Patent Grant
10959488
The present invention relates to the field of footwear. More specifically, aspects of the present invention pertain to articles of footwear, uppers for articles of footwear, and/or sole structures for articles of footwear, e.g., footwear used in basketball, cross training, and/or other athletic events or activities.
First, some general terminology and information is provided that may assist in understanding various portions of this specification and the invention(s) as described herein. As noted above, the present invention relates to the field of footwear. “Footwear” means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as track shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, cricket shoes, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, etc.), and the like.
First, as illustrated in
Also, various example features and aspects of this invention may be disclosed or explained herein with reference to a “longitudinal direction” and/or with respect to a “longitudinal length” of a footwear component 100 (such as a footwear sole structure). As shown in
Once the longitudinal direction of a component or structure 100 has been determined with the component 100 oriented on a horizontal support surface S, planes may be oriented perpendicular to this longitudinal direction (e.g., planes running into and out of the page of
The following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.
The reader should understand that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures and functions without departing from the scope of the present invention.
A. Sole Structure Features
Some aspects of this invention relate to sole structures for articles of footwear. Such sole structures may include an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface. The sole structures further may include: (a) a heel-supporting region including a central area (e.g., a recessed central area) surrounded by a first plurality of rings defined in the ground-facing surface; and (b) a forefoot-supporting region including a central area (e.g., a recessed central area) surrounded by a second plurality of rings defined in the ground-facing surface. In such structures, each of the first plurality of rings and the second plurality of rings may include: (i) a first ring (an innermost ring) that surrounds (and may at least partially define) the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) and (ii) at least a second ring that surrounds the first ring. Either or both of the first plurality of rings and the second plurality of rings may further include: (iii) a third ring that surrounds the second ring, (iv) a fourth ring that surrounds the third ring, and (v) optionally one or more additional rings. Any desired number of rings may be provided. The rings may be separated by (and/or at least partially defined by) depressions in the material from with the rings and/or supporting regions are formed. Furthermore, the first ring and/or the second ring (and optionally other rings) in the first plurality of rings and/or the second plurality of rings may include a base and an apex (wherein the base is located closer to the upper-facing surface than is the apex), wherein each of the first ring and the second ring may be wider in cross section at its base than at its apex (e.g., triangular, truncated triangular, rounded triangular, trapezoidal, gum-drop shaped, etc. in cross section). If desired, some or all of the ground-facing surfaces or apices of the first and/or second plurality of rings may be co-planar. The heel-supporting region and/or the forefoot-supporting region may constitute parts of a single midsole element made from a polymeric foam material, may constitute parts of two midsole elements made from a polymeric foam material, and/or may constitute parts of one or more outsole elements, etc.
As noted above, in sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention, the heel-supporting region and/or the forefoot-supporting region may constitute parts of one or more midsole elements. Such sole structures additionally may include an outsole component, e.g., as one or more outsole elements. The outsole component may partially cover the midsole element(s) and may include an opening through which at least some of the first plurality of rings are exposed and/or an opening through which at least some of the second plurality of rings are exposed. Alternatively, if desired, the outsole component may cover at least some (and optionally all) of the first plurality of rings and/or the second plurality of rings. When covered, at least some portion of the outsole component that covers the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) and/or the plurality of rings in the heel-supporting region and/or the forefoot-supporting region may be at least partially transparent or translucent (e.g., so that the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) and/or at least some of the plurality of rings are visible at the exterior surface of the sole structure).
While sole structures in accordance some with examples of this invention may be made in variety of different shapes and manners, in at least some examples of this invention, the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) of the heel-supporting region and at least some of the first plurality of rings may have a curved shape (e.g., non-linear and/or non-planar, and optionally a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, an elongated shape, etc., around their perimeters or circumferences) and/or the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) of the forefoot-supporting region and at least some of the second plurality of rings may have a curved shape (e.g., non-linear and/or non-planar, and optionally a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, an elongated shape, etc., around their perimeters or circumferences). Individual features (e.g., central recess and/or rings) of the forefoot-supporting region may have the same size, shape, spacing, orientation, and/or other features as corresponding individual features of the heel-supporting region (if any), or the corresponding individual features in these regions (if any) may differ in one or more of size, shape, spacing, orientation, and/or other features.
Additional foot-supporting structures may be provided in sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. As some more specific examples, the sole structure may include a midfoot-supporting region that includes a midfoot central area (e.g., a recessed midfoot central area) surrounded by a plurality of rings defined in the ground-facing surface (e.g., in a midsole component and/or in an outsole component), wherein this plurality of rings includes an innermost ring that surrounds (and may at least partially define) the midfoot central area (e.g., the recessed midfoot central area) and at least three additional rings of increasingly larger circumference surrounding this innermost ring. This midfoot-supporting region may be located closer to a lateral side edge of the sole structure than to a medial side edge of the sole structure (e.g., measured from a center of the midfoot central area). If desired, the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) of the heel-supporting region may be elongated (e.g., in a fore-to-aft direction), the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) of the forefoot-supporting region may be elongated (e.g., in a lateral side-to-medial side direction), and/or the midfoot central areas (e.g., the recessed midfoot central area) of the midfoot-supporting region may be elongated (e.g., in the fore-to-aft direction). As a further option, if desired, a plurality of additional rings may extend around a combined area of two or more of the forefoot-supporting region, the heel-supporting region, and the midfoot-supporting region.
