comprises a midsole.
12. The foot support of claim 1, further comprising fingers formed within said heel lever.
13. The foot support of claim 1, further comprising through holes formed within said insert.
14. The foot support of claim 1, further comprising a lateral curvature formed within said arch support surface and extending between said lateral side and said medial side of said insert.
15. The foot support of claim 1, wherein a portion of said insert is encapsulated within an elastomeric material.
16. A foot support comprising:
a sole body including a forward end and a heel end;
a substantially hollow cavity formed within said sole body, said cavity defined by two sidewalls, a front wall, a rear wall and an insert supportsurface; and a flexible insert disposed within and partially filling said cavity, said insert including (a) a forward end, a heel terminus, a lateral side and a medial side;
(b) a bottom surface shaped correspondingly to said insert support surface; and (c) a heel lever and a heel incline surface, wherein said heel lever and said heel incline surface define a substantially V-shaped heel supportincluding a fulcrum at the junction of said heel incline surface and said heel lever which supports said heel support;
wherein said heel support absorbs energy from the impact of the foot of a user during heel strike and returns said stored energy to the foot of a user upon heel lift off.
a sole body including a forward end and a heel end;
a substantially hollow cavity formed within said sole body, said cavity defined by two sidewalls, a front wall, a rear wall and an insert supportsurface; and a flexible insert disposed within and partially filling said cavity, said insert including (a) a forward end, a heel terminus, a lateral side and a medial side;
(b) a bottom surface shaped correspondingly to said insert support surface; and (c) a heel lever and a heel incline surface, wherein said heel lever and said heel incline surface define a substantially V-shaped heel supportincluding a fulcrum at the junction of said heel incline surface and said heel lever which supports said heel support;
wherein said heel support absorbs energy from the impact of the foot of a user during heel strike and returns said stored energy to the foot of a user upon heel lift off.
17. The foot support of claim 16, further comprising a moderator disposed above said cavity which moderates the impact forces on said insert uponheel strike.
18. The foot support of claim 16, wherein said forward end of said insert is disposed adjacent the region where the heel of the foot of a user merges with the longitudinal arch.
19. The foot support of claim 16, wherein said insert is formed of a carbon-fiber composite.
20. The foot support of claim 16, wherein said insert is formed of a fiberglass material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/450,670 | 1995-05-30 | ||
| US08/450,670 US5528842A (en) | 1989-02-08 | 1995-05-30 | Insert for a shoe sole |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2221804A1 true CA2221804A1 (en) | 1996-12-05 |
Family
ID=23789043
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002221804A Abandoned CA2221804A1 (en) | 1995-05-30 | 1996-05-07 | Insert for a shoe sole |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5528842A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0833576A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3795526B2 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU700229B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2221804A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996038062A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105901825A (en) * | 2013-06-11 | 2016-08-31 | 基恩瑞士公司 | Article Of Footwear, Elements Thereof, And Related Methods Of Manufacturing |
Families Citing this family (131)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5918384A (en) * | 1993-08-17 | 1999-07-06 | Akeva L.L.C. | Athletic shoe with improved sole |
| US5806210A (en) * | 1995-10-12 | 1998-09-15 | Akeva L.L.C. | Athletic shoe with improved heel structure |
| US5836094A (en) * | 1997-06-02 | 1998-11-17 | Figel; Nicholas H. | Bicycle shoe including unit body |
| EP0890322A1 (en) * | 1997-07-08 | 1999-01-13 | Dong-Hong Park | Shoe sole |
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- 1996-05-07 AU AU57324/96A patent/AU700229B2/en not_active Expired
- 1996-05-07 JP JP53649096A patent/JP3795526B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-05-07 WO PCT/US1996/006459 patent/WO1996038062A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105901825A (en) * | 2013-06-11 | 2016-08-31 | 基恩瑞士公司 | Article Of Footwear, Elements Thereof, And Related Methods Of Manufacturing |
| CN105901825B (en) * | 2013-06-11 | 2018-01-19 | 基恩瑞士公司 | The manufacture method of article of footwear, the element of article of footwear and correlation |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU700229B2 (en) | 1998-12-24 |
| JPH11506027A (en) | 1999-06-02 |
| US5528842A (en) | 1996-06-25 |
| EP0833576A1 (en) | 1998-04-08 |
| EP0833576A4 (en) | 1998-11-18 |
| WO1996038062A1 (en) | 1996-12-05 |
| JP3795526B2 (en) | 2006-07-12 |
| AU5732496A (en) | 1996-12-18 |
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