(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0233877 A1
`Swigart
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Sep. 20, 2012
`
`US 20120233877A1
`
`(54) HIGH-STABILITY MULTI-DENSITY
`MDSOLE
`
`(75) Inventor:
`
`John Swigart, Portland, OR (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR
`NORTHAMERICA, INC.,
`Portland, OR (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`13/424,243
`
`22) Filed:
`(22) File
`
`Mar 19, 2012
`ar. 19,
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/454,441, filed on Mar.
`18, 2011.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A43B 13/18
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................................ 36/28
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Embodiments herein relate generally to the field of footwear,
`and more particularly to components of performance foot
`wear, Such as midsoles, and in particular related to high
`stability, multi-density midsoles. In some embodiments, the
`midsoles disclosed herein may protect a user from over-pr
`onation and/or over-supination of the foot. Embodiments of
`the high stability midsoles disclosed herein may include a
`cushioning element and a mid-foot element. In various
`embodiments, the mid-foot element may be configured to
`mate with the cushioning element in the mid-foot portion, and
`may include at least one posterior tail configured to align with
`a medial or lateral edge of the heel portion of the cushioning
`element. Alternatively, the midsole may have integrated cush
`ioning regions with different response property regions.
`
`
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 20, 2012 Sheet 1 of 5
`
`US 2012/0233877 A1
`
`
`
`v
`f
`goso
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 20, 2012 Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 2012/0233877 A1
`
`S
`
`
`
`s
`
`
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 20, 2012 Sheet 3 of 5
`
`US 2012/0233877 A1
`
`
`
`r
`goo
`
`i
`
`
`
`s
`
`
`
`s
`w
`r
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 20, 2012 Sheet 4 of 5
`
`US 2012/0233877 A1
`
`
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 20, 2012 Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 2012/0233877 A1
`
`{}{} {
`
`
`
`{}{} {
`
`
`
`23: *)(&#3
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 6
`
`

`

`US 2012/0233877 A1
`
`Sep. 20, 2012
`
`HIGH-STABILITY MULT-DENSITY
`MDSOLE
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`0001. The present application claims priority to U.S. Pro
`visional Patent Application No. 61/454,441, filed Mar. 18.
`2011, entitled “HIGH-STABILITY MULTI-DENSITY
`MIDSOLE, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
`by reference in its entirety.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`0002 Embodiments herein relate generally to the field of
`footwear, and more particularly to components of perfor
`mance footwear, Such as midsoles.
`
`BACKGROUND
`0003. Since the introduction of cushioned midsoles in run
`ning shoes, injuries associated with the impact of foot strikes
`have been reduced. Concomitantly, runners have adapted to
`cushioned running shoes by increasing stride length and land
`ing more toward the lateral posterior edge of the heel. This
`adaptation may be associated with excessive foot/ankle
`motion. Moreover, pronation injuries such as inversion and
`eversion sprains are thought to occur if the initial pronation
`Velocity is too high or the maximum pronation angle is too
`great.
`0004 To mitigate the negative effects of a cushioned heel,
`the modern running shoe evolved to feature different midsole
`stiffness regions. The heel “crash pad' is a soft, beveled
`midsole feature that facilitates compression of the lateral
`posterior portion of the midsole as the heel impacts the
`ground, thereby reducing the initial rate of pronation.
`“Medial posting is a common midsole feature designed to
`reduce maximum pronation. As the stride transitions from
`heel to mid-stance, the foot pronates in greater measure until
`it is opposed by a stiffer, less compressive midsole in the arch
`and just posterior to the arch.
`0005. Both of these concepts effectively use local midsole
`stiffness to control motion when running on a smooth Surface
`Such as a road, in which heel strike kinematics are predictable
`and repeatable. However, for the trail runner, the surface is
`much more variable and much less predictable. The smooth,
`firm road is replaced by a wide range of grades potentially
`covered with loose gravel, scree, talus, and many other
`impediments. Consequently, the initial point of heel contact
`can greatly vary from step-to-step. For example, if the foot
`lands on a rock under the medial posterior portion of a medi
`ally posted running shoe heel, the stiff and less yielding
`medial midsole will work to force the ankle to quickly rotate
`to an inverted position and the soft, beveled crash pad may not
`provide enough resistance to contain excessive and poten
`tially catastrophic inversion of the foot.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0006 Embodiments will be readily understood by the fol
`lowing detailed description in conjunction with the accom
`panying drawings. Embodiments are illustrated by way of
`example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the
`accompanying drawings.
