Patent Grant
10201210
In many athletic and other types of activities, a person may rapidly move to the side. One well-known example is a “cut” maneuver performed by a forward moving player in basketball. During these and other types of events, a person's foot can experience significant forces and motions. Designing footwear to support and/or protect the foot during such activities remains an ongoing challenge.
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 features or essential features of the invention.
In at least some embodiments, shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such embodiments, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. The heel can be secured in this manner using a strap system.
In further embodiments, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component. The heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe (e.g., to rotate, slide and rotate, etc.) along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component.
Other embodiments can include support members for a plantar surface of a foot (and footwear containing such support members) that include: (a) a heel support region; (b) a forefoot support region; (c) a lateral side member extending between and fixed to the heel support region and the forefoot support region; and (d) a medial side member extending between the heel support region and the forefoot support region. The medial side member can be fixed to the heel support region and include a free end not fixed to the forefoot support region and partially overlapping with a major surface of the forefoot support region.
Additional embodiments include sole structures for articles of footwear (and footwear containing such sole structures) that include: (a) a midsole component (optionally made from or containing a foam material) providing support for a plantar surface of a foot; (b) a plate supporting at least a rearfoot region of the midsole component; and (c) a lower foam component supporting the lower rearfoot surface of the plate. The lower foam component may have a curved upper surface (to receive a curved surface of the plate) and a flatter (and even a substantially flat) lower surface. The lower foam component (or at least its medial side) may be softer, less dense, and/or more compressible than the midsole component and the plate so that the lower foam component (or at least a medial side of it) may substantially compress during phases of a direction change or cutting maneuver.
Additional embodiments are described herein.
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.
FIGS. 1A1 and 1A2 are front and rear views, respectively, of an unshod foot when a subject is standing straight.
FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2 show outside foot motion during a cutting maneuver by a barefoot individual.
Definitions
To assist and clarify subsequent description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless context indicates otherwise, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). “Shoe” and “article of footwear” are used interchangeably to refer to articles intended for wear on a human foot. A shoe may or may not enclose the entire foot of a wearer. For example, a shoe could include a sandal or other article that exposes large portions of a wearing foot. The “interior” of a shoe refers to space that is occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. An “interior side” (or surface) of a shoe element refers to a face of that element that is for will be) oriented toward the shoe interior in a completed shoe. An “exterior side” (or surface) of an element refers to a face of that element that is (or will be) oriented away from the shoe interior in the completed shoe. In some cases, the interior side of an element may have other elements between that interior side and the interior in the completed shoe. Similarly, an exterior side of an element may have other elements between that exterior side and the space external to the completed shoe.
A longitudinal foot axis refers to a horizontal heel-toe axis along the center of the foot, while that foot is resting on a horizontal surface, that is generally parallel to a line along the second metatarsal and second phalangeal bones. A transverse foot axis refers to a horizontal axis across the foot that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis or has a (primary directional component that is parallel to the longitudinal axis. A transverse direction is parallel to a transverse axis or has a primary directional component that is parallel to a transverse axis.
Shoe elements can be described based on regions and/or anatomical structures of a human foot wearing that shoe, and by assuming that shoe is properly sized for the wearing foot. As an example, a forefoot region of a foot includes the metatarsal and phalangeal bones. A forefoot element of a shoe is an element having one or more portions located over, under, to the lateral and/or medial side of, and/or in front of a wearer's forefoot (or portion thereof) when the shoe is worn. As another example, a midfoot region of a foot includes the cuboid, navicular, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform and lateral cuneiform bones and the heads of the metatarsal bones. A midfoot element of a shoe is an element having one or more portions located over, under and/or to the lateral and/or medial side of a wearer's midfoot (or portion thereof) when the shoe is worn. As a further example, a hindfoot region of a foot includes the talus and calcaneus bones. A hindfoot element of a shoe is an element having one or more portions located over, under, to the lateral and/or medial side of, and/or behind a wearer's hindfoot (or portion thereof) when the shoe is worn. The forefoot region may overlap with the midfoot region, as may the midfoot and hindfoot regions.
Foot Motion During Sideways Body Movements
In many types of athletic and other activities, a person may rapidly move to his or her side. For example, basketball and other sports often require a forward-moving player to rapidly “cut” to the left or right. In these cutting maneuvers, the player typically pushes hard on the outside foot (the right foot when cutting left, and vice versa). As a result, that outside foot can experience significant sideways forces and motions. A person can impose similar forces and motions on a foot when moving quickly to the left or right from a standing position. Other types of activities (e.g., shuttle running, jumping) can also impose these types of forces and movements to varying degrees.
The assignee of this application has conducted research regarding human foot motion during various sideways body movements. For reference purposes, FIGS. 1A1 and 1A2 respectively show front (anterior) and rear (posterior) views of an unshod foot when a subject is standing straight. As seen in these figures, the bottom (plantar) surfaces of the heel H and forefoot F of a subject's foot are both resting on the ground G in a generally flat condition. The talar joint is neutral with respect to the forefoot, as there is minimal plantar or dorsial flexion. The subtalar joint is neutral with respect to the heel. There is no eversion of the heel relative to the ankle, as the calcaneus is not angled toward the lateral side of the talus. There is also no inversion of the heel relative to the ankle, as the calcaneus is not angled toward the medial side of the talus.
