BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus corresponding to an insert for an article of footwear with improved elastically deformable elements and arrangements therefor which permit optimization of the biomechanics of a user&#39;s foot.  
           [0003]    2. Discussion of the Background  
           [0004]    Barrel shaped elastically deformable elements are taught in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,060 issued to Frachey et al and U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,896 issued to Frachey et al, the subject matter of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this application and which is illustrated in FIGS.  179 - 182 . Frachey et al &#39;060 and &#39;896 teach an article of footwear comprising a vamp A at a lower support part  1  which comprises a sole  2  a wedge  3 , a mounting insole  5 , and a further insole  6 . Elastically deformable elements  14  of Frachey et al &#39;060 contained inside an insert  13 , are arranged in seat  16  formed in wedge  3 . The deformable elements  14  are formed by molding a synthetic high elasticity material and are substantially barrel shaped, with their major cross-sections being substantially in the central region  20  in which said elements are joined together by an integral bridging portion  28 . Deformable elements  14  are arranged in an insert  13  made of thermoplastic material enclosed in an airtight casing  15  which is constructed of plastic material such as polyurethane or similar material. The air inside casing  15  has a pressure of less than or equal to atmospheric pressure.  
           [0005]    With reference to FIGS.  179 - 182  of the present application, the article of footwear of Frachey et al &#39;060 comprises a vamp A and a lower support part  1  comprising a sole  2 , for example of synthetic rubber, to which a wedge  3 , for example of thermoplastic polyurethane, is fixed in a known manner. The wedge comprises a recess  4 , bounded by a raised edge  10 , carrying a mounting insole  5 , for example a cork, on which there is positioned a further insole  6 , for example of fabric (not shown in FIG. 181). The sole  2 , constructed advantageously of  5  rubber, comprises the usual notches  7  and incisions or recessed portions  8  in its lower surface. It also comprises a front raised edge  11 , and a lateral edge  12  which extends along the entire remaining perimeter of the sole.  
           [0006]    According to this conventional article of footwear, in the lower part of the article of footwear there is arranged an insert  13  comprising elastically deformable elements  14  made of thermoplastic material enclosed in an air-tight casing  15  constructed of plastic material such as polyurethane or a similar material. In casing  15  there is present air that has a pressure less than or equal to atmospheric pressure. In this example, the insert  13  is positioned in seats  16  and  17  provided in the wedge  3  and in the insole  5  respectively, said seats being superposed. Alternatively, seat  17  can be omitted with insert  13  located only in seat  16  of  11  wedge  3 , so that the insole  5  is superimposed and covers seat  16 .  
           [0007]    More specifically, the elements  14  of the insert  13  are formed by molding any synthetic high-elasticity material and are substantially barrel-shaped, i.e., they are tapered at their opposing free ends  18  and  19  and have their major cross-section substantially in the central region  20  in which said elements are joined together by an integral bridging portion  20 A. The barrel shaped elements are barrel shaped in the sense that all vertical cross sections taken along the vertical axis thereof are barrel shaped. Due to manufacturing requirements of insert  13 , free ends,  18 ,  19  of barrel-shaped elements  14  are fastened to casing  15 . This is actually the preferred embodiment of insert  13 , wherein in a first phase, elements  14  are obtained by means of molding; subsequently they are encased inside thermo-soldering plastic sheets which constitute casing  15 ; the elements  14  are encased by sheets when they are at a relatively high temperature so that a welding of free ends  18 ,  19  of elements  14  with the sheets occurs. The connection between casing  15  and the barrel-shaped elements has the advantage of anchoring said elements inside said casing, thereby preventing the casing and barrel-shaped elements from moving during use of the article of footwear according to the invention and so contributing together with the mutual connection of the barrel-shaped elements  14  to desirable multidirectional stability and flexibility of the resulting article of footwear. This affords greater stability for insert  13  within the article of footwear, and permits better performance of the function for which it is intended, which functions will be further defined below.  
