WO1998035573A1

WO1998035573A1 - Shoe apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO1998035573A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/002799
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason Shand
Original assignee: Jason Shand
Priority date: 1997-02-13
Filing date: 1998-02-09
Publication date: 1998-08-20
Also published as: AU6163498A

Abstract

A shoe (10) is comprised of a tongue (20) and an ankle wrap portion (30). One or more straps (60, 66) are permanently connected to the tongue (20) and are adapted to be hooked or buttoned to hook receivers (82A-C) or button receivers (106A-D) on the tongue. A springy unit (130) comprised of one or more layers of durable, foldable, flexible material (120, 122, 124, 126) are provided in a heel portion of the shoe. When an individual steps on the heel portion, the springy unit compresses and an opposite force is exerted by the springy unit causing energy to be returned to the user. A magnetic section (190, 192) is provided and arranged so that when the heel portion is compressed like magnetic poles are forced towards each other to provide an opposite resisting force and thus energy return. The magnetic field may be provided by using an electrical current to generate a magnetic field. The electrical current may be generated by a 'spark' circuit (220) or by a simple battery circuit. Pressure release cylinders (200, 300) provide additional shock absorption.

Description

SHOE APPARATUS AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for constructing comfortable shock absorbing shoes, particularly athletic shoes.

Background of the Invention

Various shoes are known m the art which include mechanisms for reducing strain on the human foot or returning energy to the individual wearing the shoe. For example, Seiner, U.S. patent 4,187,620 discloses coil springs 34 which return energy to an individual when he presses down on a shoe. (Seiner, Figs. 3 and 4). Johnson et al . , U.S. patent 4,446,634 discloses a first bladder 18 and a second bladder 20 connected by conduits. Fluid flows from one bladder to another to provide shock absorption. (Johnson, Col. 3, In. 5 - 40, Figs. 1 and 2) .

Summary of the Invention

The present invention m some embodiments provides a more comfortable and durable shoe that preferably absorbs shocκs and returns energy to an individual wearing it. The present invention allows shoe wearers to walk, run, ump, or leap more smoothly and with minimum shock experience. The shoe wearer will also preferably receive extra height or distance on ^umps or leaps .

In one embodiment the shoe is comprised of a tongue and an ankle wrap portion. One or more straps are permanently connected to the tongue and are adapted to be hooked or buttoned to hook receivers or button receivers on the ankle wrap portion. In addition, preferably one or more straps are permanently connected to the ankle wrap portion and are adapted to be hooked or buttoned to hook receivers or button receivers on the tongue of the shoe. This provides a balanced strapping approach which gives greater comfort to an individual wearing the shoe and results in less wear and tear on the shoe.

In another embodiment, a springy unit is provided comprised of one or more broad, foldable, flexible layers of material, and preferably a cavity. The springy unit is preferably in a capsule form. The broad aspect, i.e. larger surface area of the material, provides greater balance in absorbing energy and returning energy to the user than for example the coil spring as shown in the prior art . The broad layers of material preferably extend over the majority of the heel portion of the shoe with the exception of cavities, gaps, or spaces, for release of air upon compression. The springy unit is preferably located in a heel portion of the sole portion of the shoe. When an individual steps on the heel portion, the flexible layers of material are compressed and forced together, the cavity collapses, and an opposite force is exerted by the springy unit causing energy to be returned to the user. The "foldable" portions of flexible material which comprise the springy unit of embodiments of the present invention can be in a zig-zag form or a pleated form or a capsule form, which may be an insertable unit, or all of the foregoing .

In another embodiment, a magnetic section is provided in the neel portion of the sole portion of the shoe, preferably within a springy unit. The magnetic section is arranged so that when the heel portion is compressed like magnetic poles are forced towards each other. The like magnetic poles provide an opposite resisting force and thus return energy to the user of the shoe. The magnetic field may also be provided or the magnetic field increased by using an electrical current to generate a magnetic field. The electrical current may be generated by a "spark" circuit such as used m cigarette lighters or by a simple battery circuit. Preferably when the heel portion of the shoe is compressed tne spar circuit generates a sparK causing an electrical current which generates a magnetic field.

