Patent Publication Number: US-6665956-B2

Title: Foot guided shoe sole and footbed

Description:
This application is a division of PCT/US02/05709 filed Feb. 20, 2002 which claims benefit of Provisional No. 60/323,298 filed Sep. 18, 2001. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to shoe soles and, more specifically, to an inner shoe sole that is structured to react to movement by the wear&#39;s foot. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Shoe soles are well known in the prior art. Modern shoe soles include many layers, e.g., an outer sole, an middle sole and an inner sole. Typically, there is a rubber outer layer that is structured to contact and engage the ground. This layer has a bottom face that includes a tread or a plurality of protrusions. The rubber outer layer has an upper face that contacts an inner layer. The inner layer typically includes one or more layers of padding. The inner layer may be shaped, e.g., have an arch support. The inner layer, however, is not structured to react to movement occurring within the foot and be guided by the foot during walking. 
     The human foot is a complex machine of bone linked by a matrix of ligaments and tendons. As a person walks, the foot performs complex actions to stabilize the body and move the body in the desired direction. For example, a runner&#39;s bare or naked foot structure naturally adjusts or conforms its shape to provide balance for the body on the soft beach to the inclined variables of the terrain. The internal structure moves its complex matrix and adjusts its shape to work in opposing planes in motion. The moving structure alters the shape of multiple arches. This changes multiple structural functions that suspend, lock, and lever toe extensions along transverse, sagittal and frontal planes. However, the ability of the structure to move along multiple planes is limited and altered by manmade footwear. Much of the natural movement is lost do to the opposing shoe structures. 
     Prior art soles are not structured to react to the above noted foot motions. That is, the foot will perform such motions which result in the foot moving within the shoe, but not affecting either the inner or outer layer of the sole. Thus, while the foot is in the air, the motions of the foot are, essentially, lost. While the foot is in contact with the ground, the foot is forced to react to the non-responsive sole. That is, conventional shoe soles guide the foot away from the natural function of the foot. 
     There is, therefore, a need for a sole assembly that is structured to react to and be responsive to the foot. That is, there is a need for a shoe sole that is guided by the foot instead of the foot being guided by the sole. 
     There is a further need for a sole assembly that has a outer sole assembly and a replaceable reactive upper sole assembly, having a variety different configurations, to suit the needs of the specific wear&#39;s foot. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above and other needs are met by the present invention which provides a sole assembly that includes a outer sole assembly and a reactive upper sole assembly. The reactive upper sole assembly is structured to react to movements by and within the wear&#39;s foot. These movements are translated by the reactive layer to movement between the reactive upper sole and the outer sole. That is, both the outer sole and the reactive upper sole have a plurality of contact or engagement points. These contact or engagement points may be: (1) two or more protrusions, (2) a protrusion and a void, or (3) two or more voids, soft areas, or areas of different resiliency. Depending on how the foot of a specific user moves, these engagement points are activated. Thus, the outer sole assembly, reacting to and in response to the reactive upper sole assembly, is changed. That is, the upper and outer sole assembly, according to the present invention, facilitate a sole in which the foot guides the sole instead of the sole guiding the foot. 
     The protrusions on the lower surface of the outer sole, e.g., the tread of the sole, can be programmed or designed for gripping, braking and guidance. That is, by having the external protrusions shaped or angled in desired directions, different tread functions may be accomplished. The external protrusions cooperate with the reactive upper sole assembly. For example, the outer sole, may have a hollow downward protrusion below the big toe, that is structured to engage with the ground. A void is provided within the protrusion. The reactive upper layer also includes a downward protrusion which, when the foot is at rest, is disposed above the void. When the user begins to take a step forward, pressure is applied by the big toe forcing the protrusion of the reactive upper sole into the void provided in the hollow outer sole protrusion. Thus, the protrusion in the outer sole becomes rigid and provides a strong lift off point for the foot. Alternatively, the user could take a step backward. Here the big toe does not force the active upper sole protrusion into the void or hollow outer sole protrusion. The external protrusions do not become rigid and the outer sole does not interfere with the normal gait cycle of the individual. In other words, the reactive upper sole acts similar to a claw on a cat which may be extended or retracted, as necessary. This action is controlled by the individual&#39;s foot, not the sole. 
     Thus, the reactive upper sole can be programmed or designed to change the operating characteristics of the outer sole. By way of another example, the reactive upper sole can be programmed or designed to engage the outer sole depending on the task being performed. That is, if the user is climbing a steep hill, the reactive upper sole can be programmed or designed to engage the outer sole so that pressure from the big toe causes the external protrusions to move downward at an angle to provide a strong or better grip for the outer sole. On a less steep hill, the reactive upper sole may cause the external protrusion to be locked in place, without moving downward. On a decent, the reactive upper sole may not engage the outer sole and thus the external protrusion remains flexible. Similarly, the external heel protrusions can be programmed or designed to be engaged by the reactive upper sole when braking of the sole is required. That is, the external protrusions can be made rigid and forced to move downward at preprogrammed or designed angles. 
     The term “downward”, as used in this application, means to move generally in direction perpendicularly toward an outer most surface of an outer sole and the term “upward”, as used in this application, means to move generally in direction perpendicularly away from the outer most surface of the outer sole. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the various components comprising a first embodiment of the inner sole assembly according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of a second embodiment showing the various components for the sole assembly according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is diagrammatic top plan view of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is diagrammatic bottom plan view of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 5 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  5 — 5  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 6 is diagrammatic inner side elevational view of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 6A is diagrammatic inner side elevational view of the inner sole showing another variant of the arch protrusions; 
     FIG. 6B is diagrammatic inner side elevational view of the innersole showing a third variant of the arch protrusions; 
     FIG. 7 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  7 — 7  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 8 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  8 — 8  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 9 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  9 — 9  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 10 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  10 — 10  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 11 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  11 — 11  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 12 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  12 — 12  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 13 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  13 — 13  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 14 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  14 — 14  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 15 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  15 — 15  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 16 is diagrammatic bottom plan view of a third embodiment of the various components for the sole assembly according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 17 is diagrammatic top plan view of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  18 — 18  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 19 is diagrammatic inner side elevational view of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 20 is diagrammatic outer side elevational view of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 21 is diagrammatic cross-sectional top plan view of FIG. 16 showing the various regions of the inner sole; 
     FIG. 22 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  22 — 22  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 23 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  23 — 23  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 24 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  24 — 24  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 25 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  25 — 25  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 26 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  26 — 26  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 27 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  27 — 27  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 28 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  28 — 28  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 29 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  29 — 29  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 30 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  30 — 30  of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 31 is diagrammatic bottom plan view of a third embodiment showing the most simplified form for the sole assembly according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 32 is diagrammatic top plan view of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 33 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  33 — 33  of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 34 is diagrammatic inner side elevational view of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 35 is diagrammatic outer side elevational view of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 36 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  36 — 36  of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 37 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  37 — 37  of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 38 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  38 — 38  of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 39 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  39 — 39  of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 40 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  4040  of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 41 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  41 — 41  of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 42 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line  42 — 42  of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 43 is diagrammatic top plan view of a fifth embodiment for the sole assembly with the inner sole performing some of the structural characteristics of the mid sole; 
     FIG. 44 is diagrammatic inner side elevation view of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 43 for a right foot; 
     FIG. 45 is diagrammatic inner side elevation view of the fifth embodiment for the left foot; 
     FIG. 46 is diagrammatic top plan view of a fifth embodiment with the inner sole performing some of the structural characteristics of the mid sole; 
     FIG. 47 is diagrammatic inner side elevation view of the sandal of FIG. 43 for the right foot; and 
     FIG. 48 is diagrammatic inner side elevation view of the sandal for the left foot. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As shown in FIG. 1, a shoe sole assembly  1  includes a outer sole assembly  10  and a reactive upper sole assembly  30 . The elongate side of the sole  1  that is structured to contact a users big toe is referred to as the “inner” side of the sole  1 , and the elongate side of the sole that is structured to contact the users little toe is referred to as the “outer” side. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer sole assembly  10  is divided into a heel portion  12  and a forward portion  14 . An arch portion  13  is located between the heel portion  12  and the forward portion  14 . The outer sole assembly  10  may be a continuous member from the heel portion  12  to the front portion  14 . As is well known in the art, the outer sole assembly  10  is typically manufactured from a flexible material, or combinations of materials, such as rubber, EVA, nylon, TPU, TPR, or urethane. The bottom ground engaging surface of the outer sole assembly  10  includes a plurality of protrusions  16 . The protrusions  16  are divided or separated by grooves  18 , thus forming a tread, as is well known in this art. The protrusions may be solid or hollow depending upon the particular application at hand. 