Additionally or alternatively, sole structures in accordance with some examples of this invention may include a medial midfoot-supporting region including a medial midfoot central area (e.g., a recessed medial midfoot central area) surrounded by a plurality of rings defined in the ground-facing surface (e.g., in a midsole component and/or in an outsole component), wherein this plurality of rings includes an innermost ring that surrounds (and may at least partially define) the medial midfoot central area and at least two additional rings of increasingly larger circumference surrounding the innermost ring.
As still additional potential features, sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include one or more forward toe-supporting regions, each of which may include a toe central area (e.g., a recessed toe central area) surrounded by (and optionally at least partially defined by) one or more toe rings defined in the ground-facing surface. Two, three, four, or even more forward toe-supporting regions may be provided in an individual sole structure, if desired (e.g., spaced apart in a medial side-to-lateral side direction along a forward toe area of the sole structure). When two or more forward toe-supporting regions are provided in a sole structure, if desired, a plurality of rings may extend around a combined area of any two or more of the forward toe-supporting regions. In fact, if desired, a plurality of rings may extend around combined areas of the two or more forward toe-supporting regions and one or more of the forefoot-supporting region, the midfoot-supporting regions (if any), and/or the heel-supporting region of the sole structure.
As further potential options, sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include one or more lateral side-supporting regions, each of which may include a lateral-side central area (e.g., a recessed lateral-side central area) surrounded by (and optionally at least partially defined by) at least one lateral side ring defined in the ground-facing surface. Two, three, four, or even more lateral side-supporting regions may be provided in an individual sole structure, if desired (e.g., spaced apart in a fore-to-aft direction along a lateral midfoot and/or lateral forefoot side edge of the sole structure, optionally closer to a lateral side edge of the sole structure than is the forefoot-supporting region (as measured from a center of the central areas) and/or optionally located along or toward the lateral side of the forefoot-supporting region). When two or more lateral side-supporting regions are provided in a sole structure, if desired, a plurality of rings may extend around a combined area of the two or more lateral side-supporting regions. In fact, if desired, a plurality of rings may extend around combined areas of the two or more lateral side-supporting regions and one or more of the forefoot-supporting region, the midfoot-supporting region(s) (if any), the forward toe-supporting region(s) (if any), and/or the heel-supporting region of the sole structure.
As described above, in addition to the first plurality of rings around the heel-supporting region and the second plurality of rings around the forefoot-supporting region, additional rings may be present in (e.g., defined in) sole structures in accordance with aspects of this invention. Such rings may extend continuously around a combined area of the forefoot-supporting region and the heel-supporting region (and optionally around any of the other foot-supporting regions described above, when they are present). If desired, at least one ring of the additional plurality of rings may extend along one or more side surfaces of the sole structure (e.g., along at least a portion of a medial side surface of the sole structure, along at least a portion of a lateral side surface of the sole structure, along at least a portion of a rear or heel side surface of the sole structure, and/or along at least a portion of a forward toe front surface of the sole structure). Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the plurality of rings may extend along a perimeter edge of the sole structure (e.g., midsole component or outsole component) in which it/they are formed.
Another aspect of this invention relates to sole structures for articles of footwear that include a sole member having an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the ground-facing surface of the sole member includes:
The sole member of this example sole structure may include the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure formed from a polymer foam material (e.g., as part of a midsole element, optionally both formed in a single midsole component and/or in a single piece of sole structure material). Alternatively, if desired, one or both of these impact-force attenuating structure may be formed in one or more outsole elements. Either or both of these impact-force attenuating structures may be completely formed in a single piece of material, if desired.
As another option or alternative, if desired, the sole member (in which one or both of the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure are formed) may constitute a midsole element (e.g., formed of a polymeric foam material) that is at least partially covered (e.g., at least at its bottom surface) with an outsole component formed from one or more outsole elements. The outsole component: (a) may cover (and conceal) one or both of the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure, (b) may include one or more openings through which one or both of the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure are exposed at a bottom surface of the sole structure, and/or (c) may cover one or both of the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure using an at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent window area (and thus leave at least some portion of these impact-force attenuating structures at least partially visible but not directly exposed at a bottom surface of the sole structure). The exterior surface(s) of any window regions also may include central areas and/or one or more surrounding rings, e.g., of the various types described above, if desired.