           [0008]    The shape of elements  14 , as shown and described by way of example, allows considerable absorption of the stresses caused by the user&#39;s foot as he moves, and at the same time allows a large part of the absorbed energy to be retransmitted rapidly but gradually to the foot. In order to secure the insert  13  within the seats  16  and  17 , the insole  6  comprises on that face  21 , facing the insole  5 , a projection  22  of a shape corresponding to said seats and arranged to cooperate with them and with the insert  13 . In the alternative embodiment recited above, the projection  22  can be omitted. The casing  15  of insert  13  comprises a flange  23  which, when the insert  13  has been positioned in the lower part  1  of the article of footwear, rests on a step  24  provided between the insole  5  and an inner surface  25  of the wedge  3 . In the alternative, where the hole or seat  17  is omitted, the flange  23  rests on the contour of the wedge seat  16 .  
           [0009]    Finally, the sole comprises a reinforcement element  28  positioned below the insert  13  or in other positions of the sole where other inserts may be located, said reinforcement element  28  being formed, for example, of plastic material e.g. of natural or synthetic rubber and being advantageously somewhat transparent. Element  28  may or may not be tinted. Reinforcing element  28  is of a wear and abrasion resistant material and is preferably located in the heel portion and in the metatarsal portion of the sole.  
           [0010]    During the use of an article of footwear according to this conventional insert, each time the user presses the lower part  1  of the article of footwear with his foot, the insert  13  is pressed towards the sole  2 . Specifically, the pressing action exerted by the foot depresses the elements  14  which deform and increases the pressure within the airtight casing  15  which is constricted by the surrounding wall portion of its seat. When the user&#39;s heel ceases its pressing action, the elements  14  return to their initial configuration, so as to transmit a large part of the energy acquired during the pressing action to the user&#39;s foot, which therefore receives a gradual thrust at his heel (or other part of the foot, e.g., the metatarsal one) separates from the ground. To said thrust, exerted on the user&#39;s foot by elements  14 , there must be added the thrust exerted by the air which is present inside insert  13 , thus air being under pressure due to the action by the user&#39;s foot. These combined thrusts help transfer to the user&#39;s foot part of the energy transmitted by the user to the ground during movement.  
           [0011]    Elastic inserts like the one disclosed above can be located in the other regions of the support part  1 , in particular in proximity to the frontal region of the sole  2  and the wedge  3  and more particularly in the metatarsal zone  3 A as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 179, where the seat is referenced by  16 A and the insert by  13 A, thus allowing the user (particularly an athlete) to obtain increased pickup during acceleration or during changes in the rate of movement.  
           [0012]    The insert  13  shown in FIG. 179 and  181  comprises only one layer of elements  14 ; however, there can be provided an insert  13  having two or more layers of elements  14  superimposed as shown in FIG. 182. In particular, if the above cited insert has two layers of elements  14 , a first layer supports the second whose deformable elements rest on the elements positioned below.  
           [0013]    This conventional insert permits an improvement in the return of par of the energy (passed on by the user to the ground) to the foot of the user. It must be noted that, in the same manner previously described, free ends  18 ,  19  of barrel-shaped element  14 , are fastened to (or soldered on) casing  15 , whereas the contact surfaces of the two layers of element  14 , if used, would be fastened to (or soldered on) each other. This affords stability for insert  13 , preventing one of the layers from sliding over the other one within casing  15 . An article of footwear constructed in accordance with the invention satisfies the aforesaid requirements and in particular enables most of the energy expended during movement to be retransferred to the foot.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    The present invention has as the object thereof the provision of a method and apparatus which permits an article of footwear to have improved elastically deformable elements and arrangements therefore. The elements serve to optimize the biomechanics of the user&#39;s foot when wearing the article of footwear wherein the use of deformable elements which make it possible to provide for a more continuous contact therewith by the user&#39;s foot and therefore more evenly distribute energy transferred between the user&#39;s foot and the elements while maintaining the flexibility necessary in the article of footwear sole.  