In another embodiment one or more pressure release cylinders are provided preferably extending upwardly on the back of the ankle wrap portion of the shoe. The pressure release cylinders include pellets which allow the release of a specified amount of air as the springy unit is compressed. The pressure release cylinders preferably leave some air in the cavity of tne springy unit at fall compression so that tne springy un t s n a buoyant, shock absorbing, and bouncy state.

In another embodiment the springy unit, the pressure release cylinders, and one or more other characteristics can be supplied m an shoe exterior skeleton structure which can be applied to shoes known m the prior art. The exterior skeleton shell embodiment would preferably not include a front portion or a tongue so that it could fit easily underneath a shoe. The exterior skeleton embodiment allows a shoe of the prior art to be converted to a shoe that absorbs shock and returns energy. Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a shoe m accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the dashed section ABCDEF of the shoe m Fig. 1 without the electronic portion of the shoe snown;

Fig. 3 illustrates a pleated section for use with the shoe of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section view of the dashed section ABCDEF of the shoe of Fig. 1 with the electronic portion of the snoe also shown;

Fig. 5 shows the back of a heel portion and ankle wrap portion of tne shoe of Fig. 1 including electronic portion and two pressure release cylinders;

Fig. 6 shows a wire around the magnets to be placed m the heel portion to make the magnetic field stronger;

Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of a sole section of the shoe of Fig. 1 with tension breakers and the electrical portion;

Figs. 8-13 show the oack of various forms of heel portions for a shoe m accordance with the present invention;

Figs. 14-16 demonstrate how the heel portion of the shoe is compressed;

Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of a shoe exterior skeleton embodiment m accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and

Fig. 18 shows a shoe material, a portion of a shoe exterior skeleton structure and, means for connecting the two. Detailed Description of the Drawings

The term "shoe" is used m the broadest sense m this application and refers to any type of footwear, including athletic footwear, sneakers, boots, ski boots, and dress snoes .

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a shoe 10 m accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shoe 10 comprises tongue 20, ankle wrap portion 30, front portion 40, and a sole section 50. The sole section 50 is comprised of a heel portion 52 and a toe portion 54. The shoe 10 is also comprised of pressure release cylinders 200 and 300.

Tongue 20 has pleated sections 22 and 24 to its left and right sides. The pleated sections 22 and 24 allow for flexibility in moving an individuals ankle without damaging other parts of the tongue 20 or the ankle wrap portion 30. The pleated sections 22 and 24 also allow the user to easily insert his foot into tne shoe 10. The tongue 20 is shown connected to the ankle wrap portion 30 by the pleated sections 22 and 24, however, the tongue 20 may De pnysically separate or unconnected from the anκ_e wrap portion 30

The tongue 20 and ankle wrap portion 30 have preferably alternating straps attached to them. This means that the top most strap 60 is preferably permanently connected to the tongue 20, such as by glue or m any other known manner, the next strap 62 is preferably permanently connected to the ankle wrap portion 30, the next strap 64 is preferably permanently connected to the tongue 20, and the lowest strap 66 is preferably permanently connected to the ankle wrap portion 30. The alternating approacn provides a balanced fit and reduces the wear and tear on both the tongue 20 and ankle wrap portion 30.

The strap 60 ends in a hook 70. The strap 64 includes buttons 94A, 94B, 94C, and 94D. Hook receivers 82A, 82B, and 82C and button receivers 106A, 106B, 106C, and 106D, are also connected to the tongue 20 by gluing or in some other known manner .

The ankle wrap portion 30 includes hook receivers 80A, 80B, and 80C. The hook 70 can be placed in any of the three hook receivers 80A, 80B, or 80C, to secure the shoe 10 to an individual's foot. The ankle wrap portion 30 also includes straps 62 and 66, and button receivers 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D. The strap 62 includes a hook 72 which can be secured from the ankle wrap portion 30 to one of the hook receivers 82A, 82B, or 82C on the tongue 20. The strap 64 can be secured from the tongue 20 to the ankle wrap portion 30 by snapping in place one or more cf the buttons 94A, 94B, 94C, and 94D with the button receivers 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D. For example, buttons 94A, 94B, 94C, and 94D could be snapped onto button receivers 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D, respectively, providing a four button connection. The strap 66 can be secured from the ankle wrap portion 30 to the tongue 20 by snapping in place one or more of the buttons 96A, 96B, 96C, and 96D on the strap 66 with one or more of the button receivers 106A, 106B, 106C, and 106D. For example buttons 96A, 96B, 96C, and 96D could be snapped onto button receivers 106A, 106B, 106C, and 106D respectively, providing a four button connection.

