Patent · US Active

Footwear shock attenuation system

US11039656B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
26References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 12, 2013
Grant dateJun 22, 2021
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 12, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA43B21/26
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

The footwear cushioning invention includes a floating elastic plate that stores and returns elastic energy to provide cushioning through deflection of the elastic plate. Cushioning is by energy return rather than the compression of a foam. Footwear cushioning utilizes a deflection plate integrated into the heel of the shoe for providing shock attenuation and energy absorption when a wearer impacts a hard surface with the shoe. The deflection plate can be carbon fiber because it increases energy return and minimizes energy loss. A cavity can be formed in a midsole of the shoe underneath the deflection plate to allow the plate to flex into the cavity when pressed down upon by a wearer's heel, thereby accepting the energy of a downward step. A post can be located in the center of the cavity underneath the deflection plate that allows support and minimizes excessive deflection of the deflection plate.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.