Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080201982 | Article Of Footwear Having A Fluid-Filled Bladder With A Reinforcing Structure - A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process. | 08-28-2008 |
20080201983 | Article Of Footwear Having A Fluid-Filled Bladder With A Reinforcing Structure - A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process. | 08-28-2008 |
20080201984 | Article Of Footwear Having A Fluid-Filled Bladder With A Reinforcing Structure - A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process. | 08-28-2008 |
20080201985 | Article Of Footwear Having A Fluid-Filled Bladder With A Reinforcing Structure - A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process. | 08-28-2008 |
20080209763 | Inflatable Support System for an Article of Footwear - An impact absorbing flexible support system, comprising a plurality of fluid filled chambers disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows and a plurality of lateral rows, forming a matrix of said fluid filled chambers and an article of footwear containing such a flexible support system. Each chamber is fluidly connected to at least two other fluid filled chambers and has a vertically tapered shape to provide flexibility of movement. The support system is made from air tight thermoplastic film and is inflatable. The support system may have one or more larger fluid filled chamber is disposed amongst said matrix of chambers. | 09-04-2008 |
20080216349 | Shock Absorbing Device of an Insole of a Resilient Shoe - A shock-absorbing method and device of an insole of a resilient shoe is provided. At least one transverse partition is set in a gas or liquid chamber of the insole. The gas or liquid chamber of the insole is partitioned into a fore cavity and a rear cavity by the partition. The fore cavity and the rear cavity are communicated reciprocally through the region external of the ends of the partition. Preferably, a fish-bone shaped partition is set longitudinally in the gas or liquid chamber. A column is set at the end of each of fish-bone branches of said fish-bone shaped partition and is positioned corresponding to a relevant acupoint of a human foot bottom. The gas or liquid chamber is filled with soft or resilient materials. The insole according to the invention could be shock absorbing and resilient. | 09-11-2008 |
20080222916 | Shoe Sole Combined with Air Chamber and Air Valve - A shoe sole for a shoe comprises: an air chamber formed of a resilient material and defining an inner space for receiving air therein; an air valve coupled to the air chamber; and a sole member formed of a resilient material and coupled with the air chamber, the sole member enclosing a substantially entire outer surface of the air chamber except some portions of the air chamber and the air valve such that a wearer of the shoe can selectively open and close the air valve to adjust an air pressure of the air chamber, and thus, to adjust an air cushioning degree of the shoe. The air chamber can include a grooved structure on the generally planar upper and lower surfaces and on side surfaces thereof, and one or more through-holes formed through the upper and lower surfaces of the chamber, and the sole member is filled in the through-holes. | 09-18-2008 |
20080222917 | Article Of Footwear Having A Fluid-Filled Bladder With A Reinforcing Structure - A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process. | 09-18-2008 |
20080229611 | Adjustable pneumatic cell foot orthosis - A device that can be inserted into footwear, or used as part of footwear that is designed to correct foot and ankle pathologies through user adjustable, strategically located fluid chamber or chambers. | 09-25-2008 |
20080244927 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING MIDSOLE WITH SUPPORT PILLARS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole assembly, and a support assembly positioned in the sole assembly and including a plurality of pillars. Each pillar includes an outer layer and an inner layer of cushioning material contained with the outer layer. | 10-09-2008 |
20080263895 | Sole Construction for Energy Storage and Rebound - A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression. | 10-30-2008 |
20080271339 | Extruded Cushioning Insole - The invention is an extruded cushioning insole for footwear. The insole disperses the weight of an individual more evenly across the surface of their foot and reduces the impact forces on the feet when walking, running or jumping. The insole is integrally extruded in a one-piece construction. One insole embodiment includes a flexible upper pad with a plurality of downwardly extending tubes that each form a collapsible internal chamber. Another insole embodiment has a solid main body with a flat upper surface and a contoured lower surface formed by thinner and thicker regions of the insole. Another insole embodiment has a flat upper surface and a convex lower surface formed by a collapsible internal disc-shaped chamber. The convex surface is generally flat when compressed. | 11-06-2008 |
20090013557 | Self-inflating cushion and footwear including same - A cushion comprised of at least one chamber comprised of a barrier material, said barrier material comprised of an elastomer, said elastomer being at least semi-permeable to at least a first reactant compound, a second reactant compound disposed within said at least one chamber, wherein said first reactant compound and said second reactant compound react to form a resultant compound, and wherein a rate of diffusion of said resultant compound through said barrier material is less than a rate of diffusion of said first reactant compound through said barrier material. An article of footwear including a cushion, said cushion comprised of at least one chamber comprised of a barrier material, at least a first and a second solid or liquid reactant compounds disposed within said at least one chamber, wherein said first reactant compound and said second reactant compound react to form a resultant gaseous compound. | 01-15-2009 |
20090019726 | DEVICE FOR UTILIZATION OF THE ENERGY GENERATED BY BODY WEIGHT - The present invention refers to a device for utilization of the energy generated by pressure of body weight on the heal of footwear to be utilized at the moment of the final detachment of the footwear from the ground. | 01-22-2009 |
20090090025 | Article of Footwear with Sole Structure - An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure including a midsole and an outsole. The footwear also includes at least one lobe between the upper and the outsole that extends laterally beyond a heel area of the upper and meets the sole at the lobe's edge that is laterally farthest away from the upper so that the lobe is exposed such that when viewed from above, in a direction perpendicular to the sole, the lobe is at least partially visible beyond the sides of the heel. The footwear may include a heel plate that extends laterally beyond the heel area of the upper. Further, the lobe may be a fluid-filled air bladder. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094856 | Integrated, cumulative-force-mitigating apparatus, system, and method for substantially-inclined shoes - A force-responsive, bladder filled with a flowable, non-gaseous material, and disposed mainly within a recess having an opening presented at a foot-engaging surface of a substantially-inclined, aesthetically-oriented shoe. A compliant, resilient lamina is typically disposed at the foot-engaging surface, overlying at least a portion the opening. In response to a force applied by a user's foot, the bladder deforms both downwardly away from relatively projecting and/or relatively unyielding, pressure-applying portions of the foot, and upward toward other portions of the foot, providing conformal support to the contour of user's foot and attenuating the effects of cumulative forces incurred by the foot. | 04-16-2009 |
20090100705 | Article Of Footwear With A Sole Structure Having Fluid-Filled Support Elements - An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber. The chamber may be bonded to other portions of the sole to secure the chamber within the sole. A surface of the chamber may also be angled to form a corresponding bevel in a lower surface of the sole structure, potentially in a rear-lateral area of the sole structure. A plate may also extend under a portion of the chamber. | 04-23-2009 |
20090126225 | Articles And Methods Of Manufacturing Articles - Various articles, such as footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, watchbands, and the like, and methods of forming those articles are presented. The articles are generally formed, in whole or in part, using rapid manufacturing techniques, such as laser sintering, stereolithography, solid deposition modeling, and the like. The use of rapid manufacturing allows for relatively economical and time efficient manufacture of customized articles. Portions of the articles may be manufactured using rapid manufacturing and those portions may be joined with portions formed using conventional, non-rapid manufacturing techniques. The methods may also include performing a scan of an appropriate body part of a user, such as a foot, in order to create a customized article of footwear for the user. | 05-21-2009 |
20090178300 | Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Reinforcing Element - Several sole components and a method of manufacturing those sole components are disclosed. In general, each sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing element extending around a portion of the bladder. The reinforcing element is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some configurations, the reinforcing element is die-cut from a sheet of polymer material, and the reinforcing element may exhibit a layered configuration. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing element may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing element during the molding process. | 07-16-2009 |
