Device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means

Abstract

Device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means, including: a cushioning element made of a first material having a viscoelastic behavior; a conditioning element positioned under the cushioning element and made of a second material having a viscoelastic behavior; and a containing element positioned above the cushioning element and covering also the conditioning element. The cushioning element having first empty regions that are first through holes and second through holes and channels to pushing out the air when the device is subjected to a compression load.

Claims

1. A device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means, comprising: a cushioning element made of a first material having a viscoelastic behavior comprising a pre-defined alternation of first regions full of the first viscoelastic material and of first through holes and second through holes (201h, 301c) and channels to pushing out the air when the device is subjected to a compression load; a conditioning element positioned under the cushioning element and made of a second material having a viscoelastic behavior, more rigid than the first material having viscoelastic behavior, comprising a pre-defined alternation of second regions full of the second viscoelastic material and of second regions empty of the second viscoelastic material, the first regions full of the first viscoelastic material and the first regions empty of the first viscoelastic material of the cushioning element (201, 301) being configured to couple with the corresponding second regions empty of the second viscoelastic material and with the second regions full of the second viscoelastic material of the conditioning element, when the device is subjected to a compression load and a containing element positioned above the cushioning element and covering also the conditioning element; wherein the first full regions of the cushioning element are side protrusions and back protrusions, the side protrusions and the back protrusions extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the cushioning element.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the side protrusions and the back protrusions are C-shaped.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the side protrusions (301d) are at least four and gathered by two for each side, and the back protrusions are at least four gathered protrusions.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning element comprises a central plane region comprising the first through holes and channels; and a regulating deformation crown peripheral to the central plane region and comprising the second through holes (301c) and said side protrusions and the back protrusions.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second full regions of the conditioning element are two side protrusions on each side and a back protrusion.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the conditioning element is a flat element comprising a top central hollow region having a peripheral portion comprising the side protrusions and the back protrusion.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the containing element is an internally hollow element comprising on its upper surface a central hole, and being placed in correspondence with the central plane regions and the central hollow region respectively of the cushioning element and of the conditioning element.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning element and the conditioning element comprise: a low bearing capacity region, corresponding to the central plane region; a rear region comprising the back protrusions, having a high bearing capacity; a medium bearing capacity region, corresponding to side protrusions radially arranged to the low bearing capacity region to bring the foot axis back to a neutral position.

9. A sole comprising the device according to claim 1.

10. The device according to claim 2, wherein the conditioning element is a flat element comprising a top central hollow region having a peripheral portion comprising the side protrusions and the back protrusion.

11. The device according to claim 3, wherein the conditioning element is a flat element comprising a top central hollow region having a peripheral portion comprising the side protrusions and the back protrusion.

12. The device according to claim 4, wherein the conditioning element is a flat element comprising a top central hollow region having a peripheral portion comprising the side protrusions and the back protrusion.

13. The device according to claim 5, wherein the conditioning element is a flat element comprising a top central hollow region having a peripheral portion comprising the side protrusions and the back protrusion.

14. The device according to claim 2, wherein the containing element is an internally hollow element comprising on its upper surface a central hole, and being placed in correspondence with the central plane regions and the central hollow region respectively of the cushioning element and of the conditioning element.

15. The device according to claim 3, wherein the containing element is an internally hollow element comprising on its upper surface a central hole, and being placed in correspondence with the central plane regions and the central hollow region respectively of the cushioning element and of the conditioning element.

16. The device according to claim 4, wherein the containing element is an internally hollow element comprising on its upper surface a central hole, and being placed in correspondence with the central plane regions and the central hollow region respectively of the cushioning element and of the conditioning element.

17. The device according to claim 2, wherein the cushioning element and the conditioning element comprise: a low bearing capacity region, corresponding to the central plane region; a rear region comprising the back protrusions, having a high bearing capacity; a medium bearing capacity region, corresponding to side protrusions radially arranged to the low bearing capacity region to bring the foot axis back to a neutral position.

18. The device according to claim 3, wherein the cushioning element and the conditioning element comprise: a low bearing capacity region, corresponding to the central plane region; a rear region comprising the back protrusions, having a high bearing capacity; a medium bearing capacity region, corresponding to side protrusions radially arranged to the low bearing capacity region to bring the foot axis back to a neutral position.

