Resilient Shoe With Pivoting Sole

Abstract

An improved resilient shoe sole includes an outsole having a substantially inelastic side wall with a heel cavity. A substantially inelastic platform is located below the heel cavity, and a connector connects the platform with the side wall. The connector has a particular length and thickness to maintain the platform substantially below the sidewall when the shoe sole is not under a wearer's weight. When brought under forces of a wearer's weight, the connector bends and stretches as the spring compresses to allow the platform to deflect into the heel cavity. As weight is removed, the connector and spring cause the platform to deflect out of the heel cavity, biasing the platform below the side wall.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 642,642, entitled Resilient Sports Shoe, which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 804,803 entitled “improved Ventilated And Resilient Shoe Apparatus And System” filed May 21, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 889,725 entitled “Shoe with Resilient Heel” filed Feb. 13, 2007.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Preferred Embodiment[0003]This invention pertains generally to wearable articles for the feet, and more particularly to shoes having a resilient sole having a shock-absorbing platform and heel cavity, possibly with air movement through the sole.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Conventional shoes are often uncomfortable due to a lack of resiliency in the sole, particularly in the heel area. Inflexible heels do not promote walking or standing for long periods of time because they lack substantial cushionin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]One embodiment of the invention includes a blended heel made from a resilient material and has a cavity extending under the entire instep portion of the shoe's upper. Compression springs are placed in the cavity, including a mainspring located at approximately the heelstrike point and two auxiliary springs for stability located forward of the mainspring toward the shoe's toe. The extended cavity provides even resiliency throughout the upper sole without having to resort to metal plates. The springs assist the resilient walls of the cavity, which extends under the instep portion of the shoe, in supporting the wearer's foot, and the spring's compression load is distributed throughout the sole by a resilient layer of softer rubber adjacent the sole.

[0014]The blended heel of the invention extends under the sole in a wedge-type configuration. This extension provides arch support and resiliency at the shoe's instep, or midsole. In one or more embodiments, the heel includes a height enhancer to provide lift without the appearance of “elevator shoes.” This pad located under the heel portion also serves to distribute the load of the springs a

Problems solved by technology

Conventional shoes are often uncomfortable due to a lack of resiliency in the sole, particularly in the heel area.

Inflexible heels do not promote walking or standing for long periods of time because they lack substantial cushioning and resiliency to accommodate pressure exerted on a wearer's feet.

This lack of cushioning causes undue pressure and force-of-impact to be felt up into the knees, spine, and various other joints.

Compressible heels having recessed chambers and springs in some cases are not new.

Conventional shoes also fail to provide a flow of fresh air through the inside of the sole around an individual's feet.

Lewis' shoe, however, uses metal plates (circular metal disks) above and below the coil spring(s) to help distribute pressure and also has no real cavity or resiliency in the sole.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,257,482 to Resko (1941) discloses using lugs to better seat the coil spring in the defined heel, but still uses a metal reinforcing plate between the upper and lower soles to distribute pressure, also lacking resiliency in the heel.

Further, there is a metal plate above the springs in the heelstrike area, so the wearer's foot still strikes against a hard surface.

Lombardino U.S. Pat. No. 5

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