     A bottom surface of the reactive upper sole  30  is coupled to a top surface of the outer sole  10 . The reactive upper sole  30  is structured to react to movements by and within the wear&#39;s foot, as will be described in further detail below. The reactive upper sole  30  includes a first frame  40 , a second frame  50 , and a third frame  70 . The first frame  40  and the third frame  70  may be joined for lever functions or linked by a resilient layer for moving function. The first frame  40 , the second frame  50  and the third frame  70  are each made from materials such as TPU, nylon or polyurethane. The material can be made rigid or semi-rigid as required. The first frame  40 , a second frame  50 , and a third frame  70  are linked directly to each other or held in a spaced relation by a low compression material such as TPU, TPR, rubber or EVA, as described below. 
     The first frame  40  extends generally over the outer sole heel portion  12 . The first frame  40  includes a generally flat body  41 , and inner posterior cap  42 , and outer interior cap  43 , and a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid protrusions  44  which extend downwardly. 
     The second frame  50  extends over both the outer sole heel portion  12  through the outer sole forward portion  14 . The second frame  50  includes an arch portion  13  that extends between the outer sole heel portion  12  and the outer sole forward portion  14 . The second frame  50  includes a heel portion  51 , an arch portion  52  and a forward portion  53 . As used herein, a “flexor” is a frame extension forced to a lever function that flexes from the result of a change in the frame border sections which are programmed with weaker characteristics that share the path of the frame lever arm. Frame lever extensions that meet the border sections programmed limit, force the flex zone to react to the opposing borders that are programmed or designed with more compression limit, less compression limit or no compression limit. The weak zone borders altering between different flex limit zones change the extending frame sections direction and lever functions at angles that relay a continual structure change from pressure changes upon the compression limit zones that border these weaker sections. For example, the tuberosity at the base of the fifth metatarsal needs to be free of opposing force during the beginning of the stance phase, described below. Therefore, the foot moves forward to find a weak zone in the area proximal to the posterior base of this metatarsal, the posterior section of the weak zone is limited in compression while the anterior weak zone has no compression limit, therefore, the anterior weak zone frame suspends downward while maintaining stabilization from upward pressure from the posterior frame section. 
     As used herein a “director” is a weaker section of the frame material that allows the frame to torque or twist. As used herein a “fold zone” is a longitudinal weak section that stabilizes medial lever arm lateral borders and posterior weak flex zone from alternating lateral lever arm and posterior weak flex zone movement during the natural transverse transfer phase from anterior lateral downward pressure to medial toe pressure. 
     During the “transverse transfer phase”, this fold zone moves the frame to an alternate position from the foot demands for shoe stabilization and control during the natural path in motion of the foot. Therefore, the mid-foot is allowed to maintain in shoe positioning while suspending the transverse arches in the non-obstructing frame suspension zones and mid-foot loft zone. While the metatarsal heads and extending toes alternate the pressure shift from lateral stance phase to medial toe off phase, the fold zone interacts with the foot which indicates the path change while transferring demands without shifting the mid-foot out of position. In general, the frame can shift its anterior lateral lever arm and tabs and anterior medial lever arms medial and lateral borders up and down at alternating angles, this is done without interfering with mid-foot stabilization. The movement between the lateral border of the medial lever arm and the medial border of the lateral lever arm is from the longitudinal weak fold zone. 
     The second frame heel portion  51  includes a plurality of openings corresponding to the locations of first frame protrusions  44 . The second frame heel portion  51  also includes a first director  54  and a first frame flex stabilizer  55 . The first frame flex stabilizer  55  is structured as a weak zone that extends approximately a half inch longitudinally and one inch inwardly. When the foot moves toward the weak zone, the zone suspends the anterior more rigid frame section downward, levering the anterior inner frame of the inner anterior arch upward, controlled through suspension from the stabilized posterior frame bordering section that is locked from a rigid gripping plantar protrusion. A second director  57  is located at the forward end of the second frame heel portion  51 . Second and third frame directors  58 ,  59  are disposed at the forward end of the second frame arch portion  52 . 
     The second frame forward portion  53  also includes two caps  60 ,  61  that extend generally downward and perpendicular to the body of the forward portion  53 . A first metatarsal pocket  62  is disposed on the inner side of the second frame forward portion  53  adjacent to the second frame arch portion  52 . A plurality of flex tabs  63  extend from the medial portion of second frame forward portion  53  to the forward end of second frame forward portion  53 . On the inner side of the second frame forward portion  53 , i.e. below the big toe, is a lever arm flex director  66 . 
     The third frame assembly  70  extends, generally, over the outer sole forward portion  14 . The third frame  70  includes a generally flat body  71  having protrusions  72  which extend downwardly. A plurality of voids  73  are provided between the protrusions. 
     The reactive upper sole assembly  30  also includes additional layers that couple and space the first frame assembly  40 , the second frame assembly  50 , and the third frame assembly  70 . These layers include a first compression zone  80  and a second compression zone  90 . The first and second compression zones  80 ,  90  are made from nylon, TPU, TPR, EVA, or rubber. The compression zones  80 ,  90  may be rigid or flexible, have various resiliences and thicknesses. The compression zones  80 ,  90  have openings therethrough that allow any protrusions  44  to pass. Additionally, there are first and second suspension zones  100 ,  110  made from nylon, TPU, TPR, EVA or rubber. 
     The layers of the reactive upper sole assembly  30  and the outer sole assembly  10  are coupled as follows. At the rear end of the sole that will be below the heel of the user, the first frame assembly  40  is disposed closest to the user. Below the first frame assembly  40  is the first compression zone  80 . Below the first compression zone  80  is the second frame heel portion  51 . Additionally, at the forward end of the first frame assembly  40 , the first suspension zone  100  is disposed between the first frame assembly  40  and the second frame assembly arch portion  52 . Below the second frame heel portion is the outer sole heel portion  12 . The outer sole heel portion protrusions  16 , located below the first frame protrusions  44 , are hollow. Thus, the first frame protrusions  44  may be moved into or out of the outer sole heel portion protrusions  16 . 
