Abstract
A running shoe outsole includes two layers, wherein the two layers are made of one or materials including carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, glass fibers, or buckypaper. The two layers curve in an upward direction from the ball region to the heel region. The two layers are fixedly attached at the foremost portions of the toe regions. At the arch region, the sides of either the top layer or the bottom layer may be extended to cradle either the top layer or the bottom layer to prevent lateral movement of one layer in relation to the other. The extended sides or brackets guide lengthwise sliding of one layer in relation to the other layer. The top layer forms a sleeve at the arch region where the bottom layer slides therein.
Claims
1. A running shoe outsole, comprising: (a) a top layer comprising: (i) sides of a top layer, a top layer toe region extending to a top layer ball region, said top layer ball region extending to a top layer instep region, said top layer instep region extending to a top layer arch region, said top layer arch region extending to a top layer heel region; and (ii) one or more plies comprising one or more top layer materials; (b) a bottom layer comprising: (i) a bottom layer left side, a bottom layer right side, a bottom layer toe region extending to a bottom layer ball region, said bottom ball region extending to a bottom layer instep region, said bottom layer instep region extending to a bottom layer arch region; and (ii) one or more plies comprising one or more bottom layer materials; wherein said top layer is fixedly attached to said bottom layer; and (c) means for preventing said bottom layer from laterally moving in relation to said top layer.
2. The running shoe outsole of claim 1, wherein said one or more plies of said one or more top layer materials are selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, glass fiber, and buckypaper.
3. The running shoe outsole of claim 1, wherein said one or more plies of said one or more bottom layer materials are selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, glass fiber, and buckypaper.
4. The running shoe outsole of claim 1, wherein a plurality of spike wells are fixedly attached to said bottom layer at said bottom layer toe region.
5. The running shoe outsole of claim 1, wherein a plurality of spike wells are fixedly attached to said bottom layer forward of said bottom layer instep region.
6. The running shoe outsole of claim 1, further comprising a means for preventing said bottom layer from separating from said top layer.
7. The running shoe outsole of claim 1, wherein said means for preventing said bottom layer from laterally moving in relation to said top layer comprises an upwardly extended bottom layer left side and an upwardly extended bottom layer right side, whereby said upwardly extended bottom layer left side and said upwardly extended bottom layer right side said sides of top layer.
8. The running shoe outsole of claim 1, wherein said means for preventing said bottom layer from laterally moving in relation to said top layer comprises downwardly extended sides of top layer whereby said downwardly extended sides of top layer said bottom layer left side and said bottom layer right side.
9. The running shoe outsole of claim 1, wherein said means for preventing said bottom layer from laterally moving in relation to said top layer comprises: two L shaped brackets fixedly attached to said sides of top layer, wherein the top parts of said L shaped brackets extend downward from said sides of top layer and the bottom parts of said L shaped brackets extend inward toward the medial longitudinal axis of said top layer, thereby forming an open bracket, and wherein said bottom layer is positioned within said L shaped brackets under said top layer.
10. The running shoe outsole of claim 1, wherein said means for preventing said bottom layer from laterally moving in relation to said top layer comprises: a U shaped bracket wherein the ends of said U shaped bracket are fixedly attached to said sides of top layer, wherein said U shaped bracket is positioned under said top layer, and wherein said bottom layer is positioned within said U shaped bracket.
11. The running shoe outsole of claim 4, wherein said plurality of spike wells receive removable spikes or cleats.
12. The running shoe outsole of claim 5, wherein said plurality of spike wells receive removable spikes or cleats.
13. The running shoe outsole of claim 7, wherein said upwardly extended bottom layer left side and said upwardly extended bottom layer right side extend upward at said bottom layer arch region.
14. The running shoe outsole of claim 8, wherein said downwardly extended top layer left side and said downwardly extended sides of top layer extend downward at said top layer extending from said top layer arch region to said top layer heel region.
15. The running shoe outsole of claim 8, wherein said downwardly extended sides of top layer form L shaped brackets, wherein the top parts of said L shaped brackets extend downward and the bottom part of said L shaped brackets extend inward toward the medial longitudinal axis of said top layer, wherein said L shaped brackets hold said bottom layer under said top layer.
16. The running shoe outsole of claim 15, wherein said bottom parts of said L shaped brackets connect at the medial longitudinal axis of said top layer forming a continuous sleeve under said top layer, wherein said continuous sleeve holds said bottom layer under said top layer.
