WO2007146958A2 - Cushioning system for footwear - Google Patents
Cushioning system for footwear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2007146958A2 WO2007146958A2 PCT/US2007/071039 US2007071039W WO2007146958A2 WO 2007146958 A2 WO2007146958 A2 WO 2007146958A2 US 2007071039 W US2007071039 W US 2007071039W WO 2007146958 A2 WO2007146958 A2 WO 2007146958A2
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- shoe
- damper
- gas
- compartments
- array
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003190 viscoelastic substance Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 15
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000004744 fore-foot Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007767 bonding agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013037 co-molding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylenes Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002614 Polyether block amide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920005601 base polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000178 monomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 1
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
- A43B13/187—Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
- A43B13/188—Differential cushioning regions
-
- 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
- A43B13/189—Resilient soles filled with a non-compressible fluid, e.g. gel, water
-
- 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
- A43B13/20—Pneumatic soles filled with a compressible fluid, e.g. air, gas
Definitions
- footwear refers to any item for supporting the foot and engaging the ground and encompasses shoes, sandals, boots, slippers, over shoes, athletic shoes, and other footwear articles.
- Cushioning elements refers to basic shock absorbing, energy return, and/or protective underfoot materials or structures that are intended to react to the forces of foot strike by providing force attenuation, dissipation, dampening, or energy return (spring), which are typically included on sports and athletic shoes.
- a cushioning element comprised a consistent and uniform layer of shock absorbing and protective material, such as such as EVA or polyurethane, placed in a shoe between the foot and the ground.
- shock absorbing and protective material such as EVA or polyurethane
- common cushioning elements may be based on EVA or polyurethane foam, visco-elastomers of foam or gels, fluid filled bladders, mechanical springs or resiliently collapsible mechanical structures, fluid (e.g., air) springs, or any combination of the foregoing.
- polymer spring units have been placed in portions in the sole unit receiver, particularly the heel portion, and in some cases the forefoot portion.
- Mechanical polymer springs may formed from an injected thermoplastic, such as Hytrel polymer, PEBAX, and TPU, as well as other resilient polymers, thermo-set plasties, and metallic materials known in the art, alone or in combination.
- U.S. Patent Number 5,461,800 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- the 5,461,800 patent discloses a foamless midsole unit, comprising upper and lower plates sandwiching transverse cylindrical units formed of resilient polymer See also, for example, U.S. Patent Numbers 4,910,884, 6,625,905, and 5,337,492.
- a "sole unit” generally may comprise a midsole or cushioning element for energy absorption and/or return; or an outsole material for surface contact and abrasion resistance and/or traction; or a single unit providing such midsole or outsole functions. While a sole unit would generally extend the length of the shoe, a sole unit could also comprise a unit that extends for a lesser area, such as, just the forefoot or rearfoot portion, or some other area of lesser length or width.
- a sole unit may include cushioning elements in accordance with any of the foregoing cushioning elements.
- Contemplated fabrication methods for the sole unit components include molding, injection molding, blow molding, direct-injection molding, one-time molding, composite molding, insert molding, co-molding separate materials, or other techniques known in the art, alone or in combination.
- Contemplated fabrication or assembly methods include adhesives, bonding agents, welding, mechanical bonding, or interlocking shapes, alone or in combination.
- Dampening elements which are a form of cushioning element (as defined herein), may also be incorporated into the sole units and/or sole unit receivers disclosed herein.
- “Dampening” generally refers to the ability of certain materials to reduce the amplitude of oscillations, vibrations, or waves. In footwear, shock from impact may generate compression waves or other vibrations within the sole system.
- Contemplated dampening materials include visco-elastomers. In some instances, plain elastomer materials may be used as dampers; however, they may not provide as desirable dampening qualities on the spring unit as a visco-elastomer.
- Example materials for a visco-elastic damper include any number of polymers, including polyurethanes and polyethylenes in foam or gel form, fabricated by conventional molding practices or by film. Other suitable visco-elastomers are known to persons skilled in the art.
