High-displacement shoe for running

Abstract

A shoe configured to absorb energy includes a system configured to harvest energy during compression of the shoe under load and to store the energy as compressed gas and / or elastic deformation. The system includes at least one pod. Components of the pod include an energy harvester and an energy storage device coupled to the energy harvester. The energy storage device is adapted to store energy from the energy harvester and reversibly return energy to the energy harvester.

Description

Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1HIGH-DISPLACEMENT SHOE FOR RUNNINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application 63 / 725.713, titled “HIGH-DISPLACEMENT SHOE FOR RUNNING ”, filed November 27, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to sole structures for articles of footwear and, in particular, to sole structures incorporating energy absorbing and energy returning elements.BACKGROUND

[0003] Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure. Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot.SUMMARY

[0004] According to one aspect, a shoe includes an upper, a sole attached to a bottom portion of the upper of the shoe and at least one pod. The sole includes a sole perimeter, which is a boundary of the sole when the shoe is in an unloaded state, when viewed fromClient Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 the bottom. The at least one pod includes at least one energy harvester and at least one energy storage device. The at least one energy harvester is positioned at least partially within the sole perimeter when the shoe is in both the loaded state and an unloaded state. The at least one energy storage device is coupled to the energy harvester and adapted to store energy from the energy harvester and reversibly return energy to the energy harvester as the shoe transitions from the loaded state to the unloaded state. The energy storage device adapted to extend at least 1 mm beyond the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter when the energy storage device is in the loaded state.

[0005] According to another aspect, a shoe includes a sole and at least one energy storage device. The sole has a first thickness when the shoe is in an unloaded state The sole includes a perimeter and at least one energy harvester. The perimeter is a boundary of the sole when viewed from the bottom when the shoe is in the unloaded state. The at least one energy harvester is positioned at least partially within the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter when the shoe is in the unloaded state and when the shoe is in a loaded state, wherein compression of the energy harvester reduces the first thickness of the energy harvester to a second thickness that is less than one-half of the first thickness. The at least one energy storage device is coupled to the energy harvester and adapted to extend at least 1 mm beyond the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter when the shoe is in the loaded state.

[0006] According to a further aspect, a pod includes an energy harvester and an energy storage device coupled to the energy harvester. The pod is configured for attachment to a shoe having a sole defining a sole perimeter. The energy harvester is configured to be compressed under a load applied to the shoe and the energy storage device adapted to receive energy from the energy harvester during compression and to return energy to the energy harvester during unloading.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the bottom of an energy-absorbing shoe according to some embodiments.Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1

[0008] FIG. 2 is a representative curve of general force vs. displacement curves associated with a stiffer foam and a pod as disclosed herein showing the working principle of increased displacement for the pod compared to the foam.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a medial side view of an energy-absorbing shoe according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the medial side view of an energy- absorbing shoe according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the bottom of an energy-absorbing shoe in an unloaded state according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the bottom of an energy-absorbing shoe in a loaded state according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 7 is an isometric side view of a pneumatic pod in an unloaded state according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 8 is an isometric side view of a pneumatic pod in a loaded state according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 9 is an isometric side view of a mechanical pod in an unloaded state according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 10 is an isometric side view of a mechanical embodiment of a pod in a loaded state according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 11 is an isometric side view of a pneumo-mechanical pod in an unloaded state according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 12 is an isometric side view of a pneumo-mechanical pod in a loaded state according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Running is remarkably inefficient, with only around 7% of expended energy used to propel runners forward. Further, many people find running to be uncomfortable because of the high level of impact on the joints (>2 bodyweights in ~200ms). TheClient Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 limited compressibility of conventional sole foams restricts the total displacement of the shoe sole during a running stride, limiting both cushioning and energy recovery potential. Running has a very high rate of injury and a relatively low rate of retention (many people start and do not continue long term), compared to other forms of exercise. Current shoes use foam for cushioning and energy return. However, foam only compresses -20-30%, due to limits on shoe sole thickness (~40mm, due to racing rules and practical limits), the amount of compression when the foot strikes the ground is small (8- 12mm). This small amount of compression means that the sole is relatively stiff with high impact to the joints (hence the injury rate in runners). Further, foam cushioning is not able to store and return much energy to the runner (hence the low efficiency of running). Thus, there is a need for shoes that improve running efficiency, make running more comfortable, cause fewer injuries, and / or improve the experience of running, e.g., make running more enjoyable.