17. A running shoe outsole, comprising: (a) a top layer comprising: (i) a top layer right side, a top layer left side, a top layer toe region extending to a top layer ball region, said top layer ball region extending to a top layer instep region, said top layer instep region extending to a top layer arch region, said top layer arch region extending to a top layer heel region; and (ii) one or more plies of one or more top layer materials; (b) a bottom layer comprising: (i) a bottom layer left side, a bottom layer right side, a bottom layer toe region extending to a bottom layer ball region, said bottom ball region extending to a bottom layer instep region, said bottom layer instep region extending to a bottom layer arch region; and (ii) one or more plies of one or more bottom layer materials; wherein said top layer is fixedly attached to said bottom layer only at said top layer toe region and said bottom layer toe region; and (c) a means for preventing said bottom layer from laterally moving in relation to said top layer.
18. A running shoe outsole, comprising: (a) a top layer comprising: (i) a top layer right side, a top layer left side, a top layer toe region extending to a top layer ball region, said top layer ball region extending to a top layer instep region, said top layer instep region extending to a top layer arch region, said top layer arch region extending to a top layer heel region; and (iii) one or more plies comprising one or more top layer materials; (b) a bottom layer, comprising: (i) a bottom layer left side, a bottom layer right side, a bottom layer toe region extending to a bottom layer ball region, said bottom layer ball region extending to a bottom layer instep region, said bottom layer instep region extending to a bottom layer arch region; and (iii) one or more plies of one or more bottom layer materials; wherein said top layer is fixedly attached to said bottom layer only at said top layer toe region and said bottom layer toe region; and wherein said top layer left side and said top layer right side, said bottom layer left side, and said bottom layer right side.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a top layer of a running shoe outsole according to one aspect of the current invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the underside of an exemplary embodiment of a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole, according to one aspect of the current invention.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole, according to one aspect of the current invention.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a top layer and a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole, according to one aspect of the current invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view, of an exemplary embodiment, of a top layer and a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole, according to one aspect of the current invention.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a top layer and a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole, according to one aspect of the current invention.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a back view of an exemplary embodiment of a top layer and a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole with an open bracket, according to one aspect of the current invention.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a back view of an exemplary embodiment of a top layer and a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole with a closed bracket, according to one aspect of the current invention.
[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective back view of an exemplary embodiment of a back end of a running shoe outsole with an open bracket, according to one aspect of the current invention.
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a back end of a running shoe outsole with a closed bracket, according to one aspect of the current invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. As used herein, the word exemplary means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Thus, any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Reference to various aspects within the drawings does not mean that all embodiments of the present invention or claims must include the referenced aspects. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary, or the following detailed description.
[0044] In this description, reference is made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated with the reference numerals throughout. As used in the description herein and throughout, the meaning of a, an, and said includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of in includes into and on unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a front view of a top layer of a running shoe outsole 100. The top layer of the running shoe outsole comprises various sections, which correspond to the regions of a natural human foot. Such regions comprise a top layer toe region 130, a top layer left side 160, a top layer right side 170, further extending to a top layer ball region 140, further extending to a top layer instep region 150, further extending to a top layer arch region 120, further extending to a top layer heel region 110. In an embodiment, a top layer of a running shoe outsole comprises one or more plies of one or more top layer materials comprising carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, glass fiber, or buckypaper. In one embodiment, each ply can either be a single top layer material or a combination of top layer materials.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a front view of the underside of a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole 200. The bottom layer of a running shoe outsole comprises regions which correspond to the regions of the top layer. The bottom layer comprises a bottom layer toe region 240, further extending to a bottom layer ball region 250, further extending to a bottom layer instep region 220, and further extending to a bottom layer arch region 210. In an embodiment, the bottom layer of a running shoe outsole comprises one or more plies of one or more bottom layer materials further comprising carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, glass fiber, or buckypaper. In another embodiment, each ply can either be a single bottom layer material or a combination of bottom layer materials. In an embodiment, the bottom layer toe region 240 of the bottom layer of the running shoe outsole comprises a plurality of spike wells 230, wherein spikes or cleats may be removably inserted to provide the wearer with additional traction or grip on a track or other running surface. In yet another embodiment, bottom layer toe region 240 of the bottom layer comprises a hard plate fixedly attached thereto, wherein a plurality of spike wells 230 are attached. In an embodiment, plurality of spike wells 230 allow track spikes or cleats to be removably inserted therein.