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WO2001082732A1 - Structure d'article chaussant et son procede de formation - Google Patents

Structure d'article chaussant et son procede de formation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001082732A1
WO2001082732A1 PCT/US2000/011462 US0011462W WO0182732A1 WO 2001082732 A1 WO2001082732 A1 WO 2001082732A1 US 0011462 W US0011462 W US 0011462W WO 0182732 A1 WO0182732 A1 WO 0182732A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
midsole
outsole
top surface
shank
footwear structure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2000/011462
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gary J. Troy
Kenton D. Geer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kenton Geer Design Associates Inc
Original Assignee
Kenton Geer Design Associates Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kenton Geer Design Associates Inc filed Critical Kenton Geer Design Associates Inc
Priority to PCT/US2000/011462 priority Critical patent/WO2001082732A1/fr
Priority to AU2000244990A priority patent/AU2000244990A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2001/014022 priority patent/WO2001082733A1/fr
Priority to AU2001257467A priority patent/AU2001257467A1/en
Priority to EP01930981A priority patent/EP1284610A4/fr
Publication of WO2001082732A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001082732A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/141—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form having an anatomical or curved form
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18—Resilient soles
    • A43B13/187—Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/28—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by their attachment, also attachment of combined soles and heels
    • A43B13/36—Easily-exchangeable soles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/18—Arrangements for attaching removable insoles to footwear
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/06—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated
    • A43B7/08—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated with air-holes, with or without closures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates in general to footwear structures and, more particularly, is directed towards an improved footwear structure having an interlock between an outsole and a midsole.
  • the ideal footwear design would incorporate the following essential features and characteristics: comfort, cushioning, shock absorption, stability, flexibility, support, good fit, and would also be lightweight. These features are achieved in, and are dependent upon, the structural and functional design elements of the footwear, which enhance the wearer's ability to perform various activities without pain or inconvenience.
  • prior art footwear constructions have failed to successfully combine the essential features of an ideal design.
  • Prior attempts to create the ideal footwear design have been unsuccessful largely because prior structures have emphasized one of the above-noted features to the detriment of others.
  • Prior art footwear constructions which provide cushioning generally have three or four separate parts.
  • First, such conventional footwear designs are provided with an outsole.
  • the outsole is made of a durable material that extends across the lower surface of the shoe and contacts the ground during use to provide traction.
  • the outsole may also have integrally molded full or partial side walls extending upwardly around its periphery.
  • Second, a midsole is permanently joined to the outsole on its interior upper surface and any abutting outsole interior side wall surfaces to provide a cushioning layer within the footwear structure. In some cases the midsole and outsole material are formed as one component of similar or dissimilar materials.
  • an upper usually formed of leather, synthetics or other materials, is joined to the top surface of the midsole and any abutting interior sidewall surfaces of the outsole and midsole which extend upwardly around the periphery of the upper.
  • a thin cushioning insole is further provided for disposal between the top surface of the midsole and the wearer's foot.
  • the conventional footwear cushioning components and their positioning within the footwear structures of prior art constructions have several undesirable characteristics. For example, it is well known in the art that the cushioning properties of the materials used in footwear midsole and insole designs are substantially reduced after the footwear has been used for a period of time. In some instances, a substantial reduction in cushioning can occur in a relatively short period of time.
  • the footwear midsole and insole components are typically made of various foam and rubber materials which are subjected to repeated application of impact forces and stress which cause compression set, degradation, and fatigue resulting in reduced resiliency and failed cushioning properties.
  • the typical foam midsole and insole cushioning materials are various formulations of sheet stock or molded eva, polyethylene, and polyurethane.
  • the typical rubber materials are latex and neoprene.
  • the midsoles in prior art footwear constructions that are permanently attached to the footwear also have several undesirable characteristics. For example, the consumer at the point of purchase is unable to make an alternative choice in the cushioning characteristics of the midsole without selecting separate footwear designs. Also, the wearer is unable to replace the midsole component after it has degraded and lost its ability to provide adequate cushioning and support.
  • the attachment of the midsole to other components in the footwear structure negate the ability of the midsole component to adequately compress, deform, and rebound while providing maximum cushioning.