[0020] The present disclosure describes one or more features of an energy-absorbing shoe. As shown in FIG. 1, an energy-absorbing shoe 100 includes a medial side 101, a lateral side 102, a rear side 103, a front side 104, defines a shoe sole perimeter 111, and includes at least one energy absorbing component. As shown in FIG. 3, the shoe 100 further includes an upper (not labeled) where bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of a wearer’s foot, is attached to the sole. In at least one embodiment, the sole generally includes a layered arrangement extending between a lower surface configured to contact a surface and the upper. The sole perimeter 111 may be defined as the boundary of the sole, viewed from the bottom, when the shoe 100 is in an unloaded state (e.g., no compressive load applied to the shoe).

[0021] An energy-absorbing shoe as described herein may improve running efficiency (e.g., for competition) and / or reduce impact on the runner’s body. Improving running efficiency may be beneficial for runners competing in races while reducing the impact on the runner’ s body may be beneficial to any runner, no matter their running speed. Although the discussion herein may refer to the benefits of an energy absorbing shoe for running, an energy absorbing shoe may also be beneficial for walking (e.g., speedClient Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 walking or pleasure walking) or other activities involving repeated loading and unloading cycles.

[0022] These improvements may be provided by a pod as disclosed herein and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3-12. As discussed below in greater detail, the pod may be pneumatic, mechanical, or pneumo-mechanical. A pod as disclosed herein includes at least one energy harvester and at least one energy storage device (referred herein as pod components). In some embodiments, a pod further includes a transmission element. As discussed below in greater detail, energy flows between the energy harvester and the energy storage device. Energy flow between the energy harvester and the energy storage device may be bidirectional (energy harvester <- energy storage device). For example, the energy storage device may be fluidly or mechanically coupled to the corresponding energy harvester. A shoe with a pod may be described as an energy absorbing shoe.

[0023] At least a portion of the pod may be attached to the exterior surface of the shoe sole. In some embodiments, the pod may be provided as an accessory configured to be coupled to an existing shoe, permitting aftermarket installation on conventional footwear. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the pod may be permanently affixed to the shoe. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the pod is embedded in the shoe sole, embedded within the midsole layer, attached externally to a sidewall, or integrated into an outsole cavity. For example, the energy harvester may be attached / embedded to the shoe while the energy storage device is not attached / embedded to the shoe. A pod may be positioned wholly or partially within the bounds of the sole perimeter or may project partially outward from the sole perimeter, depending on the configuration of the pod components. In at least one embodiment, the pod, or a portion of the pod includes an abrasion-resistant exterior.

[0024] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the energy-absorbing shoe 100 includes three pods, collectively 180. However, an energy- absorbing shoe may include any number of pods. For example, the energy-absorbing shoe may include 1 pod. 2 pods, 3 pods, 4 pods, 5 pods, 6 pods, 7 pods, or more than 7 pods. The area of a pod for a shoeClient Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 with a plurality of pods may be less than the area of the shoe sole. The area of a single pod may be less than, equal to, or greater than the size of the shoe sole.

[0025] A compressive load applied to the shoe, such as the weight of the wearer, may be transmitted to one or more of the components of the shoe (e.g., the sole, pod, and / or pod component (energy harvester, energy storage device). When no compressive load is applied to the shoe, the shoe 100, pod 180, and / or pod component may be described as being in an unloaded state and when a compressive load is applied, for example during running, the shoe 100, pod 180, and / or pod component may be described as being in a loaded state. A loaded state may arise from transmission of either a compressive force or an expansion force. In some embodiments, all the components of the shoe are in a loaded state when a compressive load is applied to the shoe. In other embodiments, one or more of the components of the shoe may be in an unloaded state when a compressive load is applied to the shoe. For example, one or more pods and / or pod components of a multipod system may remain in an unloaded state under a certain load distribution (e.g., during forefoot-only or heel-only strike).

