US20090178302A1

US20090178302A1 - Footwear having shock-absorbing means

Info

Publication number: US20090178302A1
Application number: US11/579,875
Authority: US
Inventors: Ok Tae Kim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-13
Filing date: 2006-03-21
Publication date: 2009-07-16
Also published as: WO2007069806A1; EP1962628A4; EP1962628A1; JP2009519091A; KR100614503B1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is footwear. The footwear includes a midsole, a shock absorbing means, and an outsole. The midsole has on an upper surface thereof an air passage. At least one insertion recess is provided in a lower surface of the midsole and communicates with the air passage. The shock absorbing means is made of an elastic material and movable up and down by flow of air present in the shock absorbing means. The upper end of the shock absorbing means is opened and secured to the insertion recess of the midsole, and the lower end of the shock absorbing means is closed and protrudes downwards. The outsole functions to secure the shock absorbing means to the midsole. The present invention provides footwear having a shock absorbing means having a simple structure and a superior shock absorbing function, thus having high durability.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to footwear and, more particularly, to footwear having a shock absorbing means using air so as to efficiently protect a wearer's feet from external shocks while he or she walks.

BACKGROUND ART

Footwear is developed to efficiently protect the feet of a person, who walks erect, from the external environment, such as the ground, and to increase friction relative to the ground, thus improving walking ability. Since then, footwear has been continuously improved to have various functions. Recently, among various functions of the footwear, interest in shock absorbing functions for efficiently absorbing external shocks has increased.
Generally, the shock absorbing function of footwear is achieved by variously changing the material of a sole to increase the shock absorbing capability thereof, or by inserting a shock absorbing material into the sole. The former method is advantageous in that no additional insert material is required, so that productivity is high and the cost of manufacturing the footwear is low. However, it is disadvantageous in that the sole itself is made of a single material, so that a sufficient shock absorbing function cannot be provided to footwear as desired. Thus, currently, the latter method has been adopted and widely used in the footwear industry. Korean Patent Appln. No. 2005-027429, which was filed by the applicant of this invention, adopts the latter method.
According to Korean Patent Appln. No. 2005-027429, an air passage is formed on the upper surface of the sole on which an inner sole is seated, and at least one insertion recess communicating with the air passage is formed on the lower surface of the sole. Subsequently, a cushioning member, which is open at the top, is inserted into the insertion recess. Thereby, external shocks are mitigated by the flow of air which is charged in the cushioning member.
This technology is characterized in that the construction is much simpler than that of the conventional shock absorbing means, and shocks can be efficiently mitigated. However, it is problematic in that the bottom of the cushioning member is in direct contact with a road surface, so that the durability of the cushioning member may be deteriorated when a person wears the footwear for a lengthy period of time. Further, since no coupling medium is provided between the cushioning member and the insertion recess of the sole, the cushioning member may be easily separated from the sole. Further, this invention is problematic in that there is no means for helping the cushioning member continuously maintain a predetermined shape when the cushioning member performs a shock absorbing function in a vertical direction, so that the cushioning member may be deformed after long use.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide footwear, which affords a superior shock absorbing function and has high durability.
Another object of the present invention is to provide footwear, which has a coupling means between a shock absorbing means and a sole, thus preventing the shock absorbing means from being easily separated from the sole, even if the footwear is used for a lengthy period of time.
A further object of the present invention is to provide footwear, in which a shape support means is provided on a shock absorbing means, thus efficiently absorbing external shocks acting on the footwear without any deformation, even if the footwear is used for a lengthy period of time.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide footwear, which has an additional construction for providing a shock absorbing function in addition to a shock absorbing means, thus more efficiently distributing shocks.