           [0015]    A further object of the present invention is to utilize deformable elements connected by bridging portions such that, when constructed as deformable batteries, for example, such can more easily bend along the bridging portion. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to align the deformable elements such that the bridging portions are aligned with flex lines of the foot so as to thereby better follow and maintain contact with the sole of a user&#39;s foot. A further advantage of the present invention is that the casing or encapsulating bag is formed by a vacuum forming or blow molding which thereby lowers the cost of manufacturing and makes the same easier to accomplish. A further object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement whereby the stiffness and viscoelastic properties of the deformable elements are varied throughout positions in the sole in order to match the biomechanics of the user&#39;s foot, and preferably, according to the particular athletic activity of the user. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a top, front and left side perspective view of a SOLE INSERT embodying a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom view being a mirror image of the top view shown:  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view thereof,  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  5 - 5  of FIG. 2;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars in phantom lines;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a top, front and left side perspective view of a second embodiment thereof;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom view being a mirror image of the top view shown;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is a front elevational view thereof,  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  12 - 12  of FIG. 8;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 13 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 14 is a top, front and left side perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 15 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom view being a mirror image of the top view shown;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 16 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 17 is a left side elevational view thereof,  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 18 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  19 - 19  of FIG. 15;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 20 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 21 is a top, front and left side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 22 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 23 is a front elevational view thereof,  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 24 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  25 - 25  of FIG. 22;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 26 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 27 is a top, front and left side perspective view of a fifth embodiment thereof,  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 28 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 29 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 30 is a left side elevational view thereof,  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 31 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  32 - 32  of FIG. 28;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 33 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 34 is a top, front and left side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 35 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 36 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 37 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 38 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  39 - 39  of FIG. 35;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 40 is a top plan view hereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 41 is a top of a front and right side perspective view thereof;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 42 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view thereof being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 43 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 44 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 45 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  46 - 46  of FIG. 42;  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 47 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 48 is a bottom, rear and right side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 49 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 50 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 51 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 52 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 53 is a top, front and right side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 54 is a rear, top and left side perspective view thereof;  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 55 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 56 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 57 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  58 - 58  of FIG. 55;  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 59 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 60 is a bottom, right side and rear perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 61 is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 62 is a front elevational view thereof  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 63 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 64 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 65 is a bottom plan view thereof  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 66 is left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  67 - 67  of FIG. 61;  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 68 is a rear, bottom and left side perspective view thereof;  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 69 is a top, front and right side perspective view thereof;  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 70 is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 71 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 72 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 73 is a bottom plan view thereof;  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 74 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 75 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  76 - 76  of FIG. 73;  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 77 is a top, front and left side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 78 is a top, rear and left side perspective thereof;  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 79 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 80 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0097]    [0097]FIG. 81 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 82 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  83 - 83  of FIG. 79;  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 84 is a bottom plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 85 is a bottom, front and left side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 86 is a top, front and right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 87 is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 88 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 89 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 90 is a bottom plan view thereof;  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 91 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 92 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  93 - 93  of FIG. 90;  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 94 is a top, front and right side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 95 is a rear, bottom and left side perspective view thereof;  
