SHOE WITH CIRCULAR PAD IN THE SOLE TO RELIEVE TWISTING STRESSES ON THE ANKLE

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole for footwear having a structure for minimising injury to the wearer from twisting or turning movements which may occur during sporting activities, and/or for enhancing performance by assisting rotational movement of the foot. A first invention is a shoe sole (2) comprising a turntable (6) within the sole and connected thereto by a resilient web (30) which provides a seal between the periphery of the turntable and sole. The web is resiliently deformable in response to rotation of the turntable in either direction from a rest position to apply resilient bias to restore the turntable towards its rest position. There may be additional biaising means. There are ten further disclosures of the turntable involving: using glue to fix the turntable and to provide the seal and resilient bias; a separate turntable habing a wiper seal with the sole and addtional biasing means; means for limiting the extent of the rotational movement; coil and leaf springs and interengaging portions of the sole and turntable to provide the resilient bias; a circular race of ball bearings to support the turntable; multiple turntables; means for fixing cleats or studs to the turntable. A second invention is a sole having annular rows of deformable fins which permit limited rotation of the sole.

Description: SHOE WITH CIRCULAR PAD IN THE SOLE TO RELIEVE TWISTING STRESSES ON THE ANKLE. The present invention relates to footwear and more particularly to a sole for footwear having a structure for minimising injury to the wearer as may arise from twisting or turning movements which may occur during certain sporting activities, and/or for enhancing performance by assisting rotational movement of the foot. A footwear sole incorporating a turntable to minimise injuries of the type just discussed is disclosed in International patent applications PCT/AU91/00590 and PCT/AU94/00002 ("the earlier applications"), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The present invention relates to further developments of, and/or variations of, the general concepts disclosed in these earlier applications. In the earlier applications a turntable of a generally circular shape is incorporated into a recess in the sole and is capable of rotation through a limited angular extent as defined by a series of interengaging projections and recesses between the turntable and the structure of the sole. The actual effect of the turntable in practice is to allow the sole to pivot about the turntable if the foot is turned or twisted when the turntable is in contact with the ground. The turntable is also subject to a resilient bias which has the effect of returning it to its initial position relative to the sole when the sole is lifted from the ground. The resilient bias may be applied by integral elastomeric projections extending from the turntable as disclosed in application PCT/AU91/00590, or by means of a coil spring assembly incorporated between the underside of the turntable and the sole as described in application PCT/AU94/00002. A first aspect of the present invention has particular applicability for use in environments where the footwear is likely to be used on playing surfaces which are liable to become muddy or which are composed of loose particulate material. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sole for footwear, said sole having a recess within which is mounted a turntable for rotation in either direction of rotation from a rest position, with the angular extent of rotation from the rest position being restricted, and means interposed between the turntable and sole for preventing ingress of mud and dirt into the recess. Further according to this aspect of the invention, there is provided a sole for footwear having a turntable within the sole and connected thereto by a resilient web which provides a seal between the periphery of the turntable and the sole, said web being resiliently deformable in response to rotation of the turntable in either direction from a rest position to apply resilient bias to the turntable to restore the turntable towards its rest position. A second aspect of the present invention relates to various biasing arrangements which can be used with the turntable. According to the second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sole for footwear comprising a recess with a turntable mounted therein for rotation in either direction from a rest position, means for restricting rotation of the turntable, and resilient means for applying a bias to restore the turntable to its rest position after rotation. A third aspect of the present invention relates to the incoφoration of a turntable which is rotatable through discrete steps rather than being subject to a resilient bias. According to the third aspect, there is provided a sole for footwear comprising a recess, and a turntable mounted for rotation within the recess, said turntable being rotatable through discrete steps in either direction of rotation through a restricted angle at each stepwise rotation. Although the incorporation of the turntable provides a particularly effective means of preventing injuries arising from twisting or turning movements, to a limited extent die action of the turntable may be achieved by alternative means which provide a similar function to the action of the turntable. Although such means are as unlikely to be effective as the turntable, nevertheless this aspect may have some applicability for a limited range of uses. Therefore, in accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, tiiere is provided a sole for footwear having an array of deformable fins which deform to permit limited rotation of the sole about the array of fins in either direction. Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an underneath perspective view showing the underside of a shoe sole in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a transverse section through the sole of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a perspective view from aboveshowing a turntable of the sole of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is an exploded underneath perspective view of a turntable in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a section through the shoe sole and showing the turntable of Figure 4 in its installed condition; Figure 6 is a underneath perspective view showing the underside of a shoe sole in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a transverse cross-section through the sole of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a view partially in section showing a turntable carrying a separate connecting web; Figure 9 is a longitudinal section through a shoe sole in accordance wiύ a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view from above of the embodiment of Figure 9; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view from above showing a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 is an exploded underneath perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 is an exploded schematic view of a seventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 is an exploded schematic view of an eighth embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 14; Figure 16 is an exploded underneath perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the invention; Figure 17 is a transverse cross-section of the embodiment of Figure 16; Figure 18 is an exploded underneath perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the invention; Figure 19 is a transverse section of the embodiment of Figure 18; Figure 20 is an underneath perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 21 is a transverse section of the embodiment of Figure 20; Figure 22 is an underneath perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of the invention; Figure 23 is an underneath perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of the invention. The embodiments initially to be described herein comprise a sole 2 wiui a recess 4 and a turntable 6 within the recess 4, the turntable 6 being rotatable through a restricted angle in each direction of rotation from a rest position and being resiliently biased to return to that position; by way of example only the turntable 6 can rotate through about 30° in each direction from the rest position. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the resilient bias is applied to the turntable 6 by means of a resiliently deformable body which fills, or substantially fills, the cavity between the turntable 6 and the recess 4 within the sole. A suitable material may be a resilient foam injected into the cavity defined between the turntable and the sole, or a material such as silicon. This is illustrated schematically in Figure 2 in which die cavity contains a resilient foam filling. The foam, designated 8 in Figure 2, can be formed by of a material which foams in situ upon injection into the cavity. Advantageously the foam is a self-skinning foam which expands on injection to fill die cavity and which also provides a seal between the turntable 6 and cavity to prevent entry of moisture and dirt into the cavity; injection of the foam can take place through the upper wall of the of the cavity prior to attachment of the shoe upper. The resilient foam 8 will not only act to provide a resilient bias to return the turntable 6 to its original position but will also provide a progressively-increasing resistance to rotation die further the turntable 6 is deflected from its original position and, accordingly, the foam provides a progressive damping effect. Widi this construction it is therefore not necessary to provide positive stops between the turntable 6 and sole 2 to limit rotation. The presence of e foam 8 also acts to retain die turntable 6 within the recess 4 as the foam will tend to bond to the turntable and surrounding structure of the sole on injection into the recess 4. To facilitate bonding of the foam 8 to the turntable 6, the turntable 6 has a number of upstanding integral pegs 10 which project into the cavity. The resistance to rotation provided by me foam can be varied during manufacture by altering the density of the foam. The configuration illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 with the foam filling widiin the cavity between the turntable 6 and sole 2 has the important effect of preventing ingress of dirt and moisture into the recess 4 and which could impede rotation of the turntable 6. Ingress of dirt into the recess can also be minimised by means of the arrangement shown in Figures 4 and 5 in which the turntable 6 is of two-layer construction. The outer layer 20 has an external annular lip 22 which extends over the edge of the sole bounding the recess. The presence of the lip 22 acts as a wiper which tends to wφe across the under