- Contemplated fabrication methods for visco-elastomers include molding, injection molding, blow molding, direct-injection molding, one-time molding, composite molding, insert molding, co- molding separate materials, or other techniques known in the art, alone or in combination.
- Contemplated fabrication or assembly methods include adhesives, bonding agents, welding, mechanical bonding, or other mechanical or chemical fastening means know to persons in the art, alone or in combination.
- the outsole or traction surface for a sole assembly may include rubber, leather, cleats, spikes, felts, EVA, foam, and other cushioning technologies, and combinations of the foregoing.
- the present invention comprises in one aspect a shoe having a shock absorbing bottom comprising one or more compartments filled with gas, for example air or nitrogen, which functions as a spring, and one or more integrated dampers which functions to control rebound and vibrations.
- gas for example air or nitrogen
- the damper can be viscoelastomeric material, sponge, injection molded material, liquid, or any other material which can function as a damper.
- the one or more compartments can be sealed or unsealed and formed by a sheet or web of material.
- the compartments can be partially sealed so as to let gas out under pressure and restore gas when pressure is released, somewhat akin to a "whoopee cushion.”
- the compartments can be an array resembling a "bubble-pack.”
- the damper elements will be integrated with the spring element, either externally, or completely enclosed by the gas chamber
- the integrated dampers can also be an array and they can be covered by a viscoelastic material disposed over the array of dampers.
- the shock absorbing bottom has a top facing surface and a ground facing surface, and the compartments and integrated damper are interposed between the top and ground facing surfaces.
- the entire structure can be made of a material comprising a thermoplastic.
- gas chamber and/or damper is in the form of projections and the projections can extend from a top or bottom surface, or a combination of top and bottom surfaces, and the projections can extend completely through to the opposite surface, i.e., the top or bottom.
- the projections can be empty, filled with gas, or filled with damper material.
- the one or more gas compartments and the one or more dampers are tuned to provide selected strength, support, cushioning and/or performance properties.
- the one or more dampers can be an array and/or the one or more gas compartments can be an array, i.e., a plurality.
- the one or more compartments filled with gas generally functions as a spring and the damper generally functions to control rebound, oscillations, and or vibration, somewhat akin to an automotive shock absorber system which comprises a spring and a shock absorber damper.
- the one or more compartments and dampers are captured or contained by film.
- the shock absorbing bottom of the shoe which can be the sole, heel, both, or a portion of one or the other or both, functions as a cushioning element for that portion of the shoe bottom containing it.
- Fig. IA is a bottom view of a heel of a shoe comprising the shock absorbing system of the invention.
- Fig. IB is a cross-section through IB-IB of Fig. IA.
- Fig. 1C is a cross-section through 1C- 1C of Fig. IA.
- Fig. 2A is a plan view of the foot facing surface of a shock absorbing system in a heel of a shoe.
- Fig. 2B is a cross section through 2B-2B of Fig. 2A.
- Fig. 3A is a plan view of a foot facing surface of a shock absorbing system in a heel of a shoe.
- Fig. 3B is a cross section through 3B-3B of Fig. 3A.
- Fig. 4A is a photograph of a cross section of a shoe according to the invention wherein the foreground section of the heel of the shoe is cut away.
- Fig. 4B is a photograph of a cross section wherein the foreground section of the heel of a shoe according to the invention is cut away.
- Fig. Al is a cross section of a shock absorbing system of the invention having a film/molded component or containment vessel surrounding an integrated damper element and spring element.
- Fig. Al is a cross section of a shock absorbing system of the invention having a spring element containing inert gas or ambient, a damper element having visco- elastomer, foam, fluid, fibers, engineered 3d grid, or mechanical structure, the entire array contained in a film/molded component or containment vessel.
- Fig. A2 shows one embodiment where multiple films, creating multiple gas chambers are used, in unison, and where one contains another, and where the damper element can be integrated in an enclosed, internal or external form, but integral with the spring element formed by the films.
- the damper elements can be either enclosed inside or integrated with the outside of the film elements containing gas or ambient space"
- Fig. A3 is a cross section of another embodiment of the shock absorbing system having a film/molded component or containment vessel, damper elements, and spring elements.
