Shoe with torsion assembly

Abstract

A shoe includes an upper, a sole structure attached to the upper, and a torsion assembly. The torsion assembly includes: a torsion member coupled to the shoe in a mesial-lateral orientation and having a mesial end and a lateral end; an adjustable mesial link having a first end connected to the mesial end of the torsion member and a distal end connected to the shoe; and an adjustable lateral link having a first end connected to the lateral end of the torsion member and a distal end connected to the shoe. Movement of the mesial link or lateral link away from an equilibrium position causes the torsion member to twist in an initial direction of rotation, and the torsion member provides resistance in the opposite direction of rotation to restore the mesial link and lateral link to an equilibrium position and provide stability to the shoe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a shoe with a torsion component, for example, to enhance the stability of the shoe. Background Technology

[0002] Pronation and supination are natural foot movements during running and other activities, but excessive pronation or supination can lead to instability and injury. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward after landing, flattening the arch. If the foot rolls inward too much, it's called overpronation, which can cause excessive strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments, especially on the proximal side of the foot and leg. Supination occurs when the foot rolls outward during push-off. In cases of overpronation, the paravertebral structures of the foot and lower limbs bear excessive stress. Both overpronation and oversupination can disrupt natural gait and alignment, leading to overall imbalance and joint strain.

