Footwear with enhanced impact protection
US7020988B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B21/28
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Footwear providing enhanced protection against extreme landing impacts includes a sole having an elastomeric mid-sole with elastomeric pads combined in a heel recess thereof such that the pads act in series with each other and in parallel with the mid-sole during conjoint compression thereof. At least one of the pads includes a solid gel having a relatively high damping coefficient. In another embodiment, the heel of the mid-sole is replaced by a toroidal gas cushion and an elastomeric pad including a solid gel having a relatively high damping coefficient disposed in a central recess of the cushion such that the pad is recessed a selected distance below the upper surface of the cushion. The resilient pads may advantageously incorporate a plurality of gas-filled cells, and a solid gel pad may also be disposed in the mid-sole of the footwear below the ball of the wearer's foot for increased protection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.