  • Another undesirable feature of prior art designs is that the ability of the footwear structure to provide maximum cushioning of the foot structures at the appropriate instant in the gait cycle is negated in prior footwear constructions by the positioning of semi-rigid and rigid structural elements in close proximity to the wearer's foot.
  • the semi-rigid and rigid structural elements are typically positioned below the wearer's foot on the top surface of the midsole or slightly recessed into the top surface of the midsole.
  • the typical semi-rigid and rigid structural elements are: shanks, shank stiffeners, lasting insoles, stabilizers, and fasteners.
  • the shanks, shank stiffeners, lasting insoles, stabilizers, and fasteners are usually made of metals, fiber composites, thermoplastics, and fibrous paper board. All of these semi- rigid and rigid structural elements negate the performance and cushioning ability of the midsole, and therefore negatively impact user comfort.
  • a lasting margin structure is formed by the combination of gathered upper materials and the adhesives used to attach the upper to the lasting insole or top surface of the midsole.
  • This lasting margin structure extends around and projects inward from the periphery of the lasting insole or midsole to a distance of approximately 15.0 mm to 25.0 mm creating a semi-rigid border within the footwear structure.
  • This formed structure also negates the performance and cushioning ability of the midsole, to the detriment of user comfort.
  • midsoles in prior art footwear constructions that are permanently attached to the footwear have external surfaces, especially along the side portions thereof, which are exposed to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, water, ultraviolet rays, abrasion from rocks, sand, soil, punctures from sharp pointed objects, and cuts from sharp edged objects.
  • the '328 patent describes a structure with an outsole and a peripheral midsole.
  • a midsole insert is disposed over the peripheral midsole with cushioning elements extending downward adjacent the outsole.
  • the midsole insert and cushion elements must conform to a matching lift height of the peripheral midsole member.
  • the peripheral midsole member also provides the only method of retaining midsole insert and structural support for the peripheral area of the shoe.
  • the upper must be attached to the top surface of the peripheral midsole member, and the bottom surface of the peripheral member is attached to the upper surface of the outsole.
  • the midsole insert must have an outwardly projecting lip to cover the upper which is attached at the peripheral member.
  • the method of construction is complex and inefficient, and does not provide for maximum full perimeter cushioning since the rigid peripheral member is in close proximity to the user's foot.
  • the structure also has no means of providing for a midsole insert for a raised heel design typically found in dress, casual shoe, and boot constructions, and fails to provide air circulation within the structure.
  • a need exists in the art for an improved footwear structure that provides full perimeter maximum cushioning of the foot structures, support and stability for the foot structures, allows the positioning of semi-rigid and rigid structural elements away from the wearer's foot, and can provide maximum cushioning without the restrictions caused by attachment of the midsole to other components in the footwear structure.
  • a need exists for a removable custom midsole insert that: can be selected according to the wearer's cushioning preference, can be selected according to the wearer's weight, can be selected according to various performance feature options, can provide air circulation within the footwear's interior environment, can be replaced after a substantial reduction and degradation of midsole cushioning occurs and can protect the midsole cushioning element from damage due to environmental conditions. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a comfortable footwear structure which is lightweight, supportive, stable, and provides maximum full perimeter cushioning immediately below the wearers foot structure. It is an another object of the present invention to provide a footwear structure having a removable midsole.
  • the footwear structure of the present invention is organized about the concept of providing an outsole having a shank interlock portion which mates with a corresponding shank interlock portion in a separate midsole.
  • the outsole has an upward extending arc in the shank area which defines the shank interlock portion on the top surface of the outsole.
  • the midsole has a corresponding arc which defines the shank interlock portion on a bottom surface thereof which mates with the arc in the outsole for resisting motion of the midsole relative to the outsole.
  • the midsole may be permanently secured in the structure, or it may be left unsecured within the structure to allow for removal and replacement. In the case where the cushionability of the midsole degrades over time, the midsole may be removed and replaced to restore the overall comfort of the shoe.
  • a footwear structure includes: an outsole having a top surface; and a midsole having a bottom surface removably disposed above the top surface of the outsole.
  • an upper is secured to the outsole.
  • the outsole preferably includes a peripheral wall extending from the periphery of the top surface with the upper being secured to the peripheral wall.
  • the top surface of the outsole has an arched shank interlock portion which mates with a corresponding arched shank interlock portion in the bottom surface of the midsole.