     At the forward end of the sole assembly  1 , the second frame forward portion  53  is disposed adjacent to the wears foot. Below the second frame forward portion  53  is the second compression zone  90 . Below the second compression zone  90  is the third frame assembly  70 . The third frame assembly  70  also extends rearwardly below the second frame arch portion  52 . The second suspension zone  110  is disposed between the second frame arch portion  52  and the third frame assembly  70 . Below the third frame assembly  70  is the outer sole forward portion  14 . The outer sole heel portion protrusions  16 , located below the third frame protrusions  72 , are hollow. Thus, the third frame protrusions  72  may be moved into or out of the outer sole heel portion protrusions  16 . 
     A human step, or gait, can be divided into three phases and transitions between those phases. Three phases are heel strike, stance, and toe-off. During use, the sole assembly acts as in the following manner. During the heel strike phase, the first frame assembly protrusions  44  move downward to the compression limit proximal to the rear boarder of the heel portion director  54 . This action lock levers on the second frame assembly heel portion  51  upward. The upward movement braces the second frame director  58  located on second frame arch portion  52  and suspends the first metatarsal head pocket  62  while supporting the toe off lever  66 . 
     Upon transitioning to the stance phase, the second frame assembly second director  57  is pushed downward from the stance phase lateral compression of first and second suspension zone  100 ,  110 , as the foot moves to the stance phase. This compression forms a suspension zone for the base of the fifth metatarsal head and the brevis tendon. The lateral compression continues medial stabilization of the second frame assembly  50  and corresponding second frame director  58  to toe off lever  66  while suspending the first metatarsal in the pocket of  62 . 
     Moving from the stance phase to the toe-off phase, the first suspension zone  56  levels and regulates transverse compression of second frame assembly  50 . Lateral compression between the second frame assembly  50  and third frame assembly  70  is regulated by lateral compression of the second suspension zone  110 . Additionally second frame outer cap  60  compresses the second low compression zone  90  to stabilize the outer side of the sole. Throughout the stance phase compression, third frame protrusions  72  move into outer sole forward portion protrusions  16 . This action locks and moves the outer sole protrusions for traction, grip and direction. 
     When transitioning to the toe off phase, the third director  59  flex zone moves the forward portion of second frame forward portion  53  proximal to upward as the rearward area proximal to the third director moves downward. This engages downward pressure of flex tabs  63  directing transverse stabilization of the toe off lever  66 . The transfer of pressure moves inwardly, guided and controlled along the suspended transverse plane of the second suspension zone  110 . The transverse medial transfer moves to gradually compress the second frame director  58  controlled by second suspension zone  110  and third frame assembly  70  resistance. This medial compression creates a posterior medial arch suspension zone regulated from internal pressure of the medial section of the first suspension zone  100 . That is, the frame wraps the inside of the front half of the inside arch, while the side wrap tapers off to not wrap the rear portion of the medial arch. This creates a suspension zone due to the wear&#39;s foot compressing the upper body material in the back arch area with a stabilized front arch wrapped on the side by the rigid frame material regulated from internal pressure of the medial section of the first suspension zone  100 . 
     Proceeding to the toe off phase, the first metatarsal head rolls forward along the suspension pocket of  62 . The roll zone is regulated by compression between the inner second frame cap  61  and medial section of third frame assembly  70 . The compression of the anterior medial arch releases as the foot moves forward compressing the toe off lever  66 . The toe off lever  66  is stabilized by a fold zone created from the inward and downward compression of the tabs  63 . The tabs  63  are regulated by and move corresponding tabs (not shown) of the plantar section of the third frame assembly  70 . These tabs move downward, creating a longitudinal fold zone between the most medial tabs  63  and the toe off lever  66 . 
     At the final toe off phase, the compression of toe off lever  66  moves the third frame assembly protrusions  72  downward into the voids of the outer sole protrusion  16 . The voids are positioned to the posterior section of the external protrusion interior. The third frame assembly protrusions  72  fill the voids to lock, angle and position the external protrusions for traction and gripping, while maintaining direction through toe off. 
     Another embodiment of the reactive upper sole, according to the present invention, is shown in FIGS. 2-15 and will now be described. According to this embodiment, the reactive upper sole includes a foot bed  200  that is structured to be placed on top of a first frame assembly  40  and the second frame assembly forward portion  53 . The foot bed  200  is an insert that is structured to cooperate with the e.g., and mid sole and an outer sole (not shown). The characteristics features of the foot bed  200  may be changed by changing the materials used for manufacture of the foot bed  200  and altering the number and/or location of the various components. For example, a wearer, such as an athlete, may need only one outer sole, but may have a plurality of foot beds  200  each structured to act or function differently. That is, one foot bed  200  may be structured for running on pavement, another for running on cross country trials, and a third foot bed  200  may be structured for climbing rocks. 
     The foot bed  200  includes a plurality of folding directional levers  201 ,  202 ,  203 . The first lever  201  extends longitudinally on the outer side of the forward portion of the sole. The second lever  202  extends longitudinally on the inner side of the forward portion. The third lever  203  extends, generally, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the foot bed  200  at the arch portion  213 . An upper body  210  links the folding directional levers  201 ,  202 ,  203  that help the foot control the shoe throughout the toe off phase. The fore foot engages a first anterior lateral lever  201  that alters in angle to move the medial lever tabs  204 ,  205 ,  206  at downward angles along front and rear weak zones forming a longitudinal medial fold zone  207  located approximately between the big toe and the second toe and extending longitudinally to the ball of the foot. This movement structures the medial second lever  202  that extends longitudinally bordered by the guiding support of the fold zone. Posterior to the medial second lever  202 , an anterior medial arch wrap lever  203  levered by the plantar protrusions that alter in depth allowing the first metatarsal to move and angle the anterior metatarsal head along the suspension zone  221  (described below). This allows the posterior metatarsal and anterior toe to an uninterrupted off phase positioning. The downward lever action of the anterior medial arch moves and stabilizes the medial second lever  202  upward as it supports the front of the medial arch in motion to the toe off phase. These folding directional levers  201 ,  202 ,  203  may extend the full length of the foot bed  200 . These levers  201 ,  202 ,  203  cooperate with the directors in the second frame assembly  50 . Thus, the user&#39;s foot activates levers in the foot bed  200  which act on the directors in the second frame assembly  50  which, in turn, act on the outer sole  10 . 
     The foot bed  200  typically includes three layers, an upper body  210 , a foot bed frame assembly  230 , and a foot bed composite  250 . In some applications, the foot bed  200  may includes a fourth layer, namely, a canting assembly  260  attached to protrusions of the foot bed frame assembly  230 . It is to be appreciated that there may be less layers or the various layers may be combined with one anther to form an integral and unitary structure. The upper body  210  is generally shaped as an insole having a plurality of regions. The regions are made from different materials, or different compositions of a single material, so that each region has a specific resiliency. The upper body  210  has an upper surface  211  and a bottom surface. Some regions of the body may overlie other regions of the other components of the foot bed  200  as described below in further detail. 
