Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02631392 2010-10-21
ADJUSTABLE FOOTWEAR SOLE CONSTRUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to footwear soles and more particularly to
adjustable
footwear sole constructions.
The design and manufacture of footwear is complicated by the fact that
different
people have different footwear needs. For example, some individuals prefer a
firmer, more
unyielding sole, while others prefer a softer, more cushioning sole. With some
people this is
simply an aesthetic desire, but for others it can result from physical
factors, such as those
associated with foot shape, skeletal alignment and other anatomical issues.
Anatomical issues
cause some individuals to suffer from a tendency to pronate (roll their feet
inward when striding)
and others to have the opposite tendency to supinate (roll their feet outward
when striding). One
method for addressing these issues is to stiffen the sole in select regions to
provide increased
resistance against the undesired motion. For example, pronation can be
addressed by providing a
dual-density midsole with a higher density region along the medial side of the
sole. Similarly,
supination can be addressed by providing a dual-density midsole with a higher
density region
along the lateral side of the sole.
In an effort to address the needs of different consumers, a variety of
footwear
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products have been developed with a customizable sole construction. For
example, in one
conventional product, the sole defines a void adapted to receive one of a
variety of different
cushioning inserts. With this product, the wearer is provided with different
cushioning inserts
that meet different cushioning/support needs. The wearer customizes the sole
by inserting the
appropriate cushioning insert into the void. The insert may be replaced with
alternative inserts in
the future as desired to alter the characteristics of the sole. Though
providing some degree of
customization, this solution requires the manufacture and supply of a
plurality of inserts. This
can increase cost of manufacture and assembly. Further, the consumer is
required to save and
store the various inserts to permit future adjustment. Additionally, the
number of adjustment
settings is a function of the number of inserts supplied with the shoe, which
has led to relatively
limited adjustability in sole constructions of this type.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a sole with an adjustable cushion insert that
can be
positioned in the sole in different orientations to provide the sole with
different
support/cushioning characteristics. In one embodiment, the sole includes a
receptacle adapted to
receive the cushion insert. In this embodiment, at least one of the receptacle
and the cushion is
configured so that positioning of the insert in the receptacle at different
orientations varies the
support/cushioning characteristics of the sole.
In one embodiment, the adjustable cushion insert is generally disk-shaped. In
this
embodiment, the cushion insert may be coaxially installed within a
complementary disk-shaped
receptacle. The mating surfaces of the cushion insert and the receptacle may
include a plurality
of projections such as lobes, contours, ridges and undulations that are
interfitted when the
cushion insert is installed in the receptacle. The lobes may be a series of
waves undulating
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through regular angular sections. One or more of the lobes may be truncated or
otherwise varied
to provide differentiation in the support/cushioning characteristics of the
sole. In one
embodiment, the lobes are truncated along an angled plane.
The cushion insert may be selectively installed in the receptacle at different
angular orientations to provide different cushioning or support
characteristics. In the disk
embodiment, the characteristics of the lobes may vary around the extent of the
cushion insert
such that changing the angular orientation varies the support/cushioning
characteristics of the
sole construction.
In one embodiment, the cushion insert may define a central through-hole or
bore
configured to fit over a corresponding post in the midsole. The cushioning
insert may be
rotatably fitted over the post. As a result, the sole construction may be
adjusted simply by
rotating the cushion insert about the post.
In one embodiment, the cushion insert is adjustable at least between four
positions, including "supination," "proration," "firm" and "regular" settings.
In a disk
embodiment, the consumer has the ability to rotate the cushion insert to
adjust the sole
construction to provide regular or firm cushioning, or to address supination
or pronation.
In one embodiment, the sole is adapted to be inserted into a loafer or other
type of
low-profile footwear having an outsole with a corresponding receptacle to
retain the sole at the
outsole. In this embodiment, the sole may include a differentiated heel
portion configured to fit
down into a receptacle in the heel of the outsole. The cushion insert may be
removably and
adjustably mounted to the heel portion at a location where it is contained
within the receptacle.
In another embodiment, the sole is included in a shoe construction having an
outsole adapted to receive the sole. In this embodiment, a portion of the
outsole is adapted to be
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bent, pivoted or otherwise selectively moved to provide access to the cushion
insert, such that the
cushion insert may be removed and replaced in a different configuration to
vary the support
characteristics. In one embodiment, the heel region of the outsole is adapted
to bend down and
away from the shoe to expose the cushion insert for adjustment.
In yet another embodiment, the cushion insert defines at least one channel,
the
depth of which varies about the cushion insert to provide different cushioning
properties in
different regions of the insert. The cushion insert may be removably fitted
into the sole at a
variety of different orientations to provide different support/cushioning
characteristics.
In another embodiment, the sole is incorporated into a shoe construction
having
an outsole adapted to receive and support the sole. The outsole defines an
opening, through
which the cushion insert may be accessed and manipulated to vary the
orientation of the insert to
provide different support/cushioning characteristics. In this embodiment, the
outsole may
include a sidewall defining openings that provide access to the cushion
insert. The cushion insert
may be provided with contours that facilitate adjustment of the cushion insert
while it remains in
place within the sole.
The present invention provides a simple and effective construction that allows
a
sole to be easily adapted to match the needs of different wearers. In those
embodiments that
include a disk-shaped cushion insert, the sole can be adjusted simply by
rotating the cushion
insert within the receptacle. For example, simple rotation of the cushioning
insert can permit the
sole to be adjusted between regular or firm support, or to address pronation
or supination.
Because the sole may be adjusted by varying the orientation of a single
cushion insert, it is not
necessary to supply a wearer with a collection of different inserts that may
increase cost and
could become lost or misplaced. Further, the wearer is not required to save
and store unused
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adjustable inserts to allow for possible future adjustments. A pair of shoes
incorporating
cushioning inserts with 8 different orientations in each shoe provides the
wearer with 64 different
adjustment combinations. An embodiment with a differentiated heel facilitates
use of the
invention in loafers and other low profile footwear because it permits the
cushion insert to be
contained within space often occupied by the outsole. Adjustment of the
cushion insert may be
facilitated in those embodiments in which the cushion insert is accessible
through manipulation
(e.g. bending or pivoting) of the outsole. In those embodiments in which
variation in the cushion
insert is achieved through variable depth channels, the upper surface of the
cushion insert may
remain planar. This can provide the cushion insert with infinite adjustability
because, unlike
embodiments that incorporate undulations in the cushion insert, it is not
desirable to align
contours in the cushion insert and the mating sole component. Further, the use
of a planar
mating surface on the cushion insert may ease manufacture of the interfacing
sole components
and make the cushion insert more universal. Additionally, in those embodiments
in which the
cushion insert is accessible through openings in the surrounding sole
component(s) (e.g. outsole),
adjustment of the cushion insert may be simplified as the cushion insert can
be adjusted while the
article of footwear is on the wearer's foot and without manipulating any
portion of the outsole or
other sole components.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be
readily
understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the
current embodiment
and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a sole construction in accordance with an
embodiment
of the present invention.