Technical Solution

In order to accomplish the objects, the present invention provides footwear having a shock absorbing means, comprising a midsole including an air passage provided on an upper surface of the midsole and at least one insertion recess provided in a lower surface of the midsole and communicating with the air passage, a shock absorbing means which is made of an elastic material and movable up and down by flow of air present in the shock absorbing means, an upper end of the shock absorbing means being opened and secured to the insertion recess of the midsole, a lower end of the shock absorbing means being closed and protruding downwards, and an outsole for securing the shock absorbing means to the midsole.
The outsole is coupled to the midsole such that a side of the shock absorbing means is open to an exterior.
The outsole is secured to be in close contact with a protruding end of an unevenness, so that a space defined by the unevenness forms a shock absorbing space isolated from the exterior.
The shock absorbing means further includes a plurality of protrusions on an inner surface of the shock absorbing means.
At least one unevenness is provided on a bottom of the shock absorbing means.
A plurality of unevenness is provided on a bottom of the shock absorbing means.
The shock absorbing means further includes a check valve which is mounted to a side surface of the shock absorbing means to control the flow of air.
Further, an air flow hole is formed in the side surface of the shock absorbing means, a through hole is formed in a side surface of the midsole to correspond to the air flow hole of the shock absorbing means and communicate with the insertion recess, and a check valve is mounted to the through hole to control the flow of air.
A fitting hole is formed at a predetermined position in the insertion recess of the midsole, and a fitting pin is provided on an upper end of the shock absorbing means to correspond to the fitting hole.
The footwear further includes a reinforcing plate interposed between a lower surface of the midsole including the shock absorbing means and the outsole.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

As described above, the present invention provides footwear, which is constructed so that a shock absorbing means, having a simple structure and a superior shock absorbing function, performs only a shock absorbing function, thus having high durability, therefore allowing the footwear to be used for a lengthy period of time.
Further, the present invention provides footwear, which is constructed so that an unevenness serving as a shape support means is provided on a shock absorbing means, thus efficiently absorbing external shocks without any deformation, even if the footwear is used for a lengthy period of time.
Further, the present invention provides footwear, which additionally has a shock absorbing space in the bottom of a shock absorbing means, in addition to having the shock absorbing means, thus more efficiently distributing shocks.
Furthermore, the present invention provides footwear, which further includes a reinforcing plate between a shock absorbing means and an outsole, thus more efficiently protecting a wearer's feet from a rough road, in addition to securing a shock absorbing function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the construction of a midsole, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view showing the construction of the midsole, according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the construction of the midsole, according to the present invention;

FIGS. 4 to 9 are views showing the construction of shock absorbing means, according to several embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing footwear having a shock absorbing means, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing footwear having a shock absorbing means, according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing footwear having a shock absorbing means, according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing footwear having a shock absorbing means, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing footwear having a shock absorbing means, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing footwear having a shock absorbing means, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS OF IMPORTANT PARTS

- 100: midsole 110: insertion recess
- 130: through hole 140: fitting holes
- 160: air passage 200: shock absorbing means
- 220: opening 230: air flow hole
- 240: fitting pins 260: bottom unevenness
- 270: side groove 280: protrusion
- 300: outsole 400: check valve
- 500: reinforcing plate

