WO1998027839A1

WO1998027839A1 - Device for a shoe

Info

Publication number: WO1998027839A1
Application number: PCT/SE1997/002206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Svante Berggren
Original assignee: Svante Berggren
Priority date: 1996-12-23
Filing date: 1997-12-23
Publication date: 1998-07-02
Also published as: DK0964625T3; ES2231900T3; AU5506698A; US6393735B1; EP0964625B1; DE69731487T2; DE69731487D1; ATE281086T1; EP0964625A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a shoe (2) which preferably is intended for running, but also suitable for other moving athletic sports as well as walking and outdoor life. According to the invention, the shoe as seen from below includes a straight, bowed, to circular sole design. When seen in a side view, the shoe exhibits a sole profile with a break edge (9) at the front part of the sole part of the forefoot. The sole members, forefoot (7) and heel (8) may be varied in distance, height, diameter, alternatively length and width. The frame, sole and sole parts of the shoe are substantially stiff to completely stiff.

Description

Device for a shoe

The present invention relates to a device for a shoe which preferably is intended for running and which exhibits a frame and an underlying sole.

The shoes which are used today for competition or exercise running usually includes a substantially flat and flexible sole, at which the shoe also exhibits a large weight. According to an investigation, the average weight was about 350 gram per shoe.

This results m that the risk for damages w ll be large due to for example incorrect positioning of the shoes wnen contacting the ground-level plan and that you can not to a maximum exploit the dynamic forces that are generated during the time in which the shoes are used for running.

The main object of the present invention is therefore primarily to solve said problems with efficiently and securely functioning shoes by its construction so that its material, shape and function co-operates for an optimum use of bio- mechanical laws, angles, shapes and forces.

The aforementioned object is achieved by means of a device m accordance with the present invention which is primarily characterized m that the frame comprises a front toe member which is principally rigid m a downward direction and that the sole is formed by a number of arched members the front part of which exhibiting a break edge which is arranged to provide fall function for the shoe after its contact with and roll off along a surface.

The specific geometry of the invention regarding the contact of the shoe with the surface and the general construction of the shoe among others shall m the following be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, m which

Fig 1 shows m perspective, the main part of a shoe according to the invention seen diagonally from below and from behind,

Fig 2 shows schematic side view of the shoe m an operational position of rest,

Fig 3 shows m perspective the shoe seen diagonally from below and from the front, Fig 4 shows the shoe m operational upwards pivoted position of tipping,

Fig 5 shows an example of the shoe schematically shown from below,

Fig 5A shows a side view of the bottom part of the shoe,

Fig 5B shows examples of loose attachable wear sole elements,

Fig 5C shows the wear sole elements seen from below,

Fig 5D shows a side view of the bottom part of the shoe with exchangeable circular wear sole elements,

Fig 6 shows schematically a removable attached toe part,

Fig 6A and 6B shows different attachable circular sole members and their variable attachments, Fig 7 shows schematically the function of a conventional shoe during running,

Fig 8 shows the object of the invention m shown function of running,

Fig 9 shows the weight distribution of the shoe, and Fig 10-12 shows the Principe with the present shoe according to the running wheel, the balance and the circle. According to the invention, which relates to a device 1 for a shoe 2, which preferably is intended for running and which exhibits a frame 3 and an underlying sole 4, the frame 3 includes a front toe part 5 which is principally rigid and m certain cases completely rigid m direction downwards 6 but preferably also m the direction upwards 11. Further, the sole 4 is formed bye a number of arched members 7, 8 the front part 7A of which is provided with a break edge 9 which is arranged to provide a fall function for the shoe 2 after its contact with and roll off from along a surface 10, for example as Fig 4 shows .

The toe part 5 is arranged to extend from straight shape to upward bent shape 11 m angle X between about 0° and 50° from the remaining part 12 of the frame 3 along a straight transverse line 13, and which toe part may be arranged detachable attached to said rigid frame 12, which for example is shown m Fig 6 by means of for example screw 14 or other means of attachment .

The transverse frame line 13 crosses the front arched sole member 7 between its middle and front edge 9. It is also possible to make a completely straight frame 3 with straight toe part 5.