[0003] In running shoes, midsole construction is trending towards using taller, softer foams. Softer foams are also being used in shoes associated with lateral movement sports such as football and basketball. Higher midsole stack heights are beneficial for running and athletic economy. However, such constructions also allow for greater deformation, potentially up to 50% in modern foams (or even higher in 3D-printed lattice structures), leading to instability such as overpronation or oversupination. Besides increasing the likelihood of injury, instability also forces compromises in footwear development between weight, stacking, foam softness, and stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the shoe includes an upper, a sole structure attached to the upper, and a torsion assembly. The torsion assembly includes: a torsion member coupled to the shoe in a mesio-lateral orientation and having a mesio-end and a lateral end; an adjustable mesio-link having a first end connected to the mesio-end of the torsion member and a distal end connected to the shoe; and an adjustable lateral link having a first end connected to the lateral end of the torsion member and a distal end connected to the shoe. Movement of the mesio-link or lateral link away from an equilibrium position causes the torsion member to twist in an initial direction of rotation, and the torsion member provides resistance in the opposite direction of rotation to restore the mesio-link and lateral link to an equilibrium position and provide stability to the shoe.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the proximal link includes a proximal arm and a proximal post, the proximal arm including a first end of the proximal link, the proximal post including a distal end of the proximal link, and the proximal post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the proximal arm; the body-side link includes a body-side arm and a body-side post, the body-side arm including a first end of the body-side link, the body-side post including a distal end of the body-side link, and the body-side post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the body-side arm.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, at least one anchoring member couples the torsion member to the shoe. In one or more embodiments, the torsion member, the midline link, and the lateral link may be disposed on the exterior of the shoe. In one or more embodiments, the torsion member may be coupled to the upper. In one or more embodiments, the torsion member may be disposed at least partially through the sole structure. In one or more embodiments, the distal ends of the midline link and the lateral link may be mounted to the sole structure. In one or more embodiments, the midline link and the lateral link may be mounted to a support frame surrounding the upper.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the torsion member can be removed from the proximal link and the body-side link. In one or more embodiments, the proximal link may have a different stiffness than the body-side link. In one or more embodiments, the torsion member may comprise a rate-dependent material. In one or more embodiments, the torsion member may have asymmetric stiffness to bias the equilibrium position toward the proximal link or the body-side link. In one or more embodiments, a limiting sleeve may at least partially surround the torsion member to limit its rotation. In one or more embodiments, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) may provide adaptive stiffness for the torsion member.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a torsion assembly for a shoe includes: a torsion member configured to be coupled to the shoe in a mesial-to-side orientation and having a mesial end and a torsional end. The torsion assembly also includes a mesial link comprising a mesial arm and a mesial post, the mesial arm having a first end connected to the mesial end of the torsion member, and the mesial post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the mesial arm and a distal end configured to connect to the shoe. The torsion assembly also includes a torsional link comprising a torsional arm and a torsional post, the torsional arm having a first end connected to the torsional end of the torsion member, and the torsional post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the torsional arm and a distal end configured to connect to the shoe. Movement of the mesial link or the torsional link away from an equilibrium position causes the torsion member to twist in an initial direction of rotation, and the torsion member provides resistance in the opposite direction of rotation to restore the mesial link and the torsional link to an equilibrium position and provide stability to the shoe.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a torsion assembly for a shoe includes: a torsion member configured to be coupled to the shoe in a mesial-to-side orientation and having a mesial end and a torsional end. The torsion assembly also includes a mesial link comprising a mesial arm and a mesial post, the mesial arm having a first end connected to the mesial end of the torsion member, and the mesial post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the mesial arm and a distal end configured to connect to the shoe. The torsion assembly also includes a torsional link comprising a torsional arm and a torsional post, the torsional arm having a first end connected to the torsional end of the torsion member, and the torsional post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the torsional arm and a distal end configured to connect to the shoe. Movement of the mesial link or the torsional link away from an equilibrium position causes the torsion member to twist in a direction of rotation, the torsion member providing a reinforcing force in this direction of rotation to bias the mesial link and the torsional link away from the equilibrium position and provide asymmetric stability to the shoe. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a torsion assembly according to one or more embodiments, the torsion assembly including a torsion member, a mid-mounted link, and a body-side link; Figure 2 It is a rear perspective view of a shoe with a torsion assembly installed according to one or more embodiments; Figure 3 This is a rear view of a shoe with the torsion assembly in a balanced position according to one or more embodiments; Figure 4 This is a side view of a shoe with the torsion assembly in a balanced position according to one or more embodiments; Figure 5 It is a side view of a shoe according to one or more embodiments, wherein the body-side link of the torsion assembly moves away from the equilibrium position; Figure 6 This is a rear view of a shoe according to one or more embodiments, wherein the mid-link of the torsion assembly moves away from the equilibrium position, causing resistance in the torsion member (indicated by the arrow). Figure 7 This is a rear view of a shoe according to one or more embodiments, wherein the body-side link of the torsion assembly moves away from the equilibrium position, causing resistance in the torsion member (indicated by the arrow). Figure 8 The image is a front perspective view of a shoe according to one or more embodiments, illustrating possible placement of a torsion assembly, wherein the torsion member is disposed in a cavity within a sole structure, and a body-side link is anchored in the sole structure. Figure 9 The image is a side view of a shoe according to one or more embodiments, illustrating the placement of a torsion assembly, wherein the torsion assembly is disposed within a cavity in the sole structure and a body-side link is anchored to the upper. Figure 10This is a top view of a shoe according to one or more embodiments, illustrating the placement of a torsion assembly, wherein the torsion assembly is positioned adjacent to the shoelaces on the upper. Figure 11 It is a perspective view of a torsion assembly with a limiting system according to one or more embodiments; Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A sectional view of the limiting sleeve and torsion member in the middle; and Figure 13 It is a perspective view of a torsion assembly having an inertial measurement unit (IMU) according to one or more embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, and the invention can be implemented in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; certain features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis to teach those skilled in the art to apply the invention in various ways.

[0012] The disclosed embodiments provide a torsion assembly for shoes that improves and controls mesio-lateral stability without affecting the vertical compliance or deformation of the midsole, nor limiting the maximum stack height of the midsole. This torsion assembly also allows for adjustment of the shoe's roll stiffness and promotes midsole design independent of its vertical stiffness. Due to the improved mesio-lateral stability, the torsion assembly can prevent lateral shear of the midsole while allowing longitudinal shear.