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a side view of a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole 300. The side view of a bottom layer of a running shoe outsole illustrates the regions of the bottom layer comprising the bottom layer toe region 240, further extending to a bottom layer ball region 250, further extending to a bottom layer instep region 220, further extending to a bottom layer arch region 210. The side view of a running shoe outsole bottom layer also illustrates a plurality of spike wells 230, which are embedded in the bottom layer of a running shoe outsole bottom layer at the bottom layer toe region 240. In an embodiment, plurality of spike wells 230 are embedded in the bottom layer of the bottom layer toe region 240, or are embedded in the bottom layer at a region extending from the front end of the bottom layer toe region 240 to the bottom layer ball region 250, but are not embedded at or rearward of the bottom layer ball region 250. In yet another embodiment, the region extending from the bottom layer toe region 240 to the bottom layer ball region 250 is horizontal and parallel to the ground. In yet another embodiment, from the bottom layer ball region 250 to the back end of the bottom layer, the bottom layer curves in a upward manner to conform to a runner's foot while the athlete is engaged in a running motion.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a side view of a combined top and bottom layer of a running shoe outsole 400. In an embodiment, the top layer of a running shoe outsole comprises a top layer toe region 130, further extending to a top layer ball region 140, further extending to a top layer instep region 150, further extending to a top layer arch region 120, and further extending to a top layer heel region 110. In one embodiment, the bottom layer of the running shoe outsole comprises regions which correspond to the regions of the top layer, except the bottom layer does not have a bottom layer heel region, comprising an empty space 470 between the two layers. Accordingly, the bottom layer comprises a bottom layer toe region 240, further extending to a bottom layer ball region 250, further extending to a bottom layer instep region 220, further extending to a bottom layer arch region 210. In an embodiment, the top layer and the bottom layer are fixedly attached at the foremost portions of the top layer toe region 130 and the bottom layer toe region 240. In an embodiment, the top layer front end is fixedly attached to the bottom layer front end. In another embodiment, a plurality of spike wells 230 are embedded in the bottom layer of the running shoe outsole from the bottom layer toe region 240 to the foremost portion of the bottom layer ball region 250, wherein spikes or cleats may be removably inserted to increase a wearer's traction or grip on a running surface. In a further embodiment, both the top layer and the bottom layer curve together in a upward direction from the top layer ball region 140 and bottom layer ball region 250 to the back end of the running shoe outsole.
[0049] In still another embodiment, beginning at the bottom and extending to the back end of the bottom layer arch region 210, the bottom layer left side 510 (not shown) and the bottom layer right side 520 (not shown) are raised to flank and cradle the top layer to prevent lateral movement of the bottom layer in relation to the top layer. In an embodiment, while the bottom layer left side 510 (not shown) and bottom layer right side 520 (not shown) of the bottom layer are raised, the back end of the bottom layer is flat to allow the top surface of the bottom layer to slide lengthwise along the bottom surface of the top layer as a wearer's foot engages and disengages with the ground during a running motion. In an embodiment, the curved conformations and tensile strength of the top and bottom layers cause the bottom layer to maintain contact or remain in very close proximity to the top layer during use.
[0050] In an embodiment, from the top layer and bottom layer front ends to the top layer arch region 120 and bottom layer arch region 210, there is an empty space 470 between the two layers. As a user's foot impacts the ground during a running motion, the empty space 470 decreases until the top layer arch region 120 makes contact with the bottom layer arch region 210. The tensile strength of the top layer cushions and supports the wearer's foot and leg joints as the wearer's foot impacts the ground during a running motion. As the wearer's foot impacts the ground during a running motion, the top layer arch region 120 contacts the bottom layer arch region 210, wherein the bottom layer provides additional shock absorption and support to the wearer. In an embodiment, as a wearer lifts his/her foot from the ground, the top layer arch region 120 and bottom layer arch region 210 utilize their tensile strength to return to their original resting conformations.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a front view of a running shoe outsole 500. In an embodiment, the front end of the top layer toe region 130 and the front end of the bottom layer toe region 240 are fixedly attached to each other. In another embodiment, a plurality of spike wells 230 are embedded in the bottom surface of the bottom layer toe region 240 forward of the bottom layer ball region 250, wherein spikes or cleats are removably inserted. The top layer toe region 130 extends to a top layer ball region 140, which extends to a top layer instep region 150, which extends to a top layer arch region 120, which extends to a top layer heel region 110. At the top layer arch region 120, the bottom layer right side 520 and the bottom layer left side 510 are raised to cradle the top layer to prevent lateral movement of the bottom layer in relation to the top layer. The raised bottom layer right side 520 and bottom layer left side 510 also guide lengthwise sliding of the bottom layer in relation to the top layer as a wearer's foot engages and disengages with the ground.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a side view of a combined top layer and bottom layer 600, wherein the sides of the top layer extend in a downward manner perpendicular to the plane of the top layer. In an embodiment, the top layer left side 160 (not shown) and the top layer right side 170 (not shown) extend downward to flank the bottom layer left side 510 (not shown) and the bottom layer right side 520 (not shown) and cradle the bottom layer thereby preventing lateral movement of the bottom layer in relation to the top layer. In another embodiment, the top layer left side 160 (not shown) and the top layer right side 170 (not shown) extend downward from the top layer arch region 120 to the top layer heel region 110. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of spike wells 230 are placed on the bottom surface of the bottom layer at the bottom layer toe region 240, the bottom layer ball region 250, or the bottom layer instep region 220. In an embodiment, the front end of the top layer toe region 130 is fixedly attached to the front end of the bottom layer toe region 240. In still another embodiment, the regions of the top layer comprising the top layer toe region 130, the top layer ball region 140, the top layer instep region 150, and the top layer arch region 120 correspond with the regions of the bottom layer comprising the bottom layer toe region 240, the bottom layer ball region 250, the bottom layer instep region 220, and the bottom layer arch region 210 (not shown).