19. The device according to claim 4, wherein the cushioning element and the conditioning element comprise: a low bearing capacity region, corresponding to the central plane region; a rear region comprising the back protrusions, having a high bearing capacity; a medium bearing capacity region, corresponding to side protrusions radially arranged to the low bearing capacity region to bring the foot axis back to a neutral position.

20. A sole comprising the device according to claim 2.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a better understanding of the present invention it is now described a preferred embodiment, purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional exploded top view of a first embodiment of a device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means, according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows schematic views along the sections A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D of the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means at the time preceding the “heel strike” phase, that is, before the application of the load, according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means, before (A) and after (B) the application of the load, according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 shows an axonometric top view of a second embodiment of the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means, according to the invention;

(6) FIG. 5 shows an axonometric bottom view of the second embodiment of the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means, according to the invention;

(7) FIGS. 6a-6b show a top view of the second embodiment of the device as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and of the cushioning element of the second embodiment, according to the invention;

(8) FIG. 7 shows section A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D ed E-E of the second embodiment of the device as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, according to the invention;

(9) FIG. 8 shows section A-A of the device as shown in FIG. 7 in detail, according to the invention;

(10) FIGS. 9.a-9.e show sectional and top views of portions of the second embodiment of the device as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, according to the invention;

(11) FIG. 10 shows operational schemes during the compression stage of the second embodiment of the device as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, according to the invention;

(12) FIGS. 11.a-11.c show holographic diagrams of the second embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively at rest (11.a) and in use (11.b and 11.c), according to the invention;

(13) FIG. 12 shows schematic top views from above and in side view of the second embodiment of the device, with indication of the proportions depending on different shoe sizes, according to the invention;

(14) FIG. 13 shows a geometric characterization in longitudinal and transverse section of the second embodiment of the device, according to the invention;

(15) FIG. 14 shows schematic views of the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means applied to the left and right soles of a footwear, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(16) With reference to these figures and, in particular, to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a device 200 suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means is shown, according to the invention.

(17) In particular, the device 200, 300 suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, is a modular device comprising a cushioning element 201, 301, made of a first material having a viscoelastic behavior, positioned over a conditioning element 202, 302 of the cushioning element 201, 301. The conditioning element 202, 302 is made of a second material having a viscoelastic behavior, and more rigid than the first material having a viscoelastic behavior of which the cushioning element 201, 301 is made.

(18) According to an aspect of the invention, the device 200, 300 also comprises a containing element 203, 303 positioned above the cushioning element 201, 301 and covering also the conditioning element 202, 302.

(19) The device 200, 300 is formed by the non-hermetic coupling between the cushioning element 201, 301, the conditioning element 202, 302 and the containing element 203, 303 such as to allow the spill of the air contained in predefined interstices, for example a plurality of holes 201g, 201h and channels 201i, included between the cushioning elements 201, 301, the conditioning elements 202, 302 when the device 200, 300 is subjected to a compression load, in use. In fact, the air present in the interstices at rest, when in use the device is subjected to a compressive stress due, for example, to the walk of a user, pours out from the plurality of holes 201g, 201h, 301g, 301h, and channels 201i, 301i formed in the cushioning element 201, 301 and in the conditioning element 202, 302.

(20) Advantageously, this plurality of holes and channels and the non-hermetic coupling between the elements allows the device 200, 300 to have a controlled and not influenced by the presence of air mechanical response to the compressive stresses.

(21) According to an aspect of the invention, the conditioning element 202, 302 is made of a flexible material but with not negligible features of stiffness.

(22) According to another aspect of the invention, the containing element 203, 303 is made of a flexible material but with not negligible features of stiffness.

(23) Preferably, the conditioning element 202, 302 and the containing element 203, 303 are made of a material chosen among: Polyurethane, rubber, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), polypropylene and other materials that are suitable for the functioning.

(24) In particular, the effect of non-hermetic coupling between the elements allows the device 200, 300 to cause air to come out and, therefore, to have a controlled mechanical response to compressive stresses, not influenced by the presence of air. This non-hermetic coupling is achieved through a pre-defined alternation of regions full of the aforementioned material and of regions empty the same material, which are substantially hollow and, therefore, empty.

