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Cushioning system for footwear

a cushioning system and footwear technology, applied in footwear, clothing, applications, etc., can solve the problems of inability to vary the cushioning, less effective in the forefoot area, and discomfort and injury, and achieve the effects of low manufacturing cost, convenient and efficient manufacturing and marketing, and durable and reliable construction

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-05-24
PRINCE SPORTS LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The present invention provides a new and improved cushioning for footwear which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
[0019] The present invention provides a new and improved cushioning for footwear which is of durable and reliable construction.
[0020] The present invention provides a new and improved cushioning for footwear which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such footwear economically available to the buying public.
[0021] The present invention provides a footwear cushioning system that can provide specific stability means to various locations of the heel and forefoot areas.
[0023] Lastly, the present invention provides a new and improved cushioning for footwear made with numerous tubes and / or rods inserted between two portions of the midsole to provide desired cushioning and stability means in the heel and forefoot areas.

Problems solved by technology

Footwear cushioning is one of the most important features of an athletic shoe where constant striking of the foot to the ground can cause discomfort and injury.
This design is limited in that it cannot vary the cushioning to particular areas, and is less effective in the forefoot area where the midsole is of a minimal thickness.
This design is limited by the requirement of using these columnar support elements, which limit the direction of the cushioning and stability means to basically a vertical up and down action.
This design is again limited by the thickness of the sock liner, which traditionally is much thinner than the midsole of a shoe.

Method used

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  • Cushioning system for footwear
  • Cushioning system for footwear
  • Cushioning system for footwear

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0035] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 9 thereof, the preferred embodiments of footwear according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, will be described.

[0036] The present invention uses pre-molded hollow tubes whose function is to vary the amount of cushioning of the shoe. The tubes, being circular or oval in cross section, are preferably fabricated using resilient plastic or elastomeric materials, and act as arches or springs to absorb the force of impact. The amount of cushioning desired depends on the material, geometry, location, and orientation of each tube.

[0037] The material used for the tubes can vary the amount of cushioning achieved. For example, if a high degree of cushioning is desired, then the material should be an elastomeric grade material with a Shore A hardness of 30-50 such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane(TPU), or Thermoplastic Rubber(TPR), or Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). An example would b...

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PUM

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Abstract

A midsole for footwear includes at least one solid or hollow cushioning tube positioned therein for improving the cushioning of the midsole. Preferably, the midsole includes a plurality of cushioning tubes fabricated of an elastomeric material. The tubes may vary in diameter and / or wall thickness relative to one another for varying the cushioning and stability characteristics of the system. Each tube may also vary in diameter and / or wall thickness along its length.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a cushioning means for the midsole of an athletic shoe, and more particularly, where the design of the device can be altered in such a way as to provide different amounts of cushioning in different locations along the midsole of the shoe. [0003] This invention relates to an improved footwear cushioning system. In particular, it is made from tubular shaped inserts located within the midsole of the shoe, for example, in the forefoot and / or heel areas. These tubular inserts provide a variance in the cushioning and stability of the midsole, and can be altered in such a way to provide specific cushioning, or if desired, more stability in specific locations. [0004] Stability of an athletic shoe is very important in preventing the rolling over of the foot, called pronation or supination. The cushioning means should not jeopardize the stability of the shoe. With the present design, stability...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A43B13/18A43B13/20A43B13/12
CPCA43B13/20
Inventor WAKLEY, GARYLIN, JAMESGRAY, THOMASDAVIS, STEVE
Owner PRINCE SPORTS LLC
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