EP0315340A2 - Athletic shoe with pronation control device - Google Patents
Athletic shoe with pronation control device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0315340A2 EP0315340A2 EP88309833A EP88309833A EP0315340A2 EP 0315340 A2 EP0315340 A2 EP 0315340A2 EP 88309833 A EP88309833 A EP 88309833A EP 88309833 A EP88309833 A EP 88309833A EP 0315340 A2 EP0315340 A2 EP 0315340A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- sole
- accordance
- cushioning
- plate
- sole member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/24—Insertions or other supports preventing the foot canting to one side , preventing supination or pronation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
Definitions
- the invention relates to footwear, more particularly to athletic shoes, wherein a cushioning sole is provided with a pronation control device to control the pronation motion of a wearer's foot.
- the sole includes a sole member which is compressible and resilient to thereby cushion foot impact, and the control device increases the resistance to compression of the sole member in the area adjacent the medial side of the sole.
- the modern shoe is a combination of many elements which have specific functions, all of which must work together for the support and protection of the foot.
- Athletic shoes today are as varied in design and purpose as are the rules for the sports in which the shoes are worn.
- Tennis shoes, racquetball shoes, basketball shoes, running shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes, weightlifting shoes, walking shoes, etc. are all designed to be used in very specific, and very different, ways. They are also designed to provide a unique and specific combination of traction, support and protection to enhance performance.
- shoes designed for specific sports they are also designed to meet the specific characteristics of the user. For example, shoes are designed differently for heavier persons than for lighter persons; differently for wide feet than for narrow feet; differently for high arches than for low arches, etc.
- Some shoes are designed to correct physical problems, such as over-pronation, while other include devices, such as ankle supports, to prevent physical problems from developing.
- a shoe is divided into two general parts, an upper and a sole.
- the upper is designed to snuggly and comfortably enclose the foot, while the sole must provide traction, protection, and a durable wear surface.
- the considerable forces generated by running require that the sole of a running shoe provide enhanced protection and shock absorption for the foot and leg. It is also desirable to have enhanced protection and shock absorption for the foot and leg in all types of footwear.
- the sole of a running shoe typically includes several layers, including a resilient, shock absorbing or cushioning layer as a midsole and a ground contacting outer sole or outsole which provides both durability and traction. This is particularly true for training or jogging shoes designed to be used over long distances and over a long period of time.
- the sole also provides a broad, stable base to support the foot during ground contact.
- the typical motion of the foot during running proceeds as follows. First, the heel strikes the ground, followed by the ball of the foot. As the heel leaves the ground, the foot rolls forward so that the toes make contact, and finally the entire foot leaves the ground to begin another cycle. During the time, that the foot is in contact with the ground, it typically is rolling from the outside or lateral side to the inside or medial side, a process called pronation. That is, normally, the outside of the heel strikes first and the toes on the inside of the foot leave the ground last. While the foot is air borne and preparing for another cycle the opposite process, called supination, occurs.
- Pronation the inward roll of the foot in contact with the ground, although normal, can be a potential source of foot and leg injury, particularly if it is excessive.
- the use of soft cushioning materials in the midsole of running shoes, while providing protection against impact forces, can encourage instability of the sub-talar joint of the ankle, thereby contributing to the tendency for over-pronation. This instability has been cited as a contributor to "runners knee" and other athletic injuries.
- Stability devices Various methods for resisting excessive pronation or instability of the sub-talar joint have been proposed and incorporated into prior art athletic shoes as "stability" devices.
- these devices have been fashioned by modifying conventional shoes components, such as the heel counter, and by modifying the midsole cushioning materials.
- one technique incorporates a relatively stiff heel counter support over the heel counter, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,288,929.
- a similar technique wherein support is provided to a heel counter by a bead of material, is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,354,318.
- Another prior art technique to enhance motion control during foot impact is by building up the heel counter itself, such as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,255,877 and 4,287,675.
- the present invention was designed to take advantage of the lightweight cushioning capability of the materials used in current athletic shoes, while enhancing the stability of the shoes without incurring the above disadvantages of prior art "stability" devices.
