Resilient Shoe With Pivoting Sole

Abstract

An improved resilient shoe sole includes an outsole having a substantially inelastic side wall with a heel cavity. A substantially inelastic platform is located below the heel cavity, and a connector connects the platform with the side wall. The connector has a particular length and thickness to maintain the platform substantially below the sidewall when the shoe sole is not under a wearer's weight. When brought under forces of a wearer's weight, the connector bends and stretches as the spring compresses to allow the platform to deflect into the heel cavity. As weight is removed, the connector and spring cause the platform to deflect out of the heel cavity, biasing the platform below the side wall.

1 . A shoe having a resilient sole and a heel cavity, comprising:
 an outsole having a substantially inelastic sidewall, a substantially inelastic platform having a perimeter wall, and an elastic connector between the sidewall and the perimeter wall;   wherein the connector limits movement of the platform relative the sidewall between a substantially unloaded position wherein the connector maintains the platform substantially below the sidewall, and a substantially loaded position, wherein the connector is deformed such that the platform is deflected into the heel cavity and substantially surrounded by the sidewall.   
     
     
         2 . The shoe of  claim 1  further comprising a spring spanning the heel cavity is disposed atop the platform. 
     
     
         3 . The shoe of  claim 2  wherein between 50 and 700 pounds of pressure is required to fully compress the spring and connector. 
     
     
         4 . The shoe of  claim 1  wherein in the unloaded position, the platform is maintained between two and twenty five millimeters below the sidewall. 
     
     
         5 . The shoe of  claim 1  wherein in the unloaded position, the connector is between one and ten millimeters in length between the sidewall and platform. 
     
     
         6 . The shoe of  claim 1  wherein in the unloaded position, the connector has a thickness of between one and ten millimeters. 
     
     
         7 . The shoe of  claim 1  wherein the platform, sidewall, and connector are molded from a single, unitary piece of rubber. 
     
     
         8 . The shoe of  claim 1  wherein the sidewall is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. 
     
     
         9 . The shoe of  claim 8  wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane is clear. 
     
     
         10 . The shoe of  claim 1  wherein the outsole is made of a material chosen from the list of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane and rubber. 
     
     
         11 . A shoe having a resilient sole, comprising:
 an outsole having a substantially inelastic sidewall, and a substantially inelastic platform;   an elastic connector between the sidewall and the platform;   a spring biased to maintain the platform substantially lower than the sidewall;   wherein under a wearer's weight the spring compresses causing bending and stretching of the connector, thereby allowing the platform to deflect substantially upwardly into the outsole.   
     
     
         12 . A method of providing a cushioned impact while walking or running, comprising the steps of
 providing a shoe having a resilient sole and a heel cavity;   providing an outsole having a sidewall, a substantially inelastic platform, and an elastic connector therebetween;   varying the length or thickness of the connector depending upon a user's weight or performance of the shoe desired;   donning the shoe;   applying a substantial portion of the user's weight onto the sole;   substantially bending and stretching the connector; and   substantially deflecting the platform into the heel cavity.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the steps of:
 removing the substantial portion of the user's weight from the sole;   bending and unstretching the connector; and   deflecting the platform out of the heel cavity.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the steps of:
 providing a spring in the heel cavity to help bias the platform outside the heel cavity.