REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
SEQUENCE LISTING
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear that includes a midsole structure, and more specifically, to a midsole structure that includes one or more spikes.
2. Description of the Background
Many conventional shoes or other articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to a lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to a lower surface or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and a top portion. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole and may provide cushioning or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. The sole may also include additional components, such as plates, embedded with the sole to increase the overall stiffness of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.
The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, the upper extends over the instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be disposed below a lacing system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may further be manipulatable by a user to permit entry or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes.
The upper of many shoes may comprise a wide variety of materials, which may be utilized to form the upper and chosen for use based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper may also include portions comprising varying materials specific to a particular area of the upper. For example, added stability may be desirable at a front of the upper or adjacent a heel region so as to provide a higher degree of resistance or rigidity. In contrast, other portions of a shoe may include a soft woven textile to provide an area with stretch-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, or moisture-wicking properties.
However, in many cases, articles of footwear are desired that have soles with improved cushioning systems or structural characteristics such as a deformable midsole to add spring-like properties to articles of footwear.
SUMMARY
An article of footwear, as described herein, may have various configurations. In one aspect of the present disclosure, an article of footwear defines a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and the article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure includes a plate, a midsole, and an outsole. The midsole defines a midsole height that extends from a bottom side of the midsole to a top side of the midsole. The midsole defines a plurality of spike apertures that extend from the bottom side of the midsole to the top side of the midsole, and a plurality of spikes are coupled to the plate, the plurality of spikes defining at least three different spike heights. The midsole height increases from the forefoot region to the midfoot region such that the midsole height is largest beneath a metatarsophalangeal point of a user's foot.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an article of footwear is provided that defines a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure includes a plate, a midsole, and an outsole. The midsole defines a midsole height that extends from a bottom side to a top side of the midsole. The midsole height is taken at a maximum thickness of the midsole between the bottom side and the top side of the midsole. The midsole defines a plurality of spike apertures that extend from the bottom side of the midsole to the top side of the midsole, and a plurality of spikes are coupled with the plate within the spike apertures of the midsole. The midsole is configured to deform at least 10% of the midsole height, expressed as a percentage.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an article of footwear is provided that defines a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure includes a plate, a midsole, and an outsole. The midsole includes a bottom side and a top side. The midsole defines a plurality of spike apertures that extend from the bottom side of the midsole to the top side of the midsole, the midsole defining a plurality of aperture walls. A plurality of ground-engaging spikes are coupled to the plate, and each of the plurality of ground-engaging spikes defines a spike height and a spike axis. A gap wraps radially around the spike axis between each of the ground-engaging spikes of the plurality of ground-engaging spikes and each of the aperture walls of the plurality of aperture walls along the spike height.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an article of footwear is provided that defines a toe end, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, a heel region, and a heel end opposite the toe end. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure includes a first plate, a midsole including a first midsole member and a second midsole member, and an outsole including a first outsole member and a second outsole member. The first midsole member defines a first hardness that is less than a second hardness defined by the second midsole member, and the midsole defines a plurality of spike apertures that extend through the midsole and the outsole.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an article of footwear is provided that defines a toe end, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, a heel region, and a heel end opposite the toe end. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure includes a first plate, a midsole including a first midsole member and a second midsole member, and an outsole comprising a first outsole member and a second outsole member. The article of footwear further includes a channel defined between the first midsole member and the second midsole member. The midsole defines a plurality of spike apertures that extend through the midsole and the outsole to receive a plurality of spikes therein.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an article of footwear is provided that defines a toe end, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper, the sole structure defining a lateral side and a medial side. The sole structure includes a first plate having a plurality of ridges extending downward from a bottom surface thereof, a midsole having a plurality of channels defined in a top side thereof, the plurality of channels configured to receive the plurality of ridges, and an outsole having an undulating profile including a plurality of peaks and troughs. The midsole defines a plurality of spike apertures that extend through the midsole and the outsole to receive a plurality of spikes therein.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an article of footwear is provided that defines a toe end, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, a heel region, and a heel end opposite the toe end. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure includes a plate, a midsole including a first midsole member, a second midsole member, and a third midsole member, and an outsole coupled to a bottom side of the midsole. The article of footwear further includes an aperture that is defined in the second midsole member. The outsole and the bottom side of the midsole include treading thereon and define ground-engaging surfaces of the sole structure.
Other aspects of the article of footwear, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the article of footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a lateral side view of an article of footwear configured as a shoe that includes an upper and a sole structure, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a medial and bottom perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a lateral and bottom perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top plan of the shoe of FIG. 1 with an upper removed;
FIG. 5 is a top plan of the shoe of FIG. 1 with an upper removed and a user's skeletal foot structure overlaid thereon;
FIG. 6 is an exploded, medial and top isometric view of an example of a sole structure for an article of footwear including ground-engaging members, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is an exploded, lateral and bottom isometric view of the sole structure of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a lateral and bottom isometric view of an outsole of the sole structure of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a lateral and top isometric view of the outsole of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a lateral and bottom isometric view of a midsole of the sole structure of FIG. 6;
FIG. 11 is a lateral and top isometric view of the midsole of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a lateral and bottom isometric view of a plate of the sole structure of FIG. 6;
FIG. 13 is a lateral and top isometric view of the plate of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a medial side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 6;
FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 6;
FIG. 16 is a lateral side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 6;
FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 6;
FIG. 18 is a rear elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 6
FIG. 19 is a detail, bottom perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 6 taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 15;
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 6 taken through line 21-21 of FIG. 15;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 6 taken through line 22-22 of FIG. 15;
FIG. 23A is a schematic illustration of an example spike that is coupled to a sole structure, according to some aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 23B is a schematic illustration of another example spike that is coupled to a sole structure, according to some aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 23C is a schematic illustration of yet another example spike that is coupled to a sole structure, according to some aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 23D is a schematic illustration of still another example spike that is coupled to a sole structure, according to some aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of a spike mount that is coupled to a sole structure, according to some aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the spike mount of FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is a detail, perspective view of a non-compressed state of the sole structure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 27 is a detail, perspective view of a compressed state of the sole structure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of different compression states of the sole structure of FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 29 is a gait impulse chart of force measured over time, according to some aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 30 is an exploded, lateral and top isometric view of another example of a sole structure for an article of footwear including a split midsole, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 31 is a medial side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 30;
FIG. 33 is a lateral side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 30;
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 30 taken through line 34-34 of FIG. 32;
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 30 taken through line 35-35 of FIG. 32;
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 30 taken through line 36-36 of FIG. 32;
FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 30 taken through line 37-37 of FIG. 32;
FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 30 taken through line 38-38 of FIG. 32;
FIG. 39A is a schematic illustration of another example spike that is coupled to a sole structure, according to some aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 39B is a schematic illustration of yet another example spike that is coupled to a sole structure, according to some aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 40 is an exploded, lateral and top isometric view of yet another example of a sole structure for an article of footwear including a split midsole, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 41 is a medial side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 40;
FIG. 42 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 40;
FIG. 43 is a lateral side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 40;
FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 40 taken through line 44-44 of FIG. 42;
FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 40 taken through line 45-45 of FIG. 42;
FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 40 taken through line 46-46 of FIG. 42;
FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 40 taken through line 47-47 of FIG. 42;
FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 40 taken through line 48-48 of FIG. 42;
FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 40 taken through line 49-49 of FIG. 42;
FIG. 50 is an exploded, lateral, and top isometric view of still another example of a sole structure for an article of footwear including an undulating outsole, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 51 is an exploded, lateral, and bottom isometric view of the sole structure of FIG. 50;
FIG. 52 is a medial side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 50;
FIG. 53 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 50;
FIG. 54 is a lateral side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 50;
FIG. 55 is a front elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 50;
FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 50 taken through line 56-56 of FIG. 53;
FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 50 taken through line 57-57 of FIG. 53;
FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 50 taken through line 58-58 of FIG. 53;
FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 50 taken through line 59-59 of FIG. 53;
FIG. 60 is an exploded, lateral and top isometric view of another example of a sole structure for an article of footwear including a dual-function midsole, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 61 is a medial side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 60;
FIG. 62 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 60;
FIG. 63 is a lateral side elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 60;
FIG. 64 is a front elevation view of the sole structure of FIG. 60;
FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 60 taken through line 65-65 of FIG. 62;
FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 60 taken through line 66-66 of FIG. 62;
FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 60 taken through line 67-67 of FIG. 62;
FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 60 taken through line 68-68 of FIG. 62;
FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of FIG. 60 taken through line 69-69 of FIG. 62;
FIG. 70 is a schematic illustration of a side elevational view of a single spike of the sole structure of FIG. 60; and
FIG. 71 is a schematic illustration of a bottom plan view of the spike of FIG. 70.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe and a sole structure. Although embodiments of a shoe or sole structure are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe or the sole structure may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats, for example. Concepts of the shoe or the sole structure may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, particular concepts described herein may also be applied and incorporated in other types of apparel or other athletic equipment, including helmets, padding or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Even further, particular concepts described herein may be incorporated in cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Accordingly, concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.
The term “about.” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values±5% of the numeric value that the term precedes.
The terms “weight percent.” “wt-%.” “percent by weight.” “% by weight.” and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance or component as the weight of that substance or component divided by the total weight, for example, of the composition or of a particular component of the composition, and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used herein. “percent.” “%.” and the like may be synonymous with “weight percent” and “wt-%.” As used herein in the context of geometric descriptions, unless otherwise limited or defined, “substantially” indicates correspondence to a particular shape or dimension within conventional manufacturing tolerances for components of a similar type or that are formed using similar processes. In this regard, for example, “substantially round” can indicate a profile that deviates from a circle to within acceptable manufacturing tolerances.
Further, as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of reference for discussion of particular figures or examples. For example, references to “downward.” or other directions, or “lower” or other positions, may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but do not necessarily require similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations. The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first.” “second.” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.
The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear or specific components of the article of footwear, such as an upper or a sole or a sole structure. The upper may comprise a knitted component, a woven textile, a non-woven textile, leather, mesh, suede, or a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarn, the woven textile by weaving of yarn, and the non-woven textile by manufacture of a unitary non-woven web. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by way of warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, or other suitable knitting operations. The knit textile may have a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, or a rib knit structure, for example. Woven textiles include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by way of any of the numerous weave forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weaves, or double cloth weaves, for example. Non-woven textiles include textiles made by air-laid or spun-laid methods, for example. The upper may comprise a variety of materials, such as a first yarn, a second yarn, or a third yarn, which may have varying properties or varying visual characteristics.
Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-5 depict an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 100 configured as a shoe 100 including an upper 102 and a sole structure 104. As will be further discussed herein, the upper 102 is attached to the sole structure 104 and together with the sole structure 104 defines an interior cavity (not shown) into which a foot of a user may be inserted. For reference, the article of footwear 100 includes a forefoot region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The forefoot region 108 generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 100 that encase portions of the foot that includes the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region 110 is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region 108, and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 100 that encase the arch of the foot, along with the bride of a foot. The heel region 112 is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region 110 and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 100 that encase rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, or the Achilles tendon.
While only a single shoe 100 is depicted, i.e., a shoe that is worn on a left foot of a user, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to a pair of shoes (not shown), which includes a left shoe and a right shoe that may be sized and shaped to receive a left foot and a right foot of a user, respectively. For ease of disclosure, however, a single shoe will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure, but the disclosure below with reference to the article of footwear 100 is applicable to both a left shoe and a right shoe. However, in some aspects there may be differences between a left shoe and a right shoe other than the left/right configuration. Further, in some aspects, a left shoe may include one or more additional elements that a right shoe does not include, or vice versa.
Still referring to FIGS. 1-5, the upper 102 is shown disposed above and coupled with the sole structure 104. The upper 102 could be formed conventionally from multiple elements, e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, or synthetic leather, which are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In some aspects, the upper 102 of the article of footwear 100 is formed from a knitted structure or knitted components. In some examples, a knitted component incorporates multiple types of yarn to provide different properties to an upper. For example, an upper mesh layer may be warp knit, while a mesh backing layer may comprise a circular knit.
In some aspects, various layers of the upper 102 are heat pressed together so as to bond the various layers of the upper 102. For example, layers that comprise the upper 102 are heat pressed together all at once and at a single temperature. The upper 102 is further attached to a strobel board by strobel stitching (not shown). During manufacturing of the upper 102, locating pins (not shown) are used to align with various holes (not shown) within the upper 102. In some aspects, different layers of the upper 102 are waterproof or semi-waterproof, and include a plurality of layers of mesh or other materials. The materials that comprise the upper 102 include an inner mesh layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, and/or an outer mesh layer. In some aspects, a TPU skin is applied along the other surface of the upper.
With reference to the material, or materials, that comprise the upper 102, the specific properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of a knitted component at least partially depends upon the materials that form the various filaments and fibers of the yarn. For example, cotton may provide a soft effect, biodegradability, or a natural aesthetic to a knitted material. Elastane and stretch polyester may each provide a knitted component with a desired elasticity and recovery. Rayon may provide a high luster and moisture absorbent material, wool may provide a material with an increased moisture absorbance, nylon may be a durable material that is abrasion-resistant, and polyester may provide a hydrophobic, durable material.
Other aspects of a knitted component can also be varied to affect the properties of the knitted component and provide desired attributes. For example, a yarn forming a knitted component includes monofilament yarn or multifilament yarn, or the yarn includes filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials. In addition, a knitted component is formed using a particular knitting process to impart an area of a knitted component with particular properties. Accordingly, both the materials forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a variety of properties to particular areas of the upper 102. In some aspects, an elasticity of a knit structure is measured based on comparing a width or length of the knit structure in a first, non-stretched state to a width or length of the knit structure in a second, stretched state after the knit structure has a force applied to the knit structure in a lateral direction.
In some aspects, the upper 102 includes additional structural elements, or additional structural elements surround or are coupled to the upper 102. For example, a heel cup (not shown) is provided at a heel end 116 within the heel region 112 of the article of footwear 100 to provide added support to a heel of a user. In some instances, other elements, e.g., plastic material, logos, trademarks, etc., are also applied and fixed to an exterior surface using glue or a thermoforming process. In some aspects, the properties associated with an upper, e.g., a stitch type, a yarn type, or characteristics associated with different stitch types or yarn types, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, air permeability, or scuff-resistance, are varied.
Still referring to FIGS. 1-5, the article of footwear 100 also includes a tightening system 118 having a lace 120 and a plurality of eyelets 122. In this aspect, the lace 120 extends through the plurality of eyelets 122. In some aspects, the tightening system 118 further includes elastic bands. The tightening system 118 may allow a user to modify dimensions of the upper 102, e.g., to tighten or loosen portions of the upper 102, around a foot as desired by the wearer. In some aspects, the tightening system 118 also includes a band (not shown) that runs along a center of the upper 102 and includes one or more loops through which the lace 120 is guided. In other aspects, the tightening system 118 is a hook-and-loop fastening system, such as Velcro®. For example, in some aspects, the tightening system 118 includes one or more hook-and-loop fastening straps. In further aspects, the tightening system 118 is another laceless fastening system known in the art. In still further aspects, the tightening system 118 includes a different manual lacing system, a rotary closure device, or an automatic lacing system, such as the lacing systems described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/780,368, filed on May 31, 2018, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/392,470, filed on Apr. 23, 2019, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the article of footwear 100 also defines a lateral side 124 and a medial side 126, the lateral side 124 being shown in FIG. 2 and the medial side 126 being shown in FIG. 3. The lace 120 extends from the lateral side 124 to the medial side 126. When a user is wearing the article of footwear 100, the lateral side 124 corresponds with an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear 100 while the medial side 126 corresponds with an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear 100. As such, a left shoe and a right shoe have opposing lateral sides and medial sides, such that the medial sides are closest to one another when a user is wearing the shoes, while the lateral sides are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while the shoes are being worn. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the medial side 126 and the lateral side 124 adjoin one another at opposing, distal ends of the article of footwear 100.
Referring to FIG. 1, the upper 102 extends along the lateral side 124 and the medial side 126, and across the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112 to house and enclose a foot of a user. When fully assembled, the upper 102 also includes an interior surface 128 and an exterior surface 130. The interior surface 128 faces inward and generally defines the interior cavity (not shown), and the exterior surface 130 of the upper 102 faces outward and generally defines an outer perimeter or boundary of the upper 102. In some aspects, the interior surface 128 and the exterior surface 130 comprise portions of the upper layers disclosed above. The upper 102 also includes an opening 132 that is at least partially located in the heel region 112 of the article of footwear 100, that provides access to the interior cavity (not shown) and through which a foot may be inserted and removed. In some aspects, the upper 102 also includes an instep area 134 that extends from the opening 132 in the heel region 112 over an area corresponding to an instep of a foot to an area adjacent the forefoot region 108. The instep area 134 comprises an area similar to where a tongue 136 of the present aspect is disposed. In some aspects, the upper 102 does not include the tongue 136, i.e., the upper 102 is tongueless.
With particular reference to FIG. 4, the medial side 126 and the lateral side 124 adjoin one another along a longitudinal central plane or axis 148 of the article of footwear 100. As will be further discussed herein, the longitudinal, central axis 148 demarcates a central, intermediate axis between the medial side 126 and the lateral side 124 of the article of footwear 100. Put differently, the longitudinal axis 148 extends between the heel end 116 of the article of footwear 100 and a toe end 150 of the article of footwear 100 and continuously defines a middle of an insole, the upper 102, and/or the sole structure 104 of the article of footwear 100, i.e., the longitudinal axis 148 is a straight axis extending through the heel end 116 of the heel region 112 to the toe end 150 of the forefoot region 108. Further, a transverse plane or axis 152 extends vertically through the article of footwear 100 in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 148 and/or with respect to a ground surface. Put another way, the transverse axis 152 extends vertically through the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 to demarcate a center of the article of footwear 100.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 126, and the lateral side 124 are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear 100. To that end, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 126, and the lateral side 124 generally characterize sections of the article of footwear 100. Certain aspects of the disclosure may refer to portions or elements that are coextensive with one or more of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 126, or the lateral side 124. Further, both the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 may be characterized as having portions within the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, or along the medial side 126 or the lateral side 124. Therefore, the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, or individual portions of the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, may include portions thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, or along the medial side 126 or the lateral side 124.
Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 126, and the lateral side 124 are shown in detail. The forefoot region 108 extends from the toe end 150 to a widest portion 154 of the article of footwear 100. The widest portion 154 is defined or measured along a first line 156 that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis 148 that extends from a distal portion of the toe end 150 to a distal portion of a heel end 116, which is opposite the toe end 150. The midfoot region 110 extends from the widest portion 154 to a thinnest portion 158 of the article of footwear 100. The thinnest portion 158 of the article of footwear 100 is defined as the thinnest portion of the article of footwear 100 measured along a second line 160 that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis 148. The heel region 112 extends from the thinnest portion 158 to the heel end 116 of the article of footwear 100.
It should be understood that numerous modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description, and individual components thereof, may be incorporated into numerous articles of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of the article of footwear 100 and components thereof, may be described with reference to general areas or portions of the article of footwear 100, with an understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 126, or the lateral side 124 as described herein may vary between articles of footwear. However, aspects of the article of footwear 100 and individual components thereof, may also be described with reference to exact areas or portions of the article of footwear 100 and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate the limitations associated with these boundaries of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 126, or the lateral side 124 discussed herein.
Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the medial side 126 begins at the distal toe end 150 and bows outward along the forefoot region 108 toward the midfoot region 110. At the first line 156, the medial side 126 bows inward, toward the central, longitudinal axis 148. The medial side 126 extends from the first line 156, i.e., the widest portion 154, toward the second line 160, i.e., the thinnest portion 158, entering into the midfoot region 110 upon crossing the first line 156. After reaching the second line 160, the medial side 126 bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis 148, at which point the medial side 126 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., upon crossing the second line 160. The medial side 126 then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end 116, and terminates at a point where the medial side 126 meets the longitudinal, central axis 148.
