237 results about "Heel region" patented technology

Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper having lateral and medial side elements engaged with the sole structure, the upper made from a polymer matrix structure that extends through at least a heel region; (c) a size adjustment mechanism located at the heel region; (d) a heel tongue element located adjacent the size adjustment mechanism; (e) a shoe securing mechanism; (f) an instep tongue member; and / or (g) a bootie member located at least partially within the foot-receiving chamber. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.

An article of footwear includes a woven region. A fit adjustment system includes a lace strap superimposed with strands of material forming the woven region. The lace strap is routed around the shoe and forms opposing pairs of lace holding elements such as lace loops. More specifically, the lace strap extends downwardly from a lace holding element on a first side of the upper, across and underneath the footbed, around the heel region, back across and underneath the footbed, and upwardly to form a lace holding element on the second side. By the routing of the lace strap, the lace strap is integrated with the heel and arch portions of the shoe. A shoe lace is routed through the lace holding elements and may be adjusted to affect the fit of the upper to a foot of a user.

A shoe includes a shoe upper made of flexible material, the shoe upper including a toe region, a heel region, a foot opening at the heel region, and an arch region extending between the toe region and the heel region. A split sole is secured to a bottom of the shoe upper, the split sole including a front sole under the toe region of the shoe upper and a rear sole under the heel region of the shoe upper, the front and rear soles being spaced from one another for defining a gap between the front and rear soles that extends along the bottom of the shoe upper. The dance shoe also includes an elastic material attached to the bottom of the shoe upper and covering the gap between the front and rear soles, whereby the elastic material covers an underside of the dance shoe, and at least one support band attached to the shoe upper and being connected with the elastic material for supporting the elastic material and for minimizing wrinkling, puckering, pinching and sagging of the elastic material in the arch region of the shoe upper.

An article of footwear includes a woven region. A fit adjustment system includes a lace strap superimposed with strands of material forming the woven region. The lace strap is routed around the shoe and forms opposing pairs of lace holding elements such as lace loops. More specifically, the lace strap extends downwardly from a lace holding element on a first side of the upper, across and underneath the footbed, around the heel region, back across and underneath the footbed, and upwardly to form a lace holding element on the second side. By the routing of the lace strap, the lace strap is integrated with the heel and arch portions of the shoe. A shoe lace is routed through the lace holding elements and may be adjusted to affect the fit of the upper to a foot of a user.

An athletic shoe, with a sole and a shoe upper, connected thereto, which surrounds the front of the foot, the ankle region and the heel region of the foot. The shoe is able to be collapsed down to a low height for packing, without negatively affecting the ability of the shoe to hold the wearers foot in an optimal manner in use. This ability is achieved the shoe upper being provided with an incision in the heel region, running at least nearly in a direction perpendicular to the sole, whereby the parts of the shoe upper, on both sides of the incision can be folded or turned inwards down toward the sole.

A footwear construction including a sole and an adjustable heel element selectively rotatable about an axis of rotation to configure the heel element in a fitness mode or a stability mode. The heel element can include a ground contacting surface having a first performance contour and a second, different performance contour. In the fitness mode, the first performance contour is positioned rearward of the second performance contour to provide a rolling / rocking motion when the heel region of the footwear engages a walking surface in a gait cycle. In the stability mode, the second performance contour is positioned rearward of the first performance contour to provide a stable impact when the heel region engages a walking surface. The footwear can include an actuator to enable the heel element to rotate and locking elements to hold the heel element in a fixed rotational position. A related method of use also is provided.

The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end. Likewise, a multiplicity of bristles extend from the toe region of the head, wherein said bristles extending from the toe portion of the head are at least as tall as the general height of said bristles extending from the heel portion when viewed from the side and wherein the side profile view of the distal ends of the bristles extending from the toe portion form a generally linear surface which forms an angle relative to the general plane of the bristles extending from the heel portion of from 0 DEG to about 45 DEG declining from the edge of the toe portion distal to the heel portion to the edge of the toe portion which is proximal to the heel portion.

A shoe sole structure includes a midsole body that extends from the heel region to the forefoot region of a shoe and an outsole that is attached to the midsole body. The outsole includes a plurality of protrusions arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, while extending at least partially between the lateral edge and the medial edge of the shoe. One or more of the half tube structures can include grooves and / or projections to enhance traction on a contact surface.

The invention relates to articles of footwear, and portions thereof, including convex and / or concave elements thereon, and related systems and methods for designing and manufacturing same. An example article of footwear including a midsole having a medial side, a lateral side, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, the midsole including a sidewall, wherein the sidewall includes a first wall portion having a plurality of convex structures extending out from the sidewall and a second wall portion having a plurality of concave structures extending into the sidewall.