(25) In fact, for example, the cushioning element 201 and 301 consists of a structure that comprises a pre-defined alternation of first regions full of the first viscoelastic material and of first regions empty of the first viscoelastic material, able to couple with a corresponding pre-defined alternation of second regions empty of the second viscoelastic material and of second regions full of the second viscoelastic material, or protrusions, of the conditioning element 202 and 302, when the device 200, 300 is subjected to a compression load. In this way, a balance of these regions of the cushioning element 201 and 301 and of the conditioning element 202 and 302 is achieved, in such a way as to allow the spill of air from the empty regions and the desired deformation of the cushioning elements 201 and 301 and of the conditioning elements 202 and 302, so as to confer the desired mechanical features to the device 200, 300.

(26) According to an aspect of the invention, second empty regions of conditioning element 202, 302 are a plurality of second holes 201h, 301h and channels 201i, 301i that allow the cushioning element 201, and 301 to be deformed and adapted in a controlled manner. There are also second holes and smaller channels, able to spill the air contained inside the device, when it is subjected to a compression force. Moreover, the conditioning element 202 and 302 comprises peripheral upper protrusions having different heights for a differentiated support, to act as a support. Finally, the surfaces of the peripheral upper protrusions are sloped, creating a central concave surface configured to react to the application of an external load force and to straight foot toward the center of the heel, allowing the device to react to a load application with a centripetal reaction force able to align back any decentralized loads with respect to the center of the heel.

(27) According to an aspect of the invention, the cushioning elements 201, 301, conditioning elements 202 and 302 and containing elements 203 and 303 have a substantially oval shape. In particular, containing element 203 and 303 has a concave surface which follows a heel's curvature and, together with the conditioning element 202, defines a volume within which the cushioning element 201 can warp.

(28) According to a second embodiment of the device 200 according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the containing element 203 has a central ventilation hole 203a and the cushioning element 201 has a central protrusion 201a able to be coupled to the central hole 203a.

(29) Advantageously according to the invention, the central hole 203a of the containing element 203 increases the user's comfort perception and facilitate the discharge of the air during the use. Alternatively, the same function of the containing element 203 can be carried out directly by the midsole of the shoe.

(30) Advantageously according to the invention, the shape of conditioning elements 202, 302 and containing elements 203, 303 influence the mechanical behavior of element 201, 301 by means of a pre-defined succession of full material portions and empty portions, as holes and channels, conveniently balanced.

(31) Advantageously according to the invention, the materials of the cushioning element 201, 301, of the conditioning element 202, 302 and of the containing element 203, 303 and their shape allow the device 200, 300 to have an “active” operation mode, that is to be able to obtain a different reaction response in function of the load amount to which it is subjected. This active operation mode, caused by the shape and the materials of the device 200, 300, prevent the incurring of sprains, twist and injuries. The device 200, 300 is therefore different from the state of the art, describing mentioned ‘passive’ systems, that is systems able to absorb energy by means exclusively of chemical-physical characteristics of the material. Known devices and systems also have a rheologic behavior that cannot be modulated in a controlled manner with the changing of the load.

(32) According to an aspect of the invention, the cushioning element 201 and 301 is made of a material having a high elastic deformation capacity and it is configured to be positioned in the area under the heel of the user. In this way, the cushioning element 201 and 301 enhance the energy absorbing characteristics of the device 200 and 300 during loading (“heel strike”), so as to amortize and slow down the impact velocity between the user's heel and the soil. The cushioning element 201, 301 is made of a material having a rheological behavior that has a delay in the response to a load variation. Therefore, during the phase preceding the “Heel off” moment, i.e. the instant preceding the detachment of the heel, the device 200 and 300 is able to gradually return the energy absorbed and generate a biomechanically compatible thrust that is comfortable, anti-fatigue and above all not harmful to the user's tendon and musculoskeletal structure.

(33) Advantageously according to the invention, the holes and channels formed in the conditioning element 202, 302 and in the containing element 203, 303 facilitate the air eventually comprised in interstice spaces to spill out. Another function of said holes and channels is to allow the cushioning element 201, 301 to deform, also thanks to empty regions, that act as expansion positions of cushioning element and that characterizes the shape and geometry of the device, highly increasing the energy dissipation capacity of the device 200 and 300. Indeed, only a part of the energy absorbed during the loading phase will be transmitted to the user during the unloading phase, or in the phase preceding the detachment of the heel, in the form of a thrust that facilitates the lifting of the heel (“heel off”) in a biomechanically compatible manner.