  • interlocking of the shank interlock portions of the outsole and the midsole resists motion of the midsole relative to the outsole.
  • the upper has an interior surface and the midsole has a sidewall portion.
  • the midsole is disposed above the outsole with the sidewall portion adjacent the interior surface of the upper.
  • the upper has a bottom interior surface and a bottom exterior surface which includes an arched portion which mates with the upper surface of the outsole.
  • the bottom exterior surface of the upper is secured to the top surface of the outsole, and the bottom surface of the midsole is removably disposed against the bottom interior surface of the upper.
  • the midsole has a top surface which is preferably contoured to generally conform to the bottom of a person's foot.
  • a covering material may be secured to the top surface of the midsole to eliminate the need for a separate insole.
  • the midsole may be formed with portions defining a plurality of thru holes extending from the top surface of the midsole to the bottom surface of the midsole.
  • the bottom surface of the midsole is formed with a plurality of cushion pads separated by a plurality of air channels and a heel cavity.
  • At least one of the air channels extends in the bottom surface of the midsole from the forefoot area to intersect the heel cavity.
  • a shank component or a layer of stabilizing material may be disposed between the midsole and the outsole to provide additional support and stability.
  • the shank component has a top surface which corresponds and mates with the shank interlock portion in the bottom surface of the midsole and a bottom surface which corresponds and mates with the shank interlock in the outsole.
  • the interlock between the shank interlock portions of the midsole and outsole remains effective with the shank component disposed between the midsole and outsole.
  • FIG.1 is an isometric partial sectional view of a footwear structure according to the invention as fitted with a removable midsole therefor, with portions broken away to show interior structure;
  • FIG. 2 is a top isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a removable midsole according to the invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the midsole shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 1 an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a shoe construction according to the invention is shown.
  • a removable midsole insert is indicated generally at 10. Insert 10 is shown as combined with an outsole 14 and an upper 30 to form a footwear structure 12 according to the invention.
  • Outsole 14 generally forms the wearing surface of the shoe or footwear structure. Outsole 14 is preferably constructed of a relatively durable, resilient material such as rubber, and has an exterior surface that is provided with a suitable tread surface 16.
  • the outsole may be formed of a rigid or semi rigid material, as used, for example, in ski boots, ice skates or in-line skates.
  • the term "outsole” shall refer to the structural component which includes the bottom exterior surface 101 of the footwear structure.
  • the outsole may be a unitary member which extends upward from the bottom surface to form the entire exterior surface of the structure, e.g. as in a rubber boot, molded in-line skate, ski boot, etc., or the outsole may have a separate upper 30 secured thereto for forming a portion of the exterior surface of the structure.
  • the bottom surface 101 may include a tread surface 16, or may have another element attached thereto, e.g.
  • a shank interlock portion 24 is formed in the outsole for forming a mating interlock with the removable midsole, as will be described in detail below.
  • the top interior surface 18 of the outsole in the shank interlock portion arcs upwardly in the shank area from the forefoot area 21 and arcs downwardly from the middle of the shank area to the heel area 22.
  • the arc of the top surface 18 in the shank interlock portion is preferably continuous. It is possible, however, to form the arched shank interlock in a discontinuous fashion by providing discrete portions having top surfaces which form an arched plane on the top surface 18.
  • the shank interlock portion in a non-uniform arched shape, and to provide an arch in the top surface which extends laterally across the shank interlock portion. From a manufacturing standpoint, however, it is preferable that the top interior surface 18 in the arched shank interlock portion of the outsole be in the form of a gradual and continuous arc from the forefoot area toward the heel, as shown.
  • the interlock section On the bottom exterior surface 101 of the outsole, the interlock section preferably separates and defines the forefoot area 21 and the heel area 22.
  • the bottom surface! 01 of the outsole in the shank interlock area 24 may be flat, i.e.
  • a peripheral wall or member 20 projects upwardly from the top surface 18.
  • Peripheral member 20 is in the illustrated embodiment endless and extends completely around the periphery of outsole 14. While in the illustrated embodiment peripheral member 20 is endless, this need not necessarily be the case. Member 20 can for example take the form of several sections spaced around the periphery of the shoe, or the member could have varying and undulating heights as it wraps around the periphery of the shoe.
