The present invention relates to the field of footwear. More specifically, aspects of the present invention pertain to articles of athletic footwear and/or ground-engaging structures for articles of footwear, e.g., used in track and field events and/or relatively long distance running events (e.g., for 3K, 5K, 10K, half marathons, etc.).
First, some general terminology and information is provided that will 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, 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 in an unloaded condition, planes may be oriented perpendicular to this longitudinal direction (e.g., planes running into and out of the page of
This Summary is provided to introduce some concepts relating to this invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.
While potentially useful for any desired types or styles of shoes, aspects of this invention may be of particular interest for athletic shoes, including track shoes or shoes for relatively long distance runs (e.g., for 3K, 5K, 10K, half marathons, etc.).
Some aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components for articles of footwear that include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., at least 3 mm wide (0.12 inches)) that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component (the outer perimeter boundary rim may be present around at least 80% or at least 90% of the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component), wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, and wherein a rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located within one of: an arch support area or a forward heel support area of the ground-engaging component (and/or at these areas of an overall sole structure); and (b) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim and into or at least partially across the open space.
In at least some example structures in accordance with aspects of this invention, the support structure will include a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., from the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and into or at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells within the open space. This matrix structure further may define one or more partially open cells located within the open space and/or one or more closed cells (e.g., cells located at the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim). In at least some examples of this invention, a plurality of the open cells of the open cellular construction (and optionally at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or even at least 95%) have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners (e.g., round, elliptical, and/or oval shaped openings). The open space and/or matrix structure may extend to all areas of the ground-engaging component inside its outer perimeter boundary rim.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the matrix structure may define one or more cleat support areas for engaging or supporting primary traction elements, such as track spikes or other cleat elements (e.g., permanently fixed cleats or track spikes, removable cleats or track spikes, integrally formed cleats or track spikes, etc.). The cleat support area(s) may be located: (a) within the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., on its ground-facing surface), (b) at least partially within the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., at least partially within its ground-facing surface), (c) within the open space, (d) extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim into and/or across the open space, and/or (e) between a lateral side of the outer perimeter boundary rim and a medial side of the outer perimeter boundary rim. The matrix structure further may define a plurality of secondary traction elements at various locations, e.g., dispersed around one or more of any present cleat support areas; between open and/or partially open cells of the matrix structure; at the outer perimeter boundary rim; at “corners” of the matrix structure; etc.
While the primary traction elements may be provided at any desired locations on ground-engaging components in accordance with this invention, in some example structures the cleat support areas for primary traction elements will be provided at least at two or more of the following: (a) a first cleat support area (and optionally with an associated primary traction element) at or at least partially in a lateral side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim; (b) a second cleat support area (and optionally with an associated primary traction element) at or at least partially in the lateral side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim and located forward of the first cleat support area; (c) a third cleat support area (and optionally with an associated primary traction element) at or at least partially in a medial side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim; (d) a fourth cleat support area (and optionally with an associated primary traction element) at or at least partially in the medial side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim and located forward of the third cleat support area; (e) a fifth cleat support area (and optionally with an associated primary traction element) at or at least partially in the lateral side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim and located forward of the second cleat support area; and (f) a sixth cleat support area (and optionally with an associated primary traction element) at or at least partially in the medial side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim and located forward of the fourth cleat support area. Although some ground-engaging components according to some aspects of this invention will include only these six cleat support areas (and associated primary traction elements), more or fewer cleat support areas (and primary traction elements associated therewith) may be provided, if desired.