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the energy harvester is configured to be compressed by a compressive load, such as the load experienced during running. The load experienced during running may be equal to the body weight of a runner, 1.5x the body weight of a runner, 2x the body weight of a runner. 2.5x the body weight of a runner, or 3x the body weight of a runner. Compression of the energy harvester may reduce the original (unloaded) thickness of the energy harvester to a thickness that is less than three- quarters, one-half, one-third, one-fourth, one-tenth, one fifteenth, one-twentieth, one- thirtieth, or one-fortieth of the original thickness. In other words, the thickness of the energy harvester in the loaded state is less than the thickness in the unloaded state. In some embodiments, the energy harvester in the loaded state (under compression) may extend slightly beyond the sole perimeter. For embodiments where the pod is embedded in the sole, the compressive load may reduce the thickness of the sole from an original (unloaded) thickness of the energy harvester to a thickness that is less than three-quarters,Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 one-half, one-third, one-fourth, one-tenth, one fifteenth, one-twentieth, one-thirtieth, or one-fortieth of the original thickness.

[0027] The energy harvester and / or the energy storage device may be pneumatic (a sealed gas system) or mechanical. A pneumatic pod may include a pneumatic energy harvester and a pneumatic energy storage device, see e.g., FIGS. 7-8). A mechanical pod may include a mechanical energy harvester and a mechanical energy storage device (see e g., FIGS. 9 and 10). A pneumo-mechanical pod may include a pneumatic component and a mechanical component (see e.g.. FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0028] As noted above, in some embodiments, the pod further includes a transmission element. The transmission element identified in a drawing may be either a line provided to demarcate a potential boundary between the energy harvester and the energy storage device, or a separate component configured to transfer energy between the energy harvester and the energy storage device. The transmission element may be integral with or distinct from the energy harvester and / or energy storage device, and may define a continuous fluid or mechanical pathway configured to transfer energy between them. For example, the transmission element of a pneumatic pod may be an extension of the energy harvester and / or the energy storage device.

[0029] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate features of a pod. For discussion purposes only pneumatic pods are illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. Unless specified otherwise, any type of pod and / or pod component may include a particular feature or property being discussed. The operation of different types of pods, e.g., pneumatic, mechanic, or pneumo-mechanical, are illustrated in FIGS. 7-12. In some embodiments, a pneumatic, mechanic, or pneumo-mechanical pod is a single unit, e.g., has a unitary construction (hereinafter referred to as a unitary pod) (see e.g., FIG. 5-6 and 9-12). A unitary pod may be constructed as a sealed system defining both the energy harvester and the energy storage device within a common enclosure so that energy transfer occurs internally. In other embodiments, the pod includes at least one detachable component / element. For example, the detachable component / element may be a replacement connector coupling pod components. In someClient Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 embodiments, the transmission element is detachable. A detachable pod or pod component may provide for replacement or tuning without replacing the entire shoe.

[0030] A pod may be positioned towards the front or rear of the shoe and positioned in the middle or towards the medial or lateral side of the shoe. In some embodiments, the pod is located in a forefoot, midfoot, or heel region of the sole and may be oriented along the medial-lateral axis or the longitudinal axis of the shoe. The components of a pod may be in the same area or in different areas of the shoe.

[0031] For example, the energy-absorbing shoe may include four pods, with two pods positioned medially and laterally towards the front of the shoe and two pods positioned medially and laterally towards the rear of the shoe. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. two pods 180a, 180b are positioned medially and laterally towards the front of the shoe and one pod positioned towards the rear of the shoe. The front medial pod 180a comprises a front medial energy harvester 151, a front medial transmission element 161 and a front medial energy storage device 171. The front lateral pod 180b comprises a front lateral energy harvester 152, a front lateral transmission element 162 and a front lateral energy storage device 172. The rear pod 180c comprises a rear energy harvester 153, a rear transmission element 163, and a rear energy storage device 173. The energy harvester 151, 152, 153 and / or the energy storage device 171, 172, 173 may be compressible.