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Footwear of the present invention includes a midsole, a shock absorbing means inserted into the midsole, and an outsole coupling the shocking absorbing unit to the midsole.
Preferably, an air passage is formed on the upper surface of the midsole to circulate air. More preferably, since an inner sole is seated on the upper surface of the midsole, the air passage is formed on the upper surface of the midsole in a longitudinal direction thereof to have the form of a groove. Such a construction allows air to freely circulate in footwear.
Preferably, at least one insertion recess is provided on the lower surface of the midsole so that the shock absorbing means, which will be described below in detail, is inserted into the recess. The insertion recess may be provided at various positions, such as the rear portion of the midsole (including a heel portion), the middle portion of the midsole, and the front portion of the midsole. Further, the insertion recess may be provided on each of the front and rear portions of the midsole. The insertion recess is not limited to a specific shape. That is, as long as the shock absorbing means may be appropriately secured to the insertion recess, the shape of the insertion recess may be variously changed according to the shape of the shock absorbing means. More preferably, a communication part is provided between the insertion recess and the air passage to permit the flow of air.
Further, it is preferable that a through hole be formed in the surface of the midsole. The through hole is connected to the insertion recess to serve as the path for external air. It is further preferable that a check valve be mounted to the through hole to allow air to flow in only one direction. More preferably, fitting holes are formed in positions spaced apart from the communication part so that fitting pins of the shock absorbing means, which will be described below in detail, can be fitted into the fitting holes.
FIGS. 1 to 3 respectively show a sectional view, a top view, and a bottom view of a midsole having on a rear portion thereof an insertion recess, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
As described above, according to an embodiment of the invention, a groove-shaped air passage 160 is formed on the upper surface of the midsole 100. An insertion recess 110 is provided on the rear portion of the lower surface of the midsole 100. A communication part 120 is formed between the insertion recess 110 and the air passage 160 and connects the insertion recess and the air passage. Fitting holes 140 are formed at predetermined positions around the communication part 120. Reference numeral 130 denotes a through hole.
The shock absorbing means serves as a means for appropriately absorbing and mitigating external shocks acting on the footwear, using the flow of air charged in the shock absorbing means. Preferably, an opening is provided in the upper end of the shock absorbing means, which is secured to the insertion recess of the midsole, thus permitting the free flow of air. Meanwhile, the protruding lower end of the shock absorbing means is preferably closed. It is apparent that the upper end of the shock absorbing means is adhered to the insertion recess of the midsole using a general adhesive means, after the upper end of the shock absorbing means comes into close contact with the insertion recess of the midsole.
The shock absorbing means according to the present invention is operated such that air is charged in an air reservoir space defined in the shock absorbing means, and external shocks are absorbed and distributed by the natural flow of air charged in the shock absorbing means. When the shock absorbing means leans to one direction (the outer side of the shock absorbing means when it is mounted to the rear portion of the footwear and the footwear contacts the ground) and repeatedly contracts and expands, it is difficult to appropriately absorb and distribute external shocks. Moreover, if such a state continues for a lengthy period of time, it is impossible to secure the shock absorbing function.
To this end, a groove having a certain shape may be provided on a side surface of the shock absorbing means, a protrusion may be provided on the inner surface of the shock absorbing means, at least one unevenness having a certain shape may be provided on the bottom of the shock absorbing means, or both a protrusion and a bottom unevenness may be provided on the shock absorbing means. When the protrusion is provided on the shock absorbing means, the protrusion preferably protrudes from the inner surface of the shock absorbing means to the center thereof. When the bottom unevenness is provided on the shock absorbing means, the bottom unevenness more preferably protrudes upwards from the bottom of the shock absorbing means.
Particularly, when the bottom unevenness is provided on the shock absorbing means, the outsole, which will be described below, is connected to an end of the bottom unevenness, so that space defined by the bottom unevenness is isolated from the exterior, thus providing shock absorbing space. In this case, the shock absorbing space filled with air may be provided between the outsole and the bottom of the shock absorbing means, so that the shock absorbing space itself serves as another shock absorbing means, thus providing an additional shock absorbing function.
Further, in order to secure a smoother shock absorbing function, at least one side groove may be provided on the side surface of the shock absorbing means. The side groove itself provides elasticity to the shock absorbing means. Of course, the protrusion may be provided on the inner surface of the side groove.
An air flow hole may be also formed in the side surface of the shock absorbing means. Preferably, the air flow hole is formed to correspond to the through hole communicating with the insertion recess provided on a side surface of the midsole. Meanwhile, as will be described later, the outsole may be connected to the midsole such that the side of the shock absorbing means is exposed to the outside. As such, when the side of the shock absorbing means is exposed to the outside, the check valve may be mounted to the through hole of the midsole so as to limit the flow of air to only one direction, as described above. However, the check valve may be directly mounted to one side of the shock absorbing means.
Further, it is preferable that at least one fitting pin be provided on the shock absorbing means to be spaced apart from the opening and protrude upwards. After the fitting pin is inserted into the fitting hole formed in the insertion recess of the midsole, part of the fitting pin is bent to adhere to the air passage defined in the midsole. Thus, the fitting pin serves as a means for more firmly coupling the shock absorbing means to the insertion recess of the midsole.
In the shock absorbing means, the basic shape of the air reservoir space is not limited to any specific shape. However, the air reservoir space preferably has a circular or an elliptical shape to allow air to perform a shock absorbing function, in addition to securing free repetitive contraction and expansion. Further, the shock absorbing means is more preferably made of an elastic material so that it maintains its basic shape due to the air charged in the shock absorbing means and repeatedly conducts smooth contraction and expansion.