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Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the sole construction.
Fig. 3a is a side elevational view of the sole construction with the cushion
insert
in the supination position and the heel wedge shown in section.
Fig. 3b is a side elevational view of the sole construction with the cushion
insert
in the pronation position and the heel wedge shown in section.
Fig. 4a is a sectional view of the sole construction taken along line IV-IV of
Fig. 1
with the cushion insert in the supination position.
Fig. 4b is a sectional view of the sole construction taken along line IV-IV of
Fig.
1 with the cushion insert in the pronation position and the support layer
removed.
Fig. 4c is a partially sectional view of the rear of the sole construction.
Fig. 5 is a rear view of the sole construction showing the cushion insert in
the
"pronation" position.
Fig. 6 is a rear view of the sole construction showing the cushion insert in
the
"supination" position.
Fig. 7 is a rear view of the sole construction showing the cushion insert in
the
"firm" position.
Fig. 8 is a rear view of the sole construction showing the cushion insert in
the
"regular" position.
Fig. 9a is a top plan view of the cushion insert.
Fig. 9b is a bottom plan view of the cushion insert.
Fig. 10a is a sectional view of the cushion insert taken along line Xa-Xa of
Fig.
9a.
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Fig. 10b is a sectional view of the cushion insert taken along line Xb-Xb of
Fig.
9b.
Fig. lla is a front view showing left and right cushion inserts adjacent to
one
another.
Fig. 11 b is a front view of an alternative left cushion insert of greater
thickness
than the left cushion insert of Fig. 11 a.
Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a sole construction in accordance with an
alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 13 is a top plan view of a sock liner of the alternative sole
construction.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the alternative sole construction taken along
line
XIV-XIV of Fig. 12.
Fig. 15 is a partially section view of the alternative sole construction taken
along
line XV-XV of Fig. 12.
Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of the heel wedge.
Fig. 17 is a top plan view of a cushion insert.
Fig. 18a a side elevational view of the sole construction with the cushion
insert of
Figs. 1-11 in the supination position and the heel wedge shown in section.
Fig. 18b is a side elevational view of the sole construction with the cushion
insert
of Figs. 1-11 in the pronation position and the heel wedge shown in section.
Fig. 18c is a rear view of the sole construction showing the cushion insert of
Figs.
1-11 in the "pronation" position.
Fig. 18d is a top plan view of the sole construction showing the receptacle
into
which the cushion insert of Figs. 1-11 is placed.
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Fig. 18e is a bottom plan view of the cushion insert of Figs. 1-11.
Fig. 19a is a top plan view of a sole construction in accordance with an
embodiment shown in Figs. 12-17.
Fig. 19b is a top plan view of the receptacle into which the cushion insert is
placed.
Fig. 19c is a top plan view of the cushion insert shown in Figs. 12-17.
Fig. 19d is a bottom plan view of the cushion insert shown in Fig. 12-17.
Fig. 20 is a top plan view of a sole construction of a second alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 21 is a bottom plan view of the sole construction of the second
alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 22 is a right side elevational view of the sole construction of the
second
alternative embodiment.
Fig. 23 is a sectional right side elevational view of the sole construction of
the
second alternative embodiment taken along line XXIII-XXIII of Fig. 20.
Fig. 24 is a sectional rear view of the sole construction of the second
alternative
embodiment taken along line XXIV-XXIV of Fig. 20.
Fig. 25a is a top plan view of the right cushion insert of the second
alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 25b is a top plan view of the left cushion insert of the second
alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 26a is a right side elevational view of the right cushion insert of the
second
alternative embodiment.
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Fig. 26b is a right side elevational view of the left cushion insert of the
second
alternative embodiment.
Fig. 27 is a sectional view of the right cushion insert taken along line XXVII-
XXVII of Fig. 25a.
Fig. 28 is a sectional view showing left and right sole constructions adjacent
to
one another.
Fig. 29a-b are bottom plan views of the sole construction, Fig. 29a shows the
insert in the pronation position and Fig. 29b shows the insert in the firm
position.
Fig. 30a-b are bottom plan views of the sole construction, Fig. 30a shows the
insert in the supination position and Fig. 30b shows the insert in the regular
position.
Fig. 31 is a sectional side elevational view of a shoe construction of a third
alternative embodiment.
Fig. 32 is a side elevational view of the sole of the third alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 33 is a rear perspective view of the sole.
Fig. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the sole.
Fig. 35 is a side elevational view of a shoe construction of a fourth
alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 36 is a side elevational view of the fourth alternative embodiment, shown
with the outsole pivoted to a partially open position.
Fig. 37 is a side elevational view of the fourth alternative embodiment, shown
with the outsole pivoted to an open position and the cushion insert removed
from the sole.
Fig. 38 is a sectional rear view of the fourth alternative embodiment taken
along
the lines X-X.
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Fig. 39 is a bottom perspective view of the cushion insert.
Fig. 40 is a bottom perspective view of a sole construction of a fifth
alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 41 is a bottom perspective view of the fifth alternative embodiment,
shown
with the cushion inserts removed.
Fig. 42 is a top plan view of a cushion insert of the fifth alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 43 is a bottom plan view of the cushion insert.
Fig. 44 is a side elevational view of the cushion insert.
Fig. 45 is a sectional side elevational view of the cushion insert taken along
lines
Y-Y.
Fig. 46 is a sectional side elevational view of the cushion insert taken along
lines
Z-Z.
Fig. 47 is a perspective view of a cushion insert.
Fig. 48 is a rear elevational view of the fifth alternative embodiment.
Fig. 49 is a side elevational view of a shoe having a sole construction of a
sixth
alternative embodiment.
