The present disclosure relates to articles of footwear having particulate foam incorporated with other cushioning.
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.
Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhancing traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is generally at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may define a bottom surface on one side that opposes the outsole and a footbed on the opposite side that may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole and/or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper.
Midsoles using polymer foam materials are generally configured as a single slab that compresses resiliently under applied loads, such as during walking or running movements. Generally, single-slab polymer foams are designed with an emphasis on balancing cushioning characteristics that relate to softness and responsiveness as the slab compresses under gradient loads. Polymer foams providing cushioning that is too soft will decrease the compressibility and the ability of the midsole to attenuate ground-reaction forces after repeated compressions. Conversely, polymer foams that are too hard and, thus, very responsive, sacrifice softness, thereby resulting in a loss in comfort. While different regions of a slab of polymer foam may vary in density, hardness, energy return, and material selection to balance the softness and responsiveness of the slab as a whole, creating a single slab of polymer foam that loads in a gradient manner from soft to responsive is difficult to achieve.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.
One aspect of the disclosure includes an article of footwear having an upper and an outsole attached to the upper. A ground-engaging surface and an inner surface are disposed on opposite sides of the outsole. A midsole of the article of footwear has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides of the midsole. The bottom surface of the midsole opposes the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween. A quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections and a second series of projections that each extend into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other one of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The first series of projections are spaced apart from the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The second series of projections have a different height than the first series of projections and are spaced apart from the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface.
In some examples, when the first and second series of projections extend into the cavity from the inner surface of the outsole, the quantity of particulate matter is disposed around a base of the first series of projections and around a base of the second series of projections. Either or both of the first series of projections and the second series of projections may include a cross-sectional area that decreases in the first direction.
In some implementations, the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface. The tapered outer surface may terminate at a rounded, distal end of each projection opposing the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The first series of projections may be disposed proximate to a heel portion of the outsole while the second series of projections may be disposed proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole. Additionally, the first series of projections may extend farther from the one of the inner surface and the bottom surface than that of the second series of projections. The first series of projections and the second series of projections may optionally be spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.
In some examples, the particulate matter disposed within the cavity includes foam beads having approximately the same size and shape or at least one of a different size and shape. In these examples, the foam beads may include a substantially spherical shape.
Another aspect of the disclosure includes an article of footwear having an upper and an outsole attached to the upper. A ground-engaging surface and an inner surface are disposed on opposite sides of the outsole. A midsole of the article of footwear has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides of the midsole. The inner surface of the outsole includes a first series of projections and second series of projections each extending in a direction toward the upper and each having a different height. The bottom surface of the midsole opposes the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween. A quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity. The bottom surface is additionally spaced apart from the first series of projections and the second series of projections.
In some implementations, a cross-sectional area of the first series of projections decreases in a direction that extends from the outsole toward the midsole. Additionally, a cross-sectional area of the second series of projections may decrease in a direction that extends from the outsole toward the midsole. In some examples, the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface. In these examples, the tapered outer surface may terminate at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the bottom surface of the midsole. In some scenarios, the first series of projections are disposed proximate to a heel portion of the outsole, while the second series of projections are disposed proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole. In these scenarios, the first series of projections may optionally extend farther from the inner surface of the outsole than the second series of projections. The first series of projections and the second series of projections may optionally be spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.
In some examples, the particulate matter disposed within the cavity includes foam beads having approximately the same size and shape or at least one of a different size and shape. In these examples, the foam beads may include a substantially spherical shape.
In yet another aspect of the disclosure, an article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole having a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed. The bottom surface of the midsole includes a first series of projections extending in a direction away from the upper. The bottom surface also includes a second series of projections extending away from the upper and having a different height than the first series of projections. The article of footwear also includes an outsole that is attached to the upper and includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides of the outsole. The inner surface opposes the bottom surface of the midsole. The inner surface of the outsole and the bottom surface of the midsole cooperate to define a cavity therebetween. A quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity and the inner surface of the outsole is spaced apart from the first series of projections and the second series of projections.
In some implementations, a cross-sectional area of the first series of projections decreases in a direction that extends from the midsole toward the outsole. Additionally, a cross-sectional area of the second series of projections may decrease in a direction that extends from the midsole toward the outsole. In some examples, the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface. In these examples, the tapered outer surface may terminate at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the inner surface of the outsole. The first series of projections may optionally oppose a heel portion of the outsole, while the second series of projections may optionally oppose a forefoot portion of the outsole. In one configuration, the first series of projections extend farther from the bottom surface of the midsole than the second series of projections. In some scenarios, the first series of projections and the second series of projections may be spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.
In some examples, the particulate matter disposed within the cavity includes foam beads having approximately the same size and shape or at least one of a different size and shape. In these examples, the foam beads may include a substantially spherical shape.
Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of making an article of footwear. The method includes providing a cavity between a footbed and an outsole and providing one of the footbed and the outsole with a first series of projections that extend into the cavity in a first direction toward the other one of the footbed and the outsole. The first series of projections are spaced apart from the other of the footbed and the outsole. The method also includes providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with a second series of projections that extend into the cavity in the first direction toward the other one of the footbed and the outsole. The second series of projections are spaced apart from the other one of the footbed and the outsole. The second series of projections has a different height than the first series of projections. The method also includes providing the cavity with a quantity of particulate matter.
In some examples, the method includes providing the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections. In these examples, the quantity of particulate matter is provided around a base of the first series of projections and around a base of the second series of projections.
In some implementations, the method includes providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections by providing the first series of projections with a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the other one of the footbed and the outsole. Optionally, the method includes providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections by providing the first series of projections and the second series of projections with a constantly tapered outer surface. The method may also include providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections by providing a void between the first series of projections and the second series of projections proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.
In some examples, the method includes providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections by providing the first series of projections proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole. In these examples, the method may also include extending the first series of projections farther from the one of the footbed and the outsole than the second series of projections.
In some examples, providing the cavity with particulate matter includes providing the cavity with foam beads. Providing the cavity with foam beads may include providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads having a substantially spherical cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, providing the cavity with foam beads may include providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads that include approximately the same size and shape or at least one of a different size and shape.
