Abstract:
A shoe including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe, an arch bridge integral with the plates and a substantially air-tight enclosure having an interior chamber with a variable horizontal cross sectional dimension. In another embodiment, the interior chamber of the air-tight enclosure has a maximum horizontal cross-sectional dimension that is greater than the height of the interior chamber.

Description:
[0001]    This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/447,003, filed May 28, 2003; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/007,535, filed Dec. 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,300; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/641,148, filed Aug. 17, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,772; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/512,433, filed Feb. 25, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,916; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/313,667, filed May 18, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,002; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/723,857, filed Sep. 30, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,384; which is a CIP of Ser. No. 08/291,945, filed Aug. 17, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,126; which is a CIP of Ser. No. 08/108,065, filed Aug. 17, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,497; all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to an improved rear sole for footwear and, more particularly, to a rear sole for an athletic shoe with an extended and more versatile life and better performance in terms of cushioning and spring.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    Athletic shoes, such as those designed for running, tennis, basketball, cross-training, hiking, walking, and other forms of exercise, typically include a laminated sole attached to a soft and pliable upper. The laminated sole generally includes a resilient rubber outsole attached to a more resilient midsole usually made of polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or a rubber compound. When laminated, the sole is attached to the upper as a one-piece structure, with the rear sole being integral with the forward sole.  
           [0006]    One of the principal problems associated with athletic shoes is outsole wear. A user rarely has a choice of running surfaces, and asphalt and other abrasive surfaces take a tremendous toll on the outsole. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that most pronounced outsole wear, on running shoes in particular, occurs principally in two places: the outer periphery of the heel and the ball of the foot, with peripheral heel wear being, by far, a more acute problem. In fact, the heel typically wears out much faster than the rest of a running shoe, thus requiring replacement of the entire shoe even though the bulk of the shoe is still in satisfactory condition.  
           [0007]    Midsole compression, particularly in the case of athletic shoes, is another acute problem. As previously noted, the midsole is generally made of a resilient material to provide cushioning for the user. However, after repeated use, the midsole becomes compressed due to the large forces exerted on it, thereby causing it to lose its cushioning effect. Midsole compression is the worst in the heel area, including the area directly under the user&#39;s heel bone and the area directly above the peripheral outsole wear spot.  
           [0008]    Despite technological advancements in recent years in midsole design and construction, the benefits of such advancements can still be largely negated, particularly in the heel area, by two months of regular use. The problems become costly for the user since athletic shoes are becoming more expensive each year, with some top-of-the-line models priced at over $150.00 a pair. By contrast, with dress shoes, whose heels can be replaced at nominal cost over and over again, the heel area (midsole and outsole) of conventional athletic shoes cannot be. To date, there is nothing in the art that successfully addresses the problem of midsole compression in athletic shoes, and this problem remains especially severe in the heel area of such shoes.  
           [0009]    Another problem is that purchasers of conventional athletic shoes cannot customize the cushioning or spring in the heel of a shoe to their own body weight, personal preference, or need. They are “stuck” with whatever a manufacturer happens to provide in their shoe size.  
           [0010]    Finally, there appear to be relatively few, if any, footwear options available to those persons suffering from foot or leg irregularities, foot or leg injuries, and legs of different lengths, among other things, where there is a need for the left and right rear soles to be of a different height and/or different cushioning or spring properties. Presently, such options appear to include only custom-made shoes that are prohibitively expensive and rendered useless if the person&#39;s condition improves or deteriorates.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    The present invention is directed to a shoe that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.  
           [0012]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the shoes and shoe systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims, as well as the appended drawings.  
           [0013]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the shoe includes an upper having a heel region, a rear sole secured below the heel region of the upper, and a rear sole support attached to the upper and configured to secure the rear sole below the heel region of the upper. The rear sole support includes a flexible region positioned below the heel region of the upper and above a portion of the rear sole. The flexible region is sufficiently stiff to support a user while still being sufficiently flexible to flex and spring when the user runs or walks vigorously. The flexible region has an interior portion which in its normal, unflexed state is spaced upwardly from the portion of the rear sole immediately below said interior portion, the interior portion being adapted to flex in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe as it is used.  
           [0014]    The interior portion of the flexible region preferably is elevated relative to its peripheral portion in a direction toward the heel region of the upper. In certain embodiments the flexible region is an integral part of the rear sole support. The rear sole support may include an integral arch extension extending below the upper from a position proximate the heel region of the upper through a substantial portion of the arch region of the upper to support the arch region.  
           [0015]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.  
           [0016]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of a rear sole support, flexible member, and rear sole for the shoe of FIG. 1.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a rear sole support, flexible member, and rear sole for use in the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 4-18 are isometric views of exemplary flexible member embodiments for use in the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 19 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a rear sole support for use in the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 20 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIGS. 21 and 22 are isometric views of a rear sole support for the shoe of FIG. 20.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 23 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a rear sole support for the shoe of FIG. 23.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of a securing member for use in the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 26 is a partial cut-away isometric view of the securing member of FIG. 25.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 27 is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 28 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 29 is an exploded isometric view of a heel support and rear sole for the shoe of FIG. 28.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 30 is another exploded isometric view of the heel support and rear sole of FIG. 29.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of the rear sole of FIG. 30.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of another rear sole that can be used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 30.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 33 is an exploded isometric view of a heel support, graphite insert, and rear sole for use in the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 34 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a heel support, graphite insert, and rear sole for use in the shoe of the present invention.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIGS. 35-37 are views of a rear sole for use in the shoe of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0037]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference characters will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the shoe of the present invention. The shoe, designated generally as  100 , has a shoe upper  120 , rear sole support  140 , a rear sole  150 , and a forward sole  160 . Shoe  100  also preferably includes a flexible member  200  (FIG. 2) positioned between rear sole  150  and a heel region of upper  120 . The flexible member provides spring to the user&#39;s gait cycle upon heel strike and reduces or eliminates interior rear midsole compression in that it is more durable than conventional midsole material.  