[0032] In some embodiments, pneumatic energy storage devices are positioned outside the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter in the unloaded state and / or the loaded state. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1. the energy storage devices 171, 172, 173 of each pod 180 are positioned outside the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter 111 in the unloaded state and in the loaded state. As shown in FIG. 1. the pods 180 may be configured to absorb compressive energy exerted during foot strike when the foot enters stance phase, to transmit, and store, the energy outside of the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter, and / or to release the energy back within the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter as the user transitions from the stance phase to the swing phase of the user’s gait. The energy absorbed is equal to the integral of force with respect to displacement.Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1

[0033] As discussed, compression of a pneumatic or mechanical energy harvester may reduce the thickness of the energy harvester, allowing the displacement of the foot strike to be much greater than conventional foam-based soles because the foam-based soles cannot displace as much as the energy harvester. This is illustrated in an example graph shown in FIG. 2 wherein the energy absorbed is the area under the curve. The energy harvester may decrease the peak ground reaction forces while spreading the energy absorption over a larger displacement which may increase perceived cushioning.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, a pneumatic energy storage device positioned outside the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter may also be positioned so that it does not contact the ground when the shoe traverses a flat surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the energy storage devices 171, 173 are located above the surface of the ground 120 in a position where they would not touch the ground during operation. This may reduce abrasion or puncture of the energy storage device. However, the energy storage devices may be placed anywhere on the shoe. In this embodiment, the energy harvesters 151, 152 are positioned on the bottom of the sole, and transmission elements 161, 163 extend between the energy harvesters 151, 152 and the energy storage devices 171, 173.

[0035] A pneumatic energy storage device may have, and may assume, any shape in an unloaded / loaded state. For example, FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment wherein pneumatic energy storage devices 171 and 173 have an irregular shape. In this illustration, lines 161 and 163 are provided to demarcate an arbitrary boundary between the energy harvesters 151 and 153 and the energy storage devices 171 and 173.

[0036] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, a shoe with at least one unitary pod is illustrated in an unloaded state and a loaded state respectively. In this embodiment, the shoe 100 includes three unitary pods — a front medial unitary pod 241, a front lateral unitary pod 242, and a rear unitary pod 243. The transmission element for each pod is represented in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the dashed lines 261, 262, 263.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the pod is positioned within the boundary defined by the shoe sole perimeter in an unloaded state. For example, the unitary pod illustrated inClient Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1FIG. 5 is positioned within the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter 111 when the pod is in an unloaded state.

[0038] In some embodiments, a pod is configured to remain within the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter when the pod is in a loaded state. In other embodiments, at least a portion of a pneumatic pod is configured to expand outward from the shoe sole perimeter when compressed, e.g., by a user’s weight (i.e., the pneumatic pod is in a loaded state). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6 at least a portion of each pod 241, 242, 243, is configured to expand beyond the shoe sole perimeter 111. As shown, each energy storage device 271, 272, 273 is configured to protrude substantially beyond the shoe sole perimeter 111, while each energy harvester 251, 252, 253 remains within the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter 111. When compressed by a load, an energy storage device may extend at least 1mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, at least 2 mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, at least 3 mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, at least 4 mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, at least 5 mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, at least 6mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, at least 7mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, at least 8 mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, at least 12 mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111 , at least 15 mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, at least 20 mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111, or at least 30 mm outside of the shoe sole perimeter 111.

[0039] A pneumatic unitary pod may be constructed from one material or from different materials. The advantage for a construction with a single material is the ease of manufacturing. The advantage for constructing a pneumatic unitary pod from different materials is that different regions or components may be configured to have different properties. For example, the pneumatic energy harvester may be made of a material that is inextensible while the pneumatic energy storage device may be made of an elastic, extensible material. In some embodiments, utilizing different materials for the pneumatic energy harvester and pneumatic energy storage device, the transmission of energy transmission between the energy harvester and energy storage device may be observed visually.Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1

[0040] As noted above, a pod includes at least one energy harvester and at least one energy storage devices. In some embodiments, a pneumatic pod includes at least one transmission element that branches from a single pneumatic energy harvester into a plurality of pneumatic energy storage devices (not shown). In other embodiments, a pod includes a plurality of pneumatic energy harvesters in communication with at least one pneumatic energy storage device via a plurality of transmission elements (not shown). In these embodiments, the number of transmission elements may be equal to the number of energy harvesters while the number of energy storage devices may be the same or different than the number of energy harvesters.

