TWI616146B - Insulating structure midsole assembly and outer sole component - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses an article having a sole structure including a midsole component and an outer sole component. The sole structure includes a set of holes configured to allow the sole to expand in a stretch mode. The set of holes extend through the midsole component and the outer sole component and both the midsole component and the outer sole component are exposed on an outer surface of the sole structure.

Description

Expansion structure midsole component and outer sole component Cross-reference to related applications

This application is a partial continuation of US Patent Application No. 14 / 030,002, filed on September 18, 2013 and titled "Auxetic Structures and Footwear with Soles Having Auxetic Structures." Included in this article. This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 51-4337) under the title of "Sole Structure with Holes Arranged in Auxetic Configuration" filed on March 10, 2015. , The entire contents of the case are incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 51-4338) entitled “Multi-Component Sole Structure Having an Auxetic Configuration” filed on March 10, 2015. No.), the entire contents of the case are incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to footwear articles, and in particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear articles having an upper and a sole structure.

An article of footwear generally includes two main elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from various materials that are stitched or adhesively joined together to form a void in the shoe to comfortably and securely receive the foot. The sole structure is fixed to a lower portion of the upper and is positioned substantially between the foot and the ground. In many footwear items that include athletic shoes, the sole structure typically incorporates an insole, a midsole, and an outer sole.

In one aspect, an article of footwear includes a sole structure including a midsole component and at least one outer sole component. The midsole assembly includes a first outer surface having a concave portion. The outer sole component has a second outer surface. The recessed portion is configured to receive the outer sole member. One area of the sole structure includes a first portion of the first outer surface of the midsole component and a second portion of the second outer surface of the outer sole component. The zone contains a set of holes configured in a swollen configuration. The bulging configuration extends from the first portion into the second portion without interruption.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes a sole structure including a midsole component and at least one outer sole component. The midsole assembly includes a first outer surface having a concave portion. The outer sole component has a second outer surface. The recessed portion is configured to receive the outer sole member. A region of the sole structure includes a first portion of the first outer surface and a second portion of the second outer surface. The zone contains a set of holes configured in a swollen configuration. At least one hole of the set of holes is disposed in the first outer surface and at least one hole of the set of holes is disposed in the second outer surface. The first outer surface has a first friction coefficient relative to a predetermined material, wherein the second outer surface has a second friction coefficient relative to the predetermined material, and the second friction coefficient is greater than the first friction coefficient.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes a sole structure including a midsole component. The midsole assembly includes a plurality of openings configured in a stretched configuration. The plurality of openings include a first opening surrounded by a first sole portion, a second sole portion, a third sole portion, a fourth sole portion, a fifth sole portion, and a sixth sole portion. The first sole portion includes a first raised tread element, the second sole portion includes a second raised tread element, the third sole portion includes a third raised tread element, and the fourth sole portion A fourth raised tread element is included, the fifth sole portion includes a fifth raised tread element, and the sixth sole portion includes a sixth raised tread element.

Those of ordinary skill will understand or become clear after studying the following drawings and detailed description Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the embodiments. It is hoped that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included in [Embodiments] and [Summary of the Invention], within the scope of the examples, and protected by the scope of the accompanying patent application.

