“Outsole” is a term often used to describe bottom portions of a shoe sole structure. An outsole, or various parts of the outsole, will typically contact the ground when a shoe wearer stands or when the wearer walks or otherwise moves relative to the ground. In sports and other activities, a person's foot positioning may vary greatly, as necessary to support and/or transfer that person's weight appropriately, during a range of different body motions. An outsole designed to enhance performance during one type of motion, related to a given activity such as a sport, may not be ideal for different types of motions related to that activity. For example, some types of outsole elements may help increase traction and/or stability when a shoe wearer walks or traverses various types of surfaces and grades. However, that same shoe may also be worn when performing other activities that do not require the same type of forward-propelling effort, but instead require an effective weight-transferring effort. During those other activities, involving a body motion that differs from motions experienced while walking, it may be more desirable to stabilize the wearer's foot with outsole elements specific for that body motion.
Golf is one example of an activity in which a person's feet repeatedly experience different types of motions and must support a variety of body positions. A golfer may spend large amounts of time walking. Much of that walking may be over uneven surfaces, surfaces that might be slippery due to moisture, and/or surfaces that vary greatly in texture, including granular surfaces such as sand. It may therefore be desirable to include outsole elements that can increase traction when moving across a variety of surfaces. In addition, however, the technique a golfer uses to swing a club is major determinant of that golfer's overall success. In this regard, proper foot placement, movement, stability, and traction are all important aspects of a golf swing. Due to the basic differences in foot conformations needed for walking motions, compared to those needed for golf club swinging motions, outsoles that increase traction while walking a golf course may not be optimal for stabilizing a wearer's feet while swinging a golf club.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the invention.
An outsole as described herein includes a number of features acting alone or in combination to provide a desired degree of foot traction and/or stability when the wearer performs a number of different motions that accompany a given activity. These features of the outsole can include multiple traction elements of various types. These traction elements may extend outward from one or more planar base surfaces of the outsole such that, when the outsole or portion thereof contacts the ground, the traction elements can penetrate into grass, sand or other ground material so as to increase traction and enhance stability of the shoe wearer foot. As explained in greater detail below, different traction element types are configured to increase traction and foot stability under different conditions.
In addition to various traction elements, other features such as flexure zones may be incorporated in the outsole, for example in the form of deep “sipes,” to vary its thickness in desired locations and/or otherwise define, in combination with the medial or lateral outer edges of the bottom of the outsole, regions of the outsole (e.g., corresponding to portions of the bottom surface of the outsole) that can flex or move relatively independently of the movement of other regions. The flexure zones can therefore cooperate, as described in greater detail below, to provide isolated regions of traction, i.e., regions with various traction elements that are decoupled from one another. In particular embodiments, extended flexure zones may be “carved out” or depressed, relative to surrounding, planar areas of the outsole bottom surface, in order to create zones in which the outsole is thinned. Stresses placed on the outsole, which accompany the normal motions of walking or golf club swinging, will result in preferential bending or flexing of the outsole along such thinned flexure zones, allowing relative movement between regions of the outsole bottom surface that are separated or defined by the flexure zones. Such relative movement, together with selected traction elements or combinations of traction elements within the regions, act to provide desirable support and traction for a number of motions that normally accompany a given activity such as golf.
Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.
The degree to which the outsole is thinned in a flexure zone, relating to the degree to which different regions bounded by the flexure zone can move independently, can be expressed as a depth dimension. The flexure zone depth is measured relative to the elevation of a generally planar area of the outsole bottom surface, proximate the flexure zone. This generally planar area would otherwise include the surface of the outsole material in the area of the flexure zone, had this material not been eliminated in order to create the flexure zone. The generally planar area can correspond to the surface area of an outsole plate. In some embodiments, a flexure zone has a maximum depth of at least about 3 mm (0.12 in), for example from about 5 mm (0.20 in) to about 15 mm (0.59 in). This maximum depth may represent from about 10% to about 95%, for example from about 25% to about 50%, of the maximum thickness of the outsole and thereby result in a substantial “thinning” of the outsole in a given flexure zone. In other embodiments, all of part of the flexure zone may extend completely through the outsole and expose a portion of the midsole.