Correspondingly, the lateral side 124 also begins at the distal toe end 150 and bows outward along the forefoot region 108 toward the midfoot region 110. The lateral side 124 reaches the first line 156, at which point the lateral side 124 bows inward, toward the longitudinal, central axis 148. The lateral side 124 extends from the first line 156, i.e., the widest portion 154, toward the second line 160, i.e., the thinnest portion 158, entering into the midfoot region 110 upon crossing the first line 156. After reaching the second line 160, the lateral side 124 bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis 148, at which point the lateral side 124 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., upon crossing the second line 160. The lateral side 124 then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end 116, and terminates at a point where the lateral side 124 meets the longitudinal, central axis 148.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the sole structure 104 includes an outsole or outsole region 162, a midsole or midsole region 164, and a plate 166. In some aspects, the plate 166 is configured as an insole and/or a strobel board, however, it is contemplated that the insole may be a separate element that is inserted into the foot cavity atop of a strobel board. The outsole 162, the midsole 164, and the plate 166, or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, or the heel region 112. In particular, the outsole 162 and the midsole 164 extend through the forefoot region 108 and at least partially through the midfoot region 110, while the plate 166 extends through the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and at least partially though the heel region 112. Further, the outsole 162, the midsole 164, and the plate 166, or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side 124 or the medial side 126. The outsole 162, the midsole 164, and any other portions of the sole structure 104 may be attached to one another via an adhesive (not shown). The upper 102 is further attached to the sole structure 104 via adhesive or stitching.
Additionally, the outsole 162 is defined as a portion of the sole structure 104 that at least partially contacts an exterior surface, e.g., the ground, when the article of footwear 100 is worn. The outsole 162 defines a bottom end or bottom surface 168 of the sole structure 104 across the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112. Put another way, the outsole 162 is a ground-engaging portion or includes a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure 104 and is generally opposite of the upper 102.
For example, the outsole 162 includes ground engaging members, e.g., a plurality of spikes 170 (see FIG. 2) and teeth 172, that extend from the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 and which are positioned at different locations within the forefoot region 108 and/or the midfoot region 110. In some aspects, the outsole 162 and the midsole 164 define a plurality of spike apertures 176 that extend entirely therethrough, i.e., through an entire height of the outsole 162 and/or midsole 164. Additionally, the spikes 170 are fastened within spike apertures 176 that extend at least partially through the sole structure 104, as will be discussed below in greater detail. The midsole 164 is defined as at least a portion of the sole structure 104 that extends from the outsole 162 toward the upper 102 or that otherwise extends between and connects the outsole 162 with the plate 166. Finally, the plate 166 is defined as a portion of the sole structure 104 that indirectly or directly contacts a user's foot when the article of footwear is worn. In embodiments where the plate 166 is configured as an insole, the plate 166 directly contacts a user's foot. Alternatively. and as discussed above, a separate insole (not shown) is placed in between the plate 166 and a user's foot.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded views of the sole structure 104 of the article of footwear 100 and illustrate how the outsole 162 is positioned under the midsole 164 when the sole structure 104 is assembled. Correspondingly, the midsole 164 is positioned on top of the outsole 162 and below the plate 166, i.e., between the outsole 162 and the plate 166, when the sole structure 104 is assembled. In addition, the sole structure 104 further includes a plurality of spikes 170 and a plurality of spike mounts 174 (see FIG. 8), which are configured to be coupled to one or more of the outsole 162, the midsole 164, and the plate 166. Further, a plurality of spike apertures 176 extend at least partially through each of the outsole 162, the midsole 164, and the plate 166, and the spike apertures 176 are dimensioned to receive the spike mounts 174, which in turn are configured to receive the spikes 170 and fasten the spikes 170 to the plate 166. In some aspects, the spike apertures 176 are defined by aperture walls 178 which include portions of the outsole 162, midsole 164, and/or plate 166.
Correspondingly, the spike mounts 174 are connected to the plate 166 when the sole structure 104 is assembled. The spikes 170 are then inserted into the spike apertures 176 in a direction toward the plate 166 from the bottom surface 168, and the spikes 170 are fastened to the spike mounts 174, e.g., screwed into the spike mounts 174, to secure the spikes 170 to the plate 166. In some examples, the spikes 170 are removable, meaning that the spikes 170 may be unscrewed from the spike mounts 174 according to user preference. It is contemplated that the number and placement of the spikes 170, spike mounts 174, and spike apertures 176 can affect traction with respect to linear movement, and that the spikes 170 may vary in shape and size depending on user preference and environmental considerations such as, e.g., the type of ground surface covering and weather conditions, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the outsole 162. In some aspects, the outsole 162 is formed from one or more materials to impart durability, wear-resistance, abrasion resistance, or traction to the sole structure 104. For example, the outsole 162 may be fabricated from an injection molded polyurethane (PU) plastic, thermoplastic, rubberized material, e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof, which can resist wear resulting from contact with the ground in addition to increasing traction. However, it is contemplated that other thermoplastic elastomers consisting of block copolymers may also be used to form the outsole 162, including carbon fiber or high-density wood. In some aspects, the outsole 162 has a uniform thickness, or the outsole 162 has a variable thickness.
Still referring to FIG. 8, teeth 172 extend outwardly from the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 at various locations therealong. The teeth 172 have a substantially conical shape, although it is contemplated that the teeth may be formed as any suitable shape, e.g., triangular pyramids, rectangles, cylinders, etc. In some aspects, the teeth 172 are integrally formed as part of the outsole 162 during the production thereof, i.e., the teeth 172 are formed as continuous extensions of the outsole 162 when the outsole 162 is molded. In particular, the teeth 172 are formed along the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 and extend outwardly and/or downwardly therefrom. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the teeth 172 or other traction elements of the outsole 162 are arranged in alternative configurations. For example, the teeth 172 may be formed, e.g., molded, in a grid-like configuration (not shown) during fabrication of the outsole 162. In addition, the spike apertures 176 extend through the outsole 162 to receive the spikes 170 (see FIG. 7) at different locations therein as discussed above. In some aspects, foam protection rings 180 are disposed around the perimeter of each of the spike apertures 176 on the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162. The foam protection rings 180 are integrally formed as a part of the outsole 162 during the production thereof, or the foam protection rings 180 are connected to the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 via an adhesive. Alternatively, the foam protection rings 180 are co-molded with the outsole 162 during the production thereof. The teeth 172 and the foam protection rings 180 are configured to provide enhanced traction while protecting the outsole 162 during use of the article of footwear 100. For example, the foam protection rings 180 define recessed step profiles around the spike apertures 176 to prevent unwanted debris from entering the spike apertures 176.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, the outsole 162 has a substantially concave shape, meaning that the bottom surface 168 defines a generally crescent profile when viewed from the side, curving upward from the ground. In addition, a lip 182 extends around the outer edge or perimeter of the outsole 162, the lip 182 being integrally formed with the outsole 162 during production thereof or connected with the outsole 162 via adhesive. In some aspects, the lip 182 defines an undulating profile such that portions of the lip 182 define ridges 184 that are raised relative to the rest of the lip 182. Specifically, the lip 182 defines ridges 184 along the perimeter of the outsole 162 and adjacent to the spike apertures 176. In this way, the lip 182 wraps around the spike apertures 176 that are adjacent to the perimeter of the outsole 162. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the ridges 184 along lip 182 help to align the outsole 162 with the midsole 164 when the sole structure 104 is assembled such that the spike apertures 176 in the outsole 162 and midsole 164 are also aligned with one another.
Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the midsole 164 is configured as a cushioning member to reduce stress or increase the strength of portions, e.g., the forefoot region 108 or the midfoot region 110 of the sole structure 104. In some aspects, the midsole 164 is individually constructed from a thermoplastic material, such as PU, for example, and/or an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or a similar type of material. However, it is also contemplated that the midsole 164 may be constructed from Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or a similar type of material. For example, the midsole 164 may be an EVA-Solid-Sponge (“ESS”) material, an EVA foam, e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam, polyurethane, polyether, an olefin block copolymer, a thermoplastic material, e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin, etc., or a supercritical foam. The midsole 164 may be a single polymeric material or may be a blend of materials, such as an EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and/or an olefin block copolymer. One example of a PEBA material is PEBAX®.
In examples where the midsole 164 is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may comprise micropore foams or particle foams such as a TPU and EVA mixture or pure PEBAX. The supercritical foam can be manufactured using a process that is performed within an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container and involves saturating a molten material. The material may include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyolefin elastomers, ethylene-vinyl acetate, or mixtures thereof, with a supercritical fluid that may include supercritical carbon dioxide, supercritical nitrogen, e.g., nitrogen gas, or mixtures thereof. During the process, the solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas. This rapid conversion forms small pockets within the molten material and causes the material to expand into a foam, which may be used for the midsole 164. In further examples, the midsole 164 is formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, a compression molding technique, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the midsole 164 may be formed using a process that involves an initial foaming step in which supercritical gas is used to foam a material and then compression molded or die cut to a particular shape.
In some aspects, the midsole 164 includes a density within the range between about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3) and about 0.30 g/cm3, or between about 0.10 g/cm3 and about 0.20 g/cm3. In some examples, the midsole 164 has a hardness between about 10 Shore A to about 75 Shore A, or between about 30 Shore A to about 60 Shore A, or between about 40 Shore A to about 55 Shore A. In further aspects, the midsole 164 is a bladder encasing a plurality of beads, such as a plurality of spherical or ellipsoidal beads or pellets formed from thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, or a supercritical foam. For example, the midsole 164 defines an interior void (not shown) that receives a pressurized fluid or a plurality of ellipsoidal or spherical beads, such as the hollow space filled with a number of plastic bodies described in PCT Publication No. WO 2017/097315, filed on Dec. 7, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the midsole 164 has a substantially concave shape that corresponds to or mimics the shape of the outsole 162. However, it is contemplated that the midsole 164 may be dimensioned differently than the midsole 164 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In some examples, the midsole 164 defines a forefoot layer (not shown) and a midfoot layer (not shown) that is separate from the forefoot layer (not shown). Correspondingly, the forefoot layer (not shown) defines a first hardness that is less than a second hardness defined by the midfoot layer (not shown), meaning that the midfoot layer (not shown) is harder than the forefoot layer (not shown). This in turn results in decreased energy loss when the midsole 164 is under load, as will be discussed below in greater detail. However, the midsole 164 referred to hereinafter will be understood to be a unitary midsole, i.e., a midsole formed as a single foam layer as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, unless explicitly described otherwise.
When the sole structure 104 is assembled, the midsole 164 is positioned on top of the outsole 162 as discussed above, and the shape of the midsole 164 ensures that the spike apertures 176 extending therethrough are aligned with the spike apertures 176 that extend through the outsole 162. For example, and with particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 10, the midsole 164 includes a rim 186 that is formed along a bottom side 188 of the midsole 164, i.e., a side of the midsole 164 that contacts the outsole 162 when the sole structure 104 is assembled. The rim 186 defines an undulating profile that mimics the profile of the lip 182, including crests 190 that correspond to the ridges 184 defined by the lip 182. Thus, when the sole structure 104 is assembled, the bottom side 188 of the midsole 164 is placed in contact with the outsole 162 such that the lip 182 abuts the rim 186 and the spike apertures 176 are vertically aligned.
Referring now to FIG. 11, a top side 192 is illustrated of the midsole 164. The top side 192 of the midsole 164 includes a plurality of recessed portions 194 formed therein which correspond to one or more structures on the plate 166 (see FIG. 12) as discussed below in greater detail. Specifically, the recessed portions 194 are axially aligned with the spike apertures 176 extending through the midsole 164, and the recessed portions 194 are substantially semispherical in shape. Put another way, the recessed portions 194 are disposed around each spike aperture 176 and formed in the top side 192 of the midsole 164 during production of the midsole 164.
Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the plate 166 is positioned on top of, i.e., vertically above, the midsole 164 when the sole structure 104 is assembled such that a bottom surface 196 of the plate 166 contacts the top side 192 of the midsole 164. Now referring to FIGS. 7 and 12, the bottom surface 196 of the plate 166 includes protrusions 198 that extend downwardly therefrom and which mimic the shape of the recessed portions 194 of the midsole 164. In some aspects, the protrusions 198 are integrally formed as a part of the plate 166 during the production thereof. The protrusions 198 are substantially semispherical in shape and are configured to be seated within the recessed portions 194 of the midsole 164 when the sole structure 104 is assembled, i.e., when the plate 166 is coupled to the midsole 164. In this way, the protrusions 198 are aligned with the spike apertures 176 that extend through the outsole 162 and the midsole 164. In some aspects, the protrusions 198 retain the spike mounts 174 therein and define additional spike apertures 176 therethrough. Specifically, the spike apertures 176 are arranged concentrically to the protrusions 198 and are configured to receive the spikes 170 therethrough when the spikes 170 are fastened to the spike mounts 174, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the plate 166 is formed from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic olefin, or the like. In particular aspects, however, the plate 166 may be formed from a composite or one or more layers of fibers, such as carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, natural fibers, and polymer fibers, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the fibers may be affixed or bonded to a substrate or a thermoplastic material, e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyolefin, or a thermoplastic elastomer, by stitching or an adhesive. In other examples, the plate 166 may be formed from a unidirectional tape that includes carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, polymer fibers, or the like. In yet other examples, the plate 166 may be formed from densified wood or densified wood panels formed from chemically treating natural wood to remove lignin or hemicellulose therefrom, or compressing natural wood.
In some aspects, one or more materials of the plate 166 have a stiffness, e.g., a tensile strength, defined by a Young's modulus. For example, the one or more materials forming the plate 166 may have a Young's modulus of at least about 25 gigapascals (GPa), at least about 40 GPa, or at least about 70 GPa, or at least about 85 GPa, or at least about 200 GPa. In other examples, the one or more materials forming the plate 166 may have a Young's modulus between about 25 GPa and about 200 GPa, or between about 25 GPa and about 80 GPa, or between about 25 GPa and about 70 GPa, or between about 50 GPa and about 75 GPa. In some aspects, the plate 166, and the stiffness thereof, may be selected and designed for a particular user. For example, a stiffness of the plate 166 may be selected based on the particular muscle strength, tendon flexibility, or joint flexibility of a user. In some aspects, the stiffness of the plate 166 may vary, such that a portion of the plate 166 is stiffer compared to another portion of the plate 166. The plate 166 may also include a uniform thickness or substantially uniform thickness between about 0.5 millimeters (mm) and about 3.0 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 2.0 mm, or between about 0.7 mm and about 1.0 mm. In some aspects, the plate 166 has a non-uniform thickness or a thickness that varies across the plate 166. In other examples, the plate 166 defines a woven layer (not shown) which has a thickness of about 0.8 mm, and the plate 166 further defines a non-woven layer (not shown) which has a thickness of about 0.4 mm. Thus, in some aspects, the plate 166 has a total thickness of about 1.2 mm.
Now referring to FIGS. 14-18, views of the sole structure 104 without the upper 102 are illustrated in greater detail. Referring specifically to FIGS. 14 and 16, the medial side and the lateral side of the assembled sole structure 104 are shown, respectively. As shown, the outsole 162 is coupled to the midsole 164 such that the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 is facing outward, and the bottom surface 196 (see FIG. 7) of the plate 166 is coupled to the top side 192 (see FIG. 6) of the midsole 164. In this way, the midsole 164 is sandwiched between the outsole 162 and the plate 166. Additionally, the spikes 170 are disposed in the spike apertures 176 such that conical tips 202 of the spikes 170 extend outwardly past the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162. In some aspects, portions of the outsole 162, midsole 164, plate 166, and at least one spike 170, i.e., at least one conical tip 202, are visible from the side, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16.
As discussed above, the outsole 162 and the midsole 164 extend through the forefoot region 108 and at least partially through the midfoot region 110, while the plate 166 extends through the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and at least partially through the heel region 112. In some aspects, the outsole 162 defines an outsole length 204, the midsole 164 defines a midsole length 206, and the plate 166 defines a plate length 208. Each of the lengths 204, 206, 208 are measured in a direction that is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis 148 which extends from a distal portion of the toe end 150 to a distal portion of a heel end 116 that is opposite the toe end 150. In some aspects, the outsole length 204 is between about 25% and about 75%, between about 40% and about 60%, between about 45% and about 55%, between about 55% and about 60%, or about 55% of the plate length 208. In some aspects, the midsole length 206 is between about 25% and about 75%, between about 40% and about 60%, between about 45% and about 55%, between about 50% and about 55%, or about 50% of the plate length 208.
Still referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, the midsole 164 has a midsole height 210 that is defined by a distance between the bottom side 188 of the midsole 164 and the top side 192 of the midsole 164, i.e., between the outsole 162 and the plate 166. More specifically, the midsole height 210 is measured along a straight line that extends through a point in the bottom side 188 of the midsole 164 and a point in the top side 192 of the midsole 164 in a direction that is perpendicular to a tangent line (not shown) running adjacent the top side 192 of the midsole 164. Thus, it will be understood that the midsole height 210 changes along the midsole length 206, increasing and then decreasing from the forefoot region 108 to the midfoot region 110, with the midsole height 210 being largest beneath where the ball of a user's foot would be received, i.e., an area corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of a user's foot, within the upper 102 (see FIG. 1). In some examples, the midsole height 210 is taken at a maximum thickness of the midsole 164 between the bottom side 188 and the top side 192. In some aspects, the sole structure 104 defines an MTP point located in the forefoot region 108 and/or the midfoot region 110.
Referring now to FIG. 15, a bottom view is illustrated of the sole structure 104. In some aspects, the outsole 162 defines a midsole width 212 which is measured in a direction that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis 148. The midsole width 212 changes along the midsole length 206, increasing and then decreasing from the forefoot region 108 to the midfoot region, with the midsole width 212 being largest beneath where the ball of a user's foot would be received within the upper 102 (see FIG. 1) and being defined as the maximum midsole width 212A. In some aspects, with reference to FIGS. 14-16, the midsole height 210 is inversely proportional with respect to the midsole width 212, meaning that the midsole height 210 increases as the midsole width 212 increases and decreases as the midsole width 212 decreases. For example, the midsole height 210 is linearly related to the midsole width 212, or the midsole height 210 is exponentially related to the midsole width 212.
With specific reference to FIGS. 15, 17, and 18, and as discussed above, the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 includes a plurality of teeth 172 that extend outwardly therefrom. Relatedly, the outsole 162 defines an outsole area 214, which is defined as the maximum area of the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162. In some aspects, the teeth 172 cover between about 10% and about 100%, between about 50% and about 100%, between about 60% and about 90%, between about 70% and about 90%, between 80% and 90%, or about 75% of the outsole area 214. The bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 also includes the spike apertures 176. While the location and orientation of the spike apertures 176 shown in the present embodiment have been found to provide particular benefits, it is contemplated that any number of spike apertures 176 can be disposed in any suitable location in the outsole 162. For example, the spike apertures 176 can be disposed around a perimeter of the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162, along an area beneath where the ball of a user's foot would be received, in the forefoot region 108, in the midfoot region 110, and/or any other suitable location in the outsole 162. As discussed above, each spike aperture 176 includes a foam protection ring 180 that is concentrically disposed therearound, the foam protection rings 180 being integrally formed with the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162.
In addition, the spikes 170 are secured within the spike apertures 176, meaning that the spikes 170 are screwed into the spike mounts 174 (see FIG. 15). In some aspects, the spike apertures 176 have a larger radius than the spikes 170. In this way, a radial gap 216 is formed between each of the aperture walls 178 and each of the spikes 170. Put another way, the gap 216 extends radially about, i.e., wraps radially around, each spike 170 in the spike aperture 176 between each spike 170 and each aperture wall 178. In some aspects, the gap 216 also extends along an entire height of each spike 170, as will be discussed below in greater detail. The gap 216 makes it easier to attach and/or detach the spikes 170 from the plate 166 and provides further benefits related to the flexibility of the midsole, as will also be discussed below in greater detail.
Referring now to FIG. 19, a detail bottom view is illustrated of the article of footwear 100. Specifically, the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 is illustrated. The spike apertures 176 are shown in detail, with each spike aperture 176 extending through the outsole 162, the midsole 164, and at least partially through the plate 166. As shown, the aperture walls 178 are defined at least the by the outsole 162 and the midsole 164. Additionally, the spike mounts 174 are secured within the protrusions 198 (see FIG. 8) of the plate 166. From this view, it will be understood that the teeth 172 extend from the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 at a variety of different angles. Further, the gap 216 is visible, which extends between the spikes 170 and the aperture walls 178. From this view, it will be understood that any number of the spikes 170 can be fastened to the plate 166 at any time and at any location in the sole structure 104.
With reference to FIG. 20, a cross sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 104 taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 16. The outsole 162 is shown along a lowermost portion of the sole structure 104, and the midsole 164 is shown as coupled between the outsole 162 and the plate 166. Further, portions of the midsole 164 are shown as separated from one another by a spike aperture 176. A spike mount 174 is housed within a protrusion 198 of the plate 166, and the protrusion 198 is seated within a recessed portion 194 in the top side 192 of the midsole 164. The protrusion 198 is partially hollow to provide space for the spike aperture 176. In addition, a spike 170 is fastened to the plate 166, meaning that the spike 170 is screwed into the spike mount 174. The conical tip 202 of the spike 170 extends outward from the spike aperture 176 and past the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162. However, it is contemplated that the spike 170 may not extend past the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162. Additionally, the gap 216 is shown to extend around the length of the conical tip 202 of the spike 170, i.e., the gap 216 extends between the spike 170 and the aperture wall 178.