- the damper elements are completely enclosed inside the gas containment vessel.
- Fig. A4 is a cross section of another embodiment of the shock absorbing system of the invention having a film/molded component or containment vessel, damper elements, and spring elements containing inert gas or ambient.
- FIG. IA an embodiment of a sole unit 1 according to the inventive is illustrated with shock absorbing system 10 illustrated in cross sectional view
- Fig. IB illustrating gas filled spring compartments 12 and dampers 16 composed of gel- viscoelastomeric material are enclosed by a flat film web, arranged so as to provide excellent shock absorbing function for the sole 1.
- Fig. 1C is a cross-section through 1C-1C of Fig. IA showing gas filled spring compartments 12, cushioning element 10, damper 16, and film 14.
- Fig. 2A is a plan view of the foot facing surface of a shock absorbing system
- Fig. 2B is a cross section through 2B-2B of Fig. 2A showing areas 115 of damping material having generally flat tips 117, the bottom or ground facing surface 113 and top facing surface 111 at opposing sides of the heel cushioning element 110.
- Fig. 3A is a plan view of another embodiment of a foot facing surface of a shock absorbing system in a heel of a shoe wherein top or foot facing surface 111 and dampers
- Fig. 3B is a cross section through 3B-3B of Fig. 3A illustrating dampers 115, end gas filled compartments 12 and medial gas filled compartments 112.
- Fig. 4A is a photograph of a cross section of a shoe according to the invention wherein the foreground section of the heel of the shoe is cut away, illustrating dampers
- Fig. 4B is a photograph of a cross section wherein the foreground section of the heel of a shoe according to the invention is cut away.
- Fig. Al is a cross section of a shock absorbing system of the invention having a film/molded component or containment vessel surrounding an integrated damper element and spring element.
- Fig. Al is a cross section of a shock absorbing system of the invention having a spring element containing inert gas or ambient, a damper element having visco- elastomer, foam, fluid, fibers, engineered 3d grid, or mechanical structure, the entire array contained in a film/molded component or containment vessel.
- Fig. A3 is a cross section of another embodiment of the shock absorbing system having a film/molded component or containment vessel, damper elements, and spring elements.
- Fig. A4 is a cross section of another embodiment of the shock absorbing system of the invention having a film/molded component or containment vessel, damper elements, and spring elements containing inert gas or ambient.
- the sole unit includes a cushioning unit that relates to a combination of fluid filled compartments wherein one or more compartments are associated with a solid or gel material that provides energy return (spring) and/or dampening.
- the compartments are sealed and include within a fluid such as air, another gas, or a liquid.
- the material associated with the compartments provides dampening properties. Suitable dampers include visco- elastic dampers, particularly gel elastomers.
- Gel elastomers are highly viscoelastic polymer gels that have excellent shock absorption and damping characteristics. They are available in a variety of material types and grades. Examples include thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, resins, binders, base polymers, monomers, composite materials, and silicone compounds. Example materials that have been used in footwear include polyurethanes and polyethylenes in foam or gel form, fabricated by conventional molding practices or by film.
- the sole unit has a set or array of fluid filled compartments 12 that are generally arranged in a plane under a foot and function as a spring.
- the cushioning element 10 is intended for a rearfoot portion of an item of footwear, but analogous cushioning elements could be made for any other portion of a foot.
- the fluid filled compartments are shaped as spheres— like bubble pack- connected at their equators by a flat film web 14.
- Element 16 is a gel visco-elastomeric material that functions as a damper.
- the damper is generally arranged in a plane above the fluid filled compartments.
- a set of recesses are formed in the damper and they are sized and spaced so that they closely couple with corresponding tops of the compartments 12.
- FIGs 2A-2B Another embodiment of a hybrid cushioning system is shown in Figs 2A-2B. This embodiment is intended for a heel of a shoe.
- a heel cushioning element 110 that has a top or foot facing surface 111 and a bottom or ground facing surface 113.
- An array of resilient structural elements 112 are interposed between the surfaces.