A pleated tension breaker 42 runs across the top of front section 40, and down along the sides of front section 40, terminating at the sole section 50. The pleated tension breaker is preferably made of a flexible plastic strip or rubber, but also can be made of the material of portions 44 and 46 or shoe uppers as known m the art, and an example of pleated tension breaker 42 is shown in Fig. 3. The pleated tension breaker 42 joins together portions 44 and 46 of the front section 40 of the shoe 1C . Any material known in the art can be used for portions 44 and 46. The pleated tensions breaker 42 shown in Fig. 3, is comprised of junction section 42A, flexible section 42B, and junction section 42C. Junction sections 42A and 42C are connected to portions 44 and 46, respectively by glue or any other means. The entire pleated tension breaker 42 is preferably uniform and can be made of rubber, plastic, or metal. In any case, the pleated tension breaker 42 is preferably flexible and thus permits the front section 40 to bend or flex without damaging or causing any other creases in the front section 40 when the heel portion 52 of the sole section 50 of the shoe 10 is raised by an individual, while the toe portion 54 remains on the ground. Front section 40 may otherwise be of a form known in the art. A tension breaker such as tension breaker 42 can also be placed at the back of the ankle wrap portion 30, near the heel portion 52 of the sole section 50. This area is also known in the art as the back upper. An example of such a pleated tension breaker for the back portion of an ankle wrap portion is shown m Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a skeleton structure but the pleated tension breaker 835 can be applied to a shoe alone. As shown in Fig. 1, the sole section 50 is divided roughly into a heel portion 52 and a toe portion 54 by a slit 56. The slit 56 is located at the bottom of the sole section 50 and is used to allow the toe portion 54 to stay on the ground, and to allow the sole section 50 to flex easily, while the heel portion 52 is lifted up m the air.

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view along lines ABCDEF of the heel portion 52 of the shoe 10 along with the pressure release cylinder 200. The heel portion 52 includes a cushion layer 150 and a traction layer 152. The cushion layer 150 may be any material known m the art for providing a soft cushion for direct contact with the Dottom of an individual's foot. The traction layer 152 may preferably oe any material known m tne art for providing traction at the bottom of the sole of a shoe but for other uses, such as dress snoes, may be a layer which does not provide traction. The material for the traction layer 152 may be synthetic rubber.

The neel portion 52 shown in Fig. 2 is also comprised of flexible layers 120, 122, 124, and 126. Flexible layers 120, 122, 124, and 126 along with cavity 128, which is the air space Decween tne flexible layers 120, 122, 124, and 126, form a "springy" elastic unit 130 wnich when compressed, preferably into a thin disk, exerts an opposite force tending to return the springy elastic unit 130 to its form shown m Fig. 2. The cavity 128 also collapses when the springy unit 130 is compressed. The opposite force exerted by the springy unit 130 provides lift and gives back energy to a person who is running or umping witn the shoe 10.

Flexible layer 120 is comprised of left section 120A, opening 120B, right section 120C. Flexible layer 122 is comprised of left section 122A, opening 122B, right section 122C, and right section 122D. Flexible layer 124 is comprised of left section 124A, opening 124B, right section 124C, and right section 124D. Right sections 122C, 122D, 124C, and 124D have outer coatings of traction material 152B, 152C, 152D, and 152E, respectively, attached to them. A section of traction material 152A coats an area of traction material 152.

The flexible layers 120, 122, 124, and 126 preferably have broad surface area and are preferably comprised of a hard composite material (other than openings such as opening 120B) that s aole to oenα, compress, or refract, and then return to its original shape without breaking. The material used for layers 120, 122, 124, and 126 (other than the openings, whicn are preferably air spaces) can be polyvinyl, polyvinyl chloride acetate, cellulose acetate, aluminum, or alloys, such as stainless steel. The material used for layers 120, 122, 124, and 126 (with the exception of the openings or spaces, which have no material) should be durable and flexible.