surface of die sole upon rotation of the sole relative to die turntable and as a consequence tends to prevent the ingress of dirt or mud between die lip and sole from entering into die recess. The outer layer 20 of the turntable can be secured to die inner layer 24, after location of the inner layer 24 widiin die recess, by means of threaded studs 26 screwed dirough the outer layer 20 into the inner layer 24; although diis provides a convenient means of attachment, it will be appreciated that odier means can be used to attach the outer layer 20 of die turntable to die inner layer 24 during assembly onto d e sole. Instead of acting as a wiper surface, the edge of the lip 22 may be upwardly-formed to constitute an annular rib which is received in an annular groove formed in the undersurface of die sole surrounding die turntable. In a combination of tne forms just described, part of die edge of die lip 22 may be formed with upwardly-directed diametrically- opposed ribs of arcuate form engaged in diametrically-opposed arcuate grooves in the undersurface of die sole, with the remaining parts of the lip 22 forming wipers across the surface of me sole; in this form, the two arcuate ribs and grooves may be at the forward and rear ends of die turntable. In the embodiments thus far described, the turntable 6 is separate from the main structure of the sole 2. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 die turntable 6 and sole 2 are formed as an integral moulding, widi the connection between die turntable 6 and sole 2 being defined by a thin annular web 30 extending around the outer edge of the turntable 6. The material from which the sole 2 and turntable 6 is moulded (for example a suitable elastomeric material) is such that the thin web 30 which connects the turntable 6 to d e sole 2 will have sufficient resilience to enable the turntable 6 to rotate relative to die sole, such rotation being permitted by resilient deformation of die web 30. This may be facilitated by moulding die web 30 in a generally V-shaped cross-sectional configuration as is illustrated, although other cross-sectional configurations for d e web 30 may also achieve a similar effect depending on d e characteristics of the material from which die moulding is produced. Again, depending on the characteristics of the material, die resilient deflection of the web 30 during rotation may provide a sufficient resilient bias to restore die turntable 6 to its original position, although if the inherent resilience of the web 30 is insufficient for d at purpose, an additional resilient bias may be applied by a spring arrangement or any odier resilient means in the manner described in relation to odier embodiments of diis application and also in the earlier applications. The turntable 6 may, if required, be used in conjunction with appropriate bearing arrangements as described in diis application. It is to be noted diat widi increasing deflection of the turntable 6, the web 30 will deform to provide a greater resistance to rotation and hence an increased dampening effect. Depending on the actual configuration employed and on die characteristics of die mateπal from which the turntable and sole are moulded, it may be necessary to incorporate stops between die turntable 6 and adjacent structure of die sole 2 in order to limit die rotation. This will apply if die deformation of die web 30 is not in itself sufficient to provide an adequate limit to the rotation. Suitable stops can be formed by die use of inter-engaging projections and recess between the turntable 6 and overlying structure connected to die sole, for example as described in the earlier applications. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the turntable 6 and sole 2 can be moulded in one piece which may reduce die number of manufacturing or assembly steps needed. It also provides die important functional advantage that the integral web 30 between the turntable 6 and sole 2 prevents ingress of all moisture and dirt into the recess. Instead of forming die turntable, web, and sole as an integral moulding as just described, the turntable and web may be formed integrally, with die web then being bonded to a pre-formed sole. This may allow greater versatility in die selection of me material for e turntable and web and hence in the resilient characteristics of die web. Alternatively, die web may be formed separately from bodi die turntable and sole, widi die web subsequentiy being bonded or otherwise fixed to die turntable, and bonded or otherwise fixed to die sole. This permits even greater versatility in die selection of die materials, whereby the sole, web, and turntable can be of different materials; for example die web can be of a soft rubber-like material and the turntable can be of a relatively hard (and harder wearing) material. Figure 8 illustrates by way of example, a construction where die web 30 is formed separately from the turntable 6 and is bonded to the turntable at the inner edge of die web 30. The outer edge of die web 30 includes an annular flange 32 which is fixed being sandwiched between the adjacent part of d e sole and a backing plate 34 which mounts die turntable 6 and spring assembly (if present). Figures 9 and 10 illustrate by way of example, more detail of a construction embodying die principles described widi reference to Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figures 9 and 10 a disc-like strengthening insert 40 is