     The upper body  210  includes a heel portion  212 , an arch portion  213 , and a forward portion  214  (FIG.  3 ). The foot bed  200  has an inner side and an outer side corresponding to the inner and outer sides of a human foot. The elongate side of the sole  1  that is structured to contact a user&#39;s big toe is referred to as the “inner” side of the sole  1 , and the elongate side of the sole that is structured to contact the user&#39;s little toe is referred to as the “outer” side. A first region  215 , located at the inner side of the foot bed heel portion  212 , is manufactured from a firm material, such as nylon, TPU, or TPR. A second region  216 , located at the outer side of foot bed heel portion  212 , manufactured from a less firm composition such as EVA. A third region  217 , extending from the heel portion  212  over the arch portion  213  and along the inner side of the forward portion  214 , is manufactured from a firm material such as nylon, TPU, or TPR. A fourth region  218 , surrounded by the third region  217  is manufactured from a soft material, such as EVA or urethane, and is structured to support the arch of the wear&#39;s foot during use. A fifth region  219 , located on the outer side of foot bed forward portion  214 , is manufactured from a firmer material such as EVA or urethane. 
     A first foot bed suspension zone  220  is provided on the outer side of the foot bed arch portion  213 . The first foot bed suspension zone  220  is provided in the third region  217 . A second foot bed suspension zone  221  is located on the inner side between the foot bed arch portion  213  and the foot bed forward portion  214 . A third foot bed suspension zone  222  is located on the inner side between the foot bed heel portion  212  and the foot bed arch portion  213 . The three suspension zones tend to be softer areas than the remainder of the foot bed  200 . 
     The foot bed frame assembly  230  typically includes a heel portion  231 , an arch portion  232 , and a forward portion  233  (FIG.  2 ). The foot bed frame assembly  230  is manufactured from a rigid material such as nylon, TPU, or TPR. The foot bed frame assembly heel portion  231  includes a plurality of heel protrusions  234 , e.g., seven heel protrusions, which extend around and radially about the periphery of the foot bed heel portion  231 . The plurality of foot bed heel protrusions  234  each have a flat radially outer area  235  and may have an inclined radially inner area (not shown) which is inclined toward or tapers toward a base of the foot bed frame assembly  230 . The inclined radially inner area, if present, generally is angled toward and directed at a center of the foot bed frame assembly heel portion  231 . The first plurality of foot bed protrusions  234  do not overly either the first or third foot bed suspension zones  220 ,  222 . An opening may be formed in a central region of foot bed frame assembly heel portion  231 . All of the heel protrusions  234  can have identical physical properties or characteristics. Alternatively, the heel protrusions  234  located on the inner side of the sole can be manufactured from a harder material while the heel protrusions  234  located on the outer side of the sole can be manufactured from a softer more resilient material. The softer more resilient material will assist the foot in follow its normal walking path and avoid early pronation of the foot. 
     A plurality of foot bed arch protrusion  237 , e.g., four sequentially arranged arch protrusions, are located on the inner side of the foot bed arch portion. Each arch protrusions  237  is an elongated protrusion having a longitudinal axis extending generally perpendicular to the inner side of the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  232 . The forward edge of each arch protrusions  237  is angled forward, away from the heel portion, toward the forward portion  214  of the sole. All of the heel and arch protrusions  234 ,  237  project downwardly away from a base of the foot bed frame assembly  230  (FIG.  6 ). The outer side of the forward portion  233  of the foot bed frame assembly  230  includes a plurality of foot bed tabs  238  while the inner side thereof includes a diving board or toe off lever  239 . All of the arch protrusions  237  can have identical physical properties or characteristics. Alternatively, one or both of the arch protrusions  237  located toward the forward portion  214  of the sole can be manufactured from a softer more resilient material while the remaining arch protrusions  237  located adjacent the heel portion  212  of the sole can be manufactured from a firmer material. The softer more resilient material will assist with a gentle lowering of the arch. 
     A slight variation of the arch protrusions is shown in FIG.  6 A. As can be seen in this Figure, the sole difference between this embodiment and that of FIG. 6 is the height of the arch protrusions  237  is altered. That is, in this embodiment the arch protrusion  237  located closest to the forward portion of the sole extends downward and has a bottom surface which is coincident with a plane P defined by a base of the foot bed  200 . The arch protrusion  237  next closest to the forward portion  214  of the sole extends downward toward but has a bottom surface which does not completely extend to be coincident with the plane P defined by the base of the foot bed  200 . The arch protrusion  237  third closest to the forward portion  214  of the sole extends downward toward but also has a bottom surface which does not extend to or is coincident with the plane P defined by the base of the foot bed  200 . Lastly, the arch protrusion  237  closest to the heel portion  212  extends downward toward but has a bottom surface which is spaced furthest away from the plane P defined by the base of the foot bed  200 . In all other respects, this embodiment is substantially identical to that of FIG.  6 . 
     A further variation of the arch protrusions is shown in FIG.  6 B. As can be seen in this Figure, the shape of the arch protrusions  237  is slightly varied from that of FIG.  6 . The sole difference between this embodiment and that of FIG. 6 is that the entire length of the forward most, downwardly facing edge of each one of the arch protrusions  237  is beveled or chamfered. In all other respects, this embodiment is substantially identical to that of FIG.  6 . 
     The foot bed composite  250  (FIG. 2) is generally a rigid assembly manufactured from nylon, TPU, or a composite fiber, for example. The foot bed composite  250  has a heel portion  251  and an arch portion  252 . The composite heel portion  251  includes a plurality of heel openings  253  corresponding in size, shape and location to receive the heel protrusions  234 . The composite arch portion  252  includes a plurality of arch openings  254  corresponding in size, shape and location to receive the plurality of arch protrusions  237 . It is to be appreciated that the foot bed composite  250  does not obstruct any of the suspension zones  220 ,  221 ,  222 . The foot bed composite  230  also has a medial opening  249  in the heel portion  251 . The foot bed composite  250  is cambered upward to support the arch of the user. 
     If the foot bed  200  includes a fourth layer, this layer generally comprises a canting assembly  260  which includes two clips  261 ,  262 . The clips  261 ,  262  are structured to change a heel lift plane. One clip is structured to attach to a group of the plurality of heel protrusions  234 , e.g., four of the heel protrusions located along the inner side of the sole, while the second clip  262  is structured to attach to all of the arch protrusions  237 . Each one of the two clips  260 ,  262  has a plurality of mating cavities formed therein with each one of the mating cavities sized, shaped and located to receive one of the respective heel or arch protrusions  234 ,  237 . The two clips  260 ,  262 , once attached, combine with one another to form a plane that tapers or a two piece plane that forms one even plane. The clips  261 ,  262  increase the spacing of the upper surface of the body heel portion  212 , along the inner side, relative to a remainder of the shoe sole. That is, the foot bed  200  is generally flat at the second suspension zone  221  and thicker at the inner side of the heel. Preferably, the taper between the heel and the second suspension zone  221  for the first metatarsal head is between about 2 to 4 degrees. 
     The foot bed  200  is assembled as follows. The upper body  210  forms the uppermost top layer which is located to contact and engage with the wear&#39;s foot. The next top most layer is the foot bed frame assembly  230 . The foot bed composite  250  is attached to the foot bed frame assembly  230  with the plurality of heel protrusions  234  extending through the plurality of heel openings  253  and the plurality of arch protrusions  237  extending through the plurality of arch openings  254 . If desired or necessary, the canting assembly  260 ,  262  are attached to the plurality of heel and arch protrusions  234 ,  237 . The main object is the canting assembly  260  is to change the plane of the foot bed, starting with a lift of the heel that has a gradual angle that tapers longitudinally downward toward the front outer side of the sole such that there is virtually no lift behind the first metatarsal. 