Referring to
The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that define an interior void 102 that receives and secures a foot for support on the sole structure 200. An ankle opening 104 in the heel portion 16 may provide access to the interior void 102. For example, the ankle opening 104 may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void 102 and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void 102. In some examples, one or more fasteners 106 extend along the upper 100 to adjust a fit of the interior void 102 around the foot while concurrently accommodating entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper 100 may include apertures such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners 106. The fasteners 106 may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener.
The upper 100 may additionally include a tongue portion 110 that extends between the interior void 102 and the fasteners 106. The upper 100 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void 102. Suitable materials of the upper may include, but are not limited, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort to the foot while disposed within the interior void 102.
In some implementations, the sole structure 200 includes an outsole 210 and a midsole 220 arranged in a layered configuration. The outsole 210 is generally positioned on a bottom surface of the article of footwear 10 to allow the outsole 210 to contact a ground surface during use. The midsole 220 is disposed between the upper 100 and the outsole 210 and provides a degree of cushioning to the foot during use of the article of footwear 10. In some examples, the sole structure 200 may also incorporate additional layers such as an insole or sockliner, which may reside within the interior void 102 of the upper 100 to receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the footwear 10. In some examples, a sidewall 230 separates the outsole 210 and the midsole 220 to define a cavity 240 therebetween. In some implementations, projections 300 extend into the cavity 240 to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to control migration of particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 during use of the footwear 10. The projections 300 and the particulate matter 350 disposed within the cavity 240 may cooperate to enhance functionality and cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsole provides. For example, one or more polymer foam materials, such as ethyl-vinyl-acetate or polyurethane, may form the projections 300 to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. The particulate matter 350 may include foam beads having a substantially spherical shape. In some examples, the particulate matter 350 includes foam beads that have approximately the same size and shape. In other examples, the particulate matter 350 includes foam beads having at least one of a different size and shape.
In some examples, the outsole 210 includes a ground-engaging surface 212 and an opposite interior surface 214. The outsole 210 may attach to the upper 100. In some examples, the sidewall 230 extends from the perimeter of the outsole 210 and attaches to the midsole 220 or the upper 100. The example of
The midsole 220 may include a bottom surface 222 and a footbed 224 disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 than the bottom surface 222. Stitching 226 or adhesives may secure the midsole 220 to the upper 100. The footbed 224 may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. In some examples, an insole or sockliner may be disposed on the footbed 224 under the foot within at least a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222 may oppose the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210 to define the cavity 240 therebetween.
The midsole 220 may be formed from a flexible material to allow the midsole 220 to conform to and react with the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240. In so doing, the flexible midsole 220 may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200. Providing the midsole 220 with the ability to flex during use of the article of footwear 10 allows the midsole 220 to conform to the surface profile of the bottom of the foot when compressed in response to a ground-reaction force which, in turn, allows the foot to experience a soft-type cushioning afforded by the compressibility of the particulate matter 350. In some examples, the sidewall 230 may define a perimeter of the cavity 240 as well as a depth of the cavity 240 based on a length of separation between the bottom surface 222 and the inner surface 214. One or more polymer foam materials may form the sidewall 230 to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces.
Referring to
In some implementations, each projection of the first series of projections 310 includes a cross-sectional area that decreases as the projections 310 extend from the base 312 toward the rounded, distal end 314 (e.g., the cross-sectional area of the projections 310 decreases in the first direction). Additionally or alternatively, each projection of the second series of projections 320 may include a cross-sectional area that decreases as the projections 320 extend from the base 322 toward the rounded, distal end 324 (e.g., the cross-sectional area of the projections 320 decreases in the first direction). In some examples, the first and second series of projections 310, 320 include a constantly tapered outer surface extending between the bases 312, 322 and the distal ends 314, 324. In the example shown, the tapered outer surface of each projection 310, 320 terminates at its corresponding rounded, distal end 314, 324.
In addition to controlling migration of the particulate matter 350, the tapering and decreasing cross-sectional area of the projections 300 also controls compressibility of the projections 300. Controlling the compressibility of the projections 300 dictates the responsiveness of the cushioning at the corresponding forefoot and heel portions 12 and 16 (and/or the mid-foot portion 14). For example, smaller loads applied to the tip or distal ends 314, 324 of the projections 300 more easily compresses the projections 300 at the tips, as the cross-sectional area of the projections 300 at the tips is relatively small. The remainder of the projections 300 will only compress when a sufficient load is applied to each projection 300 to compress the wider, bases 312, 322 of the projections 300. Accordingly, the projections 300 provide a gradient cushioning affect that increases the degree of compressibility as the applied load increases. If the particulate matter 350 is only disposed proximate to the bases 312, 322 of the projections, the particulate matter 350 will only add to the cushioning affect when a sufficient load is applied to the projections 300 to compress the projections a predetermined amount (i.e., such that the projections 300 are compressed in a direction opposite to direction 302). Conversely, if a sufficient quantity of particulate matter 350 is disposed within the cavity 240 such that the particulate matter 350 extends between the distal ends 314, 324 and the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220, any force that deflects the midsole 220 will cause compressibility of the particulate matter 350 within the cavity 240. Such forces may case the particulate matter 350 to migrate or otherwise move relative to and within the cavity 240 and, in so doing, transfer the applied load to the projections 300 at the distal ends 314, 324.
In some implementations, the projections 310, 320 extending from the outsole 210 (e.g., inner surface 214) are spaced apart from the midsole 220 (e.g., bottom surface 222). In other words, a gap may exist between the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220 and the distal ends 314, 324 opposing the bottom surface 222. In these implementations, the projections 310, 320 are spaced from the midsole 220 when the sole structure 200 is not under an applied load and is at rest. Compressing the sole structure 200, however, may cause the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220, in cooperation with the particulate matter 350, to translate toward the outsole 210 and into contact with one or more of the projections 310, 320. In other implementations, the projections 310, 320 are in contact with the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220 even when the sole structure 200 is not under load. In other words, the distal ends 314, 324 oppose and contact the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220. In some examples, a portion of either of the distal ends 314, 324 may contact the bottom surface 222 while the remaining portion of the distal ends 314, 324 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 222 when the sole structure 200 is at rest. Compressibility by the projections 310, 320 may provide a responsive-type cushioning.
