Patent Application
20150289591
The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear, and in particular to articles of footwear with interchangeable inserts.
Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter.
In one aspect, an insert system includes a first article of footwear and a second article of footwear. The first article of footwear includes a first upper and a first sole structure. The first sole structure includes a first midsole. The first midsole has a first side peripheral portion, a first bottom portion, a first top portion, and a first cavity. The first cavity has a first cavity sidewall associated with the first side peripheral portion of the first midsole. The first cavity has a first lower cavity surface associated with the first bottom portion of the first midsole. The first cavity sidewall is tapered. The second article of footwear includes a second upper and a second sole structure. The second sole structure includes a second midsole. The second midsole has a second side peripheral portion, a second bottom portion, a second top portion, and a second cavity. The second cavity has a second cavity sidewall associated with the second side peripheral portion of the second midsole. The second cavity has a second lower cavity surface associated with the second bottom portion of the second midsole. The second cavity sidewall is tapered. The first side peripheral portion and the second side peripheral portion have different thicknesses. The first cavity and the second cavity have substantially similar geometries.
In another aspect, a set of sole structures includes a first sole structure and a second sole structure. The first sole structure has a first cavity. The first cavity has a first inner surface and a first sidewall surface. The second sole structure has a second cavity. The second cavity has a second inner surface and a second sidewall surface. The first inner surface and the second inner surface have substantially similar geometries. The first sidewall surface and the second sidewall surface have substantially different geometries.
In a further aspect, a set of sole structures includes a first sole structure and a second sole structure. The first sole structure has a first cavity, the first cavity having a first inner surface and a first sidewall surface. The second sole structure has a second cavity. The second cavity has a second inner surface and a second sidewall surface. The first inner surface and the second inner surface have substantially similar geometries. The first sidewall surface and the second sidewall surface have substantially different geometries. The first midsole includes a first cavity, the first cavity having a first inner surface and a first sidewall surface. The second article of footwear has a second upper attached to a second midsole. The second midsole includes a second cavity. The second cavity has a second inner surface and a second sidewall surface. The first inner surface and the second inner surface have substantially similar geometries. The first upper and the second upper are different.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.
The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
Article of footwear 100, also referred to simply as article 100, may be configured as various kinds of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments article 100 may be configured as various other kinds of non-sports related footwear, including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high heeled footwear, and loafers.
Referring to
It will be understood that forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12 and heel portion 14 are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article 100. Likewise, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 are intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather than precisely demarcating article 100 into two halves. Moreover, throughout the embodiments, forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12, heel portion 14, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may be used to refer to portions/sides of individual components of article 100, as well as portions/sides of any inserts from set of inserts.
For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of a component (e.g., article of footwear or insert). In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the component. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of a component. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral and longitudinal direction. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. In addition, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a footwear component that is closer to a portion of a foot when an article of footwear is worn. Likewise, the term “distal” refers to a portion of a footwear component that is further from a portion of a foot when an article of footwear is worn. This detailed description makes use of these directional adjectives in describing both a midsole and an insert.
The following embodiments can include any of the features and/or components described in the “Articles of Footwear Having a Similar Appearance and Different Sole Assemblies” application described above and incorporated by reference.
Article 100 may include an upper 102 as well as a sole structure 110. Generally, upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article 100 is a basketball shoe, upper 102 could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article 100 is a running shoe, upper 102 could be a low top upper.
In some embodiments, upper 102 includes opening 120 that provides entry for the foot into an interior cavity of upper 102. In some embodiments, upper 102 may include a tongue 122 that provides cushioning and support across the instep of the foot. Some embodiments may include fastening provisions, including, but not limited to: laces, cables, straps, buttons, zippers as well as any other provisions known in the art for fastening articles. In some embodiments, a lace 125 may be applied at a fastening region of upper 102.
In some embodiments, upper 102 could be open on a lower portion. In such cases, upper 102 may be associated with a lower opening that is bounded by a lower peripheral portion 103. In other embodiments, upper 102 could be closed on a lower portion. In such cases, upper 102 could have a lower portion of material separated from the side portions of upper 102 by lower peripheral portion 103. In some embodiments, as depicted in
In some embodiments, sole structure 110 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 110 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 110 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 110 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 110 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces.