With reference to FIG. 21, a cross sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 104 taken through line 21-21 of FIGS. 14-16, i.e., across a portion of the forefoot region 108 of the sole structure 104. The outsole 162, midsole 164, plate 166, a first spike 170A, and a first spike mount 174A are shown in cross-section, with the first spike 170A disposed in a first spike aperture 176A being clearly visible. In some aspects, the first spike 170A is disposed adjacently to the medial side 126. The first spike mount 174A is housed within a first protrusion 198A, and the first protrusion 198A is seated within a first recessed portion 194A of the midsole 164. In some aspects, the first spike 170A, spike mount 174A, and spike aperture 176A are oriented on a first spike axis 218A which is offset from the transverse axis 152 by a first angle 220. In some aspects, the first angle 220 is between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees, between about 0 degrees and about 10 degrees, between about 0 degrees and about 5 degrees, between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees, or about 9 degrees. It will be understood that the above is a non-limiting example of a spike axis and that the sole structure 104 may include a variety of spike axes 218 corresponding to each spike in a plurality of spikes 170 and offset from the transverse axis 152 at a variety of different angles, as discussed below in greater detail.
With reference to FIG. 22, a cross sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 104 taken through line 22-22 of FIGS. 14-16, i.e., across a portion of the midfoot region 110 of the sole structure 104 which is farther towards the heel end 116 (see FIG. 1) than the portion of the forefoot region 108 illustrated in FIG. 21. The outsole 162, midsole 164, plate 166, a second spike 170B, and a second spike mount 174B are shown in cross-section, and the second spike 170B is visibly disposed in a second spike aperture 176B. The second spike mount 174B is housed within a second protrusion 198B, and the second protrusion 198B is seated within a second recessed portion 194B of the midsole 164. In some aspects, the second spike 170B is disposed adjacently to the lateral side 124. In addition, a third protrusion 198C is also visible, the third protrusion 198C extending downward from the plate 166 and being seated within a third recessed portion 194C of the midsole 164.
In some aspects, the second spike 170B, spike mount 174B, and spike aperture 176B are oriented on a second spike axis 218B which is offset from the transverse axis by a second angle 222. In some aspects, the second angle 222 is between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees, between about 0 degrees and about 10 degrees, between about 0 degrees and about 5 degrees, between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees, or about 3 degrees. As discussed above, it is contemplated that the second spike axis 218B may be offset from the transverse axis 152 at any suitable angle and that multiple spike axes 218 may be offset from the transverse axis 152 at a variety of different angles.
Referring now to FIGS. 23A-23D, schematic illustrations are shown of a plurality of example spikes 270 for use in the article of footwear 100. In particular, FIG. 23A illustrates a first spike 270A and a first centerline or spike axis 272A, FIG. 23B illustrates a second spike 270B and a second spike axis 272B, FIG. 23C illustrates a third spike 270C and a third spike axis 272C, and FIG. 23D illustrates a fourth spike 270D and a fourth spike axis 272D. It will be understood that the spikes 270 are substantially similar to the spikes 170 discussed above, and that the centerlines or spike axes 272 extend longitudinally through the spikes 270. Therefore, any aspects discussed herein with respect to the spikes 170 and/or the spikes 270 are applicable to both of the pluralities of spikes 170, 270, and any aspects discussed herein with respect to the spike axes 218 and/or the spike axes 272 are applicable to both of the pluralities of spike axes 218, 272. Thus, it will be understood that the spikes 170 are interchangeable with the spikes 270, and that the spike axes 218 are interchangeable with the spike axes 272. Each of the spikes 270 includes a conical tip 274 and a threaded base 276, which is opposite the conical tip 274. In some aspects, a spike flange 278 extends around a widest portion of the conical tip 274, i.e., the connection point between the conical tip 274 and the threaded base 276. In some aspects, the spike flange 278 is a hexagonal flange, e.g., a nut. Further, each of the conical tips 274 define spike heights 280 measured along the spike axes 272, and each of the threaded bases 276 define threaded base heights 282 measured along the spike axes.
In some aspects, the first spike height 280A is between about 50% and about 100% of the second spike height 280B and/or the third spike height 280C. For example, the first spike height 280 is about 80% of the second spike height 280B, about 67% of the second spike height 280B, and about 57% of the second spike height 280B. Thus, the plurality of spikes 270 define different spike heights, i.e., at least two, at least three, or at least four different spike heights. In some aspects, the threaded base height 282 is shared between the different spikes 270. For example, the threaded base height 282 is about 60% of the first spike height 280A, about 48% of the second spike height 280B, about 40% of the third spike height 280C, and about 34% of the fourth spike height 280D. It will be understood that the above are non-limiting examples of spikes 270 that may be fastened to the sole structure 104, and that other sizes or combinations of spikes may also be used to provide suitable traction and ground-engagement when wearing the article of footwear 100.
Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, side and bottom views are illustrated, respectively, of a single spike mount 174. The spike mount 174 includes a cylindrical body 286 defining a mount cavity 288 therein which is substantially devoid of material. Relatedly, the spike 170 (see FIG. 8) is fastened to the spike mount 174 by screwing the threaded base 276 into the mount cavity 288. A mount flange 290 extends circumferentially around the cylindrical body 286 and is connected thereto by support members 292, which extend diagonally outward from the cylindrical body 286. Specifically, the support members 292 extend diagonally between the cylindrical body 286 and a rear side 284 of the mount flange 290. Referring specifically to FIG. 25, one or more flange apertures 294 extend vertically through the mount flange 290, and the one or more flange apertures 294 are substantially ovular in shape.
Referring now to FIGS. 26-28, detail views are illustrated of loading states of the article of footwear 100. As discussed above, the midsole 164 is configured as a midsole cushioning member which may be constructed from EVA or EVA copolymers, including a supercritical foam. In some aspects, the midsole 164 is configured to deform in response to a downward force being exerted on the article of footwear 100, i.e., when a user is standing or a user's foot is in a stance phase of a bipedal gait cycle. A gait cycle generally begins when a user's foot first contacts the ground and ends when that same foot touches the ground again. Specifically, a gait cycle includes a stance phase, i.e., the period of gait from heel strike through to toe-off, and a swing phase, i.e., the period of gait from toe-off through to heel strike.
For example, FIG. 26 illustrates the article of footwear 100 in a rested, or non-compressed state, i.e., no downward force is being exerted on the article of footwear 100. In some aspects, the article of footwear 100 is in a non-compressed state when a user's foot is not touching the ground. e.g., in a swing phase of a gait cycle, or when the article of footwear 100 is not being worn. When viewed from the side, and as discussed above, the midsole 166 has a crescent or concave profile with a midsole height 210 that is defined by a distance between the bottom side 188 of the midsole 164 and the top side 192 of the midsole 164, i.e., between the outsole 162 and the plate 166. In particular, the midsole 164 defines a non-compressed or first midsole height 210A. In some aspects, the spike apertures 176 extend through the entire first midsole height 210A, and the gaps 216 extend radially between the spikes 170 and the aperture walls 178 along the entire first midsole height 210A. As shown, only a portion of the conical tip 202 of the spike 170 extends beyond the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162 when the article of footwear 100 is in the non-compressed state. Correspondingly, the portion of the spike 170 which extends beyond the bottom surface 168 in the non-compressed state is defined as a first or non-compressed spike length 296A and is measured along the spike axis 218. The spike height 280 and threaded base height 282 are also overlaid on FIG. 26. It is contemplated that the spike height 280 may be any of the first, second, third, or fourth spike heights 274A, 274B, 274C, 274D, or another suitable spike height.
When the article of footwear 100 encounters a downward force, the midsole 164 is configured to deform, which increases the portion of the spike 170 that extends beyond the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 162. For example, FIG. 27 illustrates the article of footwear 100 of FIG. 26 in an active or compressed state, i.e., when the outsole 162 is in contact with the ground during a stance phase of a gait cycle. Specifically, a downward force, e.g., the weight of the user, indicated by arrow 298 is exerted on the article of footwear 100 which causes the midsole to be compressed, i.e., deformed, between the outsole 162 and the plate 166. In some aspects, the midsole 164 is compressed into the gaps 216, or the midsole 164 is compressed outward, meaning that the midsole width 212 (see FIG. 15) increases as the midsole 164 is compressed. In some aspects, the midsole height 210 is linearly related to the midsole width 212 (see FIG. 15), meaning that the midsole height 210 decreases by the amount that the midsole width 212 (see FIG. 15) increases when the midsole 164 is compressed. In any case, the midsole height 210 is decreased as the midsole 164 is compressed, thereby defining a compressed or second midsole height 210B that is less than the first midsole height 210A. In some aspects, the second midsole height 210B is between about 50% and about 100%, between about 50% and about 80%, between about 60% and about 70%, between 65% and 75%, or about 70% of the first midsole height 210A. Put another way, the midsole 164 is configured to deform, i.e., decrease in height, by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the first midsole height 210A.
Relatedly, the portion of the spike 170 which extends beyond the bottom surface 168 in the compressed state as shown is defined as a compressed or second spike length 296B and is measured along the spike axis 218. In some aspects, the compressed spike length 296B is between about 175% and about 225%, between about 185% and about 215%, between about 180% and about 190%, between about 190% and about 195%, or about 190% of the non-compressed spike length 296A. Therefore, it will be understood that the compressed spike length 296B is generally larger than the non-compressed spike length 296A. However, it is contemplated that spikes of different sizes and lengths may be used in the article of footwear 100, and, correspondingly, the ratio of the compressed spike length 196B to the non-compressed spike length 196A may vary between different spikes 170.
In this way, the midsole 164 provides force absorption as a user exerts downward force onto the article of footwear 100, i.e., the midsole 164 provides an increased braking force when the user contacts the ground. Relatedly, the midsole 164 provides a spring effect as the downward force from the user is relieved which may reduce the severity of the impact to a user's foot and leg joints during use. Put another way, the midsole 164 at least partially stores energy provided by the downward force exerted by the user when first contacting the ground, and then subsequently releases the stored energy upon returning or springing back into the non-compressed state, i.e., its original conformation, as a user pushes off the ground. Accordingly, the midsole 164 provides increased braking force when entering a stance phase of a gait cycle, which results in increased propulsion when exiting the stance phase of a gait cycle. As such, the ability of the midsole 164 to spring back to its non-compressed state after being deformed aids in propelling the user during motion through a gait cycle, which in turn increases acceleration, e.g., when running or sprinting.
FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of the midsole 164, plate 166, and spike 170 as the midsole is compressed and subsequently decompressed. In particular, the upper-left panel 300 illustrates the first, i.e., non-compressed, midsole height 210A and the non-compressed spike length 296A. As shown, the non-compressed state exists when no downward force is applied to the plate 166. The upper-right panel 302 illustrates the second midsole height 210B and the compressed spike length 296B. As shown, the non-compressed state exists when a downward force Fc is applied to the plate 166. In some aspects, the downward force Fc is about equal to the user's bodyweight, or the downward force Fc needed to fully compress the midsole 164 is about 4 or 5 times the user's bodyweight. The midsole 164 generates a proportional compression force FCF to oppose the downward force Fc. Comparing the upper-left panel 300 with the upper-right panel 302, the midsole height 210 decreases, and the spike length 296 increases. In some aspects, the spike length 296 is inversely proportional to the midsole height 210, meaning that the spike length 296 increases by however much the midsole height 210 decreases as it is compressed by the downward force Fc.
The lower-left panel 304 of FIG. 29 illustrates a take-off or push up state of the midsole 164. In some aspects, the take-off state exists when the user is pushing off of the ground to exit a stance phase of a gait cycle. In the take-off state, the downward force is relieved, which allows the midsole 164 to decompress. During decompression, the midsole 164 provides an upward force Fup to the plate 166 and urges the plate 166 upward, thereby propelling the user off the ground. Simultaneously, the midsole 164 provides a downward force FDC as it is decompressed to retract the spike 170 from the ground, i.e., effectively reducing the spike length 296, thus allowing a user to quickly accelerate through a gait cycle. Put another way, the midsole height 210 increases during the take-off state as the midsole 164 decompresses, and the decompression of the midsole 164 aids in releasing the spike 170, from the ground as a result of the release of stored energy in the midsole 164, which in turn decreases braking force. Therefore, it is an advantage of the present disclosure that the midsole 164 is configured to be deformed and subsequently return to its original conformation, thereby propelling a user's foot off of the ground.
In some embodiments, and as discussed above, the midsole 164 defines a forefoot layer (not shown) with a first hardness and a midfoot layer (not shown) with a second hardness that is greater than the first hardness. Splitting the midsole 164 into two distinct layers and varying the hardness between the distinct layers may increase a lever resistance of the plate 166 when the midsole 164 is in the compressed state. This in turn would conserve energy during take-off, thereby leading to faster propulsion off of the ground.
FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a gait impulse chart 306 where force as depicted on the y-axis 308 is measured over time as depicted on the x-axis 310. In particular, the gait impulse chart 306 illustrates the force needed to move through a single stance cycle 312. In some aspects, impulse is defined as a change in momentum and is directly proportional to velocity and/or the square root of kinetic energy (KE). In some aspects, impulse is governed by the equation below:
Accordingly, it will be understood that velocity is directly proportional to the square root of KE. Impulse is shown by the area under the curve (AUC) of FIG. 29.
As a user enters the stance phase of a gait cycle at t=0, the user's foot contacts the ground which generates a braking impulse indicated by AUC 314. In some aspects, the braking impulse AUC 314 is linked to incoming velocity, meaning that braking force increases as a user's incoming velocity increases. Correspondingly, velocity decreases as braking force is exerted on the user, e.g., traction due to contacting the ground. As a user begins to push off of the ground, the braking impulse transitions to a propulsive impulse that is indicated by AUC 316. In some aspects, the propulsive impulse AUC 316 is linked to the KE the user applies to maintain a constant velocity. Typically, the braking impulse AUC 314 is substantially similar to the propulsive impulse AUC 316 when a user is maintaining a constant velocity. However, the midsole 164 (see FIG. 28) is capable of increasing the propulsive impulse AUC 316 to a greater degree than the braking impulse AUC 314, thereby reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a certain velocity, as discussed below in greater detail.
Specifically, the midsole 164 (see FIG. 28) is capable of being compressed to store the downward force applied during ground contact, and subsequently decompressing after the downward force is relieved. In this way, the midsole 164 (see FIG. 28) exerts additional braking force and propulsive force, which reduces the amount of force that a user needs to generate to maintain a constant velocity. As illustrated in FIG. 29, the midsole 164 (see FIG. 28) imparts an enhanced braking force when it is compressed, which is indicated by AUC 318. However, the midsole 164 also imparts an increased propulsion force when it is decompressed, as indicated by AUC 320. In some aspects, the increased propulsive AUC 320 is larger than the enhanced braking AUC 318. As a result, the impulse AUCs 314 and 316 are reduced while velocity is maintained, thereby reducing the force needed to achieve a constant velocity. Put another way, the elastic nature of the midsole 164 (see FIG. 28) allows a user to use less energy when creating the propulsive impulse 316 to achieve a particular velocity. In this way, energy exerted by a user can be more efficiently translated into velocity, thus enhancing performance as a user moves through a gait cycle.
FIGS. 30-38 various aspects of an implementation of an article of footwear 400, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, elements that are shared with—i.e., that are structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to—elements present in the article of footwear 100 are represented by like reference numerals in the 400 series. In the interest of brevity, some features of this embodiment that are shared with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-22 are numbered or labeled in FIGS. 30-38 but are not discussed in the specification. However, reference is made to a list of reference numerals used in the description herein. While only a single shoe 400 is depicted, i.e., a shoe that is worn on a left foot of a user, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to a pair of shoes (not shown), which includes a left shoe and a right shoe that may be sized and shaped to receive a left foot and a right foot of a user, respectively. For ease of disclosure, however, a single shoe will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure, but the disclosure below with reference to the article of footwear 400 is applicable to both a left shoe and a right shoe. However, in some aspects there may be differences between a left shoe and a right shoe other than the left/right configuration. Further, in some aspects, a left shoe may include one or more additional elements that a right shoe does not include, or vice versa.
In some aspects, the article of footwear 400 includes an upper 402 (see FIG. 34) that is attached to a sole structure 404 so as to define an interior cavity (not shown) into which a foot of a user may be inserted. In addition, the article of footwear 400 includes a forefoot region 408, a midfoot region 410, and a heel region 412. Further, the article of footwear 400 also includes a lateral side 424 corresponding to an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear 400 and a medial side 426 corresponding to an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear 400, the lateral side 424 being shown in FIG. 33 and the medial side 426 being shown in FIG. 31.
Referring specifically to FIG. 30, the sole structure 404 includes an outsole or outsole region 462, a midsole or midsole region 464, and a first plate 466. The outsole 462, the midsole 464, and the first plate 466, or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region 408, the midfoot region 410, or the heel region 412. In particular, the outsole 462 and the midsole 464 extend through the forefoot region 408 and at least partially through the midfoot region 410, while the first plate 466 extends through the forefoot region 408, the midfoot region 410, and at least partially though the heel region 412. Further, the outsole 462, the midsole 464, and the first plate 466, or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side 424 or the medial side 426. For example, the outsole 462 is positioned under the midsole 464 when the sole structure 404 is assembled. Correspondingly, the midsole 464 is positioned on top of the outsole 462 and below the first plate 466, i.e., between the outsole 462 and the first plate 466, when the sole structure 404 is assembled.
As discussed above, the outsole 462 defines a bottom end or bottom surface 468 of the sole structure 404 across the forefoot region 408, the midfoot region 410, and/or the heel region 412, meaning that the outsole 462 is a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure 404 and is generally opposite of the upper 402 (see FIG. 34). For example, the outsole 462 includes ground engaging members, e.g., a plurality of spikes 470 and teeth 472, that extend from the bottom surface 468 of the outsole 462 and which are positioned at different locations within the forefoot region 408 and/or the midfoot region 410. The midsole 464 is defined as at least a portion of the sole structure 404 that extends from the outsole 462 toward the upper 402 (see FIG. 34) or that otherwise extends between and connects the outsole 462 with the first plate 466. Finally, the first plate 466 is defined as a portion of the sole structure 404 that indirectly or directly contacts a user's foot when the article of footwear 400 is worn.
In some aspects, the outsole 462 and the midsole 464 define a plurality of spike apertures 476 that extend entirely therethrough, i.e., through an entire height of the outsole 462 and/or midsole 464. Additionally, the spikes 470 are fastened, e.g., removably screwed into spike mounts 474 that are connected to the first plate 466, within spike apertures 476 that extend at least partially through the sole structure 404, and aperture walls 478 surround the spike apertures 476. For example, the spike apertures 476 extend through the outsole 462 as well as a bottom side 488 and a top side 492 of the midsole 464. In addition, the top side 492 of the midsole 464 includes a plurality of recessed portions 494 formed therein which correspond to one or more structures on the first plate 466. Specifically, a bottom surface 496 of the first plate 466 includes protrusions 498 that extend downwardly therefrom and which mimic the shape of the recessed portions 494 of the midsole 464 when the sole structure 404 is assembled, i.e., when the first plate 466 is coupled to the midsole 464. In this way, the protrusions 498 are aligned with the spike apertures 476 that extend through the outsole 462 and the midsole 464. In some aspects, the protrusions 498 retain the spike mounts 474 therein and define additional spike apertures 476 therethrough. Specifically, the spike apertures 476 are arranged concentrically to the protrusions 498 and are configured to receive the spikes 470 therethrough when the spikes 470 are fastened to the spike mounts 474.