Horizontal lines L1, L2 and L3 are included in FIGS. 1A1 and 1A2 for purposes of comparison with later drawing figures. Line L1 is drawn through an arbitrary horizontal transverse axis in forefoot F. Because relative positions of forefoot bones can change during foot movements, line L1 is also assumed to be fixed relative to a single forefoot bone (e.g., the distal end of the first metatarsal). Horizontal line L2 is drawn through an arbitrary transverse axis in heel H and is assumed to be fixed relative to the calcaneus. Horizontal line L3 is drawn through an arbitrary transverse axis in the ankle A and is assumed to be fixed relative to the talus.
FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2 show outside foot motion during a 90-degree cutting maneuver by a barefoot individual. FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2 are not intended as exact reproductions of any specific instance of testing. Instead, FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2 were prepared to generally illustrate the type of motion, observed during the above-mentioned research, that an unshod foot can experience during a cut. FIG. 1B1 is a front view of an unshod outside foot in the later stage of a cut. In particular, FIG. 1B1 depicts a time point in the cut after the outside foot has landed and the subject has completed roughly 50% of the maneuver. FIG. 1B2 is a rear view of that same foot at the same time point. In FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2, lines L1-L3 have the same fixed positions relative to the single forefoot bone, to the calcaneus, and to the talus, respectively, as those lines have in connection with FIGS. 1A1 and 1A2.
As seen in FIG. 1B1, and at least along transverse directions, forefoot F is generally flat relative to the plane of the ground surface G. Line L1 remains generally parallel to the ground surface G. Heel H is now everted relative to forefoot F, however. In particular, and as shown in both FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2, line L2 is now at an eversion angle e1 relative to line L1. During tests involving barefoot cutting maneuvers, heel/forefoot eversion angles (e.g., angle e1) of approximately 20° to 30° were observed. As also seen in FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2, however, the subtalar joint of ankle A remains neutral. A comparison of lines L2 and L3 shows that these lines are generally parallel. Thus, the calcaneus is generally not everted with respect to the talus. As a result, the subject's heel and lower leg remain relatively straight.
The barefoot motions of FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2 reflect natural tendencies of a human foot during extreme sideways maneuvers. Conventional uppers and sole structures can resist normal foot motion. This is illustrated in
In the example of
In the scenario of
At least some embodiments include shoes and/or shoe elements that facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion.
In at least some embodiments, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In some such embodiments, the heel is secured in this manner using a strap system. The strap system can also be incorporated into an upper that includes elastic portions in the hindfoot region.
In at least some additional embodiments, an outer edge of a heel can be rounded.
In further embodiments, a shoe can include a heel supporting component in the heel area (also called the “hindfoot” or “rearfoot” area herein) that is separate from a midsole component also provided in the heel area to allow the heel supporting component to move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe (e.g., to rotate, slide and rotate, etc.) along an interface (interfacing surfaces) between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Using this construction, the rearfoot portion of the structure can move relative to the forefoot portion during phases of a cutting or direction change maneuver to maintain a more neutral and natural ankle/foot orientation and/or motion.
Yet other embodiments include support members for a plantar surface of a foot (and footwear containing such support members) that include: (a) a heel support region; (b) a forefoot support region; (c) a lateral side member extending between and fixed to the heel support region and the forefoot support region; and (d) a medial side member extending between the heel support region and the forefoot support region. This medial side member is fixed to the heel support region and includes a free end that is not fixed to the forefoot support region and partially overlaps with a major surface of the forefoot support region. Using this construction, the medial side of the wearer's foot can move more easily with respect to the lateral side of the foot and/or the rear portion of the foot can move with respect to the forefoot portion of the foot during phases of a direction change or cutting maneuver to maintain a more neutral and natural ankle/foot orientation and/or motion.
Still other embodiments include sole structures for articles of footwear (and footwear containing such sole structures) that include: (a) a midsole component (optionally made from or containing a foam material) providing support for a plantar surface of a foot; (b) a plate supporting at least a rearfoot region of the midsole component; and (c) a lower foam component supporting the lower rearfoot surface of the plate. The lower foam component may have a curved upper surface (to receive a curved surface of the plate) and a flatter (and even a substantially flat) lower surface. The lower foam component (c) at least its medial side) may be softer, less dense, and/or more compressible than the midsole component and the plate so that the lower foam component (or at least a medial side of it) will substantially compress during phases of a direction change or cutting maneuver. The additional compression of the medial side of the lower foam component helps maintain a more neutral and natural ankle/foot orientation and/or motion during these movements.
