Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/642,642, entitled Resilient Sports Shoe, which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/804,803 entitled “improved Ventilated And Resilient Shoe Apparatus And System” filed May 21, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/889,725 entitled “Shoe with Resilient Heel” filed Feb. 13, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Preferred Embodiment 
         [0003]    This invention pertains generally to wearable articles for the feet, and more particularly to shoes having a resilient sole having a shock-absorbing platform and heel cavity, possibly with air movement through the sole. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventional shoes are often uncomfortable due to a lack of resiliency in the sole, particularly in the heel area. Inflexible heels do not promote walking or standing for long periods of time because they lack substantial cushioning and resiliency to accommodate pressure exerted on a wearer&#39;s feet. This lack of cushioning causes undue pressure and force-of-impact to be felt up into the knees, spine, and various other joints. Compressible heels having recessed chambers and springs in some cases are not new. None of the prior art successfully cushions a wearer&#39;s feet to the extent of the instant invention. Conventional shoes also fail to provide a flow of fresh air through the inside of the sole around an individual&#39;s feet. 
         [0006]    For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 1,471,042 to Lewis (1923) discloses a shoe that uses coil springs internal to the defined heel. Lewis&#39; shoe, however, uses metal plates (circular metal disks) above and below the coil spring(s) to help distribute pressure and also has no real cavity or resiliency in the sole. U.S. Pat. No. 2,257,482 to Resko (1941) discloses using lugs to better seat the coil spring in the defined heel, but still uses a metal reinforcing plate between the upper and lower soles to distribute pressure, also lacking resiliency in the heel. U.S. Pat. No. 3,886,674 to Pavia (1975) discloses a shoe having a plurality of springs in a non-defined, open heel. Because the springs are not enclosed, there is no sidewall surrounding the heel area. Further, there is a metal plate above the springs in the heelstrike area, so the wearer&#39;s foot still strikes against a hard surface. 
         [0007]    Another family of prior art patents has addressed heel/cavity design. For instance, U.S. patents to Bunns U.S. Pat. No. 1,502,087, Denk U.S. Pat. No. 2,299,009, Carroll U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,401, and Dixon U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,431, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/022,477 to Wu disclose cavities in well defined heels. Lombardino U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,028 discloses a blended heel, but lacks a platform connected to a substantially inelastic sidewall by virtue of a discrete deformable area. Consequently, movement is limited to a hinge-like articulating movement in the heelstrike area. 
         [0008]    Still other patents, for instance U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,338 to LeVert et al., disclose a spring cushioned shoe with an inner vacuity connected by a passageway to an opening on the exterior of the shoe. The passageway opening described in the &#39;338 patent, however, is both an inlet and an outlet and thus undesirably allows fluids and other unwanted debris into the shoe to the discomfort of the wearer and associated problems from water and mold developing within the shoe. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 1,069,001 to Guy discloses a cushioned sole and heel that allows air or other fluids in through a check valve to serve as the cushioning medium. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,010 to Fukuoka discloses a shoe having a resilient heel having a circular convexity ( 2   b ) and a ring-shape groove ( 2   c ) surrounding the convexity. While in this structure the convexity is capable of moving independently of other parts of the sole, Fukuoka requires a ring-shape groove ( 2   c ) of varying thickness, which tends to create an area of weakness, prone to breakage and malfunction. Thus, a needs exists for an improved ventilated and resilient shoe that overcomes the numerous limitations and problems in the prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems in convention shoes by providing an improved resilient and ventilated shoe apparatus and system. 