In some aspects, however, the articles of footwear 100, 400 differ from each other. As illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 30, the sole structure 404 further includes a second plate 500 that is disposed or positioned on top of the first plate 466 when the sole structure 404 is assembled. In some aspects, the second plate 500 is configured as an insole, a sockliner, and/or a strobel board, although it is contemplated that the insole may be a separate element that is inserted into the foot cavity atop of a strobel board. Further, the outsole 462 and/or the midsole 464 are arranged as outsole and midsole assemblies, respectively, rather than each being one-piece components, and the bottom surface 468 of the outsole 462 is formed, e.g., molded, in a grid-like configuration during fabrication of the outsole 462, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
With continued reference to FIG. 30, the outsole 462 includes a front or first outsole member 502 that is positioned or defined in the forefoot region 408 and/or the midfoot region 410, and a rear or second outsole member 504 that is defined in the midfoot region 410 and/or the heel region 412. The first outsole member 502 has a substantially concave shape, meaning that the bottom surface 468 defines a generally crescent profile when viewed from the side, concavely curving upward from the ground. In addition, the first outsole member 502 defines a heel end 508 that that is opposite the toe end 450. In some aspects, the heel end 508 of the first outsole member 502 includes a first gap 510 that splits the heel end 508 into a lateral portion 512 and a medial portion 514. It is contemplated that the lateral and medial portions 512, 514 may correspond to and support the lateral and medial sides 424, 426, respectively, of a user's foot, which in turn provides enhanced support and/or traction to a user when walking or running using the article of footwear 400.
Relatedly, the second outsole member 504 generally corresponds to the heel of a user's foot to provide enhanced support and/or traction during the heel strike phase of a user's stride. In some aspects, the second outsole member 504 is a lacriform-shaped region, although it is contemplated that the second outsole member 504 may define any suitable shape, e.g., a circular region, an ovular region, a triangular region, a rectangular region, etc. Moreover, the second outsole member 504 includes a plurality of barbs 516 that extend downwardly from the bottom surface 468. In some aspects, each barb 516 in the plurality of barbs 516 is larger, e.g., defines a longer length, than each tooth 472 in the plurality of teeth 472 extending outward from the bottom surface 468 of the first outsole member 502, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
Still referring to FIG. 30, the midsole 464 is configured as a cushioning assembly to reduce stress and/or increase the strength of portions, e.g., the forefoot region 408 and the midfoot region 410, of the sole structure 404. To that end, the midsole 464 defines a forefoot or first midsole member 518 and a midfoot or second midsole member 520 that are separated from one another by a channel 522. In particular, the first midsole member 518 concavely curves downward toward the ground and the second midsole member 520, and the second midsole member 520 concavely curves upward and away from the first midsole member 518. In this way, the midsole 464 defines a substantially concave shape, meaning that the bottom side 488 of the midsole 464 defines a generally crescent profile when viewed from the side, concavely curving upward from the ground.
As discussed above, the midsole 464 includes a plurality of recessed portions 494 that are concentric with respect to the plurality of spike apertures 476 that extend through the midsole 464. In some aspects, one or more of the recessed portions 494 are formed along the channel 522, meaning that one or more of the recessed portions 494 are defined by the first midsole member 518 and the second midsole member 520. For example the first midsole member 518 defines a first side 524A of the channel 522, and the second midsole member 520 defines a second side 524B of the channel 522. When the midsole 464 is assembled, i.e., when the first midsole member 518 is arranged proximate the second midsole member 520, the first side 524A abuts the second side 524B to form the channel 522 therebetween, which in turn forms the one or more recessed portions 494 that are located along the channel 522. In some aspects, the channel 522 is located beneath the MTP point of a user's foot, meaning that one or more of the recessed portions 494 are also located beneath the MTP point of a user's foot.
Further, the midsole 464 defines a second or heel end 528 that is opposite the toe end 450. Put another way, the first midsole member 518 defines the toe end 450, and the second midsole member 520 defines the heel end 528. In some aspects, the heel end 508 of the first outsole member 502 includes a second gap 530 that splits the heel end 528 into a lateral portion 532 and a medial portion 534. It is contemplated that the lateral and medial portions 532, 534 of the midsole 464 may correspond to and support the lateral and medial sides 424, 426, respectively, of a user's foot, which in turn provides enhanced support and/or traction to a user when walking or running using the article of footwear 400. Moreover, the lateral and medial portions 532, 534 of the midsole 464 contact the lateral and medial portions 512, 514, respectively, of the outsole 462 when the sole structure 404 is assembled.
It is contemplated that the midsole 464 may be constructed using any of the processes discussed above, e.g., supercritical foaming, injection molding, compression molding, etc. Further, it is contemplated that the midsole 464 may be constructed from a single material or combination of materials, or the first midsole member 518 and the second midsole member 520 are constructed of different materials. For example, the first midsole member 518 defines a first hardness that is less than a second hardness defined by the second midsole member 520, meaning that the second midsole member 520 is harder than the first midsole member 518. However, in some embodiments, the first hardness of the first midsole member 518 is greater than the second hardness of the second midsole member 520. In some aspects, the hardness of the first midsole member 518 is between about 25% and about 100% of the hardness of the second midsole member 520, or between about 50% and about 100% of the hardness of the second midsole member 520, or between about 75% and about 100% of the hardness of the second midsole member 520, or between about 65% and about 85% of the hardness of the second midsole member 520. To that end, splitting the midsole 464 into two distinct layers of different hardness increases a lever resistance of the first plate 466, which in turn leads to decreased energy loss when the midsole 464 is under load. As a result, the split midsole 464 conserves energy during take-off, thereby leading to faster propulsion off of the ground.
Now referring to FIGS. 31-33, views of the sole structure 404 without the upper 402 are illustrated in greater detail. Referring specifically to FIGS. 31 and 33, the medial side 426 and the lateral side 424 of the assembled sole structure 404 are shown, respectively. Specifically, the outsole 462 is coupled to the midsole 464 such that the bottom surface 468 of the outsole 462 is facing outward, and the bottom surface 468 (see FIG. 30) of the first plate 466 is coupled to the top side 492 (see FIG. 30) of the midsole 464. In this way, the midsole 464 is sandwiched between the outsole 462 and the first plate 466. Additionally, conical tips 536 of the spikes 470 (see FIG. 34) extend outwardly past the bottom surface 468 of the outsole 462. In some aspects, portions of the outsole 462, midsole 464, e.g., the first midsole member 518 and the second midsole member 520, and the first plate 466 are visible from the side, as illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 33.
As discussed above, the outsole 462 and the midsole 464 extend through the forefoot region 408 and at least partially through the midfoot region 410, while the first plate 466 extends through the forefoot region 408, the midfoot region 410, and at least partially through the heel region 412. In some aspects, the first outsole member 502 defines an outsole length 540, the first midsole member 518 defines a first midsole length 542, the second midsole member 520 defines a second midsole length 544, and the first plate 466 defines a plate length 546. Each of the lengths 540, 542, 544, 546 are measured in a direction that is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis 448, which extends from a distal portion of the toe end 450 to a distal portion of a heel end 550 that is opposite the toe end 450. Thus, it will be understood that the heel ends 508, 528 of the first outsole member 502 and the second midsole member 520, respectively, correspond to respective ends of the first outsole member 502 and the second midsole member 520 that are closest to the heel end 550. In some aspects, the outsole length 540 is between about 60% and about 70%, or about 65% of the plate length 546. In some aspects, the first midsole length 542 is between about 35% and about 45%, or about 40% of the plate length 546. In some aspects, the second midsole length 544 is between about 75% and about 100%, or between about 80% and about 90%, or about 85% of the first midsole length 542.
Still referring to FIGS. 31 and 33, the midsole 464 has a midsole height 548 that is defined by a distance between the bottom side 488 of the midsole 464 and the top side 492 of the midsole 464, i.e., between the outsole 462 and the first plate 466. More specifically, the midsole height 548 is measured along a straight line that extends through a point in the bottom side 488 of the midsole 464 and a point in the top side 492 of the midsole 464 in a direction that is perpendicular to a tangent line (not shown) running adjacent the top side 492 of the midsole 464. Thus, it will be understood that the midsole height 548 changes along the midsole length 542, increasing and then decreasing from the forefoot region 408 to the midfoot region 410, with the midsole height 548 being largest beneath the MTP point of a user's foot. Put another way, the midsole height 548 increases from the toe end 450 to the MTP point. i.e., the channel 522, in the first midsole member 518, and the midsole height 548 decreases from the MTP point to the heel end 528 in the second midsole member 520. In some examples, the midsole height 548 is taken at a maximum thickness of the midsole 464 between the bottom side 488 and the top side 492.
Referring now to FIG. 32, a bottom view is illustrated of the sole structure 404. As discussed above, the bottom surface 468 of the outsole 462 includes a plurality of ground-engaging members that extend outwardly therefrom. In particular, the first outsole member 502 includes the plurality of teeth 472 thereon, and the second outsole member 504 includes the plurality of barbs 516 thereon. In some aspects, the teeth 472 are arranged in a grid 552 which includes vertical traction lines 554 that extend from the toe end 450 to the heel end 508, and horizontal traction lines 556 that extend from the lateral side 424 to the medial side 426. Moreover, the teeth 472 are disposed on the intersections of the vertical traction lines 554 with the horizontal traction lines 556. The grid 552 may be a square grid, or the grid 552 may be curved along the bottom surface 468 to provide a particular traction profile for the sole structure 404. For example, a vertical traction line 554 convexly curves toward the lateral side 424 and the heel end 508 before concavely curving toward the medial side 426 and the heel end 508. Further, a horizontal traction line 556 convexly curves toward the toe end 450, e.g., upward, and the lateral side 424 before convexly curving toward the heel end 508, e.g., downward, and the lateral side 424. In some examples, adjacent vertical traction lines 554 are equidistant from one another, and adjacent horizontal traction lines 556 are also equidistant from one another so as to distribute the teeth 472 across the area of the bottom surface 468 of the first outsole member 502. Relatedly, the barbs 516 are distributed across the area of the bottom surface 468 of the second outsole member 504. In some aspects, a single barb 516 is equal or larger in diameter and/or length than a single tooth 472, although it is also contemplated that the barbs 516 may be differently sized than one another. As discussed above, the teeth 472 and the barbs 516 provide enhanced support and/or traction for the sole structure 404 when a user is walking or running, and inclusion of the barbs 516 on the heel region 412 is particularly advantageous when a user is running on uneven terrain, e.g., grass, draft, gravel, etc.
In addition, the spikes 470 are secured within the spike apertures 476 that extend through the bottom surface 468 of the first outsole member 502. In some aspects, one or more of the spike apertures 476 are positioned along the MTP and/or the channel 522 between the first midsole member 518 and the second midsole member 520 (see FIG. 30). In some aspects, the spike apertures 476 have a larger radius than the spikes 470. In this way, a radial gap 558 is formed between each of the aperture walls 478 and each of the spikes 470. Put another way, the radial gap 558 extends radially about each spike 470 in the spike aperture 476 between each spike 470 and each aperture wall 478. In some aspects, the radial gap 558 extends along an entire height of each spike 470, which in turn makes it easier to attach and/or detach the spikes 470 from the first plate 466 and provides further benefits related to the flexibility of the midsole as discussed herein.
With reference to FIG. 34, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 404 taken through line 34-34 of FIG. 32. The outsole 462 is shown along a lowermost portion of the sole structure 404, and the midsole 464 is shown as coupled between the outsole 462 and the first plate 466. In particular, the midsole 464 is coupled between the first outsole member 502 and the first plate 466. Further, the first midsole member 518 and the second midsole member 520 are shown as separated from one another by a spike aperture 476. A spike mount 474 is housed within a protrusion 498 of the first plate 466, and the protrusion 498 is seated within a recessed portion 494 in the top side 492 of the midsole 464. The protrusion 498 is partially hollow to provide space for the spike aperture 476. In addition, a spike 470 is fastened to the first plate 466, meaning that the spike 470 is screwed into the spike mount 474. The conical tip 536 of the spike 470 extends outward from the spike aperture 476 and past the bottom surface 468 of the outsole 462. However, it is contemplated that the spike 470 may not extend past the bottom surface 468 of the outsole 462. Further, the radial gap 558 is shown to extend around the length of the conical tip 536 of the spike 470, meaning that the radial gap 558 extends between the spike 470 and the aperture wall 478.
Moreover, the first plate 466 includes a tab 560 at the toe end 450 thereof which extends outward and downward toward the ground so as to cover the toe ends 450 of the outsole 462 and the midsole 464. In some aspects, the tab 560 provides an added layer of protection to the toe end 450 against normal abrasion experienced during use of the sole structure 404. Further, the second plate 500 contacts a top surface 562 of the first plate 466 when the sole structure 404 is assembled, or the second plate 500 is spaced from the top surface 562 of the first plate 466. In some aspects, the plates 466, 500 convexly curve toward the MTP point, concavely curve toward the heel region 412 from the MTP point, and then convexly curve from the midfoot region 410 to the heel end 550, although it is also contemplated that the plates 466, 500 may be substantially flat in the heel region 412.
With reference to FIG. 35, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 404 taken through line 35-35 of FIG. 32, i.e., across a portion of the forefoot region 408 of the sole structure 404. The outsole 462, midsole 464, first plate 466, a first spike 470A, and a first spike mount 474A are shown in cross-section, with the first spike 470A disposed in a first spike aperture 476A being clearly visible. Only the first midsole member 518 of the midsole 464 is visible, indicating that the second midsole member 520 (see FIG. 34) is not positioned in the forefoot region 408 of the sole structure 404. In some aspects, the first spike 470A is disposed adjacently to the medial side 426. The first spike mount 474A is housed within a first protrusion 498A, and the first protrusion 498A is seated within a first recessed portion 494A of the midsole 464. In some aspects, the first spike 470A, spike mount 474A, and spike aperture 476A are oriented on a first spike axis 564A which is offset from the transverse axis 452 by a first angle 566. In some examples, the first angle 566 is between about 0 degrees and about 40 degrees.
With reference to FIG. 36, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 404 taken through line 36-36 of FIG. 32, i.e., across a portion of the midfoot region 410 of the sole structure 404 which is farther toward the heel end 550 (see FIG. 32) than the portion of the forefoot region 408 illustrated in FIG. 35. In particular, line 36-36 is taken partially along the MTP point of the sole structure 404, meaning that the channel 522 is visible. In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 36, the outsole 462, midsole 464, first plate 466, a second spike 470B, and a second spike mount 474B are shown in cross-section, and the second spike 470B is visibly disposed in a second spike aperture 476B. The second spike 470B is also visibly disposed between the first midsole member 518 and the second midsole member 520, indicating that the first midsole member 518 is disposed closer to the toe end 450 (see FIG. 24) than the second midsole member 520 along the medial side 426, while the second midsole member 520 is disposed closer to the toe end 450 (see FIG. 24) than the first midsole member 518 along the lateral side 424. Moreover, the second spike mount 474B is housed within a second protrusion 498B, and the second protrusion 498B is seated within a second recessed portion 494B of the midsole 464. In some aspects, the second spike 470B is disposed adjacently to the lateral side 424. In addition, a third protrusion 498C is also visible, the third protrusion 498C extending downward from the first plate 466 and being seated within a third recessed portion 494C of the midsole 464. In some examples, the second spike 470B, spike mount 474B, and spike aperture 476B are oriented on a second spike axis 564B which is offset from the transverse axis 452 by a second angle 568, the second angle 568 being between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees.
With reference to FIG. 37, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 404 taken through line 37-37 of FIG. 32, i.e., across a portion of the midfoot region 410 of the sole structure 404 which is farther towards the heel end 550 (see FIG. 32) than the portion of the midfoot region 410 illustrated in FIG. 36. The first plate 466, second plate 500, first outsole member 502, and second midsole member 520 are shown in cross section, with the split portions, i.e., the heel ends 508, 528, of the first outsole member 502 and second midsole member 520 being visible. In particular, the lateral and medial portions 512, 514 of the first outsole member 502 are visibly disposed on opposing sides of the first gap 510, and the lateral and medial portions 532, 534 of the second midsole member 520 are visibly disposed on opposing sides of the second gap 530. Moreover, the first and second gaps 510, 530, are visibly aligned with one another, meaning that the lateral portions 512, 532, of the first outsole member 502 and the second midsole member 520, respectively, are aligned with one another, as are the respective medial portions 514, 534. Put another way, the lateral portion 532 of the second midsole member 520 is disposed between the first plate 466 and the lateral portion 512 of the first outsole member 502, and the medial portion 534 of the second midsole member 520 is disposed between the first plate 466 and the medial portion 514 of the first outsole member 502.
With reference to FIG. 38, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 404 taken through line 38-38 of FIG. 32, i.e., across a portion of the heel region 412 of the sole structure 404, which is farther towards the heel end 550 (see FIG. 32) than the portion of the midfoot region 410 illustrated in FIG. 37. The first plate 466, second plate 500, second outsole member 504, and a barb 516 are shown in cross section. Correspondingly, the midsole 464 (see FIG. 34) is not visible, indicating that the midsole 464 (see FIG. 34) is not positioned in the heel region 412 of the sole structure 404, although it is contemplated that the midsole 464 (see FIG. 34) may be positioned in the heel region 412 in some embodiments.
With reference to FIGS. 39A and 39B, schematic illustrations are shown of a plurality of example spikes 570 for use in the article of footwear 400, or the article of footwear 100 as discussed above. In particular, FIG. 39A illustrates a first spike 570A and a first centerline or spike axis 572A, and FIG. 23B illustrates a second spike 570B and a second spike axis 572B. It will be understood that the spikes 570 are substantially similar to the spikes 470 discussed above, and that the centerlines or spike axes 572 extend longitudinally through the spikes 570. Therefore, any aspects discussed herein with respect to the spikes 470 and/or the spikes 570 are applicable to both of the pluralities of spikes 470, 570, and any aspects discussed herein with respect to the spike axes 564 and/or the spike axes 572 are applicable to both of the pluralities of spike axes 564, 572. Thus, it will be understood that the spikes 470 are interchangeable with the spikes 570, and that the spike axes 564 are interchangeable with the spike axes 572. In addition, it will be understood that the spikes 470, 570 are also interchangeable with the spikes 170, 270 (see FIGS. 23A-23D).
Each of the spikes 570 includes a conical tip 574, a threaded base 576 that is opposite the conical tip 574, and a spike body 578 that extends between the conical tip 574 and the threaded base 576. Put another way, the spike body 578 extends from the threaded base 576 along the spike axis 572, and the conical tip 574 extends from the spike body 578 along the spike axis 572 opposite the threaded base 576. In some aspects, a spike flange 580 extends around a widest portion of the spike body 578, i.e., a connection point between the threaded base 576 and the spike body 578. In some examples, the conical tip 574 is inset from the outer periphery of the spike body 578 such that a distal end of the spike body 578 defines a step surface 582 that surrounds the conical tip 574.
Referring to FIGS. 39A and 39B, each of the conical tips 574 define tip heights 584 measured along the spike axes 572, and each of the spike bodies 578 define spike body heights 586 measured along the spike axes 572. In some aspects, the first tip height 584A is between about 50% and about 100%, or between about 70% and about 85% of the first spike body height 586A. In some examples, the first tip height 584A is between about 90% and about 100%, or about equal to the second tip height 584B. In some aspects, the first spike body height 586A is between about 70% and about 90%, or about 80% of the second spike body height 586B. It will be understood that the above are non-limiting examples of spikes 570 that may be fastened to the sole structure 404, and that other sizes or combinations of spikes may also be used to provide suitable traction and ground-engagement when wearing the article of footwear 400.
FIGS. 40-49 various aspects of an implementation of an article of footwear 600, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, elements that are shared with—i.e., that are structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to—elements present in the articles of footwear 100, 400 are represented by like reference numerals in the 600 series. In the interest of brevity, some features of this embodiment that are shared with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-38 are numbered or labeled in FIGS. 40-49 but are not discussed in the specification. However, reference is made to a list of reference numerals used in the description herein. While only a single shoe 600 is depicted, i.e., a shoe that is worn on a left foot of a user, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to a pair of shoes (not shown), which includes a left shoe and a right shoe that may be sized and shaped to receive a left foot and a right foot of a user, respectively. For ease of disclosure, however, a single shoe will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure, but the disclosure below with reference to the article of footwear 600 is applicable to both a left shoe and a right shoe. However, in some aspects there may be differences between a left shoe and a right shoe other than the left/right configuration. Further, in some aspects, a left shoe may include one or more additional elements that a right shoe does not include, or vice versa.
In some aspects, the article of footwear 600 includes an upper 602 (see FIG. 44) that is attached to a sole structure 604 so as to define an interior cavity (not shown) into which a foot of a user may be interested. In addition, the article of footwear 600 includes a forefoot region 608, a midfoot region 610, and a heel region 612. Further, the article of footwear 600 also includes a lateral side 624 corresponding to an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear 600 and a medial side 626 corresponding to an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear 600, the lateral side 624 being shown in FIG. 43 and the medial side 626 being shown in FIG. 41.