In operation, as shown m Fig. 2, when an individual presses down in the direction Dl on the area of the cushion layer 150 m the heel portion 52, the layers 120, 122, 124, and 126 are compressed together. Left sections 120A, 122A, and 124A and right sections 120C, 122C and 122D, and 124C and 124D are forced downwards . When the minimum force needed to fully compress the layers 120, 122, 124, and 126 has been applied, the left section 120A lies on top of and m contact with the left section 122A, the left section 122A lies on top of and m contact with the left section 124A, the left section 124A lies on top of and m contact with the layer 126. Similarly the right section 120C lies on top of an in contact with the right section 122C. The outer traction material 152B lies on top of and in contact with the outer traction material 152C, and the outer traction material 152D lies on top of and m contact with the outer traction material 152E. However tne snoe 10 may be designed so that even at full compression there is still some a r space between the layers 120, 122, 124, and 126. In that case, the springy unit 130 would remain m a buoyant state at full compression

The snoe 10 may optionally include openings 170 and 180 and screws 1"2 ana 182. These optional components may oe used to noid m a removable springy unit 130. The springy unit 130 may oe removaαle and may De held in oy screws 172 and 182 or like components, or the springy unit 130 may be an mtegraale part of tne shoe 10.

The layers 120, 122, 124, and 126 can be designed so that the springy unit 130 can be fully compressed with tne only air spaces oemg the openings 120B, 122B, and 124B. In any case, the -avers 120, 122, 124, and 126 are preferably designeα to fit snugly as they are compressed or on top of one anotner if they toucn at full compression. These layers can be designed from the same mold so that they are already connected to one another at end points such as end point 132. Alternatively layers 120, 122, 124, and 126 can be connected in any manner, such as by gluing.

As tne springy unit 130 is being compressed, air inside the springy unit escapes tnrough the openings 120B, 122B, and 124B, and into the chamber 210 of the pressure release cylinder 200. The air is also preferably released into a second air chamber 310 of a second pressure release cylinder 300 as shown m Fig. 5. Pressure release cylinder 200 includes air chamber 210, narrow portions 202, 204, and 206, pellets 212, and 214, and release opening 208. Pressure release cylinder 300 includes air chamber 310, narrow portions 302, 304, and 306, pellets 312, and 314, and release opening 308.

When air is forced into the air chambers 210 and 310 by an individual pressing down on the cushion layer 150 m the heel portion 52, the pellets 212 and 214, and the pellets 312 and 314 are forceα upwards by the pressure of the air. The inner αiameter of the narrow portions 202, 204, and 206 and 302, 304, and 306 is preferably less than the diameter of the pellets 212 and 214, and 312 and 314, so that the pellets are only forced up a certain distance before encountering the narrow portion above them. However, the inner diameter of the pressure release cylinders 200 and 300, other than the narrow portions, is preferably greater than the diameter of the pellets 212, 214, 312, and 314 so that the pellets can move and also so that at least some air can travel around the pellets.

In operation when air escapes into the air chambers 210 and 310 due to compression of the springy unit 130, the air forces pellets 212 and 312 to move upwards. The pellet 212 moves from a rest position on top of and m contact with narrow opening 202 to a compression position above that, which at full compression will be m contact with the narrow opening 204. In addition, during compression, air escapes around the pellet 212 through the narrow opening 204 and moves the pellet 214 upwards. The pellet 214 moves from a rest position on top of and m contact with narrow opening 204 to a compression position above that, which at full compression will be m contact with the narrow opening 206. During compression, air also escapes around the pellet 214, through the narrow opening 206, and finally through the release opening 208 and thus out of the shoe 10. The release cylmαer 300 preferably functions identically to the release cylinder 200. The pellets 212, 214, 312, and 314 are preferably solid pellets although they may also be porous thereby allowing some air to go directly through the pellets. Alternatively, the pellets 212, 214, 312, and 314 may be entirely dispensed with so that the pressure release cylinders 200 and 300 have no pellets.

If one or more of the pellets 212, 214, 312, and 314 are porous then the rate at which air escapes through the pores of the pellet can be controlled m order to control the shock absorbing aspect of the heel section 52 of the shoe 50. When pressure is off the heel section 52, air will again flow into the springy unit 130 from the pressure release cylinders 200 and 300.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of the heel portion 52 of the shoe 10, the pressure release cylinder 200, and includes optional electromagnetic circuitry for use with shoe 10. The optional electromagnetic circuitry includes magnet portion 190 and magnet portion 192.