10‧‧‧ Forefoot

12‧‧‧ Midfoot

14‧‧‧ Heel

15‧‧‧ ankle part

16‧‧‧ outside

18‧‧‧ inside

100‧‧‧ Footwear

102‧‧‧ Upper

103‧‧‧ sole structure

104‧‧‧Under the upper

109‧‧‧backward edge

114‧‧‧ opening

120‧‧‧ Insole components

122‧‧‧ Midsole Components

124‧‧‧ Outer sole parts

125‧‧‧Shoelaces

132‧‧‧Inner surface of inner sole assembly

134‧‧‧ Outer surface of insole assembly

136‧‧‧peripheral sidewall surface

140‧‧‧Next

142‧‧‧Side wall part

144‧‧‧periphery

148‧‧‧ center groove

149‧‧‧Inner groove side wall

150‧‧‧Inner surface of midsole assembly

152‧‧‧ Outer surface of midsole assembly

160‧‧‧ the first outer sole component

162‧‧‧Second outer sole component

164‧‧‧ Third outer sole component

166‧‧‧Fourth outer sole component

170‧‧‧Inner surface

172‧‧‧outer surface

200‧‧‧hole

300‧‧‧hole

320‧‧‧ sole part

Area 400‧‧‧

402‧‧‧hole

410‧‧‧linear direction

412‧‧‧second direction

600‧‧‧ the first concave part

602‧‧‧Second recess

604‧‧‧The third concave part

606‧‧‧Fourth recess

610‧‧‧Outer groove edge

612‧‧‧outer edge

620‧‧‧outer surface

630‧‧‧thickness

631‧‧‧thickness

632‧‧‧depth

650‧‧‧Spine Element

800‧‧‧ District

802‧‧‧Rally

803‧‧‧direction

810‧‧‧Part I

812‧‧‧ Part Two

820‧‧‧hole

830‧‧‧First hole

832‧‧‧Second hole

834‧‧‧Third hole

838‧‧‧hole

840‧‧‧ first arm

842‧‧‧second arm

844‧‧‧ third arm

850‧‧‧First hole

852‧‧‧Second hole part

860‧‧‧Edge

870‧‧‧first axis

1000‧‧‧ sole structure

1002‧‧‧ ground joint surface

1010‧‧‧Treading element

1011‧‧‧First tread element

1012‧‧‧Second tread element

1013‧‧‧Third tread element

1014‧‧‧Fourth tread element

1015‧‧‧Fifth tread element

1016‧‧‧Sixth tread element

1017‧‧‧Seventh tread element

1022‧‧‧ Midsole assembly

1024‧‧‧ Outer Sole Parts

1029‧‧‧hole

1030‧‧‧Under the midsole assembly

1040‧‧‧First outer sole component

1042‧‧‧Second outer sole component

1043‧‧‧ Pore

1044‧‧‧Third outer sole component

1046‧‧‧ Fourth outer sole component

1061‧‧‧The first sole part

1062‧‧‧Second sole part

1063‧‧‧The third sole part

1064‧‧‧The fourth sole part

1065‧‧‧Fifth sole part

1066‧‧‧Sixth sole part

1067‧‧‧Seventh sole part

1071‧‧‧First hole

1102‧‧‧Front End

1104‧‧‧ Forefoot

1106‧‧‧Heel part

1108‧‧‧ Midfoot

The following drawings and descriptions can be used to better understand the embodiments. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but focus on the principle of the embodiment. Moreover, in the drawings, the same reference symbol designates corresponding parts in all the different drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a footwear object; FIG. 2 is an implementation of a footwear object including a sole structure consisting of an inner sole component, a midsole component, and a plurality of outer sole components An example of an exploded isometric view; Figure 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a footwear object; Figure 4 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a sole structure, including one of the parts of the sole structure Enlarged schematic diagram; FIG. 5 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a sole structure, which includes an enlarged schematic view of a portion of the sole structure, wherein the portion of the sole structure undergoes expansion and expansion; A bottom view isometric view of one embodiment, which includes an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sole structure; FIG. 7 is an exploded bottom isometric view of one embodiment of a sole structure including a plurality of outer sole components; A bottom view of a sole structure including an enlarged view of an area extending through an outer sole component and a midsole assembly; FIG. 9 is a schematic enlarged view of one of the areas shown in FIG. 8; and FIG. The 10 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a sole structure having a hole configured in a stretch configuration.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an article of footwear 100. In the exemplary embodiment, article of footwear 100 has the form of a sneaker. However, in other embodiments, the provisions discussed herein with respect to the article of footwear 100 may be incorporated into various other types of footwear including, but not limited to, basketball shoes, hiking shoes, Soccer shoes, American football shoes, casual shoes, running shoes, cross training shoes, football shoes, baseball shoes and other types of shoes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the preparations discussed herein with respect to the article of footwear 100 may be incorporated into various other types of non-sports-related footwear including, but not limited to, slippers, sandals, high heels And flat shoes.

For clarity, the following detailed description discusses features of the article of footwear 100 (also referred to simply as article 100). It should be understood, however, that other embodiments may incorporate footwear that may share some and possibly all of the features 100 of the article 100 described herein and shown in the drawings (for example, when the article 100 is a left footwear article) , Can be incorporated into a right footwear object).

The embodiment may be characterized by various directional adjectives and reference parts. These directions and reference sections may facilitate the description of portions of an article of footwear. Furthermore, these directions and reference sections can also be used to describe the sub-components of an article of footwear (e.g., an insole component, a midsole component, an outer sole component, an upper, or any other component orientation and / or part) .

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are used in this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiment. As used in this detailed description and in the scope of patent applications, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending along a length of a component (such as an upper or sole component). In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of one of the components. In addition, as used in this detailed description and the scope of patent applications, the term "transverse" refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between an inside and an outside of a component. In addition, as used in this detailed description and the scope of patent applications, the term "vertical" refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to one of a lateral and a longitudinal direction. For example, in the case where one of the objects lies flat on a floor, the vertical direction may extend upward from the floor. In addition, the term "internal" refers to being placed closer to the inside of one of the objects or when worn A part of the object that is closer to a foot when holding the object. Likewise, the term "outer" refers to a portion of the article that is positioned further away from the interior of an article or away from the feet. Thus, for example, the inner surface of a component is positioned closer to the inside of one of the objects than the outer surface of the component. This detailed description uses these directional adjectives to describe an object and its various components (including an upper, a midsole structure, and / or an outer sole structure).

The object 100 may be characterized by several different regions or portions. For example, the article 100 may include a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion, and an ankle portion. Furthermore, the components of the object 100 may also include corresponding portions. Referring to FIG. 1, the article 100 may be divided into a forefoot portion 10, a midfoot portion 12 and a heel portion 14. The forefoot portion 10 may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsal and phalanges. The midfoot portion 12 may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, the heel portion 14 may be generally associated with a heel that includes one of the root bones. The article 100 may also include an ankle portion 15 (which may also be referred to as a reverse collar portion). In addition, the object 100 may include an outer side 16 and an inner side 18. Specifically, the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 may be opposite sides of the object 100. In addition, both the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 may extend through the forefoot portion 10, the midfoot portion 12, the heel portion 14 and the ankle portion 15.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of an article of footwear 100. 1 to 2 illustrate various components of an article of footwear 100, including an upper 102 and a sole structure 103.

In general, the upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, the upper 102 may have any design, shape, size, and / or color. For example, in an embodiment in which the article 100 is a basketball shoe, the upper 102 may be a high-top upper that is shaped to provide high support for an ankle. In an embodiment in which the article 100 is a running shoe, the upper 102 may be a low-cut upper.

In some embodiments, the upper 102 includes an opening 114 that provides access to a foot into a lumen of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the upper 102 may also include a tongue (not shown) that provides cushioning and support across the instep of the foot. Some embodiments may include fastening preparations including, but not limited to, laces, cables, straps, buttons, zippers, and Any other preparations known for fastening articles. In some embodiments, a lace 125 may be applied at one of the fastening areas of the upper 102.