As noted above, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the sole structure includes a first central area (e.g., a first recessed central area), a first band, a second band, a first recessed groove, a second central area (e.g., a second recessed central area), a third band, a fourth band, and a second recessed groove. While various constructions are possible, if desired, one or more of the first band, the second band, the third band, and/or the fourth band each may include at least two rings separated by a depression defined in an outer surface of the respective band. When they are present, the depressions defining the rings in the first band and/or the second band may have a depth of 20% or less of a depth of the first recessed groove and/or the depressions defining the rings in the third band and/or the fourth band may have a depth of 20% or less of a depth of the second recessed groove. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, an outer edge of the second band may be defined by a third recessed groove and/or an outer edge of the fourth band may be defined by a fourth recessed groove. Likewise, when they are present, the depressions defining the rings in the first band and/or the second band may have a depth of 20% or less (or even 10% or less) of a depth of the third recessed groove and/or the depressions defining the rings in the third band and/or the fourth band may have a depth of 20% or less (or even 10% or less) of a depth of the fourth recessed groove. In other words, the recessed grooves separating two bands and/or defining an edge of a band may be substantially deeper (e.g., at least 5 times deeper, and in some examples, at least 10 times deeper) than depressions in the band surface forming and/or defining the rings on the band surface.
As some other potential features in accordance with some aspects of this invention, if desired, when the first central area is a first recessed central area: (a) a deepest depth of the first recessed central area may be deeper than a deepest depth of the first recessed groove; and (b) the deepest depth of the first recessed groove may be deeper than a deepest depth of the third recessed groove (when present). Additionally or alternatively, when the second central area is a second recessed central area: (a) a deepest depth of the second recessed central area may be deeper than a deepest depth of the second recessed groove; and (b) the deepest depth of the second recessed groove may be deeper than a deepest depth of the fourth recessed groove (when present). As still other potential or alternative features, any one or more of the first recessed central area, the second recessed central area, the first band, the second band, the third band, the fourth band, the first recessed groove, the second recessed groove, the third recessed groove (when present), and the fourth recessed groove (when present) may have a curved shape (e.g., non-linear and/or non-planar, and optionally a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, an elongated shape, etc.). All “depths” and/or “deepest depths” may be measured from a common base surface, such as a horizontal surface on which the sole structure is placed in an unloaded condition.
Sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention (with the central areas (e.g., recessed central areas), bands, and recessed grooves) further may include any one or more of the midfoot-supporting regions, medial side midfoot-supporting regions, forward toe-supporting regions, and/or lateral side-supporting regions of the types described above. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention may further include any one or more of the ring sets and/or ring features described above (e.g., rings surrounding various combined areas in the sole structures, extending to side walls, etc.).
Sole structures for articles of footwear in accordance with at least some still further aspects of this invention include: (a) a first midsole component formed at least in part from a first polymeric foam material, wherein the first midsole component forms at least a majority of a plantar support surface and/or at least a majority of a medial sidewall surface of the sole structure, and wherein the first midsole component includes a lateral side edge; and (b) a second midsole component formed at least in part from a second polymeric foam material, wherein the second midsole component forms at least a majority of a lateral sidewall surface of the sole structure, wherein the second midsole component includes a medial side edge that extends adjacent the lateral side edge of the first midsole component, and wherein the second polymeric foam material has a higher durometer hardness than the first polymeric foam material. Optionally, the medial sidewall surface formed by the first midsole component may include a first plurality of bellow structures and/or ring structures and/or the lateral sidewall surface formed by the second midsole component may include a second plurality of bellow structures and/or ring structures. The sole structure may constitute a midsole component that optionally may include one or more outsole elements engaged with it.
The first midsole component may extend continuously from a heel area (e.g., rear heel area) to a forefoot area (e.g., toe area) of the sole structure and/or the second midsole component may extend continuously from the heel area (e.g., rear heel area) to the forefoot area (e.g., toe area) of the sole structure. For example, if desired, a rear junction area between the first midsole component and the second midsole component may be located at a rear-most heel area and/or may define a rear-most point RH of the sole structure and/or a forward junction area of the first midsole component and the second midsole component may be located at a forward toe area of the sole structure. In this manner, the first midsole component may form at least a portion of a rear heel medial sidewall of the sole structure and the second midsole component may form at least a portion of a rear heel lateral sidewall of the sole structure.
In at least some sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention, at least the first midsole component (and optionally the second midsole component as well) may form a portion of a bottom surface of the midsole component. In some specific example structures, the first midsole component may form at least 70% of an overall volume of the midsole component (and in some examples, at least 75% or even at least 80% of the overall volume) and the second midsole component may form 30% or less of the overall volume of the midsole component (and in some examples, 25% or less or even 20% or less of the overall volume). As yet additional or alternative potential features, the first midsole component may form at least 75% of a plantar support surface area of the sole structure (and in some examples, at least 80% or even at least 85% of the plantar support surface area) and the second midsole component may form 25% or less of the plantar support surface area of the sole structure (and in some examples, 20% or less or even 15% or less of the plantar support surface area).