- the elements in the array are conical projections that may be referred to as "pins" that extend from a top or bottom surface of the cushioning element completely through to an opposite surface.
- the cushioning element may have side walls connecting the top and bottom surfaces so as to seal the structural elements within the cushioning element. Alternatively, the sidewalls can be omitted.
- the top and bottom surfaces and optional sidewalls may be made from thermoplastics.
- the cones may have open ends 115 at their base and abut the opposite surface at generally flat tips 117.
- the pins alternate in terms of which of the opposing surfaces the open base is formed. Together the opposing top surfaces and interposed and connected provide a functional cushioning unit for use in a shoe sole.
- the bag may include a fluid, such as air, that in combination with the structural support of the pins provides controlled cushioning and spring.
- the pins may also have buttresses 119 at their bases that strengthen the system. The buttresses are formed when the polymer material that is stretched over the cammed male mold pins in the mold wrinkles based on the anisotropic stretching of the material over the male form of the pin in the mold. (This is analogous to the stretching a nylon stocking over a traffic cone.) Controlling the timing of the camming of the mold pins in a parison molding process can determine the degree of buttressing and/or the effectiveness of the abutments.
- the structural elements in an array may be hollow or solid.
- They may have one or both ends left open or closed at the point where an end of the structural element joins a top or bottom surface.
- they may be partially or completely filled with another material or structure.
- one or more elements in an array may be filled with a visco-elastomer, a damper, or an energy return (spring) material or structure.
- Some structural elements in the array may be sized and shaped differently from other structural elements in the array to create areas of desired properties, such as strength and compressibility, and performance (e.g., anti-pronation or supination).
- hollow structural elements can contain different materials or structures and be arranged in different patterns.
- Figs. 4A-4B show a cushioning element where a set of hollow structural elements disposed along a perimeter of a rear foot are filled with a resilient solid material, such as a polyurethane based material, that help strengthen the cushioning unit.
- the pattern is a generally horse-shoe shaped pattern.
- An adjacent set of filled structural elements 212 could provide even further strength, for example.
- the sole units include highly tunable cushioning elements to address, support, cushioning and performance needs.
- the cushioning elements are shown as generally planar structures, they can have three dimensional shapes that extend up the sides of a foot.
- Figs. 3A and 3B show an embodiment, similar to that of Figs. 2A and 2B, for a forefoot 210 shoe.
- Figs. 4A and 4B show a cross-section of a cushioning system assembled in a sole unit. The outer elements are filled with a material.
- US Patent Nos. 7,020,988, 4,999,931, 6,098,313, 6,029,962, 5,976,451, 5,092,060, 5,369,896, 5,918,383, 6,763,612, 6,589,614, and PCT/USO 1/25693 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all they disclose.
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Abstract
A shoe having a shock absorbing bottom comprising one or more compartments filled with gas, for example air or nitrogen and which functions as a spring and one or more dampers which function to control rebound and vibrations. The damper can be viscoelastomeric material.
Description
CUSHIONING SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional application 60/804,525, filed June 12, 2006.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As used herein, "footwear" refers to any item for supporting the foot and engaging the ground and encompasses shoes, sandals, boots, slippers, over shoes, athletic shoes, and other footwear articles. "Cushioning elements" refers to basic shock absorbing, energy return, and/or protective underfoot materials or structures that are intended to react to the forces of foot strike by providing force attenuation, dissipation, dampening, or energy return (spring), which are typically included on sports and athletic shoes.
[0003] Traditionally, a cushioning element comprised a consistent and uniform layer of shock absorbing and protective material, such as such as EVA or polyurethane, placed in a shoe between the foot and the ground. However, in relatively recent years there has been trend towards customized placements of varying cushioning materials and structures under a foot. Nowadays, common cushioning elements may be based on EVA or polyurethane foam, visco-elastomers of foam or gels, fluid filled bladders, mechanical springs or resiliently collapsible mechanical structures, fluid (e.g., air) springs, or any combination of the foregoing.