         [0039]    Upper  120  may be composed of a soft, pliable material that covers the top and sides of the user&#39;s foot during use. Leather, nylon, and other synthetics are examples of the various types of materials known in the art for shoe uppers. The particular construction of the upper is not critical to the shoe of the present invention. It may even be constructed as a sandal or may be made of molded plastic, integral with the rear sole support, as in the case of ski boots or roller blade uppers.  
         [0040]    Forward sole  160  is attached to upper  120  in a conventional manner, typically by injection molding, stitching, or gluing. Forward sole  160  typically includes two layers: an elastomeric midsole laminated to an abrasion-resistant outsole. The particular construction of the forward sole is not critical to the invention and various configurations may be used. For example, the midsole may be composed of material such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and may include air bladders or gel-filled tubes encased therein, and the outsole may be composed of, by means of example only, an abrasion-resistant rubber compound.  
         [0041]    Rear sole support  140  is also attached to the heel region of upper  120  in a conventional manner, such as injection molding, stitching, or gluing. Rear sole support  140  is substantially rigid and is configured to stabilize the heel region of upper  120  and secure rear sole  150  below the heel region. As shown in FIG. 2, rear sole support  140  may include an upwardly extending wall  142 , referred to as a heel counter, that surrounds the periphery of the heel region of upper  120  to provide lateral stabilization. Wall  142  preferably surrounds the rear and sides of upper  120  proximate the heel region and in service supports and stabilizes the user&#39;s heel as he or she runs. Rear sole support  140  also includes a downwardly extending side wall  144  that defines a recess  146  sized to receive a portion of rear sole  150 , preferably a rear sole which is removable and rotatable to several predetermined positions. Wall  144  shown in FIG. 2 is generally circular and securely contains and holds rear sole  150 . A plurality of openings  145  is formed in wall  144  to facilitate securement of rear sole  150  to rear sole support  140 . The components of rear sole support  140  are preferably made integral through injection molding or other conventional techniques and are preferably composed of plastic, such as a durable plastic manufactured under the name PEBAX. It is further contemplated that the rear sole support can be made from a variety of materials, including without limitation other injection-molded thermoplastic engineering resins.  
         [0042]    As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, rear sole support  140  may include an arch extension or support  180  to provide a firm support for the arch of the foot and to alleviate potential gapping problems where sole support wall  144  would be adjacent forward sole  160 . Arch extension  180  generally extends below upper  120  from the forward portion of side wall  144 , through the arch region. It may extend as far as the ball of the foot. It is attached to upper  120  and forward sole  160  by gluing or other conventional methods. Arch extension  180  may be composed of the same material as the rear sole support and made integral with rear sole support  140  by injection molding. Alternatively, it may be made of the same or a different stiff but flexible material (such as carbon or fiberglass ribbons in a resin binder) and glued to rear sole support  140 . Such one-piece construction of the arch extension together with the rear sole support solves another major problem, namely the tendency of an athletic shoe of conventional resilient material in the arch area to curl at the juncture of the substantially rigid rear sole support with the resilient forward sole.  
         [0043]    Shoe  100  also includes a rear sole  150  that is detachably secured to and/or rotatably positionable relative to rear sole support  140 . Rear sole  150 , as shown in FIG. 1, includes a rubber ground-engaging outsole  154  containing a planar area and three beveled segments or portions that soften heel strike during use. As shown, the beveled segments or portions formed on the outsole have the same shape and configuration and are positioned symmetrically about the periphery of the outside and preferably symmetrically positioned about the center of rear sole  150 . As explained in more detail, rear sole  150  and the attachment features that permit rear sole  150  to be placed and locked into different positions relative to rear sole support  140  are designed and configured so that one symmetrically located beveled portion can be moved into the position previously occupied by another beveled portion. As a result, as one of the beveled portions begins to wear, rear sole  150  can be repositioned to place an unworn beveled portion in the area of the shoe where there is greater wear for a particular user. By periodically altering the position of the sole before any beveled portion is badly worn, (or any midsole material directly above the bevel is badly compressed) the life and effectiveness of the rear sole, and the entire shoe, can be significantly increased. Moreover, after a given rear sole wears beyond its point of usefulness, it can be replaced with a new sole with the same or different characteristics. Prior to replacement, it is also possible that left and right rear soles may be exchanged with each other inasmuch as left and right rear soles often exhibit opposite wear patterns.  
         [0044]    As shown in FIG. 2, rear sole  150  also includes a midsole  158  laminated to outsole  154 . Midsole  158  includes a substantially cylindrical lower portion  162  and a substantially cylindrical upper portion  164  that is smaller in diameter than lower portion  162 . Upper portion  164  includes a plurality of resilient knobs  165  that mate with openings  145  in rear sole support  140 . As shown, the resilient knobs  165  and openings  145  are symmetrically positioned about the central axis of midsole  158  and the recess of rear sole support  140 , respectively. To secure rear sole  150  to rear sole support  140 , rear sole  150  is simply press-fitted into recess  146  until knobs  165  engage corresponding openings  145 . This manner of locking rear sole  150  into the shoe at any one of several positions is one of several mechanical ways in which the rear sole can be removed, repositioned, and/or locked to the rear sole support or other part of a shoe.  
         [0045]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, upper midsole portion  164  has a diameter at least equal to and preferably slightly larger than that of the recess into which it fits. Midsole portion  162  has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter defined by the exterior portion of circular wall  144 . This configuration of elements eliminates any vertical gapping problems from occurring between the wall of the rear sole support and the peripheral surface of the rear sole.  