[0041] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the operation of a pneumatic pod according to some embodiments. In at least one embodiment, a pneumatic component may be a bladder filled with gas, such as air. FIG. 7 shows the pod 180 in an unloaded state. FIG. 8 shows the pod 180 in a loaded state. The energy harvester 150 may be compressed to reduce its thickness by a compressive load 141. As the energy harvester 150 is compressed, gas may flow from the energy harvester 150, via the transmission element 160, to the energy storage device 170. Dashed lines 191, 192 in FIGS. 7 and 8 identify the bounds of the transmission element 160. As discussed above, the transmission element of a pneumatic pod may be extension of the energy harvester 150 and / or the energy storage device 170.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, outward expansion of the energy storage device corresponds to the storage of energy within the device, such that expansion occurs as energy accumulates in the compressed gas or elastic material. For example, as shown in FIG. 8. in some embodiments, the energy storage device 170 is configured to expand in volume as it receives the gas and to store energy in the elastic properties of its walls. In other embodiments, the energy storage device 170 is configured to store energy in the form of a compressed gas instead of or in addition to the elastic properties of its walls. For example, the energy storage device 170 may be made from a mostly inextensible material wherein most of the energy is stored in the form of a compressed gas. As another example, the volume capacity of the energy storage device 170 may be less than the volume capacity of the energy harvester 150 so that gas received from the energy storageClient Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 device 170 is compressed. When the compressive load 141 is removed, the pod 180 will return to its unloaded state shown in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, a valve 175 is included to alter the pressure within the gas pod 180. The valve can be adapted to receive a pump or an inlet to alter the pressure within.

[0043] An exemplary construction of the pneumatic energy harvester 150 includes an airtight sac with an inextensible pouch surrounding the sac. The inextensible pouch provides properties to limit expansion when the energy harvester 150 is compressed under the weight of a runner, while the airtight sac provides an airtight seal, while being able to collapse under pressure. In an alternate construction, the energy harvester 150 is made of a single material that is both airtight and inextensible. In some embodiments, the pouch may include an abrasion-resistant exterior.

[0044] An exemplary construction of a pneumatic energy 170 storage device may include a tube made of an elastomer with a stopper installed at the end. The elastomer used may be any form of elastomeric material including but not limited to: latex, butyl, or silicone. The stopper can house a valve for inflation. The pod 180 may be inflated using a pump configured to interface with the valve. The stopper can be constructed using an adhesive to form a seal on the energy storage device 170.

[0045] In some embodiments, all the gas may be evacuated from a pneumatic energy harvester. Compression of a pneumatic energy harvester may generate about 3-5x more energy that may be recycled and / or reduce the impact to the joints about 3-5x less than a typical shoe. A pneumatic pod may be configured to pass the air from the pneumatic energy harvester to a pneumatic energy storage device, such as a secondary bladder, that is extensible and elastic. Thus, by tuning the extensibility of the pneumatic energy storage device, the force profile of the sole can be tuned. Further, since all the air may be evacuated from the pneumatic energy harvester thereby reducing the volume defined by the energy harvester to near- zero, a pod as disclosed herein provides a softer sole for the same thickness. This is in contrast to soles with small air pouches, e.g., a sealed bag of compressed air, that behave like foam because the air can never fully evacuate from the pouch and thus, they provide a limited amount of compression (see e.g. FIG. 2).Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1

[0046] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the energy storage device 170 is connected to the energy harvester 150 by a transmission element 160. In some embodiments, the transmission element 160 includes a detachable connection. The detachable connection can be, but is not limited to, screws with or without seals, quick pneumatic connectors adapted to receive two tubes, tubes with snap features, or tubes with latches. An advantage of interchangeable energy storage devices 170 is that shoes may be tuned / adjusted for different user weights and preferences. A stiffer energy storage device 170 can be made by increasing the thickness of the elastomer being used, altering the material properties of the elastomer or decreasing the length of the tub in this embodiment. The energy storage device 170 may also be tuned so that it is configured to expand preferentially in a predetermined direction.