The matrix structure in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include at least one set of open and/or partially open cells, wherein geographical centers of at least three cells of this first set of “at least partially open cells” are “substantially aligned” or “highly substantially aligned” (the term “at least partially open cells” means one or more of partially open cells and/or open cells, which terms will be explained in more detail below). Optionally, the geographic centers of at least three cells of this first set will be “substantially aligned” or “highly substantially aligned” along a line that extends from a rear lateral direction toward a forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component and/or the article of footwear in which it may be contained. Open or partially open cells are considered to be “substantially aligned,” as that term is used herein in this context, if the geographical centers (e.g., centers of the cell openings) of the cells in question lie on a straight line and/or within a distance of 10 mm (0.39 inches) from a straight line. “Highly substantially aligned” cells have their geographic centers (e.g., centers of the openings) lying on a straight line and/or within a distance of 5 mm (0.2 inches) from a straight line. Matrix structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include two or more sets of open and/or partially open cells, wherein geographical centers (e.g., centers of the openings) of at least three cells within the respective sets are substantially aligned or highly substantially aligned with a straight line for that set (and optionally substantially aligned or highly substantially aligned with a straight line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component and/or sole structure). Some matrix structures in accordance with this invention may include from 2 to 16 sets of substantially aligned cells and/or highly substantially aligned cells, or even from 3-12 (e.g., 10) sets of substantially aligned cells and/or highly substantially aligned cells. When multiple sets of substantially aligned cells and/or highly substantially aligned cells are present in a matrix structure, the aligned or highly aligned sets of cells may be separated from one another along the longitudinal direction of the ground-engaging component and/or sole structure.
Additional aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear that include an upper and a sole structure engaged with the upper. The sole structure will include a ground-engaging component having any one or more of the features described above and/or any combinations of features described above. The upper may be made from any desired upper materials and/or upper constructions, including upper materials and/or upper constructions as are conventionally known and used in the footwear art (e.g., especially upper materials and/or constructions used in track shoes or shoes for relatively long distance runs (e.g., for 3K, 5K, 10K, half marathons, etc.)). As some more specific examples, at least a portion (or even a majority, all, or substantially all) of the upper may include a woven textile component and/or a knitted textile component (and/or other lightweight constructions).
Articles of footwear in accordance with at least some examples of this invention further may include a midsole component between the ground-engaging component and a bottom of the upper. The midsole component may include any desired materials and/or structures, including materials and/or structures as are conventionally known and used in the footwear art (e.g., especially midsole materials and/or structures used in track shoes or shoes for relatively long distance runs (e.g., for 3K, 5K, 10K, half marathons, etc.)). As some more specific examples, the midsole component may include one or more of: one or more foam midsole elements (e.g., made from polyurethane foam, ethylvinylacetate foam, etc.), one or more fluid-filled bladders, one or more mechanical shock absorbing structures, etc.
If desired, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention, at least some portion(s) of a bottom surface of the midsole component and/or the upper may be exposed and/or visible at an exterior of the sole structure. As some more specific examples, the bottom surface of the midsole component and/or the upper may be exposed/visible: (a) in the open space of the ground-engaging component (e.g., at least in the forefoot support area through open cells and/or partially open cells in any present matrix structure, etc.); (b) in the arch support area of the sole structure (e.g., outside of the outer perimeter boundary rim, through open cells and/or partially open cells in any present matrix structure, etc.); and/or (c) in the heel support area of the sole structure. In some footwear and/or sole structures in accordance with this invention, the outer perimeter boundary rim of the ground-engaging component may taper inward at an arch support area of the sole structure, and the midsole component then can form an outer lateral edge and/or an outer medial edge of the sole structure within at least some of the arch support area of the sole structure. Also, in some examples, the outer perimeter boundary rim of the ground-engaging component may form an outer lateral edge and an outer medial edge of the sole structure in a forefoot support area of the sole structure and the midsole component may form the outer lateral edge and the outer medial edge of the sole structure through at least some of an arch support area of the sole structure.
Also, if desired, sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention further may include a heel reinforcement component, e.g., located at least at a lateral, rear heel support area of the sole structure (e.g., at least at a location of a “heel strike” location during at least some steps cycles for some people). This heel reinforcement component may be located just at the lateral, rear heel support area of the sole structure or at least at a lateral heel support area and a rear heel support area of the sole structure. If desired, the heel reinforcement component also may be formed as a matrix structure with a plurality of open cells and/or partially open cells and/or the heel reinforcement component may be formed to include ground-engaging traction elements (e.g., at various locations in the heel reinforcement component matrix structure around cells of this matrix structure). If desired, when the heel reinforcement component includes a matrix structure, the bottom surface of the midsole component may be exposed and/or visible through the cells of that matrix structure as well.