- the invention relates to a cushioning sole for use in footwear which includes a pronation control device to control the pronation motion of a wearer's foot.
- the sole comprises a sole member which extends along at least the heel and arch areas of the sole.
- the sole member is compressible and resilient to thereby cushion foot impact, and includes a mechanism incorporated into it for increasing the resistance to compression of the sole member in an area adjacent its medial side to thereby control pronation motion.
- the compression resistance increasing mechanism includes at least one substantially rigid member formed of a substantially non-compressible material and extending vertically through at least a portion of the vertical extent of the sole member.
- the sole member preferably extends along substantially the entire foot bed and is formed at least partially of a foam material.
- the compression resistance increasing mechanism preferably includes at least one generally horizontally extending plate which gradually increases the resistance to compression of the sole member from the lateral side to a maximum adjacent the medial side of the sole member.
- the rigid member is preferably formed as at least two hollow columns spaced longitudinally from one another, and the plate extends between and laterally from adjacent the tops of the columns in a cantilever manner.
- the plate is preferably formed as a plurality of separate plate members which extend laterally from the medial side to an area past the centerline of the heel area.
- the material of the sole member compresses to cushion the foot.
- the distal ends of the plate members add a degree of resistance to compression of the sole member.
- portions of the plate members which extend in a cantilever fashion from the medial side of the sole resist compression of the sole member to a greater degree, thereby further stabilizing the foot.
- Maximum resistance to compression of the sole member and, hence, maximum stabilization of the foot occurs along the medial side of the sole where the vertically extending, non-compressible rigid members are disposed.
- the use of the pronation control device of the present invention enables soft cushioning materials to be used in footwear soles while retaining sub-talar joint stability.
- the device functions by increasing the compaction resistance of the medial side of the midsole, thereby resisting pronation, while the more compliant lateral side allows deflection of the lateral portion of the midsole during impact. This controlled deflection reduces the lever arm for the force acting around the sub-talar joint.
- the device thus effectively reduces calcaneal eversion at foot strike, resulting in increased resistance to pronation of the sub-talar joint and lower velocities of pronation.
- the biomechanical characteristics of the pronation control device and, hence, the degree of resistance to pronation and high rates of pronation of the sub-talar joint may be varied by changing the number and height of the rigid members of columns, by changing the number, size and spacing of the separate horizontal plate members, and by changing the physical properties of the material forming the rigid member and plate members.
- the use of a separate device, according to the present invention, for the control of pronation has several advantages over the prior art techniques of adjusting the densities of the cushioning materials.
- the stability characteristics of the shoe can be varied independently of the materials used for cushioning and is thus not dependent on the characteristics of these materials.
- the pronation control device is made of relatively high modulus and high hardness material, the device is not subject to compaction like foam cushioning materials, weighs less, is easier to manufacture, and may be combined with a variety of cushioning materials.
- Shoe 10 includes a sole structure 12 and an upper 14 attached to it.
- Upper 14 can be of any conventional design, while sole structure 12 incorporates novel features of the present invention.
- Sole structure 12 includes a cushioning or force absorbing midsole 16 and a flexible, wear resistant outsole 18.
- the midsole and outsole portions can be formed as a single integral unit.
- Shoe 10 and, hence, sole 12 can be generally divided into a heel section 20 rearward of line L1, an arch section 22 between lines L1 and L2, and a forepart section forward of line L2.
- Lines L1 and L2 are not precise lines of demarkation but rather divide sole 12 into relative sections related generally to portions of the human foot.
- Line L3 is a centerline of heel section 20, which divides heel section 20 and arch section 22 into a medial half 26 and a lateral half 28.
- the medial side of sole 12 is indicated as 27, while the lateral side is indicated as 29.
- Midsole 12 is formed of a cushioning, resilient foam material, such as a polyurethane foam into which a sealed resilient insert 30 is encapsulated.
- the perimeter of insert 30 is shown diagrammatically in dashed line in Figure 2.
- Insert 30 is preferably a gas-filled bladder formed according to the teachings of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 of Marion F. Rudy.