Sole structure 110 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure 110 may include different components. For example, sole structure 110 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. In the embodiment of
As shown in
In different embodiments, the number of inserts comprising set of inserts 150 may vary. In some embodiments, set of inserts 150 may comprise a single insert that may be used with article of footwear 100. In other embodiments, set of inserts 150 may comprise two inserts that may be removably inserted into article of footwear 100. In still other embodiments, set of inserts 150 could comprise three or more inserts that may be removably inserted into article of footwear 100.
In the embodiment of
As seen in
It will be understood that each insert of set of inserts 150 could vary in any manner, including variations in materials and/or material characteristics. For example, embodiments can differ in rigidity, flexibility, cushioning, support, weight as well as in other ways. Embodiments can include inserts made of any materials including, but not limited to: plastics, foams, woven and/or non-woven fabrics, composite materials as well as other kinds of inserts. In some embodiments, first removable insert 152 and second removable insert 154 may each be made of a foam material. In at least some embodiments, each insert may comprise a different foam material with different rigidities and/or cushioning properties. Moreover, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the materials used for one or more inserts may be complementary to the materials used in constructing midsole 112. In particular, in some embodiments, at least some portions of either first removable insert 152 and/or second removable insert 154 may comprise substantially similar materials to those used for making midsole 112.
Varying the properties of each insert allows for a customizable experience. In particular, a user may select an insert that achieves desired functionality from two or more inserts in a set of inserts. Thus, different inserts can be used to achieve different degrees of support, cushioning, rigidity, energy return, weight reduction, as well as possibly other features.
Embodiments can include provisions to facilitate improved support for a foot using an insert. In some embodiments, an insert and corresponding cavity of the midsole may have geometries that enhance support for the foot. In an exemplary embodiment, an insert and corresponding midsole cavity can have tapered geometries that enhance support for the foot during some kinds of maneuvers, such as cutting, backpedaling, foot strikes or other maneuvers where forces are applied by the foot to the insert and midsole.
Referring now to
The term “tapered” as used herein refers to the angled or sloped configuration of each sidewall. In some embodiments, each sidewall may be tapered in an approximately linear manner. Specifically, each sidewall may be an approximately straight surface that forms non-right angles with respect to a top portion and/or a bottom portion of the insert. In other embodiments, each sidewall could be tapered in a non-linear manner. Specifically, each sidewall could be contoured in a convex and/or concave manner, or could be comprised of a combination of convex and/or concave contours.
As seen in the enlarged cross-sectional view of
In different embodiments, the value of first angle 191, second angle 192, third angle 193 and fourth angle 194 can vary. In some embodiments, first angle 191 and third angle 193 may both have values approximately in the range between 90 degrees and 150 degrees. In other words, in some embodiments, first angle 191 and third angle 193 may be obtuse angles. In some embodiments, second angle 192 and fourth angle 194 may both have values approximately in the range between 20 degrees and 90 degrees. In other words, in some embodiments, second angle 192 and fourth angle 194 may be acute angles. In some embodiments, the acute angles of first removable insert 152 may be substantially less than 75 degrees, while the obtuse angles may be substantially greater than 105 degrees.
In some embodiments, first angle 191 and second angle 192 could be approximately similar, however, in other embodiments first angle 191 and second angle 192 could have different values. Likewise, in some embodiments, second angle 192 and fourth angle 194 could be approximately similar, however in other embodiments second angle 192 and fourth angle 194 could have different values. In at least some embodiments, for example, the degree of tapering, slope, or slanting, of first insert sidewall 164 could be different from the degree of tapering, slope, or slanting of second insert sidewall 166. In such embodiments, the differences in tapering, slope or slanting results in different values of first angle 191 and third angle 193, as well as different values of second angle 192 and fourth angle 194. Differences in tapering between first insert sidewall 164 and second insert sidewall 166 could provide variations in support when leaning towards one side (e.g., a lateral side) or towards another side (e.g., a medial side).
In some embodiments, the degree of tapering of one or more insert sidewalls could vary over the length of an insert. For example, as indicated in
Although the illustrated embodiments show top portion 160 and bottom portion 162 as approximately flat, in other embodiments top portion 160 and/or bottom portion 162 could have any other geometry. For example, it is contemplated that in some other embodiments, top portion 160 and/or bottom portion 162 could be contoured, with both convex and/or concave portions.