  • the structure 12 could also be formed as a separate component and secured, e.g. by adhesive, to the upper surface 18 of the outsole.
  • the peripheral wall could extend upwardly to form the entire exterior surface of the structure and the entire cavity in which a user's foot would be disposed. This would occur, for example, in a ski boot, a molded skate, etc.
  • the structure 12 further comprises an upper 30 which is secured to the outsole to form the exterior surface of the structure and foot cavity in combination with the outsole. While the illustrated upper is shown only in the outline form, those skilled in the art can readily choose an appropriate upper depending on intended use and/or aesthetics.
  • the upper can be fashioned of leather, cloth, synthetic materials or a combination of these.
  • upper 30 has an exterior surface 36 with a bottom exterior surface 32 and an interior surface 34 with a bottom interior surface 38.
  • the bottom exterior surface 32 is preferably attached to the outsole top surface 18 by a known adhesive or by molding the outsole directly to the upper by direct injection.
  • Exterior upper surface 36 adjacent the sidewall surface 33 is also attached to interior sidewall surface 33 (FIG. 4) of peripheral member 20.
  • Insert 10 preferably comprises a midsole bottom surface 40 with a plurality of integrally formed channels 42 surrounding a plurality of integrally formed cushion pads 44.
  • a plurality of thru holes 46 extend upward from the channels 42 to the midsole top surface 58 primarily in the forefoot area 50 of the midsole.
  • insert 10 is formed so as to occupy substantially all of the receptacle 26.
  • the midsole bottom 40 is in contact with upper bottom interior surface 38 and the midsole sidewall 54 is positioned adjacent the interior upper surface 34.
  • the shank area interlock portion 52 (Fig. 2) of the insert 10 contacts the interior upper surface 38 and mates with the corresponding shank interlock portion 24 of the outsole.
  • the bottom surface of the midsole would directly contact the upper interior surface 18 of the outsole.
  • the midsole is disposed above the outsole so that the bottom surface 40 in the shank interlock area 52 of the midsole mates with the arched top interior surface 18 in the shank interlock area 24 of the outsole.
  • the midsole remains disposed above the outsole so that the shank interlock portions thereof mate, even though no direct contact may be made between the midsole and the outsole.
  • bottom surface 40 in the arched shank interlock portion of the midsole may have a corresponding portion which mates with the discontinuity in the surface 18 in the outsole. This could provide additional interlocking between the outsole and midsole, but would increase the cost of manufacture for the structure.
  • the outsole could be formed with peripheral sidewalls 20 which extend above the height of the midsole which is disposed above the top surface of the outsole. This may be the case, for example, in a boot design. In this case, the midsole bottom surface could be directly disposed against the outsole upper surface or some intervening layer could be placed between the outsole and the midsole.
  • the midsole sidewall 54 would be disposed adjacent the outsole peripheral sidewall 20 with the upper being secured to the peripheral sidewall at a position above the top surface 58 of the midsole.
  • a covering material 62 which is preferably formed of a polyester/nylon material but can be formed of any suitable material, is preferably joined by gluing or molding to upper midsole surface 58 to provide a buffer between the midsole and a user's foot.
  • the structure does not require any additional insole or sock liner placed on top of the midsole to be suitable for wearing.
  • the upper midsole surface with covering material 62 preferably extends in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions to the midsole sidewall 54 without interruption. Referring now to FIGS.
  • insert 10 is preferably formed having a bottom surface 40 and a contoured top surface 58.
  • the bottom surface 40 is preferably provided with a plurality of integrally formed channels 42 surrounding a plurality of integrally formed cushion pads 44.
  • a plurality of thru holes 46 extend from the channels 42 to the midsole top surface 58 primarily in the forefoot area 50.
  • Corresponding holes 63 may pass through the covering material 62.
  • cushioning pads 44 take the form of geometric raised shapes surrounded by the channels 42. The combination of cushioning pads 44, channels 42, and thru holes 46 provides independent multi-point cushioning and ambient air flow circulation.
  • cushioning pads 44 will compress independently of each other, and at the same time force the ambient air that is located in the air channels 42 that surround the cushioning pads 44 to move within and around the channels 42 and up through the thru holes 46.
  • the plurality of cushioning pads 44 are generally of the same depth.