         [0046]    The inside diameter of a circular recess  146 , as measured between the inside surfaces of its sidewalls, or the distance between the inside surface of a medial sidewall and the inside surface of an opposite lateral sidewall in the case of a non-circular recess (not shown), may actually be greater than the width of the heel region of the shoe upper as measured from the exterior surface of the medial side of the heel region of the upper to the exterior surface of the lateral side of the heel region of the upper (i.e., the heel region of the upper at its widest point). This is possible because the material used to make the rear sole support  140  and side walls is sufficiently strong and durable to permit the side walls to “flare out” to a greater width than the heel region of the upper without risk of breakage. This in turn permits the use of a larger rear sole  150  with more ground-engaging surface and, hence, more stability. (As stated, the exterior walls of the lower portion of the rear sole generally align vertically with the exterior surface of the side walls forming the recess  146 ). It also permits the employment of a flexible region or member with a correspondingly larger diameter, width or length because its peripheral edges optimally should align vertically with the load-bearing side walls of the recess. Such a larger flexible region or member, with a diameter, width or length greater than the width of the heel region of the upper at its widest point, creates more cushioning and/or spring for the user&#39;s heel during the gait cycle. The observations and provisions contained in this paragraph are equally applicable to the embodiments described in FIGS. 1, 2, and  3 .  
         [0047]    Rear sole  150  is preferably made from two different materials: an abrasion-resistant rubber compound for ground-engaging outsole  154 ; and a softer, more elastomeric material such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) for midsole  158 . However, rear sole  150  could be comprised of a single homogenous material, or two materials (e.g., EVA enveloped by hard rubber), as well as a material comprising air encapsulating tubes, for example, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,300. For each of the discussed rear sole embodiments, the outsole and midsole materials are preferably more resilient than materials used for the rear sole support or arch extension.  
         [0048]    Detachability of rear sole  150  allows the user to change rear soles entirely when either the sole is worn to a significant degree or the user desires a different sole for desired performance characteristics for specific athletic endeavors or playing surfaces. The user can rotate the rear sole to relocate a worn section to a less critical area of the sole, and eventually replace the rear sole altogether when the sole is excessively worn. By periodically changing the position of the rear sole, more uniform wear and long life (both outsole and midsole) can be achieved. Additional longevity in wear may also be achieved by interchanging removable rear soles as between the right and left shoes, which typically exhibit opposite wear patterns.  
         [0049]    In addition, some users will prefer to change the rear soles not because of adverse wear patterns, but because of a desire for different performance characteristics or playing surfaces. For example, it is contemplated that a person using this invention in a shoe marketed as a “cross-trainer” may desire one type of rear sole for one sport, such as basketball, and another type of rear sole for another, such as running. A basketball player might require a harder and firmer rear sole for stability where quick, lateral movement is essential, whereas a runner or jogger might tend to favor increased shock absorption features achievable from a softer, more cushioned heel. Similarly, a jogger planning a run outside on rough asphalt or cement might prefer a more resilient rear sole than the type that would be suitable to run on an already resilient indoor wooden track. Rear sole performance may also depend on the weight of the user or the amount or type of cushioning desired.  
         [0050]    The present invention includes a shoe or shoe kit which includes or can accept a plurality of rear soles  150  having different characteristics and/or surface configurations, thereby providing a cross trainer shoe. As explained in more detail below, the shoe can also be designed to accept and use different flexible members in the rear sole area, to achieve optimal flex and cushioning, through the combination of a flexible member and rear sole selected to provide the most desirable flex, cushion, wear, support, and traction for a given application. In a preferred embodiment, both the rear sole and the flexible member are replaceable and a given rear sole can be locked in a plurality of separate positions relative to the recess in which it is held.  
         [0051]    Since rear sole  150  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is selectively positionable relative to rear sole support  140  in a single plane about an axis perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe, it may be moved to a plurality of positions with a means provided to allow the user to secure the rear sole at each desired position. After a period of use, outsole  154  will exhibit a wear pattern at the point in which the heel first contacts the ground, when the user is running, for example. Excessive wear normally occurs at this point, and at midsole  158  generally above this point, degrading the performance of the rear sole. When the user determines that the wear in this area is significant, the user can rotate the rear sole so that the worn portion will no longer be in the location of the user&#39;s first heel strike. For the shoe shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, rotation is accomplished by detaching the rear sole and reattaching at the desired location. For the embodiment in FIG. 3 discussed below, the rear sole may be rotated without separating it from the rear sole support. The number of positions into which rear sole of FIGS. 1 and 2 can be rotated is limited by the number of knobs/openings, but is unlimited for the rear sole shown in FIG. 3. The use of other mechanical locking systems to allow selective movement and locking of the rear sole is contemplated within the spirit of the invention.  
         [0052]    Rotating the rear sole about an axis normal to the shoe&#39;s major axis to a position, for example,  180  degrees beyond its starting point, will locate the worn portion of the rear sole at or near the instep portion of the shoe. The instep portion is an area of less importance for tractioning, stability, cushioning and shock absorbing purposes. As long as the worn portion of the rear sole is rotated beyond the area of the initial heel strike, prolonged use of the rear sole is possible. The user can continue periodically to rotate the rear sole so that an unworn portion of the rear sole is located in the area of the first heel strike.  