A full length composite plate to be used as part of an outsole assembly in an article of footwear is disclosed. The full length composite plate comprises a composite material that has a certain percent elongation. The full length composite plate can include a heel cup for heel stability and improved traction. The full length composite plate also can include two angled portions along an arch region that provide arch support, as well as two flattened edges along the arch region to minimize or eliminate buckling. The forefoot region can be relatively flatter than the arch and heel regions, and notches are preferably included along a portion of the forefoot to increase flexibility.

A full length composite plate to be used as part of an outsole assembly in an article of footwear is disclosed. The full length composite plate comprises a composite material that has a certain percent elongation. The full length composite plate can include a heel cup for heel stability and improved traction. The full length composite plate also can include two angled portions along an arch region that provide arch support, as well as two flattened edges along the arch region to minimize or eliminate buckling. The forefoot region can be relatively flatter than the arch and heel regions, and notches are preferably included along a portion of the forefoot to increase flexibility.

The present invention is generally directed to a sole for an article of footwear. The sole generally defining a heel region, a forefoot region and an arch region that is disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole has a foot support extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, with a shank plate coupled to a lower surface of the foot support. The sole further includes a lateral heel piece and a medial heel piece, such that at least one of the medial or lateral heel pieces includes a plurality of tubes. A heel outsole is coupled to at least one of said medial or lateral heel pieces.

Articles of footwear having both interior and exterior midsole components may include: (a) an upper that at least in part defines an interior chamber; (b) an interior midsole component within the interior chamber, wherein, at a forefoot region, the interior midsole component includes a longitudinal flexion line and a plurality of transverse flexion lines; and (c) an exterior sole structure engaged with the upper. This exterior sole structure may include: (a) an exterior midsole component in a heel region of the article of footwear that does not extend under the forefoot region of the article of footwear and (b) an outsole component that extends under the forefoot region. If desired, the outsole component may extend under the exterior midsole component in the rearfoot region. The interior midsole component may include a plurality of pod elements separated from one another by the flexion lines.

An golf club head is provided, having enhanced sound and feel characteristics. The club head has a hollow main body including a ball-striking face, a sole, a crown, a hosel, and a side portion extending rearwardly from the face. The body further includes a heel region adjacent to the hosel and a toe region opposing the heel region, and it defines a volume of at least 100 cc. The club head further includes a stiffening member disposed within the body and attached to both the sole and the crown. The member is spaced apart from the striking face and disposed within the body in a region having a first zone extending less than half the distance from the heel region to the toe region and a second zone extending less than half the distance from a rearmost point, thereby forming a local stiffness zone in the body to influence vibration modes and acoustic properties of the club head in a prescribed manner.

The present invention relates to a shoe sole, in particular for a sports shoe, where the sole includes a cartridge cushioning system that includes a load distribution plate and deformation elements disposed in a forefoot region of the sole to provide support and / or cushioning to the forefoot. The shoe sole may include a second cartridge cushioning system that includes a second load deformation plate and functional elements disposed in a heel region of the sole to guide the foot into a neutral position after the first ground contact.

An outsole having a plurality of traction elements extending transversely across its lower surface and a plurality of support walls extending transversely across its upper surface. Each of the support walls is uniquely associated with and in substantial vertical alignment with one of the traction elements. In one embodiment, the traction elements include and angled lower wall and a substantially vertical rear wall. In this embodiment, the support walls may be in substantial vertical alignment with the rear wall. In another embodiment, the heel region includes an intersecting grid-like arrangement of support walls in its upper surface.

The present invention relates to a shoe sole, in particular for a sports shoe, where the sole includes a cartridge cushioning system that includes a load distribution plate arranged in a heel region of the shoe sole, at least one cushioning element for determining the cushioning properties of the shoe sole during the first ground contact with the heel, and at least one guidance element to guide the foot into a neutral position after the first ground contact.

A hitting face of a golf club head having a location of longest characteristic time shifted away from the geometric center of the hitting face. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. In another embodiment, the hitting face as a central zone that is thicker than the surrounding material. In another embodiment, a dense insert is attached directly or indirectly to a plate-like face insert at or near the geometric center of the insert. In another embodiment, the central zone of the hitting face is reinforced with ribs. In another embodiment, the central zone is elliptical with varying thickness. In this embodiment, the central zone minor axis is thinner than the major axis. The central zone is positioned within the hitting face such that the minor axis is oriented from the low heel region to the high toe region.

A sole assembly for an article of footwear comprises a sole having a heel region and a ball region. A first multi-turn wave spring disposed within the sole comprises an upper turn and a lower turn. The upper turn is in pivotal contact with the lower turn to define a first side and an opposing second side of the multi-turn wave spring. Compression of the first side causes expansion pressure on the second side and compression of the second side causes expansion pressure on the first side to provide cushioning and energy return responsive to a rolling footstrike.