`0007 FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate bottom (FIGS. 1A and 1B)
`and top (FIGS. 1C and 1D) views of a high-stability, impact
`absorbing, multi-density midsole that includes a generally
`Soft cushioning element and a firmer mid-foot element, in
`accordance with various embodiments;
`
`0008 FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a medial side view (FIG.
`2A), a bottom view (FIG. 2B), a lateral side view (FIG. 2C),
`and aposterior view (FIG.2D) of the mid-foot element shown
`in FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments; and
`0009 FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate four examples of a high sta
`bility, impact-absorbing, multi-density midsole and its corre
`sponding mid-foot element, including an example with a
`medium length lateral posterior tail and a long medial poste
`rior tail (FIG. 3A), an example with a short lateral posterior
`tail and a long medial posterior tail (FIG. 3B), an example
`with a medium lateral posterior tail and a medium medial
`posterior tail (FIG. 3C), and an example with a short lateral
`posterior tail and a medium medial posterior tail (FIG. 3D), in
`accordance with various embodiments.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED
`EMBODIMENTS
`0010. In the following detailed description, reference is
`made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
`hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodi
`ments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
`embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical
`changes may be made without departing from the Scope.
`Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be
`taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is
`defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
`0011
`Various operations may be described as multiple
`discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in
`understanding embodiments; however, the order of descrip
`tion should not be construed to imply that these operations are
`order dependent.
`0012. The description may use perspective-based descrip
`tions such as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such
`descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and
`are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed
`embodiments.
`0013 The terms “coupled and “connected, along with
`their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that
`these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other.
`Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected may be used
`to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or
`electrical contact with each other. “Coupled may mean that
`two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical
`contact. However, “coupled may also mean that two or more
`elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still
`cooperate or interact with each other.
`0014 For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the
`form “NB' or in the form “A and/or B' means (A), (B), or (A
`and B). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the
`form “at least one of A, B, and C’ means (A), (B), (C), (A and
`B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C). For the purposes of
`the description, a phrase in the form “(A)B' means (B) or
`(AB) that is, A is an optional element.
`0015 The description may use the terms "embodiment” or
`"embodiments.” which may each refer to one or more of the
`same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms
`“comprising.” “including.” “having and the like, as used
`with respect to embodiments, are synonymous.
`0016 Embodiments herein are directed to performance
`footwear components, such as midsoles, that may reduce the
`initial pronation and Supination rates that may occur when the
`heel strikes on a surface, including uneven, rough surfaces
`Such as gravel roads, scree, talus, or rutted trails. In some
`embodiments, this may be accomplished by providing a mid
`sole having a full heel area that may provide a long, Soft
`spring rate to absorb shock and/or impact from rocks and
`debris at heel strike. In various embodiments, the disclosed
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 7
`
`

`

`US 2012/0233877 A1
`
`Sep. 20, 2012
`
`midsoles may also reduce the maximum pronation and Supi
`nation angles that result from heel-to-mid-stance transition
`on uneven, irregular Surfaces. For instance, various examples
`of the disclosed high-stability midsoles may provide a mid
`foot structure/element that may guide either a pronated or
`Supinated foot to a neutral position by the mid-stance-to-toe
`off phase of a running gait.
`0017 While certain embodiments are discussed with ref
`erence to trail running, embodiments herein may be appli
`cable to a wide variety of activities, such as running and
`hiking; various sports, such as Volleyball, basketball, and
`tennis; various professions, such as medical, industrial,
`safety, rescue, and military, and other Suitable applications.
`0018 Various embodiments of the midsole may include
`both a generally soft cushioning element and a firmer mid
`foot element. In various embodiments, the generally soft
`cushioning element may include a heel portion that may
`provide a cushioning and impact-absorbing layer and that is
`configured to absorb the impact and/or shock of the heel
`hitting a rock or other uneven Surface, without causing the
`instability (e.g., pronation or Supination) that may be caused
`by a traditional (e.g. firm) posted midsole. In various embodi
`ments, the mid-foot element may be any suitable shape
`including angled curved, parabolic, hyperbolic, etc.