- a gas filled bladder is formed from a flexible material which is sealed along its perimeter and at preselected locations within its perimeter which, after being filled to a relatively high pressure by a gas having a low diffusion rate through the flexible material, takes on a generally flat bladder configuration.
- midsole 12 functions as a compressible and resilient unit which cushions foot impact.
- a pronation control device 40 is incorporated into midsole 12 in heel section 20 and arch section 22.
- Device 40 is preferably formed of a single integral piece of plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.
- the plastic material is relatively hard and substantially non-compressible.
- the plastic material preferably has a relatively high flex modulus, e.g. preferably 75,000 to 125,000 psi as determined by a standard ASTM test, and a hardness preferably in the range of 65 to 72 Shore D. This is in sharp contrast to the much softer foam material used in a typical midsole, such as midsole 12, which generally has a hardness in the range of 40 to 70 on the Asker C scale.
- Device 40 functions to gradually increase the resistance to compression of midsole 12 proceeding from a minimum resistance at the lateral side to a maximum resistance at the medial side.
- Device 40 includes a pair of longitudinally spaced rigid members 42a and 42b and a plurality of separate horizontal plates 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d and 44e.
- Device 40 is incorporated into midsole 12 with rigid members 42a and 42b disposed adjacent the medial edge of midsole 12 in heel section 20 and arch section 22, and extending generally vertically.
- rigid members 42a and 42b extend vertically substantially from the bottom of midsole 12, to the top of midsole 12, which is illustrated by dashed line 46. If less compaction or compression resistance is desired, the vertical extent of rigid members 42a and 42b can be decreased.
- rigid members 42a and 42b are preferably formed in the shape of hollow columns having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration.
- the walls of the columns have a thin cross-section or thickness, such as 0.03" to 0.04".
- plate members 44 extend horizontally from the medial side of sole member 12 toward the lateral side of sole member 12 and past the centerline L3 of heel section 20.
- plate members 44a and 44e extend from rigid members 42a and 42b respectively and are connected to the rigid members through downwardly extending curved sections 46a and 46e. While plate members 44b, 44c and 44d are separate or independent plate members, they are interconnected along a common base 48. To further reduce the weight and material costs of device 40, each plate member 44 has a centrally disposed gap 50.
- Plate members 44a through 44e thus extend horizontally in a cantilever manner from the medial side of midsole 12. That is, plate members 44a and 44e extend laterally from the top of rigid members 42a and 42b, respectively, and plate members 44b, 44c and 44d extend laterally from base 48. All plate members 44 extend along an area adjacent the top of midsole 12. Plate members 44 have a perimeter which tapers from a broadest area adjacent the medial side of midsole 12 to a rounded point at their distal ends of the lateral side. Plate members 44 thus take on a finger or comb-like configuration. The tapering shape and cantilever extension of plate members 44 function to provide gradually increasing resistance to compression of sole member 12 disposed below the plate members.
- plate member 44 bend more easily and, hence, provide less resistance to compression.
- portions of plate member 44 which are closer to their cantilever connection along the medial edge are more difficult to bend and provide increased resistance to compression.
- Maximum resistance to compression is reached along the medial edge of midsole 12 where the rigid members 42a and 42b are located.
- Figure 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a device 40′ wherein rigid members 42 are again formed as hollow columns.
- the hollow columns include a spring or flex section 54 which allows the columns to compress vertically a limited degree.
- Spring section 54 is formed as a bent out section of the column which extends horizontally around the perimeter of the hollow column, thereby forming a bendable flex line.
- Device 40' is used when it is desirable to vary the compliance of the columns without relying on the use of foams or adjusting the modulus of the columns.
- the plate members are illustrated as a plurality of separate figure like elements, the plate members can be formed as a single integral plate.
- two rigid members are illustrated, where appropriate a single rigid member, or more than two rigid members can be used.
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to footwear, more particularly to athletic shoes, wherein a cushioning sole is provided with a pronation control device to control the pronation motion of a wearer's foot. The sole includes a sole member which is compressible and resilient to thereby cushion foot impact, and the control device increases the resistance to compression of the sole member in the area adjacent the medial side of the sole.