[0004] For example polymer spring units have been placed in portions in the sole unit receiver, particularly the heel portion, and in some cases the forefoot portion. Mechanical polymer springs may formed from an injected thermoplastic, such as Hytrel polymer,
PEBAX, and TPU, as well as other resilient polymers, thermo-set plasties, and metallic materials known in the art, alone or in combination. See, for example, U.S. Patent Number 5,461,800, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The 5,461,800 patent discloses a foamless midsole unit, comprising upper and lower plates sandwiching transverse cylindrical units formed of resilient polymer See also, for example, U.S. Patent Numbers 4,910,884, 6,625,905, and 5,337,492. Other forms of mechanical springs, such as leaf-spring structures, are also contemplated. [0005] As used herein a "sole unit" generally may comprise a midsole or cushioning element for energy absorption and/or return; or an outsole material for surface contact and abrasion resistance and/or traction; or a single unit providing such midsole or outsole functions. While a sole unit would generally extend the length of the shoe, a sole unit could also comprise a unit that extends for a lesser area, such as, just the forefoot or rearfoot portion, or some other area of lesser length or width.
[0006] A sole unit may include cushioning elements in accordance with any of the foregoing cushioning elements. Contemplated fabrication methods for the sole unit components include molding, injection molding, blow molding, direct-injection molding, one-time molding, composite molding, insert molding, co-molding separate materials, or other techniques known in the art, alone or in combination. Contemplated fabrication or assembly methods include adhesives, bonding agents, welding, mechanical bonding, or interlocking shapes, alone or in combination.
[0007] Dampening elements, which are a form of cushioning element (as defined herein), may also be incorporated into the sole units and/or sole unit receivers disclosed herein. "Dampening" generally refers to the ability of certain materials to reduce the
amplitude of oscillations, vibrations, or waves. In footwear, shock from impact may generate compression waves or other vibrations within the sole system. Contemplated dampening materials include visco-elastomers. In some instances, plain elastomer materials may be used as dampers; however, they may not provide as desirable dampening qualities on the spring unit as a visco-elastomer. Example materials for a visco-elastic damper include any number of polymers, including polyurethanes and polyethylenes in foam or gel form, fabricated by conventional molding practices or by film. Other suitable visco-elastomers are known to persons skilled in the art. Contemplated fabrication methods for visco-elastomers include molding, injection molding, blow molding, direct-injection molding, one-time molding, composite molding, insert molding, co- molding separate materials, or other techniques known in the art, alone or in combination. Contemplated fabrication or assembly methods include adhesives, bonding agents, welding, mechanical bonding, or other mechanical or chemical fastening means know to persons in the art, alone or in combination. [0008] The outsole or traction surface for a sole assembly may include rubber, leather, cleats, spikes, felts, EVA, foam, and other cushioning technologies, and combinations of the foregoing.
SUMMARY
[0009] These objects and needs in the art, and others which will become apparent from the following disclosure and drawings, are provided by the present invention which comprises in one aspect a shoe having a shock absorbing bottom comprising one or more compartments filled with gas, for example air or nitrogen, which functions as a spring, and one or more integrated dampers which functions to control rebound and vibrations.
The damper can be viscoelastomeric material, sponge, injection molded material, liquid, or any other material which can function as a damper.
[0010] The one or more compartments can be sealed or unsealed and formed by a sheet or web of material. The compartments can be partially sealed so as to let gas out under pressure and restore gas when pressure is released, somewhat akin to a "whoopee cushion."
[0011] The compartments can be an array resembling a "bubble-pack." The damper elements will be integrated with the spring element, either externally, or completely enclosed by the gas chamber
[0012] The integrated dampers can also be an array and they can be covered by a viscoelastic material disposed over the array of dampers.
[0013] In some embodiments the shock absorbing bottom has a top facing surface and a ground facing surface, and the compartments and integrated damper are interposed between the top and ground facing surfaces.
[0014] The entire structure can be made of a material comprising a thermoplastic.
[0015] In some embodiments gas chamber and/or damper is in the form of projections and the projections can extend from a top or bottom surface, or a combination of top and bottom surfaces, and the projections can extend completely through to the opposite surface, i.e., the top or bottom. The projections can be empty, filled with gas, or filled with damper material.