A distance between the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210 and the distal ends 314 defines a height of the first series of projections 310. Likewise, a distance between the inner surface 214 and the distal ends 324 defines a height of the second series of projections 320. Alternatively, the height of the projections 310, 320 may be obtained based on a distance between the distal ends 314, 324 and the corresponding bases 312, 322. In some examples, the height of the first series of projections 310 is different than the height of the second series of projections 320. For example,
The examples of
Referring to
In some implementations, projections 300a extend into the cavity 240a to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to control migration of the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240a during use of the footwear 10a. The projections 300a may be formed from the one or more polymer foam materials that form the projections 300 of
In some examples, one or more dividers 332a, 334a partially extend into the cavity 240 from the inner surface 214a of the outsole 210a. The dividers 332a, 334a extend between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 and include ends terminating at the sidewall 230. The dividers 332a, 334a may cooperate with one or more of the projections 300a to restrict or manipulate migration of the particulate matter 350 between divided regions or portions of the cavity 240. In some examples, a first divider 332a is located proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 of the outsole 210a. Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, a second divider 334a is located proximate to the forefoot portion 12 of the outsole 210a.
In some examples, the first series of projections 310a are separated from the second series of projections 320a by a void 330a. As shown in
Similar to the projections 300 in the example of
In addition to controlling migration of the particulate matter 350, the tapered and decreasing cross-sectional area may also control compressibility of the projections 300a to dictate how soft and how responsive the cushioning is at the corresponding forefoot and heel portions 12 and 16 (and/or the mid-foot portion 14). The tapered, outer surface of the projections 310a, 320a defines valleys between adjacent projections 310a, 320a for receiving, or otherwise, housing the particulate matter 350. For example, and with reference to
In other examples, and with reference to
The projections 310a, 320a extending from the midsole 220a (e.g., bottom surface 222a) may be separated from the outsole 210a (e.g., inner surface 214a). For example, a gap may exist between the inner surface 214a of the outsole 210a and the distal ends 314a, 324a that oppose the inner surface 214a when the sole structure 200a is not under an applied load. However, one or more of the distal ends 314a, 324a may contact the inner surface 214a as corresponding projections 310a, 310b translate in unison with the midsole 220a as the particulate matter 350 compresses under gradient loading. Here, the projections 310a, 320a may compress while contacting the inner surface 214a during gradient loading of the sole structure 200a. As discussed above, compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide a soft-type cushioning while compressibility by the projections 300a may provide a responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the projections 300a and the particulate matter 350 may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the projections 300a are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 performs). In some configurations, the midsole 220a, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the foot and the base 312a of the first series of projections 310a and/or the base 322a of the second series of projections 320a. In these configurations, a flat surface of at least one of the bases 312a, 322a opposite the distal ends 314a, 324a and opposing the bottom surface of the foot may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240a to provide the foot with cushioning during gradient loading of the sole structure 200a as the projections 310a and/or 320a move toward the particulate matter 350.
The distance between the bottom surface 222a of the midsole 220a and the distal ends 314a defines a height of the first series of projections 310a and the distance between the bottom surface 222a of the midsole 220a and the distal ends 324a defines a height of the second series of projections 320a. Alternatively, the height of the projections 310a, 320a may be obtained based on a distance between the distal ends 314a, 324a and the corresponding bases 312a, 322a. In some examples, the height of the first series of projections 310a is different than the height of the second series of projections 320a. For example,
The examples of
The quantity of particulate matter 350 may be expressed as a ratio of particulate matter 350 to un-occupied space in the cavity 240a. For example, by filling all valleys of the cavity 240a between the projections 310a, 320a and the interior surface 214a of the outsole 210a with particulate matter 350 (
Referring to
In some implementations, projections 300b extend into the cavity 240b to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to control migration of the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240b during use of the footwear 10b. The projections 300b may be formed from the one or more polymer foam materials that form the projections 300, 300a of
In some examples, a divider 334b may extend partially into the cavity 240b from the inner surface 214a of the outsole 210. The divider 334b may restrict or manipulate migration of the particulate matter 350 between specified regions or portions within the cavity 240b of the sole structure 200b. For example, a forefoot region 912 is located to the right of the divider 334b relative to the view shown in
The projections 300b defining the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 may receive a portion of the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) at the mid-foot and heel portions 14, 16 of the sole structure 200b (e.g., to the left of the divider 334b). Likewise, a remaining portion of the quantity of particulate matter 350 may be disposed and layered on the inner surface 214b to reside within the cavity 240b at the forefoot region 912 of the sole structure 200b (e.g., to the right of the divider 334b relative to the view shown in
Referring to
In other examples, referring to
Compressing the projections 300b by the translating the midsole 220b provides responsive-type cushioning after the initial soft-type cushioning provided by the particulate matter 350 to further attenuate ground-reaction forces. Migration of the particulate matter 350 between the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 effectuates how the soft-type and responsive-type cushioning is distributed during gradient-loading. The divider 334b, however, restricts migration of particulate matter 350 into and out of the forefoot region 912 that resides below the divider 334b. Moreover, the magnitude and direction of the ground-reaction force applied to the sole structure 200b may dictate how and if the particulate matter 350 will migrate over the distal ends 314b of the projections 300b via the gaps. In some configurations, the midsole 220b, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the insole 228 supporting the bottom surface of the foot and the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240b. In these configurations, the insole 228 may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240b to conform to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200b.
Referring to
In some implementations, the particulate matter 350 is received within a casing 1350 and the cavity 240c receives the casing 1350. In some configurations, the casing 1350 is flexible and may be transparent or opaque.
In some examples, the casing 1350 has one or more dividers 332c, 334c, 336c extending between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 and also from the bottom surface 1352 toward the top surface 1354 of the casing 1350. The dividers 332c-336c may also be referred to as projections. One divider 332c may be located proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 of the sole structure 200c, another divider 334c may be located proximate to the forefoot portion 12 of the sole structure 200c, and another divider 336c may be located proximate to the heel portion 16 of the sole structure 200c. In some configurations, a toe region 1300 of the casing 1350 is formed to the right of the divider 334c relative to the view shown in
In some implementations, the outsole 210c defines a series of grooves 442, 444, 446 extending between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 and also extending in a direction toward the midsole 220c. Each groove 442, 444, 446 bends and curves in the direction toward the midsole 220c and is contoured to correspond to respective ones of the dividers 332c, 334c, 336c. In some examples, the grooves 442-444 are flexible to form corresponding flexion regions that enhance the ability of the outsole 210c to flex, bend, or otherwise deform, when the sole structure 200c is under load, such as during walking, running or jumping. For example,
Referring to
The sole structure 200d may include an outsole 210d and a midsole 220d arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240d therebetween. The outsole 210d includes an inner surface 214d disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210d than a ground-engaging surface 212d. The outsole 210d may define the series of grooves 442, 444, 446 (
The midsole 220d includes a bottom surface 222d disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220c than a footbed 224d and may be integrally formed with the outsole 210d. The sole structure 200d may further include an insole 228 disposed on the footbed 224b within at least a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222d opposes the inner surface 214d to define the cavity 240d. The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222d and the inner surface 214d to define a depth of the cavity 240d and, as with the midsole 222d, may be integrally formed with the outsole 210d.