[0013] First refer to Figure 1-2The illustration depicts a shoe 100 with a torsion assembly 200 according to one or more embodiments. As known in the art, footwear—such as the shoe 100 depicted herein—generally includes an upper 102 and a sole structure 104. The upper 102 secures the shoe 100 to the wearer's foot and may be made of synthetic, knitted, woven, and / or leather materials to comfortably cover the wearer's foot and provide protection and breathability. The sole structure 104 is the portion of the shoe 100 disposed beneath the wearer's foot and may be constructed of several layers, such as an insole (not shown), a midsole 106, and an outsole 108 along the bottom surface of the midsole 106. The midsole 106 extends from the heel region 110 of the shoe 100 to the midfoot region 112 and then to the forefoot region 114 to provide support to the wearer's foot. The outsole 108 forms the external exposed portion of the sole structure 104, contacting the ground or other supporting surface. It may be constructed of materials such as rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and typically includes a tread design. The upper 102 may be attached to the sole structure 104, for example, to the upper surface of the midsole 106. The midsole 106 may comprise foam (e.g., ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)), 3D-printed materials (e.g., TPU), or other supportive and resilient materials, for example, for cushioning, energy absorption, and ground reaction force attenuation. While several embodiments illustrated herein depict the sole structure 104 as including the midsole 106, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the sole structure 104 may not include this layer.

[0014] Continue to refer to Figure 1-2 The torsion assembly 200 includes a torsion member 202 coupled to the shoe 100 in a mesial-lateral orientation along a mesial-lateral axis 116. In one or more embodiments, the mesial-lateral axis 116 may be generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 118 of the shoe 100; however, the mesial-lateral orientation described herein is intended to cover any orientation of the torsion member 202 that intersects the longitudinal axis 118 and spans the mesial side (medial side, i.e., the inner side of the foot) 120 and the lateral side (i.e., the outer side of the foot) 122 of the shoe 100.

[0015] The torsion member 202 has a proximal end 204 and a body-side end 206, and in one or more embodiments may include a torsion spring. Unlike a compression or tension spring that expands or contracts along its length, a torsion spring operates by rotating about its central axis (proximal-body-side axis 116). The torsion member 202 may alternatively include a torsion bar. In one or more embodiments, the torsion member 202 may be generally cylindrical, although it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the torsion member 202 may alternatively be curved or have an inverted U-shape. The dimensions of the torsion member 202 may be set to span the distance between the proximal side 120 and the body-side 122 of the shoe 100, but may have any suitable length or thickness. The torsion member 202 may be constructed of a metallic material (e.g., steel or titanium), a plastic material (e.g., polyamide), or any other material suitable for storing and releasing energy generated by rotational forces on the torsion member 202, as further described below.

[0016] The torsion assembly 200 also includes an adjustable proximal link 208 and an adjustable lateral link 214, wherein the proximal link 208 has a first end 210 connected to the proximal end 204 of the torsion member 202 and a distal end 212 connected to the shoe 100, and the lateral link 214 has a first end 216 connected to the lateral end 206 of the torsion member and a distal end 218 connected to the shoe 100. In one or more embodiments, the first end 210 is rigidly connected to the proximal end 204, and the first end 216 is rigidly connected to the lateral end 206. The proximal link 208 and the lateral link 214 may be constructed of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material, and the rigid connection between the torsion member 202 and the first end 210 of the proximal link 208 and the first end 216 of the lateral link 214 may be achieved, for example, by welding, fastening, or otherwise connecting these components together to prevent relative rotation between them. In one or more embodiments, the fixed mounting of these components can be achieved by integrally forming the torsion member 202 with the first ends 210, 216 of the mid-link 208 and the side-link 214. In another embodiment, the torsion member 202 can be removably mounted to the mid-link 208 and the side-link 214, as further described below.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the proximal link 208 includes a proximal arm 220 and a proximal post 222. The proximal arm 220 includes a first end 210 of the proximal link 208, and the proximal post 222 includes a distal end 212 of the proximal link 208. The proximal post 222 has a proximal end 224 rotatably connected to a second end 226 of the proximal arm 220. Correspondingly, the parabody link 214 includes a parabody arm 228 and a parabody post 230. The parabody arm 228 includes a first end 216 of the parabody link 214, and the parabody post 230 includes a distal end 218 of the parabody link 214. The parabody post 230 has a proximal end 232 rotatably connected to a second end 234 of the parabody arm 228.

