WO2017042846A1

WO2017042846A1 - Shock absorber and propulsion thrust system optimized for footwear and sole

Info

Publication number: WO2017042846A1
Application number: PCT/IT2016/000201
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregorio FAROLFI
Original assignee: Farolfi Gregorio
Priority date: 2015-09-07
Filing date: 2016-08-29
Publication date: 2017-03-16
Also published as: ITUB20153770A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a shock absorber and propulsion thrust sole for shoe. The midsole of shoe consists of an upper (figure 1, detail 2) and lower chassis (figure 1, detail 3) within a recess between them, which volume may be elastically deformed and comprises (figure 1, detail 4). Inside the recess there is are one or more elastic parts (figure 1, details 5 and 6). Elastic parts are compressed during the phase of the foot-shock and expand during the toe-off, with a propulsive thrust effect. To obtain the scope with more efficiency, a locking mechanism connect the upper chassis with lower chassis. Said locking mechanism in the foot-shock phase activate the block when the maximum compressive load in the rear of the midsole is reached. Said locking mechanism release the mechanism during the toe-off phase when compression load is applied on the front of the midsole, supporting the propulsive thrust. Scope of the invention is to improve efficiency and comfort of the sole and of the shoe itself.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: SHOCK ABSORBER AND PROPULSION THRUST SYSTEM OPTIMIZED FOR FOOTWEAR AND SOLE TECHNICAL FIELD

A43B 7/32 - Footwear with shock-absorbing means

BACKGROUND ART

Shoes are the instruments that bear the weight of our body and are the most important medium through which the external force acts on the body. The impact force exerted on the soles of the shoe is about our weight during walking, and became three to four times our weight during running. The impact is concentrated on the heel and forefoot portions of the foot. This results in tiredness, muscular pain and sometimes serious injury. In view of this, the shoe must reduce the heavy impact of the external force acting again the sole. For these reasons are present on the market many models of shoes with shock absorbtion systems. Many patents present shock absorbtion system of shoes, they are based on springs or air cushion such as US6457261 B l, US20100095553 Al US5743028, WO2015059744 Al, US4722131 A, WO2010007456A1. Patent WO2012FR50614 present a shoe with cushioning and propulsion with a spring that extends horizontally. Revisiting and implementing the above-mentioned desirable attributes of a shoe of this type, there is a need for a shoe that enhances the performance of the wearer, that improve efficiency and comfort of the shoe.

The invenction is characterized not only by a system of absorption of energy during the impact, but it is able to release the energy in the phase of toe-off with a propulsive thrust. The basic intentions of this invention are two, the first is to overcome the disadvantages of heavy impacts and the second is to produce an active support by providing propulsion thrust. The invention of a sole for shoe with a shock absorber and propulsion thrust is a system of energy recovery and efficiency in the shoe.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a shock absorber and propulsion thrust sole for shoe. The midsole of shoe consists of an upper (figure 1 , detail 2) and lower chassis (figure 1, detail 3) within a recess between them, which volume may be elastically deformed and comprises (figure 1, detail 4). Inside the recess there one or more elastic parts (figure 1 , details 5,6). In the gait cycle, during the phases of heel strike (initial contact) and foot flat (loading response), the weight is transferred on the foot and it compresses the elastic part or the elastic parts that accumulate energy (figure 2). The chassis transfers the energy from the rear part of the shoe to the front part and released the energy in the phase of the toe-off (figure 3). To improve the efficiency, a mechanism blocks the elastic parts during the maximun compression of the foot-shock phase, and makes the elastic parts free to expand during the toe-off phase and then support propulsive thrust. For example, the system can be a ratchet mechanism consists of a toothed belt or a toothed piston or linear rack and a pivoting spring-loaded finger called a pawl or beak that engages the teeth. Said pawl or beak is connected to the levers arranged in the upper chassis or in proximity to it or electronically connected and activated by one or more sensors arranged on the upper chassis of the midsole.

The tooth or ratchet make free the mechanism during heel strike, locks it at the maximum compression and keep it locked during all the foot flat phase, finally makes it free during toe-off.

Scope of the invention is to improve efficiency and comfort of the sole and of the shoe itself. The invention regards the general concept of a shock absorber and propulsion thrust sole for shoe, and it covers the various types of construction that can be developed using different classes of shapes, sizes and materials

The elastic part can be single or composed by multiple elements (Figure 1, parts 5 and 6). The configuration and arrangement of the elastic part or elastic parts can be various as shown on examples on figures 1, 4 and 5. The elastic parts can be made of different kind of materials, shapes (example in figure 6) or system that has elastic properties. For example, the elastic parts can be made of carbon, super elastic materials, memory form materials, or they can be made using a kind of spring like: cylindrical, flat, conical, etc. Figure. 8 presents an example of application of flat spring that can be disposed in rear or back part of the shoe, joined with upper or lower chassis or joined with both chassis. The elastic parts can be equipped with a device for the adjusting of preloading or with adjustment of the weight.