- The modern shoe, particularly an athletic shoe, is a combination of many elements which have specific functions, all of which must work together for the support and protection of the foot. Athletic shoes today are as varied in design and purpose as are the rules for the sports in which the shoes are worn. Tennis shoes, racquetball shoes, basketball shoes, running shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes, weightlifting shoes, walking shoes, etc. are all designed to be used in very specific, and very different, ways. They are also designed to provide a unique and specific combination of traction, support and protection to enhance performance. Not only are shoes designed for specific sports, they are also designed to meet the specific characteristics of the user. For example, shoes are designed differently for heavier persons than for lighter persons; differently for wide feet than for narrow feet; differently for high arches than for low arches, etc. Some shoes are designed to correct physical problems, such as over-pronation, while other include devices, such as ankle supports, to prevent physical problems from developing.
- A shoe is divided into two general parts, an upper and a sole. The upper is designed to snuggly and comfortably enclose the foot, while the sole must provide traction, protection, and a durable wear surface. The considerable forces generated by running require that the sole of a running shoe provide enhanced protection and shock absorption for the foot and leg. It is also desirable to have enhanced protection and shock absorption for the foot and leg in all types of footwear. Accordingly, the sole of a running shoe typically includes several layers, including a resilient, shock absorbing or cushioning layer as a midsole and a ground contacting outer sole or outsole which provides both durability and traction. This is particularly true for training or jogging shoes designed to be used over long distances and over a long period of time. The sole also provides a broad, stable base to support the foot during ground contact.
- The typical motion of the foot during running proceeds as follows. First, the heel strikes the ground, followed by the ball of the foot. As the heel leaves the ground, the foot rolls forward so that the toes make contact, and finally the entire foot leaves the ground to begin another cycle. During the time, that the foot is in contact with the ground, it typically is rolling from the outside or lateral side to the inside or medial side, a process called pronation. That is, normally, the outside of the heel strikes first and the toes on the inside of the foot leave the ground last. While the foot is air borne and preparing for another cycle the opposite process, called supination, occurs. Pronation, the inward roll of the foot in contact with the ground, although normal, can be a potential source of foot and leg injury, particularly if it is excessive. The use of soft cushioning materials in the midsole of running shoes, while providing protection against impact forces, can encourage instability of the sub-talar joint of the ankle, thereby contributing to the tendency for over-pronation. This instability has been cited as a contributor to "runners knee" and other athletic injuries.
- Various methods for resisting excessive pronation or instability of the sub-talar joint have been proposed and incorporated into prior art athletic shoes as "stability" devices. In general, these devices have been fashioned by modifying conventional shoes components, such as the heel counter, and by modifying the midsole cushioning materials. For example, one technique incorporates a relatively stiff heel counter support over the heel counter, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,288,929. A similar technique, wherein support is provided to a heel counter by a bead of material, is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,354,318. Another prior art technique to enhance motion control during foot impact is by building up the heel counter itself, such as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,255,877 and 4,287,675. Another technique is the use of higher density cushioning materials on the medial side of the shoe to resist pronation, such as shown in U.S. Patents Nos. 4,364,188 and 4,364,189. The use of a less compressible or firmer fluid tight chamber in the medial heel area of a sole is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,297,797 and 4,445,283. Although these prior art techniques have exhibited a degree of success in controlling sub-talar joint motion and, hence, over-pronation, they have certain disadvantages. Generally, these techniques add to the weight and manufacturing expense of the shoes. Furthermore, the firmer, higher density foam midsole materials are subject to compression set and reduce the efficacy of the cushioning system.
- The present invention was designed to take advantage of the lightweight cushioning capability of the materials used in current athletic shoes, while enhancing the stability of the shoes without incurring the above disadvantages of prior art "stability" devices.