In some implementations, the particulate matter 350 resides within the cavity 240d between the inner surface 214d of the outsole 210d, the bottom surface 222d of the midsole 220d, and the sidewall(s) 230. In contrast to the examples of
Referring to
Particulate matter 350 may reside in the cavity 240d at each of the regions 1818, 1820, 1822. In some implementations, the dividers 468, 470 extend into the cavity 240d from the outsole 210d and have distal ends that terminate without contacting the bottom surface 222d of the midsole 220d. That is, the distal ends of the dividers 468, 470 and the bottom surface 222d are separated by a corresponding gap. The corresponding gaps separating the dividers 468, 470 and the bottom surface 222d may permit the particulate matter 350 residing in the regions 1818, 1820, 1822 to migrate to adjoining regions via the gaps during gradient loading of the sole structure 200d. In other implementations, the dividers 468, 470 extend into the cavity 240d from the outsole 210d and have distal ends that terminate at a point of contact with the bottom surface 222d of the midsole 220d, thereby preventing the particulate matter 350 from migrating between adjoining regions 1818, 1820, 1822 that are divided and isolated by the dividers 468, 470 in contact with the bottom surface 222d. The closed grooves 1400 and 1404 may be configured similarly to the closed grooves 1402 and 1406 discussed in the implementations above. In some configurations, the midsole 220d, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the insole 228 supporting the bottom surface of the foot and the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240d. In these configurations, the insole 228 may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240d to conform to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200d.
Referring to
The sole structure 200e may include an outsole 210e and a midsole 220e arranged in the layered configuration and defining the cavity 240e therebetween. The outsole 210e includes an inner surface 214e disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210e than the ground-engaging surface 212e. The midsole 220e includes a bottom surface 222e disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220e than a footbed 224e. The sole structure 200e may further include an insole 228 disposed on the footbed 224e within at least a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222e opposes the inner surface 214e to define the cavity 240e and the sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222e and the inner surface 214e to define a depth of the cavity 240e.
In some implementations, a projection plate 300e extends into the cavity 240e to control migration of the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240e during use of the footwear 10e.
Each of the apertures 2000-2006 correspond to receptacles enclosed by interior walls of the projection plate 300e to receive and store a corresponding quantity of the particulate matter 350. A distance the projection plate 300e extends from the inner surface 214e of the outsole 210e toward the bottom surface 222e of the midsole 220e defines a depth of the apertures/receptacles 2000-2006. In some examples, the projection plate 300e partially extends into the cavity 240e from the inner surface 214e of the outsole 210e, permitting particulate matter 350 residing above projection plate (e.g., outside of the apertures 2000-2006) to migrate through the cavity 240e to adjoining portions 12, 14, 16 of the sole structure 200e. In other examples, the projection plate 300e extends through the cavity 240e from the inner surface 214e and into contact with the bottom surface 222e of the midsole 220e to close off the apertures 2000-2006, thereby restricting particulate matter 350 residing within the apertures 2000-2006 from migrating or shifting away.
The projection plate 300e may be formed from a diverse range of materials that include polymers, for example. Suitable polymers include polyester, thermoset urethane, thermoplastic urethane, various nylon formulations, rubber, polyether block amide, polybutylene terephthalate, or blends of these materials. Composite materials may also be formed by incorporating glass fibers or carbon fibers into the various polymer materials discussed above. In some examples, the plate 300e may also be formed from polymer foam materials.
Accordingly, a variety of different materials may be utilized in manufacturing the projection plate 300e, depending on the desired properties of the sole structure 200e. The midsole 220e may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of
Referring to
Referring to
In some implementations, projections 300f extend into the cavity 240f to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to support and limit movement of a tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240a during use of the footwear 10f. The projections 300f may be formed from the one or more polymer foam materials that form the projections 300 of
The tufted casing 400 may be formed from a flexible material. In one configuration, the tufted casing 400 is formed from a mesh material. Additionally or alternatively, the tufted casing 400 may be formed from a nylon material. Thus, the tufted casing 400 may be formed from the flexible material, the mesh material, and/or the nylon material. Optionally, the tufted casing 400 may be formed from any suitable material that allows the received particulate matter 350 to conform to the sole structure 200f, such as surface profiles of the inner and bottom surfaces 214f, 222f, respectively, as well as the contour of the sidewall 230. In some configurations, the midsole 220f, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the foot and tufted casing 400 containing the particulate matter 350.
A first end 402 of the tufted casing 400 resides proximate to the heel portion 16 and a second end 404 of the tufted casing 400 resides proximate to the forefoot portion 12 when the casing 400 is received by the cavity 240f on the projections 300f The tufted casing 400 may be formed by tufting, joining, or fastening portions of material together to define tufted regions or pockets 440 each filled with a corresponding quantity of particulate matter 350. The pockets 440 may extend along the length of the casing 400 between the first end 402 and the second end 404 as well as between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20, respectively, of the sole structure 200f In some examples, each pocket 440 includes approximately the same quantity of particulate matter 350, while in other examples, at least one of the pockets 440 includes a different quantity of particulate matter 350. For instance, it may be desirable to include a greater quantity of particulate matter 350 within pockets 440 located proximate to the heel portion 16 to increase the level of soft-type cushioning at the heel area of the foot. The pockets 440 may restrict the corresponding quantities of particulate matter 350 from migrating to adjoining pockets. However, some movement of particulate matter 350 may be permitted within the corresponding pockets 440 to provide fluid cushioning during gradient loading of the sole structure 200f. In other words, the pockets 440 are effective to prevent the loss of cushioning in areas of the sole structure 200f caused by particulate matter 350 migration during repeated compressions of the sole structure 200f but may permit movement of the particulate matter 350 within each pocket 440.
