Importance

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Abstract

A sole and heel structure is provided. The structure includes an outsole having interior and ground contacting surfaces, a pocket-forming midsole overlying the outsole having an outsole-facing surface and an interior surface, first and second bulges projecting from the interior surface of the midsole away from the ground contacting surface and defining first and second cavities opening at the outsole-facing surface. The first and second bulges respectively cooperate with substantially flat portions of the outsole to respectively define first and second pockets. The structure also includes a cushioning midsole having first and second holes and an outsole-facing surface and a foot-facing surface. The first and second bulges respectively project into the first and second holes. The structure further includes means for hermetically attaching the interior surface of the outsole to the outsole-facing surface of the pocket-forming midsole to form a member, a passageway in the member providing fluid communication between the first and second members, and fluid disposed in the space jointly defined by the first and second pockets and the passageway. A shoe incorporating this structure is also provided.

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First Claim