  • a plurality of flex notches 48 are located on both the lateral and medial sides of insert 10 in the forefoot area 50 intersecting the midsole bottom 40 and the peripheral wall 54. Channels 42 separate the flex notches and extend in the peripheral wall 54. Channels 42 could also continue through the peripheral wall and extend into and through the top surface of the midsole. Thus, the channels 42 could pass fully or partially around the midsole to provide up to 360 degrees of air circulation.
  • the midsole bottom surface 40 is, in the preferred embodiment, in direct contact with the bottom interior surface 38 of the upper, the midsole bottom surface 40 is provided with a radiused edge 110 at the transition between the heel 60 and the shank interlock portion 52 and a radiused edge 111 at the transition between the forefoot area 50 and the shank interlock portion 52.
  • a radiused edge 112 is also preferably formed at the transition between the bottom surface 40 and the peripheral wall 54. The radiused edges on the bottom surface 40 prolong the life of the structure by minimizing the possibility that the midsole will tear the upper during use. As shown particularly in FIG.
  • the top or upper surface 58 of the midsole preferably has a smooth contour which generally matches the bottom contours of a human foot, thereby providing comfort and stability for a user.
  • the top surface of the midsole has a slight concavity in the forefoot area 50.
  • the perimeter 90 of the midsole gradually increases relative to the center 92 in order to provide support and stability to a wearer's foot.
  • the perimeter 90 may, however, extend above the center 92 of the midsole around all or part of periphery of the midsole.
  • the midsole top surface can be designed to generally follow standard foot contours, or custom designed for a specific user.
  • the midsole according to the present invention can, therefore, eliminate the need for a separate orthotic insert since contours which would be provided by an orthotic may be formed into the midsole.
  • the midsole tapers in thickness from about .375" at the toe to about .75" at the ball to provide toe spring.
  • the midsole is about 1.25" in thickness at the center of the heel area to provide heel lift.
  • the perimeter 90 extends about .75" above the center 92 of the heel area, and the cushioning pads 44 and channels 42 are about .125" in depth relative to the bottom surface.
  • the thru holes are about 0.0625" in diameter.
  • portions 41, 43, 45, of the formed air channels 42 continue running in a longitudinal direction toward and intersect a domed cylindrical heel cavity 56 formed in the bottom surface 40 of the midsole.
  • the heel cavity 56 allows the molded midsole to compress and move the ambient air within the cavity to flow thru the channels 42 and thru holes 46 when the foot structure bears weight upon the heel area 60.
  • improved air flow through the midsole is achieved.
  • the heel cavity provides additional cushioning ability because the geometry provides a collapsing/rebounding dome type structure. Referring now to FIG.4, an elevational section taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 is shown.
  • FIG. 4 particularly illustrates the shank interlock portion 52 of midsole insert 10 and the mating interlock portion 24 of outsole 14.
  • both the bottom surface 40 in the shank interlock portion 52 of the midsole and the top interior surface 18 in the mating shank interlock portion 24 of the outsole project upwardly with an arc-like geometry running longitudinally from the end of the forefoot portion at point 24a to the beginning of the heel portion at point 24b.
  • the upper surface 18 of the outsole and the bottom surface 40 of the midsole extend upward from the forefoot at about point 24a to approximately the middle of the shank area at point 25, and then downward to the heel to about point 24b.
  • the midsole need not be permanently secured within the structure, thereby allowing removal and replacement.
  • the unique arched geometry of the interlock areas allows use of an upper 30 having a corresponding arched shank area 100 in its bottom surface 32.
  • the gradual arch of the upper bottom surface 32 allows for traditional methods of lasting, e.g. slip lasting or cement lasting, for construction of the upper.
  • slip lasting is used to stitch a bottom portion of the upper to a separate top portion. Without the gradual arching of the shank interlock areas of the midsole and outsole, abrupt changes would be required in the bottom surface of the upper.
  • the shape of the interlock areas of the midsole and outsole should change in a gradual manner with radiused transitions at the forefoot and heel.
  • the distance d between the plane of points 24a and 24b to point 25 is about .625" where the total length of the outsole is about 11.5". It is to be understood, however, that the distance d can vary greatly with the shoe size and the intended application.