     With reference to the conventional three phases of a step, with a transition between each of the three phases, the foot bed  200  operates as follows. The heel strikes first while the plurality of heel protrusions  234  flex to stabilize against posterior foot bed frame assembly arch portion  232  distortion, the heel shape centers between body first region  215  and second region  216  of the heel portion  212 . The firm first region  215  stabilizes against early pronation while the soft second region  216  flexes forming a heel roll zone. 
     As the foot moves toward the stance phase, the plurality of heel protrusions  234  slope downward to a void in the posterior of the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  232 . The tuberosity of the base of the fifth metatarsal head suspends into a semi firm body third region  217  supporting a pocket of the first foot bed suspension zone  220 . The suspension is maintained by the posterior void by plurality of heel protrusions  234  and the anterior void of the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  232  camber. Camber is created in the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  232  from the void between the height and angle of the most lateral section of the plurality of heel protrusions  234  and the most lateral anterior level transverse plane of the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  232 . As the lateral foot suspends into the first foot bed suspension zone  220 , the head of the first metatarsal suspends into a medial pocket of the second foot bed suspension zone  221 . The first metatarsal head is suspended because the plurality of heel protrusions  234  are angled forward with an alteration in depth between the protrusions. As pressure is placed upon the plurality of heel protrusions  234 , the plurality of heel protrusions  234  move downward and forward with a spring effect forming the second foot bed suspension zone  221 . During the stance phase, the medial and lateral suspension zones position the frame for least resistance to multiple foot shapes, and the mid-foot is cradled as it falls on a large convex soft fourth region  218 . 
     As the foot moves towards the toe off phase, the most anterior lateral protrusion of the plurality of heel protrusions  234  maintain lateral suspension in first foot bed suspension zone  220  while the camber in the anterior lateral section of the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  232  flexes downward. The downward pressure moves to transfer medially as the fifth region  219  and medial frame toe off lever  239  resists compression, the medial transfer moves center tabs of the medial mid section of anterior frame section, including the foot bed tabs  238 , downward. This stabilizes a fold zone  207  between the anterior lateral frame section levers and the medial toe of lever of the medial frame toe off lever  239 . The materials of the anterior frame sections are semi rigid, rigid type materials of TPU, nylon type. 
     During the toe off phase, the medial portion of the plurality of heel protrusions  234  flex downward and angle forward, this supports the anterior section of the medial arch, while suspending the lateral section of the medial arch along a frame void adjacent to third foot bed suspension zone  222 . The third foot bed suspension zone  222  allows the lateral arch to adjust the flexion of the soft body of second region  216  and semi firm body third region  217 . The lateral arch suspension zone allows the foot to engage the toe off sequence without resistance to the natural path to the foot from the frames. At toe off, the first metatarsal head rolls forward on the second foot bed suspension zone  221 , the zone is suspended between the engaged plurality of heel protrusions  234  and the anterior toe off lever  239 . The first metatarsal head flexes the base of the fold zone toe off lever  239  to release all posterior frame compression for a stabilized and controlled toe off. 
     With reference to FIGS. 16-30, a third embodiment of the reactive upper sole, according to the present invention will now be described. According to this embodiment, the reactive upper sole includes a foot bed  300  that is structured to be placed on top of a first frame assembly  40  and the second frame assembly forward portion  53 . The foot bed  300  is an insert that is structured to cooperate with the e.g., and mid sole and an outer sole (not shown). The characteristics features of the foot bed  300  may be changed by changing the materials used for manufacture of the foot bed  300  and altering the number and/or location of the various components. 
     The foot bed  300  includes a plurality of folding directional levers  301 ,  302 ,  303 . The first lever  301  extends longitudinally on the outer side of the forward portion of the sole. The second lever  302  extends longitudinally on the inner side of the forward portion. The third lever  303  extends, generally, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the foot bed  200  at the arch portion  313 . An upper body  310  links the folding directional levers  301 ,  302 ,  303  that help the foot control the shoe throughout the toe off phase. The fore foot engages a first anterior lateral directional lever  301  that alters in angle to move the medial lever tabs  304 ,  305 ,  306  at downward angles along front and rear weak zones forming a longitudinal medial fold zone  307  located approximately between the big toe and the second toe and extending longitudinally to the ball of the foot. This movement structures a medial directional lever  302  that extends longitudinally bordered by the guiding support of the fold zone. Posterior to the medial directional lever  302 , and the anterior medial arch wrap directional lever  303  are levered by the plantar protrusions that alter in depth allowing the first metatarsal to move and angle the anterior metatarsal head along the second suspension  321  (described below). This allows the posterior metatarsal and anterior toe to an uninterrupted off phase positioning. The downward lever action of the anterior medial arch moves and stabilizes the medial directional lever  302  upward as it supports the front of the medial arch during motion to the toe off phase. These folding directional levers  301 ,  302 ,  303  may extend the full length of the foot bed  300  and cooperate with the directors in the second frame assembly  50 . Thus, the user&#39;s foot activates levers in the foot bed  300  which act on the directors in the second frame assembly  50  which, in turn, act on the outer sole  10 . 
     The foot bed  300 , according to this embodiment, includes only two layers, a combined upper body and frame assembly  310  and a foot bed composite  350 . In some applications, the foot bed  300  may includes a third layer, namely, a canting assembly attached to protrusions of the combined upper body frame assembly  310 . The body  310  is generally shaped as an insole having a plurality of regions. The regions are made from different materials, or different compositions of a single material, so that each region has a specific resiliency. The body  310  has an upper surface  311  and a bottom surface. Some regions of the body may overlie other regions of the other components of the foot bed  300  as described below in further detail. 
     The body  310  includes a heel portion  312 , an arch portion  313 , and a forward portion  314  (FIG.  17 ). The foot bed  300  has an inner side and an outer side corresponding to the inner and outer sides of a human foot. A first region  215 , located at the inner side of the foot bed heel portion  312  (see FIG.  21 ), is manufactured from a firm material, having an EVA hardness of 45 C, for example. A second region  216 , located at the outer side of foot bed heel portion  212 , is manufactured from a less firm composition having an EVA hardness of 35 C, for example. A third region  217 , extending from the heel portion  212  over the arch portion  213  and along the inner side of the forward portion  214 , is manufactured from nylon, TPU, or TPR having a hardness of about 45 C, for example. A fourth region  218 , surrounded by the third region  217  is manufactured from a soft material, such as EVA or urethane, having a hardness of 35 C, for example, and is structured to support the arch of the wear&#39;s foot during use. A fifth region  219 , located on the outer side of foot bed forward portion  214 , is manufactured from EVA or urethane having a hardness of 55 C, for example. 
     A first foot bed suspension zone  320  is provided on the outer side of the foot bed arch portion  313 . The first foot bed suspension zone  320  is provided in the third region  217 . A second foot bed suspension zone  321  is located on the inner side between the foot bed arch portion  313  and the foot bed forward portion  314 . A third foot bed suspension zone  322  is located on the inner side between the foot bed heel portion  212  and the foot bed arch portion  213 . The three suspension zones tend to be softer areas than the remainder of the foot bed  300 . 
     The body  310  includes a plurality of heel protrusions  234 , e.g., three heel protrusions, which extend around and radially about the periphery of the foot bed heel portion  231  (FIG.  16 ). The plurality of foot bed heel protrusions  234  each have a flat end face  335  (FIG.  19 ). The first plurality of foot bed protrusions  334  do not overly either the first or third foot bed suspension zones  320 ,  322 . All of the heel protrusions  334  can have identical physical properties or characteristics. Alternatively, the heel protrusion(s)  334  located on the inner side of the sole can be manufactured from a harder material while the heel protrusion(s)  334  located on the outer side of the sole can be manufactured from a softer more resilient material. The softer more resilient material will assist the foot in follow its normal walking path and avoid early pronation of the foot. 
