US20100229426A1

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Publication number: US20100229426A1
Application number: US12/661,315
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen John Brown
Original assignee: New Balance Athletics Inc
Current assignee: New Balance Athletics Inc
Priority date: 2009-03-16
Filing date: 2010-03-15
Publication date: 2010-09-16

Abstract

A pair of shoes is provided that includes a left and a right shoe. The left shoe includes an upper having a left forefoot portion, the left forefoot portion having a lateral side with a portion thereof made of a first material and a medial side with a portion thereof made of a second material. The right shoe includes an upper having a right forefoot, the right forefoot having a medial side with a portion thereof made of the first material and a lateral side with a portion thereof made of the second material, wherein one of the first material and the second material provides more support than the other. The more supportive first material can include a polyurethane, such as TPU, a non-stretch synthetic material, or ceraprene. The second, less supportable material can be a light weight breathable mesh.

Description

This patent application claims priority to the provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/210,283, entitled “Pair of Athletic Shoes with Asymmetric Support Between the Uppers of the Pair,” filed on Mar. 16, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to athletic footwear. In particular, the present invention relates to athletic shoes having an improved upper used in sports that entail asymmetric movement of the feet, for example, track running.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Athletic footwear must provide stable and comfortable support for the foot. Specifically, it is important that the footwear be comfortable while providing adequate support during various foot movements associated with athletic activity. Athletic footwear typically includes an upper and a sole having a midsole and an outsole. Much attention has been paid to the construction of the sole of athletic footwear, which is often segmented and constructed of various materials constructed and positioned to provide suitable cushioning and stabilizing properties to the wearer. The standard upper, however, is typically constructed primarily of one kind of material, for example, one that is breathable and lightweight. Though this material may be comfortable, it often does not provide adequate support for an athlete. In addition, while a pair of shoes of any type typically includes a right shoe that is a mirror image of the left shoe in order to provide the same functionality to corresponding portions of each foot, this is not optimal for sports that require asymmetrical foot movement, such as track running.

Indoor track running facilities have evolved with various configurations and sizes. Often tracks incorporate banked curves in an attempt to compensate for body lean presumably to enhance running performance and/or reduce lower limb injuries. More specifically, it is thought that a banked curve puts less torque on the ankles and that it is easier to reach maximum speed without being injured. Since a banked track is built with an upward slope from the inner edge to the outer edge at a curve, asymmetric bilateral foot support conditions occur during curved running. Shoes do exist in which the soles of a left and right shoe have different characteristics, such as for bowling and curling. There does not exist a pair of shoes, however, with different uppers for use in sports requiring asymmetric foot support, such as running on a track.

Accordingly, a need exists for athletic shoes having shoe uppers adapted for sports involving asymmetric foot movements, such as banked track running. A need also exists for a pair of athletic shoes optimized for a particular sport involving asymmetric foot movements, where each shoe upper of the pair is designed for optimal support for each of the wearer's feet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an article of footwear adapted for sports involving asymmetric foot movements, such as banked track running. The present invention also provides a pair of athletic shoes optimized for a particular sport involving asymmetric foot movements, where each shoe upper of the pair is designed for optimal support of the wearer's corresponding foot.

To optimize such a pair of athletic shoes, the forces applicable to the different areas, of the shoe are considered. Different designs are provided for the lateral and medial portions of the shoe upper, in order to enhance flexibility, balance control, propulsion, stability and support in the specific areas where needed. This, in turn, provides improved performance and minimizes injuries.

In particular, the present invention provides a pair of shoes including a left shoe and a right shoe. The left shoe includes an upper having a left forefoot, the left forefoot having a lateral side, at least a portion thereof made of a first material, and a medial side, at least a portion thereof made of a second material. The right shoe has an upper having a right forefoot, the right forefoot having a medial side, at least a portion thereof made of the first material and a lateral side, at least a portion thereof made of the second material. One of the first and second materials is more supportive than the other. Support is thus provided asymmetrically to the wearer's feet.

