Reversed kinetic system for shoe sole

Abstract

A reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole includes a fluid chamber containing fluid and a fluid expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, wherein the fluid chamber and fluid expansion chamber are separated by an elastic spring including at least one valve providing fluid communication. Each valve preferably comprises an inlet bore through the elastic spring and a yieldable diaphragm having a valve bore, whereby foot pressure on the fluid chamber causes fluid to dissipate through the valve bore into the fluid expansion chamber, wherein the dissipation of fluid through the valve bore causes friction and absorbs energy. Removing the foot pressure creates a negative pressure gradient in the fluid expansion chamber causing the yieldable diaphragm to release and allowing fluid to flow back into the fluid chamber through the inlet bore.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority from co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 367,297, filed on Feb. 14, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed to a reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole. BACKGROUND [0003] Shoe soles having gas or gel chambers have been around for many years. These chambers are simple compression springs that suffer from the disadvantage of having no damping effect. Although compression springs are capable of delaying a force transfer, they still return any induced or loaded force without loss. In other words, compression springs have an elastic effect, but are incapable of absorbing energy. [0004] Accordingly, there exists a need for a shoe sole having a damping system capable of absorbing energy. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention alleviates to a great exten...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The present invention alleviates to a great extent the disadvantages of the known shoe soles by providing a shoe sole having a reversed kinetic system for absorbing shock energy generated during walking, running, jumping, etc. Shoes fitted with such a system provide superb shock absorption as well as excellent contact with the ground, similar to a foot in the sand.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for the sole of a shoe, including at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy and at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber surrounding the at least one energy absorber, wherein the at least one energy absorber includes a top wall and a bottom wall, wherein the top and bottom walls are tapered for improved force distribution under pressure.

Problems solved by technology

These chambers are simple compression springs that suffer from the disadvantage of having no damping effect.

In other words, compression springs have an elastic effect, but are incapable of absorbing energy.

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