         [0112]    [0112]FIG. 96 is a top plan view thereof; the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0113]    [0113]FIG. 97 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 98 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0115]    [0115]FIG. 99 is a bottom plan view thereof;  
         [0116]    [0116]FIG. 100 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 101 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0118]    [0118]FIG. 102 is a rear, bottom and right side perspective view thereof;  
         [0119]    [0119]FIG. 103 is a rear, bottom and front side perspective thereof;  
         [0120]    [0120]FIG. 104 is a rear and bottom side perspective view thereof;  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  105 - 105  of FIG. 100;  
         [0122]    [0122]FIG. 106 is a top, front and left side view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0123]    [0123]FIG. 107 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0124]    [0124]FIG. 108 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0125]    [0125]FIG. 109 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0126]    [0126]FIG. 110 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0127]    [0127]FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  111 - 111  of FIG. 107;  
         [0128]    [0128]FIG. 112 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0129]    [0129]FIG. 113 is a top, front and right side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0130]    [0130]FIG. 114 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0131]    [0131]FIG. 115 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0132]    [0132]FIG. 116 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0133]    [0133]FIG. 117 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0134]    [0134]FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  118 - 118  of FIG. 114;  
         [0135]    [0135]FIG. 119 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0136]    [0136]FIG. 120 is a top, front and right side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0137]    [0137]FIG. 121 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0138]    [0138]FIG. 122 is a front elevational view thereof;  
         [0139]    [0139]FIG. 123 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0140]    [0140]FIG. 124 is a left side elevational view thereof;  
         [0141]    [0141]FIG. 125 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  125 - 125  of FIG. 121;  
         [0142]    [0142]FIG. 126 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0143]    [0143]FIG. 127 is a top, front and right side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0144]    [0144]FIG. 128 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view as shown;  
         [0145]    [0145]FIG. 129 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0146]    [0146]FIG. 130 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0147]    [0147]FIG. 131 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  130 - 130  of FIG. 128;  
         [0148]    [0148]FIG. 132 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0149]    [0149]FIG. 133 is a top, front and right side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0150]    [0150]FIG. 134 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0151]    [0151]FIG. 135 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0152]    [0152]FIG. 136 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0153]    [0153]FIG. 137 is a top, front and left side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0154]    [0154]FIG. 138 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0155]    [0155]FIG. 139 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0156]    [0156]FIG. 140 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0157]    [0157]FIG. 141 is a top, rear and left side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0158]    [0158]FIG. 142 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0159]    [0159]FIG. 143 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0160]    [0160]FIG. 144 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0161]    [0161]FIG. 145 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  145 - 145  of FIG. 142;  
         [0162]    [0162]FIG. 146 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0163]    [0163]FIG. 147 is a bottom, front and left side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0164]    [0164]FIG. 148 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0165]    [0165]FIG. 149 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0166]    [0166]FIG. 150 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0167]    [0167]FIG. 151 is a bottom, front and right side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0168]    [0168]FIG. 152 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0169]    [0169]FIG. 153 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0170]    [0170]FIG. 154 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0171]    [0171]FIG. 155 is a bottom, front and right side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0172]    [0172]FIG. 156 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom view being a mirror image of the top plan view shown;  
         [0173]    [0173]FIG. 157 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0174]    [0174]FIG. 158 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0175]    [0175]FIG. 159 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line  159 - 159  of FIG. 156;  
         [0176]    [0176]FIG. 160 is a top plan view thereof showing the pillars of the insert in phantom lines;  
         [0177]    [0177]FIG. 161 is a bottom, front and left side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0178]    [0178]FIG. 162 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the view shown;  
         [0179]    [0179]FIG. 163 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0180]    [0180]FIG. 164 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0181]    [0181]FIG. 165 is a bottom, front and left side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0182]    [0182]FIG. 166 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the view shown;  
         [0183]    [0183]FIG. 167 is a right side elevational view thereof;  
         [0184]    [0184]FIG. 168 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0185]    [0185]FIG. 169 shows on a reduced scale an example of the orientation of the inserts in a article of footwear utilizing the embodiments of FIGS.  1 - 6 ,  7 - 13 ,  85 - 93  and  106 - 112 ;  