Sole structures in accordance with at least some aspects of this invention may have substantial height located somewhat forward in the overall sole structure. As some more specific examples, if the sole structure is considered to define a rear-most heel location, a forward-most toe location, and a longitudinal length from the rear-most heel location to the forward-most toe location (e.g., as described above in conjunction with
Other potential characteristics of the “highest point” dimensions may be as follows. In at least some examples of this invention, with the sole structure standing on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded condition, the first midsole component will define: (a) a rear heel height dimension from the horizontal base surface and (b) a highest sidewall height dimension of the medial sidewall surface from the horizontal base surface. In this orientation, in at least some examples of this invention, the highest sidewall height dimension of the medial sidewall surface may be at least 1.25 times the rear heel height dimension (and in some examples, at least 1.4 times or even 1.6 times the rear heel height dimension). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, this highest sidewall height dimension of the medial sidewall surface will be at least 0.5 inch greater than the rear heel height dimension (and in some examples, at least 0.75 inch, at least 1 inch, or even at least 1.25 inch higher).
Similarly, in at least some examples of this invention, with the sole structure standing on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded condition, the second midsole component will define: (a) a rear heel height dimension from the horizontal base surface and (b) a highest sidewall height dimension of the lateral sidewall surface from the horizontal base surface. In this orientation, in at least some examples of this invention, the highest sidewall height dimension of the lateral sidewall surface may be at least 1.25 times the rear heel height dimension (and in some examples, at least 1.4 times or even 1.6 times the rear heel height dimension). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, this highest sidewall height dimension of the lateral sidewall surface will be at least 0.5 inch greater than the rear heel height dimension (and in some examples, at least 0.75 inch, at least 1 inch, or even at least 1.25 inch higher).
As yet some additional or alternative potential dimensional features, with the sole structure oriented on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded condition, the sole structure will define: (1) a first width dimension between: (a) a highest point of the medial sidewall surface formed by the first midsole component and (b) a highest point of the lateral sidewall surface formed by the second midsole component, and (2) a second width dimension corresponding to a maximum width dimension between (a) an outer surface of the medial sidewall and (b) an outer surface of the lateral sidewall in a vertical plane that passes through the highest point of the medial sidewall surface and the highest point of the lateral sidewall surface. In this orientation, the first width dimension may be less than 85% of the second width dimension (and in some examples, less than 80% or even less than 75% of the second width dimension).
As noted above, sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention may include an outsole component. This outsole component may have a top surface engaged with a bottom surface of the first midsole component and/or with a bottom surface of the second midsole component. This top surface of the outsole component may completely cover at least 85% of combined areas of the bottom surfaces of the first midsole component and the second midsole component (and in some examples, at least 90% or even at least 95% of this combined bottom surface area). The outsole component further may include a forward toe portion that extends upward and covers a forward-most toe edge of the first midsole component and/or a forward-most toe edge of the second midsole component.
Additionally or alternatively, the outsole component may include at least a first opening defined through it, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the first midsole component may be exposed through the first opening but the bottom surface of the second midsole component is not exposed through the first opening. Similarly, the outsole component may include a second opening defined through it, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the first midsole component may be exposed through this second opening, but the bottom surface of the second midsole component is not exposed through the second opening. As another option, rather than openings, the outsole component may include one or more window regions (e.g., at least partially transparent or translucent window regions), and the bottom surface of the first midsole component may be visible through the one or more window regions but the bottom surface of the second midsole component need not be visible through any of the window regions.
Sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention also may include any one or more of the midfoot-supporting regions, medial side midfoot-supporting regions, forward toe-supporting regions, and/or lateral side-supporting regions of the types described above. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention may further include any one or more of the ring sets and/or ring features described above. Additionally or alternatively, the more specific features of this aspect of the invention may be included in sole structures in accordance with the other aspects of this invention as described above (e.g., rings surrounding various combined areas in the sole structure, extending to side walls, etc.).
This specification describes that various components or features of a sole structure may “surround” another feature (e.g., rings or bands may “surround” central areas (e.g., recessed central areas), other bands, other rings, etc.). The term “surround,” as used herein, does not require that the “surrounding component” have a perimeter or circumference that extends around 100% of the “surrounded component.” Rather, if desired, a “surrounding component” may have one or more breaks or interruptions in its overall structure while still providing a structure that may be seen as “surrounding” the “surrounded component.” More specifically, a component “surrounds” another component if (a) the surrounding component (e.g., the band or ring) includes actual physical structure extending around at least 80% of its perimeter and (b) the “surrounded component” lies completely within an area defined by the surrounding component, wherein the area defined by the surrounding component includes the area defined within the actual physical structure of the perimeter of the surrounding component and straight line segments that join adjacent ends of any breaks in the actual physical structure of the perimeter of the surrounding component.
B. Uppers, Articles of Footwear, and Other Features
Additional aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear that include any of the various sole structures and/or any one or more of the various features of the sole structures described above. The sole structure may be engaged with an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may have any desired construction, including conventional footwear upper constructions as are known and used in the art.