20090178301 | Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Reinforced Surface - An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a fluid-filled chamber with a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a third surface extending between the first and second surfaces. Whereas the first surface and the second surface each have a thickness of one sheet of a polymer material, the third surface has a thickness of two overlapping sheets of the polymer material. The third surface may be exposed to an exterior of the footwear to form a portion of a side surface of the sole structure. | 07-16-2009 |
20090183387 | DEVICES WITH INTERNAL FLEXIBILITY SIPES, INCLUDING SIPED CHAMBERS FOR FOOTWEAR - Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product. | 07-23-2009 |
20090199429 | DEVICES WITH INTERNAL FLEXIBILITY SIPES, INCLUDING SIPED CHAMBERS FOR FOOTWEAR - The present invention attempts to replicate in footwear, orthotics, and other products the naturally effective anatomical structures like a bare foot that provide superior flexibility, cushioning, and stable support compared to existing products. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for such products including a unitary internal sipe component, said internal sipe providing increased flexibility for said device. Even more specifically, the invention relates to footwear, orthotic or other products with an outer chamber and at least one inner chamber inside the outer chamber; the outer chamber and the inner chamber being separated at least in part by an internal sips; and the internal sipe providing increased flexibility, cushioning, and stability. | 08-13-2009 |
20090199430 | Multi-Chamber Cushion For Footwear - A resilient cushioning device for incorporation in an article of footwear has chambers interconnected by a corrugated passageway. The passageway fluidly connects a heel region having at least one chamber and a forefoot region having at least one chamber. The corrugation of the passageway make the passageway adjustable so that the resilient cushioning device fits a plurality of different articles of footwear. For example the passageway is adjustable so that it is expandable lengthwise so that the resilient cushioning device fits a plurality of sizes of articles and/or so that it bends sideways so that the resilient cushioning device fits a plurality of configurations of articles of footwear. | 08-13-2009 |
20090199431 | Article Of Footwear With A Sole Structure Having Bluid-Filled Support Elements - An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert. | 08-13-2009 |
20090235557 | Article of Footwear Having an Adjustable Ride - An article of footwear has an upper and a sole. The sole has an upper sole member, a lower sole member, and at least one inflatable bladder disposed between the upper sole member and the lower sole member. The at least one inflatable bladder has an inflated state and a deflated state. A distance between the upper sole member and the lower sole member is greater in the inflated state than the deflated state. Varying the inflation of the inflatable bladder varies the amount of cushioning in the sole and the thickness of the sole so that the shoe can serve as a multipurpose shoe for activities requiring different amounts of cushioning. | 09-24-2009 |
20090241372 | Shoe sole with tunnel-type air chambers - A main body of a shoe sole includes a recess formed at an upper surface thereof and a non-slip cushion sheet attached to a bottom surface thereof, wherein pluralities of air chamber grooves are formed in the recess at a front portion of the main body and an air chamber groove is formed in the recess at a rear portion of the main body. A shoe liner covers open upper portions of the air chamber grooves so as to provide pluralities of tunnel-type air chambers. An outer periphery of the shoe liner is attached to an outer periphery of the upper surface of the main body and other portions of the shoe liner are inserted into the recess. The binding line between the shoe liner and the main body is snugly positioned within the interior boundary of the main body. | 10-01-2009 |
20090249644 | Inflation Mechanism and Outlet Valve for an Article of Footwear Incorporating an Inflatable Bladder - An article of footwear having a fluid system including an inflatable bladder, an inflation mechanism, and a valve for facilitating air movement through the fluid system. In one embodiment, the valve is an outlet valve between the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder that includes an umbrella valve. In another embodiment, the valve is an outlet valve between the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder wherein a seating of the outlet valve forms a portion of the inflatable bladder and a portion of an inflation chamber of the inflation mechanism. The seating includes a flange for preventing blocked air flow to the valve. In another embodiment, the valve includes an umbrella valve and an inlet filter for keeping particulates from compromising the umbrella valve. | 10-08-2009 |
20090288312 | Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Textile Tensile Member - A fluid-filled may include including an outer barrier, a tensile member, and a fluid. The tensile member may be located within barrier and formed from a textile element that includes a pair of spaced layers joined by a plurality of connecting members. In some configurations, an edge of the tensile member may have a finished configuration or the tensile member may be contoured. The fluid is also located within the barrier and pressurized to place an outward force upon the barrier. In manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber, a textile tensile member may be formed with at least one contoured surface or a finished edge. The tensile member is then located within a polymer barrier and bonded to opposite sides of the barrier. | 11-26-2009 |
20090288313 | Contoured Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Tensile Member - A fluid-filled may include including an outer barrier, a tensile member, and a fluid. The tensile member may be located within barrier and formed from a textile element that includes a pair of spaced layers joined by a plurality of connecting members. A method of manufacturing the chamber may include locating a textile tensile member between two polymer elements. Pressure and heat are applied to the tensile member and the polymer elements in a first area and in a second area. The pressure is greater in the first area than in the second area. In addition, the polymer elements are bonded together around a periphery of the tensile member. | 11-26-2009 |
20090293305 | Full length airbag - A sole of a footwear is provided herein which may be designed to provide multifunctions suitable for particular sports. The sole may include a bladder which extends an entire length of a wearer's foot. The bladder may be pressurized with fluid for absorbing impact forces (e.g., landing impact forces, running impact forces, etc.). To prevent the bladder from having a balloon configuration, support columns may be attached to an upper layer and a lower layer of the bladder to maintain the spacing between the upper and lower layers. The lower layer of the bladder may be flat for optimizing the sole for skateboarding and other activity. | 12-03-2009 |
20090307926 | ADJUSTABLE MIDSOLE FOR FOOTWEAR - Improved adjustable midsole for footwear, with the midsole comprising an airtight, evacuable capsule containing granules and air, whereby the midsole is moldable to the shape of the wearer's foot for improved support and comfort, with the midsole retaining said shape through evacuation of air from the capsule. The improved midsole further comprises sipes such as slits or channels integrated into the midsole to improve flexibility. | 12-17-2009 |
20100037482 | Inflatable Support System for an Article of Footwear - An impact absorbing flexible support system, comprising a plurality of fluid filled chambers disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows and a plurality of lateral rows, forming a matrix of said fluid filled chambers and an article of footwear containing such a flexible support system. Each chamber is fluidly connected to at least two other fluid filled chambers and has a vertically tapered shape to provide flexibility of movement. The support system is made from air tight thermoplastic film and is inflatable. The support system may have one or more larger fluid filled chamber is disposed amongst said matrix of chambers. | 02-18-2010 |
20100050471 | Air Cushion shoe sole - An air cushion shoe has an air chamber at an upper surface of a front side of a main body. An air passageway extends from the air chamber to an air inlet. Air pockets are formed in the main body at predetermined positions below the air passageway. First air vents are formed at a front side of the hardened reinforcement sheet positioned onto the main body to cover the open upper portions of the air passageway and the air pockets. Second air vents are formed at a front side of a main body of a shoe liner. A cushioning material having a honeycomb structured body is formed at the bottom surface of the main body. | 03-04-2010 |
20100095551 | Footwear, footwear inserts and socks for reducing contact forces - Footwear, footwear inserts and socks that include a cavity adapted to receive a portion of an individual's heel foot to reduce contact forces. The cavity can be adapted to contain a liquid, a solid or two layers of material in which the stiffness of the layers differ. | 04-22-2010 |