moulded onto die inside face of the turntable 6 and carries a central boss 42, a recess 44 for a biasing spring 46, and an arcuate recess 48 for use in limiting die extent of relative rotation between me turntable and sole. The insert 40 cooperates with a backing plate 50 fitted onto die upper side of die sole and carrying a pivot screw 52 which is engaged widi die boss 42, and also projections 54 to cooperate widi the spring 46 and a projection 56 for engagement widiin the arcuate recess 48 and which acts as a stop to restrict rotation of die assembly consisting of die turntable and insert. In constructions involving the use of a web between the turntable and sole as described 5 above, it is possible that the web may not, because of its relative thinness and resilience, have die same resistance to wear as die sole and turntable. In this event, die turntable and/or die sole may have an annular flange which projects under die web to shield die web from direct contact wid die ground. Instead of shielding die web by means of the annular flange, the web may be shielded by a wiper arrangement, for example of e type described previously 10 in relation to Figures 4 and 5. In die embodiment of Figure 11 , turntable 6 and sole 2 are again formed as an integral moulding wim the connection between die turntable 6 and sole 2 being defmed by relatively thin annular web 30 extending around die outer edge of die turntable 6. The material from 5 which die sole 2 and turntable 6 are moulded (for example a suitable elastomeric material) is such diat die web 30 which connects die turntable 6 to die sole 2 will have sufficient resilience to enable die turntable 6 to rotate relative to the sole 2, such rotation being permitted by resilient deformation of die web 30. This may be facilitated by moulding die web 30 in a generally V-shaped cross-sectional configuration although odier cross-sectional 0 configurations may also achieve a similar effect. Advantageously die characteristics of the material are such diat resilient deflection of d e web 30 during rotation may provide a sufficient resilient bias to restore the turntable 2 to its original position following rotation from a rest position in each direction. 5 Mounted widiin die structure of die turntable 6 is a relatively soft support disc 68 to the underside of which is attached a metal plate 70 having a number of upwardly-extending threaded apertures 72 which lie widiin recesses 74 in me edge portion of the disc 68. The threaded apertures 72 serve to receive die tiireaded stems 76 of screw-in studs 78 which are screwed into the turntable 6 from the underside, die turntable 6 being formed widi apertures 30 80 for passage of die stems 76 of die studs 78. The sole 2 is attached to a relatively stiff backing plate 84 at its upper side whereby me assembly formed by the metal plate 70 and support disc 68 lies between the turntable 6 and backing plate 84, a disc 86 of relatively low friction material such as PTFE ("Teflon") being inteφosed between the upper surface of the disc 68 and under surface of tbe backing plate 84 to facilitate rotation of the rotating assembly formed by die turntable 6, plate 70, and support disc 68. The backing plate 84 carries a downwardly-projecting lug 88 extending dirough arcuate slots 90,92 in the low friction disc 86 and support disc 68 in order to restrict the extent of rotation of the turntable 6. By way of example, die extent of die arcuate slots 90,92 and projection 88 may be such as to restrict rotation of the turntable 6 dirough an angle of about 30° in each direction from the rest position. A boss 94 projects upwardly from die surface of die turntable 6 dirough apertures in u e plate 70 and discs 68,86 to be located in an aperture 96 in die backing plate 84. The boss 94, which lies on the axis of the turntable 6, cooperates with die aperture 96 in die backing plate 84 to ensure that the turntable 6 is constrained for rotation about its axis. In die construction described widi reference to Figure 11 , die use of die resilient web 30 to connect the turntable 6 to the sole 2 provides an absolute seal against die ingress of mud and dirt and which might impede rotation of the turntable 2. It also acts to provide a resilient bias to return die turntable 6 to its rest position, widi die bias increasing widi increasing rotation from the neutral position to provide an increasing dampening effect. If necessary die bias provided by die deflection of the web 30 may be supplemented by a biasing spring. The assembly of die support disc 68 and metal plate 70 widiin die turntable 6 provides a means of mounting replaceable screw-in studs notwithstanding die relatively thin structure of die turntable itself. Although it is preferred diat die sole 2, turntable 6, and connecting web 30 are integrally formed in one piece it would alternatively be possible to form die turntable 6 and web 30 as an integral moulding and then bond die web 30 to die sole 2 which may be formed separately from a harder material. In alternative embodiments die turntable 6 for use widi me web 30 may be moulded with integral studs or fins or may be devoid of any such projections. The embodiments of Figures 12 to 15 utilise different forms of spring arrangement interposed between the turntable 6 and sole 2 to apply die resilient bias. In particular the spring may be a leaf spring, a spiral spring, or a twin coil spring or other form of spring to apply a torsional