In different embodiments, the cross-sectional geometry of first removable insert 152 could vary. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional geometry could comprise any approximate geometry, including, but not limited to: a rounded geometry, a rectilinear geometry as well as any other kind of geometry. In an exemplary embodiment, first removable insert 152 may have an approximately trapezoidal cross-sectional geometry resulting from the approximately parallel arrangement of top portion 160 and bottom portion 162, and the acute/obtuse orientations of first insert sidewall 164 and second insert sidewall 166. As discussed in further detail below, this approximately trapezoidal cross-sectional geometry may result in a wedge-like configuration for first removable insert 152 that may act to expand midsole 112 in a widthwise direction as vertical forces are applied to first removable insert 152 by a foot.
For purposes of clarity, the geometry of first removable insert 152 is discussed in detail and shown in the figures. However, it should be appreciated that other inserts, including second removable insert 154, may have substantially similar geometries to first removable insert 152. Using a common geometry (and size) for each insert in set of inserts, may allow multiple inserts to be interchangeably received within cavity 230 of midsole 112.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, first cavity sidewall 232 may have a tapered geometry. Also, in some embodiments, second cavity sidewall 234 may have a tapered geometry. In the embodiment of
The term “tapered” as used herein refers to the angled or sloped configuration of each sidewall. In some embodiments, each sidewall may be tapered in an approximately linear manner. Specifically, each sidewall may be an approximately straight surface that forms non-right angles with respect to a top portion and/or a bottom portion of the insert. In other embodiments, each sidewall could be tapered in a non-linear manner. Specifically, each sidewall could be contoured in a convex and/or concave manner, or could be comprised of a combination of convex and/or concave contours.
As seen in the enlarged cross-sectional views of
In different embodiments, the value of angle 290 and angle 291 can vary. In some embodiments, angle 290 and angle 291 may both have values approximately in the range between 90 degrees and 150 degrees. In other words, in some embodiments, angle 290 and angle 291 may be obtuse angles. In at least some embodiments, angle 290 and angle 291 may both be substantially greater than 105 degrees.
In some embodiments, angle 290 and angle 291 could be approximately similar, however, in other embodiments angle 290 and angle 291 could have different values. In at least some embodiments, for example, the degree of tapering, slope, or slanting, of first cavity sidewall 232 could be different from the degree of tapering, slope, or slanting of second cavity sidewall 234. In such embodiments, the differences in tapering, slope or slanting results in different values of angle 290 and angle 291. Differences in tapering between first cavity sidewall 232 and second cavity sidewall 234 could provide variations in support when leaning towards one side (e.g., a lateral side) or towards another side (e.g., a medial side).
In embodiments where an insert has sidewalls that vary in geometry (for example, in slope or length) over the length of the insert, cavity 230 can include cavity sidewalls that vary in a corresponding manner. For example, as seen in
In the embodiment depicted in
In different embodiments, the cross-sectional geometry of cavity 230 could vary. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional geometry could comprise any approximate geometry, including, but not limited to: a rounded geometry, a rectilinear geometry as well as any other kind of geometry. In an exemplary embodiment, cavity 230 may have an approximately trapezoidal cross-sectional geometry resulting from angled arrangement of first cavity sidewall 232 with lower cavity surface 236 and of second cavity sidewall 234 with lower cavity surface 236. Moreover, as with first removable insert 152, cavity 230 can have a cross-sectional geometry that varies over its length. In particular, cavity 230 may have a first cross-sectional geometry 240 in forefoot portion 10 and a second cross-sectional geometry 242 in heel portion 14.
In some embodiments, the configuration of cavity 230 provides first side peripheral portion 210 and second side peripheral portion 212 of midsole 112 with variable thicknesses. In particular, the thicknesses of each side peripheral portion may vary at different vertical positions (i.e., positions along a direction between top portion 202 and bottom portion 204 of midsole 112). In the embodiment depicted in
It will be understood that the thicknesses may vary in this manner due to the difference in geometries of the recess sidewalls and corresponding outer sidewalls of midsole 112. For example, while first cavity sidewall 232 is tapered (or sloped with respect to a vertical direction), first outer sidewall 270 of midsole 112 is approximately vertical (i.e., forms approximately right angles with top portion 202 and bottom portion 204 of midsole 112). Similarly, while second cavity sidewall 234 is tapered, second outer sidewall 272 of midsole 112 is approximately vertical.