- The invention relates to a cushioning sole for use in footwear which includes a pronation control device to control the pronation motion of a wearer's foot. The sole comprises a sole member which extends along at least the heel and arch areas of the sole. The sole member is compressible and resilient to thereby cushion foot impact, and includes a mechanism incorporated into it for increasing the resistance to compression of the sole member in an area adjacent its medial side to thereby control pronation motion. The compression resistance increasing mechanism includes at least one substantially rigid member formed of a substantially non-compressible material and extending vertically through at least a portion of the vertical extent of the sole member.
- The sole member preferably extends along substantially the entire foot bed and is formed at least partially of a foam material. The compression resistance increasing mechanism preferably includes at least one generally horizontally extending plate which gradually increases the resistance to compression of the sole member from the lateral side to a maximum adjacent the medial side of the sole member. The rigid member is preferably formed as at least two hollow columns spaced longitudinally from one another, and the plate extends between and laterally from adjacent the tops of the columns in a cantilever manner. The plate is preferably formed as a plurality of separate plate members which extend laterally from the medial side to an area past the centerline of the heel area.
- When the foot of a typical runner initially contacts the ground along the lateral heel area, the material of the sole member compresses to cushion the foot. As the runner's foot begins to roll inward (pronate), the distal ends of the plate members add a degree of resistance to compression of the sole member. As the runner's foot further rolls inwards, portions of the plate members which extend in a cantilever fashion from the medial side of the sole resist compression of the sole member to a greater degree, thereby further stabilizing the foot. Maximum resistance to compression of the sole member and, hence, maximum stabilization of the foot occurs along the medial side of the sole where the vertically extending, non-compressible rigid members are disposed.
- The use of the pronation control device of the present invention enables soft cushioning materials to be used in footwear soles while retaining sub-talar joint stability. The device functions by increasing the compaction resistance of the medial side of the midsole, thereby resisting pronation, while the more compliant lateral side allows deflection of the lateral portion of the midsole during impact. This controlled deflection reduces the lever arm for the force acting around the sub-talar joint. The device thus effectively reduces calcaneal eversion at foot strike, resulting in increased resistance to pronation of the sub-talar joint and lower velocities of pronation.
- The biomechanical characteristics of the pronation control device and, hence, the degree of resistance to pronation and high rates of pronation of the sub-talar joint may be varied by changing the number and height of the rigid members of columns, by changing the number, size and spacing of the separate horizontal plate members, and by changing the physical properties of the material forming the rigid member and plate members.
- The use of a separate device, according to the present invention, for the control of pronation has several advantages over the prior art techniques of adjusting the densities of the cushioning materials. The stability characteristics of the shoe can be varied independently of the materials used for cushioning and is thus not dependent on the characteristics of these materials. Also, since the pronation control device is made of relatively high modulus and high hardness material, the device is not subject to compaction like foam cushioning materials, weighs less, is easier to manufacture, and may be combined with a variety of cushioning materials.
- Various advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and objects obtained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
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- Figure 1 is a side view of an athletic shoe embodying the invention;
- Figure 2 is a top plan view of the sole of the athletic shoe illustrated in Figure 1, with the pronation control device illustrated in phantom line;
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pronation control device;
- Figure 4 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 4-4 of Figure 3; and
- Figure 5 is a sectional view similar to Figure 4, illustrating an alternate embodiment of a pronation control device in accordance with the present invention.
- Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, an article of footwear in accordance with the present invention, such as a running shoe, is generally shown as 10.