bias to die turntable 6. Figure 12 illustrates a suitable leaf spring 102 formed into an S-shape, with the central portion 104 of die spring being mounted on a central boss 106 within me recess or cavity widiin die underside of die sole and being restrained against rotation relative to me sole, and die opposed end portions 110 of die spring 102 being shaped to receive projections 112 on the turntable 6. Figure 13 shows a wire coil spring 118 with projecting arms 118a, 118b engageable respectively widi projections 120 on die turntable 6 and projections 122 on a backing plate 124 which defines an upper wall of die cavity in the sole. Figures 14 and 15 show a spring arrangement comprising two separate leaf springs 130 which lie in facing relationship. The central portions of the two springs 130 are held by projections 131 adjacent a central boss 132 on the backing plate 124 and die outer ends of die springs 130 engage projections 134 on the turntable 6. In another arrangement (not shown), the spring may comprise an elastomeric band operating under tension between d e turntable and die sole. In the configuration shown in Figures 16 and 17 die resilient bias is applied to die turntable 6 by means of a torsional central boss or post 160 on which die turntable 6 is mounted. The boss 160, which is preferably formed integrally with die material of die sole, is such as to resiliendy twist during relative rotation between die turntable and sole. Again, in this configuration die twisting of die boss 160 will provide increasing resistance to rotation as the angle of rotation increases in a generally similar manner to diat which occurs when die resilient bias is provided by a foam filling widiin die cavity or by an elastomeric web. Also it will likewise provide a progressive damping effect. In this embodiment a caged ball race assembly 162 is interposed between die turntable 6 and sole in order to provide a good rotational bearing support for die turntable. The use of die torsional boss 160 does not, however, of necessity require die use of die illustrated bearing assembly 162, and die bearing assembly 162 can be used in many of the other embodiments described. In the embodiment shown in Figures 18 and 19, die turntable 6 is provided with hemispherical projections 170 which engage die upper wall of die recess to provide effective bearing support for die turntable. In diis embodiment die resilient bias is applied to die turntable by a series of elastomeric webs 172 inteφosed between die turntable and die recess by engagement of the hemispherical bearing projections 170 widiin a central opening 174 of each web 172. Alternative bearing arrangements may involve the use of a bearing disc of a low friction material such as a disc of PTFE such as diat sold under the trade mark "TEFLON" for supporting die turntable relative to die sole. In each of die embodiments described herein and also in die embodiments described in the earlier applications, die turntable is of a circular disc-like shape. It is however not essential for the turntable to be of circular shape and odier shapes such as elliptical or polygonal may be used. Clearly, however, die shape of the turntable and diat of die recess in die sole widiin which it is mounted must be compatible widi die requirement of die turntable being able to rotate through a predetermined angle (for example 30°) relative to the sole. However, for simplicity, a turntable of circular shape is preferred. In each of die embodiments so far described and also in die embodiments of die earlier applications, relative rotation between die turntable and sole is dirough a restricted angle only, the turntable then being returned to its rest position under die effective resilient bias. In an alternative arrangement however it is possible for mere to be a rotation dirough a series of discrete steps in each direction; by way of example only, such steps may each have an angular extent of about 30°. This effect may be achieved by means of a detent mechanism incoφorated between die turntable and sole. The detent mechanism releasably locks die turntable in a predetermined angular position and when sufficient force is applied to release the lock, die relative rotation takes place dirough die predetermined angular extent and at die end of diat movement the turntable is again releasably locked by means of die detent mechanism. The structure is such that the turntable cannot move past die next stop position until die foot has been removed from die ground and a subsequent force is then applied to die turntable on re-application of the foot to die ground. For some applications, rotation of die turntable may be required only at certain selected times. In this case a lock can be incoiporated to releasably lock die turntable against rotation, until such time that rotation is required whereupon die user may release the lock. In an alternative, the turntable may be locked against rotation until the pressure or force applied to the turntable by the wearer exceeds a predetermined limit. In either case, die turntable may be subject to a resilient bias to return it to its original position or may be capable of rotation through discrete steps, by means of any of the systems described herein. In die form where release of the turntable from locking restraint occurs in response to pressure or force exerted by the wearer, die value of diat pressure or force may be capable of manual adjustment by the