         [0011]    The invention includes a novel shoe in one embodiment that is ventilated with external air. The apparatus and system circulate air around the wearer&#39;s foot without impacting the stability or comfort of an individual&#39;s walk. Circulating air throughout the shoe while an individual is walking provides an additional benefit that conventional shoes do not provide: reducing athlete&#39;s foot and foot odor. Conventional shoes do not allow the free flow of air throughout the inside of the shoe. Moisture and bacteria build up inside most conventional shoes, causing athlete&#39;s foot and making such shoes smell. The present invention provides that with every step, the individual is circulating fresh air throughout the shoe and around his foot. The result is a shoe interior that will not be a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. The wearer&#39;s feet will feel refreshed and better rested at the end of the day. Individuals may also find themselves walking longer distances in the improved shoes because their feet will feel more comfortable. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, air enters the shoe from outside around the wearer&#39;s foot and flows through openings in a sole and then through aeration chambers. The air thereafter circulates to an air suction valve in the heel and then is directed out to the exterior of the shoe through a one-air air exhaust valve and thereby ventilates the wearer&#39;s foot with free flowing air. In other embodiments, the invention includes an air pump in the heel that operates with the one way air suction valve for air intake and operates to expel air through the one-way air exhaust valve. In further embodiments, the invention includes an upper sole with a plurality of air suction holes or openings and a lower sole made from porous, air permeable material such as open cell foam or the like. In one or more embodiments, the shoe includes bacteria fighting chemicals or other substances known to persons skilled in the art to reduce shoe odor. 
         [0013]    One embodiment of the invention includes a blended heel made from a resilient material and has a cavity extending under the entire instep portion of the shoe&#39;s upper. Compression springs are placed in the cavity, including a mainspring located at approximately the heelstrike point and two auxiliary springs for stability located forward of the mainspring toward the shoe&#39;s toe. The extended cavity provides even resiliency throughout the upper sole without having to resort to metal plates. The springs assist the resilient walls of the cavity, which extends under the instep portion of the shoe, in supporting the wearer&#39;s foot, and the spring&#39;s compression load is distributed throughout the sole by a resilient layer of softer rubber adjacent the sole. 
         [0014]    The blended heel of the invention extends under the sole in a wedge-type configuration. This extension provides arch support and resiliency at the shoe&#39;s instep, or midsole. In one or more embodiments, the heel includes a height enhancer to provide lift without the appearance of “elevator shoes.” This pad located under the heel portion also serves to distribute the load of the springs and provides that the entire shoe is lifted, not just the wearer&#39;s foot. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, the springs include a mainspring and two smaller auxiliary springs in front of and evenly spaced to the inside and outside of the mainspring. The mainspring offers lift to the wearer reducing, if not eliminating, pressure on the wearer&#39;s spine, knees, and other joints. The auxiliary springs offer stability and additional absorption of the pressure forces generated from walking and other activity. In one or more embodiments, the springs are made from industrial grade aluminum spring material or many other suitable materials are within the scope of the invention. For example, instead of metallic springs, other spring members such as air balls or rubber balls could be used. The springs are aided by the resilient material itself that makes up the heel and the cavity walls. 
         [0016]    One embodiment of the invention includes a magnetic sleeve that serves to further enhance the well-being of the wearer. Such an insert uses magnetic therapy technology to offer the wearer the additional benefit of enhancing blood circulation in the heel, foot, and ankle areas. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, a shoe includes a resilient sole and heel cavity. The sole includes an outsole with a substantially inelastic sidewall, a substantially inelastic platform having a perimeter wall, or height, and an elastic connector between the sidewall and perimeter wall. The connector limits movement of the platform relative to the sidewall between a substantially unloaded position where the connector maintains the platform substantially below the sidewall, and a substantially loaded position, where the connector is deformed so that the platform is deflected to some degree into the heel cavity and substantially surrounded by the sidewall. 
         [0018]    It is anticipated the shoe may have a spring spanning the heel cavity, the spring located atop the platform. It may require between 50 and 700 pounds of pressure to fully compress the spring and connector. 
         [0019]    In an unloaded position, the platform may be maintained between two and twenty five millimeters below the sidewall. Also, in the unloaded position, the connector may be between one and ten millimeters in length between the sidewall and platform, and have a thickness of between one and ten millimeters. 
         [0020]    The platform, sidewall, and connector may be constructed from a single, unitary piece of material, preferably rubber, although it is also anticipated the sidewall may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane which in various embodiments may be clear in order to see the interior of the heel cavity. In various embodiments, the outsole may be made of materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane and rubber, or a combination of those materials. 