[0047] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate an embodiment of a mechanical pod 180, with a mechanical energy harvester 350, a mechanical transmission 360 and a mechanical energy harvester 370. The mechanical energy harvester 350 can be constructed of any mechanical arrangement such that it is able to collapse to reduce its thickness in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. However, for the purposes of discussion, the mechanical harvester 350 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 is illustrated as a 4-bar linkage that includes a platform 371, a member 374 oriented parallel to the platform 371, sub links 372373, a translational joint 378, and rotational joints 375, 376, 377. The platform 371 may be oriented to respond to a compressive load. FIG. 9 shows the mechanical pod 180 in an unloaded state and FIG. 10 shows the mechanical pod 180 in a loaded state wherein the mechanical energy harvester 350 is under a compressive load applied to the platform 371. The mechanical transmission element 360 is shown for example to take input motion of the energy harvester 350 and to transmit that energy to the mechanical energy storage device 370. The energy storage device 370 shown here is made of an idealized compression spring 233 and a roller cart 234 operating across a flat surface 379. It should be understood that the idealized compression spring 233 could easily be replaced by any other material or configuration capable of elastic energy storageClient Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 such as but not limited to carbon fiber plates, carbon fiber springs, steel springs, steel leaf springs, steel cantilever springs, elastomeric or plastic springs.

[0048] An embodiment of a pneumo-mechanical pod 180 is illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. In this embodiment, a pneumatic energy harvester 150 is configured compress to reduce its thickness and to transmit energy by moving the gas from the energy harvester through the transmission element 160. In this exemplary configuration, the transmission element 160 includes a tube 131 and a plunger 132. The plunger 132 is pushed towards an energy storage device 370 by the expanding gas and transmits energy into the mechanical energy storage device 370 which is shown as an idealized mechanical spring 233. Alternative mechanical energy storage devices that may be utilized include any material or configuration capable of elastic energy storage such as but not limited to carbon fiber plates, carbon fiber springs, steel springs, steel leaf springs, steel cantilever springs, elastomeric springs, or plastic springs. This concept can be reversed so that the energy harvester is a mechanical component and the energy storage device is a pneumatic component in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.

[0049] In one embodiment, a rigid plate, such as plate 193 illustrated in FIG. 3, is provided between the upper and the pods 180 to provide stability in the shoe. The rigid plate may be made of any nondeformable material including carbon fiber, plastic, or metal.

[0050] In one embodiment, an elastomer outsole is attached to the side of the energy harvester 150 closest to ground 120 to increase friction between the energy harvester 150 and the ground 120 and to improve durability of the energy harvester 150. The elastomer outsole can be made of any elastomer including thermosets, thermoplastics or natural rubbers.

[0051] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing fromClient Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.Discussion of Possible Embodiments

[0052] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention .

[0053] A pod may include an energy harvester and an energy storage device coupled to the energy harvester.

[0054] The pod may be pneumatic, mechanical, or pneumo-mechanical.

[0055] The pod may further include a transmission element configured to transfer energy between the energy harvester and the energy storage device.

[0056] A plurality of energy storage devices may be coupled to a single energy harvester via one or more branching transmission elements.

[0057] The pod may have an integral or unitary construction. For example, the energy harvester and the energy storage device may be separate sections of the pod.

[0058] The pod may have a multi-component construction. For example, the energy harvester and the energy storage device may be separate components coupled to one another.

[0059] The pod components (energy harvester, energy storage device, or transmission element) may have an integral / unitary construction or be constructed of a plurality of sub-components.

[0060] Energy may flow bidirectionally between the energy harvester and energy storage device through the transmission element.