Shoe 10 includes asole structure 12 and an upper 14 attached to it.Upper 14 can be of any conventional design, whilesole structure 12 incorporates novel features of the present invention.Sole structure 12 includes a cushioning orforce absorbing midsole 16 and a flexible, wearresistant outsole 18. Of course, where appropriate, the midsole and outsole portions can be formed as a single integral unit. -
Shoe 10 and, hence, sole 12 can be generally divided into aheel section 20 rearward of line L1, anarch section 22 between lines L1 and L2, and a forepart section forward of line L2. Lines L1 and L2 are not precise lines of demarkation but rather divide sole 12 into relative sections related generally to portions of the human foot. Line L3 is a centerline ofheel section 20, which dividesheel section 20 andarch section 22 into amedial half 26 and alateral half 28. The medial side of sole 12 is indicated as 27, while the lateral side is indicated as 29. -
Midsole 12 is formed of a cushioning, resilient foam material, such as a polyurethane foam into which a sealedresilient insert 30 is encapsulated. The perimeter ofinsert 30 is shown diagrammatically in dashed line in Figure 2.Insert 30 is preferably a gas-filled bladder formed according to the teachings of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 of Marion F. Rudy. Such a gas filled bladder is formed from a flexible material which is sealed along its perimeter and at preselected locations within its perimeter which, after being filled to a relatively high pressure by a gas having a low diffusion rate through the flexible material, takes on a generally flat bladder configuration. The bladder is thereafter encapsulated in the foam material comprising the remainder of the midsole, as disclosed in the '945 patent. Alternatively, insert 30 can be omitted and theentire midsole 12 can be formed of a cushioning foam material. In eithercase midsole 12 functions as a compressible and resilient unit which cushions foot impact. - A
pronation control device 40 is incorporated intomidsole 12 inheel section 20 andarch section 22.Device 40 is preferably formed of a single integral piece of plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. The plastic material is relatively hard and substantially non-compressible. The plastic material preferably has a relatively high flex modulus, e.g. preferably 75,000 to 125,000 psi as determined by a standard ASTM test, and a hardness preferably in the range of 65 to 72 Shore D. This is in sharp contrast to the much softer foam material used in a typical midsole, such asmidsole 12, which generally has a hardness in the range of 40 to 70 on the Asker C scale.Device 40 functions to gradually increase the resistance to compression ofmidsole 12 proceeding from a minimum resistance at the lateral side to a maximum resistance at the medial side.Device 40 includes a pair of longitudinally spacedrigid members horizontal plates Device 40 is incorporated intomidsole 12 withrigid members midsole 12 inheel section 20 andarch section 22, and extending generally vertically. In the illustrated embodiment,rigid members midsole 12, to the top ofmidsole 12, which is illustrated by dashedline 46. If less compaction or compression resistance is desired, the vertical extent ofrigid members midsole 12. In order to keep the weight of device 42 to a minimum,rigid members - Typically the walls of the columns have a thin cross-section or thickness, such as 0.03" to 0.04".
- As best seen in Figure 2, plate members 44 extend horizontally from the medial side of
sole member 12 toward the lateral side ofsole member 12 and past the centerline L3 ofheel section 20. As best seen in Figures 3 and 4,plate members 44a and 44e extend fromrigid members curved sections plate members common base 48. To further reduce the weight and material costs ofdevice 40, each plate member 44 has a centrally disposed gap 50. - Plate members 44a through 44e thus extend horizontally in a cantilever manner from the medial side of
midsole 12. That is,plate members 44a and 44e extend laterally from the top ofrigid members plate members base 48. All plate members 44 extend along an area adjacent the top ofmidsole 12. Plate members 44 have a perimeter which tapers from a broadest area adjacent the medial side ofmidsole 12 to a rounded point at their distal ends of the lateral side. Plate members 44 thus take on a finger or comb-like configuration. The tapering shape and cantilever extension of plate members 44 function to provide gradually increasing resistance to compression ofsole member 12 disposed below the plate members. That is, along the distal ends of plate member 44, the plate members bend more easily and, hence, provide less resistance to compression. However, the portions of plate member 44 which are closer to their cantilever connection along the medial edge are more difficult to bend and provide increased resistance to compression. Maximum resistance to compression is reached along the medial edge ofmidsole 12 where therigid members - Figure 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a
device 40′ wherein rigid members 42 are again formed as hollow columns. However, the hollow columns include a spring orflex section 54 which allows the columns to compress vertically a limited degree.Spring section 54 is formed as a bent out section of the column which extends horizontally around the perimeter of the hollow column, thereby forming a bendable flex line. Device 40' is used when it is desirable to vary the compliance of the columns without relying on the use of foams or adjusting the modulus of the columns. - Numerous characteristics, advantages, and embodiments of the invention have been described in detail in the foregoing description with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is illustrative only and the invention is not limited to the precise illustrated embodiments. Various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, while the plate members are illustrated as a plurality of separate figure like elements, the plate members can be formed as a single integral plate. Similarly, while two rigid members are illustrated, where appropriate a single rigid member, or more than two rigid members can be used.