Referring to
Referring to
Projections 300g extend into the cavity 240g to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to support a cushioning layer 500 and the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240g during use of the footwear 10f. The projections 300g may be formed from the one or more polymer foam materials that form the projections 300 of
Referring to
Referring to
In some implementations, the sole structure 200h includes a cushioning layer 500h and particulate matter 350 disposed within the cavity 240h. Referring to
During gradient loading of the sole structure 200h, the midsole 220h may translate toward the outsole 210h as the particulate matter 350 compresses between the midsole 220h and the cushioning layer 500h. Here, the cushioning layer 500h compresses resiliently between the outsole 210h and the midsole 220h. The cushioning layer 500h, together with the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) residing on the cushioning layer 500h, may cooperate to enhance functionality and enhance cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsole provides. For example, when the sole structure 200h is under load, the particulate matter 350 compressing may provide a level of soft-type cushioning during an initial impact of a ground-reaction force while compressibility of the cushioning layer 500h may occur after the initial impact to provide responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the particulate matter 350 and the cushioning layer 500h residing in the cavity 240h may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10h that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the cushioning layer 500h compresses, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10h performs).
Referring to
In some implementations, the sole structure 200i includes a fluid-filled chamber 600 and particulate matter 350 disposed within the cavity 240i. In some examples, the fluid-filled chamber 600 defines an interior void that receives a pressurized fluid and provides a durable sealed barrier for retaining the pressurized fluid therein. The pressurized fluid may be air. A wide range of polymer materials may be utilized to form the fluid-filled chamber 600. In selecting the polymer materials, engineering properties, such as tensile strength, stretch properties, fatigue characteristics, and dynamic modulus, as well as the ability of the materials to prevent the diffusion of the fluid contained by the chamber 600 may be considered. Exemplary materials used to form the fluid-filled chamber 600 may include one or more of thermoplastic urethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane.
Referring to
During gradient loading of the sole structure 200i, the midsole 220i may translate toward the outsole 210i as the particulate matter 350 compresses between the midsole 220i and the fluid-filled chamber 600. Here, the fluid within the fluid-filled chamber 600 compresses between the outsole 210h and the midsole 220h. The fluid-filled chamber 600, together with the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) residing on the fluid-filled chamber 600, may cooperate to enhance functionality and cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsole provides. For example, when the sole structure 200i is under load, the particulate matter 350 compressing may provide a level of soft-type cushioning during an initial impact of a ground-reaction force while compressibility of the fluid contained by the fluid-filled chamber 600 may occur after the initial impact to provide responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the particulate matter 350 and the fluid-filled chamber 600 residing in the cavity 240i may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10i that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the fluid contained by the fluid-filled chamber 600 compresses, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10i performs).
Referring to
The sole structure 200j may include an outsole 210j and the midsole 220i of
Referring to
The projections 213j may act as so-called pistons during use of the article of footwear 10j, as the projections 213j may move toward the midsole 220i under an applied load, thereby urging the particulate matter 350 toward the midsole 220i. Because the midsole 220i is formed from a flexible material, as described above with respect to the article of footwear 10i, such upward movement of the projections 213j and particulate matter 350 may be felt at the bottom surface of the user's foot to provide the user with noticeable and responsive cushioning during use. Such cushioning may be tailored by positioning the projections 213j at predetermined locations along the outsole 210j and/or by adjusting the relative size of the projections 213j. For example, the heel portion 16 may include larger projections 213j and/or a greater density of projections 213j than the forefoot portion 12 to provide increased upward movement of the particulate matter 350 during a heel-strike event.
Referring to
The sole structure 200k may include an outsole 210k and the midsole 220f of
The bottom ridges 213k are substantially identical to the bottom ridges 213j of
The tufted casing 400 is described above with reference to
The outsole 210k may be formed form a resilient-type material to provide response-type cushioning when the top ridges 215k compress in the same manner as the projections 300f of
Referring to
Referring to
The top ridges 215l extend into the cavity 240l to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to support a cushioning layer 500l and the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240l during use of the footwear 10l. The tufted casing 400 and the cushioning layer 500l may be sized and shaped to substantially conform to a perimeter of the midsole 220g and the outsole 210l. The cushioning layer 500l may rest between, and may be in contact with, the distal ends of the top ridges 5151 of the inner surface 214l of the outsole 210l and the tufted casing 400 when the sole structure 200l is assembled.
The cushioning layer 500l may include a contouring structure that forms a plurality of bottom ridges 5101 and top ridges 5151 located along surfaces of the cushioning layer 500l to define a so-called egg-crate shape. In one configuration, the bottom ridges 5101 and top ridges 5151 are aligned with respective ones of the bottom ridges 213l and top ridges 215l of the outsole 210l to provide a direct load path from the tufted casing 400 to the ground during use. The cushioning layer 500l may be formed from one or more polymer foam materials, such as ethyl-vinyl-acetate or polyurethane. Each top ridge 215l of the outsole 210l may be aligned with a corresponding bottom ridge 5101 of the cushioning layer 500 that opposes the outsole 210l. Each top ridge 5151 of the cushioning layer 500l may oppose and contact a corresponding pocket 440 of the tufted casing 400. As described above, the midsole 220g may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of
The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for the sole structure for an article of footwear described above.
Clause 1: An article of footwear comprising an upper and an outsole attached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The midsole having a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed and opposing the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween and a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The first series of projections being spaced apart from the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The second series of projections extend into the cavity from the one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface, the second series of projections having a different height than the first series of projections and being spaced apart from the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity.
Clause 2: The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the one of the inner surface and the bottom surface is the inner surface, the quantity of particulate matter being disposed around a base of the first series of projections and around a base of the second series of projections.
Clause 3: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in the first direction.
Clause 4: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the second series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in the first direction.
Clause 5: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface.
Clause 6: The article of footwear of Clause 5, wherein the tapered, outer surface terminates at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface.
Clause 7: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections are disposed proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections are disposed proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole.
Clause 8: The article of footwear of Clause 6, wherein the first series of projections extend farther from the one of the inner surface and the bottom surface than the second series of projections.
Clause 9: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clause, wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.
Clause 10: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the foam beads include a substantially spherical shape.
Clause 11: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the foam beads include approximately the same size and shape.
Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the foam beads include at least one of a different size and shape.
Clause 13: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections are spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.