  • any arching shank interlock portions formed in the top surface of the outsole and bottom surface of the midsole will suffice as long as a mating interlock between the midsole and the outsole is achieved which resists motion of the midsole relative to the outsole when the structure is in use.
  • a shank component 66 may be included in the structure, as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the shank component may be constructed of traditional rigid or semi-rigid materials, e.g. metal or plastic, and is formed with a top surface 65 which follows the contour of the bottom surface 40 of the midsole and a bottom surface 67 which follows the contour of the top surface 18 of the outsole.
  • shank component 66 preferably has a thin projecting perimeter wall in the heel and shank areas to about the point 24a that mates with and rests against a recessed lip 57 in the sidewall 54 of the midsole.
  • the shank component perimeter wall provides additional rigidity and support.
  • the shank component/reinforcing layer may be attached to the bottom of the midsole insert 10 by an adhesive or other means to extend from the rear 67 of the midsole to about the point 24a.
  • the shank could extend longitudinally and laterally along the entire length and width of the structure, or any portion thereof.
  • the shank component could be secured to, or disposed against, the top surface of the outsole, to the bottom exterior surface of the upper, or a recess in either the outsole or midsole.
  • the shank could also be formed as an integral part of either the outsole or midsole, rather than as a separate component.
  • the structure of the shank component allows the shank component to be disposed between the bottom surface of the midsole and the top surface of the outsole without effecting the interlock between the midsole and the outsole.
  • the semi-rigid shank component is not, therefore, positioned in close proximity to the user's foot as in the prior art where such components would be positioned above a conventional midsole.
  • the present invention provides footwear structure which provides significantly improved comfort compared to prior art structures which incorporate shank components.
  • a footwear structure including an outsole and a separate, removable midsole.
  • the outsole has an upward extending arc in the shank area which defines a shank interlock portion on the top surface of the outsole.
  • the midsole has a corresponding arc which defines a shank interlock portion on a bottom surface thereof which mates with the arc in the outsole for resisting motion of the midsole relative to the outsole.
  • the midsole further includes a plurality of cushioning pads on a bottom surface of the midsole which are separated by air channels. The air channels extend along the length of the midsole and intersect with a heel cavity.
  • a plurality of thru holes are formed in the midsole to extend from the top surface thereof to the air channels in the bottom surface.
  • the cushioning pads, thru-holes, channels and heel cavity provide for improved cushioning and air circulation through the midsole.
  • the midsole may be removed and replaced with one that fits a user's preference. Where the cushionability of the midsole degrades over time, the midsole may be replaced to restore the overall comfort of the shoe.
  • a rigid shank insert may be provided between the midsole and the outsole, thereby removing rigid components from close proximity to the user's foot.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une structure d'article chaussant comprenant une semelle (14) et une semelle intercalaire (10) dotée de parties de cambrion d'interverrouillage (24, 52). La semelle (14) comprend un arc s'étendant vers le haut de la zone de cambrion qui définit une partie d'interverrouillage de cambrion (24) située sur la surface supérieure de ladite semelle (14). La semelle intercalaire (10) comprend un arc définissant une partie d'interverrouillage de cambrion (52) située sur la partie inférieure de ladite semelle intercalaire, qui correspond à l'arc de la semelle de façon à résister au déplacement de ladite semelle intercalaire (10) par rapport à ladite semelle (14) dans le cas où celle-ci n'est pas fixée dans la structure afin de permettre son retrait. Une pièce de cambrion rigide (66) peut être placée entre la semelle (14) et la semelle intercalaire (10). Ladite semelle intercalaire (10) comprend également une pluralité de coussinets d'amortissement (44) séparés par des canaux d'air (42) disposés sur la surface inférieure de la semelle intercalaire (10). Ces canaux d'air (42) s'étendent sur la longueur de la semelle intercalaire (10) et coupent la cavité du talon (56). Une pluralité de trous de passage (46) sont formés dans la semelle intercalaire (10) de façon à s'étendre de la surface supérieure de ladite semelle vers les canaux d'air (42) de la surface inférieure.