The chassis (Figure 1, details 2,3) has the function to join the elastic part or the elastic parts with the sole and has the function of transmitting the elastic

75 force. The upper and lower chassis form the arm of the mechanical moment of forces respect to the front part of the shoes. The chassis can be constructed in various classes of shapes, sizes and use flexible or rigid materials. The chassis may be constituted by single or multiple elements. The upper and lower chassis can be connected by a hinge (Figure 7, detail 7

80 and Figure 8, detail 8).

The sensors system or mechanism, provides the function to manage and to optimize the phases of the accumulation and the release of the elastic energy. The sensors system or mechanism blocks the elastic parts during the maximun compression of the foot-shock phase, and makes the elastic 85 parts free to expand during the toe-off phase, support propulsive thrust. Scope of the invention is to improve efficiency and comfort of the sole and of the shoe itself.

This invention can be used on any type of footwear, including work shoes, boots, sandals, tennis shoes, casual shoes, orthopedic shoes, footwear with 90 high heels such as boots, casual or dress shoes, etc.. The invenction produces many benefits; the shock absorbtion and propulsion thrust of the sole improve efficiency and comfort of the shoe itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following 95 drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 is a view of the main parts of midsole of shoe represented by an upper and lower chassis within a recess between them. Inside the recess there one or more elastic parts;

FIG. 2 is a view of the compression of elastic parts during the phases of heel strike (initial contact) and foot flat (loading response).

FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are views of different configurations of elastic parts of the shoe;

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are views of one of the possible configuration where upper chassis and the lower chassis are pivotably connected together with an hinge.

FIG. 8 present an example of application of flat spring that can be disposed in rear or back part of the shoe, joined with upper or lower chassis or joined with both chassis. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention can be carried out by joining the elastic parts with upper and lower chassis, and then integrate these parts with the shoe. Technical aspects such as stitching and construction methods can follow the normal procedures used for contraction of a normal shoe.

Claims

1. A midsole for shoes comprising at least an upper chassis and a lower chassis, separated by a recess. Inside said recess, between the upper chassis

120 and the lower chassis are inserted one or more elastic elements. The elastic parts can be made of different kind of materials, shapes or system that has elastic properties.

2. A midsole for shoes as in claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism to connect the upper chassis with lower chassis, said locking

125 mechanism is connected and actuated by a mechanical or electronic system, said system active and block the locking mechanism when it reaches approximately the maximum compressive load in the rear of the midsole and release the mechanism when compression load is applied on the front of the midsole.

130 3. A midsole for shoes as claims 1, where the upper chassis and the lower chassis are pivotably connected together with an hinge (figure 7). Said connection hinge is disposed in the front part of the midsole. The axis of said hinge is trasversal to midsole.

4. A midsole for shoes as claim 1, where the upper chassis and the 135 lower chassis are joined together in the frontal part of the midsole.

5. A midsole for shoes as claims 1, where the elastic elements inserted inside the recess, are fixed to the upper chassis and to the lower chassis.

6. A midsole for shoes as claims 1 and 5, where in the recess between the upper chassis and the lower chassis are inserted one or more elastic

140 elements. Said elastic elements can be arranged according to different functional configurations. Said elastic elements can be inserted in the front part of midsole, or inserted only in the rear part of midsole, or inserted both in the front and on the rear part of midsole (figures 4,5,6). Said elastic parts can be equipped with a device for adjusting the preloading or adjustment of 145 the weight.

7. A midsole for shoes as claim 1, where the upper chassis and the lower chassis are semi-rigid, or rigid, or a combination of both.

8. A midsole for shoes according to claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism is mechanically connected to one or more levers arranged in the

150 upper chassis or in proximity to it, said levers can be fitted with preload spring.

9. A midsole for shoes according to claim 2, wherein the upper chassis and the lower chassis are connected by a ratchet mechanism. Said ratchet mechanism consist of a toothed belt or a toothed piston or a linear rack and

155 a pivoting spring-loaded finger called pawl or beak that engages the teeth.

Said pawl or beak is connected to the levers arranged in the upper chassis or in proximity to it. Said pawl or beak is in locking when it is reached approximately the maximum compressive force in the rear of the midsole. Said pawl or beak is free and unlocked when it is applied a compression on the front of the midsole.

10. A midsole for shoes according to claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism is electronically connected and activated by one or more sensors arranged on the upper chassis of the midsole.