     A plurality of foot bed arch protrusion  237 , e.g., two sequentially arranged arch protrusions, are located on the inner side of the foot bed arch portion. All of the arch protrusions  337  can have identical physical properties or characteristics. Alternatively, the arch protrusion  337  located toward the forward portion of the sole can be manufactured from a softer more resilient material while the arch protrusion  337  located adjacent the heel portion of the sole can be manufactured from a softer material. The softer more resilient material will assist with a gentle lowering of the arch. 
     All of the heel and arch protrusions  334 ,  337  extend downwardly away from a base of the foot bed frame assembly  330 . The outer side of the forward portion  314  of the foot bed frame assembly  330  includes a plurality of foot bed tabs  338  while the inner side thereof includes a diving board or toe off lever  339 . 
     The foot bed composite  350  is generally a rigid assembly manufactured from nylon, TPU, or a composite fiber, for example. The foot bed composite  350  has a heel portion  351  and an arch portion  352  and possibly a forward portion (not shown). The composite heel portion  351  includes a plurality of heel openings  353  corresponding in size, shape and location to receive the heel protrusions  334 . The composite arch portion  352  includes a plurality of arch openings  354  corresponding in size, shape and location to receive the plurality of arch protrusions  337 . It is to be appreciated that the foot bed composite  350  does not obstruct any of the suspension zones  320 ,  321 ,  322 . The foot bed composite  330  may have a medial opening in the heel portion. The foot bed composite  350  is cambered upward to support the arch of the user. 
     The foot bed  300  may include a canting assembly (not shown) which includes two clips (not shown). The clips are structured to change a plane from heel lift plane. One clip is attached to the plurality of heel protrusions  334 , e.g., the heel protrusion(s) located on the inner side of the sole, while the second clip is structured to attach to the arch protrusions  337 . The two clips, once attached, combine with one another to form a plane that increases the spacing of the upper surface of the body heel portion  312  relative to a bottom of the shoe sole  300 . That is, the foot bed  300  is generally flat at the second suspension zone  321  and thicker at the inner side of the heel. Preferably, the taper between the heel and the second suspension zone  321  for the first metatarsal head is between about 2 to 4 degrees. 
     The foot bed  300  is assembled as follows. The body  310  forms the uppermost top layer which is located to contact and engage with the wear&#39;s foot. The foot bed composite  350  is attached to the body  310  with the plurality of heel protrusions  334  extending through the plurality of heel openings  353  and the plurality of arch protrusions  337  extending through the plurality of arch openings  354 . If desired or necessary, the canting assembly (not shown) is attached to the plurality of heel protrusions  334  and the arch protrusions  337 . The main object is the canting assembly is to change the plane of the foot bed, starting with a lift of the heel that has a gradual angle that tapers longitudinally downward toward the front outer side of the sole such that there is virtually no lift behind the first metatarsal. 
     With reference to the conventional three phases of a step, with a transition between each of the three phases, the foot bed  300  operates as follows. The heel strikes first while the plurality of heel protrusions  334  flex to stabilize against posterior foot bed frame assembly arch portion  332  distortion, the heel shape centers between body first region  315  and second region  316  of the heel portion  312 . The firm first region  315  stabilizes against early pronation while the soft second region  316  flexes forming the heel roll zone. 
     As the foot moves toward the stance phase, the plurality of heel protrusions  334  slope downward to a void in the posterior of the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  332 . The tuberosity at the base of the fifth metatarsal head suspends into a semi firm body third region  317  forming the pocket of the first foot bed suspension zone  320 . The suspension is maintained by the posterior void by plurality of heel protrusions  334  and the anterior void of the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  332  camber. Camber is created in the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  332  from the void between the height and angle of the most lateral section of the plurality of heel protrusions  334  and the most lateral anterior level transverse plane of the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  332 . As the lateral foot suspends into the first foot bed suspension zone  320 , the head of the first metatarsal suspends into a medial pocket of the second foot bed suspension zone  321 . The first metatarsal head is suspended because the plurality of heel protrusions  334  are angled forward with an alteration in depth between the protrusions. As pressure is placed upon the plurality of heel protrusions  334 , the plurality of heel protrusions  334  move down and forward with a spring effect forming the second foot bed suspension zone  321 . During the stance phase, the medial and lateral suspension zones position the frame for least resistance to multiple foot shapes, and the mid-foot is cradled as it falls along a large convex soft fourth region  318 . 
     As the foot moves towards the toe off phase, the most anterior lateral protrusion of the plurality of heel protrusions  334  maintain lateral suspension in first foot bed suspension zone  320  while the camber in the anterior lateral section of the foot bed frame assembly arch portion  332  flexes downward. The downward pressure moves to transfer medially as the fifth region  319  and medial frame toe off lever  339  resist compression, the medial transfer moves center tabs of the medial mid section of anterior frame section, including the foot bed tabs  338 , downward. This stabilizes the fold zone  307  between the anterior lateral frame section levers and the medial toe off lever  339 . The materials of the anterior frame sections are semi rigid, rigid type materials of TPU, nylon type. 
     During the toe off phase, the medial portion of the plurality of heel protrusions  334  flex downward and angle forward, this supports the anterior section of the medial arch, while suspending the lateral section of the medial arch along a frame void adjacent to third foot bed suspension zone  322 . The third foot bed suspension zone  322  allows the lateral arch to adjust the flexion of the soft body of second region  316  and semi firm body third region  317 . The lateral arch suspension zone allows the foot to engage the toe off sequence without resistance to the natural path of the foot from the frames. At toe off, the first metatarsal head rolls forward on the second foot bed suspension zone  321 , the zone is suspended between the engaged plurality of heel protrusions  334  and the anterior toe off lever  339 . The first metatarsal head flexes the base of the fold zone toe off lever  339  to release all posterior frame compression for a stabilized and controlled toe off. 
     With reference to FIGS. 31-42, a fourth and simplest embodiment of the reactive upper sole, according to the present invention, will now be described. According to this embodiment, the reactive upper sole includes a foot bed  400  that is structured to be placed on top of a first frame assembly  40  and the second frame assembly for ward portion  53 . The foot bed  400  is an insert that is structured to cooperate with the e.g., and mid sole and an outer sole (not shown). The characteristic features of the foot bed  400  may be changed by changing the materials used for manufacture of the foot bed  400  and altering the number and/or location of the various components. 
     The foot bed  400 , according to this embodiment, which typically comprises an upper body, a foot bed frame assembly, and a foot bed composite all combined in all single upper body and frame assembly  410 . The combined upper body and frame assembly  410  is generally shaped as an insole having a plurality of regions. The regions can be manufactured from different materials, or different compositions of a single material, so that each region has a specific resiliency. The combined upper body and frame assembly  410  has an upper surface  411  and a bottom surface. Some regions of the body may overlie other regions of the other components of the foot bed  400  as described below in further detail. 
     The combined upper body and frame assembly  410  includes a heel portion  412  and an arch portion  413 . The foot bed  400  has an inner side and an outer side corresponding to the inner and outer sides of a human foot. The elongate side of the sole  1  that is structured to contact a user&#39;s big toe is referred to as the “inner” side of the sole  1 , and the elongate side of the sole that is structured to contact the user&#39;s little toe is referred to as the “outer” side. A first region  415 , located at the inner side of the foot bed heel portion  412 , is manufactured from a firm material, such as EVA. 