Additional aspects of this invention relate to methods of making ground-engaging support components, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear of the various types and structures described above.
The foregoing Summary, as well as 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.
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 includes a tongue member 208 located across the foot instep area and positioned so as to moderate the feel of the closure system 210 (which in this illustrated example constitutes a lace type closure system). In this illustrated example, the rear heel area of the upper 202 includes an opening 212 defined therethrough, and a rear heel area of the wearer's foot may be visible and/or exposed through this opening 212.
As mentioned above, 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, all, or substantially all of the upper 202) may be formed as a woven textile component and/or a knitted textile component. The textile components for upper 202 may have structures and/or constructions like those provided 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 214 (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. More specifically, as shown in
The sole structure 204 of this example article of footwear 200 now will be described in more detail. As shown in
One main foot support component of this example sole structure 204 is the midsole component 220, which in this illustrated example extends to support an entire plantar surface of the wearer's foot (e.g., from the forward-most toe location FT to the rearmost heel location RH and from the lateral side edge to the medial side edge along the entire longitudinal length of the sole structure 204). This midsole component 220, which may be made from one or more parts, may be constructed from a polymeric foam material, such as a polyurethane foam or an ethylvinylacetate (“EVA”) foam as are known and used in the footwear arts. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, at least some portion of the midsole component 220 may constitute a fluid-filled bladder, e.g., of the types conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., available in NIKE “AIR” Brand products), and/or one or more mechanical shock-absorbing components.
In this illustrated example, a bottom surface 220S of the midsole component 220 is visible/exposed at an exterior of the sole structure 204 substantially throughout the bottom of the sole structure 204 (and at least over more than 50% and even more than 75% of the bottom surface area of the sole structure 204). As shown in
As further shown in
This heel reinforcement component 230 provides additional support and/or wear resistance during the foot-strike phase of a typical running/jogging step cycle (at least for some runners). More specifically, many runners tend to land a running or jogging step on the rear, lateral heel area of the foot. As the step continues, the runner's weight force on the foot tends to roll forward and toward the medial side of the foot for the “push off” or “toe-off” phase of the step cycle. Thus, the lateral heel area of a sole structure 204 may be subjected to substantial force and wear when running, and this heel reinforcement component 230 helps provide support and wear resistance at least at this lateral, rear heel support area of the sole structure 204. If desired, as shown in the example of
While not shown in
Example ground-engaging components 240 for sole structures 204/articles of footwear 200 in accordance with examples of this invention now will be described in more detail with reference to
The ground-engaging components 240 of these examples are shaped so as to extend completely across the forefoot support area of the sole structure 204 from the lateral side to the medial side. In this manner, the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O forms the medial and lateral side edges of the sole structure 204 at least at the forefoot medial and lateral sides. The outer perimeter boundary rim 242O also forms the forward toe edge of the sole structure 204 around the front toe area.
As one moves rearward in the sole structure 204, however, the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O tapers inward (e.g., in a curved manner) with respect to the overall width of the sole structure 204, e.g., at least at an arch support area of the sole structure 204 (and optionally beginning at the forefoot support area, as shown in the example of
The outer perimeter boundary rim 242O of this illustrated example ground-engaging component 240 defines an upper-facing surface 248U (e.g., as shown in
The support structure 250 of these examples extends from the ground-facing surface 248G of the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O to define a portion of the ground-facing surface 248G of the ground-engaging component 240. In the illustrated examples of
As further shown in
The cleat support areas 260 can take on various structures without departing from this invention. In the illustrated example, the cleat support areas 260 are defined by and as part of the matrix structure 250 as a thicker portion of matrix material located within or partially within the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and/or located within the open space 244. As various options, if desired, one or more of the cleat support areas 260 may be defined in one or more of the following areas: (a) solely in the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O, (b) partially in the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and partially in the open space 244, and/or (c) completely within the open space 244 (and optionally located at or adjacent the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O). When multiple cleat support areas 260 are present in a single ground-engaging component 240, all of the cleat support areas 260 need not have the same size, construction, and/or orientation with respect to the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and/or open space 244 (although they all may have the same size, construction, and/or orientation, if desired).