Some embodiments may include an upper that extends under the foot, thereby providing 360-degree coverage at some areas of the foot. However, other embodiments need not include an upper that extends below the foot. In other embodiments, for example, an upper may have a lower periphery combined with a sole structure and / or an insole.

An upper can be formed from a variety of different manufacturing techniques leading to various upper structures. For example, in some embodiments, an upper may have a knitted configuration, a knitted (eg, warp knitted) configuration, or some other knitted configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper 102 may be a knitted upper.

In some embodiments, sole structure 103 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, the sole structure 103 can also reduce ground reaction forces when compressed between the feet and the ground during walking, running, or other walking activities. The configuration of the sole structure 103 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include various conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the sole structure 103 may be shaped according to the type of ground on which the sole structure 103 may be used. Examples of ground include, but are not limited to, natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, hardwood floors, and other surfaces.

The sole structure 103 is fixed to the upper 102, and when the article 100 is worn, the sole structure 103 extends between the foot and the ground. In different embodiments, sole structure 103 may include different components. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the sole structure 103 may include an insole component 120, a midsole component 122, and a plurality of outer sole components 124. In some cases, one or more of these components may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the insole assembly 120 may be configured as an inner layer of a midsole. For example, as will be discussed in further detail below, the insole assembly 120 may be integrated or received into a portion of the midsole assembly 122. However, in other embodiments, the insole assembly 120 may serve as an insole layer and / or a strobel layer. Therefore, in at least some real In an embodiment, the insole assembly 120 may be bonded (eg, stitched or glued) to the lower portion 104 of the upper 102 to secure the sole structure 103 to the upper 102.

The insole assembly 120 may have an inner surface 132 and an outer surface 134. The inner surface 132 may be oriented generally toward the upper 102. The outer surface 134 may be oriented generally toward the midsole assembly 122. In addition, a peripheral sidewall surface 136 may extend between the inner surface 132 and the outer surface 134.

The midsole assembly 122 may be configured to provide cushioning, shock absorption, energy return, support, and possibly other provisioning. To this end, the midsole assembly 122 may have a geometric shape that provides structure and support for the object 100. Specifically, it can be seen that the midsole assembly 122 has a lower portion 140 and a sidewall portion 142. The side wall portion 142 may extend around the entire periphery 144 of the midsole assembly 122. As seen in FIG. 1, the side wall portion 142 may partially wrap the side of the article 100 to provide increased support along the sole of the foot.

The midsole assembly 122 may further include an inner surface 150 and an outer surface 152. The inner surface 150 may be oriented generally toward the upper 102 and the outer surface 152 may be oriented outward. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, midsole assembly 122 includes a central groove 148 disposed in the inner surface 150. The central groove 148 may be substantially sized and configured to receive the insole assembly 120.

In some embodiments, the midsole assembly 122 may include a plurality of, and at least some of the holes 200 may extend through the entire thickness of the midsole assembly 122. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, some holes 200 of the plurality of holes 200 are visible within the central groove 148.

In various embodiments, midsole assembly 122 may generally incorporate various preparations associated with the midsole. For example, in one embodiment, a midsole assembly may be formed from a polymeric foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces (ie, provides cushioning) during walking, running, and other walking activities. In various embodiments, the midsole assembly may also include, for example, a fluid-filled chamber, sheet, regulator, or other element, which further weakens the force, improves stability, or affects the movement of the foot.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of one of the sole structures 103. As seen in FIGS. 2 to 3, the plurality of outer sole members 124 includes four distinct outer sole members. Specifically, the sole structure 103 includes a first outer sole member 160, a second outer sole member 162, a third outer sole member 164, and a fourth outer sole member 166. Although the exemplary embodiment includes four different outer sole components, other embodiments may include any other number of outer sole components. In another embodiment, for example, there may be only a single outer sole component. In yet another embodiment, only two outer sole components may be used. In yet another embodiment, only three outer sole components may be used. In other embodiments, five or more external sole components may be used.

Generally speaking, an outer sole component may be configured as a ground-contact component. In some embodiments, an outer sole component may include properties associated with the outer sole, such as durability, abrasion resistance, and increased traction. In other embodiments, an outer sole component may include properties associated with a midsole, including cushioning, strength, and support. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of outer sole members 124 may be configured as outer sole members such as to improve traction with a ground and maintain abrasion resistance.

In different embodiments, the position of one or more outer sole components may vary. In some embodiments, one or more outer sole components may be disposed in a forefoot portion of a sole structure. In other embodiments, one or more outer sole components may be disposed in a midfoot portion of a sole structure. In other embodiments, one or more outer sole components may be disposed in a heel portion of a sole structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first outer sole member 160 and the second outer sole member 162 may be disposed in the forefoot portion 10 of the sole structure 103. More specifically, the first outer sole member 160 may be disposed on the inner side 18 of the forefoot portion 10, and the second outer sole member 162 may be disposed on the outer side 16 of the forefoot portion 10. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the third outer sole member 164 and the fourth outer sole member 166 may be disposed in the heel portion 14 of the sole structure 103. More specifically, the third outer sole member 164 may be disposed on the outer side 16 and the fourth outer sole member 166 may be disposed on the inner side 18 on. In addition, it can be seen that the first outer sole member 160 and the second outer sole member 162 are spaced apart from each other in the center of the forefoot portion 10, and the third outer sole member 164 and the fourth outer sole member 166 are in the center of the heel portion 14 Spaced apart. This exemplary configuration provides external sole components at areas that increase ground contact during various medial and lateral incisions to improve traction during these sports.