         [0053]    The shape of rear sole can be circular, polygonal, elliptical, “sand-dollar,” elongated “sand-dollar,” or otherwise. The shape of recess  146  is formed to be compatible with the shape of the rear sole. In all embodiments, the invention includes mechanical means for selectively locking the rear sole relative to the rear sole support and upper of the shoe. Preferably, the rear sole is shaped so that at least the rear edge of the outsole has a substantially identical profile at several, or preferably each rotated position. To allow for a plurality of rotatable positions, the shape of the outsole preferably should be symmetrical about its central axis. As shown in FIG. 1, the rear sole has three beveled portions which are symmetrically positioned about its central axis. The user in this embodiment can rotate the rear sole 120.degree. and place an unworn beveled portion at the rear heel region of the shoe, where wear is often maximum. Alternatively, the rear sole could have two beveled portions, 180.degree. apart (in an oval embodiment this would have to be the case), in which event only one rotation per shoe, plus an exchange between right and left rear soles, would be possible, before replacement of rear soles would be necessary.  
         [0054]    While the above discussion is directed towards a rear sole that rotates or separates in its entirety, it is specifically contemplated that the same benefits of this invention can be achieved if only a portion of the rear sole is rotatable or removable. For example, a portion of the rear sole, e.g., the center area, may remain stationary while the periphery of the ground-engaging surface or outsole rotates and/or is detachable. As another example, the rear sole may not be removable but only rotatably positionable.  
         [0055]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shoe of the present invention includes a flexible region  200  that is positioned above the rear sole and has a central portion that in its normal unflexed state is spaced upwardly from the portion of the shoe (rear sole support, or rear sole) immediately below it. The flexible region  200  is designed to provide a preselected degree of flex, cushioning, and spring, to thereby reduce or eliminate heel-center midsole compression found in conventional materials. Flexible region  200  is made of stiff, but flexible, material. Examples of materials that may be used in the manufacture of flexible member  200  include the following: graphite; fiberglass; graphite (carbon) fibers set in a resin (i.e. acrylic resin) binder; fiberglass fibers set in a resin (i.e. acrylic resin) binder; a combination of graphite (carbon) fibers and fiberglass fibers set in a resin (i.e. acrylic resin) binder; nylon; glass-filled nylon; epoxy; polypropylene; polyethylene; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); other types of injection-molded thermoplastic engineering resins; spring steel; and stainless spring steel. The flexible region  200  can be incorporated into other elements of the shoe or can be a separate flexible member or plate.  
         [0056]    As shown in FIG. 2, flexible member  200  can be in the form of a plate supported at its peripheral region by an upward facing top surface of rear sole support  140 . In this embodiment, the member or plate  200  is positioned between the rear sole  150  and the heel portion of upper  120 . A ledge  148  may be formed in rear sole support  140  to support and laterally stabilize flexible member  200 .  
         [0057]    The flexible member may also be permanently attached to the top or bottom of the rear sole support or detachably secured to the shoe upper and removable through a pocket formed in the material (not shown) typically located on the bottom surface of the upper, or it can be exposed and removed after removing the sock liner or after lifting the rear portion of the sock liner. Alternatively, it may be totally exposed as in the case of flexible member  200  shown in FIG. 18, wherein the U-shaped cushioning member may have direct contact with the user&#39;s heel without an intervening sock liner in the heel portion of the shoe. The removability of the flexible member allows the use of several different types of flexible members of varying stiffness or composition and, therefore, can be adapted according to the weight of the runner, the ability of the runner, the type of exercise involved, or the amount of cushioning and/or spring desired in the heel of the shoe.  
         [0058]    Rear sole  150  may have a concave top surface  167 , as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, when the rear sole is attached to the rear sole support, the top surface of the rear sole does not come into contact with the flexible member when the flexible member deflects within its designed range of flex. As a result, the middle of the flexible member can flex under the weight of the user without being impeded by rear sole  150 . Flexible member  200  thus acts like a trampoline to provide extra spring in the user&#39;s gait in addition to minimizing, or preventing, midsole compression in the central portion of the rear sole.  
         [0059]    A second preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, a rear sole  250  is identical to rear sole  150  shown in FIG. 2 except that it has a groove  254  below upper midsole portion  252 , instead of knobs  165 . A rear sole support  240  includes a downwardly extending wall  244  that has a serrated bottom edge  246  and a threaded inner surface  248 . Rear sole support  240  also includes an upper rim  249 .  
         [0060]    The embodiment of FIG. 3 also indicates a threaded ring  400 . Ring  400  includes a threaded outer surface  410  that mates with threaded inner surface  248  of rear sole support  240 . The ring also includes an outwardly and inwardly extending flange  412  that presses against serrated bottom edge  246  when the ring is screwed into the rear sole support. The bottom surface of flange  412  includes anchors  414 , and may also be serrated to further grip the rear sole to prevent rotation. The ring also has two ends  416  and  418 , and end  416  may have a male member and end  418  may be shaped to receive the male member to lock the two ends together. Ring  400  may be made of hard plastic or other substantially rigid materials that provide a secure engagement with rear sole support  240  and a firm foundation for supporting flexible member  200 .  
         [0061]    Rear sole  250  is attached to rear sole support  240  by unlocking the ends of ring  400  and positioning ring  400  around upper midsole portion  252  of the rear sole such that flange  412  engages groove  254 . Ring  400  is then firmly locked onto the rear sole by mating end  416  with end  418 . Flexible member  200  is inserted into the rear sole support so that it presses against upper rim  249 . Ring  400 , with rear sole  250  attached, is then screwed into the rear sole support by engaging threaded surface  410  of the ring with threaded surface  248  of wall  244 . The ring is then screwed into the rear sole support until serrated edge  246  of wall  244  engages flange  412  of ring  400 . Serrated edge  246  serves to prevent rotation of the ring during use and the top edge of ring  400  firmly supports flexible member  200 .  