Fig. 50 is a sectional side elevational view of the sixth alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 51 is a top plan view of a cushion insert in accordance with the sixth
alternative embodiment.
Fig. 52 is a sectional side elevational view of the cushion insert of Fig. 51
taken
along lines YY-YY.
Fig. 53 is a top plan view of an alternative cushion insert in accordance with
the
sixth alternative embodiment.
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Fig. 54 is a sectional side elevational view of the alternative cushion insert
of Fig.
53 taken along lines ZZ-ZZ.
Fig. 55 is a sectional rear view of the sole construction and cushion insert
taken
along lines XX-XX.
Fig. 56 is a sectional bottom, plan view of the sole construction and cushion
insert
of the sixth alternative embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT
A sole construction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
is
shown in Figs. 1-11 and generally designated 10. The illustrated embodiment
generally includes
a midsole 12, a cushion insert 14 and a heel wedge 16. The midsole 12 defines
a receptacle 18
adapted to receive the cushion insert 14. The heel wedge 16 is positioned
below the midsole
12/cushion insert 14 combination. The top surface of the cushion insert 14
includes a
plurality of lobes 24 and the bottom surface of the receptacle 18 includes a
plurality of lobes
26. The lobes 24 and 26 may be of different shapes so that they provide
different
support/cushioning characteristics. The lobes 24 and 26 are interfitted when
the cushion insert
14 is installed in the receptacle 18. The components may be seated within
essentially any article
of footwear. For purposes of disclosure, the present invention is described in
connection with a
midsole construction. The present invention may, however, be integrated into
other sole
components, such as an outsole, an insole or a heel wedge. In a midsole
construction, the sole
construction 10 is typically disposed above or seated within a void in the
outsole (not shown).
Further, the present invention is described in connection with a cushion
insert positioned in the
heel region. A cushion insert may alternatively or additionally be positioned
in other regions of
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the sole, such as under the forefoot or other locations where the type of
adjustability provided by
this construction may be desirable.
The present invention is described in connection with a set of illustrations
that
include dimensions, notes and other annotations. The dimensions, notes and
other annotations
contained on the illustrations are exemplary and should not be interpreted to
limit the scope of
the present invention.
The present invention is primarily described in connection with a sole
construction 10 configured to be incorporated into a right shoe. The sole
construction for the left
shoe may be a mirror image of the described right sole construction 10.
Accordingly, the left
cushion insert may be a mirror image of the right cushion insert 14. For
example, Fig. 28 shows
left and right assemblies of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
In the embodiment of Figs. 1-11, the midsole 12 provides the main cushioning
body of the sole. The midsole 12 of this embodiment is a full-length midsole
that follows the
general shape of an article of footwear and is configured to be fitted into an
upper above an
outsole or other underlying sole component (See Figs. 1 and 2). The midsole 12
of this
embodiment is a single unitary construction that is essentially coextensive
with the outsole,
however, the midsole may be a collection of separate components or may be a
partial midsole
configured to extend through only one or more select portions of the sole.
Referring again to the
illustrated embodiment, the midsole 12 includes a forefoot region 30, an arch
region 32 and a
heel region 34. The forefoot region 30 is configured to support the wearer's
forefoot. The arch
region 32 may be shaped to provide an arch support. Although not shown, a
shank or
substantially rigid arch support may be added to the midsole in the arch
region 32 if contours in
the arch region of the midsole 12 are not sufficient to provide the desired
level of arch support.
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If desired, a separate shank may be incorporated into the sole construction
between the midsole
12 and the outsole or other locations. The heel region 34 defines a receptacle
18, which is
configured to receive the cushion insert 14. Although this embodiment shows a
single receptacle
18 in the heel region, the receptacle 18 may be located in other positions,
such as in the forefoot
region, and the midsole 12 may define a plurality of receptacles configured to
receive a plurality
of cushion inserts. For example, separate cushion inserts may be located in
the heel region and
in the forefoot region to provide adjustability in both areas of the sole. In
the illustrated
embodiment, the receptacle 18 is a generally disc-shaped void having a central
post 36 (See Figs.
2 and 4a-4b). The central post 36 is configured to receive the cushion insert
14 as described in
more detail below. The size, shape and configuration of the central post 36
may vary from
application to application to vary the characteristics of the sole
construction 10. For example,
the diameter of the post 36 may be increased or decreased to control the
amount of support
provide at the center of the heel region. The central post 36 is optional and
the cushioning insert
14 may simply be fitted into a disc-shaped void when a central post 36 is not
provided.
The receptacle 18 includes an interface surface 40 that is configured to
engage the
cushion insert 14 (See Figs. 3a-b and 4a-b). The interface surface 40 may
include a plurality of
lobes 26 extending toward the cushion insert 14. The lobes 26 may be
positioned around the
interface surface 40 in a pattern of regular waves coinciding with angular
sections of the
receptacle 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 18 includes eight
lobes 26 arranged
in a regular repeating pattern about the center of the interface surface 40.
Although the lobes 26
of the illustrated embodiment are formed by smooth and continuous curved
contours, the term
"lobes" is used broadly to refer to essentially any contours, whether or not
such contours are
curved, smooth or run continuously together. The interface surface 40 of the
receptacle may
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include a support layer 42, such as a thin layer of TPU or a harder EVA. The
hardness of the
support layer 42 may vary from application to application as desired. However,
in the illustrated
embodiment, the support layer 42 may have a durometer ranging between
approximately 80-90
on the Asker A scale. The support layer 42 may be secured to the midsole 12.
For example, the
support layer 42 may be molded in situ to the midsole 12. As another example,
the support layer
42 may be cemented or otherwise adhesively secured to the interface surface
40. The size, shape
and configuration of the optional support layer 42 may be varied from
application to application
to provide the desired level of cushion/support while maintaining structural
integrity. Further,
the characteristics of the support layer 42 may be varied from region to
region to provide
regional variation in the characteristics of the sole.
The midsole 12 may be manufactured from essentially any material or
combination of materials capable of providing the desired cushioning/support
characteristics. In
one embodiment, the midsole 12 is manufactured from polyurethane or EVA having
the desired
hardness/resiliency. The hardness of the midsole 12 may vary from application
to application as
desired. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 12 is
manufactured from a single
material having a durometer ranging between approximately 65-70 on the Asker C
scale. The
midsole 12 may be manufactured using essentially conventional molding
techniques and
apparatus. The midsole 12 may be injection molded as a single integral unit in
which the
receptacle 18 is formed during the molding process. The midsole 12 may
alternatively be pre-
manufactured (e.g. pre-molded) and then die cut or otherwise processed to form
the receptacle
18. The midsole 12 may alternatively be manufactured from a plurality of
multiple components,
for example, with separate heel and forefoot portions. The separate components
may be
combined during manufacture, such as by compression molding or through the use
of adhesives.