In still other embodiments, rather than a portion of upper 102 extending beneath bottom portion 162 of first removable insert 152, a sockliner or strobe sock may be disposed between bottom portion 162 and lower cavity surface 236.
Referring now to
As seen in
This outward bending of first side peripheral portion 210 and second side peripheral portion 212 may result in a temporary increase in the width of midsole 112, especially near top portion 202. For example, in the configuration shown in
As first side peripheral portion 210 and second side peripheral portion 212 are bent outwardly and away from their default vertical orientations, adjacent portions of upper 102 may likewise be pulled in a similar outward manner. As shown in
It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the outward expansion of midsole 112 under loads applied to an insert could be varied according to the construction of the insert. For example, a more rigid top portion for the insert may limit any widthwise contraction of the insert and thus maximize outward expansion of the midsole. In contrast, using a less rigid top portion may allow for some widthwise expansion of the insert (at the top portion especially), thereby reducing the outward expansion of the midsole. Thus, it will be understood that the properties of an insert may be tuned to vary the effect described and shown in
In some instances a footwear system may include various types of articles of footwear configured to receive a one or more inserts. As shown in
In some embodiments, the set of inserts 180 of system 201 (see
As noted above, the footwear system may include various types of shoes. As shown in
In some instances, the various types of shoes may be configured with different uppers to support various styles and/or functions of the set of articles of footwear. For example, as shown in
Similarly, in certain instances, the various types of shoes may be configured with different outsoles to support numerous styles and/or functions of the set of articles of footwear. For example, as shown in
As shown, in some embodiments, the outsole may include ground engaging elements. For example, as shown in
Similarly, the ground engaging elements may be formed using different materials. For example, the cleat 963 may be formed of a metal and/or polymer while integrated protrusion 1263 is formed of an elastomer such as polyurethane. It is contemplated that cleats of different articles of footwear may have different materials. Similarly, in some embodiments, integrated protrusions of different articles of footwear may have different material. For example, integrated protrusion 1263 may be formed of a soft polymer to allow better traction. In another example, integrated protrusion 1263 may be formed of a hard polymer to improve a wear and tear of the outsole 1264.
Similarly, as shown, the outsoles may, in certain embodiments, have different thicknesses. For example, outsole 864 of Sandal 800 may be thin while outsole 1264 of boot 1200 may be thick. Further, as shown, the outsoles may, in certain embodiments, have different tread patterns. For example, outsole 864 of Sandal 800 may be substantially flat, outsole 1064 of low-cut basketball outsole 1064 and outsole 1164 of high-cut basketball outsole 1164 may include a tread pattern having a moderate density for use indoors, and outsole 1264 of boot 1200 may include a tread pattern having a high density for use outdoors.
It should be understood that the various characteristics of the set of articles 250 described herein and illustrated in the figures are intended to be only illustrative and should not be interpreted as limiting. For example, one article of the set of articles 250 may use an elasticized shoe lace and another article of the set of articles 250 may use a hook and loop fastener. In another example, an article of the set of articles 250 may use a thick collar and another article of the set of articles 250 may use a thin collar. In yet another example, an article of the set of articles 250 may have an upper formed primarily utilize yarns and knitting techniques and another article of the set of articles may be formed primarily using rubber, plastics, and petrochemical-derived materials.
As shown in
As shown, the inner surface 873 includes a first cavity sidewall 832, second cavity sidewall 834, and lower cavity surface 836. It should be noted that the first cavity sidewall 832, second cavity sidewall 834, and lower cavity surface 836 of the sandal 800 may have one or more features similar to the first cavity sidewall 232, second cavity sidewall 234, and lower cavity surface 236 of the article of footwear 100. For example, the first cavity sidewall 832 may be associated with first side peripheral portion 810 of midsole 862. In the example, cavity 830 may include a second cavity sidewall 834 that is associated with second side peripheral portion 812 of midsole 862. In addition, cavity 830 may include a lower cavity surface 836 that is associated with bottom portion 804 of midsole 862. In another example, lower cavity surface 836 could be approximately parallel with a ground contacting surface of sole structure 860.