Shock absorbing means, according to various embodiments of the present invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 4 shows an elliptical shock absorbing means 200 which has on an upper end thereof an opening 220 and fitting pins 240, and has on a side surface thereof an air flow hole 230. FIG. 5 shows a shock absorbing means additionally having on a bottom thereof unevenness 260.
Meanwhile, FIG. 6 shows a shock absorbing means 200 having side grooves 270, and FIG. 7 shows a shock absorbing means 200 having side grooves 270 and a protrusion 280 on the inner surface of each side groove 270. FIG. 8 shows a shock absorbing means 200 having side grooves 270 and bottom unevenness 260, and FIG. 9 shows a shock absorbing means 200 which has side grooves 270, bottom unevenness 260, and also a protrusion 280 provided on an inner surface of each side groove 270. Referring to the drawings, the side grooves 270 are provided on the shock absorbing means 200, and then the protrusion 280 is formed to protrude from the inner surface of each side groove 270 to the center. However, the protrusion may be formed on the shock absorbing means, even when the side groove is not provided on the shock absorbing means.
The outsole is a means for securing the shock absorbing means to the midsole. The outsole further increases a force coupling the shock absorbing means to the midsole, and prevents the shock absorbing means from being in direct contact with the ground, thus allowing the shock absorbing means to efficiently execute its function, therefore improving the durability of the shock absorbing means. The coupling of the outsole may be conducted using a general adhesive means.
In order to secure the shock absorbing means to the midsole, according to this invention, the outsole may completely surround the shock absorbing means so that the shock absorbing means cannot be seen from the exterior. The outsole may be mounted to the midsole and the lower end of the shock absorbing means such that both side surfaces and the rear surface of the shock absorbing means can be seen from the exterior. Further, the outsole may be coupled to the midsole such that only both side surfaces of the shock absorbing means can be seen from the exterior.
When both side surfaces and the rear surface of the shock absorbing means are exposed to the exterior, or both side surfaces of the shock absorbing means are exposed to the exterior, it allows the bottom unevenness, the protrusion, and the side groove to maintain their functions, and makes the colors or shapes of various shock absorbing means be partially exposed to the exterior, thus satisfying various desires of consumers.
Further, when the unevenness is provided on the bottom of the shock absorbing means, the invention makes the outsole be in complete contact with an uneven surface defined by the bottom unevenness of the shock absorbing means. Further, as described above, the outsole may be coupled to an end of the bottom unevenness so that space defined by the bottom unevenness forms shock absorbing space isolated from the exterior. As in the latter case, if a shock absorbing space filled with air or the like is provided between the outsole and the bottom of the shock absorbing means, the shock absorbing means does not lean in one direction but maintains its original shape even when the shock absorbing means repeatedly contracts or expands due to external shocks. Besides, the shock absorbing space itself serves as another shock absorbing means, thus providing further shock absorbing ability.
When the shock absorbing means is secured to the midsole using the outsole, the outsole may be coupled to the midsole to surround the shock absorbing means and a certain portion around the shock absorbing means. The outsole may be coupled to the midsole to surround the entire bottom of the midsole including the shock absorbing means. Further, the part of the outsole that directly contacts the ground may have a plurality of unevenness having a certain shape so as to increase the frictional force between the outsole and the ground, like a general outsole. Preferably, the outsole is made of a rubber material having high durability. However, all materials for outsoles may be used, without being limited to the rubber material.
Further, according to this invention, a reinforcing plate may be provided between the midsole having the shock absorbing means and the outsole. The reinforcing plate functions to safely protect a wearer's feet from sharp objects, such as sharp nails, metal pieces, or building materials. As long as the reinforcing plate has proper hardness and efficiently protects a wearer's feet, the reinforcing plate may be made of any material. However, the reinforcing plate is preferably made of metal.
Referring to FIG. 10, a shock absorbing means 200 is provided on the rear portion of a midsole 100, and an outsole 300 surrounds the entire bottom of the midsole excluding both sides of the shock absorbing means. Reference numeral 400 denotes a check valve. As shown in the drawing, fitting pins 240 are inserted into fitting holes. In such a state, part of each fitting pin 240 is bent to be secured to an air passage 160 defined in the midsole.
Referring to FIG. 1, a shock absorbing means 200 having bottom unevenness 270 is provided on the rear portion of a midsole 100. An outsole 320 is secured to be in close contact with the bottom unevenness 270 of the shock absorbing means. FIG. 12 shows an outsole 340 coupled to ends of bottom unevenness 270 of a shock absorbing means. In this case, as described above, shock absorbing space 360 filled with air or the like may be formed between the outsole 340 and the bottom unevenness 270. FIGS. 11 and 12 show the case where the outsole surrounds the entire bottom of the midsole, excluding both side surfaces of the shock absorbing means, like FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, shock absorbing means 200 are mounted to a front portion and a rear portion of a midsole 100, respectively. Next, an outsole 200 is mounted to the midsole excluding both side surfaces of the shock absorbing means so that each shock absorbing means communicates with an air passage 170. According to this embodiment, check valves 400 mounted to the respective shock absorbing means may be constructed so that they allow air to flow in only one direction. However, unlike such a construction, one of the check valves 400 may serve as an inlet check valve, while the other check valve may serve as an outlet check valve.
FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, a shock absorbing means 200 is mounted to a middle portion of a midsole 100, and an outsole 300 is secured to the midsole such that the central portion of an air passage 180 communicates with the shock absorbing means. FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, a reinforcing plate 500 made of a metal material is further provided between a midsole 100 having a shock absorbing means 200 and an outsole 300. FIGS. 14 and 15 show the construction where the outsole surrounds the entire bottom of the midsole, excluding both side surfaces of the shock absorbing means.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Footwear having shock absorbing means, comprising:

a midsole, comprising:

an air passage provided on an upper surface of the midsole; and

at least one insertion recess provided in a lower surface of the midsole, and communicating with the air passage;

a shock absorbing means made of an elastic material and movable up and down by flow of air present in the shock absorbing means, an upper end of the shock absorbing means being opened and secured to the insertion recess of the midsole, a lower end of the shock absorbing means being closed and protruding downwards; and

an outsole for securing the shock absorbing means to the midsole.

2. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the outsole is coupled to the midsole such that a side of the shock absorbing means is open to an exterior.

3. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing means further comprises:

a plurality of protrusions provided on an inner surface of the shock absorbing means.

4. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing means comprises:

at least one unevenness provided on a bottom of the shock absorbing means.

5. The footwear according to claim 4, wherein the outsole is secured to be in close contact with a protruding end of the unevenness, so that a space defined by the unevenness forms a shock absorbing space isolated from the exterior.

6. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the midsole comprises a fitting hole at a predetermined position in the insertion recess, and a fitting pin is provided on an upper end of the shock absorbing means to correspond to the fitting hole.

7. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing means further comprises:

a check valve mounted to a side surface of the shock absorbing means to control the flow of air.

8. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein an air flow hole is formed in the side surface of the shock absorbing means, a through hole is formed in a side surface of the midsole to correspond to the air flow hole of the shock absorbing means and communicate with the insertion recess, and a check valve is mounted to the through hole to control the flow of air.

9. The footwear according to claim 1, further comprising:

a reinforcing plate interposed between a lower surface of the midsole including the shock absorbing means and the outsole.