         [0062]    The rear sole support sidewalls need not be continuous around the entire recess. Such sidewalls may be substantially eliminated on the lateral and medial sides of the rear sole support, or even at the rear and/or front of the rear sole support, exposing ring  400  when installed, even allowing it to protrude through the sidewalls where the openings are created. This has no effect whatsoever on the thread alignment on the inside surface of the remaining sidewalls. The advantage of doing this is that a ring with a slightly larger diameter than otherwise possible and, hence, a flexible member with a slightly larger diameter than otherwise possible may be employed.  
         [0063]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a variety of different flexible members  200  having different flex and cushioning characteristics can be selectively incorporated into the shoe. Flexible member  200 , once incorporated into the shoe, is securely held in place with rear sole support  240 . Preferably, the rear sole support contacts flexible member  200  only along its outer periphery, and rear sole support  240  includes an opening above the flexible member, thereby permitting the plate to protrude upwardly toward the user&#39;s heel. Moreover, because the top surface of rear sole  250  is preferably concave in shape, the central portion of the rear sole does not contact the central portion of the flexible member in its unflexed, normal position. As a result, the flexible member can also flex downward. The degree of flexing of the member can be controlled both by the selection of the material and shape of the member, as well as the relative dimensions and shape of rear sole support  240  and rear sole  250 . While flexible member  200  and the corresponding recess in rear sole support  240  are circular in FIG. 3, other shapes can be utilized. Rear sole support  240  could be designed to include a recess above upper rim  249  to accept the flexible member and a mechanical means, such as a circular locking ring, similar to ring  400 , to support and lock the flexible member in place. In such an embodiment, the user could change the flexible member from the inside of the shoe. Similarly, the flexible member  200  could be fixedly secured to, or incorporated as an integral part, of either the rear sole support or the rear sole. Similar configurations of an integral flexible region are within the spirit of the invention.  
         [0064]    The embodiment of FIG. 3 and other embodiments of the invention preferably provide a shoe that includes a flexible region or member which has its own preselected spring and cushioning characteristic and which is preferably removable and replaceable, a rear sole with its own pre-selected cushioning properties (both outsole and midsole) and which is preferably removable, replaceable, and capable of being locked in place at a plurality of preselected positions; a plurality of beveled portions on the outer surface of the rear sole which are preferably symmetrically located about its axis; and an interrelationship of the flexible member, rear sole support, and rear sole which permit the flexible member to freely flex to at least a predetermined degree. The flexible region and its characteristics, the rear sole and its characteristics, and the rear sole&#39;s relative location to the flexible region can be selectively altered, to provide in combination an optimal shoe for a given application. Also, because of the rear sole rotation and replacement permitted by the invention, typically heavy outsole material may be made thinner than on conventional athletic shoes, thus reducing the weight of the shoe. The invention also permits the weight of the shoe to be further reduced because the central portion of the midsole of the rear sole can be eliminated, since the flexible region of the shoe provides weight bearing and cushioning at this area.  
         [0065]    Other rear sole support/rear sole combinations for securing the rear sole to the shoe and for supporting the flexible member at or below the heel region of the upper are contemplated and fall within the spirit of this invention, as described and claimed. By means of example only, some such additional configurations are disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/291,945, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,126, which is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0066]    The flexible region of the present invention is not limited to a circular shape and can be adapted to conform to the shape of the rear sole. The flexible region also need not be used only in conjunction with a detachable rear sole, but can be used with permanently attached rear soles as well.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIGS. 4-17 show various alternative embodiments of the flexible member. In each of these embodiments, the flexible member may be curved or convex in shape, or have an inwardly curved or concave bottom surface, such that the interior portion of the flexible member is elevated relative to its periphery when the flexible member is positioned in the shoe in its normal position. Each of the following flexible member embodiments may be used in conjunction with the rear sole support/rear sole combinations disclosed in FIGS. 1-3 and more generally disclosed in this disclosure in its entirety. In addition, the following disclosed embodiments of flexible members can be integrally incorporated into a portion of the shoe. In either event, the resultant shoe has a flexible region which provides a preselected flex and spring.  
         [0068]    As shown in FIG. 4, flexible member  500  has a concave under surface  502  (when viewed from its bottom) and an opposing convex upper surface, and is circular in shape. As a result, the interior portion of the flexible member  500  is elevated relative to its peripheral portion and is positioned above a portion of the rear sole of the user when supported in the shoe.  
         [0069]    Flexible members  510  and  520  shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, are similar in structure to flexible member  500  except that flexible member  510  has a bottom surface  514  and a moon-shaped notch  512  and flexible member  520  has a bottom surface  524  and two opposing moon-shaped notches  522 . Notch  512  of flexible member  510  is preferably aligned with the back of the rear sole. One of notches  522  of flexible member  520  may be aligned with the back of the rear sole, or alternatively such notches may be aligned with the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. Flexible member  530  as shown in FIG. 7 is identical in structure to flexible member  520  shown in FIG. 6 except that it is not spherically convex in shape, but rather convexly curved in only one direction. The flexible member  530  alignment options are the same as those of flexible member  520 .  
         [0070]    As shown in FIG. 8, flexible member  540  includes a plurality of spokes  542  each joined at one end to a hub  544  and joined at an opposite end to rim  546 . The size, shape, and number of spokes is variable depending on the desired flexibility. As shown in FIG. 8, each of spokes  542  has a triangular cross-section, although the cross-section may also be square, rectangular, or any other geometrical shape. When positioned in the shoe, hub  544  is elevated relative to rim  546  such that hub  544  is closer to the heel region of the upper.  