While other constructions are possible, in this illustrated example (e.g., see
In at least some examples of this invention, the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and the support structure 250 extending into/across the open space 244 may constitute an unitary, one-piece construction. The one-piece construction can be formed from a polymeric material, such as a PEBAX® brand polymer material or a thermoplastic polyurethane material. As another example, if desired, the ground-engaging component 240 may be made as multiple parts (e.g., split at the forward-most toe area, split along the front-to-back direction, and/or split or separated at other areas), wherein each part includes one or more of: at least a portion of the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and at least a portion of the support structure 250. As another option, if desired, rather than an unitary, one-piece construction, one or more of the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and the support structure 250 individually may be made of two or more parts.
Optionally, the outer perimeter boundary rim 242O and the support structure 250, whether made from one part or more, will have a combined mass of less than 60 grams (exclusive of any separate primary traction elements, like spikes 262, and/or primary traction element mounting hardware, like base components 262B), and in some examples, a combined mass of less than 50 grams, less than 45 grams, less than 40 grams, less than 35 grams, or even less than 30 grams. The entire ground-engaging component 240 also may have any of these weighting characteristics. The ground-engaging component 240, in its final form, may be relatively flexible and pliable, e.g., so as to flex and move naturally with a wearer's foot during ambulatory activities and running/jogging events.
As another example,
Potential primary traction element attachment locations for three primary traction elements 262 on each side of the ground-engaging component 240 are described in the following table (with the “locations” being measured from a center location (or point) of the ground-contacting portion of the cleat/spike 262 and being based on the longitudinal length L of the article of footwear 200 and/or the sole structure 204):
If desired, one or more additional primary traction elements 262 can be provided at other locations of the ground-engaging component 240 structure, including rearward of either or both of the identified rear cleats, between the identified lateral or medial cleats, forward of either or both of the forward cleats, and/or between the lateral and medial cleats (e.g., in the matrix structure 250 within the open area 244, at a central forward toe location, etc.). In the illustrated example, each lateral cleat is located further rearward in the longitudinal direction L than its corresponding medial cleat (i.e., the rearmost lateral cleat is further rearward than the rearmost medial cleat, the middle lateral cleat is further rearward than the middle medial cleat, and/or the forwardmost lateral cleat is further rearward than the forwardmost medial cleat).
More specifically, and referring to
As further shown in these figures, along with
The raised corners 504C of the generally hexagonal ridge 504 in this illustrated example ground-engaging component 240 may be formed as sharp peaks that may act as secondary traction elements at desired locations around the ground-engaging component 240. As evident from these figures and the discussion above, the generally hexagonal ridges 504 and side walls 506 from three adjacent cells (e.g., 252 and two 252J cells) meet at a single (optionally raised) corner 504C and thus may form a substantially pyramid type structure (e.g., a pyramid having three side walls 252F, 506 that meet at a point 504C). This substantially pyramid type structure can have a sharp point (e.g., depending on the slopes of walls 252F, 506), which can function as a secondary traction element when it contacts the ground in use. This same type of pyramid structure formed by matrix 250 also may be used to form the secondary traction elements 264 at cleat support areas 260.