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The cushion insert 14 is configured to be removably fitted into the receptacle
at a
variety of different orientations (See Figs. 5-8). In the illustrated
embodiment, the cushion insert
14 is generally disc-shaped and is configured to be seated within the
receptacle 18 (See Figs. 2,
4a and 4b). Referring now to Figs. 9b and lOa-b, the insert 14 defines a
central hole 44 adapted
to be fitted over central post 36. The central hole 44 and central post 36 may
help to assist in
aligning and/or retaining the insert 14 in the receptacle 18. The central post
36 and central hole
44 may, however, be eliminated or take on other configurations. For example,
the central hole
44 and central post 36 may be configured to be snap-fitted together. Although
not shown, the
central post 36 may include a head (not shown) and the central hole 44 may
define an enlarge
space (not shown) to receive the head of the central post 36 when the cushion
insert 14 is
installed in the receptacle 18. As another example, the central post 36 and
the central hole 44
may be shaped so that the insert 14 fits into the receptacle 18 only in select
orientations. In this
alternative embodiment, one of the two components may include a key and the
other may include
a plurality of slots that receive the key only when the insert 14 is in one of
the permissible
orientations.
The interface surface 46 of the cushion insert 14 includes a plurality of
lobes 24
configured to be interfitted with the lobes 26 of the receptacle 18. One or
more of the lobes 24
varies in size, shape or other characteristics from the remainder of the lobes
24 so that
repositioning of the cushion insert 14 results in repositioning of the lobes
24 and therefore causes
changes to the support/cushioning characteristics of the sole construction 10.
In the illustrated
embodiment, the lobes 24 and 26 are shaped to be closely interfitted with one
another such that
the only spaces occur in regions where the lobes 24 of the cushion insert 14
are intentionally
truncated to provide adjustability. As perhaps best shown in Fig. I la, the
lobes 24 of the
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illustrated embodiment are truncated by a single common plane extending
through the lobes 24
at an orientation selected to provide a uniform taper from full height lobes
24 on one side of the
insert 14 to lobes of substantially less height at the opposite side. In
different applications, the
truncating plane may be disposed at alternative orientations as appropriate to
provide the desired
cushioning characteristics. Further, the lobes 24 need not be truncated by a
single common
plane, but may alternatively be truncated or otherwise varied as desired to
provide the desired
cushioning/support characteristics throughout the range of adjustment of the
cushion insert.
Although the illustrated embodiment discloses truncated lobes, adjustability
may
be provided by varying essentially any characteristic of the cushion insert 14
or the lobes 24,
such as size, shape, configuration and materials to provide the desired
support/cushioning
throughout the range of adjustability of the cushion insert 14. For example,
the lobes may be
manufactured from materials of different degrees of hardness. In an embodiment
of this type,
the cushion insert may be formed of lobes manufactured from different
materials. Although the
manufacturing process may vary, the different materials of the cushion insert
may be cemented
together, integrally molded using multiple shots or compression molded. As
another example, a
support layer (not shown) may be positioned over one or more of the lobes to
provide the lobes
with the desired characteristics. Although not shown, the support layer may be
similar to support
layer 42 of the receptacle 18. A firmer support layer may be provided over
select lobes to
provide enhanced firmness. A thinner support layer (or the absence of a
support layer) over
select lobes may provide reduced firmness in select regions. Variations in the
thickness of the
support layer may be used to provide the desired variations in lobe
characteristics.
In addition to varying individual lobes 24 in the cushion insert 14 to provide
adjustability, the contours and other characteristics of the midsole 12 and
the cushion insert 14
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may be varied from application to application. For example, variations in the
thickness or
materials of the midsole 12, the cushion insert 14 and/or the support layer
42, as well as changes
in the size, shape, and configuration of the lobes 24 and 26 can be used to
control the
support/cushioning characteristics outside of the context of adjustability. In
the illustrated
embodiment, the lobes 24 and 26 transition from one lobe to the next smoothly
following a
continuous curve extending around the interface surfaces. When viewed from the
end, the curve
is generally sinusoidal. If desired, spacing may be provided between the lobes
of one or both
components. Also, one or more lobes 24 and 26 may be eliminated in the cushion
insert to
provide region(s) of reduced hardness. As another example, the lobes 24 and 26
may have
different shapes, such as triangular, rectangular or square rather than curved
profiles. Further,
the shapes of interfitting lobes 24 and 26 need not be corresponding as shown
in the illustrations.
For example, a triangular lobe or a square lobe may be fitted into a curved
void or other non-
matching void shape.
The midsole 12 and cushion insert 14 may include graphics, printed material or
other symbols that assist in adjusting the cushion insert 14. For example, as
shown in Fig. 2, the
midsole 12 may be provided with an alignment indicator (in this case, an
arrow) and the insert
14 may be provided with a plurality of similar alignment indicators (in this
case, a plurality of
arrows) that show permissible orientations of the insert 14. The insert 14 may
include text or
symbols that work in conjunction with the alignment indicators and to provide
a visual
indication of the results of the cushion insert 14 orientation. For example,
the words
"PRONATION," "SUPINATION," "REGULAR," and "FIRM" may be printed on the insert
adjacent to the appropriate alignment indicators (See Figs. 29a-30b). Figs. 5-
8 show the
cushion insert 14 in the "pronation," "supination," "firm" and "regular"
positions, respectively.
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In the illustrated embodiment, the sole construction 10 includes a heel wedge
16
that provides additional cushioning and elevation in the heel region of the
sole (See Figs. 3b and
4a-c). The heel wedge 16 may be shaped to provide a cup-shaped surface to
receive and support
the undersurface of the midsole 12 and the insert 14 in the heel region. The
heel wedge 16 is an
optional component and may be eliminated, for example, when sufficient heel
cushioning and
elevation are provided by other sole components, such as an underlying
outsole. In the
illustrated embodiment, the heel wedge 16 is manufactured separately from the
outsole and other
sole components. If desired, the heel wedge 16 may be integrated into the
outsole or other sole
component underlying the midsole 12 and insert 14.