Fig. 4 further illustrates circuitry 220 which includes D.C. electrical generator 222 which is comprised of trigger 224 and top cylindrical dynamo 223, on-off switch 226, and lever 228. Also snown is a pull back door 234 for removing the circuitry 220. Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the release cylinders 200 and 300, and the electromagnetic circuitry 220 at tne back of the ankle wrap portion 30 of the shoe 10.

A wire 232A leads from D.C. electrical generator 222 to magnet portion 190 located m the springy unit 130. A wire 232B ieaαs from the magnet portion 190 to the magnet portion 192. The wire 232B goes though the air spaces 122B and 124B. Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the winding of the wires 232A and 232B around the magnet portions 190 and 192. The magnet portions 190 and 192 may each have ridges, which are shown m Fig. 6 but which have not been shown m Fig.4, such as ridge 190A for winding the wire 232A or 232B around. The wires 232A and 232B can also be wounα py piercing noles tnrough the magnet portions 190 an 192. The wires 232A and 232B are wound, horizontally across ridges such as ridge 190A, so that current passing through the wires 232A and 232B will create an electromagnetic field whose force acts up and down so that more lift force can be created, to give energy back to a runner or any other individual . The electromagnetic field is preferably created by the mechanical force of an individual landing on the heel portion 52 and compressing the springy unit 130 within the neei portion 52 A battery may be used m addition to or instead of creating the electromagnetic field through the D.C. electrical generator 222 or an A.C. generator can be used, or any other known manner of creating an electrical current to create an electromagnetic field, or of creating an electromagnetic field m general can be used.

In operation, referring to Fig. 5, compression of the heel portion 52 causes the lever 228 to push upwards onto the on-off switch 226, assuming that the on-off switch 226 is m the "on" mode. In its "on" mode, the on-off switcn 226 is aligned w th the lever 228. It its "off" mode, the on-off switch 226 is not aligned with the lever 228, and the lever 228 will not push onto the on-off switch 226 as shown by the dashed on-off switch 226A.

In tne "on" mode the on-off switch 226 is pushed onto the D.C. electrical generator 222. The trigger 224 is pushed upwards onto the top cylindrical dynamo 223 causing a short burst of electrical current or spark. This electrical current is transmitted through wires 232A and 232B, snown m Fig. 4, which generates an additional electromagnetic field around magnet portions 190 and 192. When the springy unit 130 decompresses, the D.C. electrical generator 222 resets itself for the next compression .

In the "off" mode the on-off switch 226 is not aligned with the electrical generator 222 and the lever 228, as shown by the dashed on-off switch 226A. Consequently m the "off" mode, electrical generator 222 cannot produce electricity because the lever cannot bridge the gap to activate tne generator 222. In addition, a range limiting mechanism is provided to prevent the lever 228 from reaching the generator 222. Extension 228A is fixed to the top of lever 228 and extension 229 is fixed to the shoe 10. Extension 229 has an opening 229A to allow the on-off switch 226 to pass through during the "on" mode. When the lever 228 is forced upwards and the on-off switch 226 is m the off mode, the extension 228A moves up with the lever 228 and at its full extension comes into contact with extension 229. The extension 229 prevents the extension 228A from moving up any further and thus prevents the lever 228 from pushing the trigger 224. Since the trigger 224 cannot be pushed upwards the circuitry cannot be activated when the on-off switch 226 is in the off mode. There is a space 229A in the middle of extension 229 to allow the on-off switch 226 to go through and activate the D.C. electrical generator 222, in the on mode.

The lever 228 is held in a suspended state by extension 228A and extension 150A. Extension 150A is connected to the cushion layer 150, and may be any material such as materials as disclosed for other layers. To replace the generator 222, a pull back door 234 is provided, as shown m Figs. 4 and 5. The pull back door 234 snaps in and out of insert 235, and then swings outward like a drawbridge, preferably.

Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of the sole section 50 of the shoe 10 with the slit 56 and the release cylinders 200 and 300 and electronic circuitry 220 shown. Preferably there are two pressure release cylinders 200 and 300 as shown, and the circuitry 220 is preferably between them although other arrangements will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figs. 8-13 show various forms of heel portions for a shoe such as the shoe 10 in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 shows a rear view of heel portion 252. Heel portion 252 is comprised of soft cushion layer 254, preferably synthetic rubber layer 255, magnet section 256, flexible section 258, and synthetic rubber layer 259. The magnet section 256 is shown divided into two poles north and south. The soft cushion section 254 is preferably made of anything found in shoes or boots today and the flexible section 258, which is comprised of layers similar to layers 120, 122, 124, and 126 shown m Fig. 2, is preferably made of a flexible plastic such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride acetate, cellulose acetate, or some other material that is both flexible and durable.

In Fig. 8, the magnet section 256 preferably lines the flexible section 258. The synthetic rubber section 259 surrounds the flexible section 258. The magnet section 256 is comprised of portions 256A, 256B, 256C, 256D, 256E, and 256F When the heel section 252 is compressed the magnet portion 256A is pushed towards portion 256B by an individual pressing down on the heel portion 252. Similarly portion 256C is pushed towards 256D and portion 256E is pushed towarαs 256F, when the heel portion 252 is compressed. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a magnetic force is exerted between portions 256A and 256B as a result of like poles being pushed together. This magnetic force is used to cushion the blow when someone lands on their heels, to provide spring, and to return energy to the tired individual such as an athlete. In a like manner, a magnetic force is exerted between magnet portions 256C and 256D, and between magnet portions 256E and 256F.

Fig. 9 shows a heel portion 352 which is comprised of a soft cushion section 354, synthetic rubber section 355, a magnet section 356, a flexible section 358, and a synthetic rubber section 359. The magnet section 356 is comprised of portion 356A and portion 356B, which are arranged so that like poles are facing each other as shown. In this embodiment one of the magnetic portions 356A and 356B is shaped m a convex form wnile the other is shaped m a concave form. When the heel portion 352 is compressed the portions 356A and 356B are pushed together and a resisting magnetic force is exerted between them which tends to pusn portions 356A and 356B apart.

Fig. 10 illustrates a heel portion 452 comprised of a soft cushion layer 454, a synthetic rubber section 455, a magnet section 456, a flexible section 458, and a synthetic rubber secc on 459. The magnet section 456 is comprised of portion 456A and portion 456B. As m Fig. 11 the portions are arranged to create a resisting magnetic force when the heel portion 452 is compressed .

Figs. 11-13 show further embodiments m accordance with the present invention. Figs. 11-13 show neei portions 552, 652, and 752 respectively, which have soft cushion layers 554, 654, and 754; synthetic rubber portions 555, 655, and 755; magnet sections 556, 656, and 756; flexible sections 558, 658, and 758; and synthetic rubber portions 559, 659, and 759. Magnetic sections 556, 656, and 756 are comprised of magnet portions 556A-F, magnet portions 656A and 656B, and magnet portions 756A-F, respectively. The basic magnetic principles shown for Figs. 8-10 are the same

Figs. 8-13 m general show cross sections of springy units 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, and 730 respectively similar to springy unit 130 m Figs. 2 and 4. The springy units m general can have one or more layers of flexible material which comprise the flexible sections such as flexible section 258 and one ore more layers which comprise the magnetic sections such as magnetic section 256. The lower the layer, preferably the broader its perimeter, and the greater its surface area, for a more stabilized base, particularly as shown in Figs. 10-13. The springy units m Figs. 10-13 are preferaPly warped giving it peaks and depth. This wave affect of each layer causes tne other layer to snugly fit with each other. The peak of the bottom layer would match up with the peak of the top layer causing unity ana preventing slippage once compressed For example m Fig. 12 layer 658A would match up with layer 658B. Slippage is also prevented py tne fact that each layer not only curves and rests on each other, but they are curved out and up to the point where they rest sideways on each other creating a side shield or side wall For example, layer 658B creates a side shield or side wai-, for -.aver 658A m Fig. 12.

Figs. S, 11, and 13 have thin magnetic sections for more flexibility. Figs. 9, 10 and 12 have larger magnetic sections for greater resisting magnetic force. In Fig. 8-13 embodiments, larger magnetic portions may be placed towards the bottom of the heel sections to provide greater stability.