The size of the various outer sole components can vary. In an exemplary embodiment, the first outer sole member 160 may be the largest outer sole member of the plurality of outer sole members 124. Furthermore, the second outer sole member 162 may be substantially smaller than the first outer sole member 160, thereby increasing the traction on the inside 18 of one of the sole structures 103 more than the traction on the outside 16 of the forefoot portion 10. At the heel portion 14, both the third outer sole member 164 and the fourth outer sole member 166 reach the widest along one of the rear edges 109 of the sole structure 103 and taper slightly toward the midfoot portion 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the first outer sole member 160 has an inner surface 170 and an outer surface 172. The inner surface 170 may be positioned generally against the midsole assembly 122. The outer surface 172 may face outward and may be a ground-contacting surface. For clarity, only the inner and outer surfaces of the first outer sole member 160 are indicated in FIGS. 2 to 3; however, it should be understood that the remaining outer sole members may also include corresponding inner surfaces having similar orientations relative to the midsole assembly 122. And outer surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insole assembly 120 may be disposed within a central groove 148 of the midsole assembly 122. More specifically, the outer surface 134 of the insole assembly 120 may be oriented toward and in contact with the inner surface 150 of the midsole assembly 122. In addition, in some cases, the peripheral side wall surface 136 may also contact the inner surface 150 along an inner groove side wall 149. In addition, the plurality of outer sole members 124 may be disposed to abut the outer surface 152 of the midsole assembly 122. For example, the inner surface 170 of the first outer sole component 160 may face and contact the outer surface 152 of the midsole component 122. In some embodiments, when assembling the midsole assembly 122 and the insole assembly 120, the midsole assembly 122 and the insole assembly 120 may constitute a composite midsole assembly or a double-layer midsole assembly.

In different embodiments, the upper 102 and the sole structure 103 may be combined in various ways. In some embodiments, the upper 102 may be bonded to the insole assembly 120, for example, using an adhesive or by stitching. In other embodiments, the upper 102 may be bonded to the midsole assembly 122 along the side wall portion 142, for example. In other embodiments, the upper 102 may be combined with both the insole assembly 120 and the midsole assembly 122. Furthermore, any of the methods known in the art for combining sole components with uppers (including various lifting techniques and specifications (e.g., reeds, sleeves, etc.)) can be used to combine these components.

In different embodiments, the attachment configuration of the various components of the article 100 may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the insole assembly 120 may be engaged or otherwise attached to the midsole assembly 122. This joining or attachment may be accomplished using any known method (including, but not limited to, adhesives, films, tapes, cotton fibers, stitching, or other methods) for engaging the components of the article of footwear. In some other embodiments, it is contemplated that the insole assembly 120 may not be engaged or attached to the midsole assembly 122 but may be free-floating. In at least some embodiments, the insole assembly 120 may have a friction fit with one of the central grooves 148 of the midsole assembly 122.

As such, the outer sole member 124 may be engaged or otherwise attached to the midsole assembly 122. This joining or attachment may be accomplished using any known method (including, but not limited to, adhesives, films, tapes, cotton fibers, stitching, or other methods) for engaging the components of the article of footwear.

It is contemplated that in at least some embodiments, two or more of the insole assembly 120, the midsole assembly 122, and / or the outer sole component 124 may be formed and / or the insole assembly 120, mid Two or more of the sole assembly 122 and / or the outer sole member 124 are joined together. For example, in some embodiments, after forming the midsole assembly 122, the insole assembly 120 may be molded into the central groove 148.

Embodiments may include preparations to facilitate the expansion and / or adaptability of a sole structure during dynamic movement. In some embodiments, a sole structure may be configured to have a bulging pre- spare parts. In particular, one or more components of the sole structure are capable of undergoing an expansion motion (eg, expansion and / or contraction).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and as described in further detail below, the sole structure 103 has a stretch structure or configuration. Describes soles that include a stretch structure in a cross U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 030,002 (`` Stretch Structure Application '') filed on September 18, 2013 and titled `` Auxetic Structures and Footwear with Soles Having Auxetic Structures '' Structure, the full text of the case is incorporated herein by reference.

As described in the bulge structure application, the bulge material has a negative Poisson's ratio, so that when the materials are pulled in a first direction, their dimensions are in the first direction and orthogonal or It is increased in both the second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate this property of a stretched material.

As seen in FIG. 3, the sole structure 103 may include a plurality of holes 300. As used herein, the term "hole" refers to any hollow or recessed area in a component. In some cases, a hole may be a through hole, wherein the hole extends between two opposing surfaces of a component. In other cases, a hole may be a blind hole, where the hole may not extend through the entire thickness of the component and may therefore be open only on one side. Furthermore, as will be discussed in further detail below, a component may utilize a combination of through-holes and blind holes. Furthermore, in some cases, the term "hole" is used interchangeably with "void" or "groove."

In a region containing one or more holes, the sole structure 103 may be further associated with a plurality of discrete sole portions 320. Specifically, the sole portion 320 includes a portion of the sole structure 103 extending between the plurality of holes 300. It can also be seen that the plurality of holes 300 extend between the sole portions 320. Therefore, it should be understood that each hole may be surrounded by a plurality of sole portions, so that the boundary of each hole may be defined by the edge of the sole portion. This configuration between the pores (or pores) and the sole portion is discussed in further detail in the bulging structure application.

As seen in FIG. 3, the plurality of holes 300 may extend through most of the midsole assembly 122. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 300 may extend through the forefoot portion of the midsole assembly 122 10. Midfoot portion 12 and heel portion 14. In other embodiments, the plurality of holes 300 may not extend through each of these portions.