As seen in the enlarged cross-sectional views of
It should be understood that the first cavity sidewall 832 of the sandal 800 and the second cavity sidewall 834 of the sandal 800 may have similar features as the first cavity sidewall 232 of the article of footwear 100 and the second cavity sidewall 234 of the article of footwear 100. For example, the degree of tapering, slope, or slanting, of first cavity sidewall 832 could be different from the degree of tapering, slope, or slanting of second cavity sidewall 834. In another example, as seen in
In the embodiment depicted in
It should be understood that the cross-sectional geometry of the cavity 830 of the sandal 800 may be similar to the cross-sectional geometry of the cavity 230 of the article of footwear 100. For example, the cross-sectional geometry could comprise any approximate geometry, including, but not limited to: a rounded geometry, a rectilinear geometry as well as any other kind of geometry. In another example, cavity 830 may have an approximately trapezoidal cross-sectional geometry resulting from angled arrangement of first cavity sidewall 832 with lower cavity surface 836 and of second cavity sidewall 834 with lower cavity surface 836. In yet another example, cavity 830 may have a first cross-sectional geometry 840 in forefoot portion 10 and a second cross-sectional geometry 842 in heel portion 14.
The first side peripheral portion 810 and second side peripheral portion 812 of the sandal 800 may have one or more features similar to the first side peripheral portion 210 and second side peripheral portion 212 of the article of footwear 100. For example, second side peripheral portion 812 has a first lateral thickness 880 at top portion 802 of midsole 862. Further, second side peripheral portion 812 has a second lateral thickness 882 between top portion 802 and lower cavity surface 836. Also, second side peripheral portion 812 has a third lateral thickness 884 at lower cavity surface 836. It should be understood that the first lateral thickness, the second lateral thickness, and/or the third lateral thickness may be similar in different portions of the sole. For example, first lateral thickness 880, second lateral thickness 882, and third lateral thickness 884 may be similar in the forefoot portion 10 and in the heel portion 14. Moreover, the third lateral thickness 884 may be greater than second lateral thickness 882. Also, second lateral thickness 882 may be greater than first lateral thickness 880. In other embodiments, first side peripheral portion 810 and second side peripheral portion 812 of sandal 800 and first side peripheral portion 210 and second side peripheral portion 212 of article 100 are different. For example, thickness 880 at top portion 802 of midsole 862 may be different than first lateral thickness 280 at top portion 202 of midsole 262 (not shown).
As shown, outer surface 874 of the cavity 830 may include first outer sidewall 870, second outer sidewall 872, and bottom portion 804. It should be noted that the first outer sidewall 870, second outer sidewall 872, and bottom portion 804 of the sandal 800 may have one or more features similar to the first outer sidewall 270, second outer sidewall 272, and bottom portion 204 of the article of footwear 100. For example, outer surface 874 may extend from front peripheral portion 806 to rear peripheral portion 808.
In order to support an insertion of a single insert into each article of footwear of a set of articles of footwear, each article may have a cavity with a standardized inner surface. For example, article 100 (see
In certain embodiments, inner surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially similar geometries by having lower cavity surfaces of approximately equal widths. For example, the lower cavity surface 236 of article 100 has a width 235 that is approximately equal to width 835 of the lower cavity surface 836 of sandal 800 (see
Similarly, in some embodiments, inner surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially similar geometries by tapering the cavities of each article of the set of articles to approximately equal angles. For example, angle 190 of article 100 and angle 890 of sandal 800 may approximately equal. As used herein, two angles are approximately equal when a difference between the two angles is less than ten degrees. Similarly, in the example, angle 291 of article 100 and angle 891 of sandal 800 may substantially equal. Accordingly, an insert may be sized to have a first angle (e.g., first angle 191) and a second angle (e.g., second angle 192) to associate with the angle (e.g., angle 190, angle 291, etc.), thereby allowing for a single insert to be utilized by a set of articles of footwear.
In order to allow for different properties, in some embodiments, outer surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially different geometries. In one embodiment, outer surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially different geometries by varying a height of a first side peripheral portion and/or a second side peripheral portion of a midsole. For example, as shown in
In certain embodiments, the insert may extend above the first side peripheral portion and/or a second side peripheral portion. For example, as shown in
Similarly, in one embodiment, outer surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially different geometries by varying a height of a first outer sidewall and/or a second outer sidewall of a midsole. For instance, as shown in
As shown, the inner surface 973 includes a first cavity sidewall 932, second cavity sidewall 934, and lower cavity surface 936. It should be noted that the first cavity sidewall 932, second cavity sidewall 934, and lower cavity surface 936 of the track shoe 900 may have one or more features similar to the first cavity sidewall 232, second cavity sidewall 234, and lower cavity surface 236 of the article of footwear 100. That is, the inner surface 973 may be substantially similar to the inner surface 873.