The depth of a flexure zone may be constant, or the flexure zone may, for example, have a maximum depth at a central length section and decreased depths at outer length sections (or free ends). In some embodiments, the depth of the flexure zone may decrease to essentially 0 at its outer length sections, such it tapers or “disappears” into a generally planar, proximate area. In other embodiments, a flexure zone may extend completely to one or two outer edges, for example, it may extend across the bottom surface of the outsole from the medial edge to the lateral edge. In such embodiments, the profile of the flexure zone, and particularly its depth at the edge of a bottom surface, may be visible on a side surface of the outsole.
The length of a flexure zone is typically its longest dimension, measured along a planar area of the outsole bottom surface, below which the flexure zone is depressed. If the flexure zone is made up of more than one segment, its length is the total length of all of its segments, measured along this planar area. Generally, however, a flexure zone comprises one extended segment having straight and/or curved portions. Flexure zones have lengths that are normally significantly greater than the lengths of traction elements, including both fin and ridge traction elements as described below. For example, the length of the longest flexure zone may exceed that of the longest traction element by a factor of about 2 or more, for example about 3 to about 8 or about 4 to about 7.
Representative lengths of flexure zones are greater than about 2 cm (0.79 in), for example from about 3 cm (1.18 in) to about 25 cm (9.8 in), and often from about 5 cm (2.0 in) to about 20 cm (7.9 in). The width of a flexure zone is measured transverse, relative to its length, and may remain essentially constant over the length of a flexure zone or may vary. Representative average widths of flexure zones, which may correspond to the average distances between discreet regions of the outsole surface that are separated by, or at least partly defined by, these flexure zones, are greater than about 2 mm (0.079 in), for example from about 3 mm (0.12 in) to about 15 mm (0.59 in). These dimensions of flexure zones (lengths, widths, and depths) can allow one or more flexure zones to effectively separate various regions of the outsole surface. Therefore, these separated regions and associated traction elements disposed within them, as described in greater detail below, can move with relative independence.
In at least some embodiments, an outsole of an article of footwear comprises a number of features including various traction elements that contact the surface across which the wearer traverses and/or upon which the wearer performs an activity. Different regions of the outsole may contain traction elements that differ in number and/or kind. Importantly, however, the placement of traction elements is not limited to regions bounded by the medial or lateral outer edges of the bottom of the outsole, but in some embodiments may also extend from exposed medial and/or lateral side surfaces of the outsole to provide traction, stability, and support when the wearer's foot is “rolled,” for example during the weight transfer that accompanies the execution of a golf swing. At least temporarily during the course of such a motion (e.g., during the follow-through), traction elements outside the periphery of the bottom surface of the outsole may contact the ground to achieve a desired performance characteristic of the footwear article.
Examples of traction elements that may be used within regions of an outsole bottom surface (e.g., defined at least partly by extended flexure zones) include raised traction elements such as fin traction elements, ridge traction elements, and spike traction elements. Fin traction elements may extend in a length direction (e.g., a toe-heel direction or a lateral-medial direction) within a region of an outsole, and often reside entirely within a given region of the outsole bottom surface, which is at least partly defined by flexure zones and/or outer edges (medial or lateral) of the bottom of the outsole. Preferably, fin traction elements do not extend in a length direction that is proximate, or generally aligned with, either a flexure zone or an outer edge (medial or lateral) of the bottom of the outsole.
A ridge traction element may include at least one peripheral segment that extends in one length direction, and at least one associated transverse segment that extends in a different length direction. For example, the transverse segment may extend generally widthwise across the outsole (i.e., in a lateral-medial direction across a portion of the width of the wearer's foot), whereas the peripheral segment may extend generally lengthwise (i.e., in a toe-heel direction across a portion of the length of the wearer's foot). The peripheral segment may extend in a length direction that is proximate and generally aligned with a flexure zone and/or a medial or outer lateral edge of the outsole. In particular embodiments, both the peripheral and transverse segments of a ridge traction element may extend in a length direction that is proximate and generally aligned with a flexure zone and/or a medial or lateral outer edge of the outsole, thereby extending in length directions along at least two borders (or portions thereof) of a region of the outsole bottom surface.
The length of a fin or ridge traction element is typically its longest dimension, measured along a planar area of the outsole bottom surface, above which the fin or ridge traction element rises. If the fin or ridge traction element is made up of more than one segment, its length is the total length of all of its segments, measured along this planar area. Generally, however, a fin traction element has one extended segment having straight and/or curved portions, whereas a ridge traction element has two such extended segments. Generally, fin and ridge traction elements have lengths that are greater than the lengths of other types of traction elements, such as spike traction elements. Representative lengths of fin and ridge traction elements are greater than about 3 mm (0.12 in), for example from about 5 mm (0.20 in) to about 20 mm (0.79 in). These lengths can allow one or more fin and/or ridge elements to provide stability on a penetrable surface (e.g., soil), particularly during the foot motion that accompanies the body weight transfer involved in swinging a golf club.