The sole 4 is preferably formed by two at mutual distances A from each other located lying circular sole members 7, 8, which may decrease m height H m the direction towards the toe 5 and heel part 14 of the respective shoe. Furthermore, the sole members 7, 8 may exhibit an arched shape or a distinct difference of level along its longitudinal dimension and exhibits substantially equal thickness and are comparatively elastic downwards, while its frames are rigid. The shoe frame 3 preferably consists of composite material, so called prepreg which is included among epoxyl resin impregnated carbon, glass, or aramide fibres.

Lids 15, 16 with suitable shape are preferably arranged to close the arched sole members 7, 8 m the direction downwards preferably consisting of carbon fibre material or other rigid or elastic material.

Thereby is at least the front of the two arched sole members 7, 8 journalled rotary movable, preferably by means of binding bearings 17 which are circular distributed and radial displaced for adapting to between them receive arched sole members 7 , 8 of varying diameter and/or to be attached on different radial displaced locations. The frame 3, which may be formed by a not shown loose insert into the casing of the shoe 18, or be adapted to be attached to a foot 19 by means of not shown catching belts, a casing or a shoe shaped receiving member 18.

The aforementioned arched members 7, 8 may vary in stiffness from to be everything from substantially to completely stiff and that the frame 3 and/or the sole 4 is completely stiff. It is also possible to attach those at existing shoes.

As is illustrated m Fig 8, the breaking effect of the shoe will be substantially smaller than with a conventional shoe and that the centre 20 of gravity is close to the vertical line 21. Further, the sole pads 15, 16 may be adapted to be clamped to the sole frames 7, 8 by means of an all round going flange 22 alternatively attached by means of for example screws 23.

The sole profiles 7, 8 may vary by exhibiting all from straight shape to circular shape with interjacent suitable shapes, like arched shape at which the formed straight or arched break edge 9 extends across the longitudinal length of the shoe and that for occurring arched break edge, this is turned towards the toe part or the heel part of the shoe.

The toe part 5 may also have a straight shape or may be arched as the drawings show.

The entire or at least the toe part 5 of the frame 3 is at least substantially rigid m the direction downward 6 but may vary up to being completely rigid and thus inflexible. For this object, the entire or at least the toe part 5 of the frame 3 may also be from substantially to completely rigid m the direction upwards 11, m order to allow the frame 3 and its toe part 5 to cooperate with the support when the toe part gets into contact with the surface 10.

Furthermore, such a frame 3, which have been made m accordance with the above described with appurtenant toe part 5 may be arranged receivable in a conventional shoe wherein sole members 7, 8 according to the above described may be attachable under such a conventional shoe.

A combination of the specified characteristics are also possible to apply at more or less conventional or according to the invention realized shoes with reference to the frame 3 and the sole 4.

In Fig 5D is shown how a moulded sole 4 which exhibits m pairs downwards turned receptacle circles 24, 25 m which parts of replaceable circle profiles 7 , 7 , and 8 , 8 , respectively may be attached by means of for example a screw 23

Technical properties for the shoe m accordance with the present invention: Weight :

60-80 gram/shoe probably makes the object of the invention the worlds lightest running shoe. To compare with e.g. Michael Johnson's gold shoes from Atlanta Olympics which weighted 94 gram/shoe.

341 gram is the average weight for 19 different running shoes year model 1996. Rad & Rons shoe test, nr 6-7 1996 presents the leading market companies best products. With these shoe weights, the Marathon runner lifts about 8600 kg. With the object of the invention, the corresponding sum will be only about 1700 kg. The difference is enormous. The significance of the weight has definitely been underrated by the shoe industry. The low weight naturally leads to energy savings and thereby results/time- savings . The low weight is also a very important factor for preventing injuries. Materials and construction in accordance with the circle principle is the prerequisite for the extremely light object of the invention.