`0019. In various embodiments, the midsole also may
`include a mid-foot element that may be firmer than the soft
`cushioning element, and that may have one or more medial
`and/or lateral posterior “tails” that may extend along at least
`a portion of a corresponding medial or lateral edge of the heel
`portion of the cushioning element. In various embodiments,
`after the initial heelstrike, as the foot begins to roll forward,
`the firmer consistency of the medial and or posterior tails of
`the mid-foot element may then begin to correct any pronation
`or Supination and may return the foot to a neutral position, for
`instance by the time the foot has transitioned to the midstrike
`or toe-off phases. In various embodiments, the firmness of the
`cushioning element and/or mid-foot element and the length
`and/or height of the mid-foot element and/or posterior tails
`may be varied to Suit a particular condition or set of condi
`tions, such as the Surface conditions, a user's running/walking
`style, a particular sport, activity, or profession, weight of the
`user, weight and distribution of carried objects such as back
`packs, leg length or height of the user, or to accommodate or
`correct a particular gait problem, such as over-pronation or
`oversupination.
`0020 FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate bottom (FIGS. 1A (partially
`exploded) and 1B (coupled)) and top (FIGS. 1C (partially
`exploded) and 1D (coupled)) views of a high-stability,
`impact-absorbing midsole 100 that includes a generally soft
`cushioning element 110 and a firmer mid-foot element 112, in
`accordance with various embodiments. In various embodi
`ments, cushioning element 110 may include at least a heel
`portion 114 configured to absorb shock or impact force from
`a heelstrike, for instance on uneven terrain. In various
`embodiments, mid-foot element 112 may be configured to
`mate or align with cushioning element 110, and may include
`one or more posterior tails, such as a medial posterior tail 116
`and/or a lateral posterior tail 118. In some embodiments,
`medial posterior tail 116 may extend at least partially along
`the medial edge 120 of heel portion 114, and/or lateral pos
`terior tail 118 may extend at least partially along the lateral
`edge 122 of heel portion 114.
`0021. In various embodiments, cushioning element 110
`and mid-foot element 112 may have different response prop
`erties, which may be characterized in terms of density,
`durometer, flex, specific gravity, and other footwear design
`characteristics. These different properties may allow for a
`
`variety of biomechanical improvements, including, but not
`limited to improved impact cushioning, Support, and stability,
`for instance when used on uneven terrain. In the illustrated
`embodiment, materials having different response properties
`(e.g., different durometers, which may generate different sen
`sations of softness or firmness) are strategically positioned in
`a configuration that may be useful in, for example, athletic
`shoes or boots, to help reduce the initial pronation and/or
`Supination rate and the maximum pronation and Supination
`angle. For instance, midsole 100 may include different
`response property areas arranged about one or more edges
`120, 122 of heel portion 114, with, for example, a higher
`density or durometer material disposed therein in mid-foot
`element 112. In use, as heel portion 114 absorbs the impact
`force of the initial heelstrike, one or more posterior tails 116,
`118 may serve to arrestand reverse any excessive pronation or
`Supination and return the foot to a more neutral position.
`(0022. Although FIGS. 1A-1D depict midsole 100 as hav
`ing two separate (discrete, couplable) components (e.g.,
`cushioning element 110 and mid-foot element 112), one of
`skill in the art will appreciate that midsole 100 may be con
`structed as a single component having different response
`property regions, i.e., the cushioning element and the frame
`may be integral components of the midsole. For instance,
`instead of discrete components, midsole 100 may be con
`structed as a unitary structure, which, in Some embodiments,
`may have blended transitions between materials having dif
`ferent densities or durometers, such as described in U.S.
`Patent Application No. 61/345,978, which is incorporated by
`reference herein. As used herein, the term “blended transition
`Zones' and any variation thereof may generally refer to the
`interlocking or intermixing of materials (e.g. foams) having
`different response properties (e.g. densities or durometers),
`such that there is not a definite, clearly defined linear or planar
`path between the materials with different response properties.
`0023 Cushioning element 110 may also include a midfoot
`portion 124 and a forefoot portion 126. Thus, in some
`embodiments, cushioning element 110 may form an entire
`upper surface of midsole 100, providing the entire footbed
`with cushioning, for instance for comfort and impact absorp
`tion. In various embodiments, mid-foot element 112 also may
`include an anterior medial tail 128 and/or an anterior lateral
`tail 130, and may maintain a neutral foot position during
`toe-off. Furthermore, anterior medial tail 128 and anterior
`lateral tail 130 may provide lateral stabilization, and they may
`help the shoe to flex across the forefoot in an anatomically
`correct location.