         [0071]    The flexible members shown in FIGS. 9-12 are variations of flexible member  540  shown in FIG. 8. Flexible member  550  shown in FIG. 9 is identical in structure to flexible member  540 , but includes webbing  552  covering the top surface of flexible member  550  and joining each of spokes  542  to reinforce flexible member  550 . Webbing  552  may be injection molded with the rest of flexible member. Flexible member  560  shown in FIG. 10 is similar in structure to flexible member  540  shown in FIG. 8; however, spokes  562  decrease in thickness between hub  564  and the central portion of each of the spokes  562  and then increase in thickness from the central portion toward rim  566 .  
         [0072]    Flexible member  570 , shown in FIG. 11, also includes a plurality of spokes  572  joined at opposite ends to hub  574  and rim  576 . In this embodiment, the thickness of the spokes decreases in a direction from hub  574  toward rim  576 . As shown in FIG. 11, the decreasing thickness of spokes  572  results in at least a portion of the interior portion of flexible member  570  in the area of the decreasing thickness spokes  572  being thinner than at least a portion of its peripheral edges or rim  576 . Hub  574  and other portions of the center portion of the interior portion of flexible member  570  are shown as being thicker than another portion of the interior portion of flexible member  570 , such as in the area of decreased spoke thickness. As shown in FIG. 11, center portion or hub  574  and peripheral edge or rim  576  may both be thicker than a portion of the interior portion of flexible member  570  between hub  574  and rim  576 . In addition, webbing  578  may be placed over the top surface of flexible member  570  similar to that disclosed in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 11, spokes  572  are preferably oriented such that each spoke is oriented 180 degrees from an opposite spoke to provide a rib that extends substantially across flexible member  570 . Whether referred to as opposite spokes  572  or a rib the thickness may be varied. The rib is preferable integrally formed with flexible member  570  and more preferably is on the bottom surface or concave surface of flexible member  570 . As can be seen in FIG. 11, a hole may be provided through flexible member  570  and more particularly, through the center or hub  574 . As can be further determined from FIG. 11, flexible member  570  may be substantially planar in shape, but is not conical in shape.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 12 illustrates a housing  580  for supporting the flexible member, in this example, flexible member  560 . Housing  580  has an L-shaped cross-section to support the bottom and side surfaces of rim  566 . Housing  580  may be inserted into the shoe heel with flexible member  560  or may be permanently affixed to the rear sole support. In either case, housing  580  acts as a reinforcement for limiting or eliminating lateral movement of flexible member  560  during use. This may have the effect of making the center of the flexible member more springy. It may also allow the member to be made of thinner and/or lighter weight material.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIGS. 13 and 14 show further variations of flexible plate  500  shown in FIG. 4. While flexible plate  500  has a generally uniform thickness at any given radius, flexible plate  585  shown in FIG. 13 decreases in thickness from the center of the member toward its periphery. Flexible member  590  shown in FIG. 14, on the other hand, is thicker near the center and at the periphery, but thinner therebetween.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIGS. 15-17A disclose flexible members composed of carbon ribbons set in a resin binder. Alternatively, they may be fiberglass ribbons or a combination of carbon and fiberglass ribbons. Ribbons made of other types of fiber may also be used. Flexible member  600  includes radially or diametrically projecting ribbons  602 , either emanating from the center of flexible member toward its periphery or, preferably, passing through the center from a point on the periphery to a diametrically opposite point on the periphery. These ribbons  602  are fixed in position by a resin binder  604  known in the art. Flexible member  610  shown in FIG. 16 also includes carbon ribbons  602  set in a resin binder  604 , but further includes a rim  606  comprised of ribbon preset in the resin binder and defining the periphery of flexible member  610 . Flexible member  620  shown in FIG. 17 is identical to flexible member  610  shown in FIG. 16 except that it further includes a circular ribbon  608  disposed in resin binder  604  and circumscribing the center of flexible member  620 . The flexible member shown in FIG. 17A is identical to the flexible member  610  shown in FIG. 17 except that it has fewer spokes and further includes a plurality of circular ribbons  608  spaced radially from the center of the member and disposed in the resin binder  604 . Flexible members  600 ,  610 , and  620  may be convex in shape so that the center of the flexible member is raised relative to its outer perimeter, when placed in the shoe. They may also have a U-shaped cushioning member placed on or secured to their top surface like that shown in FIG. 18.  
         [0076]    Since it is contemplated that the flexible member will be composed of graphite or other stiff, but flexible, material, it is preferable to cushion the impact of the user&#39;s heel against the flexible member during use. As shown in FIG. 18, a substantially U-shaped cushioning member  650  is disposed on the top surface of flexible member  500  to cushion the heel upon impact. The U-shaped cushioning member is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the user&#39;s heel. Thus, the open end of the U-shape is oriented toward the front of the shoe. Cushioning member  650  may be composed of polyurethane or EVA or may be an air-filled or gel-filled member. Cushioning member  650  can be affixed to flexible member  500  by gluing, or may be made integral with flexible member  500  in an injection molding process. If injection molded, cushioning member  650  would be made of the same material as flexible member  500 . To decrease the stiffness of cushioning member  650  in this instance, small holes (not shown) may be drilled in cushioning member  650  to weaken it and thereby allow it to depress more readily upon impact and more uniformly with flexible member  500 .  
         [0077]    The cushioning member  650  described above can be incorporated into a shoe having any of the various flexible regions disclosed in this application and drawings, as well as other shoes falling within the scope of the claims.  
         [0078]    If cushioning member  650  is used, the shoe sock liner, which generally provides cushioning, may be thinner in the heel area or may terminate at the forward edge of cushioning member  650 . If cushioning member  650  is not used, the sock liner may extend to the rear of the shoe and may be shaped to conform to the user&#39;s heel on its top surface and the flexible member on its bottom surface. Its bottom surface may also compensate for gaps formed by the flexible member. For example, the sock liner may have a concave bottom surface in the heel area to correspond to those flexible members having convex upper surfaces.  