Embodiments also comprise shoes that combine features from one or more of the abovementioned embodiments. Although some embodiments are described below in connection with certain specific shoes, and/or by describing certain shapes, sizes and locations of various shoe elements, any specifics are merely examples. Similarly, various examples may include shoes intended for certain activities. Other embodiments include shoes intended for use in activities that may not be explicitly mentioned herein. Embodiments are not limited to complete shoes. Thus, some embodiments include portions of shoes, processes for fabricating shoes or shoe portions, and processes of using shoes or shoe portions.
Hindfoot Strap System Permitting Natural Foot Motion
At least some embodiments include a shoe in which the upper comprises a hindfoot strap system. That strap system can secure a wearer heel to a sole structure while reducing unnatural constraints imposed by many conventional footwear designs. For example, some uppers utilizing such a strap system permit greater eversion of a heel relative to a forefoot and allow a lower leg to remain straighter during cutting maneuvers.
Forward element 214 of upper 213 covers a wearer forefoot and includes portions that extend partially into the wearer midfoot and hindfoot regions. A lower edge 216 of forward element 214 is anchored to sole structure 212. An internal cavity between element 214 and sole structure 212 contains a wearer forefoot. Although not visible in
Strap system 211 includes an ankle strap 231, a lateral heel strap 232 and a medial heel strap 233. As also explained in more detail below, strap system 211 secures a wearer heel to sole structure 212. The front portion of ankle strap 231 can be connected and unconnected to allow a wearer to don and remove shoe 200. Specifically, a lateral end 234 of ankle strap 231 can be attached to a medial end 235 of ankle strap 231 so as to secure ankle strap 231 around the wearer foot under the lateral (fibular) and medial (tibial) malleoli. In the embodiment shown in
A top portion 240 of lateral heel strap 232 is coupled to ankle strap 231 under the wearer lateral malleolus. Similarly, a top portion 241 of medial heel strap 233 is coupled to ankle strap 231 under the wearer medial malleolus. Top portions 240 and 241 can be coupled to ankle strap 231 by direct attachment or in other ways. In some embodiments, for example, a top portion of a heel strap could be pivotally attached to ankle strap 231 with a rivet. As another example, ankle strap 231 and heel straps 232 and 233 could be cut as a single piece from a larger panel of material. Forward edges 242 and 243 of lateral heel strap 232 and medial heel strap 233 are located in the hindfoot and/or midfoot regions of upper 213. Rear edges 244 and 245 of lateral heel strap 232 and medial heel strap 233 are located in the hindfoot region of upper 213.
In at least some embodiments, ankle strap 231 is asymmetric so as to conform to the asymmetric shape of an ankle region. When the lateral and medial ends 234 and 235 of strap 231 are secured, the front of strap 231 generally rests over the wearer navicular and cuboid and/or over anterior portions of the talus. The lateral side of strap 231 angles downward from the front so that an upper edge 248 of strap 231 is below the lateral malleolus. The lateral side of strap 231 then angles upward behind the lateral malleolus so as to be positioned above the calcaneus tuberosity and approximately aligned with the talus. After the lateral side of ankle strap 231 continues around the rear of the foot and becomes the medial side of ankle strap 231, it angles downward so that upper edge 248 is below the medial malleolus. The medial side of ankle strap 231 then angles upward toward the front. Because the lateral malleolus is below and to the rear of the medial malleolus, ankle strap 231 is thus asymmetric. Indeed, strap system 211 as a whole is asymmetric. Because heel straps 232 and 233 are coupled to ankle strap 231 under the malleoli, lateral heel strap 232 is shorter and more rearward than medial heel strap 233.
Bootie 215 is included in upper 213 to enhance wearer comfort. For example, bootie 215 provides a layer of cushioning between strap system 211 and a wearer's skin to prevent chafing. Bootie 215 also provides abrasion protection to wearer skin in the heel region. In other embodiments, bootie 215 may be omitted. Bootie 215 may be configured so as not to restrict heel movement. For example, bootie 215 may rest within strap system 211, but may be unattached to strap system 211 or to sole structure 212. A forward edge of bootie 215 (not shown) is attached to forward element 214, but the portion of bootie 215 rearward of that attachment may be free to move relative to strap system 211 and sole structure 212. In other embodiments, bootie 215 may be glued to sole structure 212.
In some embodiments, forward element 214 and strap system 211 are substantially inelastic. In other words, neither forward element 214 nor strap system 211 appreciably stretches under loads that might be imposed by a wearer. Because of the way in which these components are attached to sole structure 212, however, natural foot motion is accommodated. Forward element 214 is anchored to sole structure 212 at or around the outer perimeter of a wearer forefoot. Thus, forward element 214 serves to hold the forefoot flat against sole structure 212. Because the forefoot does not rotate relative to the forefoot portion of the sole structure (or only rotates a small amount), the forefoot is thus non-rotationally secured to the forefoot portion of the sole structure. This is not a concern, however. As indicated above in connection with
Conversely, strap system 211 accommodates the foot motion described above in connection with FIG. 1B2 and allows increased motion of a heel relative to a forefoot. In particular, strap system 211 secures a wearer heel to sole structure 212 and allows the wearer heel to tilt relative to the forward portion of sole structure 212, thereby permitting heel rotation relative to the forefoot. This is illustrated in
As seen in
As also shown in
Straps 231, 232 and 233 can be formed from various materials. In some embodiments, one or more of straps 231, 232 and 233 can include embedded reinforcing fiber strands. Example materials for such strands include liquid crystal polymer (LCP) fibers of aromatic polyester such as are sold under the trade name VECTRAN by Kuraray America, Inc. Other example strand materials include but are not limited to nylon and high-tensile polyester. As previously indicated, strap system 211 could be cut as a single piece from a larger piece of material. Alternatively, straps 231, 232 and/or 233 (or portions thereof) could be formed separately and then joined together.