`0024. Additionally, one of skill in the art will appreciate
`that although mid-foot element 112 is depicted as mating with
`a bottom surface of cushioning element 110, midsole 100
`may be constructed only as a mid-foot element 112, or as a
`mid-foot element 112 configured to mate with atop surface of
`cushioning element 110. Furthermore, although midsole 100
`is illustrated as having forefoot 126, mid-foot 124, and heel
`114 portions, one of skill in the art will appreciate that some
`embodiments of midsole 100 may only include a heel portion
`114 and a mid-foot portion 124.
`(0025 FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a medial side view (FIG.
`2A), a bottom view (FIG. 2B), a lateral side view (FIG. 2C),
`and a posterior view (FIG. 2D) of the mid-foot element 112
`shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, in accordance with various embodi
`ments. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C, mid-foot element
`212 may have a thickness dimension 232 that may vary in
`different regions. For instance, the thickness 232 of mid-foot
`element 212 may be greater in regions where greater firmness
`or Support is desired (for example, in a mid-foot portion), and
`it may be Smaller or non-existent in regions where less firm
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 8
`
`

`

`US 2012/0233877 A1
`
`Sep. 20, 2012
`
`ness or Support is needed (e.g., in a heel portion or fore-foot
`portion). The thickness 232 of mid-foot element 212 also may
`be greater at the medial and/or lateral edges, for instance,
`when greater stabilization or protection from Supination or
`pronation is desired.
`0026 FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate four examples of a high sta
`bility, impact-absorbing, multi-density midsole 300(a-d),
`including cushioning element 310(a-d) and its corresponding
`mid-foot element 312(a-d). These include an example of a
`cushioning element 310a and corresponding mid-foot ele
`ment 312a, wherein mid-foot element 312a may have a
`medium length lateral posterior tail 318a and a long medial
`posterior tail 316a (FIG. 3A), an example of a cushioning
`element 310b and corresponding mid-foot element 312b,
`wherein mid-foot element 312b may have a short lateral pos
`terior tail 318b and a long medial posterior tail 316b (FIG.
`3B), an example of a cushioning element 310c and corre
`sponding mid-foot element 312c, wherein mid-foot element
`312c may have a medium lateral posterior tail 318C and a
`medium medial posterior tail 316c (FIG.3C), and an example
`of a cushioning element 310d and corresponding mid-foot
`element 312d, wherein mid-foot element 312d may have a
`short lateral posterior tail 318d and a medium medial poste
`rior tail 316d (FIG. 3D), in accordance with various embodi
`mentS.
`0027. As illustrated, the length of the posterior tails 316
`(a-d), 318(a-d) may be varied to suit a particular condition or
`set of conditions. For instance, the medium length lateral
`posterior tail 318a and long medial posterior tail 316a illus
`trated in FIG.3A may serve to stabilize the foot in both medial
`and lateral directions and may provide strong protection from
`over-pronation and moderate protection from over-supina
`tion. In another example, the short lateral posterior tail 318b
`and a long medial posterior tail 316b illustrated in FIG. 3B
`may provide strong protection from over-pronation, for
`instance for a user or set of conditions prone to over-pronation
`but not at serious risk of over-Supination. The example illus
`trated in FIG. 3C has a medium lateral posterior tail 318c and
`a medium medial posterior tail 316c, and may provide mod
`erate protection from both overpronation and over-supina
`tion. Finally, the example illustrated in FIG. 3D includes a
`short lateral posterior tail 318d and a medium medial poste
`rior tail 316d, which may provide moderate protection from
`over-pronation, for instance for a user or set of conditions in
`which over-pronation is more of a risk than over-supination.
`0028 FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate the lengths of the lateral
`posterior tail(s) and the medial posterior tail(s) measured as a
`percentage of entire sole length measured from the heel. For
`example, the longtails reach back to about 10% of full length
`from the heel, for example, about 3-14%, about 5-13%, or
`about 7-12%. Likewise, a medium tail reaches back to about
`20% of full length from the heel, for example, about 15-24%.
`about 17-23%, or about 18-21%, and a short tail reaches back
`to about 30% of full length from the heel, for example about
`25-37%, about 27-35%, or about 28-33%. These lengths are
`merely examples, and may be modified in line with the teach
`ings hereinas desired for different functionality. For instance,
`a tail may be as long as about 3%. 5% or 7% of full length
`from the heel, as short as about 37%, 35%, or 33% of full
`length from the heel, or any length therebetween. In addition
`to varying the length of the tails, the thickness and/or height of
`each tail may be individually configured for a desired amount
`of lateral or medial Support. For example, a slightly thicker
`tail may provide more Support, and a slightly thinner tail may
`provide less Support, as compared to the illustrated examples.