Not every cell (open, partially open, or closed) in the ground-engaging component 240 needs to have this type of secondary traction element structure (e.g., with raised pointed pyramids at the generally hexagonal ridge 504 corners 504C), and in fact, not every generally hexagonal ridge 504 corner 504C around a single cell 252 needs to have a raised secondary traction element structure. One or more of the ridge components 504 of a given cell 252 may have a generally straight line structure along the ground-facing surface 248G and/or optionally a linear or curved structure that moves closer to the upper-facing surface 248U moving from one corner 504C to an adjacent corner 504C. In this manner, secondary traction elements may be placed at desired locations around the ground-engaging element 240 structure and left out (e.g., with smooth corners 504C and/or edges in the z-direction) at other desired locations. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, raised points and/or other secondary traction elements could be provided at other locations on the matrix structure 250, e.g., anywhere along ridge 504 or between adjacent cells.
Notably, in this example construction, the matrix structure 250 defines at least some of the cells 252 (and 252J) such that the perimeter of the entrance to the cell opening 252 around the upper-facing surface 248U (e.g., defined by perimeter 244P of the ovoid shaped opening) is smaller than the perimeter of the entrance to the cell opening 252 around the ground-facing surface 248G (e.g., defined by the generally hexagonal perimeter ridge 504). Stated another way, the area of the entrance to the cell opening 252 from the upper-facing surface 248U (e.g., the area within the perimeter 244P of the ovoid shaped opening) is smaller than the area of the entrance to the cell opening 252 from the ground-facing surface 248G (e.g., the area within the generally hexagonal perimeter ridge 504). The generally hexagonal perimeter ridge 504 completely surrounds the perimeter 244P in at least some cells. This difference in the entrance areas and sizes is due to the sloped/curved sides walls 506 from the upper-facing surface 248U to the ground-facing surface 248G.
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.
For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes the subject-matter described in the following numbered paragraphs (referred to as “para.” or “paras.”):
[Para. 1]. A ground-engaging component for an article of footwear, comprising:
an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, and wherein a rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located within one of: an arch support area or a forward heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and
a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim and at least partially across the open space.
[Para. 2] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 1, wherein the support structure includes a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells within the open space at least at the forefoot support area.
[Para. 3] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 2, wherein at least 60% of the open cells of the open cellular construction have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.
[Para. 4] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 2 or Para. 3, wherein the matrix structure further defines a first cleat support area between a lateral side of the outer perimeter boundary rim and a medial side of the outer perimeter boundary rim.
[Para. 5] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 2 or Para. 3, wherein the matrix structure further defines a first cleat support area at or at least partially within the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim.
[Para. 6] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 4 or Para. 5, further comprising:
a track spike engaged at the first cleat support area.
[Para. 7] The ground-engaging component according to any one of Paras. 4-6, wherein the matrix structure further defines a plurality of secondary traction elements dispersed around the first cleat support area.
[Para. 8] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 2 or Para. 3, wherein the matrix structure further defines:
a first cleat support area at or at least partially in a lateral side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim;
a second cleat support area at or at least partially in the lateral side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim and located forward of the first cleat support area;
a third cleat support area at or at least partially in a medial side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim; and
a fourth cleat support area at or at least partially in the medial side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim and located forward of the third cleat support area.
[Para. 9] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 8, further comprising a first track spike engaged at the first cleat support area, a second track spike engaged at the second cleat support area, a third track spike engaged at the third cleat support area, and a fourth track spike engaged at the fourth cleat support area.
[Para. 10] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 8, wherein the matrix structure further defines:
a fifth cleat support area at or at least partially in the lateral side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim and located forward of the second cleat support area; and
a sixth cleat support area at or at least partially in the medial side of the ground-facing surface of the outer perimeter boundary rim and located forward of the fourth cleat support area.
[Para. 11] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 10, further comprising a first track spike engaged at the first cleat support area, a second track spike engaged at the second cleat support area, a third track spike engaged at the third cleat support area, a fourth track spike engaged at the fourth cleat support area, a fifth track spike engaged at the fifth cleat support area, and a sixth track spike engaged at the sixth cleat support area.
