Shock absorption and energy return assembly for shoes

Abstract

A shock absorption and energy return assembly for increasing the overall performance of a shoe by increasing the stability and shock absorption of the heel. The inventive device includes a lower guide member having a plurality of lower apertures and lower spring retainers, an upper guide member having a plurality of upper apertures and upper spring retainers, a plurality of compression springs positioned within the lower spring retainers and the upper spring retainers, a sealed encasement having a lower portion and an upper portion surrounding the lower guide member and the upper guide member, and a plurality of lower extrusions and upper extrusions. The lower guide member and the upper guide member are preferably U-shaped. The plurality of compression springs are aligned within the perimeter of the lower guide member and the upper guide member for providing maximum stability and response for the user. The encasement is preferably filled with a pressurized gas for adding stability and dampening of the compression springs. The inventive device is designed to be inserted or molded within the heel portion of the mid-sole of a shoe. The encasement is preferably constructed of a transparent or semi-transparent material utilized in combination with a cutout within the mid-sole thereby allowing individuals to view the inventive device in operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.