[0018] Refer again Figure 1-2 The proximal arm 220 and the paravertebral arm 228 may be generally planar, having circular first ends 210, 216 and second ends 226, 234. Furthermore, the proximal arm 220 and the paravertebral arm 228 may be configured such that the first ends 210, 216 have a greater width than the second ends 226, 234, as shown, although it should be understood that the proximal arm 220 and the paravertebral arm 228 may have any suitable shape. In one or more embodiments, the proximal post 222 and the paravertebral post 230 may be generally cylindrical, with the proximal ends 224, 232 including spaced-apart support members 236, wherein the second ends 226, 234 are received between the spaced-apart support members 236, but are not limited to this configuration.

[0019] The rotatable connection between the proximal ends 224, 232 of the proximal post 222 and the second ends 226, 234 of the proximal arm 220 and the side arm 228, respectively, can be implemented as a hinged connection or a pin connection, wherein the pin connection uses a center pin 238 that passes through each second end 226, 234 and is received by a support member 236 at each proximal end 224, 232. This pin connection allows the proximal arm 220 and the side arm 228 to rotate about a connection axis 240 with one degree of freedom. The distal ends 212, 218 of the proximal link 208 and the side link 214 (i.e., the proximal post 222 and the side post 230) are mounted to the shoe 100, thereby defining a constant connection axis 240 for the pin connection, wherein the proximal arm 222 and the side arm 228 are freely rotatable about the connection axis 240, as further described below. Of course, the pin connection is not limited to this structure, and other hinged or rotatable configurations are also envisioned. Other configurations of the near-center link 208 and the body-side link 214 are also fully envisioned, such as, but not limited to, links 208 and 214 including a compliant mechanism in which force transmission is achieved through elastic deformation.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the distal end 212 of the proximal link 208 and the distal end 218 of the lateral link 214 are rigidly mounted to the sole structure 104. Alternatively, the distal ends 212 of the proximal link 208 and 218 of the lateral link 214 may be rotatably mounted to the sole structure 104. Figure 1-3 In the example shown, distal ends 212 and 218 each include or are mounted to plate 242. Plate 242 may extend generally inward from the proximal side 120 and lateral side 122 of shoe 100 to be received within and secured to the sole structure 104, for example, within the midsole 106, the outsole 108, or between the midsole 106 and the outsole 108. Although plate 242 is depicted herein as generally square, it should be understood that plate 242 is not limited to this shape and may have any configuration suitable for securing the proximal post 222 and the lateral post 230 to the sole structure 104. In a non-limiting example, plate 242 may extend to cross from heel region 110 to midfoot region 112, from midfoot region 112 to forefoot region 114, or from heel region 110 to forefoot region 114. Plate 242 can be separate, as shown in the figure, or it can be connected together within the sole structure 104 or have an integrated configuration.

[0021] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in a non-limiting embodiment, the torsion member 202, the midline link 208, and the side link 214 are all located on the exterior of the shoe 100. For example, the midline link 208 is visible on the midline side 120 of the shoe 100, the side link 214 is visible on the side side 122 of the shoe 100, and the torsion member 202 is visible on the back or heel region 110 of the shoe 100. The torsion member 202 may be coupled to the shoe 100, for example, to the upper 102, although other locations are also contemplated. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, at least one anchor 244 may be provided for coupling the torsion member 202 to the shoe 100. The one or more anchors 244 may have a generally C-shaped configuration, for example, with a radius larger than that of the torsion member 202, so as not to restrict the torsion of the torsion member 202 under rotational force, as further described below.

[0022] The torsion member 202—when twisted or rotated—stores and releases mechanical energy. It resists the torsional force (or torsion) and attempts—when the applied force is removed—to return to its original equilibrium position. When the sole structure 104, i.e., the midsole 106, is compressed uniformly or symmetrically between the proximal side 120 and the lateral side 122, the torsion member 200 rotates essentially as a unit, wherein the proximal link 208 and the lateral link 214 rotate approximately equally about the engagement axis 240. Figure 3 This is a rear view of the shoe 100 with the torsion assembly 200 in a balanced position according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 This is its side view.