`0029. One of skill in the art will appreciate that, although
`not illustrated, anterior tails 128, 228,328(a-d), and 130, 230,
`
`330(a-d) may be similarly varied in length to create a desired
`degree of stability and mid-foot alignment during toe-off.
`Additionally, in various embodiments, the thickness and/or
`height of each anterior or posterior tail may be optimized to
`provide the degree of Support desired for a particular user or
`set of conditions. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the
`thickness of mid-foot element 112, 212, 312(a-d) may be
`increased in any region where more stabilization or firmer
`support is desired, or for a heavier or taller user. Many con
`ventional midsoles include a Support shankfor this purpose or
`to stabilize the midsole from torsional motion. Although a
`Support shank Such as a steel shank may be included in some
`embodiments, in other embodiments, mid-foot element 112,
`212, 312(a-d) may make a Support shank unnecessary. In
`Some embodiments, mid-foot element 112 may occupy the
`full thickness of the midsole in Some regions, such as in the
`mid-foot portion 126 for instance to provide firm arch Sup
`port. Additionally or alternatively, in Some embodiments,
`cushioning element 110, 310(a-d) may be made thicker in a
`particular region or throughout midsole 100, 200, 300(a-d) if
`greater comfort or cushioning is required, for instance for a
`heavier user, for certain terrain conditions, or for a user with
`foot pain or an injury.
`0030. In the foregoing embodiments, one of skill in the art
`will appreciate that, although only two different material
`response property areas are illustrated (e.g., cushioning ele
`ment 110 and mid-foot element 112), any number of response
`property areas may be used, for instance 3, 4, 5, 6, or even
`more. Such different response property areas may be
`arranged in a number of strategic configurations. For
`example, an additional low density or low durometer material
`may be used wherever extra softness or cushioning is needed,
`such as in the heel or fore-foot portions, or for use when the
`user has an injury or otherwise requires more cushioning. In
`another example, an additional higher density or higher
`durometer material may be included in any area requiring
`firm support, extra stability, or extra durability. As described
`above, in Some embodiments, the specific configuration of the
`midsole may be customized to Suit the needs, footstrike pat
`tern, terrain, or running style of an individual user.
`0031. Although the response property areas are referred to
`herein as low and high (e.g., as it relates to firmness, density,
`ordurometer), one of skill in the art will appreciate that these
`terms are relative. For example, where the material response
`property is durometer, the term “low” may correspond to
`about 40-60 Asker C, or about 50-60 Asker C in some
`embodiments. Correspondingly, where the material response
`property is durometer, the term “high” may correspond to
`about 60-75 Asker C, or about 65-75 Asker C in some
`embodiments. In other embodiments, greater or lower
`response property materials also may be used to Suit the
`desired application.
`0032. In some embodiments, the midsole material may
`extend around and/or over the instep, for instance to provide
`greater protection and stability through the midfoot portion.
`In still other embodiments, the midsole material may extend
`around and/or over the fore-foot portion, for instance to pro
`vide protection to the toes. In particular embodiments, the
`midsole material may extend around the entire foot and may
`form a part of or all of the footwear upper, for instance in
`boots or shoes that provide extra ankle Support or foot pro
`tection. In some embodiments, the portion of the midsole
`material that extends past the midsole may include a less
`dense material. Such as an extra Soft response property mate
`rial.
`0033. The different response properties may be achieved
`by a variety of materials suitable for midsole construction.
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 9
`
`

`

`US 2012/0233877 A1
`
`Sep. 20, 2012
`
`For example, in some embodiments, EVA foam materials
`may be formed or cut to a desired size and shape to form the
`cushioning element 110, 210, 310(a-d) and/or mid-foot ele
`ment 112, 212, 312(a-d), and the two components may be
`glued or otherwise affixed together. A variety of midsole
`forming techniques are known, Such as pre-form and com
`pression molding, injection molding, pellet pour and the like.
`In other embodiments, polymer foam pellets (such as EVA
`pellets) may be arranged Such that compression molding of
`the pellets results in blending of the different response prop
`erties in the transition Zones. In other embodiments, the mid
`sole may include one or more other types of material in
`foamed or solid form, such as rubberized EVA, polyurethane,
`thermo-plastic elastomers, polyolefins, rubber, or any other
`suitable midsoleffootwear construction material.