         [0021]    The substantially inelastic sidewall, inelastic platform, spring and elastic connector are arranged such that the spring is biased to maintain the platform substantially lower than the sidewall. Under a wearer&#39;s weight, the spring compresses, causing bending and stretching of the connector, and allowing the platform to deflect substantially upward into the outsole. 
         [0022]    In order to provide cushioned impact while walking or running, a shoe is provided having a resilient sole and heel cavity. Also provided is an outsole having a sidewall, a substantially inelastic platform, and an elastic connector between the sidewall and platform. The length or thickness of the connector is varied, depending on a user&#39;s weight or the desired performance characteristics of the shoes. After putting on the shoes, a user applies a substantial portion of the user&#39;s weight onto the sole, substantially bending and stretching the connector, and substantially deflecting the platform into the heel cavity. 
         [0023]    As a substantial portion of the user&#39;s weight is removed from the sole, bending and un-stretching of the connector causes the platform to deflect out of the heel cavity. A spring in the heel cavity may be included and biased so as to maintain the platform outside the heel cavity. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a side cutaway view of one embodiment of the shoe with resilient sole having heel cavity and compression springs. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the heel area showing one possible configuration of compression springs. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a bottom detail view of a resilient plate with lower sole and springs Removed and showing an optional one-way exit air valve. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of the shoe with resilient heel cavity and springs and showing ventilation of the inside sole. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a top cutaway view of the heel portion in one or more embodiments of the invention, again showing ventilation of the inside sole. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a top cutaway view of the upper sole in one or more embodiments of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a cutaway perspective view of a variation of a ventilation apparatus and system in one or more embodiments of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is an exploded partial view of the upper sole, second sole and the bottom with the aeration channels in one or more embodiments of the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the resilient shoe, a shoe for sporting activities. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the lower portion of the second embodiment shoe. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11A  is a section view through the heel portion of the second embodiment shoe in an uncompressed state. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11B  is a section view through the heel portion of the second embodiment shoe in a compressed state. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a rear view of the resilient shoe sole having a heel cavity and spring disposed therein in an uncompressed state. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the resilient shoe sole having a heel cavity and spring disposed therein in an uncompressed state. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is a rear view of the resilient shoe sole having a heel cavity and spring disposed therein in a compressed state. 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the resilient shoe sole having a heel cavity and spring disposed therein in a compressed state. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged view of the deformable area of the outsole portion of the resilient shoe sole. 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a sports shoe incorporating the resilient shoe sole. 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a sports shoe incorporating the resilient shoe sole. 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  is a rear view of a dress shoe incorporating the resilient shoe sole in an uncompressed state. 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a dress shoe incorporating the resilient shoe sole in an uncompressed state. 
           [0045]      FIG. 21  is a rear view of a dress shoe incorporating the resilient shoe sole in a compressed state. 
           [0046]      FIG. 22  is a side view of a dress shoe incorporating the resilient shoe sole in a compressed state. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0047]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the shoe  10  with upper  14  and lower  16  joined along the upper sole  18  extending through the heel portion  20 , instep portion  22 , and toe portion  24 . The blended heel  26  defines a cavity  28  that extends from the rearmost point of the heel portion  20  forward under the instep portion  22 . The blended heel  26  is made from a resilient material, typically rubber so the cavity walls offer some resiliency, but other resilient materials known to persons skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0048]    Two separate materials may be used, as is shown here, with the layer adjacent the upper sole of a softer material than the remainder of the heel. The mainspring  30  is positioned orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  12 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , and under the heelstrike point of the interior of the shoe. The mainspring  30  may be secured by lugs  36  (upper) and  38  (lower; not shown) set into recesses  40  and  42 , and provides the majority of resilient force to the wearer&#39;s steps. Auxiliary springs  32  and  34  shown in  FIG. 2  add stability and enhanced resiliency. 