In at least some embodiments, the performance of a shoe is improved by independently mapping the shape of the hindfoot strap system directly to actual foot anatomy instead of to a conventional footwear last. Conventional footwear lasts are typically designed with added allowance for material thickness, component insertion, and foam padding. These added allowances cause the shapes of conventional lasts to be significantly different from the shapes actual human feet that would wear shoes fabricated with such lasts. In some embodiments, a hindfoot strap system for a shoe of a particular size can be created by measuring feet corresponding to that size. Such measurements could be in the areas of the foot where the straps would lie. The measurements could be averaged or otherwise statistically processed, some small allowance included to account for a bootie and a wearer's sock, and then used to generate a pattern for straps of a strap system.
As indicated above, shoe 200 offers numerous advantages relative to conventional shoe designs. Under some circumstances, however, various aspects of shoe 200 could pose possible disadvantages. An open portion of upper 200 extends from edge 221 of element 214, around the rear of sole structure 212, and to edge 222. This open region exposes the interface between the plantar side of bootie 215 and the top of base member 301. If bootie 215 is not glued to base member 301, dirt and other foreign matter could thus be entrapped under the plantar side of bootie 215. Moreover, some additional support around the lower portion of the hindfoot might be desirable. In some types of maneuvers, a wearer's heel may be pushed in a direction that is directly toward the rearmost part of the sole structure, or in a direction that has a substantial component toward the rearmost part of the sole structure. In such a maneuver, the wearer foot might slip rearward within strap system 211 and to the rear of shoe 200, and a heel cup or similar reinforcement could thus be beneficial.
For these and other reasons, certain additional embodiments include a hindfoot strap system but also include further support and/or protection in the hindfoot region. In one such additional embodiment, an upper includes an inner element and an outer element. The inner element covers substantially the entire foot and incorporates a hindfoot strap system. As in the embodiment of shoe 200, the hindfoot strap system may be substantially inelastic. However, various portions of the inner element that are distinct from the strap system could be elastic and configured to stretch under loads induced by wearer activity. The outer element surrounds a portion of the foot and is located on the exterior side of the inner element. The outer element can be inelastic. Portions of the outer element in the forefoot and midfoot regions help hold a wearer forefoot to a sole structure in a manner similar to forward element 214 of shoe 200, and thus non-rotationally secure the wearer forefoot to the shoe sole structure. In the hindfoot region, the outer element can be below the ankle on the lateral and medial sides, but may rise up somewhat in the rearmost portion to form a heel cup. The hindfoot strap system within the inner element rotationally secures the heel to the sole structure, as the ability of the wearer heel to tilt relative to the forefoot is only minimally impeded by the outer element or by other portions of the inner element.
In the embodiment of shoe 500, outer element 502 includes a plurality of lateral reinforcing strands 520 and medial reinforcing strands 521. Strands 520 and 521 are embedded in a shell of outer element 502 and are exposed in openings of that shell. A seen in
Returning to
A hindfoot strap system 702 is contained within inner element 503. Because strap system 702 is substantially inelastic, the regions of inner element 503 that correspond to strap system 702 are thus substantially inelastic. In these inelastic regions, inner element 503 does not appreciably stretch under loads imposed by wearer activity. In some embodiments, however, other regions of inner element 503 are elastic and do stretch in response to loads imposed by wearer activity. An exterior layer 705 of inner element 503 comprises panels of a relatively thin mesh material formed from elastic fibers. In
Referring to
As seen in
As seen in
Next, and as shown in
As previously indicated, a layer of inner element 503 inside of padding elements 931-935 and strap system 702 comprises two types of material: a mesh material similar to the mesh material of outer layer 705 and a second type of textile material. In particular, the interior of inner element 503 within padding elements 931-935 and strap system 702 includes a second mesh material layer in regions forward of strap system 702. All other interior portions of inner element 503 have a second type of textile material that has a finer weave (e.g., woven nylon or polyester). Inner element 503 can be assembled by stitching or otherwise joining interior mesh panels (not shown in the drawings), padding panels 931-933, and mesh layer 705 along the seams separating panels 931-933. Tab 801, which can be separately formed, can be stitched to panel 932 (and to the mesh panels on the interior and exterior sides of panel 932). Layer 705 wraps around the exterior of strap system 702 and padding elements 934 and 935. The interior textile layer, which can be stitched or otherwise joined to the interior mesh layer, wraps around the interior of strap system 702 and of padding elements 934 and 935. A top edge of layer 705 along the top edge of element 934, a top edge of the inner textile element along the top edge of element 934, and the edge of element 934 are also stitched or otherwise joined together. Similarly, a top edge of layer 705 and a top edge of the inner textile element are stitched or otherwise joined to the lateral end 925 of ankle strap 910. Another top edge of layer 705 and another top edge of the inner textile element are stitched or otherwise joined to the medial end 928 of ankle strap 910.
