Patent · US Active

Forefoot catapult for athletic shoes

US8495825B2 · kind B2 · utility

22Cited by
61References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 30, 2011
Grant dateJul 30, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 30, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P30/40
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An athletic shoe includes an upper, an outsole, a pair of hinged plates, and a spring. The pair of hinged plates are attached between the outsole and the upper in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and the spring biases the plates apart, so that energy is stored and returned during a propulsion phase of a gait cycle in a human step. Foam may be disposed between the plates. A shroud may enclose an outer periphery of the plates. An adjustable torsion spring may be disposed in a hinge portion of the plates, and one or more wave springs may be disposed between the plates.

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