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Footwear construction with heel support assembly

a technology of heel support and assembly, which is applied in the field of footwear with a heel support assembly, can solve the problems of heel pronation, heel injury, discomfort in the heel,

Inactive Publication Date: 2018-04-19
WOLVERINE OUTDOORS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a shoe with a flexible upper and a unique heel support assembly. The shoe has a strobel construction, which is a flexible board that is attached to the shoe's upper. The rear of the shoe's heel has a shorter section, which provides better comfort by allowing some flexibility in the heel. The shoe also has a layer of memory foam that wraps around the heel, providing support and comfort. The cradle, which is a part of the shoe, helps to provide stability and comfort in the arch region, especially when the heel support assembly is used with a strobel construction. Overall, this shoe design offers a unique fit and comfortable support for the heel.

Problems solved by technology

Insufficient heel support along the upper is known to lead to injuries to the heel and over pronation of the wearer's foot.
However, the support provided by heel counters typically comes at a cost, namely discomfort in the heel over extended wear and the lack of a customized fit for differently shaped heels.

Method used

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  • Footwear construction with heel support assembly
  • Footwear construction with heel support assembly
  • Footwear construction with heel support assembly

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0024]Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an article of footwear including a heel support assembly of a current embodiment is illustrated and generally designated 10. For purposes of disclosure, the article of footwear 10 is illustrated as a work boot. Embodiments of the invention may, however, be incorporated into essentially any style or type of footwear that incorporates a closed heel. For example, embodiments of the invention may be incorporated into essentially any safety shoes, safety boots, work shoes, work boots, athletic shoes, running shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, biker boots, boat shoes, deck shoes, dress shoes, military footwear, uniform footwear and sandals with a closed heel.

[0025]Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the article of footwear 10 generally includes an upper 12 and a sole 14. The upper 12 may be essentially any footwear upper. The current embodiment is described in the context of a lightweight athletic-inspired upper, the bottom of wh...

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Abstract

An article of footwear having a heel support assembly with a memory foam layer situated internally of a heel counter is provided. The memory foam layer may be laminated to the heel counter, for example, by adhesive or direct attachment. The heel memory foam layer may have a maximum thickness that is sufficient to embrace the heel of the wearer's foot potentially cradling the calcaneus, the retrocalcaneal bursa and the base of the Achilles tendon. The heel support assembly may also include a heel cradle extending around an external portion of the upper and including a lasting allowance. The heel cradle can provide torsional support in the arch region (or waist) of the article of footwear, for example when the heel support assembly is incorporated into an article of footwear with a strobel construction.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to footwear and more particularly to an article of footwear with a heel support assembly.[0002]Conventional footwear typically includes two primary elements: an upper and a sole. The upper can be formed of a lightweight and flexible material, for example leather or synthetic materials, and can provide ventilation to the wearer's foot. The sole can include multiple layers, for example an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. The insole is sometimes positioned within the upper to provide added comfort to the wearer's sole. The midsole is generally joined to the upper and provides energy absorption, often in the heel strike area. The outsole is generally formed from a wear resistant material and includes tread elements to provide the desired degree of traction for the intended application of the article of footwear.[0003]Heel support is an important aspect in the design and construction of modern footwear. Insufficient heel su...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A43B23/17A43B3/02A43B5/00A43B5/06A43B5/10A43B23/02A43B13/12A43B13/18
CPCA43B23/17A43B3/02A43B5/002A43B5/06A43B13/181A43B23/028A43B23/026A43B13/125A43B5/10A43B17/16A43B23/088
Inventor FRACASSI, ERIC P.
Owner WOLVERINE OUTDOORS
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