The plurality of holes 300 may also extend through the plurality of outer sole members 124. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the first outer sole member 160, the second outer sole member 162, the third outer sole member 164, and the fourth outer sole member 166 includes two or more holes. However, in other embodiments, one or more outer sole components may not contain any holes.

In different embodiments, the geometry of the one or more holes may vary. Examples of different geometries that can be used in a bulging sole structure are disclosed in the bulging structure application. Furthermore, the embodiment may also utilize any other geometric shape, such as using a sole portion having a parallelogram geometry or other polygonal geometry configured in a pattern to provide a stretch structure for the sole. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of holes 300 has a triangular star geometry and includes three arms or points extending from a common center.

The geometry of one or more sole portions may also vary. Examples of different geometries that can be used in a bulging sole structure are disclosed in the bulging structure application. It should be understood that the geometry of a sole portion can be determined by the geometry of the holes in a bulging pattern, and vice versa. In the exemplary embodiment, each sole portion has an approximately triangular geometry.

The plurality of holes 300 may be arranged on the sole structure 103 in a bulging pattern or a bulging configuration. In other words, the plurality of holes 300 may allow the midsole component 122 and / or the outer sole component 124 to be disposed on the components in a manner that allows them to undergo a bulging motion such as expansion or contraction. An example of bulging expansion due to the bulging configuration of the plurality of holes 300 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. First, in FIG. 4, the sole structure 103 is in a non-tensioned state. In this state, the plurality of holes 300 have an untensioned area. For illustration, only one region 400 of the midsole assembly 122 is shown, where the region 400 includes a subset of the holes 402.

When a tensile force (as shown in FIG. 5) is applied across the sole structure 103 in an exemplary linear direction 410 (eg, a longitudinal direction), the sole structure 103 undergoes dilatation and expansion. That is, the sole structure 103 expands in the direction 410 and a second direction 412 which is perpendicular to the direction 410. Available in Figure 5 Seen, as the size of the hole 402 increases, the representative area 400 expands in both the direction 410 and the direction 412 at the same time.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom isometric view of one of the sole structures 103, which includes an enlarged cross-sectional view of the midsole assembly 122 and one of the two outer sole components. FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded bottom isometric view of one embodiment of the midsole assembly 122 and the outer sole member 124. Referring to FIGS. 6-7, each outer sole member may be associated with a corresponding recessed portion of one of the outer surfaces 152 of the midsole assembly 122. Specifically, the midsole assembly 122 includes a first recessed portion 600 for receiving a first outer sole member 160; a second recessed portion 602 for receiving a second outer sole member 162; and a third outer sole for receiving The third recessed portion 604 of the member 164 and the fourth recessed portion 606 for receiving the fourth outer sole member 166. Each recessed portion can be sized and shaped to fit a corresponding outer sole component. Thus, for example, the second recessed portion 602 has an outer groove edge 610 having a shape that is the same as the outer edge 612 of the second outer sole member 162.

In some embodiments, an outer sole component may be flush with an outer surface of a midsole assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the outer sole members 124 may be flush with the midsole assembly 122. For example, as seen in FIG. 6, the outer surface 172 of the first outer sole member 160 may be flush with the outer surface 152 of the midsole assembly 122. Likewise, an outer surface 620 of one of the fourth outer sole members 166 may be flush with the outer surface 152. In a similar manner, both the second outer sole member 162 and the third outer sole member 164 may be flush with the midsole assembly 122. This flush configuration can be achieved by making the thickness of each outer sole component approximately equal to the depth of the receiving recessed portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, it can be seen that the first outer sole member 160 has a thickness 630 that is approximately equal to a depth 632 (see FIG. 7) of the first concave portion 600. In other embodiments, one or more outer sole members may extend outwardly from a recessed portion. In yet other embodiments, the outer surface of an outer sole component may be recessed relative to the outer surface 152 of the midsole assembly 122.

As shown in FIG. 6, midsole assembly 122 may be substantially thicker than each outer sole component. For example, the midsole assembly 122 has a thickness 631 associated with a thickness of the lower portion 140 of the midsole assembly 122. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickness 631 is greater than the thickness 630, so that each outer sole component extends into a groove of the midsole component 122, but does not extend through the entire thickness of the midsole component 122. This configuration ensures that the midsole assembly 122 can provide cushioning and support in the portion of the sole structure 103 associated with the outer sole component.

In different embodiments, the material and / or physical properties of an outer sole component may vary. In some embodiments, an outer sole component may have a relatively high coefficient of friction when compared to a midsole component. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the first outer sole member 160 may have a first coefficient of friction with a predetermined material (e.g., wood, laminate, asphalt, concrete, etc.) and the midsole assembly 122 may Has a second coefficient of friction with one of the same predetermined materials. In some embodiments, the first coefficient of friction is different from the second coefficient of friction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first coefficient of friction is greater than the second coefficient of friction such that the first outer sole member 160 provides increased traction (or grip) with a predetermined material compared to the midsole assembly 122. In at least some embodiments, the predetermined material may be associated with one of the types of ground. For example, the predetermined material may be wood associated with a wooden floor in a basketball court. In other embodiments, the predetermined material may be a laminate material, which may also be associated with some types of venues. In yet other embodiments, the predetermined material may be asphalt. In yet other embodiments, the predetermined material may be concrete.

Likewise, in some embodiments, each of the remaining outer sole components may also have a higher coefficient of friction (relative to a given floor) than the midsole component 122. This configuration may allow a user to brake or make cuts by engaging at least one of the outer sole components with a ground. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the first outer sole member 160 may have a friction coefficient that is equal to or less than a friction coefficient of the midsole assembly 122.

