Devices for suspending a foot within a shoe, and shoes incorporating such devices
AssigneeMichael Kendall
InventorMichael Kendall
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved sole construction for use in shoes. The sole construction consists of a hammock-like lattice formed of medium to high modulus polymers, or a lightweight metal alloy. The lattice substantially conforms in topography to the foot, or a weight-bearing portion thereof (such as the heel or forefoot). The lattice may be disposed on, and supported by, a resilient frame, or secured directly to the shoe upper. The lattice supports the foot while suspending it slightly, even during gait, above the interior base of the shoe. The suspended portions of the foot are thusly protected from the shock of striking a surface (such as the ground, during gait), and are gently supported while bearing a load.
Claims51
A sole construction for use in a shoe, to support a foot by placing the foot in suspension within a shoe having an upper and a base, the sole construction comprising:
- scaffolding means placeable within the shoe at its inner perimeter;
- and,
- a lattice attached to the scaffolding means, wherein the lattice comprises fibers disposed in a weft direction extending toward the toe and heel of the shoe, and fibers disposed in a warp direction extending between the sides of the scaffolding means, wherein fibers comprising a polymer or metal having an initial modulus of elasticity between 110 MPa and 900 gpd are disposed in the warp direction of the lattice, and wherein further the fibers throughout substantially all of the lattice are less than taut, yet under tension sufficient to maintain the lattice above the base of the shoe.
The sole construction according to 25, wherein the heel region includes a concavity therein adapted to receive the heel of a foot, and said concavity is formed of a high modulus polymer or metal;
- wherein further portions of the heel region adjacent to the concavity are formed of a medium modulus polymer.
A method for manufacture of a shoe having an upper, a base, and a lattice secured to the upper, wherein the lattice comprises fibers disposed in a weft direction extending toward the toe and heel of the shoe, and a warp direction extending between the sides of the scaffolding means, wherein fibers composed of a polymer or metal having an initial modulus of elasticity between 110 MPa and 900 gpd are disposed in the warp direction of the lattice;
- wherein the method comprises (a) securing the lattice to the upper so that the fibers throughout substantially all of the lattice are less than taut;
- and (b) securing the upper to the base.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.