Referring specifically to FIG. 40, the sole structure 604 includes an outsole or outsole region 662, a midsole or midsole region 664, and a plate 666. The outsole 662, the midsole 664, and the plate 666, or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region 608, the midfoot region 610, or the heel region 612. Further, the outsole 662, the midsole 664, and the plate 666, or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side 624 or the medial side 626. For example, the outsole 662 is positioned under the midsole 664 when the sole structure 604 is assembled. Correspondingly, the midsole 664 is positioned on top of the outsole 662 and below the plate 666, i.e., between the outsole 662 and the plate 666, when the sole structure 604 is assembled.
As discussed above, the outsole 662 defines a bottom end or bottom surface 668 of the sole structure 604 across the forefoot region 608, the midfoot region 610, and/or the heel region 612, meaning that the outsole 662 is a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure 604 and is generally opposite of the upper 602 (see FIG. 44). For example, the outsole 662 includes ground engaging members, e.g., a plurality of spikes 670 and teeth 672, that extend from the bottom surface 668 of the outsole 662 and which are positioned at different locations within the forefoot region 608 and/or the midfoot region 610. The midsole 664 is defined as at least a portion of the sole structure 604 that extends from the outsole 662 toward the upper 602 (see FIG. 44) or that otherwise extends between and connects the outsole 662 with the plate 666. Finally, the plate 666 is defined as a portion of the sole structure 604 that indirectly or directly contacts a user's foot when the article of footwear 600 is worn.
In some aspects, the outsole 662 and the midsole 664 define a plurality of spike apertures 676 that extend entirely therethrough, i.e., through an entire height of the outsole 662 and/or midsole 664. Additionally, the spikes 670 are fastened, e.g., removably screwed into spike mounts 674 that are connected to the plate 666, within spike apertures 676 that extend at least partially through the sole structure 604, and aperture walls 678 surround the spike apertures 676. For example, the spike apertures 676 extend through the outsole 662 as well as a bottom side 688 and a top side 692 of the midsole 664. In addition, the top side 692 of the midsole 664 includes a plurality of recessed portions 694 formed therein which correspond to one or more structures on the plate 666. Specifically, a bottom surface 696 of the plate 666 includes protrusions 698 that extend downwardly therefrom and which mimic the shape of the recessed portions 694 of the midsole 664 when the sole structure 604 is assembled, i.e., when the plate 666 is coupled to the midsole 664. In this way, the protrusions 698 are aligned with the spike apertures 676 that extend through the outsole 662 and the midsole 664. In some aspects, the protrusions 698 retain the spike mounts 674 therein and define additional spike apertures 676 therethrough. Specifically, the spike apertures 676 are arranged concentrically to the protrusions 698 and are configured to receive the spikes 670 therethrough when the spikes 670 are fastened to the spike mounts 674.
In some aspects, however, the article of footwear 600 differs from the articles of footwear 100, 400 illustrated in FIGS. 1-38. As illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 40, the outsole 662 and/or the midsole 664 are arranged as outsole and midsole assemblies, respectively, rather than each being one-piece components, and the bottom surface 668 of the outsole 662 is formed, e.g., molded in a grid-like configuration during fabrication of the outsole 662, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
With continued reference to FIG. 40, the outsole 662 includes a front or first outsole member 702 that is defined in the forefoot region 608 and/or the midfoot region 610, and a rear or second outsole member 704 that is defined in the midfoot region 610 and/or the heel region 612. The first outsole member 702 has a substantially concave shape, meaning that the bottom surface 668 defines a generally crescent profile when viewed from the side, concavely curving upward from the ground. In addition, the first outsole member 702 defines a heel end 708 that that is opposite the toe end 650. In some aspects, the heel end 708 of the first outsole member 702 includes a first gap 710 that splits the heel end 708 into a lateral portion 712 and a medial portion 714. It is contemplated that the lateral and medial portions 712, 714 may correspond to and support the lateral and medial sides 624, 626, respectively, of a user's foot, which in turn provides enhanced support and/or traction to a user when walking or running using the article of footwear 600.
Relatedly, the second outsole member 704 generally corresponds to the heel of a user's foot to provide enhanced support and/or traction during the heel strike phase of a user's stride. In some aspects, the second outsole member 704 defines a second gap 716 therein, which splits the second outsole member 704 into a lateral portion 722 and a medial portion 724, and the lateral and medial portions 722, 724 correspond to and support the lateral and medial sides 624, 626, respectively, of a user's foot. This in turn provides more aggressive traction control when walking and/or running using the article of footwear 600. In some aspects, the second gap 716 opens toward the toe end 650, meaning that the lateral and medial portions 722, 724 extend toward the midfoot region 610 from the heel region 612. Moreover, the second outsole member 704 includes a plurality of barbs 726 that extend downwardly from the bottom surface 668. In some aspects, each barb 726 in the plurality of barbs 726 is larger, e.g., defines a longer length, than each tooth 672 in the plurality of teeth 672 extending outward from the bottom surface 668 of the first outsole member 702, as discussed above.
Still referring to FIG. 40, the midsole 664 is configured as a cushioning assembly to reduce stress and/or increase the strength of portions, e.g., the forefoot region 608 and the midfoot region 610, of the sole structure 604. To that end, the midsole 664 defines a forefoot or first midsole member 728, a midfoot or second midsole member 730, and a heel or third midsole member 732. In some aspects, the first midsole member 728 is separated from the second midsole member 730 by a channel 734, and the second midsole member 730 and the third midsole member 732 are also separated from one another. Further, the first midsole member 728 concavely curves downward toward the ground and the second midsole member 730, the second midsole member 730 concavely curves upward and away from the first midsole member 728 before convexly curving upward and away from the first midsole member 728 at an inflection point, and the third midsole member 732 convexly curves away from the ground or is substantially flat. In this way, the midsole 664 defines a substantially concave shape in the forefoot and midfoot regions 608, 610, and a substantially convex shape in the midfoot and heel regions 610, 612 when viewed from the side and referencing the ground.
In some aspects, the channel 734 extends from the lateral side 624 to the medial side 626 in the midsole 664. Moreover, the first midsole member 728 defines a first side 734A of the channel 734, and the second midsole member 730 defines a second side 734B of the channel 734. When the midsole 664 is assembled, i.e., when the first midsole member 728 is arranged proximate the second midsole member 730, the first side 734A abuts the second side 734B to form the channel 734 therebetween. In some aspects, the channel 734 defines an undulating profile when viewed from the top, meaning that the first side 734A and the second side 734B define correspondingly shaped profiles to one another so as to align the first midsole member 728 with the second midsole member 730 when the sole structure 604 is assembled. For example, the first side 734A defines a female edge 736, i.e., an edge that curves inward in first midsole member 728 towards the toe end 650, that is configured to receive a male edge 738, i.e., an edge that curves outward from the second midsole member 730 toward the toe end 650. Thus, when the sole structure 604 is assembled, the male edge 738 abuts the female edge 736 to define the channel 734. However, it is contemplated, that the channel 734 may include a variety of other profiles, e.g., a linear profile, a curved profile, a zig-zag profile, etc. In some aspects, the channel 734 is located at least partially beneath and/or proximate to the MTP point of a user's foot.
Further, the end of the second midsole member 730 that is opposite the second side 734B of the channel 734 includes a third gap 740 therein that at least partially splits the second midsole member 730 into a lateral portion 742 and a medial portion 744. It is contemplated that the lateral and medial portions 742, 744 of the second midsole member 730 may correspond to and support the lateral and medial sides 624, 626, respectively, of a user's foot, which in turn provides enhanced support and/or traction to a user when walking or running using the article of footwear 600. Moreover, the lateral and medial portions 742, 744 of the second midsole member 730 contact the lateral and medial portions 712, 714, respectively, of the first outsole member 702 when the sole structure 604 is assembled.
Still referring to FIG. 40, the third midsole member 732 defines a similar outer profile to that of the second outsole member 704, meaning that the third midsole member 732 also corresponds to the heel of a user's foot. In some aspects, it is advantageous to provide the third midsole member 732 in the heel region 612 of the article of footwear 600 to provide enhanced cushioning and/or spring-like properties to propel a user's foot off of the ground during the terminal stance, i.e., heel lift-off, phase of a user's stride. In some aspects, the third midsole member 732 defines a fourth gap 746 therein which splits the third midsole member 732 into a lateral portion 752 and a medial portion 754, and the lateral and medial portions 752, 754 correspond to and support the lateral and medial sides 624, 626, respectively, of a user's foot. In some aspects, the fourth gap 746 opens toward the toe end 650, meaning that the lateral and medial portions 752, 754 extend toward the midfoot region 610 from the heel region 612. Correspondingly, the lateral and medial portions 752, 754 of the third midsole member 732 contact the lateral and medial portions 722, 724, respectively, of the second outsole member 704 when the sole structure 604 is assembled.
In addition, it is contemplated that the midsole 664 may be constructed using any of the processes discussed above, e.g., supercritical foaming, injection molding, compression molding, etc. Further, it is contemplated that the midsole 664 may be constructed from a single material or combination of materials, or the first midsole member 728, the second midsole member 730, and/or the third midsole member 732 are constructed of different materials than one another. For example, the first midsole member 728 defines a first hardness, the second midsole member 730 defines a second hardness, and the third midsole member 732 defines a third hardness. In some aspects, the first hardness is less than the second hardness and/or the third hardness, or the second hardness is less than the first hardness and/or the third hardness, or the third hardness is less than the first hardness and/or the second hardness. In some aspects, the first hardness of the first midsole member 728 is between about 25% and about 100% of the hardness of the second midsole member 730 and/or the third midsole member 732, or between about 70% and about 100% of the hardness of the second midsole member 730 and/or the third midsole member 732, or between about 75% and about 100% of the hardness of the second midsole member 730 and/or the third midsole member 732, or between about 65% and about 85% of the hardness of the second midsole member 730 and/or the third midsole member 732. To that end, splitting the midsole 664 into multiple layers of different hardness increases a lever resistance of the plate 666, which in turn leads to decreased energy loss when the midsole 664 is under load. In particular, splitting the midsole 664 into three distinct layers of different hardness enhances cushioning qualities throughout the article of footwear 600 and spring-like qualities of the midsole when under load. As a result, the split midsole 664 conserves energy during take-off, thereby leading to faster propulsion off of the ground.
Now referring to FIGS. 41-43, views of the sole structure 604 without the upper 602 are illustrated in greater detail. Referring specifically to FIGS. 41 and 43, the medial side 626 and the lateral side 624 of the assembled sole structure 604 are shown, respectively. Specifically, the outsole 662 is coupled to the midsole 664 such that the bottom surface 668 of the outsole 662 is facing outward, and the bottom surface 696 (see FIG. 40) of the plate 666 is coupled to the top side 692 (see FIG. 40) of the midsole 664. In this way, the midsole 664 is sandwiched between the outsole 662 and the plate 666. In some aspects, the top side 692 (see FIG. 40) of the midsole 664 defines a plate recess 756 in which to receive the plate 666 when the sole structure 604 is assembled, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Additionally, the spikes 670 are disposed in the spike apertures 676 such that conical tips 758 of the spikes 670 extend outwardly past the bottom surface 668 of the outsole 662. In some aspects, the outsole members 702, 704, the midsole members 728, 730, 732, and the plate 666 are visible from the side, as illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 34.
In some aspects, the first outsole member 702 defines a first outsole length 760A, the second outsole member 704 defines a second outsole length 760B, the first midsole member 728 defines a first midsole length 762A, the second midsole member 730 defines a second midsole length 762B, the third midsole member 732 defines a third midsole length 762C, and the plate 666 defines a plate length 764. Each of the lengths 760, 762, 764 are measured in a direction that is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis 648, which extends from a distal portion of the toe end 650 to a distal portion of a heel end 770 that is opposite the toe end 650. In some aspects, the first outsole length 760A is between about 50% and about 100%, or between about 65% and about 85%, or about 75% of the plate length 764. In some aspects, the second outsole length 760B is between about 1% and about 50%, or between about 15% and about 35%, or about 25% of the plate length 764. In some aspects, the first midsole length 762A is between about 25% and about 75%, or between about 35% and about 55%, or about 45% of the plate length 764. In some aspects, the second midsole length 762B is between about 1% and about 50%, or between about 25% and about 45%, or about 35% of the plate length 764. In some aspects, the third midsole length 762C is between about 1% and about 50%, or between about 20% and about 40%, or about 30% of the plate length 764.
Still referring to FIGS. 41 and 43, the midsole 664 has a midsole height 766 that is defined by a distance between the bottom side 688 of the midsole 664 and the top side 692 of the midsole 664, i.e., between the outsole 662 and the plate 666. More specifically, the midsole height 766 is measured along a straight line that extends through a point in the bottom side 688 of the midsole 664 and a point in the top side 692 of the midsole 664 in a direction that is perpendicular to a tangent line (not shown) running adjacent the top side 692 of the midsole 664. Thus, it will be understood that the midsole height 766 changes along the midsole lengths 762, increasing and then decreasing from the forefoot region 608 to the midfoot region 610, with the midsole height 766 being largest beneath and/or adjacent to the MTP point of a user's foot. Put another way, the midsole height 766 increases from the toe end 650 to the MTP point, i.e., the channel 734, in the first midsole member 728, and the midsole height 766 decreases from the MTP point to the distal end, i.e., the end of the second midsole member 730 nearest the heel end 770, in the second midsole member 730. Further, the midsole height 766 increases along the third midsole member 732 as the third midsole member 732 extends toward the heel end 770, or the midsole height 766 is substantially constant throughout the third midsole member 732. In some examples, the midsole height 766 is taken at a maximum thickness of the midsole 664 between the bottom side 688 and the top side 692.
Referring now to FIG. 42, a bottom view is illustrated of the sole structure 604. As discussed above, the bottom surface 668 of the outsole 662 includes a plurality of ground-engaging members that extend outwardly therefrom. In particular, the first outsole member 702 includes the plurality of teeth 672 thereon, and the second outsole member 704 includes the plurality of barbs 726 thereon. In some aspects, the teeth 672 are arranged in a grid 772 which includes first vertical traction lines 774 that extend in a toe-to-heel (T-H) direction, i.e., a direction that is parallel to a line (not shown) drawn between the toe end 650 and the heel end 770, and horizontal traction lines 776 that extend from the lateral side 624 to the medial side 626. Moreover, the teeth 672 are disposed on the intersections of the first vertical traction lines 774 with the horizontal traction lines 776. The grid 772 may be a square grid, or the grid 772 may be curved along the bottom surface 668 to provide a particular traction profile for the sole structure 604, as discussed above in relation to FIG. 32.
With continued reference to FIG. 42, the barbs 726 are distributed across the area of the bottom surface 668 of the second outsole member 704. In some aspects, a single barb 726 is equal or larger in diameter and/or length than a single tooth 672, although it is also contemplated that the barbs 726 may be differently sized than one another. For example, the plurality of barbs 726 includes a first barb 726A that is greater in diameter and/or length than a second barb 726B. In some aspects, the barbs 726 are disposed on second vertical traction lines 778 that are parallel with respect to the first vertical traction lines 774 or offset at angle with respect to the first vertical traction lines 774. In some embodiments, the barbs 726 are also disposed on second horizontal traction lines (not shown) on the second outsole member 704. As discussed above, the teeth 672 and the barbs 726 provide enhanced support and/or traction of the sole structure 604 when a user is walking or running, and inclusion of the barbs 726 on the heel region 612 is particularly advantageous when a user is running on uneven terrain, e.g., grass, draft, gravel, etc.
In addition, the spikes 670 are secured within the spike apertures 676 that extend through the bottom surface 668 of the first outsole member 702. In some aspects, one or more of the spike apertures 676 are positioned along the MTP and/or the channel 734 between the first midsole member 728 and the second midsole member 730. In some embodiments, one or more of the spike apertures 676 are positioned proximate to the outer periphery of the sole structure 604 in the forefoot region 608 and/or the midfoot region 610, e.g., along the lateral side 624 and/or the medial side 626. In some aspects, the spike apertures 676 have a larger radius than the spikes 670 such that a radial gap 780 is formed between each of the aperture walls 678 and each of the spikes 670. Put another way, the radial gap 780 extends radially about each spike 670 in the spike aperture 676 between each spike 670 and each aperture wall 678. In some aspects, the radial gap 780 extends along an entire height of each spike 670, which in turn makes it easier to attach and/or detach the spikes 670 from the plate 666 and provides further benefits related to the flexibility of the midsole as discussed herein.
With reference to FIG. 44, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 604 taken through line 44-44 of FIG. 42. The outsole 662 is shown along a lowermost portion of the sole structure 604, and the midsole 664 is shown as coupled between the outsole 662 and the plate 666. In particular, the midsole 664 is coupled between the first outsole member 702 and the plate 666. As discussed above, the plate 666 is visibly disposed in the plate recess 756 formed in the midsole 664, which in turn ensures that the plate 666 is properly aligned when assembling the sole structure 604 and provides increased stability to the sole structure 604. Further, the first midsole member 728 and the second midsole member 730 are shown as separated from one another by the channel 734, which also aids in aligning the sole structure 604, e.g., the first midsole member 728 and the second midsole member 730, during assembly. In some aspects, the outsole 662, e.g., the first outsole member 702, includes a tab 782 at the toe end 650 thereof which extends upward, i.e., away from the ground, so as to cover the toe ends 650 of the midsole 664 and the plate 666. In some aspects, the tab 782 provides an added layer of protection to the toe end 650 against normal abrasion experienced during use of the sole structure 604.
With reference to FIG. 45, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 604 taken through line 45-45 of FIG. 42, i.e., across a portion of the forefoot region 608 of the sole structure 604. The outsole 662, midsole 664, plate 666, a first spike 670A, and a first spike mount 674A are shown in cross-section, with the first spike 670A disposed in a first spike aperture 676A being clearly visible. Only the first midsole member 728 of the midsole 664 is visible, indicating that the second midsole member 730 (see FIG. 44) is not positioned in the forefoot region 608 of the sole structure 604. In some aspects, the first spike 670A is disposed adjacently to the lateral side 624. The first spike mount 674A is housed within a first protrusion 698A, and the first protrusion 698A is seated within a first recessed portion 694A of the midsole 664. A second protrusion 698B is also visible, and the second protrusion 698B is proximate the medial side 626. In addition, a second spike (not shown) is housed within the second protrusion 698B. In some aspects, the first spike 670A, spike mount 674A, and spike aperture 676A are oriented on a first spike axis 764A which is offset from the transverse axis 652 by a first angle 784. In some aspects, the first angle 784 is between about 0 degrees and about 60 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 5 degrees. Alternatively, the first spike axis 764A is substantially parallel to the transverse axis 652.
With reference to FIG. 46, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 604 taken through line 46-46 of FIG. 42, i.e., across a portion of the forefoot region 608 of the sole structure 604 which is farther toward the heel end 770 (see FIG. 42) than the portion of the forefoot region 608 illustrated in FIG. 45. In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 46, the outsole 662, midsole 664, plate 666, a third spike 670C, and a fourth spike mount 674C are shown in cross-section, with the third spike 670C being visibly disposed in a third spike aperture 676C and the fourth spike 670D being visibly disposed in a fourth spike aperture 676D. The third and fourth spikes 670C, 670D are also visibly disposed in the first midsole member 728, indicating that the first midsole member 728 is disposed closer to the toe end 650 (see FIG. 24) than the second midsole member 730. Moreover, the third and fourth spike mounts 674C, 674D are housed within respective third and fourth protrusions 698C, 698D, which in turn are seated within respective third and fourth recessed portions 694C, 694D of the midsole 664. In some aspects, the third spike 670C is disposed adjacently to the lateral side 624, and the fourth spike 670D is disposed adjacently to the medial side 626. In some examples, the third spike 670C and the fourth spike 670D are oriented on respective third and fourth spike axes 764C, 764D which are offset from one another by between about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees. Put another way, the third and fourth spikes 670C, 670D are each offset from the transverse axis 652 by respective third and fourth angles 786, 788 that are each between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees.