It will be appreciated that the coefficient of friction may vary depending on ambient conditions such as temperature, velocity, and the like. Furthermore, the coefficient of friction can be different for dry versus wet conditions. As used herein, the first friction system defined for the first outer sole component 160 and the midsole component 122, respectively The number and the second coefficient of friction may be the coefficient of dry friction at standard temperature and pressure.

Increased friction with a ground surface can be achieved by using materials with higher coefficients of friction and / or by providing surface features that increase grip. Such features may include tread elements such as ridges, hemispherical protrusions, cylindrical protrusions, and other types of tread elements. In the exemplary embodiment, the first outer sole member 160 is provided with a plurality of ridge elements 650, which are best seen in FIGS. 8-9. In contrast, it can be seen that the outer surface 152 of the midsole assembly 122 has a relatively smooth surface.

In different embodiments, the density of an outer sole component and / or a midsole component may vary. In some embodiments, an outer sole component may have a density higher than that of a midsole component, thereby allowing for increased durability and abrasion resistance of the outer sole component. However, in other embodiments, the density of the outer sole component may be equal to the density of the midsole component, or may be less than the density of the midsole component.

The outer sole component can be made from a variety of different materials. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to: rubber (eg, carbon rubber or blown rubber), polymers, thermoplastics (eg, thermoplastic polyurethane), and possibly other materials. In contrast, midsole components can be made generally from polyurethane, polyurethane foam, other types of foam, and possibly other materials. It will be understood that the type of material used for the outer sole component and a midsole component can be selected based on a variety of factors including manufacturing requirements and desired performance characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, suitable materials for the outer sole component 124 and the midsole component 122 may be selected to ensure that the outer sole component 124 has a coefficient of friction greater than one of the midsole component 122 (especially where these components and The hardwood surface, laminate surface, asphalt, and other surfaces of the article of footwear 100 are most commonly used).

8 and 9 illustrate a region 800 of the sole structure 103 in an untensioned state (FIG. 8) and a tensioned state (FIG. 9). Therefore, it can be seen that the plurality of holes 200 are opened (for example, the opening or the cross-sectional area is increased) when the sole structure 103 is subjected to dilatation due to the tensile force 802. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the area 800 is in the direction of the pulling force 802 and one of the directions 808 perpendicular to the direction of the pulling force 802. Expansion on both.

Embodiments may include preparations to ensure that the bulging behavior of the sole structure 103 is uniform (even across different parts or materials). In some embodiments, the openings in the one or more outer sole components may be aligned with the openings in a midsole assembly.

Referring to FIG. 8, the area 800 of the sole structure 103 includes a first portion 810 and a second portion 812 which are one of the outer surfaces of the sole structure 103. In particular, the first portion 810 is a portion of the outer surface 172 of the first outer sole member 160 and the second portion 812 is a portion of the outer surface 152 of the midsole component 122. The area 800 further includes a set of holes 820 configured in a stretched configuration, which is a subset of the plurality of holes 200.

As seen in FIG. 8, the stretched configuration of the set of holes 820 extends from the first portion 810 to the second portion 812 of the zone 800 without interruption or continuously. In other words, the stretched configuration of the group of holes 820 extends between the first outer sole component 160 and the midsole component 122 without interruption. As used herein, if the pattern of the holes (including the shape of the holes, the relative orientation, and the spacing between the holes) does not change significantly across a region, a stretched configuration extends through the region continuously or without interruption. This uninterrupted or continuous configuration is important because interruptions or breaks in the bulging configuration or pattern of the holes 820 can cause changes or deviations from the desired bulging motion or dynamics.

The continuity of the bulging configuration or pattern between the first portion 810 and the second portion 812 is exemplified by considering several representative holes. As seen in FIG. 8, a first hole 830 of one of the set of holes 820 is disposed in the first portion 810 of the first outer sole member 160. A second hole 832 of one of the group holes 820 is disposed in the second portion 812 of the midsole assembly 122. Both the first hole 830 and the second hole 832 are surrounded by six sole portions and six adjacent holes. In addition, the orientation of the first hole 830 and the second hole 832 relative to the sole structure 103 is similar. Moreover, the pattern and spacing of six adjacent holes surrounding the first hole 830 is similar to the pattern and spacing of six adjacent holes surrounding the second hole 832. Furthermore, the first hole 830 and the second hole 832 have an approximately similar shape, especially a triangular star shape.

The continuity of the bulging configuration occurs even at the boundary between the first portion 810 and the second portion 812 (eg, between the first outer sole member 160 and the midsole assembly 122). For example, a third hole 834 extends through both the first portion 810 and the second portion 812. The third hole 834 includes a first arm 840, a second arm 842, and a third arm 844. In addition, the third hole 834 is formed of a first hole portion 850 which is one of the second arm 842 and the third arm 844 and a portion of the first arm 840. The third hole 834 also includes a second hole portion 852 containing a tip of the first arm 840. As seen in FIG. 8, the first hole portion 850 is disposed in the second portion 812 and is continuous with the second hole portion 852 disposed in the first portion 810.

In at least some embodiments, the edge of an outer sole component may correspond to the bulged configuration of the hole. In particular, one or more edges of an outer sole component may be aligned with a direction defined by the orientation of two or more holes.

