Footwear heel spring device
US11213098B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B23/088
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.