Abstract:
An outer sole for an athletic shoe, which comprises: a lower surface bounded by a peripheral portion having an outer edge; means for dissipating shock away from the foot and leg of a wearer comprising a plurality of tread members extending integrally from and disposed about said peripheral portion of said lower surface for supporting said lower surface in a cantilever fashion, certain of said tread members having a vertical section that forms an obtuse triangle having a lowermost apex that extends laterally beyond said outer edge of said outer sole for spreading laterally outwardly upon footinitiated ground impact.
Abstract:
An outer sole for a basketball or like shoe comprises: a heel portion (56), an arch portion, a metatarsal head portion and a toe portion; an outer surface (13) having a central portion and a peripheral portion; a plurality of resilient tread members (14-40) formed in said heel portion and extending downwardly and outwardly about said peripheral portion of said heel portion so as to support said central portion in a cantilever fashion Groove means (64) extend transversely along said outer surface across said metatarsal head portion for facilitating flexing of the foot thereat Pivot means (70) is formed in said outer surface (13) under the position of the ball of the great toe for facilitating pivoting of the foot thereat.
an outer surface (13) having a plurality of substantially parallel grooves (64) for facilitating flexing of the foot at the metatarsal heads. Substantially circular pivot cup means (70) are formed in said outer surface (13) approximately under the position of the ball of the great toe for facilitating pivoting of the foot thereat. Each of said grooves (64) comprises inner, middle (68) and outer sections, said inner and outer sections extending substantially transversely across the metatarsal heads on either side of said pivot cup means (70), and said middle section (68) extending arcuately around the periphery of said pivot cup means (70) and uniting said inner and outer sections.
Abstract:
@ An outer sole for a shoe, comprisesan outer surface (13) having a plurality of substantially parallel grooves (64) for facilitating flexing of the foot at the metatarsal heads. Substantially circular pivot cup means (70) are formed in said outer surface (13) approximately under the position of the ball of the great toe for facilitating pivoting of the foot thereat. Each of said grooves (64) comprises inner, middle (68) and outer sections, said inner and outer sections extending substantially transversely across the metatarsal heads on either side of said pivot cup means (70), and said middle section (68) extending arcuately around the periphery of said pivot cup means (70) and uniting said inner and outer sections.
Abstract:
@ An outer sole for a shoe, comprisesan outer surface (13) having a plurality of substantially parallel grooves (64) for facilitating flexing of the foot at the metatarsal heads. Substantially circular pivot cup means (70) are formed in said outer surface (13) approximately under the position of the ball of the great toe for facilitating pivoting of the foot thereat. Each of said grooves (64) comprises inner, middle (68) and outer sections, said inner and outer sections extending substantially transversely across the metatarsal heads on either side of said pivot cup means (70), and said middle section (68) extending arcuately around the periphery of said pivot cup means (70) and uniting said inner and outer sections.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A shoe sole construction which features an outer sole having at least one opening through which a protrusion of a less dense midsole extends. The cutout area of the more dense outsole decreases the overall weight of the sole, while the less dense protrusion aids in cushioning the foot to provide greater comfort and support. Other protrusions may also be provided through other openings in the outsole to further lessen weight and increase the cushioning effect on the foot. Additionally, grooves may be provided on the upper surface of the midsole to increase flexibility of the sole and further aid in cushioning the foot and providing peripheral support where needed. The invention may be applied to athletic shoes, a woman's high-heeled shoe, or other footwear.
Abstract:
SHOE SOLE CONSTRUCTION A shoe sole having a tread defining a longitudinally orientated concavity with the lower extremities of the sole embodied in downwardly and outwardly disposed flexible lugs to cushion the foot against impact loads. An imaginary plane containing the lowermost points of inner and outer lugs, adjacent each side of the sole, intersects a projection of the sole edge at an acute angle. Accordingly, the lugs may readily flex relative to other sole components for cushioning purposes. Rows of lugs spaced inwardly from the sole edges are of a lesser vertical dimension than the outermost lugs and serve to supplement cushioning. A web extends between some of the outer lugs to reinforce same against load deflection. Further, the outer lugs may be of non-uniform lateral dimension at the heel portion of the sole.