20100101111 | MULTISTRUCTURAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A SOLE IN A RUNNING SHOE - A shoe structure for foot strike energy dissipation employs compressible members each having an internal void containing a first working fluid. A set of mating compressible members are each connected to a related one of the first compressible members through a fluid conduit such that the first working fluid is transferred from the related compressible member to the mating compressible member responsive to compression induced by foot strike. A sole pad and a foot bed intermediately constrain the compressible members. Resilient structural members are placed intermediate the compressible members to deform responsive to compression of the foot bed induced by foot strike provide both energy dissipation and resilient recovery of the compression cylinders to their uncompressed state. The sole pad and foot bed are interconnected by a peripheral wall forming a cavity which contains a second working fluid that is transmissible between the compressible members responsive to compression of the foot bed. Cooling tubes are provided for energy dissipation of the second working fluid which bathes the compressible members, conduits and resilient elements. A buoyant magnet carried within the void of at least one compressible member is displaced within the compressible member responsive to foot strike. An induction coil encircling the compressible member is operatively connected to a resistive element for energy dissipation responsive to electromagnetically generated current resulting from relative motion of the buoyant magnet. A repelling magnet having opposite polarity to the buoyant magnet is mounted in the compressible member to prevent bottoming out of the buoyant magnet during compression. | 04-29-2010 |
20100170108 | Footwear With A Sole Structure Incorporating A Lobed Fluid-Filled Chamber - A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure. | 07-08-2010 |
20100170109 | Footwear With A Sole Structure Incorporating A Lobed Fluid-Filled Chamber - A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure. | 07-08-2010 |
20100170110 | Footwear With A Sole Structure Incorporating A Lobed Fluid-Filled Chamber - A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure. | 07-08-2010 |
20100186256 | SHOE HAVING AN AIR CUSHIONING SYSTEM - An air cushioning system for use in a shoe has a molded heel absorber member the includes a center member that forms a sealed center air chamber and a peripheral member that extends about at least a portion of the periphery of the center member and that forms a vented peripheral air chamber. A vented air conduit is in communication with the vented peripheral air chamber. | 07-29-2010 |
20100192408 | Footwear sole with anti-stress and slight massaging effect - Footwear sole with anti-stress and slight massaging effect comprising an external sole ( | 08-05-2010 |
20100192409 | Interlocking Fluid-Filled Chambers For An Article Of Footwear - An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a first chamber and a second chamber that each enclose a fluid. The first chamber and the second chamber both define a plurality of projections and depressions. At least a portion of the projections of the first chamber are located within the depressions of the second chamber, and at least a portion of the projections of the second chamber are located within the depressions of the first chamber. In some configurations, each of the first chamber and the second chamber may form portions of upper and lower surfaces of a pneumatic component. In addition, colors of the first chamber and the second chamber may be selected such that the colors combine at an interface of the first chamber and the second chamber. | 08-05-2010 |
20100192410 | Shoe Having an Inflatable Bladder - An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism. | 08-05-2010 |
20100199518 | SOLE INCLUDING A SYSTEM OF BLISTERS AND DEVICES FOR THEIR DEFLATION - This invention relates to a sole for shoes which lodge two or more plastic blisters which can be deflated by the user with a simple rotation of a special device, obtaining every time a different inclination of the foot. This fact can be important for shoes for diabetics and for sportsmen. | 08-12-2010 |
20100205830 | MOULDED SHOE BOTTOM WITH HIGH ANTI-SHOCK VENTILATION PROPERTIES - The present invention relates to a shoe bottom moulded from one piece, which is provided with a first and second chamber ( | 08-19-2010 |
20100251567 | Training Footwear - Articles of footwear are disclosed. In one embodiment, an article of footwear comprises a sole having a forefoot portion and a heel portion. The sole comprises a midsole, an intermediate sole, and a ground contacting surface. At least a portion of the intermediate sole extends from the midsole such that a forefoot bulge substantially covers the forefoot portion of the ground contacting surface and a heel bulge substantially covers the heel portion of the ground contacting surface. | 10-07-2010 |
20100263228 | SOLE FOR SHOES ENABLING EXCHANGE OF SHOCK-ABSORBING MEMBER - Disclosed herein is a sole for shoes enabling exchange of a shock-absorbing member, in which a shock-absorbing member can be exchanged with one suited to each situation whenever necessary depending on the state of a wearer's feet, the condition of a road surface, the walking motion, or the like even in a state where a shoe has been manufactured and is worn by the wearer, thereby further improving convenience in use. Since the shoe sole | 10-21-2010 |
20100263229 | Article Of Footwear With A Sole Structure Having Fluid-Filled Support Elements - An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert. | 10-21-2010 |
20100269370 | Hollow pneumatic sole sneaker - The hollow pneumatic sole sneaker creates an unstable condition, forcing the user to employ balance and equilibrium which is controlled and executed automatically by the brain through the core and leg muscles without conscious thinking. In an unstable position the human body's censoring systems (vestibular system, visual system, muscle, tendon and joints censoring system) create and send continuous signals to the brain of the body's position and movements. The signals are analyzed, interpreted and integrated in the brain and then the motor cortex creates a plan to execute the necessary muscle contractions to automatically maintain balance and equilibrium through the core and primary muscles of the body. Thus the unstable position of the human body has created the natural unconscious automatic possibilities to train the brain and muscles of the sneaker user. | 10-28-2010 |
20100325914 | Article Of Footwear Having A Sole Structure With Perimeter And Central Elements - A sole structure for an article of footwear may include a perimeter element and a central element, which may be fluid-filled chambers. The perimeter element extends adjacent to a sidewall of the sole structure, and the central element is centrally-positioned. A gap may extend between the central element and the perimeter element. The gap may have an upper portion and a lower portion, with the upper portion being located closer to the sidewall than the lower portion. The perimeter element may also have a first compressibility and the central element may have a second compressibility, with the first compressibility being less than the second compressibility. Also, the upper surface of the perimeter element may be at a greater elevation or higher than an upper surface of the central element. | 12-30-2010 |
20110005101 | Air Bladder Footbed - A sole system for an article of footwear comprising: an outsole layer and an insole layer, each of which include a vertically extending opening, a midsole layer disposed between the outsole and insole layers and including a bottom surface, a top surface, and an opening that extends vertically through the midsole layer to define a cavity therein, the cavity opening having a first dimension at the bottom surface substantially corresponding to the outsole layer opening and a second dimension at the top surface substantially corresponding to the insole layer opening; and a bladder element having a top and a base, wherein a portion of the bladder element is secured within the midsole cavity such that the top extends into at least a portion of the insole layer opening and the base extends into the outsole layer opening, wherein the bladder element and the midsole cavity include corresponding shapes and dimensions. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010962 | Article Of Footwear With A Sole Structure Having Fluid-Filled Support Elements - An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert. | 01-20-2011 |
20110047817 | Sole construction for shoe having self-pumping extendable spikes - Golf shoe sole | 03-03-2011 |
20110067264 | PNEUMATIC INFLATING DEVICE CONTAINED ENTIRELY WITHIN SHOE SOLE - A pneumatic inflation device disposed within the sole of a shoe and comprising a pump with integral air release valve and which is entirely within the sole, a pump actuator which is entirely within the sole when not in use, and an inflatable bladder which is entirely within the sole and is operatively connected to the pump. Such a device can include a mechanism to lock the pump actuator within the sole such that the mechanism's cap is flush with the outer wall of the sole and finger-operable to allow the shoe-wearer to easily operate the inflation device and release air therefrom. | 03-24-2011 |
20110072684 | SUPPORT STRUCTURES IN FOOTWEAR - Support structures for footwear are described including, in one embodiment, one structure in the heel portion of the footwear and another structure in the forefoot portion. One or both of the support structures may be hollow and may include internal support elements such as ridges or posts to support the foot. Additionally, air may be included in the structures with a passageway between the internal support structures permitting the transfer of air back and forth as the wearer treads. Thus, energy is absorbed as the foot strikes the treading surface and is either stored to be returned as the foot rolls forward or, when air is included in the design, is transferred from the heel to forefoot portions and then back again as the foot pressure moves from the heel portion to the forefoot portion. | 03-31-2011 |