As shown, outer surface 974 of the cavity 930 may include first outer sidewall 970, second outer sidewall 972, and bottom portion 904. It should be noted that the first outer sidewall 970, second outer sidewall 972, and bottom portion 904 of the track shoe 900 may have one or more features similar to the first outer sidewall 270, second outer sidewall 272, and bottom portion 204 of the article of footwear 100. For example, outer surface 974 may extend from front peripheral portion 906 to rear peripheral portion 908. However as discussed further, the outer surface 974 may be substantially different from the outer surface 874.
In some embodiments, outer surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially different geometries by varying an outer angle of a first outer sidewall and/or a second outer sidewall of a midsole. In one embodiment, an outer angle of an outer sidewall may vary between sole structures of different articles of footwear while maintaining substantially similar inner cavities. For example, second side peripheral portion 212 of article 100 has an approximately vertical second outer sidewall 272 (see
Similarity, in certain embodiments, the thicknesses of each side peripheral portion may vary between sole structures of different articles of footwear while maintaining substantially similar inner cavities. For example, the second outer sidewall 972 of the outer surface 974 has a first lateral thickness 980 at top portion 902 of track shoe 900, a second lateral thickness 982 between top portion 902 and lower cavity surface 936, and a third lateral thickness 984 at lower cavity surface 936. As shown, the first lateral thickness 980 of the track shoe 900 is approximately equal to the first lateral thickness 280 of the article of footwear 100 while the second lateral thickness 982 of the track shoe 900 is less than the second lateral thickness 282 of the article of footwear 100 and the third lateral thickness 984 of the track shoe 900 is approximately equal to the third lateral thickness 284 of the article of footwear 100. As shown in
As shown, the inner surface 1073 includes a first cavity sidewall 1032, second cavity sidewall 1034, and lower cavity surface 1036. It should be noted that the first cavity sidewall 1032, second cavity sidewall 1034, and lower cavity surface 1036 of the low-cut basketball shoe 1000 may have one or more features similar to the first cavity sidewall 232, second cavity sidewall 234, and lower cavity surface 236 of the article of footwear 100. That is, the inner surface 1073 may be substantially similar to the inner surface 873 and/or inner surface 973.
As shown, outer surface 1074 of the cavity 1030 may include first outer sidewall 1070, second outer sidewall 1072, and bottom portion 1004. It should be noted that the first outer sidewall 1070, second outer sidewall 1072, and bottom portion 1004 of the low-cut basketball shoe 1000 may have one or more features similar to the first outer sidewall 270, second outer sidewall 272, and bottom portion 204 of the article of footwear 100. For example, outer surface 1074 may extend from front peripheral portion 1006 to rear peripheral portion 1008. However as discussed further, the outer surface 1074 may be substantially different from outer surface 874 and/or outer surface 974.
In some embodiments, outer surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially different geometries by varying a shape of the outer surfaces. For example, second outer sidewall 272 of second side peripheral portion 212 has an approximately linear shape (see
Similarly, in certain embodiments, outer surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially different geometries by varying the respective thicknesses of each side peripheral portion may vary between sole structures of different articles of footwear while maintaining substantially similar inner cavities. For example, the second outer sidewall 1072 of the outer surface 1074 has a first lateral thickness 1080 at top portion 1002 of low-cut basketball shoe 1000, a second lateral thickness 1082 between top portion 1002 and lower cavity surface 1036, and a third lateral thickness 1084 at lower cavity surface 1036. As shown, the first lateral thickness 1080 of the low-cut basketball shoe 1000 is approximately equal to the first lateral thickness 980 of the track shoe 900 and the second lateral thickness 1082 of the low-cut basketball shoe 1000 is approximately equal to the second lateral thickness 982 of the track shoe 900 while the third lateral thickness 1084 of the low-cut basketball shoe 1000 is greater than the third lateral thickness 984 of the track shoe 900. As shown in
As shown, the inner surface 1173 includes a first cavity sidewall 1132, second cavity sidewall 1134, and lower cavity surface 1136. It should be noted that the first cavity sidewall 1132, second cavity sidewall 1134, and lower cavity surface 1136 of the high-cut basketball shoe 1100 may have one or more features similar to the first cavity sidewall 232, second cavity sidewall 234, and lower cavity surface 236 of the article of footwear 100. That is, the inner surface 1173 may be substantially similar to inner surface 873, inner surface 973, and/or inner surface 1073.