With reference to FIG. 47, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 604 taken through line 47-47 of FIG. 42, i.e., across a portion of the midfoot region 610 of the sole structure 604, which is farther toward the heel end 770 (see FIG. 42) than the portion of the forefoot region 608 illustrated in FIG. 46. The plate 666, first outsole member 702, first midsole member 728, second midsole member 730, a fifth spike 670E, and a fifth spike mount 674E are shown in cross-section, with the fifth spike 670E disposed in a fifth spike aperture 676E being clearly visible. In some aspects, the fifth spike 670E is disposed adjacently to the lateral side 624 and in the first midsole member 728. The fifth spike mount 674E is housed within a fifth protrusion 698E, and the fifth protrusion 698E is seated within a fifth recessed portion 694E of the midsole 664. In some aspects, the fifth spike 670E, spike mount 674E, and spike aperture 676E are oriented on a fifth spike axis 764E, which is offset from the transverse axis 652 by a fifth angle 790. In some examples, the fifth angle 790 is between about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 5 degrees. In addition, the channel 734 and the male edge 738 are also partially visible. As discussed above, the second midsole member 730 defines the male edge 738, which is received by the female edge 736 (see FIG. 40) of the first midsole member 728. Thus, it will be understood that along line 47-47, the second midsole member 730 extends partially into the first midsole member 728, meaning that the male edge 738 abuts the female edge 736 (see FIG. 40). In some aspects, the channel 734 enhances the deformability of the midsole 664 when under load, and/or allows the second midsole member 730 to spring back to its non-compressed state after the load is relieved. In this way, the channel 734 provides for increased acceleration, e.g., when running or sprinting.
With reference to FIG. 48, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 604 taken through line 48-48 of FIG. 42, i.e., across a portion of the midfoot region 610 of the sole structure 604, which is farther toward the heel end 770 (see FIG. 42) than the portion of the midfoot region 610 illustrated in FIG. 47. The plate 666, first outsole member 702, and second midsole member 730 are shown in cross section, with the split ends of the first outsole member 702 and second midsole member 730 being visible. In particular, the lateral and medial portions 712, 714 of the first outsole member 702 are visibly disposed on opposing sides of the first gap 710, and the lateral and medial portions 742, 744 of the second midsole member 730 are visibly disposed on opposing sides of the third gap 740. Moreover, the first and third gaps 710, 740, are visibly aligned with one another, meaning that the lateral portions 712, 742, of the first outsole member 702 and the second midsole member 730, respectively, are aligned with one another, as are the respective medial portions 714, 744. Put another way, the lateral portion 742 of the second midsole member 730 is disposed between the plate 666 and the lateral portion 712 of the first outsole member 702, and the medial portion 744 of the second midsole member 730 is disposed between the plate 666 and the medial portion 714 of the first outsole member 702.
With reference to FIG. 49, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 604 taken through line 49-49 of FIG. 42, i.e., across a portion of the heel region 612 of the sole structure 604, which is farther toward the heel end 770 (see FIG. 42) than the portion of the midfoot region 610 illustrated in FIG. 48. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 49, the plate 666, second outsole member 704, and third midsole member 732 are shown in cross section, indicating that the second outsole member 704 contacts the bottom side 688 of the third midsole member 732 when the sole structure 604 is assembled. In addition, the lateral and medial portions 722, 724 of the second outsole member 704 are visibly disposed on opposing sides of the second gap 716, and the lateral and medial portions 752, 754 of the third midsole member 732 are visibly disposed on opposing sides of the fourth gap 746. Moreover, the second and fourth gaps 716, 746, are visibly aligned with one another, meaning that the lateral portions 722, 752, of the second outsole member 704 and the third midsole member 732, respectively, are aligned with one another, as are the respective medial portions 724, 754. Put another way, the lateral portion 752 of the third midsole member 732 is disposed between the plate 666 and the lateral portion 722 of the second outsole member 704, and the medial portion 754 of the third midsole member 732 is disposed between the plate 666 and the medial portion 724 of the second outsole member 704.
FIGS. 50-59 illustrate various aspects of an implementation of an article of footwear 800, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, elements that are shared with—i.e., that are structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to—elements present in the articles of footwear 100, 400 are represented by like reference numerals in the 800 series. In the interest of brevity, some features of this embodiment that are shared with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-49 are numbered or labeled in FIGS. 50-59 but are not discussed in the specification. However, reference is made to a list of reference numerals used in the description herein. While only a single shoe 800 is depicted, i.e., a shoe that is worn on a left foot of a user, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to a pair of shoes (not shown), which includes a left shoe and a right shoe that may be sized and shaped to receive a left foot and a right foot of a user, respectively. For ease of disclosure, however, a single shoe will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure, but the disclosure below with reference to the article of footwear 800 is applicable to both a left shoe and a right shoe. However, in some aspects there may be differences between a left shoe and a right shoe other than the left/right configuration. Further, in some aspects, a left shoe may include one or more additional elements that a right shoe does not include, or vice versa.
In some aspects, the article of footwear 800 includes an upper (not shown) that is attached to a sole structure 804 so as to define an interior cavity (not shown) into which a foot of a user may be inserted. In addition, the article of footwear 800 includes a forefoot region 808, a midfoot region 810, and a heel region 812. Further, the article of footwear 800 also includes a lateral side 824 corresponding to an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear 800 and a medial side 826 corresponding to an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear 800, the lateral side 824 being shown in FIG. 54 and the medial side 826 being shown in FIG. 52.
Referring specifically to FIG. 50, the sole structure 804 includes an outsole or outsole region 862, a midsole or midsole region 864, and a first plate 866. The outsole 862, the midsole 864, and the first plate 866, or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region 808, the midfoot region 810, or the heel region 812. In particular, the outsole 862 and the midsole 864 extend through the forefoot region 808 and at least partially through the midfoot region 810, while the first plate 866 extends through the forefoot region 808, the midfoot region 810, and at least partially though the heel region 812. Further, the outsole 862, the midsole 864, and the first plate 866, or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side 824 or the medial side 826. For example, the outsole 862 is positioned under the midsole 864 in the forefoot region 808 and/or the midfoot region 810 when the sole structure 804 is assembled. Correspondingly, the midsole 864 is positioned on top of the outsole 862 and below the first plate 866, i.e., between the outsole 862 and the first plate 866, when the sole structure 804 is assembled.
As discussed above, the outsole 862 defines a bottom end or bottom surface 868 of the sole structure 804 across the forefoot region 808, the midfoot region 810, and/or the heel region 812, meaning that the outsole 862 is a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure 804 and is generally opposite of the upper (not shown). For example, the outsole 862 includes ground engaging members, e.g., a plurality of spikes 870 and treading 872, that extend from the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 and which are positioned at different locations within the forefoot region 808 and/or the midfoot region 810. The midsole 864 is defined as at least a portion of the sole structure 804 that extends from the outsole 862 toward the upper (not shown) or that otherwise extends between and connects the outsole 862 with the first plate 866. Finally, the first plate 866 is defined as a portion of the sole structure 804 that indirectly or directly contacts a user's foot when the article of footwear 800 is worn.
In some aspects, the outsole 862 and the midsole 864 define a plurality of spike apertures 876 that extend entirely therethrough, i.e., through an entire height of the outsole 862 and/or the midsole 864. The spikes 870 are fastened, e.g., removably coupled or fixed to spike mounts 874 that are disposed within or are integrally formed with the first plate 866. Additionally, the spikes 870 are disposed within spike apertures 876 that extend at least partially through the sole structure 804, and aperture walls 878 surround the spike apertures 876. For example, the spike apertures 876 extend through the outsole 862, as well as a bottom side 888 and a top side 892 of the midsole 864. In addition, the top side 892 of the midsole 864 includes a plurality of recessed portions 894 defined therein which correspond to one or more structures on the first plate 866. As illustrated in FIG. 51, a bottom surface 896 of the first plate 866 includes plate protrusions 898 that extend downwardly therefrom and which mimic the shape of the recessed portions 894 of the midsole 864 when the sole structure 804 is assembled, i.e., when the first plate 866 is coupled to the midsole 864. In this way, the plate protrusions 898 are aligned with the spike apertures 876 that extend through the outsole 862 and the midsole 864. In some aspects, the plate protrusions 898 retain the spike mounts 874 (see FIG. 50) therein and define additional spike apertures 876 therethrough. Specifically, the spike apertures 876 are arranged concentrically to the plate protrusions 898 and are configured to receive the spikes 870 therethrough when the spikes 870 are fastened to the spike mounts 874 (see FIG. 50).
In some aspects, however, the article of footwear 800 differs from the articles of footwear 100, 400, 600 illustrated in FIGS. 1-49. As illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 50, the sole structure 804 further includes a second plate 900 that is positioned on top of the first plate 866 when the sole structure 804 is assembled. In some aspects, the second plate 900 is configured as an insole, a sockliner, and/or a strobel board, although it is contemplated that the insole may be a separate element that is inserted into the foot cavity atop of a strobel board. Further, the outsole 862 and/or the midsole 864 include midsole channels 902 that extend at least partially therethrough and run along the T-H direction, and the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 defines an undulating or wave-like profile, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
With continued reference to FIG. 50, the outsole 862 is positioned or defined in the forefoot region 808 and/or the midfoot region 810, although it is contemplated that the outsole 862 is also defined in the heel region 812 in some examples. In addition, the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 defines an undulating profile when viewed from the side, the undulating profile defined by a plurality of peaks 904 that are spaced from one another by a plurality of troughs 906. The pluralities of peaks 904 and troughs 906 extend along at least a portion of the outsole 862 in the T-H direction, with each peak 904 and each trough 906 extending across the outsole 862 from the lateral side 824 to the medial side 826, i.e., in a medial-lateral (M-L) direction. In some aspects, each peak 904 in the plurality of peaks 904 is disposed along a convex boundary line (not shown) such that the outsole 862 defines a generally crescent profile when viewed from the side, concavely curving upward from the ground.
Further, each peak 904 of the plurality of peaks 904 defines a vertex 908 at its lower-most point, i.e., a ground-engaging point of each peak 904. Further, each peak 904 defines a first leg 910 and a second leg 912 on either side thereof in the T-H direction which converge at the vertex 908. In some aspects, the legs 910, 912 are substantially linear in shape, or the legs 910, 912 define curves such that the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 defines a sinusoidal or pulse-like profile. For example, the first leg 910 of a single peak 904 concavely curves downward and rearward, i.e., toward the heel region 812, from a trough 906 before convexly curving downward and rearward until reaching the vertex 908 of the peak 904. Correspondingly, the second leg 912 convexly curves upward and rearward before concavely curving upward and rearward to another trough 906. However, in some examples, portions of the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 are substantially flat and do not include any peaks 904 or troughs 906. Moreover, the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 defines one or more outsole protrusions 918 (see FIG. 59) that surround each of the spike apertures 876 that extend through the outsole 862. In some examples, the outsole protrusions 918 (see FIG. 59) are defined along one or more of the troughs 906, and the outsole protrusions 918 (see FIG. 59) define cavities 920 that are configured to receive one or more corresponding structures of the midsole 864, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
Referring now to FIGS. 50 and 51, the midsole 864 is configured as a cushioning assembly to reduce stress and/or increase the strength of portions, e.g., the forefoot region 808 and the midfoot region 810, of the sole structure 804. Correspondingly, the midsole 864 has a substantially concave shape that corresponds to or mimics the shape of the outsole 862, meaning that the midsole 864 defines a generally crescent profile when viewed from the side, concavely curving upward from the ground. In some examples, the bottom side 888 of the midsole 864 defines an undulating profile which mimics the shape of the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862. Put another way, the bottom side 888 of the midsole 864 defines corresponding peaks and troughs (not shown) to the peaks 904 and troughs 906 of the outsole 862 (see FIG. 50). In other non-limiting examples, such as the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 51, the bottom side 888 of the midsole 864 does not include an undulating profile. As discussed above, the midsole 864 includes one or more midsole channels 902 that extend across the midsole 864 and generally along the H-T direction. It will be understood that the midsole channels 902 may be formed in the midsole 864 using during manufacturing thereof using any of the processes discussed above, e.g., supercritical foaming, injection molding, compression molding, etc. In some aspects, the midsole 864 is manufactured using a mold which indents the midsole 864 to form the midsole channels 902 therein, such that midsole ridges 922 are defined along the bottom side 888 of the midsole 864. Further, it is contemplated that any number of suitable midsole channels 902 may be defined in the midsole 864, such as one, two, three, four, five, six, eight, or ten.
In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 50, there are three midsole channels 902, i.e., a lateral or first midsole channel 902A, a central or second midsole channel 902B, and a medial or third midsole channel 902C. The first and third midsole channels 902A, 902C are inset from the lateral and medial sides 824, 826, respectively, of the midsole 864, and the second midsole channel 902B is disposed between and spaced from the first and third midsole channels 902A, 902C. In some aspects, the midsole channels 902 convexly curve inward as they extend toward the toe end 850 from the forefoot region 808 and/or the midfoot region 810. For example, the first midsole channel 902A convexly curves inward, i.e., toward the opposing medial side 826, as it extends from the midfoot region 810 to the forefoot region 808 so as to follow the peripheral edge of the lateral side 824 of the midsole 864. In a similar way, the third midsole channel 902C convexly curves inward, i.e., toward the opposing lateral side 824, as it extends from the midfoot region 810 to the forefoot region 808 so as to follow the peripheral edge of the medial side 826 of the midsole 864.
As discussed above, the midsole 864 includes a plurality of recessed portions 894 that are concentric with respect to the plurality of spike apertures 876 that extend through the midsole 864. In some aspects, the recessed portions 894 are spread across the midsole 864 to provide enhanced traction capabilities to the article of footwear 800. To that end, one or more of the recessed portions 894 are located beneath the MTP point of a user's foot, and/or one or more of the recessed portions 894 are defined within the midsole channels 902. In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 50, two recessed portions 894 are located proximate the toe end 850 within the forefoot region 808, two recessed portions 894 are located within the first midsole channel 902A, one recessed portion 894 is located within the second midsole channel 902B, and two recessed portions 894 are located within the third midsole channel 902C. In some aspects, recessed portions 894 that share a midsole channel 902, e.g., the two recessed portions 894 located within the first midsole channel 902A, are in fluid communication with one another. Put another way, the midsole channels 902 are configured as fluid channels to promote air circulation within the sole structure 804, which in turn aids in allowing the midsole 864 to spring back to a non-compressed state after being deformed, e.g., when running or sprinting using the sole structure 804.
Referring to FIGS. 50 and 51, the bottom side 888 of the midsole 864 defines one or more midsole protrusions 924 that surround each of the spike apertures 876 that extend through the outsole 862. Thus, it will be understood that the midsole protrusions 924 are concentric with respect to the recessed portions 894. In some examples, the midsole protrusions 924 are deformable, which further enhances the spring-like qualities of the midsole 864, as will be discussed below in greater detail. Further, the midsole protrusions 924 mimic the inner shape of the outsole protrusions 918 (see FIG. 59), and the midsole protrusions 924 are configured to be seated within the outsole protrusions 918 (see FIG. 59) when the midsole 864 is coupled to the outsole 862. In this way, the midsole protrusions 924 are aligned with the spike apertures 876 that extend through the outsole 862 and the midsole 864. In addition, the midsole 864 includes one or more notches 926 defined along the peripheral edge thereof at the toe end 850, the notches 926 being substantially ovular in shape and configured to receive one or more corresponding structures on the first plate 866, as discussed below in greater detail.
Referring again to FIGS. 50 and 51, the first plate 866 is positioned on top of, i.e., vertically above, the midsole 864 when the sole structure 804 is assembled such that the bottom surface 896 of the first plate 866 contacts the top side 892 of the midsole 864. Specifically, and as discussed above, the bottom surface 896 of the first plate 866 includes plate protrusions 898 that extend downwardly therefrom and which mimic the shape of the recessed portions 894 of the midsole 864. Further, one or more plate ridges 930 also extend downwardly from the bottom surface 896 of the first plate 866 and mimic the shape of the midsole channels 902 formed in the midsole 864. One or more of the plate ridges 930 extend into the heel region 812, meaning that one or more of the plate ridges 930 are defined in the forefoot region 808, the midfoot region 810, and the heel region 812. In some aspects, one or more of the plate ridges 930 are defined in the forefoot region 808 and/or the midfoot region 810. In some examples, the midsole channels 902 are configured to receive the plate ridges 930 therein when the sole structure 804 is assembled, which in turn further enhances the compressibility of the midsole 864, e.g., when walking or running.
Referring to FIG. 50, one or more plate channels 928 are defined in a top surface 932 of the first plate 866, the plate channels 928 corresponding in shape and size to the plate ridges 930 (see FIG. 53). Thus, it will be understood that one or more of the plate channels 928 are defined in the forefoot region 808, the midfoot region 810, and/or the heel region 812. In the illustrated non-limiting example, a lateral or first plate channel 928A is defined in the forefoot region 808, the midfoot region 810, and the heel region 812, while a central or second plate channel 928B is defined in the forefoot region 808 and the midfoot region 810. Thus, it will be understood that the plate channels 928 can define a variety of lengths of the sole structure 804, as will be discussed below in greater detail. In some aspects, the spike mounts 874 are disposed within the plate protrusions 898 and the plate channels 928, similar to how the recessed portions 894 are positioned within the midsole channels 902, as discussed above. In addition, a plurality of aperture caps 934 are formed atop the spike mounts 874, the aperture caps 934 being configured to cover the spike apertures 876. Thus, it will be understood that the aperture caps 934 are disposed in the plate channels 928 to cover the spike apertures 876 that extend therethrough. Further, the aperture caps 934 are flush with the top surface 932 of the first plate 866, thereby providing platforms atop each of the spike apertures 876 for the second plate 900 to contact when a downward force is applied thereto, e.g., during walking or running, which in turn further enhances the compressibility of the midsole 864, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
Returning again to FIGS. 50 and 51, the first plate 866 further includes one or more projections 936 that extend downward from the bottom surface 896. In some aspects, the projections 936 define connection points between the first plate 866 and a support member 938. The support member 938 is configured to support the first plate 866 in the midfoot region 810 and/or the heel region 812 and serve as an additional ground-engaging member for the sole structure 804. In some examples, the support member 938 is generally located underneath the arch of a user's foot, i.e., within the midfoot region 810, to provide added support to the arch of a user's foot and further enhance traction control of the sole structure 804. The support member 938 includes a central body 940 with a lateral wing 942 and a medial wing 944 extending upward therefrom and toward the lateral and medial sides 824, 826 of the sole structure 804, respectively. In some aspects, the body 940 includes a gap 946 that partially splits the body 940 into a lateral portion 952 and a medial portion 954.
Accordingly, the lateral wing 942 extends from the lateral portion 952 and the medial wing 944 extends from the medial portion 954. In some examples, grooves 956, e.g., a lateral groove 956A and a medial groove 956B, are defined in each of respective wings 942, 944, the grooves 956 corresponding in shape to the plate ridges 930 defined along the bottom surface 896 of the first plate 866. In some aspects, legs 958, e.g., a lateral leg 958A and a medial leg 958B, extend downward from the respective wings 942, 944, and the legs 958 define additional ground engaging-surfaces of the sole structure 804. Further, cavities 960, e.g., a lateral cavity 960A and a medial cavity 960B (see FIG. 50), are defined in the respective legs 958 and are configured to receive the projections 936 therein when the sole structure 804 is assembled. In some aspects, the projections 936 and the cavities 960 form an interference fit so that the support member 938 is secured to the first plate 866 when the sole structure 804 is assembled.
In some aspects, the support member 938 is formed from one or more materials to impart durability, wear-resistance, abrasion resistance, or traction to the sole structure 804. For example, the support member 938 may be fabricated from an injection molded polyurethane (PU) plastic, thermoplastic, rubberized material, e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof, which can resist wear resulting from contact with the ground in addition to increasing traction. However, it is contemplated that other thermoplastic elastomers consisting of block copolymers may also be used to form the support member 938, including carbon fiber or high-density wood. Thus, the support member 938 defines a first hardness that is greater than a second hardness of the midsole 864. Further, it is contemplated that the support member 938 may be symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis 848 (see FIG. 53), or the support member 938 can be a-symmetric. For example, the lateral portion 952, including, e.g., the lateral wing 942, the lateral groove 956A, the lateral leg 958A, and/or the lateral cavity 960A, of the support member 938 may define longer, wider, and/or thicker dimensions than the medial portion 954, e.g., the medial wing 944, the medial groove 956B, the medial leg 958B, and/or the medial cavity 960B, respectively.
Now referring to FIGS. 52-54, views of the sole structure 804 without the upper (not shown) are illustrated in greater detail. Referring specifically to FIGS. 52 and 54, the medial side 826 and the lateral side 824 of the assembled sole structure 804 are shown, respectively. Specifically, the outsole 862 is coupled to the midsole 864 such that the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 is facing outward, and the bottom surface 868 (see FIG. 51) of the first plate 866 is coupled to the top side 892 (see FIG. 50) of the midsole 864. In this way, the midsole 864 is sandwiched between the outsole 862 and the first plate 866. Additionally, conical tips 962 of at least one of the spikes 870 extend outwardly past the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862. In some aspects, portions of the outsole 862, the midsole 864, the first plate 866, the second plate 900, and the support member 938 are visible from the side, as illustrated in FIGS. 52 and 54.