In one aspect, the less supportive material includes a light weight breathable mesh.

In another aspect, the one of the first material and the second material first material that is more supportive can include one or more of polyurethane, a non-stretch synthetic material, and/or ceraprene.

The advantages and various features of the present invention will become apparent through the following description of various embodiments of the invention described in reference to the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE. DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top view of two panels of materials used to make a forefoot portion of an upper for a left shoe in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a top view of two panels of materials used to make a forefoot portion of an upper for a right shoe that pairs with the left shoe ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a representation of the forces on each foot when a runner is running on a banked track in a clockwise direction.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a left shoe in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a top view of a right shoe for pairing with the left shoe ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the left shoe ofFIG. 3B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of a pair of shoes of the present invention are described below with reference to the figures where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

Referring toFIGS. 1A and B, andFIG. 2, a pair of shoes is provided in one embodiment for running in a clockwise direction on a track, in particular, a track with at least a portion thereof banked. In this case, the inside or medial side of the left foot and the lateral or outer side of the right foot will endure more stress than their corresponding other sides (left lateral and right medial). Therefore, it is desirable to provide at least a portion of the medial upper of the left shoe and of the lateral upper of the right shoe with a more supportive structure than the corresponding portions of the left lateral upper and the right medial upper. The portions that do need support can be made of a lighter, breathable material, thus providing a lightweight shoe that provides support where needed.

In particular, referring toFIG. 1A, aforefoot portion114 of a left shoe upper110 includes alateral portion116 and amedial portion118. Thelateral forefoot portion116 and themedial forefoot portion118 are designed to function differently. Thelateral portion116 is formed of a first material which can be of a light breathable mesh material. Themedial portion118 is formed of a second material, which is of a more supportive, preferably nonstretch synthetic material.

Referring toFIG. 1B, aforefoot portion120 of a right shoe upper112 includes amedial portion122 and alateral portion124. Themedial forefoot portion122 and thelateral forefoot portion124 are designed to function differently. Themedial portion122 is formed of a first material which can be a light breathable mesh material providing decreased foot support compared to the lateral side. In one embodiment, the material of the right forefootmedial portion122 is the same material as utilized for the left forefootlateral portion116.

The rightforefoot lateral portion124 is formed of a second material which can be supportive non-stretch synthetic material providing increased foot support for the athlete running clockwise on a track, especially a banked track. In one embodiment, the material of the rightforefoot lateral portion124 is the same material as utilized for the left forefootmedial portion118.

The first material can be formed of lightweight breathable mesh materials, and can be a stretchable material. Any material can be used that is suitable for non-stress areas of the shoe upper. In one embodiment, the same light breathable mesh materials are utilized for the left forefootlateral side portion116 and the right forefootmedial side portion122. These are considered non-stress areas that do not require support when the athlete runs on a banked track such as shown inFIG. 2, in a clockwise direction.

The second material can be formed of any supportive material, preferably non-stretch synthetics, that can provide increased foot support in the areas of the foot that experience increased stress when the athlete is running on the track. In the embodiment represented inFIG. 2, the supportive material is formed over at least a substantial portion of the left forefoot medial118 and the rightforefoot lateral portion124, where most pressure is applied on the feet of the athlete running clockwise, especially while on the turns of a curved track. Possible supportive materials include non-stretch synthetics, ceraprene and polyurethane (PU), including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Another embodiment of a pair of shoes for running in a clockwise direction on a track is shown inFIGS. 3A,3B and4. A left upper311, as shown inFIG. 3A, includes aforefoot portion314, amidfoot portion317 and arearfoot portion325.

With further reference toFIG. 3A, leftforefoot portion314 further includes amedial forefoot portion316 and alateral forefoot portion318. Theleft midfoot317 includes amedial midfoot portion326 and alateral midfoot portion328; and therearfoot portion325 includes a medial330 and alateral rearfoot portion332.