At least a portion, and possibly all, of the fin traction elements and/or the ridge traction elements may have a height that decreases over all or a portion of the length of these elements. The height of these traction elements refers to the dimension of their downward protrusion, when the article of footwear is placed in its upright position, relative to a generally planar area of the outsole bottom surface, proximate the traction element. In the case of a fin traction element, in one example whereby its height decreases over portions of its length, this element has a curved, protruding shape such that a central length section of the fin traction element protrudes downward to a greater extent, relative to outer length sections, and thereby has the ability to penetrate a penetrable surface (e.g., soil) to a greater depth, under the weight of the wearer. Likewise, in the case of a ridge traction element, in one example whereby its height decreases over portions of its length, this element has a curved, protruding shape such that a central length section of the ridge traction element, namely a section proximate the point of intersection between a peripheral segment and an associated transverse segment, protrudes downward to a greater extent, relative to outer length sections that are distant from this point of intersection. The central length section of a fin or ridge traction element may therefore correspond to a section of maximum height of such traction elements. In some embodiments, the height may decrease to essentially 0 at the outer length sections of fin or ridge traction element, such that the traction element tapers or “disappears” into a generally planar, proximate area. Representative maximum heights of fin or ridge traction elements are greater than about 2 mm (0.079 in), for example from about 3 mm (0.12 in) to about 10 mm (0.39 in). In general, fin and/or ridge traction elements have smooth top surfaces that are either flat, like the edge surface of a penny, or otherwise tapered to a create a finer top surface, like the edge of a knife, to allow easier penetration into a soft surface such as soil. In other embodiments, fin and/or ridge traction elements can have reeded top surfaces, like the edge surface of a quarter, or otherwise a jagged or saw-toothed top surface to provide a desired degree of traction and/or soil penetration. In still other embodiments, a smooth but wavy top surface may be used.
In some embodiments, an outsole may include additional types of traction elements, some or all of which may be located in regions of the bottom surface of the outsole that are at least partly defined by flexure zones and/or outer edges (medial or later) of the bottom of the outsole. Representative traction elements include spike traction elements having, for example, circular, elliptical, polygonal (e.g., rectangular such as square), or rounded polygonal cross sectional areas, in a plane that encompasses, or is at a greater height and parallel to, a planar area of the outsole that is proximate the traction element. In this regard, such traction elements generally do not extend lengthwise in any one direction over the bottom surface of the outsole, to the extent discussed above with respect to fin and ridge traction elements. Representative spike traction elements, for example, extend in a length direction, for example corresponding only to the longest dimension across their circular or elliptical cross sectional areas, of less than about 10 mm (0.39 in), for example from about 2 mm (0.079 in) to about 8 mm (0.31 in).
Despite their relatively short length, spike traction elements may have a substantial height, which refers to the dimension of its maximum protrusion, when the article of footwear is placed in its upright position, relative to a planar area of the outsole bottom surface, proximate the traction element. Representative heights of spike traction elements are greater than about 3 mm (0.12 in), for example from about 5 mm (0.20 in) to about 15 mm (0.59 in). This height can allow one or more spike elements to serve a primary purpose of providing traction on a penetrable surface (e.g., soil). In particular embodiments, at least one spike element, and possibly a plurality of spike elements, and in some cases all of the spike elements, has/have a height that is greater than the height of all of the fin traction elements and/or the height of all of the ridge traction elements, measured as described above. In such embodiments, this at least one spike element, or plurality of spike elements, may protrude below all of the fin and/or ridge traction elements when the article of footwear is placed in its upright position. In the case of the article of footwear being placed on a relatively impenetrable surface (e.g., concrete) and in the absence of downward forces exerted by a wearer, this at least one spike element, or plurality of spike elements, may be the only traction elements that make contact with this surface.