[0016] In some embodiments the one or more gas compartments and the one or more dampers are tuned to provide selected strength, support, cushioning and/or performance properties. The one or more dampers can be an array and/or the one or more gas
compartments can be an array, i.e., a plurality. The there is no limit to the number of integrated dampers or compartments in each array. In some embodiments there are 2 to about 50.
[0017] The one or more compartments filled with gas generally functions as a spring and the damper generally functions to control rebound, oscillations, and or vibration, somewhat akin to an automotive shock absorber system which comprises a spring and a shock absorber damper.
[0018] In some embodiments the one or more compartments and dampers are captured or contained by film.
[0019] Overall, the shock absorbing bottom of the shoe, which can be the sole, heel, both, or a portion of one or the other or both, functions as a cushioning element for that portion of the shoe bottom containing it.
[0020] These and other embodiments are described in more detail in the following detailed descriptions and the figures.
[0021] The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodiments and features of the present inventive concept. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Fig. IA is a bottom view of a heel of a shoe comprising the shock absorbing system of the invention.
[0023] Fig. IB is a cross-section through IB-IB of Fig. IA.
[0024] Fig. 1C is a cross-section through 1C- 1C of Fig. IA.
[0025] Fig. 2A is a plan view of the foot facing surface of a shock absorbing system in a heel of a shoe.
[0026] Fig. 2B is a cross section through 2B-2B of Fig. 2A.
[0027] Fig. 3A is a plan view of a foot facing surface of a shock absorbing system in a heel of a shoe.
[0028] Fig. 3B is a cross section through 3B-3B of Fig. 3A.
[0029] Fig. 4A is a photograph of a cross section of a shoe according to the invention wherein the foreground section of the heel of the shoe is cut away.
[0030] Fig. 4B is a photograph of a cross section wherein the foreground section of the heel of a shoe according to the invention is cut away.
[0031] Fig. Al is a cross section of a shock absorbing system of the invention having a film/molded component or containment vessel surrounding an integrated damper element and spring element.
[0032] Fig. Al is a cross section of a shock absorbing system of the invention having a spring element containing inert gas or ambient, a damper element having visco- elastomer, foam, fluid, fibers, engineered 3d grid, or mechanical structure, the entire array contained in a film/molded component or containment vessel.
[0033] Fig. A2 shows one embodiment where multiple films, creating multiple gas chambers are used, in unison, and where one contains another, and where the damper element can be integrated in an enclosed, internal or external form, but integral with the spring element formed by the films. The damper elements can be either enclosed inside or integrated with the outside of the film elements containing gas or ambient space"
[0034] Fig. A3 is a cross section of another embodiment of the shock absorbing system
having a film/molded component or containment vessel, damper elements, and spring elements. In this embodiment the damper elements are completely enclosed inside the gas containment vessel.
[0035] Fig. A4 is a cross section of another embodiment of the shock absorbing system of the invention having a film/molded component or containment vessel, damper elements, and spring elements containing inert gas or ambient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Representative embodiments of the present inventive concept are shown in the accompanying drawings wherein similar features share common reference numerals.
[0037] Referring first to Fig. IA, an embodiment of a sole unit 1 according to the inventive is illustrated with shock absorbing system 10 illustrated in cross sectional view
Fig. IB illustrating gas filled spring compartments 12 and dampers 16 composed of gel- viscoelastomeric material are enclosed by a flat film web, arranged so as to provide excellent shock absorbing function for the sole 1.
[0038] Fig. 1C is a cross-section through 1C-1C of Fig. IA showing gas filled spring compartments 12, cushioning element 10, damper 16, and film 14.
[0039] Fig. 2A is a plan view of the foot facing surface of a shock absorbing system
110 in a heel of a shoe, the heel having a top or foot facing surface 111. Open ends of cones 115 containing damping material are shown.
[0040] Fig. 2B is a cross section through 2B-2B of Fig. 2A showing areas 115 of damping material having generally flat tips 117, the bottom or ground facing surface 113 and top facing surface 111 at opposing sides of the heel cushioning element 110.