Clause 14: An article of footwear comprising an upper and an outsole attached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The inner surface including a first series of projections extending in a direction toward the upper and a second series of projections extending toward the upper and having a different height than the first series of projections. The midsole having a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed and opposing the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween, the bottom surface spaced apart from the first series of projections and the second series of projections. The quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity.
Clause 15: The article of footwear of Clause 14, wherein the first series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction extending from the outsole toward the midsole.
Clause 16: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the second series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction extending from the outsole toward the midsole.
Clause 17: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface.
Clause 18: The article of footwear of Clause 17, wherein the tapered, outer surface terminates at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the bottom surface of the midsole.
Clause 19: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections are disposed proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections are disposed proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole.
Clause 20: The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein the first series of projections extend farther from the inner surface of the outsole than the second series of projections.
Clause 21: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.
Clause 22: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the foam beads include a substantially spherical shape.
Clause 23: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the foam beads include approximately the same size and shape.
Clause 24: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the foam beads include at least one of a different size and shape.
Clause 25: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections are spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.
Clause 26: An article of footwear comprising an upper and a midsole having a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed. The bottom surface including a first series of projections extending in a direction away from the upper and a second series of projections extending away from the upper and having a different height than the first series of projections. The outsole attached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The inner surface opposing the bottom surface of the midsole, cooperating with the bottom surface to define a cavity therebetween, and spaced apart from the first series of projections and the second series of projections. The quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity.
Clause 27: The article of footwear of Clause 26, wherein the first series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction extending from the midsole toward the outsole.
Clause 28: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the second series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction extending from the midsole toward the outsole.
Clause 29: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface.
Clause 30: The article of footwear of Clause 29, wherein the tapered, outer surface terminates at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the inner surface of the outsole.
Clause 31: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections oppose a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections oppose a forefoot portion of the outsole.
Clause 32: The article of footwear of Clause 31, wherein the first series of projections extend farther from the bottom surface of the midsole than the second series of projections.
Clause 33: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.
Clause 34: The article of footwear of Clause 33, wherein the foam beads include a substantially spherical shape.
Clause 35: The article of footwear of Clause 33, wherein the foam beads include approximately the same size and shape.
Clause 36: The article of footwear of Clause 33, wherein the foam beads include at least one of a different size and shape.
Clause 37: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections are spaced apart from one another by a void that opposes a mid-foot portion of the outsole.
Clause 38: A method of making an article of footwear, the method comprising providing a cavity between a footbed and an outsole and providing one of the footbed and the outsole with a first series of projections that extend into the cavity in a first direction toward the other of the footbed and the outsole, the first series of projections being spaced apart from the other of the footbed and the outsole and providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with a second series of projections that extend into the cavity in the first direction toward the other of the footbed and the outsole, the second series of projections being spaced apart from the other of the footbed and the outsole and having a different height than the first series of projections and providing the cavity with a quantity of particulate matter.
Clause 39: The method of Clause 38, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections includes providing the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections.
Clause 40: The method of Clause 39, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of particulate matter includes providing the quantity of particulate matter around a base of the first series of projections and around a base of the second series of projections.
Clause 41: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections includes providing the first series of projections with a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the other of the footbed and the outsole.
Clause 42: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the second series of projections includes providing the second series of projections with a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the other of the footbed and the outsole.
Clause 43: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections includes providing the first series of projections and the second series of projections with a constantly tapered outer surface.
Clause 44: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections includes providing the first series of projections proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole.
Clause 45: The method of Clause 44, wherein providing the first series of projections proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole includes extending the first series of projections farther from the one of the footbed and the outsole than the second series of projections.
Clause 46: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of particulate matter includes providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads.
Clause 47: The method of Clause 46, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of foam beads includes providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads having a substantially spherical shape.
Clause 48: The method of Clause 46, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of foam beads includes providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads that include approximately the same size and shape.
Clause 49: The method of Clause 46, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of foam beads includes providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads that include at least one of a different size and shape.