20110088281 | SHOE HAVING AN AIR CUSHIONING BED - An air cushioning system for use in a shoe is formed from a first layer of a plastic material and a second layer of plastic material both of which are sized to fit within an interior of the shoe. The periphery of the second layer is joined to the periphery of the first layer and one or more interior locations within the periphery of the second layer are also joined to correspondingly adjacent interior locations within the periphery of the first layer. The unjoined surfaces of the second layer are spaced from the first layer and thereby function to define a trapped air chamber within the joined peripheries of the second layer and the first layer. | 04-21-2011 |
20110126423 | Elastic Structure Made by Plastic Injection Molding - An elastic structure made by plastic injection molding comprises an elastic body and a connecting member. The elastic body includes two oppositely-connected half members which are made by plastic injection molding. The connecting member is formed around the circumference of the elastic body by injection molding and seals the two half members. While the connecting member is formed by injection molding, gas will be filled into the elastic body to make the elastic body have buffer elasticity. The half members made by plastic injection molding can be changed in shape as desired by changing the mold and can be formed with a mark portion with a brand slogan or mark during the plastic injection molding, thus making the production more convenient while controlling the yield. Furthermore, the application range of the elastic structure can be widened since the elastic structure can be made into different shapes. | 06-02-2011 |
20110131831 | Tethered Fluid-Filled Chambers - An article of footwear may incorporate a chamber with an outer barrier and a tether element. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity, and tether element may be located within the interior cavity and joined to opposite sides of the barrier. Upon pressurization of the chamber, the tether element may extend across the interior cavity and be placed in tension by the outward force of a pressurized fluid within the interior cavity. The tether element may have a variety of configurations. For example, the tether element may have a diagonal orientation, or different tether elements may have different lengths. A tether element may also have plates or tie pieces secured to opposite sides of the chamber, with one or more tethers extending between. Also, the tether element may include one of more sheets that extend across the interior cavity. | 06-09-2011 |
20110131832 | Fluid-Filled Structure - A fluid-filled chamber may include a pair of polymer layers that define a plurality of subchambers and a web area. The subchambers are protruding portions of the polymer layers that enclose a fluid, and the web area is portions of the polymer layers that are located between the subchambers and lay adjacent to each other. The subchambers may have greater thickness than the web area. A perimeter bond joining the polymer layers and extends around a periphery of the chamber. In addition, a plurality of interior bonds join the polymer layers and extending around the subchambers, which may seal the fluid within the subchambers. | 06-09-2011 |
20110131833 | Article Of Footwear With A Sole Structure Having Fluid-Filled Support Elements - An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber. The chamber may be bonded to other portions of the sole to secure the chamber within the sole. A surface of the chamber may also be angled to form a corresponding bevel in a lower surface of the sole structure, potentially in a rear-lateral area of the sole structure. A plate may also extend under a portion of the chamber. | 06-09-2011 |
20110138653 | Footwear With Air Cavities - There is provided a sole unit having a midsole section and an outsole section. The midsole incorporates a number of cavities which open at their top ends and which are wider at their bottom ends. The outsole section incorporates a number of diaphragm elements which close off the bottoms of the cavities. In some arrangements there is a footbed which has in its underside a number of recesses disposed above each of the cavities, the recesses being linked by channels and incorporating orifices leading to the inside of an article of footwear. | 06-16-2011 |
20110138654 | Article Of Footwear With A Sole Structure Having Fluid-Filled Support Elements - An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber. The chamber may be bonded to other portions of the sole to secure the chamber within the sole. A surface of the chamber may also be angled to form a corresponding bevel in a lower surface of the sole structure, potentially in a rear-lateral area of the sole structure. A plate may also extend under a portion of the chamber. | 06-16-2011 |
20110162232 | SOLE STRUCTURE - The present invention relates to a sole structure ( | 07-07-2011 |
20110162233 | AIR CUSHION WITH MULTISTAGE SHOCK-ABSORBING ASSEMBLY AND FABRICATING METHOD - An air cushion connected at least a cushioning element in a vertical stack configuration for absorbing both lighter and heaver heel impacts sequentially in a shoe mid-sole. The air cushion includes a first air bladder and a cushioning element forming a vertical stack configuration such that when the impact lighter than a predetermined value is applied to the vertical stack configuration, it is absorbed by deforming the first air bladder only, and when the impact heavier than the predetermined value is applied to the vertical stack configuration, it is absorbed by deforming both the first air bladder and the cushioning element. | 07-07-2011 |
20110173840 | EXERCISE FOOTWEAR THAT SIMULATES UPHILL OR DOWNHILL EXERCISES - The present invention is a piece of exercise footwear that simulates an uphill exercise or a downhill exercise that includes a continuous curved flat or concave sole with a front portion and a back portion that can be in continuous contact or not with an exercising surface while a user is exercising on an exercising surface and an inflatably adjustable bladder assembly with an inflatable sole portion and an inflatable heel portion. The exercise footwear also includes a control valve to allow inflation of the inflatable sole portion and the inflatable heel portion to allow a supplemental uphill or downhill simulation while performing the exercises and a transfer valve that transfers pressure and fluid interchangeably between the inflatable heel portion and the inflatable sole portion. A front pad insert and a heel pad insert can also be utilized and the inflatable adjustable bladder assembly can also be removed. | 07-21-2011 |
20110197470 | AIR CUSHIONING OUTSOLE WINDOW - A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes an insole and an outsole. The outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole from the ground-contacting surface. The outsole further includes a first elongated aperture extending through the outsole and between the ground-contacting surface and the inner surface. A midsole is disposed between the insole and the outsole and includes a second elongated aperture at least partially aligned with the first elongated aperture. A window is disposed between the midsole and the outsole and extends over the first elongated aperture and the second elongated aperture. A bladder is disposed between the insole and the midsole and is visible through the window. | 08-18-2011 |
20110203133 | Fluid-Filled Chamber Incorporating A Flexible Plate - A fluid-filled chamber may include including an outer barrier, a plate having indentations, and a fluid. The plate may be located within barrier and secured to an inner surface of the barrier. The fluid is also located within the barrier and pressurized to place an outward force upon the barrier. The indentations in the plate may permit flexing of the plate in one direction while obstructing flexing of the plate in another direction. Accordingly, the plate may enhance shape-retention properties of the chamber while also enhancing an overall transparency of the chamber. | 08-25-2011 |
20110203134 | FOOTWARE WITH SHOCK ABSORBING SOLE - A shoe including cushioning elements housed in a tread sole adapted to come into contact with the ground, the cushioning elements including a plurality of cushioning capsules orientated in a manner such that they substantially follow a line on which the weight of a person is transferred during walking, that is, a podalic line; the cushioning capsules have different sizes and shapes that are geometrically similar to each other, constituting a series of modular elements adaptable to every shoe size and type. | 08-25-2011 |
20110271552 | Fluid-Filled Chambers With Tether Elements - A chamber may have an outer barrier and a tensile member. The barrier is formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity. The tensile member is located within the interior cavity and includes (a) a first layer element secured to the barrier, (b) a second layer element secured to an opposite portion of the barrier, and (c) a plurality of I-shaped tether elements that extend through the first layer element and the second layer element. In some configurations, the tether elements may include (a) a first end member located between the barrier and the first layer element, (b) a second end member located between the barrier and the second layer element, and (c) a central member extending through the first layer element and the second layer element and secured to the first end member and the second end member. | 11-10-2011 |