[0023] It should be understood that the equilibrium position is not limited to the specific angular orientation of the torsion member 202, the proximal link 208, and the body-side link 214, and the equilibrium position can also be interpreted as the original position of the torsion assembly 200 before the force is applied. Furthermore, although some figures depict only the proximal side 120 or the body-side side 122, it should be understood that the descriptions and features described herein with respect to one of the proximal side 120 or the body-side side 122 are equally applicable to the other side.

[0024] When the shoe 100 is subjected to a force that compresses the midsole 106 unevenly or asymmetrically on the mesial side 120 (e.g., pronation or overpronation) or the lateral side 122 (e.g., supination or oversupination), the mesial side 120 or the lateral side 122 moves upward or downward, causing the mesial link 208 and the lateral link 214 to rotate, thereby applying a rotational force (torque) to the torsion member 202. This rotation causes the torsion member 202 to twist, and the torsion member 202—by storing potential energy in the form of torsional stress—resists this movement. Figure 5 This is a side view of a shoe 100 according to one or more embodiments, wherein the body-side link 214 rotates away from the equilibrium position due to compression on the body-side 122 (as indicated by the down arrow).

[0025] In other words, the movement of the proximal link 208 or the side link 214 away from the equilibrium position due to compressive force causes the torsion member 202 to twist about the proximal-side axis 116 in the initial direction of rotation. The torsion member 202 provides resistance (i.e., releases stored energy) about the proximal-side axis 116 in the opposite direction of rotation, so that the proximal link 208 and the side link 214 return to the equilibrium position and provide stability to the shoe 100. Figure 6 This is a rear view of a shoe 100 according to one or more embodiments, wherein the mid-link 208 moves away from the equilibrium position, causing resistance (indicated by arrows) to the torsion member 202. Figure 7 This is a rear view of a shoe 100 according to one or more embodiments, wherein the body-side link 214 moves away from the equilibrium position, causing resistance in the torsional member (indicated by the arrow).

[0026] Therefore, the torsion assembly 200 provides mesial-body lateral roll stability to the shoe 100 without affecting the vertical compliance or compression of the midsole 106, thus helping to resolve the existing compromise between the cushioning and stability of the midsole 106 in the shoe 100. The torsion assembly 200 is used to bias the midsole 106 and the shoe 100 toward a balanced position, which allows for as uniform compression as possible on each side of the midsole 106. This maintains a more complete coverage of the shoe 100 (i.e., the outsole 108) on the support surface and allows for a higher stacking height of the midsole 106 and / or a softer midsole 106 under compression without compromising mesial-body lateral stability.

[0027] Although the torsion member 202 is described above as being mounted in the heel region 110, the torsion member 202 is not limited to this configuration and may be mounted on or within the shoe 100 at other locations. In one example, the torsion member 202 may be disposed at least partially through the sole structure 104 of the shoe 100, for example, disposed within the cavity 124, wherein the torsion member 202 may freely torsion about the midbody para-axis 116 in response to an applied force. Figure 8 This is a front perspective view of a shoe 100 according to one or more embodiments, illustrating possible placements of the torsion assembly 200, wherein the torsion member 202 is disposed in a cavity 124 within the midsole 106, and the proximal link 208 and the lateral link 214 are anchored in the midsole 106. In these examples, the cavity 124 and the torsion member 202 may be disposed in the heel region 110 or the forefoot region 114, as shown. However, the cavity 124 and the torsion member 202 may be located in any region of the midsole 106 or the outsole 108. Figure 8 In the example, both the proximal link 208 and the side link 214 are located on the exterior of the shoe 100. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the torsion member 202 may extend beyond the cavity 124 to facilitate access to the torsion member 202 when necessary.