     The combine upper body and frame assembly  410  forms the uppermost top layer which is located to contact and engage with the wearer&#39;s foot while a bottom surface of the combined upper body and frame assembly  410  engages with the outer sole. The main object of the sole of this embodiment is to provide a foot bed which has the greatest heel lift along the rear most area and inner side of the heel portion  412 . The thickness of the foot bed  400  gradually tapers or feathers to a minimal thickness of about 0.5 mm at both the outer side of the heel portion  412  and the forward most outer side of the arch portion  413 , adjacent the first metatarsal head, such that there is virtually no lift behind the first metatarsal. 
     With reference to the conventional three phases of a step, with a transition between each of the three phases, the foot bed  400  operates as follows. The heel strikes first while the heel portion  412  of the combined upper body and frame assembly  410  centers and stabilizes against early pronation and assists with heel roll zone as discussed above. 
     With reference to FIGS. 43-45, a fifth embodiment of the reactive upper sole, according to the present invention will now be described. According to this embodiment, the reactive upper sole includes a foot bed  500  that is structured to function as the mid sole and may be used in combination with one or more frame assemblies as with the previous embodiments, e.g., the foot bed  50  may be placed on top of a first frame assembly and a second frame assembly forward portion. The foot bed  500  is an insert that is structured to cooperate with the outer sole. The characteristics features of the foot bed  500  may be changed by changing the materials used for manufacture of the foot bed  500  and altering the number and/or location of the various components. 
     The foot bed  500  includes a plurality of folding directional levers  501 ,  502 ,  503 . The first lever  501  extends longitudinally on the outer side of the forward portion of the sole. The second lever  502  extends longitudinally on the inner side of the forward portion. The third levers  503  extend, generally, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the foot bed  500  at the arch portion  513 . An upper body  510  links the folding directional levers  501 ,  502 ,  503  that help the foot control the shoe throughout the toe off phase. The fore foot engages a first anterior lateral directional lever  501  that alters in angle to move the medial lever tabs  504 ,  505 ,  506  at downward angles along front and rear weak zones forming a longitudinal medial fold zone  507  located approximately between the big toe and the second toe and extending longitudinally to the ball of the foot. This movement structures a medial directional lever  502  that extends longitudinally bordered by the guiding support of the fold zone. Posterior to the medial directional lever  502  and an anterior medial arch wrap directional lever  503  are levered by the plantar protrusions that alter in depth allowing the first metatarsal to move and angle the anterior metatarsal head along the suspension  521  (described below). This allows the posterior metatarsal and anterior toe to an uninterrupted off phase positioning. The downward lever action of the anterior medial arch moves and stabilizes the medial directional lever  502  upward as it supports the front of the medial arch in motion to the toe off phase. These folding directional levers  501 ,  502 ,  503  may extend the full length of the foot bed  500 . These directional levers  501 ,  502 ,  503  cooperate with the directors in the second frame assembly. Thus, the user&#39;s foot activates levers in the foot bed  500  which act on the directors in the second frame assembly which, in turn, act on the outer sole  10 . 
     The foot bed  500 , according to this embodiment, includes a single layer, namely, the upper body  510  which has softer areas and more firmer areas. In some applications, the foot bed  500  may includes additional layers. It is to be appreciated that there may be less layers or the various layers may be combined with one anther to form an integral and unitary structure. The upper body  510  is generally shaped as an insole having a plurality of regions manufactured from different materials, or different compositions of a single material, so that each region has a specific resiliency. The upper body  510  has an upper surface  511  and a bottom surface. Some regions of the body may overlie other regions of the other components of the foot bed  500  as described either above or below in further detail. 
     The upper body  510  includes a heel portion  512 , an arch portion  513 , and a forward portion  514  (FIG.  3 ). The foot bed  500  has an inner side and an outer side corresponding to the inner and outer sides of a human foot. The elongate side of the sole  1  that is structured to contact a user&#39;s big toe is referred to as the “inner” side of the sole  1 , and the elongate side of the sole that is structured to contact the user&#39;s little toe is referred to as the “outer” side. A first region  515 , located at the inner side of the foot bed heel portion  512 , is manufactured from a firm material. A second region  516 , located at the outer side of foot bed heel portion  512 , comprises a lever arm  508  which terminates at a remote free end  509  and is typically manufactured from the same material. The free end  509  of the lever arm  508 , which is unattached to a remainder of the upper body  510 , assists with downward flexing of the lever arm  508  toward the outer sole  10  when gaiting pressure from the foot is applied to the upper body  510  during heel strike and in essence renders this area “softer” then a remainder of the heel portion  512 . A third region  517 , extending from the heel portion  512  over the arch portion  513  along the inner side of the forward portion  514  and along the outer side of the sole, is manufactured firm material, such as EVA. A final region  519 , located on the outer side of foot bed forward portion  514 , is also manufactured firm material, such as EVA. The upper body  510 , according to this embodiment, is provided with a plurality of relief areas to render certain areas of the upper body  510  less firm than a remainder of the upper body  510 . The relief area accommodate a material, such as, which is more resilient than a remainder of the upper body  510 . 
     A first foot bed suspension zone  520  is provided on the outer side of the foot bed arch portion  513 . The first foot bed suspension zone  520  is first void provided in the third region  517 , e.g., the first void is filled with a “more resilient” material to render this area softer than a remainder of the sole assembly. A second foot bed suspension zone  521 , formed by a single piano key  534  extending from a remainder of the upper body  510 , is located on the inner side between the foot bed arch portion  513  and the foot bed forward portion  514 . A third foot bed suspension zone  522 , is a smaller void located on the inner side, between the foot bed heel portion  512  and the foot bed arch portion  513 , e.g., the second void is also filled with a “more resilient” material to render this area softer than a remainder of the sole assembly. The two opposed latter sides of the single piano key  534  are spaced from remainder of the upper body  510  by gaps  535  and the gaps  535  are filled with a softer material. The single piano key  534  and associated gaps  535  in the upper body  510  facilitate bending or flexing of the single piano key  534  downward toward the outer sole when walking pressure from the foot is applied to the upper body  510  to render this area softer than a remainder of the shoe sole. An outer side lateral edge, opposite to the single piano key  534 , has a cut out or notch  536  formed therein, e.g., the cut out or notch is filled with a “more resilient” material to render this area softer than a remainder of the sole assembly. Each of the suspension zones tend to be softer areas than the remainder of the foot bed  500 . 
     The foot bed  500  may possibly include a canting assembly (not shown), such as a pair of clips that are structured to change a heel lift plane. The two clips, once attached, combine with one another to form a plane that tapers to increase the spacing of the upper surface of the body heel portion  512  relative to remainder of the shoe sole. That is, the foot bed  500  is generally flat at the second suspension zone  521  and thicker at the inner side of the heel such that a taper between the heel and the second suspension zone  521 , for the first metatarsal head, is between about 2 to 4 degrees. 
     The upper body  510  forms the uppermost top layer which is located to contact and engage with the wear&#39;s foot and is positioned over the outer sole (not shown). If desired or necessary, one or more conventional frames and/or a mid sole (only diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 43-54) may be located between the upper body  510  and the outer sole  10 . In addition, a canting assembly, for changing a plane of the foot bed  500 , starting with a lift of the heel that gradually tapers longitudinally downward toward the front outer side of the sole such that there is virtually no lift behind the first metatarsal, may be employed. 
