Importance

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Abstract

An article of footwear, for example, an athletic shoe designed for walking, running, or other sports activities. The article of footwear is provided with an upper, an outsole, and a midsole positioned between the outsole and the upper. The midsole has an upper surface upon which a sole of a foot is positioned during use of the article. The term 'midsole' is meant to include any cushioning or other device placed within the footwear upon which a foot is positioned during use of the article. The midsole is also provided with an external cushioning spring. This spring includes an angled strip of resilient elastic material. One end of the strip is fixed on the surface of the midsole or outsole at a location at least 3 mm below the upper surface of the midsole. The other end of the strip is fixed on the surface of the midsole at least 3 mm vertically above the location at which the one end is fixed. The external cushioning spring is fixed in a manner such that a vertical force on the footwear created by a wearer of the footwear striking the outsole on a solid surface causes the angled strip to bend between its ends thereby absorbing a portion of the force.

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First Claim