As seen in FIG. 8, for example, an edge 860 of the first outer sole member 160 may be aligned with a direction defined by the orientation of the plurality of holes 200. In particular, the plurality of holes may be configured such that each hole includes an arm oriented in a direction characterized by the first axis 870. For example, each of the holes 832 and 838 has an arm oriented along the first axis 870. In addition, each of the plurality of holes 200 has an arm oriented along or parallel to the first axis 870. In an exemplary embodiment, the edge 860 may be parallel to the first axis 870. In a similar manner, in some embodiments, the edges of each outer sole component may be approximately aligned with a direction defined by the orientation of the hole (ie, a direction defined by the arms of the hole). In still other embodiments, some edges may be aligned with directions defined by the holes, while other edges may not be aligned with these directions. By aligning the edges of each outer sole component and the direction defined by the bulging configuration, the outer sole component can be placed on the sole structure 103 in a manner that does not interfere with the bulging structure of the sole.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of another embodiment of a sole structure 1000. Referring to FIG. 10, the sole structure 1000 may include an insole component (not visible), a midsole component 1022, and a plurality of outer sole components 1024. Each of these components can share similar to the previous embodiment Preparations for corresponding components (ie, insole component 120, midsole component 122, and a plurality of outer sole components 124).

The outer sole member 1024 may be configured in various positions on a lower portion 1030 of one of the midsole assemblies 1022. For example, the exemplary embodiment includes a first outer sole member 1040 disposed at a front end portion 1102 of the midsole assembly 1022. A second outer sole member 1042 is disposed in the forefoot portion 1104 of the midsole assembly 1022. In addition, a third outer sole member 1044 and a fourth outer sole member 1046 are disposed in the heel portion 1106 of the midsole assembly 1022. These exemplary positions may provide an alternative traction profile compared to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-9. In particular, the embodiment of FIG. 10 includes a first outer sole assembly 1040 that provides enhanced traction above the entire forward edge of sole structure 1000 and a third outer sole assembly 1044 that provides enhanced traction adjacent to the forefoot.

It can be understood that, in other embodiments, the position of one or more outer sole components may be changed. In some cases, the positions may be selected based on the desired position on the sole structure for enhanced traction. In other cases, the location may be selected so as to avoid interfering with the bulging and expansion of the midsole component in a particular zone portion, such as the midfoot component 1022 midfoot portion 1108.

In different embodiments, the shape of the outer sole component may vary. For example, the exemplary embodiment includes an outer sole member (eg, a first outer sole member 1040, a third outer sole member 1044, and a fourth outer sole member 1046) that completely covers the midsole assembly 1022. Likewise, the exemplary embodiment includes an outer sole component (eg, a second outer sole component 1042 that includes an aperture 1043) having an aperture that exposes a portion of the midsole assembly 1022. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment depicts an outer sole component having a pattern or configuration that generally corresponds to a pattern or configuration of an opening on the midsole assembly 1022.

The midsole component 1022 is configured with a plurality of holes 1029 configured in a bulging configuration. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, the plurality of holes 1029 may be similar to the holes of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 in one or more aspects. In particular, some holes may be through holes, while others may be blind holes. Similarly, the opening size or width of at least two different holes of the plurality of holes 1029 The cross-sectional area can be different. As in the previous embodiment, the configuration of the holes through the midsole assembly 1022 may be selected to achieve the desired swell properties for the sole structure 1000.

Embodiments may include preparations for enhancing traction on the bottom or lower surface of a sole structure. In some embodiments, a sole structure may be provided with one or more tread elements. As used herein, the term "tread element" refers to a feature that extends outwardly on a ground engaging surface of a sole structure to engage the ground and provide increased traction.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sole structure 1000 has a ground engaging surface 1002, which is composed of the outermost surface of the midsole assembly 1022 and a plurality of outer sole members 1024. The ground engaging surface 1002 may further include a plurality of raised tread elements 1010.

The tread element 1010 may be associated with a sole portion of the midsole assembly 1022. For example, a first tread element 1011 is approximately centered on the first sole portion 1061. In an exemplary embodiment, a majority of the sole portion may include an associated tread element. Furthermore, the tread element is arranged around each hole in a manner similar to one of the sole members. For example, a first hole 1071 is surrounded by a first sole portion 1061, a second sole portion 1062, a third sole portion 1063, a fourth sole portion 1064, a fifth sole portion 1065, and a sixth sole portion 1066. Each sole portion has a corresponding tread element, such that the second tread element 1012, the third tread element 1013, the fourth tread element 1014, the fifth tread element 1015, and the sixth tread element 1016 are respectively disposed on the second sole portion 1062, the third The sole portion 1063, the fourth sole portion 1064, the fifth sole portion 1065, and the sixth sole portion 1066. Therefore, it can be understood that as each sole part rotates under bulging expansion, the tread element also rotates, thereby increasing the frictional drag force with a ground during expansion.

In different embodiments, the geometry of a tread element can vary. Exemplary shapes include (but are not limited to): triangular geometry, rectangular geometry, polygonal geometry, circular geometry, rounded geometry, non-linear geometry, irregular geometry, and / or any other kind of geometry . In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, the tread element 1010 has a triangular geometry corresponding to the outer boundary geometry of the sole portion. (For example, the triangular boundary of a seventh sole portion 1067 matches the corresponding triangular geometry of one of the seventh tread elements 1017).

Each raised tread element of the tread element 1010 may be raised or projected from the outer surface of the sole structure 1000. Therefore, each raised tread element may form a ridge-like structure extending from the sole structure 1000.

Although various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and one of ordinary skill should understand that many more embodiments and implementations within the scope of such embodiments are possible. Unless expressly limited, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in place of any other feature or element of any other embodiment. Accordingly, the embodiments should not be limited except in accordance with the scope of the attached patent application and its equivalents. In addition, various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the accompanying patent application.