The midsole 12, insert 14 and heel wedge 16 may be incorporated into
essentially
any footwear construction. The assembly of Figs. 1-11 may be removably fitted
into an article of
footwear, for example, by dropping the assembly through the foot opening into
an upper and
positioning it above the outsole. The heel wedge 16 may be permanently secured
to the article of
footwear even if the midsole 12 and insert 14 are removable. Alternatively,
the assembly
(excluding the cushion insert 14) may be permanently integrated into the
construction, for
example, by cementing the midsole 12 and heel wedge 16 in place. Although it
is not strictly
necessary for the cushion insert 14 to be removable, the user should be
capable of adjusting the
cushion insert 14 from one orientation to the next. For example, the cushion
insert 14 need not
be removable if it can be rotated from one orientation to the next without
being removed.
A plurality of drawings of a midsole and cushioning insert of an embodiment
similar to that illustrated in Figs. 1-11 are shown in Figs. 18a-e. Although
similar to the
embodiment of Figs. 1-11, the embodiment does not include, among other things,
support layer
42. Further, the lobes of the cushion insert vary in height rather than being
truncated by a plane
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
as in the embodiment of Figs. 1-11. The drawings are labeled with reference
numbers
corresponding to the reference numbers used in connection with Figs. 1-11.
Figs. 18a-e depict
the cushion insert 14 that is installed in the midsole 12. As can be seen, the
cushion insert 14 is
fitted over post 36. Fig. 18a shows the right side of the heel region of the
prototype with the
cushion insert in a first position. Fig. 18b shows the right side of the heel
region of the prototype
with the cushion insert in a second position. Fig. I8c shows the heel region
of the prototype
from the rear with the cushion insert 14 is a first position. Fig. 18i shows
the heel portion of the
midsole 12 with the cushion insert 14 removed. Fig. 18k shows the bottom of
the cushion insert.
An alternative embodiment is shown in Figs. 12-17. In this alternative
embodiment, the sole construction 210 is configured so that the cushion insert
214 is accessible
from the top surface of the midsole 212 (See Fig. 12). As shown in Fig. 15,
the sole construction
210 of this embodiment generally includes a midsole 212, a cushion insert 214
and a heel wedge
216. The midsole 212 is largely identical to midsole 12 described above.
However, the
receptacle 218 opens upwardly so that the cushion insert 214 is inserted into
the midsole 212
from the top, thereby facilitating adjustment of the cushion insert 214
without removal of the
midsole 212 from the shoe. Further, the central post 236 of this embodiment is
configured so
that it does not extend entirely through the cushion insert 214. Rather, the
cushion insert 214
defines a central bore 244 that extends into the cushion insert 214 from the
interface surface 246.
The central post 236 may include a head (not shown) and the central bore 244
may define a
corresponding enlarged void (not shown) that permitted the cushion insert 214
to be snap-fitted
onto the central post 236. The heel wedge 216 is essentially identical to heel
wedge 16 described
above. The heel wedge 216 may be incorporated directly into the midsole 212,
if desired.
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
This alternative embodiment may also include an optional sock liner 300 (See
Figs. 13 and 14). The design and configuration of the sock liner 300 may vary
from application
to application. For example, the sock liner may be a conventional laminated
construction (e.g.
assembled from a plurality of different layers) or it may be a conventional
unitary construction.
In the illustrated embodiment, the sock liner 300 is a laminated construction
and generally
includes a cushion layer 304 and a cover layer 306. The cushion layer 304 of
this embodiment
may be manufactured from essentially any cushioning material, such as EVA,
polyurethane or
gel. The cover layer 306 of this embodiment may be manufactured from a soft,
yet durable cloth
or fabric material, such as cotton, wool and polypropylene blends. If desired,
the sock liner 300
may be treated with antimicrobial, anti-odor and/or other functional
treatments. As shown, the
sock liner 300 may include a window 302 that permits viewing of the cushion
insert 214 when
the sock liner 300 is installed in the shoe. The window 302 may simply be an
opening in the
sock liner 300 or it may be filled with a transparent or translucent material.
Although shown
only in connection with the embodiments of Figs. 12-17 and 20-28, essentially
any construction
may include an optional sock liner. In applications where the cushion insert
is fitted into the
undersurface of the midsole, there may be no need for a window in the sock
liner.
The present invention may be incorporated into essentially any type of
footwear,
including but not limited to shoes, boots, sandals, slippers and athletic
wear. Further, the present
invention may be incorporated into essentially any footwear construction. For
example, the sole
construction may be incorporated into direct attach, welt, cement, stroble,
California, opanka,
lasted, slip lasted and other footwear constructions. The entire sole
construction may be
removably fitted into a void in an outsole, midsole or other sole component.
Alternatively, select
components of the present invention, such as the midsole and heel wedge, may
be secured to the
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
remainder of the sole. In this alternative, the cushion insert may be
removable (or at least
adjustable within the receptacle). If an optional sock liner is included in
the construction, it will
typically be removable if its removal is necessary to provide access to the
cushion insert.
A plurality of drawings of a midsole and cushioning insert of an embodiment
similar to that illustrated in Figs. 12-17 are shown in Figs. 19a-d. Although
similar to the
embodiment of Figs. 12-17, the embodiment does not include, among other
things, support layer
242. Further, the lobes of the cushion insert vary in height/shape rather than
being truncated by a
plane as in the embodiment of Figs. 12-17. The drawings are labeled with
reference numbers
corresponding to the reference numbers used in connection with Figs. 12-17.
Fig. 19a shows the
top of the prototype showing the cushion insert 214 installed in the midsole
212. Fig. 19b shows
the heel region of the midsole 212 with the cushion insert 214 removed. Fig.
19c shows the top
of the cushion insert. Fig. 19d shows the bottom of the cushion insert.
A second alternative sole construction 410 is shown in Figs. 20-28. This
embodiment is generally identical to the embodiment of Figs. 12-17, except to
the extent
described. As shown, this embodiment includes a cushion insert 414 that is
installed into the
upper surface of the midsole 412. The cushion insert 414 differs from cushion
insert 214
primarily in that it includes a post 436 configured to be fitted into a
corresponding alignment
hole 444 in the midsole 412 (See Figs. 23 and 27). If desired, the alignment
hole 444 may
extend entirely through the midsole 412 such that the post 436 is visible from
the bottom of the
midsole 412 as shown in Fig. 21. Alternatively, the alignment hole 444 may be
replaced by a
shallower hole (not shown) that extends into, but not through, the midsole
412. Right and left
cushion inserts 414a and 414b, respectively, are shown in Figs. 25a-b and 26a-
b. As shown, the
right and left cushion inserts 414a and 414b are essentially mirror images of
each other.