PCT/US2000/011462 2000-05-01 2000-05-01 Structure d'article chaussant et son procede de formation Ceased WO2001082732A1 (fr)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2000/011462 WO2001082732A1 (fr) 2000-05-01 2000-05-01 Structure d'article chaussant et son procede de formation
AU2000244990A AU2000244990A1 (en) 2000-05-01 2000-05-01 Footwear structure and method of forming the same
PCT/US2001/014022 WO2001082733A1 (fr) 2000-05-01 2001-05-01 Structure de chaussure et procede de fabrication
AU2001257467A AU2001257467A1 (en) 2000-05-01 2001-05-01 Footwear structure and method of forming the same
EP01930981A EP1284610A4 (fr) 2000-05-01 2001-05-01 Structure de chaussure et procede de fabrication

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WO2005120270A3 (fr) * 2004-06-04 2006-05-26 Nike Inc Articles chaussants, leurs procedes de fabrication, et structures utilisees dans la fabrication desdits articles
FR2895881A1 (fr) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-13 Theodore Grimmeisen Chaussure ventilee
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EP3461358A1 (fr) * 2017-10-02 2019-04-03 ATMOS airwalk ag Procédé de fabrication d'une chaussure pourvue d'un dispositif de pompe à air pourvu d'un soufflet conçu dans une semelle intercalaire

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005120270A3 (fr) * 2004-06-04 2006-05-26 Nike Inc Articles chaussants, leurs procedes de fabrication, et structures utilisees dans la fabrication desdits articles
US7634831B2 (en) 2004-06-04 2009-12-22 Nike, Inc. Footwear products, methods for making footwear products, and structures used in making footwear products
CN100584234C (zh) * 2004-06-04 2010-01-27 耐克国际有限公司 鞋产品、制造鞋产品的方法及用于制造鞋产品的结构
US8590175B2 (en) 2004-06-04 2013-11-26 Nike, Inc. Footwear products, methods for making footwear products, and structures used in making footwear products
US7647709B2 (en) 2005-05-19 2010-01-19 Danner, Inc. Footwear with a shank system
FR2895881A1 (fr) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-13 Theodore Grimmeisen Chaussure ventilee
WO2007077396A3 (fr) * 2006-01-06 2007-09-07 Theodore Grimmeisen Chaussure ventilee
CN101378670B (zh) * 2006-01-06 2010-08-11 T·格里梅桑 透气鞋
ITFI20110183A1 (it) * 2011-08-22 2013-02-23 Levi D Ancona Pir Lorenzo Scarpa ortopedica respirante
CN106102499A (zh) * 2014-04-09 2016-11-09 耐克创新有限合伙公司 具有可移除的插入物的鞋类系统
WO2015156863A1 (fr) * 2014-04-09 2015-10-15 Nike Innovate C.V. Systeme de chaussure comportant des empiecements amovibles
US9521876B2 (en) 2014-04-09 2016-12-20 Nike, Inc. Articles of footwear having a similar appearance and different sole assemblies
KR20160148570A (ko) * 2014-04-09 2016-12-26 나이키 이노베이트 씨.브이. 착탈형 인서트를 구비한 신발류 시스템
KR102011185B1 (ko) 2014-04-09 2019-08-14 나이키 이노베이트 씨.브이. 착탈형 인서트를 구비한 신발류 시스템
EP3461358A1 (fr) * 2017-10-02 2019-04-03 ATMOS airwalk ag Procédé de fabrication d'une chaussure pourvue d'un dispositif de pompe à air pourvu d'un soufflet conçu dans une semelle intercalaire
WO2019068403A1 (fr) * 2017-10-02 2019-04-11 Atmos Airwalk Ag Procédé de fabrication d'une chaussure comprenant un dispositif de pompe à air avec un soufflet formé dans une semelle intermédiaire
CN111182811A (zh) * 2017-10-02 2020-05-19 阿特莫斯空行有限公司 用于制造具有中底中构造有风箱的空气泵送装置的鞋的方法
RU2737615C1 (ru) * 2017-10-02 2020-12-01 Атмос Эйруолк Аг Способ изготовления ботинка, снабженного устройством для накачивания воздуха, имеющим выполненный в промежуточной подошве нагнетатель
CN111182811B (zh) * 2017-10-02 2022-03-18 阿特莫斯空行有限公司 用于制造具有中底中构造有风箱的空气泵送装置的鞋的方法
US11871815B2 (en) 2017-10-02 2024-01-16 Atmos Airwalk Ag Method for producing a shoe with an air pump device, comprising a bellows which is formed in a midsole

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