20110277346 | Article Of Footwear Having A Sole Structure With A Framework-Chamber Arrangement - A framework-chamber arrangement for an article of footwear, and an article of footwear having a sole structure including a framework-chamber arrangement, is provided that can cooperate to provide various advantageous features, such as multiple-stage cushioning and specialized attenuation of and reaction to ground contact forces. The framework-chamber arrangement can include a fluid-filled chamber forming laterally extending arms and a framework having corresponding recesses formed therein and receiving a lower portion of the chamber. The fluid-filled chamber can be retained within the framework without a bond being formed between lower regions of the chamber arms and the framework. Peripheral portions of some of the chamber arms can be spaced apart from adjacent portions of corresponding channels while in a relaxed state. | 11-17-2011 |
20110277347 | Contoured Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Tensile Member - A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered. | 11-17-2011 |
20120042539 | Sole Structure Comprising A Fluid Filled Member With Slots - A sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure comprises a fluid filled member and a plurality of slots. The slots are associated with connecting portions that connect portions of the sole structure in the generally longitudinal direction and provide for increased fit, flexibility and stability. | 02-23-2012 |
20120042540 | Sole Structure With Visual Effects - A multi-colored effect for a sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure comprises a sole member having a first color and an exterior layer having a second color that is different from the sole member. A plurality of slots are formed in the sole structure and the second color is visible on an outer surface of the sole structure through the plurality of slots. | 02-23-2012 |
20120073161 | PNEUMATICALLY INFLATABLE AIR BLADDER DEVICES CONTAINED ENTIRELY WITHIN SHOE SOLE OR CONFIGURED AS SHOE INSERTS - A pneumatically cushioned shoe or shoe insert including a plurality of regions, each region including a respective plurality of air bladders; each respective air bladder having a self-sealing valve disposed thereon and configured to allow air to enter the bladder through the valve while maintaining air pressure within the air bladder; and each self-sealing valve configured to allow air to escape through the valve via an air pump needle or via an integrated pump and release valve device. | 03-29-2012 |
20120084998 | Universal Sole - Universal sole designed to help a user adapt his walking or running gait to the surface over which he is moving or to the peculiarities of his individual leg/foot System by individually adjusting the hardness and thickness of several areas of the sole. Each area consists of one or more layers of a flat coil of elastic extensible airtight and optionally reinforced rubber tube which may be flattened or inflated beyond its nominal diameter as a function of the pressure introduced by the action, as the user walks, of a small pump located inside the sole underneath the user's heel and adjustments and isolations performed manually with a System of valves built into the thickness of the sole. The coils, the valve System and the pumping System are either located and bonded between layers of foam containing the impression of the coils and filling the spaces between laces or placed in a mould or in a sole in the shape of a boat, a filling material then being introduced to fill the empty spaces. The resulting soles or sole elements can be used on ail kinds of shoes. | 04-12-2012 |
20120144696 | WEDGED INSOLE KIT FOR THE TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS - The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole kit that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. The kit includes a wedged slab and a neutral slab. The slabs may be trimmed using the kit's sizing chart to create medial or lateral wedged insoles for either the right or left foot. The slab construction may mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot. | 06-14-2012 |
20120174434 | Devices With Internal Flexibility Sipes, Including Siped Chambers For Footwear - Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product. | 07-12-2012 |
20120210601 | Article of Footwear Having An Adjustable Ride - An article of footwear has an upper and a sole. The sole has an upper sole member, a lower sole member, and at least one inflatable bladder disposed between the upper sole member and the lower sole member. The at least one inflatable bladder has an inflated state and a deflated state. A distance between the upper sole member and the lower sole member is greater in the inflated state than the deflated state. Varying the inflation of the inflatable bladder varies the amount of cushioning in the sole and the thickness of the sole so that the shoe can serve as a multipurpose shoe for activities requiring different amounts of cushioning. | 08-23-2012 |
20120233878 | Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Tensile Member - A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier and a tensile member. The outer barrier may have an upper portion, an opposite lower portion, and a peripheral edge. The upper portion and lower portion may be bonded together in a bonded region spaced inward from the peripheral edge. The bonded region may have a convex shape. The tensile member may be located within the outer barrier, and may be formed to have at least one gap. The bonded region may extend at least partially into the gap. | 09-20-2012 |
20120233879 | Contoured Fluid-Filled Chamber With Tensile Structures - A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier, a first tensile structure, and a second tensile structure. Any of the first and second tensile structures may include one or more textile tensile members. The first and second tensile structures may be located within an interior void defined by the outer barrier and may be bonded to the outer barrier. The first and second tensile structures may be bonded to the outer barrier in different areas of the outer barrier that are in fluid communication with each other. The first tensile structure may have a height greater than a height of the second tensile structure. In turn, the relative locations and differences of height between the tensile structures may impart a contour to the chamber. | 09-20-2012 |
20120233880 | Method Of Manufacturing A Contoured Fluid-Filled Chamber With Tensile Structures - In one method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber, two polymer layers are located between two mold portions, the surfaces of the mold portions cooperatively defining a peripheral cavity with first and second regions, an inward extent of the first region exceeding an inward extent of the second region. A tensile structure may be positioned between the polymer layers and the mold portions may be compressed together. Part of a peripheral portion of the chamber may be formed by drawing first and second areas of the chamber against the first and second regions of the peripheral cavity, respectively. After pressurization, the first region of the peripheral cavity may have a greater extent of outward protrusion than the second region of the peripheral cavity. Accordingly, an asymmetric medio-lateral shape may be imparted to the chamber without the use of a tensile structure that is itself tapered or contoured. | 09-20-2012 |
20120255195 | Article Of Footwear With An Adaptive Fluid System - An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use. | 10-11-2012 |
20120255196 | Adjustable Bladder System for an Article of Footwear - An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed internally to the outer bladder to provide enhanced support. A valve member may also be disposed internally to the outer bladder. The valve member can include a contoured edge to provide a contoured shape for the outer bladder. | 10-11-2012 |
20120255197 | Adjustable Bladder System With External Valve For An Article Of Footwear - An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member may be disposed externally to the outer bladder. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed within the outer bladder to control deformation of the outer bladder during compression. | 10-11-2012 |
20120255198 | Adjustable Multi-Bladder System for an Article of Footwear - An adjustable multiple bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member is disposed within the outer bladder and divides the outer bladder into two distinct inflation chambers. The inflation chambers may be inflated separately. | 10-11-2012 |
20130091729 | INSOLE FOR A FOOTWEAR ARTICLE - The invention relates to an insole, and to an article of footwear provided with such an insole, with application to the design of shoes wherein an improvement in comfort is sought. | 04-18-2013 |
20130118029 | INNER SOLE INCLUDING AN AIR BAG - The present invention relates to an inner sole used in a shoe. The inner sole includes a heel air bag for supporting the heel and a first arch air bag for supporting the plantar arch which is connected to the heel air bag through a passageway. The heel air bag and the primary arch air bag are coupled to the bottom surface of the inner sole. A second arch air bag is disposed over the first arch air bag to communicate with the primary arch air bag. When the heel air bag is pressed, air pressure is uniformly applied to the second arch air bag through the first arch air bag. | 05-16-2013 |
20130167401 | Sole and Article of Footwear Having a Pod Assembly - A sole includes an upper sole portion having a region and a toe region, and a pod assembly disposed below the upper sole portion. The pod assembly includes at least five pods fluidly connected in a substantially linear arrangement extending from the heel region to the toe region. The pods are fluidly connected in series. | 07-04-2013 |
20130167402 | Sole and Article of Footwear Having a Pod Assembly - A sole includes a base having a medial side and a lateral side; and a plurality of projections extending from the base, wherein at least one of the projections includes a first pod filled with ambient air and a foam layer disposed below the first pod. The first pod and the foam layer are disposed such that the projection extends non-orthogonally from the base. | 07-04-2013 |