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
Referring now to Figs. 22-24, the heel wedge 416, midsole 412, cushion insert
414 and sock liner
300 are assembled in essentially the same method as the alternative embodiment
shown in Figs.
12-17. Fig. 28 shows the sole construction installed in left and right
articles of footwear. In this
illustration, the cushion inserts 414a and 414b are installed in the
"pronation" position.
A third alternative sole construction 510 is shown in Figs. 31-34. This
alternative
embodiment is intended for, but not limited to, use in loafers and other low
profile footwear
constructions. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole 510 includes a sole
component or midsole
512 having a cushion insert 514, which may be substantially similar to
midsoles 12, 212 and 412
and cushion inserts 14, 214 and 414 described in detail above. Midsole 512
includes a
differentiated heel portion 512a adapted to be dropped or inserted into a
loafer 516 or other type
of footwear having a corresponding receptacle 550 to receive heel portion
512a. In this
embodiment, the differentiated heel portion 512a is marked by a substantial
transition 513 from
the arch region 515 to the heel region 517 of the midsole 512 (See Fig. 32).
The transition 513
permits the heel portion 512a to drop down into the receptacle 550.
Although suitable for use with a wide range of footwear styles, the present
invention is illustrated in connection with a loafer 516. The loafer 516 is
generally conventional
except as otherwise noted. In the illustrated embodiment, loafer 516 includes
an upper 546 and
an outsole 548 adapted to engage and support the undersurface of midsole 512
(See Fig. 31). At
a heel region 534 of loafer 516, outsole 548 forms a heel 548a, which provides
additional
elevation in heel region 534 of the loafer. Heel 548a is substantially hollow
and defines
receptacle 550 of sufficient size and shape to receive the heel portion 512a
of the midsole 512.
In the illustrated embodiment, receptacle 550 is formed as a cup-shaped void
or opening defined
in an upper surface of outsole 548.
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
As shown in Fig. 31, midsole 512 is formed to engage and mate with outsole
548.
Specifically, heel portion 512a of midsole 512 is formed as a protrusion or
extension at the heel
region of midsole 512 that corresponds to receptacle 550 of outsole 548, such
that midsole 512
may be dropped or inserted into loafer 516 to easily engage outsole 548 in the
proper orientation.
The resulting configuration of heel portion 512a in receptacle 550 may reduce
the overall
thickness of the sole and may reduce the possibility of the midsole 512
sliding or otherwise
shifting in loafer 516. In the illustrated embodiment, heel portion 512a is
formed integrally with
midsole 512. However, heel portion 512a may be manufactured separately from
midsole 512
and later attached.
Optionally, midsole 512 may include at least one contoured surface, which may,
among other things, vary the support characteristics of shoe construction 510.
For example,
midsole 512 may define spherical dimples or protrusions or recesses 552 on a
bottom surface
thereof, such as recesses 552 shown in Fig. 34, which may increase the
flexibility of midsole
512.
As stated above, midsole 512 and cushion insert 514 may otherwise be
substantially similar to the embodiments described herein, such that movement
of the cushion
insert provides varying support characteristics. In the illustrated
embodiment, midsole 512
includes a receptacle in a bottom surface thereof for receiving cushion insert
514 (see Fig. 33).
The bottom surface of the receptacle includes a plurality of lobes 526, while
the top surface of
cushion insert 514 includes a plurality of lobes 524. Lobes 524 and 526 are
interfitted when the
cushion insert 514 is installed in the receptacle. Like lobes 24 and 26
discussed above, lobes 524
and 526 may be of different shapes or heights so that they provide different
support/cushioning
characteristics. In the illustrated embodiment, cushion insert 514 is located
at the heel region of
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
midsole 512 in heel portion 516. However, the cushion insert 514 or additional
cushion inserts
may be positioned at other locations on the midsole 512.
In this embodiment, the sole 510 may include structure to facilitate and
maintain
alignment between the cushion insert 514 and the mating sole component (e.g.
midsole 512). As
shown in Figs. 33 and 34, cushion insert 514 includes a post 536 configured to
be fitted into a
corresponding alignment hole 544 in the midsole 512. Post 536 and alignment
hole 544 may be
largely identical to the posts and alignment holes discussed in the
embodiments above. For
example, alignment hole 544 may extend entirely through the midsole 512 such
that the post 536
is visible from the bottom of the midsole 512. Alternatively, the alignment
hole 544 may be
replaced by a shallower hole (not shown) that extends into, but not through,
the midsole 512. In
embodiments where an alignment structure is desired, these alternative
alignment constructions
may be replaced by essentially any structure capable of providing suitable
alignment.
In a fourth alternative embodiment, a construction is provided in which access
to
the cushion insert 614 for adjustment (and other purposes) is achieved through
manipulation of a
surrounding sole component. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 35-39, the
cushion insert
614 is made accessible by bending or pivoting a heel portion of the outsole
648 away from the
midsole 612. As shown, the shoe construction 610 includes a midsole 612 and a
cushion insert
614, which may be substantially similar to midsole 12 and cushion insert 14
described in detail
above. Shoe construction 610 includes an upper 646 and an outsole 648 adapted
to receive and
support midsole 612. A portion 648a of outsole 648 is adapted to bend or pivot
away from
midsole 612 to expose cushion insert 614, such that cushion insert 614 may be
removed,
replaced or adjusted to vary the support characteristics provided by the
insert 614 (See Figs. 35-
38).
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
In the illustrated embodiment, midsole 612 defines a receptacle in its bottom
surface adapted to receive cushion insert 614. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bottom surface
of the receptacle includes a plurality of lobes 626, while the top surface of
cushion insert 614
includes a plurality of corresponding or interfitting lobes 624 (See Figs. 37
and 39). Lobes 624
and 626 may vary in shape or size so that they provide different
support/cushioning
characteristics. As a result, cushion insert 614 may be removed, rotated and
replaced in the
receptacle of midsole 612 to provide different support characteristics. As
shown in Figs. 37 and
38, cushion insert 614 includes a post 636 configured to be fitted into a
corresponding alignment
hole 644 in the midsole 612, which may be substantially similar or identical
to post 36 and
alignment hole 44 discussed above. In those embodiments where an alignment
structure is
desired, the post 636 and alignment hole 644 may be replaced by essentially
any structure
capable of providing suitable alignment.