As other examples, however, uppers included in footwear structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include a rear heel portion having: (a) a first band of elastic or stretchable material, (b) a second band of elastic or stretchable material vertically displaced from the first band, and (c) a first band of exposed mesh material extending between the first and second bands of elastic or stretchable material. If desired, a second band of exposed mesh material may extend downward from the second band of elastic or stretchable material. The mesh material(s) may be less elastic or stretchable than the materials of the bands of elastic or stretchable materials. This construction, particularly when used in conjunction with a “tongueless” instep construction, helps provide sufficient stretchability to enable easy foot insertion and removal.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the instep area of the upper may include a continuous structure (without a conventional footwear “tongue” member) that includes a similar construction, namely: (a) a first band of elastic or stretchable material, (b) a second band of elastic or stretchable material displaced forward from the first band, and (c) a first band of exposed mesh material extending between the first band of elastic or stretchable material and the second band of elastic or stretchable material. In fact, if desired, the instep area may include a plurality of bands of elastic or stretchable material, wherein adjacent band pairs of the plurality of bands are separated by a band of exposed mesh material. As some more specific examples, the plurality of bands of elastic or stretchable material may include at least four bands that extend across the instep area, and in some examples, at least six bands or even at least eight bands. This construction helps provide sufficient stretchability to enable easy foot insertion and removal while still providing a secure fit.
Articles of footwear in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include a heel support engaged with a rear heel portion of the upper and at a rear heel area of the sole structure (as well as along the lateral heel side and the medial heel side of the footwear structure). At the rear heel area and along the lateral and medial heel sides, the heel support may extend above an upper perimeter of the sole structure. The heel support may include a rearward extending projection in the rear heel portion. If desired, the heel support may include a top edge and a bottom edge (e.g., an exposed bottom edge portion), and a plurality of vertically spaced slits may extend through the heel support between the top edge and the bottom edge (and optionally through the rearward extending protrusion). The vertically spaced slits may define at least three vertically spaced bands of heel support material, and in some examples, at least six or even at least eight vertically spaced bands of heel support material. The slits help provide more flexibility and breathability in the heel area while still overall providing support for the heel.
C. Detailed Description of Specific Examples of this Invention
The upper 202 of this example includes a foot-receiving opening 206 that provides access to an interior chamber into which the wearer's foot is inserted. The upper 202 further may include a tongue member located across the foot instep area (or other structure, as will be described in more detail below) and positioned so as to moderate the feel of the closure system 210 on the wearer's foot (the closure system 210 in this illustrated example constitutes a lace type closure system). As shown in the specific example of
The upper 202 may be made from any desired materials and/or in any desired constructions and/or manners without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, at least a portion of the upper 202 (and optionally a majority, substantially all, or even all of the upper 202) may be formed as a woven textile component and/or as a knitted textile component. The textile components for upper 202 may have structures and/or constructions like those used in FLYKNIT® brand footwear and/or via FLYWEAVE™ technology available in products from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the upper 202 construction may include uppers having foot securing and engaging structures (e.g., “dynamic” and/or “adaptive fit” structures), e.g., of the types described in U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. No. 2013/0104423, which publication is entirely incorporated herein by reference. As some additional examples, if desired, uppers and articles of footwear in accordance with this invention may include foot securing and engaging structures of the types used in FLYWIRE® Brand footwear available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg. These types of wrap-around and/or adaptive or dynamic fit structures are shown as part of the lace engaging elements 210a in example upper 202 of
As yet another option or alternative, if desired, uppers 202 and articles of footwear 200 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include fused layers of upper materials, e.g., uppers of the types included in NIKE's “FUSE” line of footwear products and/or upper materials bonded by hot melt or other adhesive materials. As still additional examples, uppers of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,347,011 and/or 8,429,835 may be used without departing from this invention (each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,347,011 and 8,429,835 is entirely incorporated herein by reference).
In the specific example upper 202 shown in
Some articles of footwear in accordance with examples of this invention (including this specifically illustrated example 200) may include a similar arrangement of a plurality of elastic or stretchable bands 222 separated by a plurality of less elastic or stretchable (e.g., mesh) bands 224 in the instep area 202a (e.g., substituting for a more conventional footwear “tongue” in this footwear structure 200). Notably, as shown in
Any number of bands of relatively elastic or stretchable material 212/222 and/or less elastic or stretchable material 214/224 may be provided in the rear heel area 212 and/or instep area 202a without departing from the invention. In this illustrated example, the rear heel area 212 includes two bands of each, although as additional examples, from 2-6 bands of each could be provided, if desired. Also, in this illustrated example, the instep area 202a includes 12 bands of each, although as additional examples, from 3-18 bands, 4-16 bands, 6-15 bands, or 8-12 bands of each could be used, if desired.