As discussed above, the outsole 862 and the midsole 864 extend through the forefoot region 808 and at least partially through the midfoot region 810, while the first plate 866 extends through the forefoot region 808, the midfoot region 810, and at least partially through the heel region 812. Further, the support member 938 is generally coupled to the bottom surface 896 of the first plate 866 in the midfoot region 810 and/or the heel region 812. In some aspects, the first plate 866 defines a plate length 964, and the support member 938 defines a support member length 966. Each of the lengths 964, 966 are measured in a direction that is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis 848, which extends from a distal portion of the toe end 850 to a distal portion of a heel end 968 that is opposite the toe end 850. In some aspects, the support member length 966 is between about 1% and about 50%, or between about 1% and about 25%, or between about 5% and about 15%, or about 12% of the plate length 964.
Still referring to FIGS. 52 and 54, the midsole 864 has a midsole height 970 that is defined by a distance between the bottom side 888 (see FIG. 51) of the midsole 864 and the top side 892 (see FIG. 50) of the midsole 864, i.e., between the outsole 862 and the first plate 866. More specifically, the midsole height 970 is measured along a straight line that extends through a point in the bottom side 888 (see FIG. 51) of the midsole 864 and a point in the top side 892 (see FIG. 50) of the midsole 864 in a direction that is perpendicular to a tangent line (not shown) running adjacent the top side 892 (see FIG. 51) of the midsole 864. Thus, it will be understood that the midsole height 970 is variable, e.g., increasing and then decreasing along the midsole 864 as a result of the plurality of peaks 904 and troughs 906. In some aspects, the midsole height 970 is largest closest to the heel end 968, i.e., within the midfoot region 810. In some examples, the midsole height 970 is taken at a maximum thickness of the midsole 864 between the bottom side 888 and the top side 892.
In some examples, the outsole 862 defines an asymmetric profile such that the plurality of peaks 904 defined along each of the lateral and medial sides 824, 826 are visible from both the lateral and medial sides 824, 826, as shown in FIGS. 52 and 54. Put another way, a first set of peaks 904A defined along the lateral side 824 of the article of footwear 800 are vertically and/or horizontally offset from a second set of peaks 904B defined along the medial side 826 of the article of footwear 800 when viewed along the M-L direction or a lateral-to-medial (L-M) direction. Moreover, the plurality of peaks 904 are formed along boundary curves 972 that define outermost or bottommost points of the outsole 862. Specifically, the vertices 908 of the first set of peaks 904A are disposed along a first boundary curve 972A which defines a substantially convex shape that curves away from the ground. Correspondingly, the vertices 908 of the second set of peaks 904B are disposed along a second boundary curve 972B which defines a substantially convex shape that curves away from the ground. In some aspects, the first boundary curve 972A defines a first radius of curvature that is greater than or equal to a second radius of curvature defined by the second boundary curve 972B, although it is contemplated that the first radius of curvature may be less than the second radius of curvature in other examples.
Referring now to FIG. 53, a bottom view is illustrated of the sole structure 804. As discussed above, the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 includes a plurality of ground-engaging members that extend outwardly therefrom. In particular, the treading 872 is disposed on the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 to provide a particular traction profile for the sole structure 804. For example, the treading 872 is defined by a wave-like pattern including traction lines 974 that extend from the lateral side 824 to the medial side 826. In some examples, adjacent traction lines 974 are equidistant from one another so as to distribute the treading 872 across the area of the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862. As discussed above, the treading 872 provides enhanced support and/or traction for the sole structure 804, e.g., when a user is walking or running.
Further, the first plate 866 includes a tab 976 at the toe end 850 which extends outward and downward toward the ground so as to cover the toe ends 850 of the outsole 862 and the midsole 864. In some aspects, the tab 976 provides an added layer of protection to the toe end 850 against normal abrasion experienced during use of the sole structure 804. One or more bumps 978 are defined on an underside of the tab 976, and the bumps 978 are configured to be seated within the notches 926 (see FIG. 51) defined along the peripheral edge of the midsole 864 when the sole structure 804 is assembled. As discussed above, the notches 926 (see FIG. 51) and the bumps 978 are correspondingly shaped to one another and assist in aligning the midsole 864 with the first plate 866 during assembly. In addition, the spikes 870 are secured within the spike apertures 876 that extend through the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862. In some aspects, one or more of the spike apertures 876 are positioned along the MTP, the midsole channels 902 (see FIG. 50), and/or the plate channels 928. In some aspects, the spike apertures 876 have a larger radius than the spikes 870.
Still referring to FIG. 53, the plate channels 928 each define channel lengths 980, e.g., a first channel length 980A of the first plate channel 928A, a second channel length 980B of the second plate channel 928B, and a third channel length 980C of the third plate channel 928C. Each of the channel lengths 980 are measured in a direction that is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis 848, which extends from a distal portion of the toe end 850 to a distal portion of the heel end 968. In some aspects, the first and third channel lengths 980A, 980C are each between about 50% and about 100%, or between about 50% and about 75%, or between about 60% and about 70%, or about 65% of the plate length 964. In some aspects, the second channel length 980B is between about 25% and about 75%, or between about 30% and about 50%, or between about 40% and about 45%, or about 45% of the plate length 964.
With reference to FIG. 55, a front view is illustrated of the sole structure 804. As discussed above, the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 defines an undulating profile including the plurality of peaks 904 and troughs 906, with the vertices 908 defined at the lowest point of each peak 904. Further, the spike apertures 876 extend through the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862. While the location and orientation of the spike apertures 876 shown in the present embodiment have been found to provide particular benefits, it is contemplated that any number of spike apertures 876 can be disposed in any suitable location in the outsole 862 to alter the traction profile of the sole structure 804. Correspondingly, the spike apertures 876 are disposed at a variety of different angles with respect to the transverse axis 852 and the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
Referring now to FIG. 56, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 804 taken through line 56-56 of FIG. 53. The outsole 862 is shown along a lowermost portion of the sole structure 804, and the midsole 864 is shown as coupled between the outsole 862 and the first plate 866. In particular, the bottom side 888 of the midsole 864 mimics the undulating profile of the outsole 862, meaning that the midsole 864 conforms to the shape of the peaks 904. In some examples, the midsole 864 is configured to correspond to the shape of the peaks 904 and troughs 906. In this way, the bottom side 888 of the midsole 864 abuts the outsole 862. Further, the top side 892 of the midsole 864 abuts the bottom surface 896 of the first plate 866, and the second plate 900 contacts a top surface 982 of the first plate 866 when the sole structure 804 is assembled. In some examples, the second plate 900 is spaced from the top surface 982 of the first plate 866. In some aspects, the plates 866, 900 convexly curve toward the MTP point, concavely curve toward the heel region 812 from the MTP point, and then convexly curve from the midfoot region 810 to the heel end 968, although it is also contemplated that the plates 866, 900 may be substantially flat in the heel region 812 or define one or more inflection points within the midfoot region 810 and/or the heel region 812. For example, the plates 866, 900 may define a first inflection point disposed within the midfoot region 810 and a second inflection point disposed within the heel region 812.
With reference to FIG. 57, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 804 taken through line 57-57 of FIG. 53, i.e., across a portion of the forefoot region 808 of the sole structure 804. The midsole 864, the first plate 866, the second plate 900, and a spike pocket 984 are shown in cross-section, with the midsole channels 902, the plate channels 928, and the plate ridges 930 being clearly visible. In some aspects, the spike pocket 984 is one of a plurality of spike pockets 984 that are disposed within the midsole 864 and around each of the spike apertures 876 (see FIG. 50). The spike pocket 984 defines a void within the midsole 864 which is compressible, meaning that the spike pocket 984 can be reduced in size when the midsole 864 is compressed, e.g., when running or walking. As illustrated in FIG. 57, the midsole height 970 is reduced when measured in-line with the spike pocket 984 and parallel with respect to the transverse axis 852. Put another way, forming spike pockets 984 in the midsole 864 creates areas of decreased height therein. As a result, the portion of the spike 870 which extends beyond the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 (see FIG. 50) can be increased when the midsole 864 is in a compressed state, which in turn increases the spring effect provided by the midsole 864 springing back to the non-compressed state as a user pushes off the ground. Additional aspects of the spike pocket 984 and the increased compressibility of the midsole 864 will be discussed below in greater detail.
With reference to FIG. 58, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 804 taken through line 58-58 of FIG. 53, i.e., across a portion of the midfoot region 810 of the sole structure 804 which is farther toward the heel end 968 (see FIG. 53) than the portion of the forefoot region 808 illustrated in FIG. 57. In particular, line 58-58 is taken partially along a portion of the sole structure 804 that corresponds to the arch of a user's foot. In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 58, the first plate 866, second plate 900, and the support member 938 are shown in cross-section, with the lateral and medial wings 942, 944 of the support member 938 being visible. The first plate ridge 930A is seated within the lateral groove 956A of the lateral wing 942, and the third plate ridge 930C is seated within the medial groove 956B of the medial wing 944. Thus, the lateral and medial wings 942, 944 are configured to contact the bottom surface 896 of the first plate 866 when the sole structure 804 is assembled.
With reference to FIG. 59, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 804 taken through line 59-59 of FIG. 53, i.e., across a portion of the forefoot region 808 of the sole structure 804 that includes a spike aperture 876 therethrough. In particular, portions of the midsole 864, the first plate 866, the second plate 900, and a single spike mount 874 are shown in cross section, with a spike 870 disposed in a spike aperture 876 and an outsole protrusion 918 and the being clearly visible. The spike mount 874 is housed within a plate protrusion 898 of the first plate 866, and the plate protrusion 898 is seated within a recessed portion 894 in the top side 892 of the midsole 864. The plate protrusion 898 is partially hollow to provide space for the spike aperture 876. In addition, the spike 870 is coupled to the first plate 866, meaning that the spike 870 is at least partially secured within the spike mount 874. In some aspects, the spike mount 874 is formed integrally with the plate protrusion 898, or the spike mount 874 is formed as a separate element that is coupled to the first plate 866. As discussed above, the midsole 864 defines a spike pocket 984 around the spike aperture 876, and the spike 870 is located extends therethrough. Further, a conical tip 962 of the spike 870 extends outward from the spike aperture 876 and past the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862. However, it is contemplated that the spike 870 may not extend past the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862. The spike 870, spike mount 874, and spike aperture 876 are oriented on a spike axis 986 which is offset from the transverse axis 852 by an angle 988. In some examples, the angle 988 is between about 0 degrees and about 80 degrees.
FIG. 59 illustrates the article of footwear 800 in a rested, or non-compressed state, e.g., when no downward force is being exerted on the article of footwear 800. As shown, only a portion of the conical tip 962 of the spike 870 extends beyond the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862 when the article of footwear 800 is in the non-compressed state. When the article of footwear 800 encounters a downward force, e.g., the weight of a user, the midsole 864 is configured to deform, which increases the portion of the spike 870 that extends beyond the bottom surface 868 of the outsole 862. For example, the midsole 864 compresses upon itself and/or compresses into the spike pocket 984 under loading which effectively decreases the midsole height 970 and exposes a greater portion of the spike 870 compared to that normally exposed in the non-compressed or un-loaded state. Correspondingly, the midsole 864 provides a spring effect as the downward force from the user is relieved which may reduce the severity of the impact to a user's foot and leg joints during use. Put another way, the midsole 864 at least partially stores energy provided by the downward force exerted by the user when first contacting the ground, and then subsequently releases the stored energy upon returning or springing back into the non-compressed state, i.e., its original conformation, as a user pushes off the ground. The ability of the midsole 864 to spring back to its non-compressed state after being deformed aids in propelling the user during motion through a gait cycle, which in turn increases acceleration, e.g., when running or sprinting. Relatedly, forming spike pockets 984 in the midsole further enhances the spring effect of the midsole 864 and exposes a greater portion of the spike 870 when the midsole is in the compressed state, which in turn enhances traction control.
FIGS. 60-71 various aspects of an implementation of an article of footwear 1000, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, elements that are shared with—i.e., that are structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to—elements present in the articles of footwear 100, 400, 600, 800 are represented by like reference numerals in the 1000 series. In the interest of brevity, some features of this embodiment that are shared with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-59 are numbered or labeled in FIGS. 60-71 but are not discussed in the specification. However, reference is made to a list of reference numerals used in the description herein. While only a single shoe 1000 is depicted, i.e., a shoe that is worn on a left foot of a user, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to a pair of shoes (not shown), which includes a left shoe and a right shoe that may be sized and shaped to receive a left foot and a right foot of a user, respectively. For ease of disclosure, however, a single shoe will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure, but the disclosure below with reference to the article of footwear 1000 is applicable to both a left shoe and a right shoe. However, in some aspects there may be differences between a left shoe and a right shoe other than the left/right configuration. Further, in some aspects, a left shoe may include one or more additional elements that a right shoe does not include, or vice versa.
In some aspects, the article of footwear 1000 includes an upper 1002 (see FIG. 65) that is attached to a sole structure 1004 so as to define an interior cavity (not shown) into which a foot of a user may be interested. In addition, the article of footwear 1000 includes a forefoot region 1008, a midfoot region 1010, and a heel region 1012. Further, the article of footwear 1000 also includes a lateral side 1024 corresponding to an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear 1000 and a medial side 1026 corresponding to an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear 1000, the lateral side 1024 being shown in FIG. 63 and the medial side 1026 being shown in FIG. 61.
Referring specifically to FIG. 60, the sole structure 1004 includes an outsole or outsole region 1062, a midsole or midsole region 1064, and a plate 1066. The outsole 1062, the midsole 1064, and the plate 1066, or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region 1008, the midfoot region 1010, or the heel region 1012. Further, the outsole 1062, the midsole 1064, and the plate 1066, or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side 1024 or the medial side 1026. For example, the outsole 1062 is positioned under the midsole 1064 or at least a portion thereof when the sole structure 1004 is assembled. Correspondingly, the midsole 1064 is positioned on top of the outsole 1062 and below the plate 1066, i.e., between the outsole 1062 and the plate 1066, when the sole structure 1004 is assembled.
Further, the outsole 1062 and/or the midsole 1064 defines a bottom end or bottom surface 1068 of the sole structure 1004 across the forefoot region 1008, the midfoot region 1010, and/or the heel region 1012, meaning that the outsole 1062 and/or the midsole 1064 define ground-engaging surfaces of the sole structure 1004 that are generally opposite of the upper 1002 (see FIG. 65). For example, the sole structure 1004 includes ground engaging members, e.g., a plurality of spikes 1070 and a treading 1072, that extend from the bottom surface 1068 of the outsole 1062 and which are positioned at different locations within the forefoot region 1008, the midfoot region 1010, and/or the heel region 1012. The midsole 1064 is defined as at least a portion of the sole structure 1004 that extends from the outsole 1062 toward the upper 1002 (see FIG. 65) or that otherwise extends between and connects the outsole 1062 with the plate 1066. Finally, the plate 1066 is defined as a portion of the sole structure 1004 that indirectly or directly contacts a user's foot when the article of footwear 1000 is worn.
In some aspects, the outsole 1062 and the midsole 1064 define a plurality of spike apertures 1076 that extend entirely therethrough, i.e., through an entire height of the outsole 1062 and/or midsole 1064. Additionally, the spikes 1070 are fastened, e.g., removably coupled or fixed to spike mounts 1074 (see FIG. 66) that are disposed within or are integrally formed with plate 1066, within spike apertures 1076 that extend at least partially through the sole structure 1004, and aperture walls 1078 surround the spike apertures 1076. For example, the spike apertures 1076 extend through the outsole 1062 as well as a bottom side 1088 and a top side 1092 of the midsole 1064. In addition, the top side 1092 of the midsole 1064 includes a plurality of recessed portions 1094 formed therein which correspond to one or more structures on the plate 1066. Specifically, a bottom surface 1096 of the plate 1066 includes protrusions 1098 that extend downwardly therefrom and which mimic the shape of the recessed portions 1094 of the midsole 1064 when the sole structure 1004 is assembled, i.e., when the plate 1066 is coupled to the midsole 1064. In this way, the protrusions 1098 are aligned with the spike apertures 1076 that extend through the outsole 1062 and the midsole 1064. In some aspects, the protrusions 1098 retain the spike mounts 1074 (see FIG. 66) therein and define additional spike apertures 1076 therethrough. Specifically, the spike apertures 1076 (see FIG. 66) are arranged concentrically to the protrusions 1098 and are configured to receive the spikes 1070 therethrough when the spikes 1070 are fastened to the spike mounts 1074.
In some aspects, however, the article of footwear 1000 differs from the articles of footwear 100, 400, 600, 800 illustrated in FIGS. 1-59. As illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 60, the midsole 1064 is arranged as a midsole assembly rather than being a one-piece component, and the bottom side 1088 of midsole 1064 defines a ground-engaging surface, as will be discussed below in greater detail. The outsole 1062 is defined in the forefoot region 1008 and is coupled to the midsole 1064 at the toe end 1050. The outsole 1062 has a substantially concave shape, meaning that the bottom surface 1068 concavely curves upward from the ground. Further, the outsole 1062 includes a tab 1102 at the toe end 1050 thereof which extends upward, i.e., away from the ground, so as to cover the toe ends 1050 of the midsole 1064 and the plate 1066. In some aspects, outsole 1062 and the tab 1102 provide an added layer of protection to the toe end 1050 against normal abrasion experienced during use of the sole structure 1004. Additional aspects of the outsole 1062 will be discussed below in greater detail.
Still referring to FIG. 60, the midsole 1064 is configured as a cushioning assembly to reduce stress and/or increase the strength of portions, e.g., the forefoot region 1008 and the midfoot region 1010, of the sole structure 1004. To that end, the midsole 1064 defines a forefoot or first midsole member 1108, a midfoot or second midsole member 1110, and a heel or third midsole member 1112. In some aspects, the first midsole member 1108 is separated from the second midsole member 1110 by a channel 1114, and the second midsole member 1110 and the third midsole member 1112 are also separated from one another. Further, the first midsole member 1108 concavely curves downward toward the ground, the second midsole member 1110 concavely curves upward and away from the first midsole member 1108 before convexly curving upward and away from the first midsole member 1108 at an inflection point, and the third midsole member 1112 convexly curves away from the ground or is substantially flat. In this way, the midsole 1064 defines a substantially concave shape in the forefoot and midfoot regions 1008, 1010, and a substantially convex shape in the midfoot and heel regions 1010, 1012 when viewed from the side and referencing the ground.
In some aspects, the channel 1114 extends from the lateral side 1024 to the medial side 1026 in the midsole 1064. Moreover, the first midsole member 1108 defines a first side 1114A of the channel 1114, and the second midsole member 1110 defines a second side 1114B of the channel 1114. When the midsole 1064 is assembled, i.e., when the first midsole member 1108 is arranged proximate the second midsole member 1110, the first side 1114A abuts the second side 1114B to form the channel 1114 therebetween. In some aspects, the channel 1114 defines an undulating profile when viewed from the top, meaning that the first side 1114A and the second side 1114B define correspondingly shaped profiles to one another so as to align the first midsole member 1108 with the second midsole member 1110 when the sole structure 1004 is assembled. For example, the first side 1114A defines a female edge 1116, i.e., an edge that curves inward in first midsole member 1108 towards the toe end 1050, that is configured to receive a male edge 1118, i.e., an edge that curves outward from the second midsole member 1110 toward the toe end 1050. A forward-most or first end 1120 of second midsole member 1110, i.e., a point of the second midsole member 1110 closest to the toe end 1050, is located on the male edge 1118. Thus, when the sole structure 1004 is assembled, the male edge 1118 abuts the female edge 1116 to define the channel 1114. However, it is contemplated, that the channel 1114 may include a variety of other profiles, e.g., a linear profile, a curved profile, a zig-zag profile, etc. In some aspects, the channel 1114 is located at least partially beneath and/or proximate to the MTP point of a user's foot.