Figs. 14-16 snow a simplified version of heel portion 252 with only the outline of the flexible material 258 shown. Fig. 14 snows tne heel portion 252 prior to compression, Fig 15 snows the heel portion 252 after balanced compression, and Fig 16 shows the heel portion 252 after non-balanced or uneven compression .

The length and thickness of the magnetic sections such as magnetic section 256 m Fig. 8 and the corresponding magnetic sections m Figs. 9-13, will vary depending on the intended use of the shoe 10. The use of a springy unit such as springy unit 130 shown in Figs. 2 and 3, gives the user an extra push upwards. The springy unit 130 is preferably used in combination with the magnetic sections such as section 256 m Fig. 8 to provide greater lift. The resistive force of the magnetic sections also makes the neel portion, such as heel portion 252, more difficult to compress and provides a shock absorbing component. Springy units such as springy unit 130 can also be placed m other parts of the sole section 50 of the shoe 10, such as the toe portion 54 or other parts of the heel portion 52.

Fig. lⁿ shows a perspective view of a shoe exterior skeleton 810 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shoe exterior skeleton 810 includes upper 812 and sole section 850 Upper 812 is compriseα of ankle wrap portion 830 and pottom portion 814. The sole section 850 is comprised of a heel portion 852. A springy unit 930 which may be of a structure as snown m Figs. 1-16, is shown m the heel portion 852. The snoe exterior skeleton 810 also includes pressure release cylinders 900 and 1000. The snoe exterior skeleton 810 may include magnetic and electrical circuitry and other components as shown m Figs. 1-16.

The material of the upper 812 can pe any of rigid material previously mentioned or as known m the art. The interior of the exterior skeleton 810 is connected to the exterior of a shoe, such as by fastening, making the exterior skeleton 810 and shoe act as one. The exterior skeleton 810 may also be strapped to the snoe.

Fig. 18 shows a cross sectional view of the connection of a shoe 1010 with the exterior skeleton structure 810. The snoe 1010 is comprised of layer 1012 which has indentations 1014 and 1016. The Exterior skeleton structure 810 is comprised of bottom portion 814 which includes section 861. Section 861 preferaoly has grooves 874 and 876 into which screws 884 and 886 can be screwed into. The section 861 of the exterior skeleton 810 can then be connected to the layer 1012 of the shoe 1010 by screwing the screws 884 and 886 into the indentations 1014 and 1016 respectively.

Optionally, there is a pleated tension breaker 835 at the pack of the exterior skeleton structure 810. Pleated tension breaker 835 preferably goes all the way around the ankle wrap portion 830 of the exterior skeleton 810. This type of pleated tension preaker 835 can also be placed on the shoe 10 m Fig. 1.

The springy unit such as springy unit 130 can also be provided as an msertable unit. Such an alternative is shown by openings 170 and 180 and screws 172 and 182 m Fig. 2. Because the springy unit 130 is compressible it can be compressed and pulled out of the heel portion 52 m Fig. 1 and secured by screws 172 and 182. Alternatively the springy unit 130 can be integrally provided with the heel portion 52 and not removable.

The springy unit 130 can be replaced by a solid unit if a user so desires. In the situation where the springy unit is removable, the heel portion such as heel portion 52 of the sole section 50 shown m Fig. 1, preferably has a pre-cut cavity m the heel portion 52 to accommodate a solid or a springy compressible unit such as springy unit 130. The particular unit desired could be inserted into the pre-cut cavity and then fastened together by screws such as screws 172 and 182. The msertable springy unit can also be placed inside a shoe such as shoe 10 of Fig. 1 on top of the heel portion 52 of the sole 50 inside the perimeter of the ankle wrap portion 30, similar to Fig. 17, however making the springy unit an in-sole .nserted αevice The perimeter of the ankle wrap portion 30 in sucn an embodiment will preferably be pleated m order to functionally accommodate insertion of a springy unit such as unit 130 When the unit is placed inside the perimeter of the ankle wrap portion 30 and above the sole 50, it simultaneously provides greater visual height due to inclination of the wearer's heel in tne snoe, _c also aids m snoc aosorption and return of energy

Claims

I claim:

1 A snoe comprised of : a tongue ; an ankle wrap portion; a first strap permanently connected to the ankle wrap portion, a second strap permanently connected to the tongue; a first receiver permanently connected to the tongue; a second receiver permanently connected to the ankle wrap portion; and the first strap adapted to temporarily connect to the first receiver and the second strap adapted to temporarily connect to the second receiver.