user. In each of the forms described herein and in die earlier applications, die turntable may carry studs or spikes which may be removable and replaceable. Alternatively the turntable may carry integral projecting fins, ribs, or odier structure to provide required non-slip contact widi uie ground. As will be appreciated, die form of the studs, fins or odier structure carried by die turntable will largely depend on die intended use of die footwear; if me footwear is intended to be used for a field sport such as football, die turntable will be provided widi suitable studs, spikes or fins, whereas if it is to be used for a sport such as squash, tennis, or badminton, die turntable will carry smaller fins or odier projections which will provide a non- slip grip widi die court, without damaging the surface of the court. In another alternative arrangement as shown in Figures 20 and 21, instead of incoxporating a turntable which is able to rotate relative to the remainder of me sole, die sole incorporates a zone 190 which, as shown, is circular but alternatively may be of odier appropriate shape, incoφorating an array of flexible fins 192 or odier projections which are able to flex in such a manner as to allow limited rotation of the sole around die zone of contact of die fins or projections with the ground. In odier words, die effect is similar to that which is provided by the incoφoration of the turntable whereby die sole is able to rotate dirough a limited angle relative to die turntable when d e latter is in contact wi die ground, but instead obviates the need to incorporate a rotatable structure within the sole to achieve diis effect. As shown, the fins or projections 192 are arranged in a series of angularly spaced, radially-extending rows extending from the centre of die generally circular zone, altiiough it is conceivable that other configurations could be used to achieve a similar effect. The fins or projections 192 are moulded integrally with the remainder of die sole and in operation the fins or projections will deform with a twisting motion as the sole rotates about the tips of die fins or projections. As the extent of twisting increases, die resistance to motion of the sole will increase and this will provide a progressive -lamping effect and will also act as a limit to the extent of rotation of the sole. Although as described thus far and also in die earlier applications die turntable or odier structure which permits restricted rotation of die sole relative to die ground is incorporated within the part of the sole beneath the ball of die foot, it may alternatively be positioned on odier parts of the sole such as the toe part or heel part, and it is also possible for more dian one such turntable or other such structure to be incorporated. By way of illustration in Figure 22, there is illustrated a shoe sole having turntables 6a, 6b on die ball part of die sole and on die heel part, respectively. In Figure 23 tiiere is illustrated a shoe sole having a first turntable 6c in die toe part of die sole, a second turntable 6d immediately behind diat and a third turntable 6e in the heel part. The first and second turntables 6c, 6d are located eidier side of a flex zone 196 of the sole which ensures that at any one time one or odier of these two turntables will be in contact with die ground. In shoes where more than one turntable or odier comparable structure is incorporated as just described, each turntable is capable of rotation dirough a restricted angle relative to die sole and may take any of the forms previously described in diis application or in die earlier applications. The function of die turntable may alternatively be assumed by an array of deformable fins or projections of me general type discussed with reference to Figures 20 and 21 and it is possible to utilise one or more turntables in conjunction widi one or more zones of such deformable fins or projections. The various embodiments have been described by way of example and modifications are possible widiin die scope of die various concepts disclosed herein.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A sole for footwear, said sole having a recess within which is mounted a turntable for rotation in eidier direction of rotation from a rest position, widi die angular extent of rotation from die rest position being restricted, and means inteφosed between die mrntable and sole for preventing ingress of mud and dirt into the recess. 2. A sole according to claim 1, wherein the means inteφosed between die turntable and sole comprises an annular web inteφosed between die periphery of the turntable and the recess, said web being connected to die turntable and sole such diat die web is resiliendy deformed in response to rotation of die turntable in eidier direction from the rest position to thereby apply a resilient bias to the turnable to restore the turntable towards its rest position. 3. A sole according to claim 2, wherein the configuration is such diat increasing deformation of die web provides increasing resistance to rotation and an increasing dampening effect to rotation. 4. A sole according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein die web includes a portion of generally V-shaped cross-section. 5. A sole according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising additional bias means to assist die bias provided by deformation of the web. 6. A sole according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sole, turntable, and web are formed as an integral moulding. 