Clause 50: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections includes providing a void between the first series of projections and the second series of projections proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.
The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/574,700, filed Nov. 16, 2017, which is the national phase of International Application No. PCT/US2016/053260, filed Sep. 23, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,882, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,873, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,851, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,842, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,832, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,816, filed Sep. 24, 2015, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2930149 | Hack | Mar 1960 | A |
3087262 | Russell | Apr 1963 | A |
3469576 | Smith et al. | Sep 1969 | A |
3552044 | Wiele | Jan 1971 | A |
3608215 | Fukuoka | Sep 1971 | A |
3765422 | Smith | Oct 1973 | A |
3906570 | Revill | Sep 1975 | A |
3971839 | Taylor | Jul 1976 | A |
4170078 | Moss | Oct 1979 | A |
4307200 | Lichter et al. | Dec 1981 | A |
4343047 | Lazowski et al. | Aug 1982 | A |
4345387 | Daswick | Aug 1982 | A |
4524529 | Schaefer | Jun 1985 | A |
4658515 | Oatman | Apr 1987 | A |
4686781 | Bury | Aug 1987 | A |
4724627 | Sisco | Feb 1988 | A |
4823799 | Robbins | Apr 1989 | A |
4905320 | Squyers, Jr. | Mar 1990 | A |
4970807 | Anderie et al. | Nov 1990 | A |
5005575 | Geri | Apr 1991 | A |
5150490 | Busch et al. | Sep 1992 | A |
5231776 | Wagner | Aug 1993 | A |
5363570 | Allen et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
5378223 | Grim et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
5383290 | Grim | Jan 1995 | A |
5392534 | Grim | Feb 1995 | A |
5517770 | Martin et al. | May 1996 | A |
5617650 | Grim | Apr 1997 | A |
5665285 | Hattori et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5718064 | Pyle | Feb 1998 | A |
5753357 | Filipitsch et al. | May 1998 | A |
5758435 | Miyata | Jun 1998 | A |
5920915 | Bainbridge et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5987781 | Pavesi et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6020055 | Pearce | Feb 2000 | A |
6032300 | Bainbridge et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
6061928 | Nichols | May 2000 | A |
6098209 | Bainbridge et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6158149 | Rudy | Dec 2000 | A |
6266896 | Liu | Jul 2001 | B1 |
D460852 | Daudier | Jul 2002 | S |
6453477 | Bainbridge et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6502331 | Hines | Jan 2003 | B2 |
6532689 | Jones, Jr. | Mar 2003 | B1 |
6635203 | Monaci | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6759443 | Brant et al. | Jul 2004 | B2 |
6782640 | Westin | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6848200 | Westin | Feb 2005 | B1 |
6878753 | Takemura et al. | Apr 2005 | B1 |
7037571 | Fish et al. | May 2006 | B2 |
7069672 | Hahn | Jul 2006 | B2 |
7152342 | Sommer | Dec 2006 | B2 |
7484318 | Finkelstein | Feb 2009 | B2 |
7555851 | Hazenberg et al. | Jul 2009 | B2 |
7594344 | Mizrahi | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7805859 | Finkelstein | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7823238 | Din Mahamed | Nov 2010 | B2 |
7904971 | Doria et al. | Mar 2011 | B2 |
8091254 | Wang | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8178022 | Schindler et al. | May 2012 | B2 |
8272149 | Cooper et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8671591 | Brown | Mar 2014 | B2 |
8713817 | Litchfield et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
10098411 | Hoffer | Oct 2018 | B2 |
10098412 | Hoffer | Oct 2018 | B2 |
10674788 | Hoffer | Jun 2020 | B2 |
20010000835 | Hines | May 2001 | A1 |
20030046831 | Westin | Mar 2003 | A1 |
20050022424 | Held | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20050086728 | Tobergte | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050150132 | Iannacone | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20060010717 | Finkelstein | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060026863 | Liu | Feb 2006 | A1 |
20060130363 | Hottinger | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060206977 | Hammons et al. | Sep 2006 | A1 |
20070051018 | Issler | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070169379 | Hazenberg et al. | Jul 2007 | A1 |
20080066341 | Hottinger | Mar 2008 | A1 |
20080148599 | Collins | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080230956 | Allmendinger et al. | Sep 2008 | A1 |
20090094855 | Finkelstein | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090313853 | Tadin | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20100011618 | Bitton | Jan 2010 | A1 |
20100047550 | Prissok et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100154252 | Avent et al. | Jun 2010 | A1 |
20100222442 | Prissok et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20100251565 | Litchfield et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20110016747 | Bitton | Jan 2011 | A1 |
20110215497 | McEvoy et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20120036698 | Guertin | Feb 2012 | A1 |
20120073163 | Tse | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120204451 | De Roode et al. | Aug 2012 | A1 |
20120210602 | Brown | Aug 2012 | A1 |
20130008050 | Marc | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130145653 | Bradford | Jun 2013 | A1 |
20130247422 | Holt et al. | Sep 2013 | A1 |
20140007456 | Tadin | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140151918 | Hartmann | Jun 2014 | A1 |
20140223776 | Wardlaw et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
20140223777 | Whiteman et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
20140283413 | Christensen et al. | Sep 2014 | A1 |
20150196085 | Westmoreland et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150223564 | Peyton et al. | Aug 2015 | A1 |
20150257481 | Campos, II et al. | Sep 2015 | A1 |
20160073732 | Ernst et al. | Mar 2016 | A1 |
20160278481 | Le et al. | Sep 2016 | A1 |
20170055636 | Campos, II et al. | Mar 2017 | A1 |
20180132564 | Bruce et al. | May 2018 | A1 |
20190343225 | Reddy et al. | Nov 2019 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
283034 | May 1952 | CH |
1053884 | Aug 1991 | CN |
1211901 | Mar 1999 | CN |
2620493 | Jun 2004 | CN |
1638663 | Jul 2005 | CN |
2888936 | Apr 2007 | CN |
202051034 | Nov 2011 | CN |
202145956 | Feb 2012 | CN |
103141993 | Jun 2013 | CN |
103720129 | Apr 2014 | CN |
103747700 | Apr 2014 | CN |
104010541 | Aug 2014 | CN |
104203029 | Dec 2014 | CN |
104363783 | Feb 2015 | CN |
104490008 | Apr 2015 | CN |
109952042 | Jun 2019 | CN |
2907506 | Sep 1980 | DE |
3406504 | Aug 1985 | DE |
3627538 | Feb 1988 | DE |
3723549 | Feb 1988 | DE |
3406504 | Jan 1990 | DE |
3839747 | May 1990 | DE |
3905989 | Jan 1991 | DE |
4202159 | Jul 1993 | DE |
4401282 | Dec 1994 | DE |
4446252 | Jun 1995 | DE |
19708622 | Sep 1997 | DE |
19938609 | Mar 2001 | DE |
10138426 | Dec 2002 | DE |
102009009589 | Sep 2010 | DE |
102010046278 | Feb 2011 | DE |
202016104626 | Oct 2016 | DE |
0007948 | Feb 1980 | EP |
130816 | Jan 1985 | EP |
316289 | May 1989 | EP |
0359699 | Mar 1990 | EP |
0383685 | Aug 1990 | EP |
529941 | Mar 1993 | EP |
2609824 | Jul 2013 | EP |
2649896 | Oct 2016 | EP |
3386334 | Oct 2018 | EP |
996111 | Dec 1951 | FR |
1018215 | Dec 1952 | FR |
2824884 | Nov 2002 | FR |
1301147 | Dec 1972 | GB |
2066049 | Jul 1981 | GB |
2462100 | Jan 2010 | GB |
S56-080702 | Jun 1981 | JP |
H02-121601 | May 1990 | JP |
H02252401 | Oct 1990 | JP |
H05-37104 | May 1993 | JP |
H0723804 | Jan 1995 | JP |
H0739404 | Feb 1995 | JP |
3042853 | Nov 1997 | JP |
H11-32806 | Feb 1999 | JP |
2000316606 | Nov 2000 | JP |
2002306280 | Oct 2002 | JP |