     With reference to the conventional three phases of a step, with a transition between each of the three phases, the foot bed  500  operates as follows. The heel strikes just to the outside of center of the heel portion and this commences compression of the lever arm  508  and roll of the foot toward the outer side of the foot bed  500 . The firm first region  515  stabilizes the foot against early pronation while of the lever arm  508  (i.e. the soft second region  516 ) flexes downward forming the heel roll zone. 
     As the foot moves toward the stance phase, the tuberosity of the base of the fifth metatarsal head suspends into a semi firm body third region  517  forming the pocket of the first foot bed suspension zone  520 . Downward suspension of the fifth metatarsal tuberosity forces a lateral mid-section of the shoe sole, slightly medial of the fifth metatarsal head, to tilt downward toward the lower shoe sole and such tilting action torques and forces the opposite inner side of the arch portion  513 , e.g., at the forward portion of the arch section  513  and the single piano key  534 , to tilt upward away from the outer shoe sole. The single piano key  534  and the single cutout or notch  536  provide a pair of opposed relief areas which assist with torqueing of a central region of the foot bed  500  as the fifth metatarsal head suspends in the third region  517 . As the lateral foot suspends into the first foot bed suspension zone  520 , the head of the first metatarsal suspends into a medial pocket of the second foot bed suspension zone  521 . During the stance phase, the medial and lateral suspension zones position the frame for least resistance to multiple foot shapes, and the mid-foot is cradled. 
     As the foot moves from the stance phase towards the toe off phase, the sole flexes and releases the downward pressure from the lever arm  508  and the release pressure flows toward inwardly toward the inner side of the sole and then forward toward the medial the second region  517  and a toe off lever  539 , as depicted by path P 1 . 
     During such transision, the fifth metatarsal continues to flex further downward toward the outer sole  10  compressing posterior transverse director frame section, located beneath the fifth metatarsal, while an oppose anterior frame is biased upward away from the outer sole and torques inward, toward the outer side, along the fold zone  507  following a second transfer path P 2 . During this transfer phase, as the sole flexes, the posterior lateral frame torques both downward, toward the outer sole, and outward toward the outer side of the sole while an anterior lateral frame moving upward torques inward as the sole compresses. The inward torque transfer the foot&#39;s shoe control medially and the posterior medial frame, between the forward most region of the arch portion  513  and the single piano key  534 , maintains an upward support or force as the posterior and lateral compresses downward toward the outer sole. The single piano key  534  and the medial posterior frame flex downward toward the outer sole as the anterior medial frame anterior compress inward. 
     During the toe off phase, all of the energy from paths P 1  and P 2 , generate within the sole, are combined with one another and release from the shoe sole. As the foot moves forward, medially toward toe off, a void in the medial frame, beneath the third suspension zone  522 , allows the foot to pronate between first and third suspension zones  520  and  522  with support from the frame section. The ball of the first metatarsal head pushes the second suspension zone  521  posterior frame downward with a constant upward support pressure from an anterior and the diving board  539  and any support structure or fame located beneath the diving board  539 . 
     At toe off, the ball of the first metatarsal head rolls forward compressing the single piano key  534 , and the frame located beneath the single piano key  534 , and the diving board  539 , and the frame located beneath diving board  539 , releasing the posterior pressure on from the foot bed  500  for an energetic, stabilized and controlled toe off. Once this occurs, the foot bed  500  and the frame(s) supporting the foot bed  500 , return to their original state for a subsequent heel strike. 
     As shown in FIGS. 46-48, the reactive upper sole assembly  30  and the foot bed  600  may be further enhanced when used as the sole of a shoe that moves selected zones of attached upper material, the display shows the concept as a sandal  600 . The sandal  600  adds additional control functions which act through straps  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  640  (only diagrammatically shown). The straps  610 ,  620 ,  630  and  640  interact with the wear&#39;s foot to control the reactive upper sole  30 , the foot bed  600 , and/or the outer sole assembly. The straps  610 ,  620 ,  630  and  640  also act as a positioning system, the straps position to border the plantar pockets formed by suspension zones, the straps  610 ,  620 ,  630  and  640  and material link to frame connection locations allowing structured side pockets and flex zones that align with the plantar pockets, flex and suspension zones. This forms a positioning pocket that forms to multiple foot strictures that need positioning of the shoes upper wall, as well as suspension positioning on its plantar base. That is, the wear&#39;s foot, which may have many different shapes, is moved to the proper position on the reactive upper sole  30  or foot bed  600 . The positioning system includes a plurality of pockets and flex zones around the first metatarsal and the fifth metatarsal. These pockets and flex zones center the wear&#39;s foot on the reactive upper sole  30  or foot bed  600 . Similarly, shoes can be programmed with upper lacing systems that pull fabric around the pocket suspension zone borders. The fabric attaches to the reactive sole assembly  30  at locations that move the fabric away from interference of foot positioning as the frame directors and flexors alternate the shoe upper by tightening and loosening zones during foot guidance during the gait cycle. The remote ends, of external fabrics or straps for a sandal, can be secured or connected to internal programmed moving structures of the shoe sole so that as the moving structures move toward or away from the outer sole, for example, as a result of the foot guiding the shoe sole during a gait or stride, the external fabric or strap moves in a corresponding upward or downward direction to either increase or decrease the securing tension that the external fabric or strap exerts on the foot. 
     As can be seen if FIGS. 46-48, the footbed of the fifth embodiment is incorporated into a sandal. The first strap  610  has a first end attached at  611 A to an inner side of the heel portion and a second end extends around the rear portion of the heel of a user and is attached to an outer side (not shown) of the heel portion  612 . A second strap  620  has a first end attached on the inner side at  621 A of the heel portion  612 , slightly forward of the first attachment point  611 A. The strap  620  crosses over the front portion of the ankle and a second end thereof attached to the first strap  610  adjacent the attachment point of the first strap  610  to the outer side of the heel portion  612 . A third strap  630  has a first end attached to the outer side of the forward portion  614  and a second end extends over the foot and is attached to the attachment location  621 A for the second strap  620  adjacent inner side of the heel portion  612 . A fourth strap  640  has a first end attached at  641 A to an inner side of the sole and a second end extends over the foot and crosses the third strap  630 . A second end of the fourth strap  640  is attached to the second strap  620  adjacent to the attachment point  621 A of the second strap  620  to the inner side of the heel portion  612 . By attaching the straps  610 ,  620 ,  630  and  640  to movable components of the footbed, mid sole and/or lower sole, the straps  610 ,  620 ,  630  and  640  can be suitably tightened or loosened, as necessary, as the foot guides the shoe sole to provide added comfort to the wearer of the sandals  600 . 
     The sole assembly provides a basic structure for the foot to guide a shoe sole in such a way the reduces the internal and external shearing that can occur. The shearing can alter many things, including performance, comfort and the foot&#39;s natural ability to move along multiple paths. The present invention is directed a providing footwear which facilitates the foot following in natural gait path. That is, the present invention provides an improved sole assembly which can be enhanced by programming the sole structures to work with, and not against, the foot. 
     The mid sole can be structured with two guidance structures, one for the upper surface closest to the foot, and one for the lower surface closest to the outer sole. The foot can then move the upper mid sole sections that move the lower mid sole sections and the outer sole sections. This results in a bi-frame sole structure. 
     While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of present invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.