7. A sole according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein die web is formed separately from the turntable and/or sole and is subsequentiy connected thereto. 8. A sole according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the turntable includes integral fins projecting from its underside. 9. A sole according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein die turntable carries means to enable replaceable screw-in studs to be applied to die underside of die turntable. 5 10. A sole according to claim 9, wherein the means enabling the application of screw-in studs comprises a threaded mounting positioned above the turntable and into which threaded stems of die replaceable studs can be screwed after passage through the turntable. 10 11. A sole according to claim 10, wherein the threaded mounting is in die form of a plate having threaded apertures, the plate being attached to die underside of a rotatable support disc. 12. A sole according to claim 11 , wherein the sole is secured to a backing plate which lies 15 above the turntable, with the assembly formed by die plate and support disc being interposed between die turntable and backing plate . 13. A sole according to claim 12, wherein a further disc of a low friction material is inteφosed between die assembly and d e underside of die backing plate. 20 14. A sole according to claim 1, wherein the means for preventing penetration of mud and dirt into die recess comprises a wiper ring extending between die turntable and edge of die recess. 25 15. A sole according to claim 14, wherein die wiper ring is rotatable widi die turntable. 16. A sole according to claim 1 , wherein die means for preventing ingress of mud and dirt comprises a filling of a resilient foam within a cavity defined between die turntable and recess and providing a seal between die periphery of die turntable and periphery of the recess, said 30 foam also providing a resilient bias to die turntable to restore die turntable towards its rest position after rotation in eidier direction. 17. A sole according to claim 1, wherein die means inteφosed between the turntable and sole comprises resilient sealing means between the turntable and sole, said sealing means 5 being deformed in response to rotation of die turntable in eidier direction from the rest position to thereby apply a resilient bias to die turntable to restore the turntable towards its rest position. 18. A sole according to claim 17, wherein the sealing means comprises an annular web. 10 19. A sole according to claim 17, wherein the sealing means comprises a filling of resilient foam within a cavity defined between die turntable and recess. 20. A sole for footwear having a turntable widiin die sole and connected diereto by a 15 resilient web which provides a seal between die periphery of the turntable and the sole, said web being resiliendy deformable in response to rotation of die mrntable in either direction from a rest position to apply resilient bias to die turntable to restore the turntable towards its rest position. 20 21. A sole according to claim 20, further comprising stop means for limiting rotation of the turntable from die rest position. 22. A sole according to claim 20 or claim 21 , comprising means for applying an additional resilient bias to die turntable to restore the turntable towards its rest position. 25 23. A sole according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein die turntable comprises integral fins or studs or is associated with means for mounting replaceable studs. 24. A sole according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein die sole, turntable, and web 30 are integrally moulded from an elastomeric material. 25. A sole according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein increasing deformation of the web from die rest position provides increasing resistance to rotation and an increasing dampening effect to rotation. 5 26. A sole for footwear comprising a recess with a turntable mounted tiierein for rotation in either direction from a rest position, means for restricting rotation of die turntable, and resilient means for applying a bias to restore the turntable to its rest position after rotation. 27. A sole according to claim 26, wherein the resilient means comprises one or more leaf 10 springs, or one or more springs of an elastomeric material or one or more coil springs, or one or more torsion springs. 28. A sole according to claim 26 or claim 27, comprising bearing means inteφosed between die turntable and sole. 15 29. A sole for footwear comprising a recess, and a turntable mounted for rotation widiin die recess, said turntable being rotatable through discrete steps in eidier direction of rotation dirough a restricted angle at each stepwise rotation. 20 30. A sole for footwear having an array of deformable fins which deform to permit limited rotation of die sole about d e array of fins in either direction. 31. An article of footwear having a sole in accordance witii any one of die preceding claims. 25

Inventors: FREED YARIV GARY, GOLDBERG JACK, SEDDON JON, FREED, YARIV, GARY, GOLDBERG, JACK, SEDDON, JON
Applicants: FREED YARIV GARY, GOLDBERG JACK, ROTASOLE PTY LTD, SEDDON JON, FREED, YARIV, GARY, GOLDBERG, JACK, ROTASOLE PTY. LTD., SEDDON, JON
Application year: 1996
Main classification: A43B5
IPC codes: A43B5, A43B13, A43B21, A43C15