Next, an end 1202 of lateral heel strap 911 is attached to an anchor location on abuse member 1201. Base member 1201, like base member 301 of shoe 200, can be a Strobel or other type of lasting element. An end of medial heel strap 912 (not shown) is similarly attached to a separate anchor location on base member 1201. The positions of anchor locations for the ends of straps 911 and 912, relative to the length of shoe 500 and/or width of a shoe 500 wearer heel, can be similar to the positions of anchor locations 305 and 304 relative to the length of shoe 200 and/or width of a shoe 200 wearer heel.
Next, the forward lower edge of upper 501 (formed by the joined edges of inner element 503 and outer element 502 forward of straps 911 and 912) can be stitched or otherwise attached to the front outside edge of base member 1201. The rear lower edge of upper 501 (formed by the joined edges of inner element 503 and outer element 502 rearward of straps 911 and 912) can likewise be stitched or otherwise attached to the rear outside edge of base member 1201. The lower surface of base member 1201 can then be glued or otherwise attached to upper surface 1203 of sole assembly 510.
The structure of shoe 500 combines certain of the benefits of conventional shoe constructions with advantages of a hindfoot strap system. Because outer element 502 is anchored to sole structure 510 around much of the wearer foot perimeter, unwanted sliding of the foot relative to the footbed can be reduced. For example, heel cup 509 can help prevent rearward motion of the foot relative to sole structure 510. Although inner element 503 is located within outer element 502, they are only joined along portions of their common bottom edges and at the top edge of heel cup 509. Thus, inner element 503 can move relative to the outer element 502 across most of their interfacing surfaces. Strap system 702 secures the wearer heel while allowing heel rotation relative to the forefoot. The low edge of outer element 502 under the malleoli reduces interference by outer element 502 with natural heel-forefoot rotation. The location of strap system 702 inside of inner element 503 facilitates inclusion of continuous padding around the wearer's foot.
Additional embodiments include numerous variations on shoes 200 and 500. Numerous materials in addition to those specifically identified can be employed. Upper 501 of shoe 500 can have numerous alternate constructions. In some embodiments, an outer element could lack openings such as openings 525 and 526. In some such embodiments, strands 520 and 521 might be omitted. In some embodiments, a hindfoot strap system might only include a lateral heel strap or a medial heel strap. Features of shoe 200 or shoe 500 can be combined with other features, including but not limited to various features described below.
Sole Structure with Heel Region Profile(s)
In some embodiments, a shoe may also include a sole structure in which the heel region has a rounded inner and/or outer profile.
The outer surface 1399 of sole structure 1312 has a rounded contour that mimics the shape of an unloaded human heel. In some embodiments, outer surface 1399 of sole structure 1312 is curved in a region that begins just forward of the malleoli and that continues to the rear end of the heel. The curvature of outer surface 1399 in a transverse section of sole structure 1312 within a region of shoe 1300 is similar to the curvature that the part of foot 1350 in that same transverse section would have in an unloaded condition, and with adjustment of the outer surface 1399 curvature to account for the thickness of sole structure 1312 in that transverse section. In the region shown in
The internal surface 1380 of sole structure 1312 is also curved to approximate the curvature of an unloaded heel of the wearer foot 1350. This internal profile helps to prevent foot 1350 from sliding within shoe 1300. This internal profile also helps to prevent displacement of the foot 1350 fat pad from under the foot 1350 calcaneus when shoe 1300 contacts the ground, thereby adding cushioning to foot 1350 within shoe 1350.
In some embodiments, sole structure 1312 may be primarily composed of a midsole. That midsole may have relatively thin outsole tread layers bonded to the midsole. The midsole material may sufficiently soft so as to deform with ground contact an allow additional area of the outsole to contact the ground, thereby increasing traction.
In some embodiments, shoe 1300 could be manufactured using a last that is more anatomically correct than conventional lasts. As indicated above, conventional footwear lasts are typically designed with added allowance for material thickness, component insertion, and foam padding. In some embodiments, a last for a particular size of shoe can by created by sampling feet having lengths within a predetermined range of the “stick” length of a conventional last for shoes of that size. Anatomical details from those measurements can then be added to a basic last shape. In particular, the locations of a first and fifth metatarsal, a full length foot volume, and widths of a foot various locations (including multiple heel locations), and unweighted heel contour can be mapped to a last having a correct stick length.
