Mechanical cushioning system for footwear
US7793432B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2008 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B21/32
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An element forming at least part of a midsole for footwear includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least two strut members disposed between the top and bottom plates for supporting the top plate a distance away from the bottom plate. The top, bottom and struts may be formed of different materials. Adjacent strut members have a C shaped cross-section facing in the same direction when the midsole resting its top or bottom portion is viewed from the side. The midsole element may further comprise a heel cleft to increase the flexibility of the sole. In a preferred embodiment, the strut members on the medial side are arranged at an angle to the strut members on the lateral side of the sole. The directional design provides flexibility and stiffness anisotropically to the sole in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sole respectively.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.