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Footwear sole

a technology for soles and shoes, applied in the field of shoes, can solve the problems of eva, conventional closed and open cell foams, and the sole may lose its resiliency over time, and achieve the effects of extending the cushioning life of the midsole, increasing vertical stiffness, and convenient tuning

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-06-26
WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a shoe with a unique sole that can be easily adjusted to provide the desired support profile. The insert includes a plurality of support tubes that can be positioned and oriented to control the overall support profile of the shoe. The support tubes can be adjusted to provide increased vertical stiffness, address overpronation, and control in the arch region. The insert can also include a forefoot extension for controlled cushioning in the forefoot region and a heel wedge for added support. The invention provides a shoe with a durable and adjustable support profile that can be easily customized."

Problems solved by technology

In conventional footwear, the midsole (as well as other sole components) may begin to lose its performance over a relatively short period of time.
Degradation of the sole material can cause the sole to lose its resiliency over time, particularly in regions of high and repeated impact, such as the heel.
For example, conventional closed and open cell foams, such as EVA, have a relatively short life as the material naturally breaks down over relatively short periods of use.
Conventional foam materials are also susceptible to temperature changes, which can cause the resiliency of the foam to vary noticeably.
As a result, temperature can have a significant adverse affect on the support characteristics of a sole manufactured from conventional foam materials.

Method used

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  • Footwear sole
  • Footwear sole
  • Footwear sole

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0030]A footwear sole manufactured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, and generally designated 10. The footwear sole 10 generally includes an outsole 12, a heel wedge, 14, an insert 16 and a midsole 18. The sole 10 may be incorporated into an article of footwear, such as shoe 200 shown in FIG. 2. The shoe 200 may include an upper 202 that is affixed to the sole 10. The shoe 200 may also include a footbed (not shown) that is removably fitted into the upper 202 atop of the sole 10. The insert 16 may include support tubes 46a-j with internal webs 48a-j that are configured to control the support profile of the sole 10. Although the present invention is described in connection with a conventional standard height running or trail running shoe 200, the present invention is not limited to use in shoes of that type. The present invention is well-suited for use in essentially any type of sole and can be incorporated into essentially any type of footw...

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PUM

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Abstract

A sole for an article of footwear having an insert with a plurality of forefoot support tubes are configured to control the support characteristics of the sole in a forefoot region of the sole. In one embodiment, the forefoot support tubes each include a base, and a wall extending from the base. The wall is formed from a material that has a lower durometer value than the base. In another embodiment, the forefoot support tubes are arranged in a radiating pattern, such that at least two of the forefoot support tubes diverge as they extend toward the lateral side of the insert.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to a sole construction for an article of footwear.[0002]There is a continuing effort to provide ever more comfortable footwear. Running shoes, as well as other footwear, have undergone tremendous evolutionary advances in technology over the past 20 years. Many of the technological advances have occurred in the midsole. In most footwear, the midsole functions as the “suspension system” of the sole and it often provides both protective cushioning and a stable platform for the wearer's foot. Variations in the characteristics of the midsole can have a dramatic affect on the performance of the shoe. In an effort to provide improved performance, it is often desirable to vary the support characteristics of the sole from one region to another. For example, it may be desirable to provide a higher density material in the heel and a lower density material in the forefoot. A higher density material...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A43B13/18
CPCA43B7/08A43B7/144A43B13/026A43B13/12A43B13/206A43B13/181A43B13/186A43B13/188A43B13/143A43B13/125
Inventor SCHOENBORN, MARY L.
Owner WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE
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