Various additional examples of articles of footwear, sole structures, and/or components of articles of footwear or sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention are described in more detail below. These components, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear also allow (and/or support) at least some degree of rotation of the rearfoot with respect to the forefoot during a direction change or cutting action (to better correspond to natural, unshod foot motion, as described above). The various example structures described below may be incorporated into footwear constructions that include a hindfoot strap component or system, e.g., of the various types described above.
I. Relative Motion Provided by Detached Interface Joint Between the Upper and Midsole Components
Some example footwear and foot-receiving device structures in accordance with this invention will include a heel supporting component in a heel area of the shoe that is separate from a midsole component also provided in the heel area (the midsole component optionally may extend to other areas of the shoe as well, including the forefoot and midfoot regions). By providing separate components and maintaining them in an unattached or otherwise relatively movable configuration in the final footwear structure, the heel supporting component may be allowed to move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe (e.g., rotate, slide and rotate, etc.) along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Thus, the heel supporting component moves relative to the midsole component. Using this type of construction, the rearfoot portion of the foot can move relative to the forefoot portion of the foot during phases of a cutting or direction change maneuver, and this relative movement may allow the rearfoot of the wearer to maintain a more neutral and natural ankle/foot orientation and/or motion (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2). Examples of such foot-support structures and articles of footwear including such structures will be described in more detail below in conjunction with
As further shown in
For reasons that will be described in more detail below, the heel supporting component 1520 of this example is separate from the midsole component 1502. The heel supporting component 1520 includes a curved lower surface 1522 that is movably received in the recessed portion 1506 of the major upper surface 1504 of the midsole component 1502 (see also
The heel supporting component 1520 may be made from any suitable or desired materials without departing from this invention, including materials conventionally used for producing midsole components, such as polyurethane foam, foamed polyvinylacetate, and the like. If necessary or desired, at least one of the recessed portion 1506 of the major upper surface 1504 of the midsole component 1502 and/or the curved lower surface 1522 of the heel supporting component 1520 may be altered to reduce a coefficient of friction of the recessed portion 1506 with respect to the curved lower surface 1522 (i.e., at the interface of these surfaces). This may be accomplished in various ways, such as by treating some or all of one or both of these surfaces 1506 and 1522 to make them harder, slipperier, less tacky, etc. As another example, some or all of one or both of these surfaces 1506 and 1522 may be coated or otherwise covered with another material that lowers the coefficient of friction between these interfacing surfaces 1506 and 1522. Also, one or both of these interfacing surfaces 1506 and 1522 may be made harder than a majority of a material making up the remainder of the corresponding component, e.g., to reduce the coefficient of friction between the interfacing surfaces, to improve wear resistance, etc.
As best shown in
The foot-supporting component 1500 may have a variety of different sizes, shapes, parts, constructions, and the like, in addition to or in place of some of the structures shown in
As further shown in
The article of footwear 1600 may include many other features or components without departing from this invention, including features or components that are conventionally known or used in the art. As some more specific examples, as shown in
The connecting element 1652 may take on a variety of sizes, shapes, numbers of parts, and the like, without departing from this invention. In this illustrated example, the connecting element 1652 is a single textile strip that extends along the rear heel area of the shoe 1650 connecting the midsole component 1502 and the upper 1602. If desired, multiple strips of this type may be provided in the rear heel area. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a connecting element may be provided at the sides of the heel area, particularly at the medial heel side area (as the medial side will not typically stretch excessively during a cutting or direction change motion). Other materials and/or structures may be used to prevent vertical separation of these parts without departing from this invention, including, for example, retaining surfaces or stop members on the midsole component 1502 and upper 1602 that engage one another when an upward force is applied to the upper during a step cycle, dovetailing structures (e.g., on the surfaces 1522 and 1506 or other surfaces), or the like.
Also, as illustrated in
Notably, the raised lateral heel side area 1666 of the midsole component 1502 provides support during this cutting action and the raised upper edge 166a helps keep the heel supporting component 1520 engaged with the remainder of the midsole component 1502.
While not a requirement (and while not shown), if desired, foot-support structures and articles of footwear of the types described above in conjunction with in
As another alternative, if desired, the lower medial strap component 233 and the lower lateral strap component 232 mentioned above may be replaced by a single lower strap component that extends from the medial side junction area to the lateral side junction area under the curved lower surface 1522 of the heel supporting component 1520 (optionally fixed to the curved lower surface 1522 at one or more locations). If necessary or desired, one or both of the surfaces 1522 and 1506 may include a groove to receive the portions of the lower strap component(s) that extend under the curved lower surface 1522, to reduce or prevent direct contact between the strap(s) and the surface 1506, which could lead to wear, additional friction, and the like. Optionally, the portions of the straps that extend between surfaces 1506 and 1522 may be made from appropriate materials and/or treated so as to have a reduced or low coefficient of friction with respect to surface 1506 to better support and accommodate relative motion between these interfacing surfaces 1506 and 1522.