As shown, outer surface 1174 of the cavity 1130 may include first outer sidewall 1170, second outer sidewall 1172, and bottom portion 1104. It should be noted that the first outer sidewall 1170, second outer sidewall 1172, and bottom portion 1104 of the high-cut basketball shoe 1100 may have one or more features similar to the first outer sidewall 270, second outer sidewall 272, and bottom portion 204 of the article of footwear 100. For example, outer surface 1174 may extend from front peripheral portion 1106 to rear peripheral portion 1108. However as discussed further, outer surface 1174 may be substantially different from outer surface 874, outer surface 974, and/or outer surface 1174.
In varying embodiments, outer surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially different geometries by varying an average lateral thickness of each side peripheral portion may vary between sole structures of different articles of footwear while maintaining substantially similar inner cavities. For example, the second outer sidewall 1172 of the outer surface 1174 has a first lateral thickness 1180 at top portion 1102 of high-cut basketball shoe 1100, a second lateral thickness 1182 between top portion 1102 and lower cavity surface 1136, and a third lateral thickness 1184 at lower cavity surface 1136. As shown, first lateral thickness 1180 of the high-cut basketball shoe 1100 is greater than first lateral thickness 1080 of the low-cut basketball shoe 1000. In the example, second lateral thickness 1182 of the high-cut basketball shoe 1100 is greater than second lateral thickness 1082 of the low-cut basketball shoe 1000. Further, in the example, third lateral thickness 1184 of the high-cut basketball shoe 1100 is greater than third lateral thickness 1084 of the low-cut basketball shoe 1000. It should be understood that the various lateral thicknesses of the first side peripheral portion 1110 may be similar or equal to the various lateral thicknesses of the second side peripheral portion 1112 (see
As shown, the inner surface 1273 includes a first cavity sidewall 1232, second cavity sidewall 1234, and lower cavity surface 1236. It should be noted that the first cavity sidewall 1232, second cavity sidewall 1234, and lower cavity surface 1236 of the boot 1200 may have one or more features similar to the first cavity sidewall 232, second cavity sidewall 234, and lower cavity surface 236 of the article of footwear 100. That is, the inner surface 1273 may be substantially similar to inner surface 873, inner surface 973, inner surface 1073, and/or inner surface 1173.
As shown, outer surface 1274 of the cavity 1230 may include first outer sidewall 1270, second outer sidewall 1272, and bottom portion 1204. It should be noted that the first outer sidewall 1270, second outer sidewall 1272, and bottom portion 1204 of the boot 1200 may have one or more features similar to the first outer sidewall 270, second outer sidewall 272, and bottom portion 204 of the article of footwear 100. For example, outer surface 1274 may extend from front peripheral portion 1206 to rear peripheral portion 1208. However as discussed further, the outer surface 1274 may be substantially different from outer surface 874, outer surface 974, outer surface 1074, and/or outer surface 1174.
In some embodiments, outer surfaces of articles of footwear may have substantially different geometries by varying a bottom thickness of each midsole of different articles of footwear while maintaining substantially similar inner cavities. As used herein, a bottom thickness may be a spacing of a bottom portion from a lower cavity surface. For example, midsole 1262 of boot 1200 has bottom thickness 1286 spacing bottom portion 1204 of the outer surface 1274 from lower cavity surface 1236. In the example, the bottom thickness 1286 is substantially larger than thickness 286 of article of footwear 100. It should be understood that the various thicknesses of the midsole 1262 in the forefoot portion 10 may be similar or equal in the midfoot portion 12 and/or the heel portion 14 (see
While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 14/248,431 filed Apr. 9, 2014 (Attorney Docket No. 51-4034), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. ______, currently U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,414, filed Apr. 9, 2014, and entitled “Articles of Footwear Having a Similar Appearance and Different Sole Assemblies” (Attorney Docket Number 51-3669), which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14248431 | Apr 2014 | US |
| Child | 14616931 | US |