[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a back view of a combined top layer and bottom layer 700, wherein the top layer left side 160 (not shown) and the top layer right side 170 (not shown) extend downward and wrap inward towards the medial longitudinal axis of the top layer, thereby creating an open bracket 710. In an embodiment, the open bracket 710 extends from the top layer arch region 120 (not shown) to the top layer heel region 110. In another embodiment, the open bracket 710 comprises two L shaped brackets, which are fixedly attached to the top layer left side 160 (not shown) and the top layer right side 170 (not shown), thereby allowing the bottom layer to slide longitudinally within the L shaped brackets. In this embodiment, the open bracket 710 allows the bottom layer to slide along the bottom surface of the top layer's longitudinal axis therein. In one embodiment, the open bracket 710 also prevents lateral movement of the bottom layer in relation to the top layer and prevents the bottom layer from separating from the bottom surface of the top layer. In another embodiment, the bottom layer arch region 210 slides longitudinally within the open bracket 710. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the regions of the top layer include the top layer heel region 110, the top layer instep region 150, the top layer ball region 140, and the regions of the bottom layer including the bottom layer arch region 210, the bottom layer instep region 220, and the bottom layer ball region 250.
[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of another back view of a running shoe outsole 800, wherein the sides wrap inward and connect, creating a continuous sleeve or closed bracket 810 for the bottom layer to slide longitudinally therein. In this embodiment, the closed bracket 810 prevents lateral movement of the bottom layer in relation to the top layer and prevents the bottom layer from separating from the top layer. In an embodiment, the closed bracket 810 is located from the top layer arch region 120 (not shown) to the top layer heel region 110. In another embodiment, the closed bracket 810 is located at the top layer arch region 120 (not shown). As shown in FIG. 8, the regions of the top layer comprise the top layer heel region 110, the top layer instep region 150, the top layer ball region 140, and the top layer toe region 130 (not shown). In a further embodiment, the regions of the bottom layer, as shown in FIG. 8, include the bottom layer instep region 220 and the bottom layer ball region 250.
[0055] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a perspective view of the back end of a running shoe outsole having an open bracket 900. In an embodiment, the extended sides of the top surface extend downward and inward creating an open bracket 710 for the bottom layer to slide longitudinally therein. In an embodiment, the open bracket 710 prevents the bottom layer arch region 210 from moving laterally in relation to the top layer and separating from the top layer. In a further embodiment, the open bracket extends from the top layer arch region of 120 to the top layer heel region 110, wherein the bottom layer arch region 210 slides longitudinally within the open bracket 710. In an embodiment, the open bracket 710 is positioned at the top layer arch region 120.
[0056] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a perspective view of the back end of a running shoe outsole having a closed bracket 1000. In an embodiment, the top layer left side 160 (not shown) and the top layer right side 170 (not shown) extend downward, wrap inward, and connect forming a sleeve or closed bracket 810 for the bottom layer arch region 210 to slide longitudinally therein. In another embodiment, the closed bracket 810 extends from the top layer arch region 120 to the top layer heel region 110, wherein the bottom layer arch region 210 slides longitudinally therein. In an embodiment, the closed bracket 810 is located at the top layer arch region 120. In another embodiment, the closed bracket 810 prevents lateral movement of the bottom layer in relation to the top layer, and prevents the bottom layer arch region 210 from separating from the top layer.
[0057] Thus, exemplary embodiments of a running shoe outsoles have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. The terms comprises and comprising should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referred elements, components or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Furthermore, when a definition or use of a term as used herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the actual or commonly recognized definition of such term, the definition of that term as defined or used herein shall apply.