2008533327 | Aug 2008 | JP |
2009056007 | Mar 2009 | JP |
2015513354 | May 2015 | JP |
2016182332 | Oct 2016 | JP |
19990069793 | Sep 1999 | KR |
100230096 | Nov 1999 | KR |
200374026 | Jan 2005 | KR |
20100086227 | Jul 2010 | KR |
20120033710 | Apr 2012 | KR |
385636 | Mar 2000 | TW |
WO-1997035496 | Oct 1997 | WO |
WO-9947014 | Sep 1999 | WO |
WO-2006049401 | May 2006 | WO |
WO-2008012809 | Jan 2008 | WO |
WO-2012177957 | Dec 2012 | WO |
WO-2013013784 | Jan 2013 | WO |
WO-2014126799 | Aug 2014 | WO |
WO-2015065578 | May 2015 | WO |
WO-2018169535 | Sep 2018 | WO |
WO-2018175734 | Sep 2018 | WO |
WO-2020125963 | Jun 2020 | WO |
Entry |
---|
Translation of EP 0383685 A1, date Aug. 1990, EPO, Inventor Gaspard Mozayan. |
European Patent Office, Communication pursuant to Article 94(3) EPC for EP Application No. 16777863.8, dated Apr. 15, 2020. |
Japan Patent Office, Decision of Rejection for JP Application No. 2018-515812, dated Apr. 6, 2020. |
European Patent Office, Extended European Search Report for EP Application No. 19212921.1, dated Mar. 31, 2020. |
Taiwan Office Action for Application 109111247 dated Apr. 30, 2021. |
European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/053256, dated Jan. 12, 2017. |
European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/053240, dated Jan. 3, 2017. |
European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/053260, dated Dec. 15, 2016. |
European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/053232, dated Jan. 10, 2017. |
European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/053246, dated Jan. 10, 2017. |
European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/053265, dated Dec. 20, 2016. |
United States Patent and Trademark Office, Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/816,270, dated Apr. 17, 2018. |
United States Patent and Trademark Office, Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/816,200, dated Apr. 18, 2018. |
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for Application No. 10-2018-7011476, dated May 29, 2019. |
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for Application No. 10-2018-7011477, dated May 29, 2019. |
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for Application No. 10-2018-7011479, dated Jun. 4, 2019. |
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for Application No. 10-2018-7011480, dated Jun. 10, 2019. |
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for Application No. 10-2018-7011478, dated Jun. 4, 2019. |
Japan Patent Office, Notice of Reasons for Rejection for JP Application No. 2018-515812 dated Jul. 29, 2019. |
Japan Patent Office, Notice of Reasons for Rejection for JP Application No. 2018-515822 dated Jul. 22, 2019. |
Japan Patent Office, Notice of Reasons for Rejection for JP Application No. 2018-515842 dated Aug. 5, 2019. |
Japan Patent Office, Notice of Reasons for Rejection for JP Application No. 2018-515825 dated Jul. 22, 2019. |
Japan Patent Office, Notice of Reasons for Rejection for JP Application No. 2018-515843 dated Aug. 5, 2019. |
Japan Patent Office, Notice of Reasons for Rejection for JP Application No. 2018-515828 dated Jul. 22, 2019. |
Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, Search Report for TW Application No. 105130844 dated Aug. 27, 2019. |
European Patent Office (ISA), International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/022651, dated Oct. 25, 2017. |
European Patent Office (ISA), International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/022647, dated Nov. 2, 2017. |
European Patent Office (ISA), International Preliminary Report on Patentability for International Application No. PCT/US2017/022651, dated Sep. 26, 2019. |
European Patent Office (ISA), International Preliminary Report on Patentability for International Application No. PCT/US2017/022647, dated Sep. 26, 2019. |
United States Patent and Trademark Office, Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/574,700, dated Oct. 22, 2019. |
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for KR Application No. 10-2018-7011479, dated Dec. 26, 2019. |
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for KR Application No. 10-2018-7011480, dated Jan. 21, 2020. |
China National Intellectual Property Office, Office Action and Search Report for CN Application No. 201680062300.X, dated Mar. 12, 2020. |
China National Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for CN Application No. 201680062271.7, dated Feb. 3, 2020. |
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for KR Application No. 10-2019-7036063, dated Feb. 7, 2020. |
European Patent Office, Communication pursuant to Article 94(3) EPC for EP Application No. 16777864.6, dated Apr. 7, 2020. |
China National Intellectual Property Office, Office Action and Search Report for CN Application No. 201680062323.0, dated Mar. 4, 2020. |
China National Intellectual Property Office, Office Action and Search Report for CN Application No. 201680062231.2, dated Mar. 24, 2020. |
China National Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for CN Application No. 201680066534.1, dated Mar. 26, 2020. |
European Patent Office, Communication pursuant to Article 94(3) EPC for EP Application No. 16777865.3, dated Apr. 20, 2020. |
Korean Intellectual Property Office, Office Action for KR Application No. 10-2020-7003423, dated Apr. 21, 2020. |
Japan Patent Office, Notice of Reasons for Rejection for JP Application No. 2019-550853 dated May 25, 2021. |
China National Intellectual Property Administration, Second Office Action for application No. 201780088457.4 dated Jul. 19, 2021. |
Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, Office Action dated Sep. 3, 2021 for application No. 109125077. |
Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, Office Action dated Jun. 3, 2021 for application No. 109125078. |
Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, Office Action dated Jun. 3, 2021 for application No. 109125079. |
China National Intellectual Property Administration, Decision of Rejection Office Action dated Jun. 29, 2021 for application No. 201680062323.0. |
European Patent Office (ISA), International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2020/042784, dated Sep. 17, 2020. |
Ge, Chengbiao et al., Steam-chest molding of expanded thermoplastic polyuerethane bead foams and their mechanical properties, Chemical Engineering Science 174 (2017) pp. 337-346. |
Japan Patent Office, Notification of Reasons for Refusal for JP Application No. 2019-550843, dated Nov. 24, 2020. |
European Patent Office, Communication pursuant to Article 94(3) EPC for EP Application No. 16777864.6, dated Dec. 16, 2020. |
European Patent Office, Communication pursuant to Article 94(3) EPC for EP Application No. 16777863.8, dated Dec. 22, 2020. |
KS65 Luxury Light Fescue—Field Green <http://www.kodiaksports.com/Artificial-Turf/Fake-Grass/Artificial-Grass-ST65_LFS_Field, Oct. 12, 13, (Oct. 12, 2013), Retrieved from internet: URL:https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.kodiaksports.com/core/media/media.nl/id.28351/c.1268496/.f?h=1c04c87e9fd3f9d67f24 [retrieved on Dec. 15, 2016]. |
European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2020/042735, dated Sep. 16, 2020. |
European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2020/042784, dated Sep. 17, 2020. |
European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2020/042807, dated Sep. 16, 2020. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20200253329 A1 | Aug 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62222842 | Sep 2015 | US | |
62222882 | Sep 2015 | US | |
62222873 | Sep 2015 | US | |
62222832 | Sep 2015 | US | |
62222816 | Sep 2015 | US | |
62222851 | Sep 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 15574700 | US | |
Child | 16864610 | US |