The Timberland Company

Converse Inc.

Tbl Licensing LLC

John A Healy

Peter M Dillon

Christopher Adam

Douglas E Clark

David L Vattes

Christopher J Pawlus

Alexander Dardinski

David E Miller

Lee Schuttee

Mary-Patricia Adamo

Charles D Kraeuter

Simon Luthi

Kyle M Jenkins

Ashley James Brown

Alex Dardinski

Eckhard Knoepke

Bernie Allen

Stuart B Brown

Christopher J Edington

Neal F Kimball

Thomas A McMahon

Craig Wojcieszak

Noshirwan K Medora

Aaron Azevedo

Jeff Thompson

Tom DiSilvio

Craig Wojceiszak

Philip L Blake

John A Hayes

Peter Dillon

Footwear outsole

A shoe sole having improved cushioning characteristics is disclosed. The sole includes a midsole having a top layer of material and a bottom layer of material. In one embodiment, the top layer of material may be harder than the bottom layer of material. A pattern of lugs defining a wave may be formed on the bottom layer of material. The wave may generally be in the shape of sine wave so as to provide improved cushioning characteristics for the sole. An outsole may also be formed on the bottom layer of material and an upper may be connected to the top layer of material, such that a shoe is formed.

Wave technology

A suspension heel is provided for use with footwear, such as high heeled shoes, to provide cushioning to the wearer. The suspension heel includes a heel shaft connected to the shoe sole and a compliant heel plug attached to the heel shaft. The shaft includes a cavity or other receptacle for receiving the compliant heel plug. The suspension heel provides cushioning as well as stability for the wearer of the footwear, while maintaining aesthetic style. A relief detail formed by the compliant heel plug and the shaft provides compliance by compressing when a force is applied. For instance, as a person walks in the shoe, ground contact applies a force to the suspension heel. The relief detail deforms or compresses in response to the force, attenuating it and providing cushioning to the wearer.

Suspension heel

The present invention provides an interchangeable shoe footbed cartridge system. The system includes a footbed such as a midsole, insole or a sockliner. A cartridge is inserted into or otherwise attached to the forefoot section of the footbed. Multiple cartridges of varying depths, widths and/or lengths may be provided. The wearer can select a cartridge to achieve a desired fit. Because right and left feet may be of different sizes, different cartridges may be chosen for each foot. Furthermore, the user may swap cartridges depending upon different conditions, or to change the stiffness of the cartridge. Additionally, a slipcover having a stretchable portion may be placed over the cartridge system. The cartridges enable a footwear manufacturer to produce fewer shoe sizes while fitting more of the population. This reduces manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and accounting costs. All levels of the supply chain, as well as the end customers, will greatly benefit from the method of supplying footwear.

Shoe footbed system with interchangeable cartridges

A modular shoe separates into components. The components may be interchangeable to provide versatility without requiring a large number of single use shoes. Each shoe component may also be collapsible to provide for convenient packing in a travel bag or other location where space is limited.

Modular shoe

An article of footwear or shoe assembly, which is designed to allow for adjustment of stiffness in its sole unit, is disclosed. The article of footwear is preferably constructed to enhance stability, support and comfort of a wearer on varied terrain. Among other elements, the shoe assembly preferably includes an adjustable shank disposed within the shoe to allow for adjustment in the stiffness of the sole unit. In certain embodiments, the adjustable shank further includes a plurality of segments adapted to be manipulated in order to vary the stiffness.

Footwear article with adjustable stiffness

Shoe footbed system and method with interchangeable cartridges

An improved shoe outsole, and a shoe incorporating the outsole, having improved traction are provided. The outsole contains articulated lugs of various shapes extending downward from the base of the outsole and adapted for contacting the ground and enhancing traction.

Footwear with articulating outsole lugs

A shoe comprising a sole for supporting a foot of a wearer, and a shoe upper adjacent the sole. The sole includes an upper force-distribution plate portion, a lower force-distribution plate portion spaced below the upper plate portion, and at least one resilient shock-absorber element in contact with and between both the upper and lower plate portions.

Shoe having shock-absorber element in sole

Growing community of inventors

Madbury, NH, United States of America

John A Healy