         [0186]    [0186]FIG. 170 shows on a reduced scale the inserts in an article of footwear which utilizes the embodiments of FIGS.  27 - 33 ,  34 - 40  and  41 - 47 ;  
         [0187]    [0187]FIG. 171 shows on a reduced scale an article of footwear which utilizes the inserts of FIGS.  27 - 33  and  125 - 130 ;  
         [0188]    [0188]FIG. 172 illustrates on a reduced scale an article of footwear utilizing the inserts of FIGS.  27 - 33 ;  
         [0189]    [0189]FIG. 173 shows on a reduced scale an article of footwear utilizing the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.  53 - 61 ;  
         [0190]    [0190]FIG. 174 shows on a reduced scale an article of footwear utilizing the embodiments of FIGS.  106 - 112 ,  73 - 119  and  120 - 126 ;  
         [0191]    [0191]FIG. 175 illustrates on a reduced scale an article of footwear utilizing the embodiments of FIGS.  77 - 83  and  106 - 112 ;  
         [0192]    [0192]FIG. 176 illustrates on a reduced scale an article of footwear utilizing the embodiments of FIGS.  77 - 84  and  127 - 132 :  
         [0193]    [0193]FIG. 177 illustrates on a reduced scale an article of footwear utilizing the embodiments of FIGS.  53 - 59 ;  
         [0194]    [0194]FIG. 178 illustrates on a reduced scale an article of footwear utilizing the embodiments of FIGS.  77 - 84  and  127 - 132 ;  
         [0195]    [0195]FIG. 179 is an exploded view of the lower part of an article of footwear for a conventional article of footwear;  
         [0196]    [0196]FIG. 180 is a bottom view thereof;  
         [0197]    [0197]FIG. 181 is a section view taken along lines  181 - 181  of FIG. 180;  
         [0198]    [0198]FIG. 182 is a section view of an alternate embodiment of the conventional article of footwear of FIG. 179. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0199]    With respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 178, these are directed to improved deformable elements and specific arrangements optimized for the biomechanics of a user&#39;s foot. In particular, FIGS. 1 through 168 disclose improved shapes of the elastically deformable elements, and arrangements therefore within airtight casings. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an arrangement of elastically deformable elements which are substantially oval shaped in cross-section. According to another aspect of the invention, the deformable elements have been cored, wherein a hole has been formed through the center of the deformable element in order to reduce the weight of the element. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an arrangement of elastically deformable members  110  which are substantially oval in a cross-section. Deformable members  110  are provided with holes  112  which reduce their weight. It is also conceived that deformable elements  110  are dimpled or otherwise reduced in order to minimize the weight of elements  110 . Preferably, elements  110  are vacuumed sealed in a casing  114 . The edges of elements  110 , are tapered as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6 and illustrated as recesses  118  in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows an arrangement of deformable elements  110  which are broken down into three deformable element batteries  116 , wherein each battery includes at least two deformable elements  110  which are joined by integral bridging portions  120 . Each of the deformable element batteries  116  are joined by battery bridging portion  122 . Preferably, bridging portions  122  are integrally formed with casing  114  which is vacuum sealed around elements  110 .  
         [0200]    The advantage achieved by forming deformable elements  110  with an oval cross-section, is that it is possible to use larger elements which provide a more continuous contact and therefore more evenly distributed energy transfer between the user&#39;s foot and the element, while maintaining the flexibility necessary in an article of footwear sole. For example, it has been found that it is more costly to provide an array of elastic members including a large number of elements  110 , and that the flexibility of the resulting sole is reduced if larger elements are used. It has also been found that deformable elements that are substantially round or barrel shaped do not flex with the sole of the article of footwear during use and therefore do not provide continuous support of the user&#39;s foot during use. In order to provide better support of the user&#39;s foot, the present invention employs the use of oval deformable elements  110  connected by bridging portion  120 . Constructed as such, deformable battery  116 , for example, can more easily bend along bridging portion  120 . Therefore, an aspect of the invention is to align deformable elements  110  such that bridging portions  120  are aligned with flex lines of a foot. The flex lines referred to are generally known in that when a user is walking or running, the sole of the user&#39;s foot bends throughout each step. Therefore an aspect of the invention is to construct deformable elements  110  and batteries  116  such that deformable elements  110  can flex with the bend lines of a foot and thereby better follow and maintain contact with the sole of a user&#39;s foot.  
         [0201]    Another advantage attained by the invention, is that casing or encapsulating bag  114  is formed by a vacuum forming or blow molding which thereby eases and lowers the cost of manufacturing.  
         [0202]    Another aspect of the invention is that the arrangement, stiffness and viscoelastic properties of deformable elements are varied throughout positions in the sole in order to match the biomechanics of the user&#39;s foot, and preferably, according to the particular athletic activity.  
         [0203]    FIGS.  160 - 167  show that a deformable element  110  may comprise a single unitary member having either a plurality of holes  124  or none at all to best suit the effect on the foot of the user and to minimize weight where necessary.  
         [0204]    FIGS.  169 - 178  disclose a variety of arrangements of deformable elements  110  and deformable batteries  116  according to a particular athletic activity. As shown in FIG. 169, deformable elements  110  are arranged inside deformable batteries  116  such that bridging portions  120  and  122  are aligned with flex lines of the foot. Therefore, bridging portions  120 ,  122  allow deformable elements  110  and batteries  116  to flex as the sole of the user&#39;s foot flexes during an athletic activity.  
         [0205]    The arrangement shown in FIG. 169, is optimized for running. A heel unit is aligned with the first contact area of the sole with the ground during the heel strike phase of running gait. The rearmost battery of the heel unit is hinged to the central battery of the heel unit to reduce the accelerating leverage that results from the heel striking a unitary cushioning element. A separate battery of the heel unit is placed toward the arch of a wearer&#39;s foot and is made more stiff than the other parts of the heel unit. This arrangement reduces the pronation rate of a wearer and thus reduces the risk of chronic stability related injuries.  