20130180128 | Middle Sole With Cushioning Effect - A middle sole with cushioning effect is provided with a cushioning portion which is integrally formed on the middle sole, and the cushioning portion includes an airtight air chamber and is located corresponding to the heel, the arch or the front part of the wearer's feet. The middle sole is capable of reducing the time required for assembling a shoe and improving bonding strength between the middle sole and the cushioning portion thereof | 07-18-2013 |
20130192087 | Support And Cushioning System For An Article Of Footwear - A cushioning member for an article of footwear. The cushioning member is a flexible bladder having a fluidly interconnected heel chamber and forefoot chamber. The bladder is disposed above the sole and beneath the wearer's foot to provided added cushioning to the wearer. The bladder contains air at slightly above ambient pressure and can be formed by thermoforming or by welding two sheets of resilient, flexible material together. A connecting passage fluidly connects the heel chamber and the forefoot chamber. The connecting passage is narrow to control the flow of air between the two chambers. | 08-01-2013 |
20130247411 | AIR PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE ELASTIC BODY USED IN SHOE SOLE AS A SHOCK ABSORBER - An air pressure adjustable elastic body used in shoe sole as a shock absorber is provided with two joining members oppositely connected by a connecting member, one of the joining members is formed with an accommodation space, and another one of the two joining members is provided with an inflation/deflation module which inflates/deflates the elastic body; and the connecting member is an integral structure disposed along the connecting edge of the two joining members and includes an upper portion, a lower portion and a lateral portion which connects the upper portion and the lower portion, the upper portion and the lower portion cooperate with the lateral portion to define a clamping opening for enclosing the connecting edges of the two joining members and sealing the two joining members. | 09-26-2013 |
20130340279 | Contoured Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Tensile Member - A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered. | 12-26-2013 |
20140053427 | Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Stabilization Structure - A chamber may include a first barrier portion, a second barrier portion, a peripheral bond, an interior bond, and a fold. The first barrier portion defines a first surface of the chamber. The second barrier portion defines a second surface of the chamber, the first surface being opposite the second surface. The peripheral bond joins the first barrier portion and the second barrier portion to form an interior void within the chamber and seal a fluid within the interior void. The interior bond is spaced inward from the peripheral bond and joins the first barrier portion and the second barrier portion. Additionally, the fold is in the second barrier portion and extends away from the interior bond and through a majority of a thickness of the chamber. | 02-27-2014 |
20140075777 | Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Having Plate Moderated Fluid-Filled Bladders and/or Foam Type Impact Force Attenuation Members - Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include: (a) an outsole component; (b) a midsole component engaged with the outsole component, wherein the midsole component includes at least one opening or receptacle; (c) at least one fluid-filled bladder system or foam system provided in the opening or receptacle; and/or (d) a rigid plate system including one or more rigid plates overlaying the fluid-filled bladder or foam system(s). The rigid plate(s) may be fixed directly to the midsole component or the rigid plate(s) may rest on the fluid-filled bladder(s) or foam somewhat above the surface of the midsole component when the sole structure is in an uncompressed condition. Articles of footwear and methods of making sole structures and articles of footwear including such sole structures also are described. | 03-20-2014 |
20140075778 | Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Having Plate Moderated Fluid-Filled Bladders and/or Foam Type Impact Force Attenuation Members - Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include: (a) an outsole component; (b) a midsole component engaged with the outsole component, wherein the midsole component includes at least one opening or receptacle; (c) at least one fluid-filled bladder system or foam system provided in the opening or receptacle; and/or (d) a rigid plate system including one or more rigid plates overlaying the fluid-filled bladder or foam system(s). The rigid plate(s) may be fixed directly to the midsole component or the rigid plate(s) may rest on the fluid-filled bladder(s) or foam somewhat above the surface of the midsole component when the sole structure is in an uncompressed condition. Articles of footwear and methods of making sole structures and articles of footwear including such sole structures also are described. | 03-20-2014 |
20140075779 | Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Having Plate Moderated Fluid-Filled Bladders and/or Foam Type Impact Force Attenuation Members - Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include: (a) an outsole component; (b) a midsole component engaged with the outsole component, wherein the midsole component includes at least one opening or receptacle; (c) at least one fluid-filled bladder system or foam system provided in the opening or receptacle; and/or (d) a rigid plate system including one or more rigid plates overlaying the fluid-filled bladder or foam system(s). The rigid plate(s) may be fixed directly to the midsole component or the rigid plate(s) may rest on the fluid-filled bladder(s) or foam somewhat above the surface of the midsole component when the sole structure is in an uncompressed condition. Articles of footwear and methods of making sole structures and articles of footwear including such sole structures also are described. | 03-20-2014 |
20140090271 | Article Of Footwear With A Perforated Midsole - An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole element, an upper sheet, and a lower sheet. The midsole element has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. In addition, the midsole element defines a plurality of bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper sheet is secured to the upper surface and extends over at least a portion of the bores. The lower sheet is secured to the lower surface, and the lower sheet is positioned to correspond in location with the upper sheet and extend under the portion of the bores. | 04-03-2014 |
20140182166 | REMOVABLE ROUNDED MIDSOLE STRUCTURES AND CHAMBERS WITH COMPUTER PROCESSOR-CONTROLLED VARIABLE PRESSURE - This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the removable midsole section. The removable midsole section may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole. The shoe sole can, in another embodiment, include at least one compartment containing a fluid, a flow regulator, a pressure sensor to monitor the compartment pressure, and a control system such as a computer processor capable of automatically adjusting the pressure in the compartments) in response to the impact of the shoe sole with the ground surface. | 07-03-2014 |
20140196308 | METHOD OF MAKING AND ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR FORMED WITH GAS-FILLED POCKETS OR CHAMBERS - An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a sole structure comprising a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has a plurality of midsole recesses formed in a bottom portion, and the outsole optionally defines a plurality of outsole recesses or other structures formed in a top portion thereof. The midsole recesses are formed to align with the outsole recesses to form a plurality of separately distinct fluid-filled chambers. Methods of designing such sole structures based on foot pressure data also are described. | 07-17-2014 |
20140208612 | SOLE ASSEMBLY WITH PLURAL PORTIONS THAT COOPERATIVELY DEFINE CHAMBER - A method of forming a sole assembly of an article of footwear that includes an interior space that receives a foot of a wearer is disclosed. The article of footwear also includes an exterior surface. The method includes providing a first portion of the sole assembly. The first portion includes a first surface that at least partially defines the interior space. The first portion also includes a first chamber surface that opposes the first surface. Moreover, the method includes providing a second portion of the sole assembly. The second portion includes a second surface that at least partially defines the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The second portion also includes a second chamber surface that opposes the second surface. The method further includes operably securing the first portion to the second portion such that the first chamber surface and the second chamber surface cooperate to at least partially define a substantially sealed chamber within the sole assembly. | 07-31-2014 |
20140230272 | Cushioned Sole with Air Chamber and Resistance Protrusions - A shoe providing increased comfort and decreased weight without sacrificing in quality or durability by cresting a chamber below the insole, and preferably in between an outsole and a midsole, with protrusions projecting up from the outsole towards the chamber directly beneath the midsole. In some embodiments, the protrusions may project directly into the chamber but maintains a gap between the top of the protrusions and the midsole. | 08-21-2014 |