Stability: A stable, from completely inflexible to substantially inflexible sole construction. The running wheel principle requires, in order to work, a shoe which is inflexible in accordance with the above. The profile of the sole, balanced in accordance with the balance principle, and designed in accordance with the circle principle, results in a total of a very efficient shoe. The step cycle of the object of the invention, the suspended phase, the foot contact support phase, push away phase/extension phase will be very fast, energy saving and preventing injuries. Speed:

0.70-0.80 sek faster/100 m is the object of the invention m comparison with a normal running shoe. The minimal weight and the design according to the three basic principles leads to an optimum use of the bio-mechanical laws. This provides the increased speed. The fact is that traditional sole materials shock absorb away energy and speed.

The three basic principles of the obiect of the invention A The principle of the running wheel comprising a circular inflexible sole profile with break edge The ground contact will be very fast because the centre of gravity of the body coincides with the vertical line above the point of support. See fig 8-10. B The principle of the balance. The object of the invention may be balanced by adjusting the circle of the forefoot and the circle of the heel m distance, angles, height and diameter. It is then possible to run on so called "falling centre of gravity" , which the sprint runner does m the moment of starting and accelerating. In the upright running the foot subsequently passes the vertical line and a braking moment is created. With the object of the invention, it is possible to maintain the "falling centre of gravity" or m centre of gravity/vertical line where no breaking moment exists. See Fig 11.

C. The principle of the circle. The contact surfaces of the sole against the ground consists of "lying circles". Here is the relationship of the circle to forces applicable. Independent of the point where the circle meets forces, during foot insertion - support - or the phase of pushing away/extension, the force of movement creates a counter force which then goes through the centre point of the circle. The feeling of stability, balance and concentrated force to the middle point of the shoe is substantial. That the circles in forefoot and heel functions independently from each other and that the shape are precisely circles, probably reduces the spreading of the shock in the foot, lower part of the leg knee and hip. See fig 12.

Ground contact

"Barefooted, without stockings and shoes...." The words of the song describes exactly the feeling created when running with the object of the invention. The feeling of barefoot ! Perhaps the inherent supreme capacity of the foot for solutions is better preserved in the object of the invention than in the normal running shoe? An ability for solutions that the foot has developed over millions of years!

a) Insertion of the foot. Irrespective of the fact that where and how the insertion of the foot occurs, the circles normalise and stabilise the insertion of the foot. Injuries upon the Achilles tendon may be reduced radically. Problems with pronation and supination will not at all arise. See the principle of the circle Fig 12.

b) Support phase The short support phase is the result of the three basic principles. Shock absorption is the short support phase. In traditional shock absorbing the step sinks down in the support phase during too long time, as in bog/marsh running. The object of the invention uses the intrinsic power of the running step, the step does not have time to sink but gets a direct response, which in asphalt running involves a quick support phase and provides energy saving, fast and injury preventing running . c) Push off/extension phase The inflexible sole material meets the forces of the running step. The equal height of the sole in both forefoot and heel provides an optimal leverage. In the built up heel of normal running shoes the foot in the contact with the ground lands in permanent "downhill slope" or with too much heel insertion and thereby large risk of injury. The sole profile with its break edge render the running step a more horizontal direction. The Olympic champion Vebjorn Rodal has made positive statements concerning a more horizontal step. During the World Championship in Gόteborg, bio-mechanical investigations were made among the best triple jumpers (Friidrott nr 10 1995, Erik Simonsen, Denmark and others) The study shows the importance of horizontal direction of movement. Jonathan Edwards has lower projection angles in the three steps than the fellow competitors. In the contact with the ground, the jump foot strikes on or near the vertical line. This results in maintained speed through the jump and besides a world record as expected. The construction of the object of the invention naturally leads to the following chain reaction; High heel, the feeling of "running high", low angle of push off - more level, longer step - maintained or increased step frequency. A simple explanation of why the time-savings are as large as 0.70 - 0.80 sek/100 m.

Injury preventing

The descriptions in the above points are altogether injury preventive descriptions. Daily practical training with the object of the invention shows no records of injuries. An important addition is that the circular shape of the shoe in the contact surface against the support may reduce rotational injuries m for example soccer. The foot is easier to rotate without getting stuck m the surface. Also, the object of the invention more easily follows rapid directional changes like for example indoor bandy. Here the low weight s also a large benefit. The less weight a part of the body has m its outer positions, the less risk for injuries related to overloading. An old truth which the shoe industry has completely forgotten. This fact shows the altogether too heavy work shoes, leisure time shoes and running shoes. We must remember that the foot during large parts of the running step is positioned m outer positions, far away from the centre of the body.