(34) Advantageously according to the invention, the conditioning element 102, 202 and 302 is made of a second viscoelastic material, more compact than other elements, and its shape, together with the containment function of containment element 203 and 303, is configured to make all the reaction forces converge at a same point. In this way the heel is always brought in axis along the tibia/fibula direction, whatever the direction of the applied stress is (pronation or supination).

(35) FIG. 4 shows a cross section, for example, of device 200 but the same applies to device 300, before the application of the load (FIG. 3A) and after the application of the load (FIG. 3B). Before the application of the load (FIG. 3A) the device 200 is not compressed; elements 202 and 203 define a volume within which the cushioning element 201 can deform. In the FIG. 3, arrows identify the deformation directions of the cushioning element 201. In the following phase, a compression load F is applied to the device 200 (FIG. 3B); the cushioning element 201 deforms according to the directions indicated in FIG. 3a, until the shape of the cushioning 201 is defined by components 202 and 203 jointly. Arrows in FIG. 3.B indicate the direction of reaction forces of the device 200 upon application of the load. Thanks to the geometry and shape of elements 202 and 203, the reaction forces converge towards a single point, acting so as to bring back any loads off-centered with respect to the heel center or having a direction different from a reference condition, ensuring the stabilization of the heel along the tibia/fibula direction.

(36) The Applicant verified that, during the compression of the device 200, 300 by a user, three types of behavior can be identified: Low loads: this is the load condition corresponding to a user standing or during a walk. In this phase the response of the device 200, 300 is characterized by a low elastic modulus (that corresponds to a high elastic deformation under reduced loads). In this condition the device 200, 300 slows down the speed of the impact on the ground of the heel and is easily deformed. In case of a user standing upright, the device dampens all the small movements, thus reducing deleterious stresses that may be transmitted to user's musculoskeletal structure. During this phase, the elastic component of the device 200, 300 works more, therefore a large part of the energy will be returned to the user during the unloading phase, with a modulated thrust, in order to facilitate and unload the walk. Intermediate loads: this is the load condition corresponding to a user's fast walk, eventually carrying heavy equipment. In this phase the cushioning element 201, 301 deforms according to the geometry defined by both elements 202, 302 and 203, 303. The mechanical response of the device 200, 300 is characterized by a higher modulus of elasticity, the damper component increases and a considerable part of the energy absorbed in this phase will be dissipated, and therefore it will not be returned to the user during discharge phase. High loads: this is the reference condition for a user during a jump, possibly carrying heavy equipment. In this phase the cushioning element 201, 301 continues to deform and begins to apply a pressure also on the side portion of containing element 203, 303. Mechanical behavior of the device 200, 300 is characterized by an even higher modulus of elasticity. During this phase the damping component of the device 200, 300 is mostly used, therefore a large part of the energy will be dissipated and will not be returned to the user during the unloading phase Instead, during the decompression phase there is a delay in the device response. The device 200, 300, therefore, does not instantly recovery the deformations caused by compression, when the load is removed this kind of device mechanical behavior ensures a biomechanically compatible thrust on the user's heel.

(37) A third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in which the device 300 comprises a substantially oval shaped cushioning element 301, comprising a central plane region 301a substantially oval shaped, provided with first through holes 301f and with further channels 301fa, which allow an improved passage of air inside the device 300 and the sole; and also with a regulating deformation crown 301b, for a controlled deformation, peripheral to the central region 301a, provided with a plurality of second through holes 301c (shown in FIG. 6), at least eight, and with C-shaped side protrusions 301d, at least four per side and grouped between them two by two. The regulating deformation crown 301b is also provided with at least four C-shaped back gathered protrusions 301e, grouped between them, all extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the cushioning element 301. The protrusions 301d, 301e extend form the upper surface to the lower surface of the cushioning element 301. The conditioning element 302 of the device 300 is a flat element comprising at the top a central hollow region 302a able to engage the central plane region 301a, and a peripherical region having a plurality of side protrusions 302b, preferably two on each side, and a back protrusion 302c. Moreover, all the protrusions 302b and 302c are spaced out with empty portions 302d, at least four, to receive and be a seat for the cushioning element 201, 301, allowing its deformation when a load force is applied.

(38) The containing element 303 is an internally hollow element comprising on its upper surface a central hole 303a. Inside the central hole 303a, the central regions 301a and 302a respectively of the cushioning element 301 and of the conditioning element 302, are included.