103‧‧‧ sole structure

122‧‧‧ Midsole Components

124‧‧‧ Outer sole parts

152‧‧‧ Outer surface of midsole assembly

160‧‧‧ the first outer sole component

172‧‧‧outer surface

200‧‧‧hole

650‧‧‧Spine Element

800‧‧‧ District

810‧‧‧Part I

812‧‧‧ Part Two

820‧‧‧hole

830‧‧‧First hole

832‧‧‧Second hole

834‧‧‧Third hole

838‧‧‧hole

840‧‧‧ first arm

842‧‧‧second arm

844‧‧‧ third arm

850‧‧‧First hole

852‧‧‧Second hole part

860‧‧‧Edge

870‧‧‧first axis

Claims (20)

An article of footwear includes: a sole structure having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the longitudinal direction extending along a length of the article of footwear, the transverse direction extending along a width of the article of footwear; the sole The structure includes a midsole component and at least one outer sole component; the midsole component includes a first outer surface having a concave portion; the outer sole component has a second outer surface; wherein the concave portion is configured to Receiving the outer sole component; one area of the sole structure includes a first portion of the first outer surface of the midsole component and a second portion of the second outer surface of the outer sole component; the area includes a configuration Forming a group of holes in a stretched configuration; wherein the structure of the stretched configuration is such that when the area of the sole structure is under longitudinal tension, it expands in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, and The area of the structure expands in both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction under a lateral tension; and wherein the bulging configuration extends from the first portion to the second portion without interruption . For example, the article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein when a tensile force is applied across the region in a first direction, the region may undergo expansion and expansion, wherein the region is in the first direction and a second direction during the expansion and expansion. Up, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the set of holes includes a first hole in the first part and a second hole in the second part, wherein the first hole and the second hole have the same shape. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the set of holes comprises A first hole portion and a third hole of a second hole portion of the second outer surface. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the midsole component is thicker than the outer sole component. For example, the article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a plurality of holes extend through a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a heel portion of the midsole component, the plurality of holes include the group of holes, and wherein the plurality of holes pass through Configured in a stretched configuration. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole structure includes at least two separate outer sole components. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole structure includes four separate outer sole members. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the outer sole component has a first coefficient of friction and the midsole component has a second coefficient of friction, wherein the first coefficient of friction is greater than the second coefficient of friction and wherein Both the first coefficient of friction and the second coefficient of friction are judged on the surface. An article of footwear includes: a sole structure having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the longitudinal direction extending along a length of the article of footwear, the transverse direction extending along a width of the article of footwear; the sole The structure includes a midsole component and at least one outer sole component; the midsole component includes a first outer surface having a concave portion; the outer sole component has a second outer surface; wherein the concave portion is configured to Receiving the outer sole component; a region of the sole structure includes a first portion of the first outer surface and a second portion of the second outer surface; the region includes a group of holes configured in a stretch configuration; The structure of the bulging configuration is such that: when the region of the sole structure is under longitudinal tension, it expands in both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction, and when the sole is The area of the structure expands in both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction under a lateral tension; and wherein at least one hole of the set of holes is disposed in the first outer surface and at least one of the set of holes is disposed In the second outer surface; and wherein the first outer surface has a first coefficient of friction relative to a predetermined material, wherein the second outer surface has a second coefficient of friction relative to the predetermined material, and wherein the first The two coefficients of friction are greater than the first coefficient of friction. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the outer sole component has a higher density than the midsole component. The article of footwear according to claim 10, wherein the outer sole member is made of rubber. The article of footwear according to claim 10, wherein the midsole component is made of a foam material. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the second outer surface of the outer sole component is textured. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the second outer surface includes a ridge. An article of footwear includes: a sole structure having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the longitudinal direction extending along a length of the article of footwear, the transverse direction extending along a width of the article of footwear, and the sole The structure includes a midsole assembly; the midsole assembly includes a plurality of openings configured in a stretch configuration; wherein the structure of the stretch configuration is such that when the midsole assembly is under longitudinal tension, it is in the longitudinal direction and the The two in the lateral direction expand, and when the midsole component is under lateral tension, it expands in both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction; the plurality of openings include a first sole portion, a second sole portion, A third sole portion, a fourth sole portion, a fifth sole portion, and a sixth sole portion surrounding a first opening; The midsole assembly further includes a ground engaging surface that includes a plurality of raised tread elements protruding from an outer surface of the sole structure; wherein the first sole portion includes the A first raised tread element of the plurality of raised tread elements, wherein the second sole portion includes a second raised tread element of the plurality of raised tread elements, wherein the third sole portion includes the plurality of raised tread elements A third raised tread element of the raised tread element, wherein the fourth sole portion includes a fourth raised tread element of the plurality of raised tread elements, wherein the fifth sole portion includes the plurality of protrusions A fifth raised tread element of the tread element, and wherein the sixth sole portion includes a sixth raised tread element of the plurality of raised tread elements. The article of footwear according to claim 16, wherein: the first raised tread element is centered on the first sole portion; the second raised tread element is centered on the second sole portion; the third raised tread element Centered on the third sole portion; the fourth raised tread element is centered on the fourth sole portion; the fifth raised tread element is centered on the fifth sole portion; and the sixth raised tread element is on The sixth sole portion is centered. The article of footwear according to claim 16, wherein the first raised tread element, the second raised tread element, the third raised tread element, the fourth raised tread element, the fifth raised tread element, and The sixth raised tread elements all have a common geometric shape. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the common geometry is a triangular geometry. The article of footwear according to claim 16, wherein the sole structure includes at least one outer sole component, wherein the outer sole component has a higher friction system than one of the midsole components. The outer surface of the sole structure is composed of an outer surface of the midsole component and an outer surface of the outer sole component.