Material The sole construction with the two circles are preferably built up from thin carbon fibre. Weight 35-50 gram. Carbon fibre is surely no end product but there are certainly lighter materials with the same strength. The upper part of the shoe can be made very simple. Weight 10-15 gram. It may consist of a reinforced sock, Velcro closing or other simple buckles. The above complemented with rubber or spikes on the contact surfaces, results in a total weight of 60-80 gram/shoe.

The basic material composite material, is so called prepreg, i.e. an impregnated fibre of carbon fibre, glass or aramide fibre which is impregnated with a certain amount of epoxyl resin, in order to obtain an optimum result both with regard to weight and strength. Curing takes place m an autoclave, i.e. a pressurised oven with control of vacuum, pressure and temperature. The result provides an unbeatable laminate m strength as well as m weight (extremely light) . Rubber material, so called Trekollan disc 90 2-3 mm provides the wear surface which forms the contact to the support. Velcro closings or simple casing adapted to the shape of the foot is the means of attachment which is suitably used for an extremely light construction.

Tests :

My earlier tests with running gave indirectly early the idea of a completely changed running shoe. During the latest two years, my daily running training was completely focused on developing the object of the invention. Objectively by time, pulse, step measuring, video and photo documentation. All in comparison between a large number of models and brands of normal running shoes. Subjectively through "running feeling", this important concept which has listened to the reactions of the foot and thereby has guided adjustments of angles, distances, sole heights and diameters m a total of 35 variants. The object of the invention is probably no end product but is only m the beginning of a series of positive events of development .

Future

Future with the object of the invention is the world star, sprint - middle-distance - long-distance runner who improves world records with the object of the invention. The future is also to perform scientific tests and analyses m laboratory environment. That my hypotheses are assessed, that the bio-mechanical facts are elucidated, that world record runner feet perform the practical tests with the object of the invention. See opportunities ...

"Some feet wants willingly to win..."

The object of the invention for elite: sprint, medium, long-distance running, orienteering, team and racket sports. "... others only wants to enjoy the experience"

The object of the invention for exercise: Jogging, walking and leisure time.

Weight

Conventional shoes object of the invention

Leisure time/Jogging 350 g -"- 70 g

Competition/spike shoes 200- -"- 70 g

94 g

Walking 1.5-2 kg -"- 400 g

A 5 times reduced weight involves large energy profits, increased speed and is injury preventing.

The circles stabilise the insertion of the foot and the push off, directs forces through the centre point, normalises pronation and supmation.

Short support phase is shock absorbing which replaces traditional shock absorbing material by the rapid roll off to push off phase and the hard inflexible carbon fibre which is not exhausting or miss -setting. The centre of gravity goes through or m front of the vertical line means that no brake action takes place.

The push off takes place quickly and energy saving. Running may be performed with "high heel" which then results m a more horizontal running, with longer push off angles. Furthermore, the shoe roll off provides 3 cm gam m distance for each step. Totally a gain time of at least 0.70 sek/lOOm.

A technical revolution also for running, like the advancements which have been made jumping, throwing and other athletic sports. The running wheel, balance, and circle principle provides these possibilities. All angles m insertion of foot and push off provides optimum effect.

Injury preventing technique and material. By minimum weight of the more or less circular path of the foot during a running step reduces the loading m the extreme positions.

Pronation (uneven weight distribution of the inside of the foot) or supmation (uneven weight distribution of the outside of the foot) is almost completely avoided by the hard material of the shoe, quick roll off and equal sole height heel and forefoot. The object of the invention provides a natural, easy step with "barefoot feeling" .

Advantages :

I. Light, 60-90 gram II. Stable, inflexible

III. Fast, the worlds fastest = Rolling wheel principle causes foot insertion to occur on or behind the vertical line and that you run on a "falling" centre of gravity. This relationship causes the foot to move itself 3 cm forward during insertion of foot-support phase to full push off effect. The gam time will as said before be 0.60-0.70 seconds per 100 m in comparison with a normal running shoe.