Claims (25)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11566187A | 1987-11-06 | 1987-11-06 | |
US115661 | 1987-11-06 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0315340A2 true EP0315340A2 (en) | 1989-05-10 |
EP0315340A3 EP0315340A3 (en) | 1990-10-10 |
EP0315340B1 EP0315340B1 (en) | 1995-02-15 |
Family
ID=22362712
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP88309833A Expired - Lifetime EP0315340B1 (en) | 1987-11-06 | 1988-10-20 | Athletic shoe with pronation control device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0315340B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR950015015B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE118312T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3853042T2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5297349A (en) * | 1987-11-06 | 1994-03-29 | Nike Corporation | Athletic shoe with rearfoot motion control device |
EP1733636A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2006-12-20 | Diadora - Invicta S.P.A. | Footwear with adjustable stabilising system, particularly to control pronation and/or supination |
DE10164863B4 (en) * | 2001-03-16 | 2017-11-09 | Adidas International Marketing B.V. | Shoe sole and shoe |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10000207A1 (en) * | 2000-01-05 | 2001-07-12 | Juergen Stumpf | Foot bed has elastically deformable reinforcement insert for correcting foot in event of partial contact between shoe tread surface and ground through a correction tongue at rear foot area |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2487646A1 (en) * | 1980-08-01 | 1982-02-05 | Adidas Sportschuhe | Sole for sports shoes - has openings in side of heel in which reinforcing rods are inserted for use on hard ground |
GB2114869A (en) * | 1982-02-10 | 1983-09-01 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Dynamic support system for athletic shoes |
US4490928A (en) * | 1983-07-22 | 1985-01-01 | Mizuno Corporation | Mid-sole of a shoe |
US4561195A (en) * | 1982-12-28 | 1985-12-31 | Mizuno Corporation | Midsole assembly for an athletic shoe |
US4614046A (en) * | 1984-08-06 | 1986-09-30 | Puma-Sportschuhfabriken Rudolf Dassler Kg | Shoe sole having a midsole consisting of several layers |
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1988
- 1988-10-20 EP EP88309833A patent/EP0315340B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-10-20 DE DE3853042T patent/DE3853042T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-10-20 AT AT88309833T patent/ATE118312T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-11-05 KR KR1019880014621A patent/KR950015015B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2487646A1 (en) * | 1980-08-01 | 1982-02-05 | Adidas Sportschuhe | Sole for sports shoes - has openings in side of heel in which reinforcing rods are inserted for use on hard ground |
GB2114869A (en) * | 1982-02-10 | 1983-09-01 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Dynamic support system for athletic shoes |
US4561195A (en) * | 1982-12-28 | 1985-12-31 | Mizuno Corporation | Midsole assembly for an athletic shoe |
US4490928A (en) * | 1983-07-22 | 1985-01-01 | Mizuno Corporation | Mid-sole of a shoe |
US4614046A (en) * | 1984-08-06 | 1986-09-30 | Puma-Sportschuhfabriken Rudolf Dassler Kg | Shoe sole having a midsole consisting of several layers |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5297349A (en) * | 1987-11-06 | 1994-03-29 | Nike Corporation | Athletic shoe with rearfoot motion control device |
DE10164863B4 (en) * | 2001-03-16 | 2017-11-09 | Adidas International Marketing B.V. | Shoe sole and shoe |
EP1733636A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2006-12-20 | Diadora - Invicta S.P.A. | Footwear with adjustable stabilising system, particularly to control pronation and/or supination |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR890007689A (en) | 1989-07-05 |
EP0315340A3 (en) | 1990-10-10 |
KR950015015B1 (en) | 1995-12-21 |
EP0315340B1 (en) | 1995-02-15 |
DE3853042D1 (en) | 1995-03-23 |
DE3853042T2 (en) | 1995-07-20 |
ATE118312T1 (en) | 1995-03-15 |
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