[0041] Fig. 3A is a plan view of another embodiment of a foot facing surface of a shock
absorbing system in a heel of a shoe wherein top or foot facing surface 111 and dampers
115 are shown.
[0042] Fig. 3B is a cross section through 3B-3B of Fig. 3A illustrating dampers 115, end gas filled compartments 12 and medial gas filled compartments 112.
[0043] Fig. 4A is a photograph of a cross section of a shoe according to the invention wherein the foreground section of the heel of the shoe is cut away, illustrating dampers
112 filled with viscoelastomeric material, gas filled compartments 12.
[0044] Fig. 4B is a photograph of a cross section wherein the foreground section of the heel of a shoe according to the invention is cut away.
[0045] Fig. Al is a cross section of a shock absorbing system of the invention having a film/molded component or containment vessel surrounding an integrated damper element and spring element.
[0046] Fig. Al is a cross section of a shock absorbing system of the invention having a spring element containing inert gas or ambient, a damper element having visco- elastomer, foam, fluid, fibers, engineered 3d grid, or mechanical structure, the entire array contained in a film/molded component or containment vessel.
[0047] Fig. A3 is a cross section of another embodiment of the shock absorbing system having a film/molded component or containment vessel, damper elements, and spring elements.
[0048] Fig. A4 is a cross section of another embodiment of the shock absorbing system of the invention having a film/molded component or containment vessel, damper elements, and spring elements containing inert gas or ambient.
[0049] In some of the embodiments the sole unit includes a cushioning unit that relates to a combination of fluid filled compartments wherein one or more compartments are associated with a solid or gel material that provides energy return (spring) and/or dampening. In certain embodiments, the compartments are sealed and include within a fluid such as air, another gas, or a liquid. In certain embodiments the material associated with the compartments provides dampening properties. Suitable dampers include visco- elastic dampers, particularly gel elastomers.
[0050] Gel elastomers are highly viscoelastic polymer gels that have excellent shock absorption and damping characteristics. They are available in a variety of material types and grades. Examples include thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, resins, binders, base polymers, monomers, composite materials, and silicone compounds. Example materials that have been used in footwear include polyurethanes and polyethylenes in foam or gel form, fabricated by conventional molding practices or by film.
[0051] The sole unit has a set or array of fluid filled compartments 12 that are generally arranged in a plane under a foot and function as a spring. In this embodiment, the cushioning element 10 is intended for a rearfoot portion of an item of footwear, but analogous cushioning elements could be made for any other portion of a foot. In this embodiment, the fluid filled compartments are shaped as spheres— like bubble pack- connected at their equators by a flat film web 14.
[0052] Element 16 is a gel visco-elastomeric material that functions as a damper. The damper is generally arranged in a plane above the fluid filled compartments. A set of recesses are formed in the damper and they are sized and spaced so that they closely couple with corresponding tops of the compartments 12.
[0053] Another embodiment of a hybrid cushioning system is shown in Figs 2A-2B. This embodiment is intended for a heel of a shoe. In this embodiment, a heel cushioning element 110 that has a top or foot facing surface 111 and a bottom or ground facing surface 113. An array of resilient structural elements 112 are interposed between the surfaces. In the embodiment shown the elements in the array are conical projections that may be referred to as "pins" that extend from a top or bottom surface of the cushioning element completely through to an opposite surface. The cushioning element may have side walls connecting the top and bottom surfaces so as to seal the structural elements within the cushioning element. Alternatively, the sidewalls can be omitted. The top and bottom surfaces and optional sidewalls may be made from thermoplastics. [0054] The cones may have open ends 115 at their base and abut the opposite surface at generally flat tips 117. The pins alternate in terms of which of the opposing surfaces the open base is formed. Together the opposing top surfaces and interposed and connected provide a functional cushioning unit for use in a shoe sole. The bag may include a fluid, such as air, that in combination with the structural support of the pins provides controlled cushioning and spring. The pins may also have buttresses 119 at their bases that strengthen the system. The buttresses are formed when the polymer material that is stretched over the cammed male mold pins in the mold wrinkles based on the anisotropic stretching of the material over the male form of the pin in the mold. (This is analogous to the stretching a nylon stocking over a traffic cone.) Controlling the timing of the camming of the mold pins in a parison molding process can determine the degree of buttressing and/or the effectiveness of the abutments.