A footwear sole includes a footwear sole base with a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and a heel region. A lower heel cushion is positioned in the heel region. An upper heel cushion is positioned over the lower heel cushion. A shank with reinforcement ribs is positioned in the mid-foot region. A forefoot stabilizer is positioned in the forefoot region. The forefoot stabilizer includes an axial spine and lateral ribs to facilitate forward movement and lateral support. The footwear sole may be used in combination with a foot bed with a flexible base and a rigid orthotic structure. The foot bed may include elastomer cushioning domes at heel and metatarsal impact points. The foot bed may include a liner with moisture wicking and anti-microbe properties.

A shoe sole structure includes a plurality of downwardly extending protrusions arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shoe and extending at least partially between a lateral edge and a medial edge of the shoe sole. The protrusions arranged in the heel region of the sole are angled forwardly and the protrusions arranged in the forefoot region are angled rearwardly.

A footwear construction including an articulated welt. The footwear includes an upper and an outsole secured together with a welt in the forward portion of the footwear. The welt terminates short of the heel region of the footwear. In one embodiment, the outsole in the heel region is secured to a heel cradle which is further secured the upper. The footwear provides the durability of a welt construction in the forward portion of the shoe and the comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel region of the shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes securing an outsole to an upper with a welt in a forefoot and / or arch region of the shoe but not the heel region of the shoe. Optionally, a heel cradle is disposed in the heel region of the shoe and the outsole is secured to the heel cradle and / or upper in the heel region.

A hitting face of a golf club head having a location of longest characteristic time shifted away from the geometric center of the hitting face. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. In another embodiment, the hitting face as a central zone that is thicker than the surrounding material. In another embodiment, a dense insert is attached directly or indirectly to a plate-like face insert at or near the geometric center of the insert. In another embodiment, the central zone of the hitting face is reinforced with ribs. In another embodiment, the central zone is elliptical with varying thickness. In this embodiment, the central zone minor axis is thinner than the major axis. The central zone is positioned within the hitting face such that the minor axis is oriented from the low heel region to the high toe region.

A sole assembly including a unitary midsole having an upper support surface configured to support a plantar region of a human foot, and a substantially contiguous lower surface extending from a heel portion of the sole assembly to a toe portion of the sole assembly. A semi-rigid heel cradle is coupled to the upper support surface and configured to cradle and support a heel region of the foot from beneath the foot and to support a plurality of sides of the foot when the foot is rested in a heel area of the sole assembly. Further, an outsole is provided on the substantially contiguous lower surface and configured to provide traction with a ground surface.

A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole; the midsole being comprised of at least a shank and a lower layer; the bottom surface of the shank having at least one longitudinal concavity and at least one longitudinal convexity, the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region and the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a portion of the middle region. Collectively, these elements contribute to making the shoe appropriate for both walking and higher impact activities such as running, and simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of use on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

A footwear sole includes a footwear sole base with a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and a heel region. A lower heel cushion is positioned in the heel region. An upper heel cushion is positioned over the lower heel cushion. A shank with reinforcement ribs is positioned in the mid-foot region. A forefoot stabilizer is positioned in the forefoot region. The forefoot stabilizer includes an axial spine and lateral ribs to facilitate forward movement and lateral support. The footwear sole may be used in combination with a foot bed with a flexible base and a rigid orthotic structure. The foot bed may include elastomer cushioning domes at heel and metatarsal impact points. The foot bed may include a liner with moisture wicking and anti-microbe properties.

A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole wherein an upper layer of the midsole has a bottom surface that has a longitudinal convexity and a longitudinal concavity, the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a substantial portion of the toe region or a substantial portion of the toe region and middle region, and the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region, the longitudinal convexity and the longitudinal concavity collectively contributing to simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of walking on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

The heel counter structure includes a sole plate provided at least at the heel region of the shoe and having a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is upraised along the heel region of the shoe so as to enclose the lower portion of the heel portion of the foot of the wearer. The heel structure also includes a pair of heel counter portions provided on the medial and lateral sides of the heel region of the shoe so as to sandwich the heel portion of the foot sideways. The heel counter portions are coupled to the peripheral portion of the sole plate at the lower ends of the heel counter portions so that the heel counter portions can tilt inwardly and outwardly independently of the sole plate. The heel counter portions are separated from the peripheral portion of the sole plate except the lower ends of the heel counter portions.

A sole assembly for an article of footwear comprises a midsole, a sole having a heel region, and a first wave spring disposed within a vacuity located within the heel region. The wave spring includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A plate, resting upon the top surface of the wave spring, is unsecured to the midsole and sized to permit movement within the vacuity along with the wave spring responsive to a rolling footstrike.

A sole for an article of footwear is provided. The article of footwear defines a lateral edge, a medial edge, a forefoot region, a midfoot region and a heel region. The sole includes an outsole having a thickness and at least one slot in the outsole. The slot extends in a substantially longitudinal direction. A longitudinal centerline is defined midway between the lateral edge and the medial edge. The slot crosses over the longitudinal centerline in at least one of the forefoot region and the midfoot region. An article of footwear having the sole attached to an upper is also provided.