This specifically illustrated heel support 250, however, does not have a conventional heel counter structure and will be described in more detail below. As shown in the above-noted figures, the heel support 250 of this example extends above an upper perimeter 300P of the footwear midsole component 300 (e.g., above upper perimeters 300P of a lateral side midsole component 300L, a medial side midsole component 300M, and a base midsole component 300B in the example midsole structure 300 shown in
As further shown in
The sole structure 204 of the specific example article of footwear 200 shown in
The lateral side midsole component 300L of this example sole structure 204 provides support for the outside lateral edge of the foot during various movements, such as turning or cutting actions when playing basketball. Therefore, in some examples of this invention, the lateral side midsole component 300L may be made from a material that is harder, firmer, and/or stiffer than the material of the medial side midsole component 300M. The added hardness, firmness, and/or stiffness may help provide enhanced support for those types of actions. Also, as shown in the view of
Additionally, as shown in
Various potential aspects, characteristics, and/or features of the sole structure 204 shown in
The sole structure 204 of
Rather than the four piece sole structure 204 shown in
The medial midsole component 400M of this example sole structure 204 may be formed at least in part from a polymeric foam material (e.g., polyurethane foam, ethylvinylacetate foam, etc., formed by compression molding, injection molding, etc.), and it may form at least a majority of a plantar support surface 400S and at least a majority of a medial sidewall surface 402M of the sole structure 204. This example medial midsole component 400M further includes a lateral side edge 404 and a bottom surface 400B opposite the plantar support surface 400S. The midsole component 400 further includes a lateral midsole component 400L formed at least in part from a second polymeric foam material (e.g., polyurethane foam, ethylvinylacetate foam, etc., formed by compression molding, injection molding, etc.), wherein the lateral midsole component 400L forms at least a majority of a lateral sidewall surface 402L of the sole structure 204. This lateral midsole component 400L includes a medial side edge 408 that extends adjacent (and optionally engages and/or is fixed to) the lateral side edge 404 of the medial midsole component 400M. The junction between side edges 404 and 408 may be located along the plantar support surface of the midsole component 400, e.g., optionally closer to the lateral sidewall surface 402L than to the medial sidewall surface 402M. This junction between side edges 404 and 408 may extend continuously from a rear heel area to a forward toe area of the midsole component 400 and/or sole structure 204. The lateral midsole component 400L also may form at least a portion of the bottom surface of the overall midsole structure (e.g., see area 408B).
As also shown in various figures, at least some portion(s) of the exterior medial sidewall surface 402M formed by the medial midsole component 400M may include a plurality of bellow or ring structures, and/or at least some portion(s) of the exterior lateral sidewall surface 402L formed by the lateral midsole component 400L also may include a second plurality of bellow or ring structures.
In at least some examples of this invention, the polymeric foam material of at least some portion of the lateral midsole component 400L (and optionally all of the lateral midsole component 400L) will have a higher durometer/hardness than the polymeric foam material of at least a portion of the medial midsole component 400M (and optionally all of the medial midsole component 400M). As some more specific examples: (a) the medial foam midsole component 400M may have a hardness within the range of 30-60 Asker C, and in some examples, from 35-55 Asker C, from 40-50 Asker C, or even from 43-47 Asker C, (b) the lateral foam midsole component 400L may have a hardness within the range of 45 to 75 Asker C, and in some examples, from 50 to 70 Asker C, from 55 to 65 Asker C, or even from 57-61 Asker C, and/or (c) the lateral foam midsole component 400L may have at least a 10% higher hardness than the medial foam midsole component 400M, and in some examples, at least 15% higher hardness or even at least 20% higher hardness (e.g., based on measurements on the Asker C scale). Alternatively, if desired, the lateral midsole component 400L could form at least a majority of the plantar support surface 400S and/or plantar support surface area or the medial midsole component 400M and the lateral midsole component 400L could each make up half of the plantar support surface 400S and/or plantar support surface area. The medial midsole component 400M and the lateral midsole component 400L may be engaged with each other (e.g., along edges 404 and 408, respectively), e.g., by cements or adhesives, by mechanical connectors, by a fusing technique, by a co-molding technique, etc.
As further shown in the figures, in this illustrated example, each of the medial midsole component 400M and the lateral midsole component 400L extends continuously from a heel area to a forefoot area of the sole structure 204 and/or midsole structure 400. For example, as shown in various figures, a rear junction area 404R between the medial midsole component 400M and the lateral midsole component 400L in this example structure 400 is located in a rear heel area (e.g., at a rearmost heel location RH) of the sole structure 204 and/or midsole structure 400. In this manner, (a) the medial midsole component 400M forms at least a portion of a rear heel medial sidewall of the sole structure 204 and/or the midsole structure 400 and/or (b) the lateral midsole component 400L forms at least a portion of a rear heel lateral sidewall and/or lateral heel sidewall of the sole structure 204 and/or the midsole structure 400. Also, a forward junction area 404F between the medial midsole component 400M and the lateral midsole component 400L in this example sole structure 204 and/or midsole structure 400 is located at a forward toe area of the sole structure 204 and/or midsole structure 400. As other potential options or features, either or both of the medial midsole component 400M and/or the lateral midsole component 400L may be made from two or more separate parts (e.g., engaged together by cements or adhesives, mechanical connectors, fusing techniques, co-molding techniques, etc.).