(39) Advantageously according to the invention, the central hole 303a of the containment element 303 has the function of increasing user's comfort and facilitate the spill of air during the use of a sole including the device 300.

(40) Advantageously according to the invention, two of the protrusions 301d and 302b are placed laterally inside the sole and are useful in the case of supinator foot, other two protrusions 301d and 302b are placed laterally outside the sole and are useful in case of pronator foot.

(41) Advantageously according to the invention, the rear protrusions 301e and 302c allow to stabilize the foot, to provide propulsion and to favor walking during the “heel off” phase.

(42) Advantageously according to the invention, the protrusions 301d, 301e, 302b and 302c optimize and increase the comfort of a user's foot.

(43) FIG. 6 shows an upper view of the device 300 and an upper view of the cushioning element 301, wherein three different functionality areas of the cushioning element 301 are indicated. FIG. 7 shows section view, in particular A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D and E-E, of device 300, wherein the proportions between height of the cushioning element 301 and the height of the conditioning element 302 in the three areas of FIG. 6 are shown. In particular, zone 1 indicates an area corresponding to the central plane region 301a of cushioning element 301, area 2 indicates the region corresponding to lateral C-shaped protrusions 301d, and area 3 indicates the area of back protrusion 301e of cushioning element 301.

(44) According to an aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7, along section A-A the ratio between the cushioning element 301 and the conditioning element 302 in area 3 is comprised in the range 0.45-0.55, while in area 1 it is comprised in the range 0.08-0.10. Along B-B section, the ratio between the cushioning element 301 and the conditioning element 302 is comprised in the range 0.08-0.10 in area 1, and 0.10-0.15 in area 2. Along C-C section the same ratio is comprised in the range 0.08-0.10 in area 1, and 0.20-0.25 in area 2. Along the section D-D said ratio is comprised in the range 0.25-0.30 in area 1, and 0.30-0.40 in area 2.

(45) In E-E section, shown in FIG. 7, the flow of air through the conditioning element 302, which passes through the cushioning element 301 and spill out of the containment element 303.

(46) Advantageously according to the invention, the cushioning element 301 comprises through holes and non-through holes, and the conditioning element 302 comprises channels 301i, said holes and said channels allowing the air to flow out of the device 300.

(47) FIG. 8 shows a side section of the device 300, in particular the compenetration of cushioning element 301 in conditioning element 302 is shown. Device 300 has a tapered end, that is an upper surface that tends to go downwards, allowing an interpenetration so that the dimension D1 is greater than the dimension D2, both shown in FIG. 8, D2 having a height comprised between 0 mm and 10 mm, and the upper surface of the device 300 decrease, that is have a decreasing height towards a front end, with an angle comprised between 15° and 20° with respect to an horizontal axis x-x.

(48) FIG. 9 shows differentiated load bearing capacity regions of the device 300. In particular, FIG. 9.a shows, a section of cushioning element 301 coupled to the conditioning element 302, in which a low bearing region corresponds to the central body, with the main function of cushioning at the heel spine area. In the same FIG. 9.a is also shown, with a different filling sign, a back portion having high load bearing capacity, for stabilization and propulsion. Moreover, FIGS. 9.b and 9.c shows, respectively a side view and an upper view, of a medium bearing capacity region, corresponding to independent side protrusions radially arranged to the low-bearing capacity region. The functions of medium-bearing region are to stabilize and bring the foot axis back to a neutral position. Back protrusions 301e have a high bearing capacity compared to side protrusions 301d, that have medium bearing capacity, and are higher in order to provide an increased support and stability. Moreover, back protrusions 301e are advantageously characterized by an upper inclined surface to provide an adequate propulsion during the detachment of the foot from the ground during the deambulation.

(49) FIG. 9.c shows the cushioning element 301 of the device 300, highlighting the high bearing capacity region corresponding to the side protrusions and a crown region for connecting the different areas. The crown region is important to obtain a controlled deformation being correlated to the type of mechanical response that the device 300 should provide.

(50) FIG. 9.d shows a conditioning element 302 in which are highlighted, in addition to the previous regions, expansion seats for the cushioning element 301 to be deformed under unapplied load.

(51) FIG. 10 shows a mechanical behavior of the device 300 in use, i.e. the progress of the device reaction depending on the compression force applied to it.

