Patent Application
20080078102
The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
Article of footwear 100 generally includes an upper 102 affixed to an outsole 104 by any method, such as with an adhesive. Both upper 102 and outsole 104 are asymmetric in design to provide sliding capabilities and wear-resistance while maintaining flexibility, especially in a toe region 106 of article of footwear 100, and impact absorption capabilities, especially in a heel region 108 of article of footwear 100. Outsole 104 is preferably a cup-type outsole with a rim 129 extending at least slightly over upper 102 around the perimeter of article of footwear 100. In other embodiments, outsole 104 may extend over upper 102 in only selected positions or not at all.
Upper 102 is preferably formed from three layers: a bootie 116 forming a sock-like interior of upper 102, an outer covering 114 which covers a substantial portion of bootie 116 and forms the exterior surface of upper 102, and a flap 118 positioned between bootie 116 and outer covering 114. The layers of upper 102 are more fully described below with regard to
Upper 102 is asymmetrically divided by a split or opening 120 formed in outer covering 114 on a lateral side 110 of article of footwear 100. Opening 120 is preferably a cut formed entirely through outer covering 114, SO that a forefoot region 107 is separated into a medial side portion 113 and a lateral side portion 115. Opening 120 increases the flexibility of outer covering 114 in toe region 106 so that the toes of a wearer can move more easily through a greater range of motion. Preferably, opening 120 extends from a lateral side of foot insertion opening 105 to an upper-sole interface 121 in the vicinity of a small toe region 119 of article of footwear 100. Small toe region 119 generally corresponds to the wearer's small toe. The positioning of opening 120 relative to small toe region 119 may vary. However, the position of opening 120 is preferably so that the small toe of the wearer rests below lateral side portion 115 and that the remainder of the toes of the wearer rest below medial side portion 113.
In this embodiment, a first portion 125 of opening 120 is adjustable. For example, a wearer may wish to enlarge opening 120 during foot insertion or to make article of footwear 100 more comfortable. Similarly, a wearer may wish to decrease the size of opening 120, such as to tighten article of footwear 100 following foot insertion. In this embodiment, the edges of medial side portion 113 and lateral side portion 115 do not meet, although in other embodiments, the edges could be drawn together to contact one another. In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, the entire length of opening 120 may be adjustable. However, in this embodiment, a portion 117 of opening 120 near sole-upper interface is fixed in position. In fixed portion 117, medial side portion 113 and lateral side portion 115 are affixed to at least one of flap 118 and bootie 116. Medial side portion 113 and lateral side portion 115 may be fixed in position by any method known in the art, such as with an adhesive or by stitching.
In this embodiment, a portion or extension 122 of outsole 104 extends over a medial side of toe region 106. Extension 122 is preferably a smooth extension of outsole 104 that allows the wearer to more easily slide or drag medial side 112 on the ground. This type of sliding motion is seen in sporting events such as lunging in fencing. Extension 122 also prevents wear or damage to upper 102 when article of footwear 100 is dragged in the above-described manner. Affixing extension 122 to upper 102 increases the stiffness of upper 102. The increased flexibility provided by opening 120 may be used to offset the decrease in flexibility on medial side 112 of article of footwear 100.
As shown in
The asymmetry of article of footwear 100 is further shown in
Ventilation opening 430 can be formed by removing a portion of the material of outer covering 114 in this embodiment, although in other embodiments, outer covering 114 may be split or cut without removing material. Ventilation opening 430 may be left open to expose a portion of bootie 116, or ventilation opening 430 may be filled by a porous material 432 which allows air to flow into and out of article of footwear 100. For example, material 432 may be a woven material, either natural or synthetic, such as cotton, wool, or nylon affixed to outer covering, such as by stitching or with an adhesive. Finally, an optional decorative element 434 may be included on one or both sides 110, 112. In this embodiment, decorative element 434 is embroidery stitched only on medial side 112 of article of footwear 100. However, decorative element 434 may be any type of decorative element known in the art, such as a decal affixed to outer covering 114 with stitching or an adhesive, a stamp or similar dye-based design imprinted onto outer covering 114, or the like.
As discussed above and shown in
In this embodiment, bootie 116 is preferably substantially covered by outer covering 114, with a portion of cushioned collar 540 remaining exposed. Outer covering 114 is preferably made of a non-woven material which is capable of withstanding wear and protecting the foot from exposure. For example, outer covering 114 may be made of a natural material, such as leather or suede, a synthetic material, such as vinyl, or a combination of materials. The stiffness provided by outer covering 114 is reduced by the inclusion of opening 120, as discussed above.
Flap 118 is a portion of material positioned between outer covering 114 and bootie 116. On lateral side 110, flap 118 is shaped and contoured to match the shape of outer covering 114 from toe region 106 to a point near foot insertion opening 105. However, on medial side 112, flap 118 is preferably smaller, with an irregular shape which does not extend into toe region 106. Flap 118 is preferably made of a non-woven material similar to that of outer covering 114. More preferably, flap 118 is made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Flap 118 protects the foot of the wearer and bootie 116 from being abraded by adjustment system 126 and the relative movement of medial and lateral portions 113, 115. Additionally, flap 118 is positioned underneath opening 120 to prevent bootie 116 from exposure through opening 120 for protective and aesthetic considerations.
The individual layers of upper 102 are preferably relatively free-moving with respect to each other. For example, bootie 116 is preferably relatively free-floating within outer covering 114, with bootie 116 affixed to outer covering 114 only on lateral side portion 115 of opening 120. Flap 118 is also preferably affixed to outer covering 114 at the same position. As shown in
Referring again to
As seen in
As seen in
In some embodiments, no tread elements are provided. However, optional forefoot tread elements 872 and optional heel portion tread elements 874 may be included for aesthetic purposes or to reduce the weight of outsole 104. Optional tread elements 872, 874 are preferably indentations of any shape formed in ground-engaging surface 870. Optional forefoot tread elements 872 and optional heel portion tread elements 874 may be similar or the same shape or, as shown in
Construction of article of footwear 100 is achieved by any means known in the art. For example, each component piece of article of footwear 100 may be manufactured separately and assembled on a last using known techniques to shape the components into any number of sizes and shapes, either for a custom fit or to conform to standard sizes. The components are then secured to each other as described above using known methods, such as stitching, with adhesives, heat welding, or the like.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