[Para. 12] The ground-engaging component according to any one of Paras. 2 through 11, wherein the matrix structure further defines a first set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the first set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from a rear lateral direction toward a forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 13] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 12, wherein the matrix structure further defines a second set of open cells located forward of the first set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the second set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 14] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 13, wherein the matrix structure further defines a third set of open cells located forward of the second set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the third set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 15] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 14, wherein the matrix structure further defines a fourth set of open cells located forward of the third set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the fourth set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 16] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 15, wherein the matrix structure further defines a fifth set of open cells located forward of the fourth set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the fifth set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 17] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 16, wherein the matrix structure further defines a sixth set of open cells located forward of the fifth set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the sixth set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 18] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 17, wherein the matrix structure further defines a seventh set of open cells located forward of the sixth set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the seventh set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 19] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 18, wherein the matrix structure further defines an eighth set of open cells located forward of the seventh set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the eighth set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 20] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 19, wherein the matrix structure further defines a ninth set of open cells located forward of the eighth set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the ninth set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 21] The ground-engaging component according to Para. 20, wherein the matrix structure further defines a tenth set of open cells located forward of the ninth set of open cells, wherein geographical centers of openings of at least three cells of the tenth set of open cells are substantially aligned along a line that extends from the rear lateral direction toward the forward medial direction of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 22] The ground-engaging component according to any preceding Para., wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim at least 3 mm wide.
[Para. 23] The ground-engaging component according to any preceding Para., wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is present around at least 90% of the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component.
[Para. 24] An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper; and
a sole structure engaged with the upper, the sole structure including a ground-engaging component according to any preceding Para.
[Para. 25] The article of footwear according to Para. 24, wherein at least a portion of the upper includes a woven textile component.
[Para. 26] The article of footwear according to Para. 24, wherein at least a portion of the upper includes a knitted textile component.
[Para. 27] The article of footwear according to any one of Paras. 24 through 26, wherein the sole structure further includes a midsole component between the ground-engaging component and a bottom of the upper.
[Para. 28] The article of footwear according to Para. 27, wherein the midsole component includes a foam midsole element.
[Para. 29] The article of footwear according to Para. 27 or Para. 28, wherein a bottom surface of the midsole component is exposed at an exterior of the sole structure.
[Para. 30] The article of footwear according to Para. 29, wherein the bottom surface of the midsole component extends at least from the rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim of the ground-engaging component to a rear heel support area of the sole structure.
[Para. 31] The article of footwear according to any one of Paras. 24 through 30, wherein the sole structure further includes a heel reinforcement component located at least at a lateral, rear heel support area of the sole structure.
[Para. 32] The article of footwear according to any one of Paras. 24 through 30, wherein the sole structure further includes a heel reinforcement component located at least at a lateral heel support area and a rear heel support area of the sole structure.
[Para. 33] The article of footwear according to Para. 31 or Para. 32, wherein the heel reinforcement component includes a matrix structure with a plurality of open cells.
[Para. 34] The article of footwear according to any one of Paras. 24 through 30, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim of the ground-engaging component tapers inward at an arch support area of the sole structure, and wherein the midsole component forms an outer lateral edge and an outer medial edge of the sole structure within at least some of the arch support area of the sole structure.
[Para. 35] The article of footwear according to any one of Paras. 24 through 30, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim of the ground-engaging component forms an outer lateral edge and an outer medial edge of the sole structure in a forefoot support area of the sole structure, and wherein the midsole component forms the outer lateral edge and the outer medial edge of the sole structure through at least some of an arch support area of the sole structure.
This application is a U.S. National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application PCT/US2016/033517, filed May 20, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/165,584, titled “Ground-Engaging Structures for Articles of Footwear” and filed May 22, 2015. These applications, in their entirety, are incorporated by reference herein.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2016/033517 | 5/20/2016 | WO | 00 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2016/191275 | 12/1/2016 | WO | A |
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Entry |
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Aug. 12, 2016—International Search Report—PCTUS2016/033517. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20180192738 A1 | Jul 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62165584 | May 2015 | US |