(52) FIG. 11 shows the device 200, 300 integrated in a sole of a footwear and worn by a user. FIG. 11A shows that the axis of the sole forms a certain angle with the axis of the leg at rest, i.e. before the action of the force of compression due to the deambulation. The force of compression F can act centrally with respect to the axis of the sole or sideways, towards inside in case of pronation of the foot, or towards outside in case of supination of the foot. FIG. 11B shows that, as a result of the action of the force of compression F, the device 200, 300 deforms only in the stressed region, without involving the adjacent region. In particular, the device 200, 300 returns a force of reaction to the compression such as to bring the user's leg back on axis, this way preventing mechanical traumas on the lower joints.

(53) Such an advantageous behavior of the device 200, 300 is due to the geometry of the elements 301, 302, 303, to their shape and to the mutual arrangement of full and empty regions. Furthermore, the presence in the device 200, 300 of regions characterized by a differentiated load bearing capacity and the presence of holes and channels that allow the spill of the air, optimize the mechanical response to the compression loads.

(54) FIG. 11.c shows how the device 200, 300, thanks to independent areas of reaction, that is regions with differentiated load bearing capacity, is able to dampen any possible roughness from the bottom of the floor or of the ground, advantageously avoiding the rotation of the sole on which the device is applied and the consequent rotation of a user's leg axis. Such an undesired rotation could in fact lead to dislocations and distortions. Therefore, the variable geometry of the device allows an ‘active’ and advantageous behavior.

(55) FIG. 12 shows the definition of three different measurements of the device 200, 300 in relation to three shoe size macro-groups. Advantageously, the obtained proportion allows to guarantee the correct relationship between the mechanical response of the device and the body weight of a user.

(56) FIG. 13 shows views in section, highlighting geometrical characteristics of the device, in particular side and rear inclinations which allow an easy deambulation, especially when the foot is detached from the ground. In particular, the angle formed between the lower surface of the cushioning element 301 and the ground, with respect to the central axis passing through the heel of the shoe, is called Ω, while the angle formed between the back protrusion 301e of the cushioning element 301 and the level of the conditioning element 302 is called δ.

(57) Finally, FIG. 14 shows an upper view of the device 300 when integrated in the sole of a shoe, where the angles α, β and γ, which define a top view profile of the device 200, 300, are highlighted. In particular the angle α is comprised between 5° and 8°, the angle β is comprised between 18° and 20°, while the angle γ is comprised between 21° and 22°. These angles are configured to ensure greater comfort and support in use. Furthermore, FIG. 14 highlights the positioning of the device 200, 300 when integrated in a sole of footwear, in the rear portion of the footwear itself, near the heel of a user. In order to ensure the correct functioning, the comfort and a maximum stability, the device 200, 300 occupies almost the entire heel portion of the sole supporting the whole area of the heel. The device 300 is therefore integrated in a sole portion corresponding to the heel of a user, at a distance D3 from the outer perimeter of the sole, D3 being comprised between 0% and 18% of a width D4 of the sole in its rear portion corresponding to the heel, as shown in FIG. 14.

(58) According to an aspect of the invention, the device 200, 300 is integrated in the sole of a footwear, in such a way that the conditioning element 202, 302 is an integral part of the sole, being integrated in a sole portion corresponding to the heel of a user, and the cushioning element 201, 301 is arranged above that portion. In particular, the conditioning element 202, 302 corresponds to a portion of the tread of the footwear.

(59) Therefore, the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means according to the invention allows to absorb and dissipate the energy generated during the first instant of foot-ground interaction (“heel strike”) and to limit the deleterious stresses transmitted to the bony joints.

(60) A further advantage of the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means according to the invention is to be able to adequately modulate the force of reaction during the discharge stage, also known as “rebound” force, in such a way that this is compatible with the user's biomechanical requirements.

(61) Another advantage of the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means according to the invention is to ensure the stabilization of the heel along the tibia/fibula direction while walking and to avoid one of the main causes of injury on the work, that is the dislocations.

(62) Furthermore, the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means according to the invention maximizes comfort and stability thanks to the positioning in correspondence with almost the entire heel of the sole, supporting the entire area of the heel.

(63) Finally, the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means according to the invention allows to maintain its characteristics for the entire life cycle of the footwear.

(64) It is finally clear that the device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means described and illustrated herein can be subject to modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.