Shoe with tunable cushioning system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An adjustable cushioning system for an article of footwear, the system comprising:
- an insert adapted to be received in an aperture formed in a sole of the article of footwear, wherein the insert has an anisotropic property about a longitudinal axis thereof and can be reoriented rotationally in the article of footwear to modify a performance characteristic thereof; and
a locking mechanism disposed proximate the insert for maintaining the insert in a predetermined orientation.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is directed to cushioning systems for athletic shoes that can be adjusted by a wearer. The systems include one or more cushioning inserts having anisotropic properties and are lockable in place in the shoe sole. The systems may also include structural support elements that provide additional stability and support to the wearer'"'"'s foot. The wearer can adjust the degree of cushioning by rotating the insert within the shoe. The wearer can also remove the insert and replace the insert with a new and/or different insert.
23 Citations
44 Claims
-
1. An adjustable cushioning system for an article of footwear, the system comprising:
-
an insert adapted to be received in an aperture formed in a sole of the article of footwear, wherein the insert has an anisotropic property about a longitudinal axis thereof and can be reoriented rotationally in the article of footwear to modify a performance characteristic thereof; and
a locking mechanism disposed proximate the insert for maintaining the insert in a predetermined orientation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
-
-
32. An article of footwear comprising a sole and an adjustable cushioning system, the system comprising:
-
an insert adapted to be received in an aperture formed in the sole of the article of footwear, wherein the insert has an anisotropic property about a longitudinal axis thereof and can be reoriented rotationally in the article of footwear to modify a performance characteristic thereof; and
a locking mechanism disposed proximate the insert for maintaining the insert in a predetermined orientation. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
-
Specification