Specific types of spike traction elements include circumferential spike traction elements that protrude from positions on the bottom surface of the outsole, which can generally reside on a common circle. Preferably, the common circle is within a given region of an outsole bottom surface that is defined at least partly by extended flexure zones. Spike traction elements may therefore be present as “clusters” of at least three (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10) circumferential spike traction elements, generally having the same or similar geometry and dimensions. In some embodiments, spike traction elements, including such clusters, may be removable and/or replaceable with differing spike traction elements, in order to accommodate the different playing conditions and/or demands encountered in a given activity.
In certain embodiments, the outsole may comprise various additional traction elements in any of the regions of the outsole bottom surface as described below, and/or an exposed medial or lateral side surface of the outsole.
Sole structure 102 includes an outsole 103 and a midsole 104. These and other components of sole structure 102 are further described below. In other embodiments, a sole structure may only include an outsole or might otherwise lack a separate midsole. In embodiments that include a separate midsole, the midsole can be external, e.g., located outside of an upper 105 and having exposed portions visible on the shoe exterior (such as in the embodiment of shoe 101). In other embodiments, a midsole may be internal, e.g., located within an upper. Outsole 103 covers the entire bottom surface of shoe 101. In other embodiments, an outsole may not cover the entire bottom surface and may include openings that expose a midsole or other shoe component. In still other embodiments, a sole structure could include a support plate and/or other component(s). Shoe 101 also includes upper 105, mentioned above. Shoes having sole structures according to various embodiments can include various types of uppers. Because the details of such uppers are not germane to understanding sole structures disclosed herein, upper 105 is shown generically in
Various locations of an outsole may be identified in terms of the corresponding, proximate foot bones of a person wearing a shoe that includes the outsole. Identifications in this manner assume that the shoe is properly sized for the wearing foot. When referring to an outsole or other component of a sole structure, the designation “forefoot” generally refers to a location under or near the metatarsal and phalangeal bones of a shoe wearer's foot and may extend beyond the wearer's toes to the frontmost portion of the shoe. The forefoot may extend beyond the medial or lateral peripheral edge of the wearer's foot. The designation “midfoot” generally refers to a location under or near the cuboid, navicular, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform and lateral cuneiform bones of the wearer's foot. The midfoot may also extend beyond the medial or lateral peripheral edge of the wearer's foot. The designation “hindfoot” generally refers to a location extending from the midfoot and under/near the wearer calcaneus (heel bone), which may extend to the rearmost portion of the shoe, and may also extend beyond the medial or lateral peripheral edge of the wearer's foot. One or more of the above-described locations corresponding to the designations “forefoot,” “midfoot,” and “hindfoot” may overlap, and description of an outsole component by reference to a particular anatomical location does not require that the component cover that entire anatomical region. For example, as discussed below with reference to
Third flexure zone 214, like first flexure zone 210, extends widthwise and at least partly (e.g., substantially or completely) across outsole 103, in a direction substantially parallel to first flexure zone 210. Third flexure zone 214 is also located in a forefoot region, but further from toe edge 250, relative to first flexure zone 210. In the embodiment of
First and second flexure zones 210, 212 intersect to define, together with medial outer edge 235, lateral outer edge 240, and third flexure zone 214, a number of regions upon which traction elements, as described above, may be positioned to impart traction, support, and stability characteristics, and also to vary these characteristics, in the regions as desired. In the embodiment of
In the specific embodiment of
Flexure zones defining, and traction elements in, regions of outsole 103 (e.g., fin traction elements), may have any of the characteristics, or any combination of characteristics, including dimensions, as discussed above with respect to these features. As noted above, the depth of a flexure zone or height of a traction element may be measured with respect to a planar area of the outsole bottom surface that is proximate the traction element. For example, the height of fin traction elements 290 in forward medial forefoot region D and the depth of first flexure zone 210 may be measured relative to proximate planar area 295.
