Cushioning system for footwear

Abstract

A midsole for footwear includes at least one solid or hollow cushioning tube positioned therein for improving the cushioning of the midsole. Preferably, the midsole includes a plurality of cushioning tubes fabricated of an elastomeric material. The tubes may vary in diameter and/or wall thickness relative to one another for varying the cushioning and stability characteristics of the system. Each tube may also vary in diameter and/or wall thickness along its length.

1 . A footwear cushioning system comprising; 
 A midsole which contains at least one cushioning tube formed of an elastomeric material for absorbing shock, wherein said cushioning tube is at generally horizontally oriented.    
     
     
         2 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said midsole contains at least two tubes connected to one another to form a cartridge.  
     
     
         3 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said midsole contains at least two cushioning tubes located in different locations.  
     
     
         4 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one cushioning tube has a diameter that varies along its length.  
     
     
         5 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one cushioning tube has a wall thickness which varies along its length.  
     
     
         6 . The system as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the at least two tubes vary in length relative to one another.  
     
     
         7 . The system as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the at least two tubes have cross sectional shapes which differ from one another.  
     
     
         8 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning tube has a solid portion along its length.  
     
     
         9 . The system as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the at least two cushioning tubes are oriented at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the shoe.  
     
     
         10 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning tube has an outer surface which is sealed within the midsole and a hollow interior that allows air or other fluids to pass through the tube.  
     
     
         11 . The system as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said tubes are connected to one another with a member that permits air to pass between said tubes.  
     
     
         12 . The system as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the midsole has a cross-sectional height, and the at least two cushioning tubes are located at different heights within the midsole.  
     
     
         13 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the midsole has a top surface, and wherein the cushioning tube is located on the top surface of the midsole.  
     
     
         14 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the midsole has a bottom surface, and wherein the cushioning tube is located on the bottom surface of the midsole.  
     
     
         15 . The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the midsole is molded in two portions.