Pensa LLC

Other

Avia Group International, Inc.

The Donner Mountain Corporation

Jerry D Stubblefield

James K Tong

Lawrence G Selbiger

Jack Curley

The present invention relates to an insert member for use within the sole region of an athletic shoe. The insert member is made from a resilient material and provides improved energy return to the outsole to enhance recovery from the forces applied to the shoe.

Athletic shoe having an insert member in the outsole

A shoe sole including an outer sole of substantially uniform thickness and a midsole. The midsole has peripheral portions that are relatively thick compared to its central portion which is relatively thin. The lower surface of the midsole is preferably configured as a concavity. The outer sole has a top surface which is connected to the concave lower surface of the midsole to define, along with the midsole, a general lateral concavity for the shoe. The lower surface of the outer sole includes tread members. The outermost tread members, outer sole and midsole cooperate to support the relatively thin central portion of the midsole in a cantilever fashion. Upon ground impact, the lower extremities of the tread members are urged resiliently upwardly and outwardly, and the relatively thin central portion flexes downwardly to provide cushioning for the foot of the wearer.

Shoe sole construction

Shoe sole

An outer sole especially designed for basketball shoes which is lightweight, stable, and provides a greater degree of shock absorption than heretofore possible. The sole includes a plurality of kinetic levers or tread members which extend downwardly and outwardly from the peripheral portion of the bottom of the sole and, together with a relatively stiff, centrally formed pedestal on the inside surface of the sole, define a cantilevered construction that dissipates shock by inducing spreading of the levers laterally outwardly upon foot-induced ground impact. The space between the inner, central pedestal and the side wall of the sole defines a cavity positioned above the respective tread members for facilitating compression and spreading thereof to enhance to shock-dissipating qualities of the sole. The sole also includes a side wall which, together with the upper walls of the tread members, defines a groove. The groove also facilitates compression and spreading of the tread members. The wider than normal base provided by the laterally extending tread members enhances stability and reduces the possibility of ankle twists. The forefoot portion of the bottom of the sole features a transversely extending groove pattern and a pivot stud which together facilitate metatarsal flexure and pivoting which are frequently encountered when playing basketball.

Basketball shoe sole

An outer sole especially designed for basketball shoes which is lightweight, stable, and provides a greater degree of shock absorption than heretofore possible. The sole includes a plurality of kinetic levers or tread members which extend downwardly and outwardly from the peripheral portion of the bottom of the sole and, together with a relatively stiff, centrally formed pedestal on the inside surface of the sole, define a cantilevered construction that dissipates shock by inducing spreading of the levers laterally outwardly upon foot-induced ground impact. The space between the inner, central pedestal and the side wall of the sole defines a cavity positioned above the respective tread members for facilitating compression and spreading thereof to enhance the shock-dissipating qualities of the sole. The sole also includes a side wall which, together with the upper walls of the tread members, defines a groove. The groove also facilitates compression and spreading of the tread members. The wider than normal base provided by the laterally extending tread members enhances stability and reduces the possibility of ankle twists. The forefoot portion of the bottom of the sole features a transversely extending groove pattern and a pivot stud which together facilitate metatarsal flexure and pivoting which are frequently encountered when playing basketball.

A shoe sole construction which features an outer sole (18) having at least one opening (26) through which a protrusion (30) of a less dense midsole (16) extends. The cutout area (26) of the more dense outsole (18) decreases the overall weight of the sole (12), while the less dense protrusion (30) aids in cushioning the foot to provide greater comfort and support. Other protrusions (32 and 68) may also be provided through other openings in the outsole to further lessen weight and increase the cushioning effect on the foot. Additionally, grooves (42) may be provided on the upper surface (40) of the midsole (16) to increase flexibility of the sole (12) and further aid in cushioning the foot and providing peripheral support where needed. The invention may be applied to athletic shoes (FIGS. 1-9), a woman's high-heeled shoe (FIGS. 10-14), or other footwear.

Bottom and side portions of a shoe sole

A sole for an athletic shoe, such as a cleated soccer or football shoe, comprises a thin, unitary member formed of flexible material. The member has a contour or configuration which renders the flexible material substantially rigid at the arch and heel portions of the sole. This provides substantial support to the arch of the foot. Cleats may extend from the toe and heel portions of the lower surface of the sole member.

Growing community of inventors

Portland, OR, United States of America

Jerry D Stubblefield