[0061] The pod may be configured for attachment to a shoe having a sole defining a sole perimeter which is a boundary of the sole, as viewed from the bottom, when the shoe is in the unloaded state.

[0062] The pod. or a pod component, may be removably attachable to the shoe, allowing replacement or tuning of pod characteristics without replacing the entire shoe.Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1

[0063] A pod may be positioned toward the front, rear, medial, or lateral portions of the shoe or sole.

[0064] The energy harvester may be configured to be compressed under a load applied to the shoe.

[0065] As a force is applied to the energy harvester, energy may be harvested through pneumatic pressure.

[0066] The energy harvester and / or energy storage device may be a pneumatic system.

[0067] The energy harvester may be configured to collapse to a near- zero internal volume to maximize displacement and energy transfer.

[0068] The pneumatic system may include a valve adapted to alter a pressure in pneumatic system.

[0069] Energy may be harvested through mechanical movement associated with a mechanical energy harvesting mechanism.

[0070] The energy harvester may be positioned within the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter when the shoe is in the loaded state, the unloaded state, or both the loaded and unloaded states.

[0071] The energy harvester is compressible to reduce its thickness to less than one-half, one-third, or one-fourth of its original thickness under load.

[0072] The energy harvester may have a first thickness when the shoe is in the unloaded state and a second thickness that is less than one-half of the first thickness when the shoe is in the loaded state.

[0073] The energy storage device may be coupled to the energy harvester and adapted to store energy from the energy harvester and reversibly return energy to the energy harvester.

[0074] The storage and return of energy may occur as the shoe transitions from the loaded state to the unloaded state. For example, the energy storage device may be adapted to receive energy from the energy harvester during compression and to return energy to the energy harvester during unloading.Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1

[0075] Energy may be stored as elastic energy, as compressed gas, or as a combination of both in the energy storage device.

[0076] The elastic energy may be stored by a wall of the energy storage device.

[0077] The energy storage device may include a plurality of stiffness profiles, enabling tuning of cushioning or energy return characteristics for users of different weights or preferences.

[0078] Energy may be stored through a mechanical elastic mechanism.

[0079] The energy storage device may be positioned outside the bounds of the perimeter in both the loaded state and the unloaded state.

[0080] The energy storage device may be adapted to extend at least 1 mm beyond the sole perimeter when in the loaded state.

[0081] The energy storage device may be adapted to extend at least 1 mm beyond the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter when the energy storage device is in the loaded state and / or when the shoe is in the loaded state.

[0082] At least a portion of the energy storage device may extend at least 1 mm outside the bounds of the sole perimeter in response to the storage of energy.

[0083] At least a portion of the energy storage device may be positioned at least 1 mm beyond the sole perimeter when the shoe is in the unloaded and loaded states.

[0084] The energy storage device may be positioned at a location of the shoe such that the energy storage device does not contact the ground during normal use.

[0085] A shoe having an unloaded state and a loaded state and including a sole attached to a bottom portion of an upper of the shoe, a sole perimeter, and at least one pod including at least one energy harvester and at least one energy storage device.

[0086] The shoe may transition between an unloaded state and a loaded state, with energy stored during loading and released during unloading.

[0087] The pod or a pod component (energy harvester, energy storage device, or transmission element) may form a part of the sole. For example, the pod or pod component may be embedded within the sole.Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1

[0088] The sole may have a first thickness when the shoe is in the unloaded state and a second thickness that is less than one-half of the first thickness when the shoe is in the loaded state.

[0089] Compression of the energy harvester may reduce the first thickness of the sole to a second thickness.

[0090] The second thickness may be less than one-half of the first thickness.

Claims

Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1Claims:

1. A shoe comprising: an upper; a sole attached to a bottom portion of the upper of the shoe and comprising a sole perimeter, wherein the sole perimeter is a boundary of the sole when the shoe is in an unloaded state, when viewed from the bottom; and at least one pod, the at least one pod including: at least one energy harvester positioned at least partially within the sole perimeter when the shoe is in both the loaded state and an unloaded state; at least one energy storage device coupled to the energy harvester and adapted to store energy from the energy harvester and reversibly return energy to the energy harvester as the shoe transitions from the loaded state to the unloaded state, the energy storage device adapted to extend at least 1 mm beyond the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter when the energy storage device is in the loaded state.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the energy harvester has a first thickness when the shoe is in the unloaded state and a second thickness that is less than one-half of the first thickness when the shoe is in the loaded state.