20140250720 | Multicolor Sole System - A multicolor sole system includes a midsole member, a bladder member and an outsole member. The midsole member, the bladder member and the outsole member have a first color in the forefoot portion of the sole system and a second color in the heel portion of the sole system. The midsole member includes two outer coatings corresponding to the two colors, the bladder member includes two dyes corresponding to the two colors and the outsole member is made of two different colored materials corresponding to the two colors. | 09-11-2014 |
20140259746 | Sole Construction for Elastic Energy Return - In accordance with one implementation, a sole construction for energy rebound and storage includes one or more actuators located below primary pressure points of the foot. Each actuator may include a plunger element positioned above an elastic membrane. A cavity positioned below the elastic membrane may be vertically aligned with the plunger element and sized and configured to receive a portion of the membrane. The elastic membrane may be sized and configured to cradle and receive the plunger element so that when force is applied to the plunger element, the elastic membrane may stretch beneath the plunger toward the base of the cavity and store energy. A portion of this energy may be returned through the plunger element when the force is released and the elastic membrane springs back into place. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259747 | Sole Structures and Articles Incorporating Same - A sole structure may include at least one plate. The at least one plate may include a first portion located in a forefoot region of the sole structure and a second portion located in a rearfoot region of the sole structure. At least one compressible midsole component may be coupled to the at least one plate. A linkage rod couples the first and second portions and is configured to bias the first and second portions away from one another during bending of the sole structure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259748 | SOLE STRUCTURE FOR A RUNNING SHOE - A sole structure for a running shoe is presented having an outsole and a midsole. The sole structure includes a plurality of hollow elements, which are closed off in each case by front flanks and rear flanks, and have spaced-apart upper inner surfaces and lower inner surfaces, that forces to which the hollow elements are subjected when the runner is running are absorbed by these hollow elements in each case with deformation, with the spacing between their inner surfaces decreasing in the process. The upper inner surfaces of the hollow elements are formed on the underside of the midsole, that the lower inner surfaces of the hollow elements are formed on the upper side of the outsole, which is fastened on the underside of the midsole in each case in front of, and behind, the hollow elements, the front flanks and the rear flanks likewise forming part of the outsole. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259749 | Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Tensile Element - A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier and a tensile element. The outer barrier may have a first portion, an opposite second portion, and an interior surface defining an interior void. The tensile element may be secured to the first portion of the outer barrier in a plurality of first bond areas and may be secured to the second portion of the outer barrier in a plurality of second bond areas. Each of the bond areas may be connected to portions of the tensile element spaced from the interior surface. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259750 | AIR-CUSHIONED HEEL WITH BREATHING FUNCTION - An air-cushioned heel with the breathing function has an airbag inside the shoe outsole and recess. The airbag has a panel with a profile compliant with the recess. The bottom of the panel extends downward a plurality of wrinkled sacs. The sacs are connected with intake ducts to extend into the intake passage, and at least one exhaust duct to extend into a vent. In practice, the airbag is compressed/expanded repeatedly to produce a breathing effect, so that air inside the shoe exchanges with the ambient environment. Moreover, the wrinkled sacs can effectively enhance the elastic restoring force of the airbag, to increase the efficiency of the air exchange. It also avoids the drawbacks of elastic fatigue and collapse due to prolonged use of the airbag. | 09-18-2014 |
20140290094 | Sole Structure Comprising a Fluid Filled Member with Slots - A sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure comprises a fluid filled member and a plurality of slots. The slots are associated with connecting portions that connect portions of the sole structure in the generally longitudinal direction and provide for increased fit, flexibility and stability. | 10-02-2014 |
20140331519 | SHOE ASSEMBLY WITH NON-LINEAR VISCOUS LIQUID - Shoes and shoe sole assemblies and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a shoe and shoe sole assembly made of a non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material that becomes more resilient as more energy is applied. The shoe and shoe sole assembly is configured with a heel and forefoot insert configured to fit within a recess in a midsole. In other embodiments, the non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material is mixed with at least one other polymer in a foam. The midsole is formed with a heel impact region and a forefoot region made of the foam. | 11-13-2014 |
20140360046 | Contoured Fluid-Filled Chamber With Tensile Structures - A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier, a first tensile structure, and a second tensile structure. Any of the first and second tensile structures may include one or more textile tensile members. The first and second tensile structures may be located within an interior void defined by the outer barrier and may be bonded to the outer barrier. The first and second tensile structures may be bonded to the outer barrier in different areas of the outer barrier that are in fluid communication with each other. The first tensile structure may have a height greater than a height of the second tensile structure. In turn, the relative locations and differences of height between the tensile structures may impart a contour to the chamber. | 12-11-2014 |
20150007448 | Article Of Footwear Having A Sole Structure With A Framework-Chamber Arrangement - A framework-chamber arrangement for an article of footwear, and an article of footwear having a sole structure including a framework-chamber arrangement, is provided that can cooperate to provide various advantageous features, such as multiple-stage cushioning and specialized attenuation of and reaction to ground contact forces. The framework-chamber arrangement can include a fluid-filled chamber forming laterally extending arms and a framework having corresponding recesses formed therein and receiving a lower portion of the chamber. The fluid-filled chamber can be retained within the framework without a bond being formed between lower regions of the chamber arms and the framework. Peripheral portions of some of the chamber arms can be spaced apart from adjacent portions of corresponding channels while in a relaxed state. | 01-08-2015 |
20150007449 | Article Of Footwear Having A Sole Structure With A Framework-Chamber Arrangement - A framework-chamber arrangement for an article of footwear, and an article of footwear having a sole structure including a framework-chamber arrangement, is provided that can cooperate to provide various advantageous features, such as multiple-stage cushioning and specialized attenuation of and reaction to ground contact forces. The framework-chamber arrangement can include a fluid-filled chamber forming laterally extending arms and a framework having corresponding recesses formed therein and receiving a lower portion of the chamber. The fluid-filled chamber can be retained within the framework without a bond being formed between lower regions of the chamber arms and the framework. Peripheral portions of some of the chamber arms can be spaced apart from adjacent portions of corresponding channels while in a relaxed state. | 01-08-2015 |
20150026997 | Adjustable Bladder System For An Article Of Footwear - An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed internally to the outer bladder to provide enhanced support. A valve member may also be disposed internally to the outer bladder. The valve member can include a contoured edge to provide a contoured shape for the outer bladder. | 01-29-2015 |
20150040424 | SOLE DEVICE WITH AIR CUSHION FUNCTION - A sole device with air cushion function includes a sole body having a receiving space and a sealing film, the sealing film sealing the receiving space, the sole body having a plurality of supporters formed at a top side thereof; and an air valve set assembled in the receiving space, the air valve set having a main valve, a sub valve and at least one air duct. Under this arrangement, the air flows into the sole body via the air valve set and a motion of a foot of a user. | 02-12-2015 |
20150040425 | AIR EXHAUST OUTSOLE FOR SAFETY FOOTWEAR - An air exhaust outsole, for safety footwear having an upper with an air permeable insole having a top insole surface for supporting a foot of the wearer, the air exhaust outsole comprising: a midsole, with a top midsole surface engaging a bottom insole surface of the upper, the midsole including at least one ventilation channel between a side midsole surface and the top midsole surface; a puncture resistant layer with a top surface bonded to a bottom midsole surface, the puncture resistant layer comprising a puncture resistant core bonded about at least a peripheral edge in a flexible coating; and a tread layer with: a top surface bonded to a bottom surface of the puncture resistant layer; and a bottom tread surface. | 02-12-2015 |
20150040426 | Article Of Footwear With Bladder And Method Of Manufacturing The Same - A method of manufacturing an article of footwear having an upper, a footbed, an outsole, and a bladder that is disposed between the footbed and the outsole includes providing a plurality of layers. The layers include a top, outsole, first bladder, and second bladder layer. Also, the method includes molding the layers together substantially simultaneously to form the upper, the footbed, the outsole, and the bladder. | 02-12-2015 |