         [0049]    In one or more embodiments, a magnetic sleeve  46  is included as shown in  FIG. 1  to further enhance the well-being of the wearer with magnetic therapy. Also, the pad  48  at the bottom of the blended heel  26  serves not only as a height-enhancer, but also helps to distribute the spring load throughout the heel portion  20  so that the entire shoe is lifted, not just the wearer&#39;s foot. 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  shows one configuration of the springs. The mainspring  30  is located generally on the longitudinal axis  12  in the center of the shoe width, and the auxiliary springs  32  and  34  are located forward of the mainspring, toward the toe portion  24  and to either side of the longitudinal axis. The lateral spacing of the auxiliary springs  32  and  34  provides overall stability to the shoe and enhances the lift felt by the wearer. 
         [0051]    One placement of the auxiliary springs  32  and  34  is to have them spaced evenly in front of the mainspring, equidistant from both the mainspring and the longitudinal axis, so that the wearer&#39;s ankle is not turned either inward or outward. Also in this configuration, the lift from the springs is directed upward to enhance the lift from the mainspring. On the other hand, strategic placement of the springs offset from each other may aid in the correction of pronation or other ankle alignment problems in other embodiments. 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  shows the recesses  40 ,  52 ,  54  for the springs in one embodiment and also shows how there may be other recesses  56  (rectangular, circular, or of any other shape) built into the rubber material to aid in overall stability. The design of these various smaller recesses  56  may aid in air circulation within the heel cavity and may work in concert with an air pressure valve to help express air from the cavity on depression thereof. In one or more embodiments, the shoe  10  includes a one-way air exhaust valve  100  as shown in  FIG. 3  whereby air is expelled out the valve  100  when the heel  20  is compressed and the volume of the cavity  28  is reduced. The valve  100  is a one-way valve so that water or other unwanted debris is prevented from entering the cavity  28 . The valve  100  is also such that air freely flows out rather than seeking a path in a forward direction through the sole as described in other embodiments herein. 
         [0053]      FIG. 4  shows one embodiment where a load  80  is placed onto the shoe heel portion  20  so as to compress the mainspring  30  and the auxiliary springs  32  and  34  within the cavity  28 . The cavity  28  is not sealed (and the one-way air exhaust or exit valve  100  not present), and thus when the volume of the cavity  28  is reduced air is discharged in a forward direction towards the instep portion  22  and toe portion  24  and through the upper sole  18  as shown in  FIG. 4 , which provides overall stability to the shoe and enhances the lift and fresh air feeling felt by the wearer. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  shows the air flow depicted in  FIG. 4  with arrows in one embodiment within the shoe  10  through a channel structure  82  and channel structure  84  to aeration channels  86  in the instep portion  22  and toe portion  24  of the shoe  10 .  FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment with the upper sole  18  includes a plurality of openings  18   a  to further facilitate the flow of air within the shoe  10 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of a ventilated shoe of the present invention. In this embodiment an air pump  90  is provided in the cavity  28  in the heel portion  20 , rather than the cavity  28  itself in conjunction with the one way valve  100  acting in a similar manner as described above. The air pump  90  is made of a conventional construction well known to persons skilled in the art and is not described in detail here. The air pump  90  is connected to the one-way air suction valve  92  as shown in  FIG. 7  and is also connected to the one-way air exhaust valve  100  also as shown in  FIG. 7 . The one-way air suction valve  92  is adjacent to the air channel  82  and the air channel  84 , although an intermediate connecting channel  94  can be provided to connect the air channels  82  and  84  to the one-way air suction valve  92 . 
         [0056]    When the shoe  10  is used for walking, air enters the shoe adjacent to the where the user&#39;s ankle and leg are near to the shoe  10  or at or near the upper  14 . The air flows through the upper sole  18  including through the openings  18   a  in the upper sole  18  to the aeration channels  86  on the lower  16  of the shoe  10 . Air then flows to the air channels  82  and  84  to the one-way suction valve  92 . The air then enters the air pump  90  and is expelled out the one way air exhaust valve  100  to the exterior of the shoe  10  as depicted schematically in  FIG. 7  by arrow  104 . In one or more embodiments, a waterproof ventilation valve  102  is provided on the exterior of the shoe  10  as shown in  FIG. 7  to further inhibit water or other debris from entering the shoe  10  or cavity  28 . 