Further, the second midsole member 1110 defines a tapered profile as it extends away from the toe end 1050 such the lateral and medial sides 1024, 1026 converge at a rear-most or second end 1122 of the second midsole member 1110, i.e., a point of the second midsole member 1110 farthest from the toe end 1050. In some examples, the second midsole member 1110 defines a substantially triangular, rectangular, and/or ovular profile when viewed from above so as to mimic the profile of a portion of a user's foot, e.g., the arch of user's foot. In addition, the second midsole member 1110 includes a midfoot aperture 1124 that extends through the bottom and top sides 1088, 1092 thereof, which improves air circulation within the sole structure 1004 and aids or enhances the compression qualities of the midsole 1064. For example, the second midsole member 1110 is configured to compress upon itself and/or partially extend into the midfoot aperture 1124 under loading, e.g., during walking or running, which in turn enhances the spring effect provided by the second midsole member 1110 as the load is relieved. It is contemplated that the midfoot aperture 1124 may be defined as any suitable shape, e.g., triangular, rectangular, ovular, and/or another shape.
Still referring to FIG. 60, the third midsole member 1112 generally corresponds to the heel of a user's foot to provide enhanced support and/or traction during the heel strike phase of a user's stride. In some aspects, it is advantageous to provide the third midsole member 1112 in the heel region 1012 of the article of footwear 1000 to provide enhanced cushioning and/or spring-like properties to propel a user's foot off of the ground during the terminal stance, i.e., heel lift-off, phase of a user's stride. In some aspects, the third midsole member 1112 defines a gap 1126 therein which splits the third midsole member 1112 into a lateral portion 1132 and a medial portion 1134, and the lateral and medial portions 1132, 1134 correspond to and support the lateral and medial sides 1024, 1026, respectively, of a user's foot. In some aspects, the gap 1126 opens toward the toe end 1050, meaning that the lateral and medial portions 1132, 1134 extend toward the midfoot region 1010 from the heel region 1012. The gap 1126 is correspondingly shaped to the second end 1122 of the second midsole member 1110 and is configured to partially receive the second end 1122 therein when the sole structure 1004 is assembled. Put another way, the second end 1122 of the second midsole member 1110 is enclosed on either side by the lateral and medial portions 1132, 1134 of the third midsole member 1112. Thus, in some examples, the second midsole member 1110 is disposed within the midfoot region 1010 and the heel region 1012.
In addition, it is contemplated that the midsole 1064 may be constructed using any of the processes discussed above, e.g., supercritical foaming, injection molding, compression molding, etc. Further, it is contemplated that the midsole 1064 may be constructed from a single material or combination of materials, or the first midsole member 1108, the second midsole member 1110, and/or the third midsole member 1112 are constructed of different materials than one another. For example, the first midsole member 1108 defines a first hardness, the second midsole member 1110 defines a second hardness, and the third midsole member 1112 defines a third hardness. In some aspects, the first hardness is less than the second hardness and/or the third hardness, or the second hardness is less than the first hardness and/or the third hardness, or the third hardness is less than the first hardness and/or the second hardness. To that end, splitting the midsole 1064 into multiple layers of different hardness increases a lever resistance of the plate 1066, which in turn leads to decreased energy loss when the midsole 1064 is under load. As a result, the split midsole 1064 conserves energy during take-off, thereby leading to faster propulsion off of the ground. In some aspects, the top side 1092 of the midsole 1064 defines a plate recess 1138 in which to receive the plate 1066 when the sole structure 1004 is assembled.
Now referring to FIGS. 61-63, views of the sole structure 1004 without the upper 1002 (see FIG. 65) are illustrated in greater detail. Referring specifically to FIGS. 61 and 63, the medial side 1026 and the lateral side 1024 of the assembled sole structure 1004 are shown, respectively. Specifically, the outsole 1062 is coupled to the midsole 1064 such that the bottom surface 1068 of the outsole 1062 is facing outward, and the bottom surface 1096 (see FIG. 60) of the plate 1066 is coupled to the top side 1092 (see FIG. 60) of the midsole 1064. In this way, the midsole 1064 is sandwiched between the outsole 1062 and the plate 1066. Additionally, the spikes 1070 are disposed in the spike apertures 1076 such that conical tips 1140 of the spikes 1070 extend outwardly past the bottom surface 1068 of the outsole 1062. In some aspects, the outsole 1062, the midsole members 1108, 1110, 1112, and the plate 1066 are visible from the side, as illustrated in FIGS. 61 and 63.
Referring to FIGS. 61-63, the outsole 1062 defines an outsole length 1142, the first midsole member 1108 defines a first midsole length 1144A, the second midsole member 1110 defines a second midsole length 1144B, the third midsole member 1112 defines a third midsole length 1144C, and the plate 1066 defines a plate length 1146. Each of the lengths 1142, 1144, 1146 are measured in a direction that is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis 1048, which extends from a distal portion of the toe end 1050 to a distal portion of a heel end 1150 that is opposite the toe end 1050. In some aspects, the outsole length 1142 is between about 1% and about 25%, or between about 10% and about 20%, or about 15% of the plate length 1146. In some aspects, the first midsole length 1144A is between about 25% and about 75%, or between about 35% and about 55%, or about 45% of the plate length 1146. In some aspects, the second midsole length 1144B is between about 25% and about 75%, or between about 30% and about 50%, or about 40% of the plate length 1146. In some aspects, the third midsole length 1144C is between about 1% and about 50%, or between about 20% and about 40%, or about 28% of the plate length 1146.
Referring to FIGS. 61 and 63, the midsole 1064 has a midsole height 1152 that is defined by a distance between the bottom side 1088 of the midsole 1064 and the top side 1092 of the midsole 1064, i.e., between the outsole 1062 and the plate 1066. More specifically, the midsole height 1152 is measured along a straight line that extends through a point in the bottom side 1088 of the midsole 1064 and a point in the top side 1092 of the midsole 1064 in a direction that is perpendicular to a tangent line (not shown) running adjacent the top side 1092 of the midsole 1064. Thus, it will be understood that the midsole height 1152 changes along the midsole lengths 1144, increasing and then decreasing from the forefoot region 1008 to the midfoot region 1010, with the midsole height 1152 being largest beneath and/or adjacent to the MTP point of a user's foot. Put another way, the midsole height 1152 increases from the toe end 1050 to the MTP point in the first midsole member 1108, and the midsole height 1152 decreases from the MTP point to the second end 1122 in the second midsole member 1110. Further, the midsole height 1152 increases along the third midsole member 1112 as the third midsole member 1112 extends toward the heel end 1150, or the midsole height 1152 is substantially constant throughout the third midsole member 1112. In some examples, the midsole height 1152 is taken at a maximum thickness of the midsole 1064 between the bottom side 1088 and the top side 1092.
Referring now to FIG. 62, a bottom view is illustrated of the sole structure 1004. As discussed above, the bottom surface 1068 of the sole structure 1004 includes a plurality of ground-engaging members that extend outwardly therefrom, such as the plurality of spikes 1070 and the treading 1072. In some aspects, the treading 1072 is disposed on the outsole 1062 and the bottom side 1088 of the midsole 1064, such that the outsole 1062 and the midsole 1064 define ground-engaging surfaces of the sole structure 1004. Thus, while the outsole 1062 and midsole 1064 are referred to as separate components herein, it will be understood that the midsole 1064 is configured to serve as both an outsole, e.g., a ground-engaging member, and a midsole, e.g., a cushioning member. This dual-functionality of the midsole 1064 is advantageous because it allows a smaller outsole, e.g., the outsole 1062, to be used in the sole structure 1004, which in turn may reduce the overall weight and cost of manufacturing the article of footwear 1000. However, it is contemplated that the article of footwear 1000 may be compatible with larger outsole components, such as the outsoles 162, 462, 662, 862 illustrated in FIGS. 1-59, to further enhance traction control.
Still referring to FIG. 62, the treading 1072 is disposed on the bottom surface 1068 of the sole structure 1004, i.e., the outsole 1062 and the bottom side 1088 of the midsole 1064, to provide a particular traction profile for the sole structure 1004. For example, the treading 1072 is defined by a wave-like pattern including traction lines 1154 that extend in the M-L direction. In some examples, adjacent traction lines 1154 are equidistant from one another so as to distribute the treading 1072 across the area of the bottom surface 1068 of the outsole 1062. In some aspects, the outsole 1062 and the midsole 1064 each define different treading patterns to optimize traction control. For example, the outsole 1062 comprises first treading 1072A that includes a plurality of first traction lines 1154A, and the midsole 1064 comprises second treading 1072B that includes a plurality of second traction lines 1154B. The first traction lines 1154A defined by the outsole 1062 are generally spaced farther away from one another than are the second traction lines 1154B defined by the midsole 1064, although it is contemplated that a variety of treading patterns may be used to define the first treading 1072A and the second treading 1072B to impart particular traction characteristics on the sole structure 1004.
Moreover, the profile of the treading 1072 varies across the first midsole member 1108, the second midsole member 1110, and the third midsole member 1112. Specifically, the bottom side 1088 of the first midsole member 1108 defines a first midsole area 1156A, and the treading 1072 along the bottom side 1088 of the first midsole member 1108 covers between about 10% and about 100%, or between about 50% and about 75%, or about 65% of the first midsole area 1156A. In some aspects, the treading 1072 along the bottom side 1088 of the first midsole member 1108 corresponds to the MTP point of a user's foot and/or extends from the lateral side 1024 to the medial side 1026. Further, the bottom side 1088 of the second midsole member 1110 defines a second midsole area 1156B, and the treading 1072 along the second midsole member 1110 covers between about 50% and about 100%, or between about 75% and about 100%, or about 90% of the second midsole area 1156B. In some aspects, the treading 1072 along the bottom side 1088 of the second midsole member 1110 corresponds to the shape of the second midsole member 1110. That is, the treading 1072 along the bottom side 1088 of the second midsole member 1110 defines a substantially triangular area that surrounds the midfoot aperture 1124. In addition, the bottom side 1088 of the third midsole member 1112 defines a third midsole area 1156C, and the treading 1072 along the bottom side 1088 of the third midsole member 1112 covers between about 75% and about 100%, or between about 90% and about 100%, or about 95% of the third midsole area 1156C. Thus, it will be understood that a variety of treading patterns and/or shapes may be used for the treading 1072 to provide enhanced support and/or traction for the sole structure 1004, e.g., when a user is walking or running.
With continued reference to FIG. 62, the spikes 1070 are secured within the spike apertures 1076 that extend through the bottom surface 1068 of the sole structure 1004. In some aspects, one or more of the spike apertures 1076 are positioned along the MTP and/or the channel 1114 between the first midsole member 1108 and the second midsole member 1110. In some embodiments, one or more of the spike apertures 1076 are positioned proximate to the outer periphery of the sole structure 1004 in the forefoot region 1008 and/or the midfoot region 1010, e.g., along the lateral side 1024 and/or the medial side 1026. In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 62, the sole structure 1004 includes six spike apertures 1076. Two of the spike apertures 1076 are positioned within a portion of the first midsole area 1156A that is covered by the first treading 1072A of the outsole 1062, and the other four spike apertures 1076 are positioned within a portion of the first midsole area 1156A that is covered by the second treading 1072B of the midsole 1064. However, in other examples, the spike apertures 1076 may not be positioned within the treading 1072. Further, the spike apertures 1076 have a larger radius than the spikes 1070 such that a radial gap 1160 is defined between each of the aperture walls 1078 and each of the spikes 1070. Put another way, the radial gap 1160 extends radially about, i.e., wraps radially around, each spike 1070 in the spike aperture 1076 between each spike 1070 and each aperture wall 1078. In some aspects, the radial gap 1160 extends along an entire height of each spike 1070, which in turn makes it easier to attach and/or detach the spikes 1070 from the plate 1066 and provides further benefits related to the flexibility of the midsole as discussed herein.
With reference to FIG. 64, a front view is illustrated of the sole structure 1004. As discussed above, the outsole 1062 includes a tab 1102 at the toe end 1050 thereof that extends upward so as to cover the toe ends 1050 of the midsole 1064 and the plate 1066 (see FIG. 60). In some aspects the tab 1102 is integral with the outsole 1062, and the first treading 1072A is also disposed on the tab 1102. Further, the spike apertures 1076 extend through the bottom surface 1068 of the outsole 1062. While the location and orientation of the spike apertures 1076 shown in the present embodiment, e.g., two spike apertures 1076 located proximate the toe end 1050 and within an area covered by the outsole 1062, have been found to provide particular benefits, it is contemplated that any number of spike apertures 1076 can be disposed in any suitable location in the outsole 1062 to alter the traction profile of the sole structure 1004. Correspondingly, the spike apertures 1076 are disposed at a variety of different angles with respect to the transverse axis 1052 and the bottom surface 1068 of the outsole 1062, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
Referring to FIG. 65, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 1004 taken through line 65-65 of FIG. 62. The outsole 1062 is shown along a lowermost portion of the sole structure 1004 at the toe end 1050 thereof, and the midsole 1064 is shown as coupled between the outsole 1062 and the plate 1066 and/or as a ground-engaging surface. In particular, the midsole 1064 is coupled between the outsole 1062 and the plate 1066 at the toe end 1050 and within a portion of the forefoot region 1008, while the midsole 1064 is coupled to the plate 1066 and serves as a ground-engaging surface within another portion of the forefoot region 1008 and the midfoot and heel regions 1010, 1012. As discussed above, the plate 1066 is visibly disposed in the plate recess 1138 of the midsole 1064, which in turn ensures that the plate 1066 is properly aligned when assembling the sole structure 1004 and provides increased stability to the sole structure 1004.
Further, the midsole members 1108, 1110, 1112 are shown in cross-section, as are the channel 1114, the midfoot aperture 1124, and the gap 1126. In particular, the first midsole member 1108 and the second midsole member 1110 are shown as separated from one another by the channel 1114 in the forefoot region 1008 and/or the midfoot region 1010. In some aspects, the second side 1114B of the channel 1114, i.e., the first end 1120 of the second midsole member 1110, is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 1048 such that an angle 1162 is defined between the first side 1114A and the second side 1114B of the channel 1114. In some examples, the angle 1162 is between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees, or between about 45 degrees and about 60 degrees, or about 55 degrees.
With reference to FIG. 66, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 1004 taken through line 66-66 of FIG. 62, i.e., across a portion of the forefoot region 1008 of the sole structure 1004. The outsole 1062, the midsole 1064, the plate 1066, a first spike 1070A, a first spike mount 1074A, and a second spike mount 1074B are shown in cross-section, with the first spike 1070A disposed in a first spike aperture 1076A being clearly visible. In addition, the first traction lines 1154A of the first treading 1072A defined by the outsole 1062 are visible. Of the midsole 1064, only the first midsole member 1108, indicating that the second midsole member 1110 (see FIG. 60) is not positioned in the forefoot region 1008 of the sole structure 1004. In some aspects, the first spike 1070A is disposed adjacently to the lateral side 1024. The first spike mount 1074A is formed integrally with a first protrusion 1098A, and the first protrusion 1098A is seated within a first recessed portion 1094A of the midsole 1064. Relatedly, the second protrusion 1098B is disposed proximate the medial side 1026, and the second spike mount 1074B is formed integrally with a second protrusion 1098B. In addition, a second spike (not shown) is housed within the second protrusion 1098B. In some aspects, the first spike 1070A, the first spike mount 1074A, and the first spike aperture 1076A are oriented on a first spike axis 1166A which is between about 0 degrees and about 100 degrees offset with respect to transverse axis 1052, or between about 0 degrees and about 5 degrees offset with respect to the transverse axis 1052. Alternatively, the first spike axis 1166A is substantially parallel to the transverse axis 1052.
With reference to FIG. 67, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 1004 taken through line 67-67 of FIG. 62, i.e., across a portion of the forefoot region 1008 of the sole structure 1004 which is farther toward the heel end 1150 (see FIG. 62) than the portion of the forefoot region 1008 illustrated in FIG. 66. In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 67, the midsole 1064, the plate 1066, a third spike 1070C, and a fourth spike 1070D are shown in cross-section, with the third spike 1070C being visibly disposed in a third spike aperture 1076C and the fourth spike 1070D being visibly disposed in a fourth spike aperture 1076D. The third and fourth spikes 1070C, 1070D are also visibly disposed within the first midsole member 1108. Moreover, the third and fourth spike mounts 1074C, 1074D are formed integrally with respective third and fourth protrusions 1098C, 1098D, which in turn are seated within respective third and fourth recessed portions 1094C, 1094D of the midsole 1064. In some aspects, the third spike 1070C is disposed adjacently to the lateral side 1024, and the fourth spike 1070D is disposed adjacently to the medial side 1026. The third spike 1070C and the fourth spike 1070D are oriented on respective third and fourth spike axes 1166C, 1166D which are parallel with respect to one another or are offset with respect to one another by between about 0 degrees and about 60 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 10 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 5 degrees, or between about 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. Put another way, the third and fourth spikes 1070C, 1070D are each offset with respect to the transverse axis 1052 by between about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 10 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 5 degrees, or between about 0 degrees and about 2.5 degrees.
In addition, spike pockets 1168 are shown in cross-section, and the spike pockets 1168 are disposed within the midsole 1064 around each of the spike apertures 1076. The spike pocket 1168 defines a void within the midsole 1064 which is compressible, meaning that the spike pocket 1168 can be reduced in size when the midsole 1064 is compressed, e.g., when running or walking. Further, the midsole height 1152 is reduced when measured in-line with the spike pocket 1168 and parallel with respect to the transverse axis 1052. Put another way, forming spike pockets 1168 in the midsole 1064 creates areas of decreased height therein. As a result, the portion of the spike 1070, e.g., the third spike 1070C, which extends beyond the bottom surface 1068 of the outsole 1062 (see FIG. 60) can be increased when the midsole 1064 is in a compressed state, which in turn increases the spring effect provided by the midsole 1064 springing back to the non-compressed state as a user pushes off the ground.
With reference to FIG. 68, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 1004 taken through line 68-68 of FIG. 62, i.e., across a portion of the midfoot region 1010 of the sole structure 1004, which is farther toward the heel end 1150 (see FIG. 62) than the portion of the forefoot region 1008 illustrated in FIG. 67. In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 68, the plate 1066 and the second midsole member 1110 are shown in cross section, with the midfoot aperture 1124 being visible. In particular, the midfoot aperture 1124 visibly separates a lateral portion 1172 of the second midsole member 1110 from a medial portion 1174 the second midsole member 1110. While the lateral and medial portions 1172, 1174 of the second midsole member 1110 are illustrated as being separated, it will be understood that the lateral and medial portions 1172, 1174 are integral with one another and meet at the second end 1122 (see FIG. 60) of the second midsole member 1110.
With reference to FIG. 69, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the sole structure 1004 taken through line 69-69 of FIG. 62, i.e., across a portion of the heel region 1012 of the sole structure 1004, which is farther toward the heel end 1150 (see FIG. 62) than the portion of the midfoot region 1010 illustrated in FIG. 68. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 69, the plate 1066 and the third midsole member 1112 are shown in cross section. In addition, the lateral and medial portions 1132, 1134 of the third midsole member 1112 are visibly disposed on opposing sides of the gap 1126.
Referring now to FIGS. 70 and 71, side and bottom views are illustrated, respectively, of a single spike 1070. As discussed above, the spike 1070 includes a conical tip 1140 that extends at a distal end thereof, and the spike 1070 further includes a spike body 1176 that extends between the conical tip 1140 and a flange 1178 located at a proximal end of the spike 1070. In some aspects, the flange 1178 is a hexagonal flange, e.g., a nut, or the flange 1178 is substantially circular in shape as shown. Further, the flange 1178 is configured to be secured within a spike mount, e.g., the spike mounts 1074 (see FIG. 60), meaning that the flange 1178 serves as a connection point between the spike 1070 and the plate 1066 (see FIG. 60). Relatedly, the spike 1070 may be fastened to the spike mount 1074 by pressing the flange 1178 into the spike mount 1074 (see FIG. 60), or the spike 1070 may be fastened to the spike mount 1074 during assembly of the sole structure 1004 (see FIG. 60). Referring specifically to FIG. 71, one or more flange apertures 1180 extend vertically through the flange 1178, and the one or more flange apertures 1180 are substantially ovular in shape. Further, the flange 1178 includes a plurality of slots 1182, e.g., one, two, three, or more than three slots 1182, that are disposed along an outer periphery thereof to reduce the weight of the spike 1070 and/or to facilitate easier attachment of the spike 1070 to the spike mount 1074 (see FIG. 60).
In other aspects, other configurations are possible. For example, certain features and combinations of features that are presented with respect to particular aspects in the discussion above can be utilized in other aspects and in other combinations, as appropriate. Further, any of the aspects described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with other aspects. Additionally, the present disclosure is not limited to articles of footwear of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the articles of footwear of any of the aspects disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment.
As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular aspects and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other aspects, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the aspects, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.
Patent Application
20250040665
