Sole construction for energy storage and rebound

Patent 7337559 Issued on March 4, 2008. Estimated Expiration Date:

December 22, 2025. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Full Text

Patent References

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Inventor

Russell, Brian A.

Assignee

Newton Running Company, Inc.

Application

No. 11325795 filed on 12/22/2005

US Classes:

36/28, Cushion36/3R, Ventilated36/30RLaminated

Examiners

Primary: Patterson, Marie

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP

Foreign Patent References

A 35 07 295 DE 04/01/1986
40 15 138 DE 11/01/1994
0 578 618 EP 03/01/1998
A 666436 IT 08/01/1964
WO 90/12518 WO 11/01/1990
WO 92/03069 WO 03/01/1992
WO 93/03639 WO 03/01/1993
WO 96/39061 WO 12/01/1996
WO 99/35928 WO 07/01/1999
WO 00/10417 WO 03/01/2000
WO 02/078480 WO 10/01/2002
WO 03/105619 WO 12/01/2003

International Class

A43B 13/12

Abstract

A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.

Other References

Affidavit of Jerry Turner, Civil Action No. 1:03 cv 01207, Akeva, LLC., v. Adidas America, Inc.
International Search Report for PCT/US 01/45690 dated Sep. 30, 2002.
International Search Report for PCT/US 96/09164 dated Jul. 22, 1996.