Shoe sole with compressible protruding element

Abstract

A footwear sole assembly with at least one compressible protruding element extending downwardly beyond the bottom surface of the outsole, the at least one protruding element providing a natural instability to a wearer when the sole assembly initially contacts a supporting surface. The at least one protruding element is a three-dimensional structure formed of a substantially solid elastomeric material. In another embodiment, the at least one protruding element may also protrude upwardly beyond the sole assembly in such a manner that the wearer's foot can apply pressure to the top portion of said at least one protruding element.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a footwear construction and, more particularly, to a footwear sole construction with one or more compressible protruding elements or elastomeric ball-shaped objects.Numerous attempts have been made over the years to incorporate into a shoe means for providing improved cushioning and resiliency to the shoe. These attempts have included using air cushioning systems such as air cavities or air bladders disposed within the sole of a shoe. However, the conventional cushioning systems only give wearers comfort by cushioning effect.On the other hand, physical exercise of the foot through ranges of motion and physical stretching have provided for many a modicum of relief. Manual manipulation of an elastomeric member, for example, a rubber ball or stress ball, has proven beneficial to some for muscle toning and / or relief of stress. Furthermore, the benefits of exercising or sitting on a resilient ball, for example, sitting on a fitness ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The protruding compressible elements of the present invention function as an exercise tool for promoting balance and muscle toning. The present invention promotes balance because when the protruding element first strikes the ground or other walking surface, the shape of the protruding element provides deflection of the user's foot and shoe to one side or the other, such deflection being suitable for short term instability. When the user's foot first comes into contact with the ground or the walking surface, contact is first made between the protruding element and the supporting surface. This impact causes the protruding elements to compress as a reaction to how a user's foot first lands on the supporting surface and creates a temporary instability. The user's body responds to this instability of the protruding compressible elements to remain balanced thereby engaging many more muscles to recover to a normal transition. This compression, deflection and recovery cycle is what creates the workout or exercise system to trim and tone certain muscles.

In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a shoe construction comprised of an arcuate-shaped protrusion projected downwardly beyond the bottom surface of the outsole toward the ground. The protrusion element is a three-dimensional, substantially solid structure formed of a suitable elastomeric material so as to create temporary instability to a wearer of the footwear and to allow the resilient material to be compressed. The protrusion element is physically exposed beyond the outsole.

In accordance with the present invention, the compressible protruding element first comes in contact with the ground or other supporting surface so as to create a natural temporary instability to the wearer's foot. The force of the ground contacting the protrusion and the force of the wearer's heel on the sole assembly and top surface of the protrusion causes the protrusion to be compressed. As the bottom component of the protrusion is compressed, the peripheral edges of the outsole around the protrusion come in contact with the ground so as to provide stability to the wearer's foot during subsequent movement.

Each protrusion element is a partially or substantially ball-shaped object made of any of a number of suitable resilient materials such as foam rubber or plastic. In use, the protrusion element provides a cushioning effect as well as natural instability. The sole assembly comprises at least one protrusion element formed on the bottom surface thereof, extending generally from the heel portion and / or forefoot portion of the outsole. The protrusion element can be designed to follow many geometric shapes, for example, spherical, oval, elliptical and so forth, that can be varied depending on the end use. The protrusion element formed on the bottom surface of the outsole provides the cushioning and deflection suitable for short term instability.

Problems solved by technology

This impact causes the protruding elements to compress as a reaction to how a user's foot first lands on the supporting surface and creates a temporary instability.

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