         [0057]    The air pump  90  operates so that when it is compressed, such as by a wearer&#39;s foot while walking, the air pump  10  is compressed which forces the air in the air pump  90  out through the valve  100 . When the air pump  90  expands, such as when the wearer lifts his foot and heel during a walking stride, air flows into the air pump  90  through the one-way air suction valve  92 . Therefore, while walking at even a normal pace, the shoes and thus the feet of the individual wearing the inventive shoes are ventilated with fresh air. Alternatively, the air pump  90  could include a small thermoelectric device  91  to remove heat (or cold) and humidity from the inside of the shoe. 
         [0058]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment which includes a lower sole  150 , made from open cell foam or equivalent materials well known to persons skilled in the art, positioned between the upper sole  18  and the aeration channels  86  to further facilitate the flow of air within the shoe  10  with the upper sole  18  having a plurality of openings  18   a  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Alternatively, the lower sole  150  could be made of generally air impervious material having one or more large holes for air to pass from the lower  16  up through the upper sole  18 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  illustrates a second embodiment sport shoe  200  with an upper portion  202  and sole  204 , wherein the sole  204  comprises an outsole  206 , and a midsole  208 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the outsole  206  is attached to the midsole  208 , together forming a heel  209 . The midsole  208  includes a first part  210  and a second part  212 . The first part  210  of the midsole  208  is designed to reside substantially under the heel of a wearer, while the second part  212  supports the remainder of the wearer&#39;s foot. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 11A , a cross section of the sports shoe  200 , outsole  206 , midsole  208  and related structures are shown in an uncompressed state. Here, the first part  210  of the midsole  208  is disposed above and engaged by a series of springs  214 . The bottoms of the springs  214  engage the outsole  206 . The second part  212  of the midsole  208  engages the outsole  206 . In this manner, downward pressure by a wearer&#39;s heel is distributed across the springs  214 .  FIG. 11A  also illustrates the cavity  216  housing the springs  214 , enclosed by the first part  210  and second part  212  of the midsole  208 , and the outsole  206 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 11B , the outsole  206 , midsole  208  and related heel  209  structures are shown in a compressed state. In this state the springs  214  are compressed, reducing the volume of the cavity  216 . The cavity  216  is preferably obscured from view by the outsole  206  forming a sidewall  220  around the heel  209  portion of the shoe  200 . Preferably the springs  214  are compression springs wherein the working distance between the minimum operational state and maximum operational state is about 6 mm. Optionally, an insole  213  may be installed inside the shoe over the midsole  208 . 
         [0062]    As the springs  214  compress and cavity  216  volume decreases, the outsole  206  sidewall  220  folds together. The outsole  206  has a bottom pad  222  connected to the springs  214 . The bottom pad  222  makes surface contact while the shoe is under a wearer&#39;s weight. 
         [0063]    In order to ensure vertical movement of the springs  214  and minimize lateral displacement of the outsole  206  relative to the midsole  208 , the outsole  206  comprises a connecting portion  224  between the sidewall  220  and horizontal pad  222 . As the sidewall  220  deflects downward relative to the bottom pad  222 , the connecting portion  224  folds inward upon itself, sandwiching the bottom pad  222  within the sidewall  220  preventing lateral displacement of the heel  209 . The material comprising the connecting portion  224  is resiliently deformable and is disposed in the outsole  206  between the sidewall  220  and bottom pad  222 . 
         [0064]    Referring back to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , an air passageway  217  releases the air from the heel  209 . In a preferred embodiment the air passageway  217  comprises a one-way valve  102  (as illustrated in  FIG. 7 ) which expels air, and prevents air, liquid or other debris from entering back into the heel  209 . A thermo-electric cooling (and/or heating) device  219  may be installed in the sole to remove heat and humidity and preserve the wearer&#39;s comfort. 