IV. The forces are equally distributed towards the centre and the circle shape makes this possible. Irrespective of the fact that the direction is forward, the force arrows goes back through the centre point of the circle. This reduces the risk for rotational injuries while the foot/shoe may very easily change direction.

V. A horizontal, more flat running step.

VI. Measurable alterations balance-centre of gravity- vertical line by changes the angles of the sole profile, the diameters of the circles, the height and distance between the circle on the forefoot and the circle on the heel.

VII. Optimum leverage in the push off. Equal sole height forefoot-heel, or with somewhat lower heel. VIII. Correctly balanced and the sock idea is altogether possible which may result the lightest shoe the world.

IX. Injury preventing. Forget problems with pronation and supmation. The rigid inflexible sole with efficient roll off according to "tipping", "balance", or "falling" centre of gravity eliminates calf, Achilles tendon, foot injuries.

X. No expensive upper side. Lightest possible material = sock with reinforced heel.

Disadvantages/difficult es Levelling the angles, the relationship between forefoot and heel circles, height, diameter is more delicate than what may be recorded from common running tests. Therefore, it is required devices which more exactly can register advantages with different angles. Levelling according to the above results in that it may become easy to "get stuck" in the support phase.

Form and function

The material composite according to the above is a part of the sole construction of the shoe where the foot rests against, as well as the support elements which are attached under the sole and are placed m a front part and a heel part. The sole part is m the front part angled up, called, "bent toe" ex 45-50 degrees. The support element are circular, ex diameter of 6-10 cm, with a height of 0.5 - 3 cm. The lower part of the circles constitutes the wear surface, i.e. the surface which is contact with the surface.

The means of attachment, the upper part of the shoe is composed of a Velcro closing or a casing.

The side profile, the different heights of the circle and "upwards bent toe" provides the object of the invention with the unique possibility of using bio-mechanical laws as basic principle.

A. The running wheel principle and basic principle B shows that the support elements, the horizontal lying circles which precisely is circular is partly that the strength increases but above all that bio-mechanical principles are used optimally. Acting for reducing the break effect (retardation) with 50% m comparison with the normal shoe, that the support phase time span is reduced with 25% and that the acceleration force increases with 60%. Here the forces and the angles cooperate with the inflexible construction. Here is again referred to the basic principles and its importance for the entire step cycle, insertion of the foot, support phase and push off phase. Summary A. The extremely low weight, 70-90 gram per shoe, energy saving i.e. about 6 tons less to lift during a marathon race m comparison with a traditional running shoe.

B. The foot insertion which always involve a brake action is here reduced with 50%. Besides, the circle construction and the hard material makes it impossible that the foot is pronated = uneven weight distribution inwards and supinated = uneven weight distribution for the foot outwards.

C. The support phase,' which comprises the 300-400 milliseconds which a foot carries the weight of the body and movement. Bio-mechanical laws act here with a 50% shorter support phase time than with a traditional shoe.

D. The push off phase involves the support phase as well as the last part further on to where the foot leaves the surface. Here the acceleration force increases with 60%. E. Injury preventing. In many contexts, the weight is an important factor with reference to injury preventing activities. This also is true for a shoe which works far away from the centre of the body. The extremely low weight as well as the shape of the shoe, the material and the function which is based upon bio-mechanical principles, all this is injury preventing. The specific geometry of the invention with reference to contact surfaces towards the ground-level plan as well as the general construction shall be explained more in detail in the following. The invention consists of a support element and a primary and a secondary heel respectively. The support element is by means of a geometry which is adapted to its purpose intended to provide adequate basis/support concerning the arch of the foot . Support elements may be fixed at the foot by means of predestined fixing means, e.g. so called Velcro closings or in particular - after existing foot - anatomically adapted casing. At the support element may also be fixed an - adapted after the arch of the foot - comparatively elastic sole.