         [0079]    In each of the above-described embodiments, the flexible member is illustrated as a separate component of the shoe which can be removed from the shoe and replaced by a similar or different flexible member, as desired. In each of the embodiments the central portion of the flexible member is raised relative to its outer perimeter so that when placed in the shoe, the interior portion in its normal state does not touch the rear sole support and/or rear sole. As a result, the interior of the flexible member will flex in response to the user&#39;s stride without first, if ever, contacting the rear sole support and/or rear sole. Such flexible member, therefore, can be used with rear soles that have a flat upper surface, as well as those that have a concave upper surface. The relative shape and positioning of the flexible member and the adjacent rear sole support or rear sole can be designed to provide the optimum flex, stiffness, and spring characteristics. However, each of the above-described flexible members may be made integral with the rear sole support, which not only decreases the number of loose parts and increases the efficiency of the manufacturing process, but also further limits the lateral displacement of the periphery of the flexible member upon deflection, potentially creating more spring in the center and/or permitting the use of thinner and/or lighter weight material.  
         [0080]    As shown in FIG. 19, rear sole support  340  is identical in structure to rear sole support  140  shown in FIG. 2 except that rear sole support  340  has a flexible region  700  that serves the same purpose and function as any of the above-described flexible members. In fact, any of the above-described flexible members may be used as flexible region  700  so long as they can be made integral with rear sole support  340 . In this example, flexible region  700  is convex in shape and thus similar to flexible member  500  shown in FIG. 4. Cushioning member  650  or a modified sock liner as described above may also be used.  
         [0081]    The flexible region may be incorporated into other rear sole support embodiments as well. As an alternative to using arch extension  180 , rear sole support  440  shown in FIGS. 20-22 includes a thickened tongue  447  that extends toward the ball of the foot. Thickened tongue  447  provides additional gluing surface for attaching the rear sole support to forward sole  160  and additional stiffness to the heel portion of the shoe and the arch area, thus minimizing the chances of separation of the forward sole from the rear sole support, and at the same time minimizing the tendency of the shoe to curl at the juncture of the hard rear sole support with the soft forward sole. Similar to rear sole support  240 , rear sole support  440  includes a heel counter  442  and a side wall  444 . Rear sole support  440  also includes a rim  448  and anchors  452  to receive and retain a rear sole with a mating groove, such as rear sole  250 . Forward sole  260  is longer in this embodiment to extend back to the edge where it would abut the rear sole. Flexible region  710  is identical to flexible region  700  in FIG. 19.  
         [0082]    In another embodiment, rear sole support  460 , as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, includes a tongue  462  that is thinner and slightly smaller than tongue  447  shown in FIGS. 20-22. However, rear sole support  460  includes a curved wall  464  that has a pocket formed on its forward side for receiving a mating rear edge of forward sole  360  adjacent the rear sole support. Curved wall  464  provides a firm, smoothly contoured transition from hard-to-align resilient materials of the forward and rear soles and thereby minimizes gapping. It also provides a desirable brace or bumper for the lower portion of the rear sole when the user is running. Flexible region  720  is identical to flexible regions  700  and  710 .  
         [0083]    As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the flexible member may also be integrated with the securing member. Securing member  750  is similar in structure and function as securing member  400  in that it includes a wall  752  with a threaded outer surface, an inwardly and outwardly extending rim  754 , and anchors  756 . Securing member  750  also includes a convex flexible region  760  integral with wall  752 . Flexible region  760 , like flexible regions  700  and  710 , may incorporate any of the configurations shown in FIGS. 4-18.  
         [0084]    Securing member  750  is simply substituted for securing member  400  and flexible member  200  shown in FIG. 3 to attach rear sole  250  to rear sole support  240 . However, since securing member  750  does not include mating ends  416 ,  418 , rear sole  250  is press-fitted into securing member  70  until rear sole groove  254  mates with securing member rim  754 . This may have the effect of making the center of the flexible member more springy. It may also allow the flexible member to be made of thinner and/or lighter weight material.  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of the shoe of the present invention. The shoe, designated generally as  820 , has a shoe upper  822 , a forward sole  824 , a heel support  826 , and a rear sole  828 . The forward sole and heel support are attached to the shoe upper in a conventional manner, typically by injection molding, stitching or gluing.  
         [0086]    As shown in FIG. 27, the heel support  826  preferably includes a heel counter  827  for stabilizing a heel portion of the upper  22  above the heel support and a side wall  838  that extends downwardly from the upper and defines a recess  840  sized to receive the rear sole. The heel support may also include a substantially horizontal top wall  838 ′ for supporting the heel portion of the upper. Otherwise, the top of the rear sole or an insert, as will be discussed in more detail later, will support the heel portion of the upper. The components of the heel support, including heel counter  827  and the side wall  838 , are preferably made integral through injection molding or other conventional techniques and are preferably composed of plastic, such as a durable plastic manufactured under the name PEBAX.  
         [0087]    Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 28-31. The shoe includes an upper  22 , a heel support  940 , a rear sole  950 , and a forward sole  960 . As shown in FIG. 29, the heel support  940  includes a heel counter  942 , a downwardly extending wall  944  that defines a recess  946  sized to receive the rear sole, and a rim  948  formed around the lower portion of the wall and extending inwardly into the recess. Anchors  952  may be formed on the bottom surface of the rim  948  and extend downwardly toward the rear sole  950 .  