Portion 648a of outsole 648 is adapted to engage and support the bottom
surface
of cushion insert 614 when cushion insert 614 is inserted in the receptacle of
midsole 612. An
outsole would generally cover and block access to cushion insert 614, for
example, in the manner
of outsole 648 at the forefoot region of shoe construction 610. However, as
shown in Figs. 36
and 37, portion 648a of outsole 648 bends or pivots away from midsole 612 to
provide access to
cushion insert 614. When outsole portion 648a is pivoted open, cushion insert
614 may be
removed, rotated and replaced in midsole 612 without having to remove the
entire midsole from
shoe construction 610 or to remove the shoe from the wearer's foot. In the
illustrated
embodiment, only the outsole portion 648a covering or supporting cushion
insert 614 is adapted
to pivot. Alternately, the entire outsole 648 may pivot or otherwise move away
from midsole
612.
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
When cushion insert 614 is inserted in the receptacle of midsole 612 in the
desired
position, portion 648a pivots toward midsole 612 to a closed, non-pivoted
position. Outsole
portion 648a is adapted to be retained in a non-pivoted position, for example,
at upper 646 or at
midsole 612. In the illustrated embodiment, outsole portion 648a includes an
extension 656
adapted to be retained at upper 646. Extension 656 includes a hole 660 adapted
to be aligned
with a shoe lace hole 662, such that extension 656 and therefore outsole
portion 648a can be tied
to upper 646 by a shoe lace. This particular retention structure is merely
exemplary. When
retention is desired, the foregoing structure can be replaced by essentially
any mechanism
capable of retaining the outsole in the closed position, such as snaps or hook-
and-loop fasteners
(e.g. Velcro ).
Optionally, outsole portion 648a or extension 656 may include an opening 658
through which cushion insert 614 may be viewed when outsole portion 648a is in
a non-pivoted
position (See Fig. 35). In such an embodiment, indicators of the position
and/or resulting
support characteristics of insert 614 may be printed on an outer surface of
insert 614 and may be
viewable through opening 658. Thus, the user is aware of the position of
cushion insert 614
without having to open or pivot outsole portion 648a.
In a fifth alternative embodiment, a sole construction 710 includes a midsole
712
and at least one cushion insert, such as the cushion inserts 714a and 714b
shown in Fig. 40.
Cushion inserts 714a and 714b include at least one channel therein, the depth
of which varies
about the cushion insert. Cushion inserts 714a and 714b are configured to be
removably fitted
into respective receptacles in midsole 712 at different orientations to
provide different
support/cushioning characteristics. Given the generally planar mating surfaces
in the illustrated
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
embodiment, the cushion inserts 714a and 714b can be rotated to essentially
any orientation
without regard to alignment of lobes in the inserts and the mating surfaces.
As shown in Figs. 40 and 41, midsole 712 defines two receptacles 718a and 718b
adapted to receive cushion insert 714a and 714b, respectively. Receptacle 718a
is located in a
heel region of midsole 712, while receptacle 718b is located in a forefoot
region of midsole 712.
However, cushion inserts may alternatively or additionally be positioned in
other regions of the
sole where the type of adjustability provided by this construction may be
desirable. In the
illustrated embodiment, receptacles 718a and 718b are defined as openings or
voids in the
bottom surface of midsole 712, such that midsole 712 may be similar to midsole
12 described
above. However, receptacles 718a and 718b may also be formed in a top surface
of midsole 712,
similar to midsoles 212 and 412 above.
In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface of each of the cushion inserts
714a
and 714b generally defines three channels 764, 766 and 768, each of which vary
in depth at
different points along the insert (See Figs. 42 and 45-47). The support
characteristics of inserts
714a and 714b depend in large part on the depth of the channels, such that
repositioning of the
cushion inserts 714a and 714b and therefore the channels results in a change
in the
support/cushioning characteristics of the inserts. As shown in Fig. 45,
channels 764, 766 and
768 of the illustrated embodiment are truncated by a single common plane or
axis 770a,b
extending through the channels at an orientation selected to provide a uniform
taper from
channels at a full depth B on one side of the insert 714a,b to channels at a
substantially more
shallow depth A at the opposite side of the insert. As shown in Fig. 46, a
section of the insert
714a,b taken along a line perpendicular to the section shown in Fig. 45 shows
the channels
having a uniform depth across the width of the insert. In different
applications, the truncating
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
plane may be disposed at alternative orientations as appropriate to provide
the desired cushioning
characteristics. Further, channels 764, 766 and 768 need not be truncated by a
single common
plane (as shown in Figs. 45 and 46), but may alternatively be truncated in
angular sections or
otherwise varied as desired to provide the desired cushioning/support
characteristics throughout
the range of adjustment of the cushion insert. Although the illustrated
embodiment discloses
truncated channels, adjustability may be provided by varying other
characteristics of the cushion
inserts 714a and 714b or the channels 764, 766 and 768, such as size, shape,
configuration and
materials, to provide the desired support/cushioning throughout the range of
adjustability of the
cushion inserts.
Optionally, to assist in aligning and/or retaining the inserts in the
receptacles,
inserts 714a and 714b may define central holes 744a and 744b, respectively,
which are adapted
to be fitted over central posts 736a and 736b (See Figs. 40 and 41). The
central holes and posts
of this fifth alternative embodiment may be substantially similar or identical
to the central holes
and posts of the embodiments described in detail above. Additionally, or
alternatively, the
receptacles may include extensions or ribs corresponding to grooves in the
cushion insert
facilitate the alignment of cushion insert 714a. For example, receptacle 718a
includes ribs 738a
adapted to be fitted in grooves 739a in cushion insert 714a (See Fig. 41).
To assist the user in achieving the correct orientation of cushion inserts
714a and
714b, a bottom surface of the inserts may include graphics, printed material
or other alignment
indicators. For example, as shown in Fig. 43, the insert 714a,b is provided
with a plurality of
arrows that illustrate permissible orientations of the insert. Optionally, the
insert may include
text or symbols that work in conjunction with the alignment indicators and to
provide a visual
indication of the results of the insert orientation. For example, the words
"PRONATION,"
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
"SUPINATION," "REGULAR," and "FIRM" may be printed on the insert adjacent to
the
appropriate alignment indicators (not shown).