[0055] The structural elements in an array may be hollow or solid. They may have one or both ends left open or closed at the point where an end of the structural element joins a top or bottom surface. In the case of hollow elements, they may be partially or completely filled with another material or structure. For example, one or more elements in an array may be filled with a visco-elastomer, a damper, or an energy return (spring) material or structure.
[0056] Some structural elements in the array may be sized and shaped differently from other structural elements in the array to create areas of desired properties, such as strength and compressibility, and performance (e.g., anti-pronation or supination). Similarly, hollow structural elements can contain different materials or structures and be arranged in different patterns. For example, Figs. 4A-4B show a cushioning element where a set of hollow structural elements disposed along a perimeter of a rear foot are filled with a resilient solid material, such as a polyurethane based material, that help strengthen the cushioning unit. In this case the pattern is a generally horse-shoe shaped pattern. An adjacent set of filled structural elements 212 could provide even further strength, for example. The sole units include highly tunable cushioning elements to address, support, cushioning and performance needs. Although the cushioning elements are shown as generally planar structures, they can have three dimensional shapes that extend up the sides of a foot.
[0057] Figs. 3A and 3B show an embodiment, similar to that of Figs. 2A and 2B, for a forefoot 210 shoe. Figs. 4A and 4B show a cross-section of a cushioning system assembled in a sole unit. The outer elements are filled with a material.
[0058] US Patent Nos. 7,020,988, 4,999,931, 6,098,313, 6,029,962, 5,976,451, 5,092,060, 5,369,896, 5,918,383, 6,763,612, 6,589,614, and PCT/USO 1/25693 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all they disclose. [0059] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this inventive concept and that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein.
Claims
1. A shoe having a shock absorbing bottom comprising a compartment filled with gas and an integrated damper.
2. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the compartment is sealed or unsealed and formed by a sheet or web of material.
3. The shoe of claim 1 comprising an array of compartments, the array resembling a "bubble-pack."
4. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the integrated damper comprises a viscoelastic material.
5. The shoe of claim 1 wherein comprising an array of integrated dampers and a viscoelastic material disposed over the integrated dampers.
6. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the shock absorbing bottom has a top facing surface and a ground facing surface, and the compartments and integrated damper are interposed between the top and ground facing surfaces.
7. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the entire structure is made of a material comprising a thermoplastic.
8. The shoe of claim 1 comprising gas chamber and/or damper projections from a top or bottom surface completely through to an opposite surface.
9. The shoe of claim 1 comprising gas chamber and/or damper projections from a top or bottom surface completely through to an opposite surface wherein one or more of the projections is empty, filled with gas, or filled with damper material.
10. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the gas chamber and damper are tuned to provide selected strength, support, cushioning and/or performance properties.
11. The shoe of claim 1 having an array of compartments that contain gas and/or damper material.
12. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the integrated damper comprises a visco-elastomer.
13. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the compartment filled with gas functions as a spring and the damper functions to control rebound, oscillations, and or vibration.
14. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the compartment and damper are contained by film.
15. The shoe of claim 1 having an array of compartments and dampers, the array captured or contained by film.
16. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the damper comprises a gel of viscoelastomeric material, sponge, injection molded material, or liquid.
17. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the shock absorbing bottom functions as a cushioning element.
18. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the bottom is either a heel section, sole section, or a combination heel and sole.
9. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the compartments are filled with a gas selected from ir and nitrogen.
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US80452506P | 2006-06-12 | 2006-06-12 | |
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WO2007146958A3 WO2007146958A3 (en) | 2008-02-14 |
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WO (1) | WO2007146958A2 (en) |
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Also Published As
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US20080005929A1 (en) | 2008-01-10 |
WO2007146958A3 (en) | 2008-02-14 |
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