[0028] like Figure 8 As shown, shoe 100 may include more than one torsion assembly 200. In such embodiments, each torsion assembly 200 may remain separate and independent, or the torsion assemblies 200 may be mechanically connected. For example, the mesial link 208 of the first torsion assembly 200 may be connected to the parabody link 214 of the second torsion assembly 200, and vice versa, to achieve a crosslinking stability effect. The mesial link 208 and the parabody link 214 may have any positioning relative to each other along the sole structure 104, and are not limited to any particular mesial-parabody axis 116.

[0029] The mid-mountain link 208 and the side link 214 can be anchored to another part of the shoe 100, rather than to the sole structure 104 via the plate 242. Figure 9 This is a side view of a shoe 100 according to one or more embodiments, illustrating the placement of a torsion assembly 200, wherein a torsion member 202 is disposed in a cavity 124 within a midsole 106, and a midfoot link 208 and a lateral link 214 are anchored to the upper 102. In one example, the midfoot link 208 and the lateral link 214 are mounted to a support frame 126 surrounding the upper 102 (e.g., at the collar). In this example, the midfoot post 222 and the lateral post 230 are connected to the support frame 126, which controls eversion and inversion at the wearer's ankle without restricting forward and backward (longitudinal) movement. One application of this configuration could be a high-top basketball shoe, but other shoe types are also envisioned.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a top view of a shoe 100 according to one or more embodiments, illustrating another placement of the torsion assembly 200, wherein the torsion member 202 is positioned adjacent to the laces 128 of the upper 102. While the torsion member 202 is shown in this figure positioned above the laces 128, this configuration is not intended to be limiting, as the torsion member 202 can also be connected to the midfoot link 208 and the side link 214 in the following ways: via the laces 128, via the material of the upper 102, via the eyelets 130, closer to the heel area 110 (e.g., near the ankle or collar), closer to the forefoot area 114, or other configurations. Such embodiments can be advantageous, for example, for counteracting toe-up problems and instability caused by lateral cutting movements in sports such as basketball.

[0031] Now go to Figure 11 The illustration shows a perspective view of a torsion assembly 200 having a limiting system 246 for limiting rotation of a torsion member 202. In one or more embodiments, the limiting system 246 may include a stop member 248 extending outwardly from the torsion member 202, and a limiting sleeve 250 that at least partially surrounds the torsion member 202 and is spaced apart from the stop member 248. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the torsion member 202, the limiting sleeve 250, and the stop member 248. Both the stop member 248 and the limiting sleeve 250 can be integrally formed with or connected to the torsion member 202. It should be understood that the dimensions of the stop member 248 and the limiting sleeve 250 are merely exemplary and are not limited to the embodiments illustrated herein.

[0032] The limiting system 246 is used to define the angular rotation range of the torsion member 200. As described above, the torsion member 202 rotates or twists freely in response to an applied force until the stop member 248 engages the limiting sleeve 250. While the limiting system 246 can be configured to allow a symmetrical angular range—for lateral tilt on the mesial side 120 and the lateral side 122—it can alternatively be configured to form an angular rotation range that is asymmetrically distributed between the mesial side 120 and the lateral side 122. An example use case for the asymmetrical angular range produced by the limiting system 246 may include track running, where a larger angular rotation range on the mesial side 120 compared to the lateral side 122 may be beneficial.

[0033] In embodiments where shoe 100 includes more than one torsion assembly 200, limiting sleeves 250 forming different angular rotation ranges can be used. For example, a limiting system 246 disposed on the torsion assembly 200 in the heel region 110 can be configured to have a smaller angular range than a limiting system 246 disposed on the torsion assembly 200 in the forefoot region 114. Built-in or removable limiting sleeves 250 can be used to allow—for different individuals or different movements / activities—customization of the possible angular range of the torsion assembly 200. Although the limiting system 246 is shown and described herein as being associated with the torsion member 202, the limiting system 246 can alternatively be coupled to the midline link 208 and / or the side link 214 to limit the angular rotation of the torsion assembly 200.