`0034. Although certain embodiments have been illus
`trated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of
`ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or
`equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to
`achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodi
`ments shown and described without departing from the scope.
`Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodi
`ments may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways.
`This application is intended to cover any adaptations or varia
`tions of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is
`manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the
`claims and the equivalents thereof.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A high stability midsole comprising:
`a cushioning element comprising mid-foot and heel por
`tions; and
`a mid-foot element configured to mate with the cushioning
`element in the mid-foot portion, wherein the mid-foot
`element comprises at least one posterior tail configured
`to align with a medial or lateral edge of the heel portion
`of the cushioning element.
`2. The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the heel
`portion comprises low density foam, and wherein the low
`density foam comprises 40-60 Asker C foam.
`3. The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the heel
`portion comprises low density foam, and wherein the low
`density foam comprises 50-60 Asker C foam.
`4. The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the mid
`foot element comprises high density foam, and wherein the
`high density foam comprises 60-75 Asker C foam.
`5. The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the mid
`foot element comprises high density foam, and wherein the
`high density foam comprises 65-75 Asker C foam.
`6. The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the heel
`portion comprises 50-60 Asker C foam, and wherein the
`mid-foot element comprises 60-75 Asker C foam.
`7. The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the mid
`foot element comprises a medial posterior tail configured to
`align with a medial edge of the heel portion of the cushioning
`element, and a lateral posterior tail configured to align with a
`lateral edge of the heel portion of the cushioning element.
`8. The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the medial
`posterior tail is long and the lateral posterior tail is of medium
`length.
`9. The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the medial
`posterior tail is long and the lateral posterior tail is short.
`10. The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the
`medial posterior tail is of medium length and the lateral
`posterior tail is of medium length.
`
`11. The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the
`medial posterior tail is of medium length and the lateral
`posterior tail is short.
`12. The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the
`medial posterior tail is of medium length and the lateral
`posterior tail is long.
`13. The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the
`medial posterior tail is longer than the lateral posterior tail.
`14. The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the
`medial posterior tail is shorter than the lateral posterior tail.
`15. The high stability midsole of claim 7, wherein the
`medial posterior tail and the lateral posterior tail are substan
`tially the same length.
`16. The high stability midsole of claim 1 wherein the cush
`ioning element further comprises a fore-foot portion, and
`wherein the mid-foot element comprises a medial anterior tail
`configured to align with a medial edge of the fore-foot portion
`of the cushioning element and a lateral anterior tail config
`ured to align with a lateral edge of the fore-foot portion of the
`cushioning element.
`17. The high stability midsole of claim 16, wherein the
`medial anterior tail is longer than the lateral anterior tail.
`18. The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the
`midsole is configured to be customizable to Suit a particular
`user, gait problem, or terrain.
`19. The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the
`cushioning element and the mid-foot element are two sepa
`rate components of the midsole.
`20. The high stability midsole of claim 1, wherein the
`cushioning element and the mid-foot element are integral
`components of the midsole.
`21. A high stability midsole comprising:
`a cushioning element comprising fore-foot, mid-foot, and
`heel portions, wherein the heel portion comprises 40-60
`Asker C foam; and
`a mid-foot element comprising 60-75 Asker C foam and
`configured to mate with the cushioning element in the
`mid-foot portion, wherein the mid-foot element com
`prises:
`a medial posterior tail configured to align with a medial
`edge of the heel portion of the cushioning element;
`a lateral posterior tail configured to align with a lateral
`edge of the heel portion of the cushioning element;
`a medial anterior tail configured to align with a medial
`edge of the fore-foot portion of the cushioning ele
`ment; and
`a lateral anterior tail configured to align with a lateral
`edge of the fore-foot portion of the cushioning ele
`ment.
`22. The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the
`medial posterior tail is longer than the lateral posterior tail.
`23. The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the
`medial posterior tail is shorter than the lateral posterior tail.
`24. The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the
`medial posterior tail is Substantially the same length as the
`lateral posterior tail.
`25. The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the
`medial anterior tail is longer than the lateral anterior tail.
`26. The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the
`cushioning element and the mid-foot element are two sepa
`rate components of the midsole.
`27. The high stability midsole of claim 21, wherein the
`cushioning element and the mid-foot element are integral
`components of the midsole.
`
`c
`
`c
`
`c
`
`c
`
`c
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2159
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 10
`
`