         [0065]    The outsole  206  is preferably abrasion resistant rubber material. The bottom pad  222  of the heel  209  may be of a softer rubber, such that the bottom pad  222  itself compresses to some extent under the wearer&#39;s weight. The first part  210  of the midsole  208  comprises a rigid material, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane, and may include additives such as silica based or other nanoparticles to increase dimensional stability. The second part  212  of the midsole  208  is of a very lightweight material, preferably ethylene-vinyl-acetate. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 12 through 15  illustrate another embodiment of a resilient shoe sole  500 . In this embodiment the resilient sole  500  comprises a midsole  502 , an upper foundation  504 , and an outsole  506 . A heel cavity  508  is disposed in the sole  500 , and a cap  510  may cover the heel cavity  508 . While the example illustrations show a single heel cavity  508  in the sole  500 , it is contemplated that the sole  500  may have additional cavities [not shown] in other locations, and also that the heel cavity  508  may be divided into more than the single heel cavity  508  shown. It is also contemplated that the midsole  502  may be made of softer materials than the outsole  506 , such as ethylene vinyl acetate, while the cap  510  may be made of harder materials, for example thermoplastic polyurethane. 
         [0067]    In the exemplary embodiment, the heel cavity  508  may house one or more springs  512 . As shown in the figures, a larger spring  512  is seated behind two smaller springs  512  to add support and stability to the sole  500 . It is also contemplated that either a single spring  512  or additional springs [not shown] may be incorporated into the sole  500 , including in other areas of the sole  500 . Alternatively, springs  512  may be omitted altogether. In one embodiment, the spring(s)  512  may have an ideal elasticity of between 50 to 700 lb/ft 2 . 
         [0068]    Trampoline-like rebound in the sole  500  is achieved by the structure of the outsole  506 . In addition to other structures, e.g., springs, the outsole  506  comprises a platform  514  and a sidewall  516 . The sidewall  516  may be substantially rigid and extend around the heel cavity  508 . In this manner, it may be designed to form the periphery of the sole&#39;s  500  heel area. The platform  514 , while ideally made of resilient material, may be substantially rigid due to its thickness. The pressure required to move the platform  514  relative to the sidewall  516  determines the amount of resiliency and rebound in the sole  500 . The strength of that resiliency is governed by a connector  520  connecting the platform  514  and sidewalls  516 , and by the distance the platform  514  must travel so that both the platform  514  and side wall  516  encounter a common walking surface. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , the connector  520  has a predetermined length  522  as measured from the perimeter wall  526  of the platform  514 , and the inner, substantially vertical surface  528  of the sidewall  516 , and a predetermined thickness  524 , as measured from a top surface  530  of the connector  520  to a bottom surface  532  of the connector  520 . While the length  522  and thickness  524  determine the force necessary to deform the connector  520 , the size of the platform  514  perimeter wall  526  extends below the sidewall  516  determines the amount of rebound achieved by the sole  500 . 
         [0070]    The thickness  524  determines the shock absorbing properties of the sole  500  and the ability of the sole  500  to deflect upward when compressed on a down step. An increased thickness  524  requires more weight for full deflection. The optimum operational size for the thickness  524  is between 1 mm and 10 mm. The length  522  determines the amount of rebound in the sole  500  after deflection. It operates like a rubber band or sling shot, developing more propulsion the longer the deformable area  520  stretches. The optimum operational size for the length  522  portion of the deformable area  520  is between 1 mm and 10 mm. 
         [0071]    The platform  514  perimeter wall  526  is used to govern the maximum amount of deflection in the sole  500 . Deflection ends once the sidewall  516  of the sole  500  reaches the surface on which the platform  514  rests. The optimum operational height for the perimeter wall  526  is between 2 mm and 25 mm. 