II. Relative Motion Provided by Flexible Foot Support Members
Other types of foot support members, such as shank plates in articles of footwear, also may be used to provide (or increase) an amount of rotation of the rearfoot with respect to the forefoot during a direction change or cutting action,
The support member 1700 illustrated in
In this illustrated example structure 1700, the lateral side member 1708 is fixed to each of the heel support region 1704 and the forefoot support region 1706. While this is accomplished in the illustrated example structure 1700 by integrally forming the lateral side member 1708 with the heel support region 1704 and the forefoot support region 1706 as a unitary, one-piece construction (e.g., by an injection molding process using a plastic polymer material), other options are available. For example, if desired, the heel support region 1704 and the forefoot support region 1706 may be made as separate parts that are joined together by another separate part that functions as the lateral side member 1708. When made from multiple parts, the various parts may be fixed together in any desired manner, such as via cements or adhesives, via fusing techniques, via mechanical connectors, etc.
Also, in this illustrated example structure 1700, the medial side member 1710 is fixed to the heel support region 1704, e.g., by forming them as a unitary, one-piece construction (e.g., by injection molding) or by joining two separate members together, e.g., in the various manners noted above for lateral side member 1708. As best shown in
As noted above, the foot support member 1700 may be made from rigid materials (e.g., a relatively hard plastic) that still provide some flexibility. In use, as a user wearing a shoe incorporating this support structure 1700 steps down hard on the medial side of an outside foot (e.g., to make a rapid, hard turn or a cutting action), the medial side member 1710 can flex such that the free end 1712 thereof moves in a direction away from the bottom major surface 1714 of the forefoot support region 1706 (e.g., to support a more neutral and natural lower leg/ankle orientation and/or motion). Flex of the medial side member 1710 in a direction toward the bottom major surface 1714 of the forefoot support region 1706, however, is limited by the overlap between the free end 1712 of the medial side member 1710 and the bottom major surface 1714 of the forefoot support region 1706 in this illustrated structure 1700.
Foot support members 1700 of this type may include various additional features that enhance their flexibility, comfort, and use. For example, as illustrated in
Flexibility in other directions or other areas also may help improve the “feel” of a shoe incorporating this support member 1700. For example, as illustrated in these figures, the forefoot support region 1706 of this example structure 1700 includes a flexion zone that allows flex of a lateral toe area 1724 and the very front of the forefoot support region 1706 with respect to a lateral ball area 1726 of the forefoot support region 1706. These features allow for better flex of the toe area of the shoe during a step cycle, a jump, a cut, etc., and improve the comfort of the support structure 1700.
Various areas of the support member 1700, and particularly the lateral side areas and the heel area, include raised side walls that help support the foot and maintain the foot's position during use of a shoe, including during a hard turn or cutting maneuver. Note, for example: the raised perimeter wall 1728 at a rear heel area of the heel support region 1704 (extending around the rear heel area of the heel support region 1704 from a medial side area to a lateral side area of the heel support region 1704); the raised side wall 1730 along the outside perimeter edge of the lateral support member 1708; the raised side wall 1732 along the lateral ball support region 1726 (part of the forefoot support region 1706); and the raised side wall 1734 along the lateral toe support region 1724 (also part of the forefoot support region 1706). While all of these side walls 1728, 1730, 1732, and 1734 are shown in the example structure 1700, one or more (or all) of these side walls could be omitted without departing from this invention (and optionally replaced with a side support as part of another component of the article of footwear). Also, while these side walls may be raised up from the plantar support surface immediately adjacent to them by any desired height without departing from this invention, in the illustrated example, for men's shoes (e.g., sizes about 9 to 12), these watts will be raised up at their highest points from about 2 mm to about 20 mm. The lateral ball support side wall 1732 in this illustrated example structure is the highest of all of the side support walls, with the lateral toe support wall 1734 being the next highest.
As noted above, the support member 1700 illustrated in
While not a requirement (and while not shown), if desired, foot support members 1700 of the types described above in conjunction with
III. Relative Motion Provided by Soft Midsole Components
Other types of footwear structures and components also may be used to provide or support relative movement between the rear foot and forefoot areas of a wearer's foot during a direction change or hard cut maneuver.
As shown in
Additionally, the forefoot outsole portion 1802a of this example structure 1802 includes a raised perimeter support 1802f at the lateral midfoot to forefoot area (e.g., to enclose the area beneath and alongside the little toe). This raised lateral wall or support 1802f (which may be taller or shorter and/or may extend further or less in either perimeter direction) provides additional support and stability to the overall sole structure 1800, particularly during a cutting or hard turn maneuver. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the perimeter of forefoot outsole portion 1802a may include additional raised side walls, such as front wall 1802g and medial side wall 1802h. These additional side walls 1802g and 1802h, when present, also may help provide stability (e.g., maintain the foot on top of the sole structure and maintain the parts in the proper stacked construction, etc.), improve construction (e.g., by providing more surface area for bonding, by helping maintain the stacked configuration, etc.), etc.
