Sole construction for energy storage and rebound

Abstract

A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A sole construction, comprising: 
 a resilient layer of stretchable material having a first side and a second side;    at least one thrustor provided on the first side of the layer;    at least one chamber provided on the second side of the layer adapted to receive a corresponding one of the at least one thrustor; and    a wall at least partially surrounding the resilient layer to prevent horizontal displacement of the layer when the thrustor is compressed against the layer into the chamber.