         [0072]    Referring back to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in a resting position, the connector  520  of the outsole  506  maintains the platform  514  in a fully extended position. The connector  520  may simply be a portion of the material comprising the outsole  506 . In alternative embodiments, the connector  520  may be made of material having an elasticity differing from the platform  516 , sidewall  518 , or both. Referring again to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , in a deformed position, the connector  520  of the outsole  506  is stretched such that the platform  514  is deflected upward into the cavity  508  until the sidewalls  516  of the outsole  506  reach the surface on which the platform  514  rests. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the platform  514  may deflect only partially upward into the cavity  508  as shown in  FIG. 14 . Additionally, while the figures show a substantially planar connector  520  when the platform  520  is in a deflected state, it is contemplated that due to the elastic nature of the connector  520  it may deform into a curved or “S” shape when the platform  514  deflects into the cavity  508 . 
         [0073]    The ratio of the thickness  524 , length  522 , and the perimeter wall  526  height (and the resiliency of the spring and rubber material) have different measurements in various shoe designs: For example, it is anticipated dress shoes will be designed with maximum flexibility due to their low-impact use. Casual shoes are expected to have a middle range of flexibility for repeated impact during walking. Finally, sports or running shoes will have the lowest flexibility due to the great force of impact from sports activities. In some embodiments, the connector  520  may also be of varied size and shape due to shoe size and whether intended for male or female use. For instance, a size seven women&#39;s shoe might be calibrated for around 120 lbs of compression, while a men&#39;s size eleven shoe might be calibrated for 200 or 250 lbs on average. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the sole  500  is shown in an uncompressed state incorporated into a sports shoe upper  534 . In this embodiment, the deformable area [not shown] would be configured with a greater thickness  524 , length  522 , or a combination of the two. The platform  514  perimeter wall  526  will have a predetermined height adapted to confer maximum stability to the shoe, which is intended for substantial lateral movement and high impact. In one embodiment, the resilient sole  500  may have a window (not shown) permitting observers to see the inner workings of the sole  500 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  19  through  22 , a spring-less dress shoe embodiment of the resilient sole  500  is shown. Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , as in other embodiments, the connector  520  in a resting state preserves the platform  514  in a position substantially lower than the remainder of the outsole  506 . Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , as the sole  500  is compressed the deformable portion  520  allows the platform  514  to deflect upward into the heel cavity. 
         [0076]    Also shown in this embodiment is a pneumatic cooling arrangement designed to take advantage of the changing volume of the heel cavity  508 . A one-way valve  536  in the outsole  506  causes air to leave the heel cavity  508  when compressed. As the heel cavity  508  volume increases, air enters through a series of portals  538  in the sole  500 . In this manner a constant flow of cooling air is achieved. It is anticipated that the pneumatic cooling arrangement may be incorporated into casual and sports shoes as well as the illustrated embodiment. It is also anticipated that the heel cavity  508  of the illustrated dress shoe embodiment may include a spring [not shown]. 
         [0077]    The structure of the resilient shoe sole  500  having been described, its operation will now be discussed. 
         [0078]    After inserting a foot into a shoe having the resilient shoe sole  500 , and lacing or otherwise fastening the foot therein, a wearer may stand, walk, jog or run in any customary manner. On a down step, as the outsole  506  approaches the ground, the platform  514  encounters a surface. As the wearer&#39;s weight is brought to bear against the shoe sole  500 , the deformable area  520  begins to deform, allowing the platform  514  to depend upward into the cavity  508  of the shoe sole  500 . 
         [0079]    As discussed, the height of the edge  526  of the platform  514 , the thickness of the clip  524  and the width of the lip  522  are predetermined to create a calibrated resistance depending on the weight of the user and the purpose of the shoe. In addition to the dimensions of the edge  526  and deforming area  520 , it is anticipated that choice of materials may play a role in calibrating the shoe sole  500 . Although rubber is one preferred material, rubber stock of differing elasticity may be used to strengthen or weaken the deformable area  520  as necessary. Other materials having resilient characteristics are also contemplated. 
         [0080]    While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised by persons skilled in the art without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. By way of example, although the preferred embodiments have been shown and described in terms of men&#39;s casual or dress shoes, or sports shoes, the invention as claimed may apply to all types of shoes and even open-toed or sandals and other variations of footwear.

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