As also shown in
According to representative examples, at least some of the midsole component may be made from a two-part foam component as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,941,938 (e.g., a harder, denser, more durable foam carrier or shell in which a softer, less dense, less durable, and lightweight foam insert or core is provided), which patent is entirely incorporated herein by reference. When one or more two-part components are present in a sole structure like that shown in
The provision of traction and stability across the full range of foot movement during a golf swing may, in some embodiments, be further supplemented through the use of side-extending fin traction elements, protruding outwardly from exposed medial and/or lateral side surfaces of outsole 103. Representative side-extending fin traction elements are illustrated in the medial side view of
The bottom view of the outsole front portion, depicted in
In some embodiments of the invention, such as the embodiment of
Compared to the embodiment depicted in
It can also be appreciated from
In the case of ridge traction elements 292 in regions B, C that do not include a fin traction element, at least two of these ridge traction elements may be proximate borders of these regions B, C that are defined by flexure zones 210, 212, 214 in the forefoot region. For example, in the embodiment of
In many cases, it may be desirable for spike traction elements 294, and particularly circumferential spike traction elements 294′, to provide a primary source of traction for the wearer while walking. When such circumferential spike traction elements 294′ are used, therefore, at least one, but preferably a portion or even all, of circumferential spike traction elements 294′ extend(s) to a height, as described above (i.e., relative to a generally planar and proximate area of the outsole bottom surface), which is greater than that of all other traction elements within the same region. In other embodiments, this height of circumferential spike traction element(s) 294′ is greater than that of all of a plurality of fin traction elements 290 on outsole 103. In yet more particular embodiments, this height of circumferential spike traction element(s) 294′ is greater than that of all other traction elements of outsole 103, whereby the circumferential spike traction element(s) 294′, but no other traction elements, contact(s) a flat and impenetrable surface when the article of footwear is positioned thereupon in an upright, resting position (i.e., without being worn and therefore without deformation due to the downward forces of the wearer's weight). The above characteristics of circumferential spike traction elements 294′ also apply to those in all regions A-J, described herein. For example, in the embodiment of
Outsole 103 can be fabricated from any of various materials commonly used for athletic footwear outsoles. Such materials can include synthetic rubbers, “green” rubbers, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), etc. In some embodiments, higher durometer materials can be used for some or all traction elements and softer durometer materials can be used for other parts of the outsole. In
Outsoles, such as outsole 103 and outsoles others according to other embodiments described herein, can offer several advantages during golf play. During a backswing, a player typically rolls the leading foot from the lateral side to the medial side and rolls the trailing foot from the medial side to the lateral side. During the downswing and follow-through, the trailing foot rolls from the lateral side to the medial side as the leading foot rolls from the medial side to the lateral side. Various outsole features described above, including traction elements and combinations of traction element types located in various regions, can advantageously (i) help stabilize the trailing foot at the top of the backswing and stabilize the leading foot during the downswing and follow-through, (ii) help stabilize the leading foot at the top of the backswing and stabilize the trailing foot during early portions of the downswing, and/or (iii) help arrest foot roll to the medial side. Flexure zones also facilitate the proper foot roll and increase comfort while the foot is rolling.
Although the swing is a critical part of golf play, a golfer may spend a large amount of time walking. In some cases, the golfer may be required to walk on potentially slippery surfaces (e.g., a wet grass, sand, slopes and hills, etc.). Ridge and fin traction elements provide propulsive traction to the wearer while walking. Spike traction elements may provide less propulsive traction than tab traction elements, but have a smaller cross section and allow easier penetration of a ground surface. Flexure zones permit natural flexing of the foot while walking and increase comfort.
One or more embodiments are directed to outsoles having a number of features, including flexure zones and traction elements that provide any of a number of benefits and advantages described herein. Those having skill in the art, with the knowledge gained from the present disclosure, will recognize that various changes can be made to these outsoles without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, other embodiments include numerous additional variations on the embodiment of outsole 103. The number, placement and arrangement of fin traction elements, ridge traction elements, and spike traction elements, including circumferential spike traction elements, can be varied. In some embodiments, for example, ridge and/or spike traction elements are only included on the lateral or the medial side, which is divided by the second, lengthwise extending flexure zone. The configuration of ridge and fin traction elements could also be varied. As examples, ridge and/or fin traction elements could have a serrated edge, can include intermediate bosses or studs embedded in a segment, etc. The shapes, arrangements and number of spike traction elements, including groups of circumferential spike traction elements, can also be varied. Other types of traction elements can be included. One or more flexure zones could be omitted.
The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments to the precise form explicitly described or mentioned herein. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments. The embodiments described herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various embodiments and their practical application to enable one skilled in the art to make and use these and other embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Any and all permutations of features from above-described embodiments are the within the scope of the invention. References in the claims to characteristics of a physical element relative to a wearer of claimed article, or relative to an activity performable while the claimed article is worn, do not require actual wearing of the article or performance of the referenced activity in order to satisfy the claim.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/758,504, filed Feb. 4, 2013, now allowed, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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Child | 15409067 | US |