The medial midsole component 400M and the lateral midsole component 400L may have various different relative sizes with respect to one another and/or with respect to the overall midsole structure 400 without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, the medial midsole component 400M may form at least 70% of an overall volume of the midsole component 400, and in some examples, at least 75%, at least 80%, or even at least 85% of this overall volume. In such structures 400, the lateral midsole component 400L may form 30% or less of the overall volume of the midsole component, and in some examples, 25% or less, 20% or less, or even 15% or less of this overall volume. As another potential feature, the medial midsole component 400M may form at least 75% of a plantar support surface area of the sole structure 204 and/or midsole structure 400, and in some examples, at least 80% or even at least 85% of the plantar support surface area. In such structures 400, the lateral midsole component 400L may form 25% or less of the plantar support surface area of the sole structure 204 and/or midsole structure 400, and in some examples, 20% or less or even 15% or less of this plantar support surface area.
The structures and orientations shown in
As some additional or alternative potential options, from a more absolute dimension point of view, HL and/or HM may be at least 0.5 inch greater than H1, and in some examples, at least 0.75 inch greater, at least 1 inch greater, or even at least 1.25 inches greater.
Other potential features of this example sole structure 204 and/or midsole structure 400 are illustrated in
W1≥0.85 W2 W1≥0.8 W2 W1≥0.75 W2
As noted above, the sole structure 204 shown in
In the example sole structure 204 shown in
As further shown in the example of
Additional potential features and/or characteristics of the recessed areas 422H, 422F, the bands 424A-424D, and/or grooves 426A-426D are described below. For example, a deepest depth (e.g., in the medial midsole component 400M in the plantar support surface 400S to bottom surface 400B direction, e.g., dimension D1) of the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) 422H may be deeper than a deepest depth (e.g., dimension D2) of the first recessed groove 426A and/or the deepest depth of the first recessed groove 426A (dimension D2) may be deeper than a deepest depth of the third recessed groove 426C (e.g., dimension D3, if present). See
In at least some examples of this invention, the dimension D1 will be such that the recess of central area 422H extends through a depth of about 25% to 65% of an overall thickness T1 of the midsole component 400M at a location immediately adjacent the recessed area 422H (e.g., the thickness of the first band 424A) (and in some examples, through about 30% to 60% of the overall thickness T1). Additionally or alternatively, in some structures 400 the dimension D2 will be such that the first recessed groove 426A extends through a depth of about 15% to 50% of the overall thickness T1 of the midsole component 400M and/or through 15% to 50% of the thickness of first band 424A and/or second band 424B (and in some examples, through about 20% to 40% of one or more of these thicknesses) and/or the dimension D3 will be such that the third recessed groove 426C will extend through a depth of about 10% to 30% of the overall thickness T1 of the midsole component 400M and/or through 10% to 30% of the thickness of first band 424A and/or second band 424B (and in some examples, through about 12% to 25% of one or more of these thicknesses). Additionally or alternatively, in some structures, the dimension D4 will be such that the recess of central area 422F extends through a depth of about 55% to 85% of an overall thickness T4 of the midsole component 400M at a location immediately adjacent the recessed area 422F (e.g., the thickness of the third band 424C) (and in some examples, through about 60% to 80% of the overall thickness T4). Additionally or alternatively, in some structures 400, the dimension D5 will be such that the second recessed groove 426B extends through a depth of about 25% to 60% of the overall thickness T2 of the midsole component 400M and/or through 25% to 60% of the thickness of the third band 424C and/or fourth band 424D (and in some examples, through about 30% to 50% of one or more of these thicknesses) and/or the dimension D6 will be such that the fourth recessed groove 426D will extend through a depth of about 18% to 45% of the overall thickness T2 of the midsole component 400M and/or through 18% to 45% of the thickness of the third band 424C and/or fourth band 424D (and in some examples, through about 24% to 40% of one or more of these thicknesses).
As another potential feature, as also shown in
Some additional example dimensional features of these example impact-force attenuating structures 420H and/or 420F will be described in more detail below. In the example structure of
As further shown in
The dimensional features in the above Table may apply to a heel-based impact-force attenuating structure 420H, a forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure 420F, and/or impact-force attenuating structures provided at other desired locations in a sole structure. Also, while their structures may be the same, impact-force attenuating structures of this type on a single article of footwear 200, midsole structure 400, and/or sole structure 204 may be different from one another (e.g., dimensionally) without departing from this invention. As another option, if desired, a specific sole structure 204 and/or midsole component 400 may contain only one of this type of impact-force attenuating structure (e.g., in the heel only, in the forefoot only, etc.).
In the illustrated example structure 400, the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure 420H and the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure 420F are located in the midsole structure 400 at locations shown to experience high impact forces during typical use (e.g., based on two-dimensional foot force or foot pressure diagrams; based on measured foot forces or foot pressures; measured when a player is performing certain functions, such as walking, running, landing a step or jump, playing basketball or other activities, etc.; etc.). The central areas (e.g., recessed central areas) 422F, 422H; the bands 424A-424D; and the recessed grooves 426A-426D may be formed as a unitary, one-piece construction, for example, in the ground-facing surface 400B of the polymeric foam midsole component 400 (e.g., medial midsole component 400M). In this manner, the central areas 422F, 422H, the bands 424A-424D, and the recessed grooves 426A-426D are formed in or from a polymer foam material as may be used in footwear midsole constructions.