20150075029 | Article of Footwear Having an Adjustable Ride - An article of footwear has an upper and a sole. The sole has an upper sole member, a lower sole member, and at least one inflatable bladder disposed between the upper sole member and the lower sole member. The at least one inflatable bladder has an inflated state and a deflated state. A distance between the upper sole member and the lower sole member is greater in the inflated state than the deflated state. Varying the inflation of the inflatable bladder varies the amount of cushioning in the sole and the thickness of the sole so that the shoe can serve as a multipurpose shoe for activities requiring different amounts of cushioning. | 03-19-2015 |
20150113829 | Fluid-Filled Chamber With Stitched Tensile Member - A chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer and including a plurality of tethers extending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensile member layer. The chamber may include stitching through the tensile member in a stitched region. When the chamber is pressurized with the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of the first tensile member layer is separated from the second tensile member layer by a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers. In addition, the first tensile member layer is held in contact with the second tensile member layer by the stitching in the stitched region, thereby forming an area of the chamber having a reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of the chamber. | 04-30-2015 |
20150135550 | Adjustable Bladder System With External Valve For An Article Of Footwear - An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member may be disposed externally to the outer bladder. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed within the outer bladder to control deformation of the outer bladder during compression. | 05-21-2015 |
20150135551 | Article Of Footwear With An Adaptive Fluid System - An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use. | 05-21-2015 |
20150313314 | SOFT HEEL RUNNING SHOE - An improved running shoe is disclosed that dissipates the impact forces of the heel step by utilizing a pressurized inner bladder designed for bi-directional collapse. The shoe comprises a rear portion for accommodating a heel, a forward portion for accommodating toes, a shoe sole; and a compressible bladder. The compressible bladder is preferably contained within said shoe sole and partially inflated. The inner bladder has a heel portion extending proximate to an outside end of the rear portion of the shoe but tapered inward at the impact point and a toe portion extending proximate to an outside end of the forward portion of the shoe. The inner bladder collapses at the heel upon the initial heel step, significantly reducing the heel step impact forces. The heel step section of the inner sole is then re-pressurized utilizing the natural forward motion of the toe step. Preferred embodiments of the shoe include accordion pleats around the heel and a rounded heel to further dissipate impact forces. | 11-05-2015 |
20150327627 | FLUID-FILLED STRUCTURE - A fluid-filled chamber may include a pair of polymer layers that define a plurality of subchambers and a web area. The subchambers are protruding portions of the polymer layers that enclose a fluid, and the web area is portions of the polymer layers that are located between the subchambers and lay adjacent to each other. The subchambers may have greater thickness than the web area. A perimeter bond joining the polymer layers and extends around a periphery of the chamber. In addition, a plurality of interior bonds join the polymer layers and extend around the subchambers, which may seal the fluid within the subchambers. | 11-19-2015 |
20160021976 | Footwear with Dynamic Arch System - The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section that provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front sole section and the back sole section of the sole. | 01-28-2016 |
20160081428 | Fluid-Filled Chamber With A Stacked Tensile Member - A fluid-filled chamber may have a barrier, a stacked tensile member, and a fluid. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that is sealed to define an interior void. The stacked tensile member may be located within the interior void and includes a first tensile element and a second tensile element that are joined to each other. Additionally, opposite sides of the stacked tensile member are joined to the barrier. The fluid is located within the interior void and may be pressurized to place an outward force upon the barrier and induce tension in the stacked tensile member. In some configurations, each of the tensile elements may be a spacer textile. | 03-24-2016 |
20160095385 | Article of Footwear With One or More Auxetic Bladders - An article of footwear with a midsole has an auxetic bladder member formed from inflated components surrounding star-shaped apertures. The inflated components form one or more auxetic bladders, and may have a triangular geometry. The inflated components are fluidly connected to adjoining components. Adjoining inflated components are hingedly connected, so that they can rotate with respect to each other in the plane of the midsole. | 04-07-2016 |
20160120263 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A MIDSOLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A PERIMETER BLADDER ELEMENT, A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND A MOLD ASSEMBLY FOR SAME - An article of footwear has a midsole assembly that includes a fluid-filled bladder element having a substantially arc-shaped heel portion and having a lateral arm portion and a medial arm portion spaced from the lateral arm portion. Each of the arm portions extend from the heel portion. The bladder element is configured to be positioned with the heel portion in the heel region of midsole assembly, and the arm portions extending from the heel region to a forefoot region along a peripheral region. A method of manufacturing and a mold assembly for such an article of footwear are provided. | 05-05-2016 |
20160150855 | SOLE STRUCTURE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING HOLLOW POLYMERIC ELEMENTS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME | 06-02-2016 |
20160174657 | Dynamically Controlling Air-Chamber Footwear | 06-23-2016 |
20160174658 | FOOTWEAR HAVING CUSHIONING BETWEEN SOLE AND UPPER | 06-23-2016 |
20160183633 | FOOTWEAR HAVING A FLEX-SPRING SOLE - Footwear and soles for footwear are disclosed. The sole may include an energy transfer base. The energy transfer base may include top and bottom surfaces, and opposed first and second side surfaces. The energy transfer base may include at least one cavity. The at least one cavity may define upper and lower portions of the energy transfer base. The upper portion may be configured to move away from a nominal position and toward the lower portion when a force applied to the upper portion toward the lower portion has a magnitude that is above a predetermined value, and to move back to the nominal position when at least one of (1) the force is no longer applied or (2) the magnitude of the applied force is at or below the predetermined value. | 06-30-2016 |
20180020771 | AIR CUSHION SHOE DEVICE | 01-25-2018 |
20190142109 | ARTICLE WITH A CUSHIONING ASSEMBLY HAVING INNER AND OUTER BLADDER ELEMENTS WITH INTERFITTING FEATURES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN ARTICLE | 05-16-2019 |
20220132983 | CUSHIONING ELEMENT FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - A cushioning element for an article of footwear includes a bladder having a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together along a seam to define a chamber and a support element disposed within the chamber and having a support member and a plurality of flexible support legs each extending from a first end attached to the support member to a second end disposed between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer within the seam. | 05-05-2022 |
20220132984 | SOLE STRUCTURE WITH TIERED PLATE ASSEMBLY FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - A sole structure may have a tiered plate assembly including a first plate and a second plate. The first plate may extend from a forefoot region of the sole structure to a heel region of the sole structure. Stated differently, the first plate may be a full-length plate that extends the full length of the sole structure. The second plate may be joined with the first plate in a midfoot region of the sole structure and at a rear of a heel region of the sole structure, and may diverge from the first plate between the midfoot region and the rear of the heel region to define a first heel gap between the first plate and the second plate in the heel region. Heel cushioning units may be stacked in the heel region, with a first heel cushioning unit disposed in the first heel gap. | 05-05-2022 |
20220132987 | MIDSOLE SYSTEM WITH GRADED RESPONSE - A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole system with a plurality of cushioning units, each having multiple cushioning layers configured to work together as a system to absorb a compressive load, such as a dynamic compressive load due to impact with the ground, in stages of progressive cushioning according to the relative stiffness values of the layers. Various midsole systems disclosed include isolated cushioning units, linked cushioning units, sole layers having stanchions interfacing with the midsole system, midsole systems with sole layers having keyed and unkeyed portions overlying a bladder, and midsole systems with vertically-stacked cushioning units disposed in inverted relationship to one another. | 05-05-2022 |