         [0206]    A forefoot section of three parts is provided at least under the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints of a wearer. This is an area exposed to great stress during the push off phase of the running gait. A narrowed and hinged segmental arrangement is provided in the forefoot area unit and includes a hinge  122  leading to a battery under the wearer&#39;s great toe. A hinge  120  between the elements may be provided at any point in the structure such that the hinge is in general alignment with the joints of a wearer&#39;s foot or is oriented to match with the rotational distortion of the sole and midsole resulting from their flexion and compression during foot contact with the ground common to running.  
         [0207]    [0207]FIGS. 170 through 173 show alternative embodiments for arrangements optimized for running. FIG. 170 includes a separate element placed on the medial border of the sole, generally under the wearer&#39;s arch. This has a greater stiffness then the other elements in the heel area of this arrangement to reduce the degree or rate of pronation of a wearer&#39;s foot during running. The forefoot has two separate elements with an area of separation corresponding generally to the metatarsal-phalangeal joints of a wearer. FIG. 171 includes a forefoot pad under the first, second and third metatarsal-phalangeal joints of a wearer. The barrel elements shown therein are ovoid and their longitudinal axis is generally aligned with the flex lines of a wearer&#39;s foot to permit greater ease of flexion.  
         [0208]    [0208]FIG. 172 shows a heel element with a hinged portion between the central heel cushioning portion and a lateral cushioning portion positioned to absorb some impact energy upon the heel striking the same. The hinging reduces the tendency of a heel to act as a unitary plate of material and thus reduces the leveraged acceleration of the sole towards the ground. This in turn reduces the rate of pronation of a wearer.  
         [0209]    [0209]FIG. 173 shows a heel element with a hinged portion between the central heel cushioning portion and a lateral cushioning portion positioned to absorb some impact energy at heel strike. The rear lateral border of the pad is positioned away from the outside border of the sole and midsole to permit encapsulation of the parts with a foam such as PU or EVA.  
         [0210]    Similarly, FIGS. 174 through 177 illustrate arrangements optimized for basketball. FIG. 174 shows a sole including two heel and two forefoot elements divided about a generally longitudinal axis. This division reduces the tendency of the cushioning elements to act as a monolithic sheet and thus reduces the leveraged acceleration resulting from forceful ground impacts on the lateral or medial borders of the article of footwear. These impacts may occur during landing on a court surface after jumping in the air.  
         [0211]    [0211]FIG. 175 includes cushioning elements at the rear of the heel to protect the wearer from impact shock during running on a court surface. The forefoot includes a laterally placed element. This reduces the tendency of the sole to collapse under the forefoot lateral border during the motion known as cutting, or the application of other rapid lateral shearing forces to the article of footwear.  
         [0212]    [0212]FIG. 176 provides a heel cushion for court running actions and a forefoot pad positioned in from the borders of the sole. This permits full encapsulation of the element in foam to reduce manufacturing costs while still permitting a user the extraordinary benefits of the cushioning elements featured in this invention.  
         [0213]    [0213]FIG. 177 shows an article of footwear sole including a heel cushioning element provided for comfort during the running phase of basketball game. This is positioned inward from the border of the sole to permit full encapsulation of the part in foam.  
         [0214]    Finally, FIG. 178 illustrates an arrangement optimized for tennis. FIG. 178 shows a sole featuring two aspects of the present invention. The heel provides cushioning under the calcaneus of a wearer during the heel strike motions associated with lunging for a stroke or running on the heels. A separate forefoot section cushions the foot under the first four metatarsal-phalangeal joints of a wearer. This is an area exposed to stress by the motions of service and many movements needed to position a player for optimum return strokes.  
         [0215]    The disclosure of provisional application serial No. 60/073,576 upon which this application is based is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0216]    Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
An article of footwear is disclosed which comprises a vamp, a lower support connected to the vamp and at least one insert mounted in the lower support and which includes an airtight casing having a plurality of elements positioned therein which are elastically deformable such that the biomechanics of the foot of the user are optimized. This application is based on U.S. Provisional application Serial No. 60/073,573, filed Jan. 30, 1998, the priority of which is hereby claimed.