         [0088]    The rear sole  950  includes a rubber ground-engaging surface  954  containing, in this embodiment, three beveled segments or edges  956 . As shown in FIG. 31, the rear sole  950  also includes a midsole  958  laminated to the ground-engaging surface  954  that includes a substantially cylindrical lower portion  962  and a substantially cylindrical upper portion  964  that is smaller in diameter than the lower portion. A groove  966  is formed between these upper and lower portions and receives the rim  948  of the heel support to retain the rear sole in the heel support recess.  
         [0089]    The upper midsole portion  964  includes a spiral groove  968 , as shown in FIGS. 29-31, that allows the rear sole to be screwed into the heel support. As shown in FIG. 29, a portion of the rim of the heel support is cut away at  970 . The rear sole is screwed into the heel support by aligning the top of the spiral groove with an edge  972  of the rim adjacent the cut-away portion. A sharp instrument (such as a slender screwdriver), inserted through the window  974  and into the top of the spiral groove  968  may aid in the start-up process. The rear sole is then simply rotated, and the rim engages the spiral groove of the rear sole to screw the upper midsole of the rear sole into the recess. Once fully inserted, the rear sole may be rotated freely within the recess by hand, albeit with desired resistance. When the rear sole is attached to the heel support, the optional anchors sink into the lower midsole portion of the rear sole due to the weight of the user to prevent rotation of the rear sole during use.  
         [0090]    It should be noted that the configuration of the midsole  958 , i.e., the upper midsole portion having a diameter equal to or slightly larger than that of the recess defined by the rim and a lower midsole portion having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter defined by the circular wall  944 , further eliminates any vertical gapping problems from occurring between the wall of the heel support and the peripheral surface of the rear sole.  
         [0091]    To assist in removing the rear sole from the heel support, the two windows  974 ,  976  (FIG. 29) are formed in the wall of the heel support, a first window  974  above the cut-away portion of the rim and a second window  976  positioned  180  degrees around the wall of the heel support from the first window. In addition, a small indention  978  is formed on the peripheral surface of the upper midsole portion  964  at a position 180 degrees from the point at which the spiral groove  968  intersects the bottom of the upper midsole portion  964 , as shown in FIG. 31. To remove the rear sole from the heel support, the rear sole is rotated in the heel support until the small indention appears in the second window  976 . At this point, the bottom of the spiral groove is aligned with the center of the cut-away portion. The user, again using a screwdriver or similar instrument inserted through the window  974  into the spiral groove  968 , can then simply rotate the rear sole so that the rim of the heel support engages the spiral groove. The rear sole is then simply rotated to screw the rear sole out of the heel support.  
         [0092]    It is not necessary to include a spiral groove in the rear sole for attaching and removing the rear sole from the heel support. As shown in FIG. 32, a rear sole  950  is similar to that shown in FIG. 31, but includes no spiral groove and no small indention. Because the upper portion  964  and lower portion  962  of the midsole  958  are made of a soft material, it can be press-fitted into the recess of the heel support until the rim  948  engages the groove  966 .  
         [0093]    As shown in FIGS. 28-30, the shoe of the present invention also preferably includes an arch bridge  980  attached to, and integral with, the heel support  940  to provide an even firmer support for the arch of the foot and for alleviating potential gapping problems where the wall of the heel support is adjacent the forward sole. The arch bridge  980  generally extends from the rear of the recess  946  (where it attaches to the heel counter  942  and side wall  944 ) to the ball of the foot and is attached to the upper  22  and forward sole  960  by gluing or other conventional methods. The arch bridge  980  also is preferably composed of the same material as the heel support and is made integral with the heel support  940  by molding. Such one-piece construction of the arch bridge together with the heel support solves another major problem, and that is the tendency of an athletic shoe of conventional “full body” arch construction to curl at the juncture of the hard heel support with the resilient forward sole.  
         [0094]    Another embodiment for attaching the graphite insert is shown in FIG. 33. In this embodiment, the graphite insert  1000  is inserted through the bottom of the heel support  1040  so that the periphery of the graphite insert presses against the lower surface of an upper rim  1049  of the heel support. A plastic ring  1010  is also inserted in the recess between the graphite insert and the rim  1048 . Such ring  1010  is flexible enough to allow it to be inserted into the heel support. The ring supports the periphery of the lower surface of the graphite insert. The rear sole  1050  is a screw-in type identical to the rear sole  950  shown in FIG. 31 except that it has a concave top surface to allow the graphite insert to flex during use.  
         [0095]    As shown in FIG. 33, the rim  1048  of the heel support includes two cut-away portions at  1070  and windows  1074 ,  1076  to allow the graphite insert and the ring to be inserted into the recess of the heel support, in addition to allowing the rear sole to be screwed onto the heel support in the same manner as contemplated by FIGS. 29, 30 and  31 . The ring  1010  also has windows  1012 ,  1014  that are aligned with the windows  1074 ,  1076  when the ring is inserted into the recess.  
         [0096]    Alternatively, the rim  1048  of the heel support and the graphite insert  1000  can be “gear-shaped”, as shown in FIG. 34, to allow the graphite insert  1000  to be inserted into the heel support. Again, the ring  1010  is flexible enough to allow it to be inserted into the heel support.  
         [0097]    If additional cushioning is desired, the rear sole can be modified as shown in FIGS. 35-37. In this embodiment, a “doughnut-shaped” void  1152  is created in the middle of a rear sole  1150  to support an air-filled cushion  1170  similar in shape to an inner tube for a tire. In addition, several voids  1154  are formed around the periphery of the rear sole to reduce the weight of the rear sole and better exploit the cushioning properties of the air-filled cushion  1170  when the shoe strikes the ground during use. The voids are preferably positioned directly below the knobs  1156  to cushion the force transmitted from the heel support to the knobs. The air cushion  1170  may include a valve  1172  for inflating and deflating the cushion.  
         [0098]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the system of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.