In one embodiment as shown inFIG. 3A, a zone of support is provided in the shape of a band350 that includes the second supportive material. One end of the band is positioned centrally to a nominal position of the fifth metatarsal head in themedial forefoot portion316. The width of the band may also cover a portion of themedial midfoot326. The supportive band350 extends over the lacing area of the shoe to the leftlateral forefoot318, preferably ending adjacent the fifth phalange.

The first material including light breathable mesh materials can extend in the remaining area of theforefoot314 andmidfoot portions317.

With further reference toFIG. 3A, theleft shoe310 also includes aninsole342. Theleft shoe insole342 includes a heel area, which can be prepared of any suitable cushioning material.

An upper313 of a right shoe for pairing with the left shoe upper ofFIG. 3A is shown inFIG. 3B. The upper313 includes aright forefoot320, aright midfoot321 and aright rearfoot portion329.

With further reference toFIG. 3B,right forefoot320 further includes amedial forefoot322 and alateral forefoot portion324. Theright midfoot portion321 includes a medial334 and alateral midfoot portion336; and theright rearfoot portion329 includes a medial338 and alateral rearfoot portion340.

In one embodiment as shown inFIG. 3B, the second material including supportive synthetic material can be formed in the shape of a band355 as shown to provide a supportive zone. One end of the band is positioned centrally to a nominal position of the first metatarsal head in thelateral forefoot portion324. The width of the band may also cover a portion of thelateral midfoot336. The supportive band355 extends over the lacing area of the shoe to the rightmedial forefoot322, preferably ending adjacent the first phalange.

The first material including light breathable mesh materials can extend in the remaining area of theforefoot320 andmidfoot portions321.

With further reference toFIG. 3B, theright shoe312 also includes aninsole344. Theright shoe insole344 includes a heel area that can be formed of any suitable cushioning material.

FIG. 4 is a lateral side view of theleft shoe310 ofFIG. 3B. The light weight breathable mesh material extends over most of the lateral forefoot and midfoot. A supportive material such as a non-stretch synthetic covers the heel in the rearfoot portion. In one embodiment, this supportive heel section wraps around to the medial rearfoot side. A sole446 of theleft shoe310 is coupled to the upper. A plurality ofspikes450 are coupled or otherwise attached to a forefoot portion of anoutsole448 for gripping a running surface. The spikes can be arranged in any pattern suitable for the particular activity for which the shoe is intended. Likewise, a plurality of spikes is also suitably arranged and coupled to a forefoot portion of an outsole of the right shoe.

While various embodiments and individual features of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As will also be apparent to those skilled in the art, various combinations of the embodiments and features taught in the foregoing description are possible and can result in preferred executions of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A pair of shoes comprising:

a left shoe including an upper having a left forefoot portion, the left forefoot portion having a portion thereof made of a first material and a medial side having a portion thereof made of a second material; and

a right shoe including an upper having a right forefoot, the right forefoot having a medial side having a portion thereof made of the first material and a lateral side having a portion thereof made of the second material, wherein one of the first material and the second material provides more support than the other.

2. The pair of shoes ofclaim 1, wherein the other of the first material and the second material is a light weight breathable mesh.

3. The pair of shoes ofclaim 1, wherein the one of the first material and the second material first material includes a polyurethane.

4. The pair of shoes ofclaim 1, wherein the one of the first material and the second material includes a non-stretch synthetic material.

5. The pair of shoes ofclaim 1, wherein the one of the first material and the second material includes ceraprene.

6. The pair of shoes ofclaim 1, the left shoe and the right shoe each including a sole coupled to the corresponding upper, each sole having a forefoot portion, wherein a plurality of spikes are coupled to each of the forefoot portions, the plurality of spikes adapted and positioned on each of the left shoe and the right shoe for optimally gripping a particular running surface.