Soft heel running shoe

Abstract

An improved running shoe is disclosed that dissipates the impact forces of the heel step by utilizing a pressurized inner bladder designed for bi-directional collapse. The shoe comprises a rear portion for accommodating a heel, a forward portion for accommodating toes, a shoe sole; and a compressible bladder. The compressible bladder is preferably contained within said shoe sole and partially inflated. The inner bladder has a heel portion extending proximate to an outside end of the rear portion of the shoe but tapered inward at the impact point and a toe portion extending proximate to an outside end of the forward portion of the shoe. The inner bladder collapses at the heel upon the initial heel step, significantly reducing the heel step impact forces. The heel step section of the inner sole is then re-pressurized utilizing the natural forward motion of the toe step. Preferred embodiments of the shoe include accordion pleats around the heel and a rounded heel to further dissipate impact forces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 987,001 (“the '001 application”) filed May 1, 2014. The '001 application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes, including but not limited to, all portions describing various aspects of the present invention, those portions describing shoe design in general as background and / or for use as specific embodiments of the present invention, and those portions describing other aspects of manufacturing and testing shoes that may relate to the present invention.STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not Applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present invention relates to shoes. More particularly, the present invention relates to a shoe that dissipates the harmful impact forces of the heel step.[0006]2. Description of the Rel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a shoe design that includes an inflated bladder between the shoe midsole and insole. The bladder collapses at the initial heel step, reducing impact forces. The bladder then re-pressurizes during the toe step, compressing fluid backward into the heel. The shoe also uses a recessed rounded heel to dissipate impact forces. A semi-flexible heel counter is provided to bear vertical loads and shock at points away from the heel step impact point. The long-term benefits of this design include reduced impact forces, improved comfort, and reduced wear and tear on the shoe.

Problems solved by technology

Many of these innovations are sourced to the fact that the initial heel step impact is the cause of the most running related injuries.

In addition, this heel step impact problem has also spawned the use of various forms of air bladders in shoes.

However, these bladder systems, whether air or other fluid, tend to be limited in coverage area and / or dependent upon valves, etc.

Images