| 摘要 |
<p>An improved cushioning assembly is provided in which separate, independent cushioning elements (18) are loaded into a pocket (12) of the sole assembly of the shoe. By providing separate and independent cushioning elements (18), greater variation of the performance of various regions of the shoe can be provided, by utilizing cushioning elements (18) having variations in one or more of their size, shape, orientation, material properties, and amount of precompression. As a result, different regions of the shoe can be better tailored for a particular activity or a particular user. In addition, by providing separate independent cushioning elements (18), the cushioning elements (18) can be more closely packed as compared with, for example, prior cushioning elements formed as contiguous sheets. With the enhanced ability to more closely pack the cushioning elements, the cushioning elements (18) can better transfer forces laterally, to better absorb and dissipate the forces.</p> |
