Cushioning sole for an article of footwear
US7080467B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B13/203
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A hollow sole is formed within the sole of a shoe wherein a top component having a flat portion and an outer wall is adhered to a bottom component wherein the depth of the outer wall defines an enclosed space between the top and bottom components. The outer wall of the top component and the walls of the bottom component that rise to and fall from the weld lines are made with flexible ridges which provides a bellowing effect when the pressure of the foot is pushed down on the sole. In one embodiment, a fluidly connected inside compartment and outside compartment are created by welded lines adhering the bottom component to the top component. In an alternate embodiment, the hollow sole may contain foam for extra support. Fluid pockets and other flow structures are bored into the foam to allow for the dynamic fluid flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.