Patent ID: 8375601
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: A43B

Abstract:
1. A sole unit for an article of footwear comprising: a midsole section having formed therein a plurality of substantially frustoconical cavities each of which is open at its top end and is of smaller cross-sectional area at said top end than its bottom end, wherein each said cavity extends through the entire thickness of the midsole section wherein the cross-sectional area of the cavity is tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the cavity continuously reduces from the cavity lower end to the cavity upper end; a footbed disposed above the midsole section, said footbed having a top side and an underside, the underside having concave areas located above the open top ends of the plurality of cavities, and having through orifices extending from the concave areas to the top side of the footbed; and an outsole section incorporating a plurality of resiliently deflectable diaphragm elements, the diaphragm elements being positioned at the bottom end of the midsole cavities, the diaphragm elements closing off the bottom of the cavities and being capable of resiliently deflecting relative to the cavities to effect a pumping action therein, lower surfaces of the diaphragms being domed downwardly so as to protrude below surrounding portions of the outsole section.