Footwear with differential cushioning regions

(19)

(11)

EP 0 752 216 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	21.01.1998 Bulletin 1998/04

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	08.01.1997 Bulletin 1997/02

(21)	Application number: 96304267.6

(22)	Date of filing: 07.06.1996

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁶: A43B 7/14, A43B 13/18, A43B 13/40

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	DE FR GB

(30)

Priority:

07.06.1995 US 479805

(71)	Applicant: NIKE INTERNATIONAL LTD
	Beaverton, Oregon 97005-6453 (US)

(72)	Inventor:
	Lyden, Robert M. Beaverton, Oregon 97006 (US)

(74)	Representative: Couchman, Jonathan Hugh et al
	Hepworth Lawrence Bryer & Bizley Bloxam Court Corporation Street Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2DU Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2DU (GB)

(54)	Footwear with differential cushioning regions

(57) A shoe having an upper and a sole (70), wherein the sole (70) includes differential cushioning regions to provide cushioning and stability for the wearer's foot. Cushioning elements (72,73;72',73') which exhibit different stiffnesses in compression are placed at selected locations with respect to the skeletal structure of the foot. Cushioning elements (72,72') with lesser stiffness are positioned at locations most likely to experience direct impact loading during running and like activities. Cushioning elements (73,73') with greater stiffness are positioned at locations where greater resistance is needed to provide stability.
A cushioning element (72;72') of lesser stiffness underlies at least a substantial portion of the ball (42) of the foot. A cushioning element (73;73') of higher relative stiffness comprises at least a roughly C-shape area of the sole (70) adjacent the medial side of the sole (70) and embracing a medial end portion of the cushioning element (72,72') of lesser stiffness.

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