Primary heel and secondary heel is characterized in radial truncated conical elements, which contain geometrically predestined cavities. The radial truncated elements, primary heel 7 and secondary heel 8 are joined together with the support element. The purpose of the radial truncation of the heels 7, 8, shall be explained m more detail m the following.

The primary heel 7, and the secondary heel 8, are oriented/designed according to a predestined relationship which is based upon the - m relation to the ground- level plan - vertical strike angle of the foot/shoe as well as kinetic components concerning biophysical kinetic energy

During insertion under movement, against the ground- level plan of the primary heel 7 and in a later stage the secondary heel 8, is generated by means of specific radial truncation a propelling circular movement, which moves the foot/shoe the intended direction. Heels, 7, 8, may be coated, at the contact surface towards the ground-level plan, with shock absorbing/comparatively elastic material.

In this manner is obtained - m comparison with existing shoes - a self-acting movement generated by means of the existing kinetic energy, kinetic energy of impact as well as the radial shaping of the heels, 7, 8, towards the ground-level plane .

The invention is not limited to the above described and in the drawings shown embodiment but may be varied within the scope of the claims without departing from the concept of the invention.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. A device (1) for a shoe (2) which preferably is intended for running and exhibiting a frame (3) and an underlying sole (4), characterized in that the frame (3) includes a front toe part (5) which is principally rigid m a downward direction (6) and that the sole (4) is formed by a number of arched members (7, 8) the front part (7A) of which exhibiting a break edge (9) which is arranged to provide fall function for the shoe (2) after its contact with and roll off along a surface (10) .

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the toe part (5) is arranged to extend from straight shape to upward bent (11) shape angle from the remaining part (12) of the frame (3) along a straight transverse line (13) .

3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transverse frame line (13) crosses the front arched sole member (7) between its middle and front edge.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the sole (4) is formed by two at mutual distances (A) from each other located lying circular sole members (7, 8) .

5. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the two circular sole members (7, 8) decrease height (H) m the direction towards the toe and heel part (5, 14) respectively of the shoe .

6. A device according to any one of claims 4-5, characterized in that the sole members (7, 8) are arched or exhibit a distinct difference of level along its longitudinal dimension.

7. A device according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that the sole members (7, 8) exhibit substantially equal thickness and are comparatively elastic downwards, while its frames are rigid.

8. A device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the frame (3) consists of composite material, so called prepreg which is included among epoxy resin impregnated carbon, glass or aramide fibres.

9. A device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that preferably circular lids (15, 16) are arranged to close the arched sole members in the direction downwards (6) preferably consisting of carbon fibre material.

10. A device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that at least the front arched sole member (7) is journalled rotary movable, preferably by means of binding bearings (17) which are circular distributed and radial displaced for adapting to arched sole members (7, 8) of varying diameter and/or to be attached on different radial displaced locations .

11. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (3) is arranged to be attached to a foot (19) by means of catching belts, a casing (18) or a shoe shaped receiving member (18) .

12. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said arched sole members (7, 8) are detachable attachable to the shoe at its bottom side.

13. A device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the frame (3) is substantially rigid along the entire distance between the heel (14) and the toe (5) .

14. A device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that said arched members (7, 8) are substantially rigid.

15. A device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the frame (3) and/or the sole (4) is completely rigid.

16. A device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the frame (3) may be formed by a loose insert in the casing (18) of the shoe.

17. A device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the sole members (7, 8) may be applied under conventional shoes and/or that a hole or at least the toe part (5) of a frame (3) the stiffness of which is at least stiff in the direction at least downwards (6) but preferably also in the direction upwards (11) but which may be completely stiff may be applied into conventional shoes.

18. A device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the frame (3) is formed by a loose insert into a conventional shoe, and that sole members (7, 8) separately or together with the frame (3) are arranged to be attached under a conventional shoe.

19. A device (1) for a shoe (2) which preferably is intended for running and exhibiting a frame (3) and an underlying sole (4), characterized in that the frame (3) includes a front toe part (5) the stiffness of which may be everything from substantially to completely stiff, at least in the direction downwards (6) and that the sole is formed by a number of sole members the front sole part of which is straight exhibiting a break edge which is arranged to provide fall function for the shoe after its contact and roll off along a surface .