3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least one pod comprises a first pod positioned toward a front of the shoe.

4. The shoe of claim 1, the at least one pod further including a transmission element configured to transfer energy between the energy harvester and the energy storage device.Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT15. The shoe of claim 4, wherein the energy storage device is positioned such that at least a portion of the energy storage device is located 1 mm beyond the sole perimeter when the shoe is in the unloaded and loaded states.

6. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the energy storage device is positioned at a location of the shoe such that the energy storage device does not contact the ground during normal use.

7. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the energy storage device extends at least 1mm outside the bounds of the sole perimeter in response to the storage of energy.

8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least one of the energy harvester or energy storage device is a pneumatic system.

9. The shoe of claim 8, further including a valve adapted to alter a pressure in pneumatic system.

10. The shoe of claim 1, wherein energy is stored as elastic energy in a wall of the energy storage device.

11. The shoe of claim 1, wherein energy is stored as compressed gas in the energy storage device.

12. The shoe of claim 1, wherein energy is stored in combination of elastic energy in a wall of the energy storage device and compressed gas.

13. The shoe of claim 1, wherein, as a force is applied to the energy harvester, energy is harvested through pneumatic pressure.Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT114. The shoe of claim 1, wherein energy is harvested through mechanical movement associated with a mechanical energy harvesting mechanism.

15. The shoe of claim 1, wherein energy is stored through a mechanical elastic mechanism.

16. A shoe comprising: a sole having a first thickness when the shoe is in an unloaded state, the sole comprising: a perimeter, wherein the perimeter is a boundary of the sole when viewed from the bottom when the shoe is in the unloaded state; at least one energy harvester positioned at least partially within the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter when the shoe is in the unloaded state and when the shoe is in a loaded state, wherein compression of the energy harvester reduces the first thickness of the energy harvester to a second thickness that is less than one-half of the first thickness; and at least one energy storage device coupled to the energy harvester, the energy harvester adapted to extend at least 1 mm beyond the bounds of the shoe sole perimeter when the shoe is in the loaded state.

17. The shoe of claim 16, wherein the energy storage device is adapted to store energy when the shoe is in the loaded state and reversibly return energy to the energy harvester as the shoe transitions to the unloaded state.

18. The shoe of claim 16, wherein the at least one energy harvester includes a first energy harvester and the at least one energy storage device includes a first energy storage device,Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2 B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT1 the first energy harvester and the first energy storage device forming a first pod positioned toward a front of the shoe.

19. The shoe of claim 16, the sole further comprising a transmission element configured to transfer energy between the energy harvester and the energy storage device.

20. The shoe of claim 19, wherein the energy storage device is positioned outside the bounds of the perimeter in both the loaded state and the unloaded state.

21. The shoe of claim 20, wherein the energy storage device is positioned on the shoe such that the energy storage device does not contact the ground during normal use.

22. A pod comprising: an energy harvester; an energy storage device coupled to the energy harvester; wherein the pod is configured for attachment to a shoe having a sole defining a sole perimeter, the energy harvester is configured to be compressed under a load applied to the shoe, and the energy storage device adapted to receive energy from the energy harvester during compression and to return energy to the energy harvester during unloading.

23. The pod of claim 22, further comprising a transmission element configured to transfer energy between the energy harvester and the energy storage device.

24. The pod of claim 22, wherein when the pod is attached to the shoe and subjected to the load, the energy harvester is positioned at least partially within the bounds of the sole perimeter and the energy storage device is adapted to extend at least 1 mm beyond the bounds of the sole perimeter in a loaded state.Client Docket No. UCSB 2025-354-2B&A Docket No. 4059.072PCT125. The pod of claim 22, wherein the pod is pneumatic, mechanical, or pneumomechanical.

Images