As further shown, for example, in
While not wishing to be bound by any specific theory of operation, for at least some example structures according to aspects of this invention, under a compressive force (e.g., when a foot contacts the ground after landing a step or jump), it is believed that the recessed central areas 422F, 422H and the recessed grooves 426A-426D will begin to collapse or reduce in depth and/or the bands 424A-424D decrease in depth and/or flatten out as the incident force deforms or deflects the midsole structure 400, particularly at one or more of bands 424A-424D. The shapes and/or geometries of recessed central areas 422F, 422H (and any others), bands 424A-424D (and any others), and recessed grooves 426A-426D (and any others), e.g., with bands 424A-424D wider in cross section at their bases than at their apices and/or recessed areas 422F, 422H and recessed grooves 426A-426D narrower in cross section at their upper ends than at their exposed and/or open ends, provide spaces between the bands 424A-424D and clearance for spreading of the foam material as each band 424A-424D compresses, deforms, or deflects under the incident forces. As these actions occur and/or the impact force increases, it is believed that the recessed central areas 422F, 422H and/or recessed grooves 426A-426D become substantially filled with the midsole material and/or otherwise deformed, which cause the impact-force attenuating structures 420F, 420H to begin to slow and/or resist additional deformation and/or deflection (as the deflected material filling the recessed central areas 422F, 422H and/or recessed grooves 426A-426D slows or stops further deformation/deflection). In this manner, the impact-force attenuating structures 420H, 420F provide a comfortable feel (e.g., soft initial response) and a responsive ride. Moreover, in response to relatively low foot forces or pressures, the feel is very soft (because the recessed areas 422F, 422H are open, relatively large, and can easily receive deflected midsole material), but the midsole component 400 is adequately supportive under higher foot forces or pressures (as deformation and/or deflection occur, as described above). The impact-force attenuating structures 420F, 420H may operate in somewhat of a “bumpstop” type manner to attenuate impact forces.
The ring structures shown in the outsole component 406 and described above are not limited to rings that immediately surround a single central area of a foot-supporting region 470, 480a-480c, 490a, and/or 490b. Rather, as shown in
Foot-supporting rings (e.g., optionally having size, shape, and/or dimensional features like rings 470b and/or 492 described above) are not limited to the foot-supporting surface of an outsole component 406. Rather, as shown in
Further, as shown in
As another option or alternative, if desired, the outsole component 406 of the example sole structure 204 shown in
Another example sole structure 504 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention will be described below in conjunction with
One difference between the sole structure 204 of
Another difference in this example sole structure 504 relates to the outsole component 506. Specifically, the outsole component 506 of this example sole structure 504 does not include bottom openings 406H and/or 406F defined through it. Rather, as shown in
More specifically, as shown in
As further shown, for example, in
If desired, as shown in
Windows 510F and/or 510H of this type, when present, may be formed in the outsole component 506 in any desired manner without departing from this invention. For example, if desired, openings may be cut in an outsole component 506 and/or the outsole component 506 may be made with openings in them (e.g., in a manner akin to the outsole component 406 described above, such as by molding techniques, etc.), and then separate window components may be engaged with the outsole component 506 and/or the midsole component 400 to close the openings (e.g., engaged by adhesives or cements, mechanical connectors, fusing techniques, friction fits, etc.). As another option, if desired, the window region(s) 510F and/or 510H may be integrally formed with the remainder of the outsole component 506, e.g., by selectively locating at least partially transparent or translucent outsole material in a mold at the areas of the window(s) 510F/510H (e.g., using “dams” in the mold or in other appropriate ways), and then molding the overall outsole component 506. As yet another option, if desired, the entire bottom of the outsole component 506 (or even the entire outsole component 506) may be made from an at least partially transparent or translucent outsole material.
Alternatively, if desired, the outsole component 506 of the example structure shown in
As further shown in the example sole structure 504 of
Another example sole structure 604 in accordance with some aspects of this invention is illustrated in
Some differences between the sole structure 604 of
The outsole component 606 of this example differs somewhat from the example structures 406, 506 described above. For example, while outsole component 606 includes heel-supporting region 520H, forefoot-supporting region 520F, midfoot-supporting region 470, and forward toe-supporting regions 490a, 490b, these regions are shaped and/or oriented somewhat different from corresponding regions described above in conjunction with
Some additional example dimensional features of this outsole component 606 will be described in more detail below. In the example structure of
The sole structure 604 of
As shown in
Again, as illustrated in
Alternatively, if desired, the outsole component 606 of the example structure shown in
The structure 700 of
Furthermore, while the sole structure 700 of
The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments and/or options. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the features of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/364,320 filed Nov. 30, 2016 and entitled “Articles of Footwear and Sole Structures for Articles of Footwear,” which application claims priority benefits to: (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/261,670 filed Dec. 1, 2015 and entitled “Articles of Footwear and Sole Structures for Articles of Footwear” and (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/261,691 filed Dec. 1, 2015 and entitled “Articles of Footwear and Sole Structures for Articles of Footwear.” Each of these priority applications is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
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| 62261691 | Dec 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15364320 | Nov 2016 | US |
| Child | 16247257 | US |