In a sixth alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 49-56, a shoe construction
810
is shown having a midsole 812 and a cushion insert 814a or 814b. Shoe
construction 810
includes an upper 846 and an outsole 848 adapted to receive and support
midsole 812. Outsole
848 includes an opening 871 therein, through which a cushion insert 814a or
814b may be
accessed and manipulated to vary the orientation of the insert to provide
different
support/cushioning characteristics.
Midsole 812 may be substantially similar to any of the midsoles 12, 212, 412,
512, 612 and 712 discussed in the above embodiments. In the illustrated
embodiment, midsole
812 includes a receptacle in a bottom surface thereof for receiving cushion
insert 814a or 814b
(see Fig. 50).
The cushion insert of this embodiment is adapted to move with respect to
midsole
812 while the insert is positioned in the receptacle of midsole 812. For
example, the cushion
insert may be formed with an upper surface that does not engage the bottom
surface of the
receptacle. In one of the illustrated embodiments, cushion insert 814a is
substantially similar to
cushion insert 714 described in detail above (See Figs. 51 and 52).
Specifically, insert 814a
includes three channels 864, 866 and 868 therein, with the depth of the
channels varying at
different points about the insert. As shown in Fig. 49, channels 864, 866 and
868 are truncated
by a common plane or axis 870a extending through the channels. As discussed
above with
respect to insert 714, the varying depths of the channels 864, 866 and 868
allow cushion insert
814a to be selectively positioned to provide the desired cushioning/support
characteristics.
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
As shown in Figs. 53 and 54, an alternative cushion insert 814b is formed from
at
least two different materials each having different degrees of hardness and/or
density or other
material characteristic that provides varying levels of support. However, as
an expedient, the
layers containing these materials will be referred to herein as "harder layer"
874 and "softer
layer" 876. In the illustrated embodiment, harder layer 874 forms an outer
radial area and
undersurface of insert 814b, which is disk-shaped. Softer layer 876 forms the
remaining portion
of insert 814b, with the depth of softer layer 874 varying about the insert.
As shown in Fig. 54,
the depth of softer layer 874 may be truncated by a common plane or axis 870b
that divides the
insert into regions of harder layer 874 and softer layer 876. In the
illustrated embodiment, axis
870b is positioned at an orientation selected to provide a uniform taper from
a shallow depth of
softer layer 876 at one side of the insert to a greater depth at an opposite
side of the insert. The
varying depth of softer layer 876 allows cushion insert 814b to be selectively
positioned to
provide the desired cushioning/support characteristics. Although illustrated
in connection with
an insert 814b in which the harder layer 874 and softer layer 876 mate along a
plane, the mating
surfaces may be contoured to provide the desired cushioning characteristics.
For example, the
harder layer 874 and softer layer 876 may include mating lobes similar to
those of midsole 12
and insert 14 described above. Any suitable manufacturing process may be used
to achieve the
two-material configuration of cushion insert 814b. For example, the different
layers of cushion
insert 814b may be separately manufactured and cemented together, integrally
molded using
multiple shots, or compression molded. Although secured in the illustrated
embodiment, the two
layers may remain separate, if desired. This may permit a user to separately
replace the two
layers. If desired, replacement layers may be provided with different
cushioning characteristics
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CA 02631392 2008-05-15
and therefore provide a mechanism for further tuning the construction 810.
Although the insert
814b is shown with two layers, the insert 814b may include more than two
layers if desired.
Thus, shoe construction 810 may include either insert 814a and 814b, each of
which is adapted to be selectively rotated in the receptacle of midsole 812,
without removal of
the midsole 812 or outsole 848 from shoe construction 810. To facilitate the
rotation of inserts
814a and 814b in the receptacle, at least one opening 871 in outsole 848 is
positioned to provide
access to an outer surface of insert 814a or 814b. As shown in Figs. 55 and
56, outsole 848
includes an opening 871 on each side of shoe construction 810, such that
insert 814a or 814b
may be accessed and selectively rotated through either of the openings. In the
illustrated
embodiment, openings 871 are sized to allow a user to engage the insert with a
finger.
Optionally, to further assist in the rotation of insert 814a or 814b, inserts
814a and
814 may define notches, grooves or dimples 872 at an outer radial surface
thereof (See Figs. 51,
53 and 56). Dimples 872 are formed to accommodate a finger of the user, such
that the insert
814a or 814b may be easily grasped and rotated. Dimples 872 may be uniformly
spaced about
the radial surface of insert 814a or 814b such that at least one dimple is
accessible through
openings 871 throughout the entire range of adjustability of insert 814a or
814b.
To assist in maintaining the position of insert 814a or 814b in the receptacle
of
midsole 812, inserts 814a and 814b may optionally define central holes 844a
and 844b,
respectively, which are adapted to be fitted over central post 836 (See Figs.
50 and 55). In such a
configuration, inserts 814a and 814b are adapted to rotate about central post
836. Central holes
844a and 844b and post 836 may otherwise be substantially similar to the
central holes and posts
of the embodiments described above.
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CA 02631392 2011-07-18
Although the illustrated embodiments provide a broad range of adjustability,
an
even greater range may be provided by providing interchangeable sets of
cushion inserts. For
example, an article of footwear may be sold with two pairs of cushioning
inserts, each pair
having different cushioning (e.g. hardness) characteristics. For example, one
set of inserts can
have a durometer ranging between approximately 35-40 on the Asker C scale,
while a second set
of inserts can have a durometer ranging between approximately 30-40 on the
Asker A scale.
Other inserts can also be manufactured with different hardnesses without
departing from the
present invention. The characteristics of the different pairs may be varied in
essentially any way,
such as by varying the thickness, shape or material of the different pairs.
Fig. 11 b is an
illustration of a cushion insert 14' having greater thickness than cushion
insert 14. In use,
cushion insert 14' may be installed in place of cushion insert 14 to provide
additional cushioning.
The above description is that of the current embodiment of the invention.
Various
alterations and changes can be made without departing from the broader aspects
of the invention
as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance
with the principles
of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Any reference to claim
elements in the
singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "said," is not
to be construed as
limiting the element to the singular.
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