[0034] In reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the described embodiment, the torsion assembly 200 is used to attempt to restore the shoe 100 to its balanced position. However, in some cases, it may be desirable for the torsion assembly 200 to amplify the roll caused by the applied force, or to enhance rather than limit the force generated by the inclined surface. In such an embodiment, the movement of the midline link 208 or the side link 214 away from the equilibrium position causes the torsion member 202 to twist in the direction of rotation, providing a reinforcing force in that direction of rotation to bias the midline link 208 and the side link 214 away from the equilibrium position and provide asymmetric stability to the shoe 100.

[0035] Similar to the asymmetric restraint system 246 discussed above, this embodiment of the torsion assembly 200 may be advantageous when performing banking (e.g., track running) or other asymmetric movements. The asymmetry of the torsion assembly 200 can be achieved, for example, by making the side link 214 more rigid than the mid link 208, and vice versa, for example, by using a more rigid material, a thicker / more rigid geometry, or by positioning one of the mid link 208 or the side link 214 closer to the shoe 100 than the other link 208, 214, to create different lever arms for the mid link 208 and the side link 214.

[0036] The asymmetry in the torsion assembly 200 can also be achieved by having a torsion member 202 that is more rigid or more compliant toward one of the mesial side 120 or the body-side 122, biases the equilibrium position toward either the mesial link 208 or the body-side link 214 and restricts one of the pronation or supination more than the other, or other methods. In one example, the torsion member 202 may include slits or 3D-printed lattice structures that bias the stiffness of the torsion member 202 toward one of the mesial side 120 or the body-side 122.

[0037] Typically, the torsion member 202 can be progressive in nature, providing greater rotational resistance as the applied force increases. The torsion member 202 can also comprise a rate-dependent material. For example, the torsion member 202 can be constructed from a non-Newtonian fluid or foam within a textile weave structure, where it thins and produces a non-linear response when the weave is twisted. If the sole structure 104 is subjected to a rapid unbalanced load, the non-Newtonian fluid will respond with greater stiffness compared to its response to a relatively slower load.

[0038] As illustrated above, in one or more embodiments, the torsion member 202 can be removed from the midline link 208 and the side link 214. The torsion member 202 can be detached and replaced with different torsion members 202—having the same or different characteristics (e.g., stiffness, symmetry, and asymmetry) or geometries (e.g., replacing a straight torsion member 202 with a curved torsion member 202)—allowing the torsion assembly 200 to be customized for a particular wearer or activity. The shoe 100 can also be used for certain activities with the torsion member 202 attached and for other activities with the torsion member 202 removed. In one or more embodiments, the detachment of the torsion member 202 from the shoe 100 can be achieved manually. For example, the torsion member 202 can be removably mounted to the midline link 208 and the side link 214—via fasteners, magnets, press-fit / interference-fit connections, or other mechanisms.

[0039] Figure 13This is a perspective view of a torsion assembly 200 according to one or more embodiments, the torsion assembly having an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 252. The IMU 252 (schematically depicted) is capable of measuring at least one of the orientation, angular velocity, and linear acceleration of the torsion assembly 200 and / or the shoe 100, electronically adjusting or calibrating the stiffness of the torsion member 202. The IMU 252 may be operatively connected to (e.g., in electrical communication with) the torsion member 202 to provide electronic control over the stiffness of the torsion member 202, including a zero-stiffness option (electronic disconnection of the torsion member 202). The IMU 252 may be mounted anywhere on or within the shoe 100, and the IMU 252 may drive—engaged with and operable to control the torsion member 202—a motor 254, wherein the IMU 252 may automatically adjust the characteristics of the torsion member 202 or allow user input or preferences. Using information from IMU 252, such as gait measurements or information about the position of shoe 100 in space, the stiffness of torsion member 202 can be dynamically adjusted, for example, before the heel impacts the support surface or after push-off. The stiffness of torsion member 202 can also be adjusted via IMU 252—depending on the type of surface engaged or the type of activity.

[0040] Using the embodiments of shoe 100 and torsion assembly 200 disclosed herein, the vertical compliance and mesio-lateral stability of shoe 100 are no longer determined solely by the material and shape of midsole 106. The torsion assembly 200 disclosed herein provides the ability to use a softer midsole and / or a midsole with a higher stack height, as the torsion assembly 200 increases mesio-lateral stability without affecting compression. The torsion assembly 200 provides more direct control, adjustment, and customization of mesio-lateral tilt and is beneficial for both lateral and linear movements.