2. The snoe of claim 1 further comprised of: a sole section; a magnet section within the sole section, the magnet section comprised of first and second magnet portions, the first and second magnet portions being arranged so that when the sole section is compressed vertically, the first and second magnet portions exert a magnetic force which resists the compression of the sole section.

3. The shoe of claim 2 further comprising: a springy unit within the sole section, the springy unit providing a force which resists the vertical compression of sole section, the springy unit having a cavity.

4 The shoe of claim 3 further comprising: a release cylinder which permits the air from the cavity of the springy unit to escape out of the shoe when vertical compression of the sole portion occurs.

5 A shoe comprising: a sole section; a springy unit within the sole section, the springy unit providing a force which resists the vertical compression of the sole section, the springy unit comprised of one or more layers of broad and flexiple material.

6. The shoe of claim 5 wherein. the springy unit is comprised of a cavity within the sole section, the cavity collapsing when the sole section is vertically compressed.

7. The shoe of claim 5 wherein the sole section comprises: a toe portion; a heel portion; and the springy unit is located within the heel portion.

8. The shoe of claim 6 wherein the sole section comprises: a toe portion; a heel portion; and the springy unit is located within the heel portion.

9. A shoe comprised of : a magnet section, the magnet section comprised of first and second magnet portions, the first and second magnet portions being arranged so that when a portion of the shoe is compressed, the first and second magnet portions exert a magnetic force which resists the compression.

10. The shoe of claim 9 further comprising: a sole section; wherein the magnet section is located within the sole section, the first and second magnet portions being arranged so that when the sole section is compressed vertically, the first and second magnet portions exert a magnetic force which resists the compression of the sole section.

11. The shoe of claim 10 further comprising: circuitry for providing an electromagnetic field to resist the compression of the sole section.

12. The shoe of claim 10 further comprising: a toe portion; a heel portion; wherein the magnet section is located in the heel portion.

13. A shoe comprised of : a cavity; and a release valve which permits air from the cavity to escape out of the shoe when the shoe is compressed.

14. The shoe of claim 13 further comprised of : a sole section; wherein the cavity is in the sole section.

15. The shoe of claim 14 further wherein: the cavity is part of a springy unit located in the sole section; and air escapes from the cavity through the release valve when the springy unit is compressed.

16. The shoe of claim 15 wherein: air escapes from the cavity through the release valve when the springy unit is vertically compressed.

17. The shoe of claim 16 wherein: the springy unit is comprised of one or more broad layers of flexible material .

18. The shoe of claim 17 further comprising: a heel portion; wherein the springy unit is located in the heel portion.

19. The shoe of claim 18 wherein: the release valve is located in the heel portion.

20. A shoe comprised of: a toe portion; a heel portion; a tension breaker section which allows the toe portion to flex without creasing when the heel portion is lifted off the ground while the toe portion remains on the ground.

21. An apparatus comprised of: a shoe comprising a heel portion having a precut cavity; and a springy unit which is adapted to be inserted into the precut cavity.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprised of: a solid unit which is adapted to be inserted into the precut cavity.

23. An apparatus comprised of: a springy unit ; and means for attaching the springy unit to a shoe.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein: the means for attaching the springy unit to the shoe attaches the springy unit to the heel end of the shoe.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the means for attaching the springy unit to the shoe attaches the springy unit inside an ankle wrap portion of the shoe.

6. A shoe comprised of: a heel portion comprised of : a top; a bottom; a first layer of springy material; a second layer of springy material ; wherein : the first layer of springy material is located above the second layer of springy material when the shoe is in an upright position; and and wherein the first layer of springy material covers less surface area than the second layer of springy material.

27. The shoe of claim 26 and wherein: the first layer is curved upwards to form first and second sidewails ; and the second layer is curved upwards to form third and fourth sidewails .

28. The shoe of claim 26 and wherein: the first layer is curved downwards to form first and second sidewails ; and the second layer is curved downwards to form third and fourth sidewails .