Boots – shoes – and leggings – Soles – Cushion
Patent
1998-12-17
2000-12-26
Patterson, M. D.
Boots, shoes, and leggings
Soles
Cushion
36 35R, 36 37, 12146B, A43B 1318
Patent
active
061639834
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an article of footwear and to a method of manufacturing the footwear.
BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY
During walking in footwear or bare feet ground reaction forces (GRF's) act on the sole of the foot. After the heel strikes the ground the GRF can rise to a maximum of 100% to 140% of a person's body weight. As the force increases to this maximum, usually, there is an oscillation in the magnitude of impact force, known as the "heel strike transient".
The impact force causes a mechanical shock wave known as "impact shock" to propagate through the skeletal system up to the skull. The energy of this shock wave is dissipated as it propagates through bone, soft tissue and muscle. The degree of dissipation can vary depending on the motion and muscle action at the joints, particularly the joints of the lower limbs, and any degenerative changes that may have occurred at the joints.
The heel pad is a fatty fibrous structure that, in a healthy state, is capable of absorbing up to 80% of the heel strike peak acceleration propagated to the tibia. The heel pad can have better shock absorbency than Sorbothane (Trade Mark) or EVA foam which are commonly used in good quality running shoes.
The effectiveness of the body's natural shock absorbing mechanisms can be reduced in the case of musculoskeletal disease, trauma or mechanical fatigue. Lack of adequate shock absorption can cause larger acceleration transients to propagate through the skeletal system. Larger impact forces can result in overuse injury and mechanical fatigue at the joints of the lower limbs and in the spine.
The shock absorption capabilities of the heel pad can be enhanced by wearing footwear that has a heel counter that confines the heel pad and by placing a shock absorbing material or device (such as an air system, liquid system, and valve system) under the heel to absorb impact energy generated at heel strike and thereby reduce the magnitude of the impact force. The effectiveness of known systems varies considerably. Moreover, in many instances, known systems require the addition of components to a conventional article of footwear and therefore increase the material costs and make more difficult the manufacture of the footwear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an article of footwear which is capable of minimising impact shock.
According to the present invention there is provided an article of footwear comprising: through the opening in the insole to project to or above the upper surface of the insole to form a load transfer region for transferring load between a foot of a wearer of the footwear and the sole element, and the sole element comprising a material capable of absorbing impact energy.
The present invention is based on the realisation that the above construction of the sole element optimises absorption of energy at impact and thereby minimises impact force and impact shock. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, the applicant believes that this substantial advantage of the footwear is achieved because there is direct load transfer between the foot and the sole element which avoids or minimises interference to load transfer caused by the insole.
It is preferred that the sole element extend through the opening in the insole to project above the upper surface of the insole.
It is preferred, although not essential, that the load transfer region be dome-shaped.
The opening in the insole may be of any suitable shape.
The opening in the insole may be in any suitable location.
It is preferred that the opening in the insole be in the heel section of the footwear.
The footwear may comprise more than one opening in the insole.
It is preferred that the sole element be secured to the lower surface of the insole by moulding the sole element onto the lower surface.
It is preferred that the sole element comprises a midsole and that the footwear further comprises an outsole secured to the midsole.
Alternatively, in a situation where the footw
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Blunstone Pty Ltd
Patterson M. D.
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