[0041] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the terminology used in this specification is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising: vamp; A sole structure attached to the upper; as well as Torsion assembly, comprising: A torsion member coupled to the shoe along a mesial-body orientation and having a mesial end and a body end; An adjustable proximal link having a first end connected to the proximal end of the torsion member and a distal end connected to the shoe; and An adjustable side link, the side link having a first end connected to the side end of the torsion member and a distal end connected to the shoe. The movement of the proximal link or the side link away from the equilibrium position causes the torsion member to twist along the initial rotation direction. The torsion member provides resistance along the opposite rotation direction, so that the proximal link and the side link return to the equilibrium position and provide stability to the shoe.

2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The proximal link includes a proximal arm and a proximal post, the proximal arm including a first end of the proximal link, the proximal post including a distal end of the proximal link, the proximal post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the proximal arm, and wherein the lateral link includes a lateral arm and a lateral post, the lateral arm including a first end of the lateral link, the lateral post including a distal end of the lateral link, the lateral post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the lateral arm.

3. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising at least one anchor for coupling the torsion member to the shoe.

4. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The torsion member, the near-center link, and the side link are disposed on the outside of the shoe.

5. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The torsion member is coupled to the shoe upper.

6. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The torsion member passes at least partially through the sole structure.

7. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The distal ends of the near-center link and the distal ends of the side link are mounted to the sole structure.

8. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The near-center link and the side link are mounted to a support frame surrounding the shoe upper.

9. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The torsion member can be removed from the near-center link and the body-side link.

10. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The near-center link has a different stiffness than the side-body link.

11. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The torsional member comprises a rate-dependent material.

12. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, The torsion member has asymmetric stiffness to offset the equilibrium position toward the near-center link or the body-side link.

13. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a limiting sleeve that at least partially surrounds the torsion member for limiting rotation of the torsion member.

14. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for providing adaptive stiffness of the torsional member.

15. A torsion assembly for a shoe, the torsion assembly comprising: A torsion member configured to be coupled to the shoe along a mesial-body orientation and having a mesial end and a body end; The proximal link includes a proximal arm and a proximal post, the proximal arm having a first end connected to the proximal end of the torsion member, and the proximal post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the proximal arm and a distal end configured to connect to the shoe; as well as A side link, comprising a side arm and a side post, the side arm having a first end connected to the side end of the torsion member, and the side post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the side arm and a distal end configured to connect to the shoe. The movement of the proximal link or the side link away from the equilibrium position causes the torsion member to twist along the initial rotation direction. The torsion member provides resistance along the opposite rotation direction, so that the proximal link and the side link return to the equilibrium position and provide stability to the shoe.

16. The torsion assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The torsion member can be removed from the near-center link and the body-side link.

17. The torsion assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The near-center link has a different stiffness than the side-body link.

18. The torsion assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The torsional member comprises a rate-dependent material.

19. The torsion assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The torsion member has asymmetric stiffness to offset the equilibrium position toward the near-center link or the body-side link.

20. A torsion assembly for a shoe, the torsion assembly comprising: A torsion member configured to be coupled to the shoe along a mesial-body orientation and having a mesial end and a body end; The proximal link includes a proximal arm and a proximal post, the proximal arm having a first end connected to the proximal end of the torsion member, and the proximal post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the proximal arm and a distal end configured to connect to the shoe; as well as A side link, comprising a side arm and a side post, the side arm having a first end connected to the side end of the torsion member, and the side post having a proximal end rotatably connected to a second end of the side arm and a distal end configured to connect to the shoe. The movement of the proximal link or the side link away from the equilibrium position causes the torsion member to twist in the rotation direction. The torsion member provides a reinforcing force in the rotation direction to offset the proximal link and the side link away from the equilibrium position and provide asymmetric stability to the shoe.

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