While these various side walls 1802e, 1802g, and 1802h and the raised lateral support 1802f may have any desired perimeter extent and/or height without departing from this invention, in at least some examples of this invention the lateral support 1802f will have the tallest height of these side watts, having an absolute height in some structures 1802 of at least 10 mm, and in some examples at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, or even at least 25 mm. The height of this lateral support 1802f (at its tallest point, from the bottom surface of the outsole up) may be at least twice as tall as the height of the raised side wall 1802h (at its tallest point, from the bottom surface of the outsole up) at the opposite side of the sole.
The next component in this example sole structure (working one's way up from the bottom to the top) is the lower foam component 1804, as shown in
The lower foam component 1804 may be made from any desired foam material without departing from this invention, including polyurethane foams, ethyl vinyl acetate foams, phylon, phylite, etc. Also, the foam component 1804 may be made from two or more component parts without departing from this invention. For example, as shown by the broken line in
At least the medial side 1804d or medial perimeter area of the foam component 1804 (and optionally the entire foam component 1804) may be made of relatively low density foam or soft foam to allow relatively easy compression under an applied force as will be explained in more detail below. As additional potential features, at least the medial side 1804d or medial perimeter area of the lower foam component 1804 (and optionally the entire lower foam component 1804) may have a hardness that is at least 5% lower than the hardness of the foam midsole component 1808 (when component 1808 is made at least in part from foam) and/or a density at least 5% lower than the density of the foam midsole component 1808 (when component 1808 is made at least in part from foam). In still other examples, lower foam component 1804 (or at least its medial perimeter or medial side 1804d), will have a hardness and/or density at least 10% lower, or even at least 15% lower, than the hardness and/or density of foam midsole component 1808 (when component 1808 is made at least in part from foam).
The curved upper surface 1804a and flatter bottom surface 1804b produce a somewhat cupped structure wherein the perimeter edges 1804e are substantially higher or thicker than the thickness of the lower foam component 1804 at a center portion thereof (e.g., in the area adjacent the opening 1804f). As some more specific examples, the height or thickness of the foam component 1804 at the perimeter edge 1804e (e.g., hf shown in
As noted above, this example lower foam component 1804 includes an opening 1804f defined generally in the center of the rearfoot support area. While not necessary at least in all example structures according to this invention, the opening 1804f can help provide some degree of flexibility in the overall sole structure 1800 (and in the lower foam component 1804), e.g., to allow the medial side 1804d of the lower foam component 1804 to bend downward somewhat with respect to the lateral side 1804c thereof (e.g., rotate along a generally longitudinal axis) during a hard direction change or cutting action. If desired, the opening 1804f in the lower foam component 1804 may align with or at least partially overlap with the opening 1802d of the outsole component 1802 (when such an opening is present). Providing aligned openings 1802d and 1804f exposes the bottom surface of the plate member 1806 from the exterior of the sole structure 1800 (see
While the lower component 1804 is discussed above as being made from a tram material, other compressible materials or components may be used without departing from this invention, such as one or more fluid-filled bladders, one or more mechanical impact-force absorbing members (e.g., shock absorber structures), etc.
The next component as one moves upward in the overall sole structure 1800 is the plate 1806. One example plate member 1806 is illustrated in
The plate member 1806 may be made from any desired materials without departing from this invention. As some examples, the plate 1806 may be made from a thin, rigid, lightweight material, such as plastic materials (e.g., PEBAX, etc.), carbon fiber reinforced polymer materials, fiberglass materials, aluminum or aluminum alloy materials, titanium or titanium alloy materials, or the like. While any appropriate thickness plate 1806 may be used without departing from this invention, in some example constructions, the plate 1806 will have a maximum and/or average thickness of less than 4 mm, and in some examples less than 3 mm or even less than 2 mm. The plate 1806 may be rigid, yet flexible, particularly under force from a step or direction change action.
Also, in this example structure, the free end 1806c of the plate 1806 extends predominantly toward the lateral side of the overall sole structure and terminates generally at a forefoot region of the sole structure. This is not a requirement. Rather, if desired, in at least some constructions according to this invention, the plate member 1806 may terminate within the midfoot region, before the midfoot region, or within the forefoot region of the sole structure. As yet another example, if desired, the plate member 1806 may extend substantially an entire longitudinal length of the sole structure.
As also shown in
The next element as one moves upward in this overall example sole structure 1800 is a midsole component 1808. One example of this component is illustrated in more detail in
In this illustrated example, the foam-containing midsole component 1808 includes an upper major surface 1808a for supporting a plantar surface of a foot (directly or indirectly). The rearfoot portion of upper surface 1808a may be curved in a manner so as to generally conform to a heel of a user, e.g., as is conventionally known in the art. The midsole component 1808 further includes a lower major surface 1808b, wherein a rearfoot area of this lower major surface 1808b also is curved. The side wall 1808c around the rear perimeter heel area of the midsole component 1808 may be somewhat thinner than a thickness of the midsole component 1808 through the bottom heel surface. The relatively thick bottom heel area of midsole component 1808 provides added impact three attenuation and comfort features directly beneath the wearer's heel.
The curved lower major surface 1808b at the rearfoot area of the midsole component 1808 is shaped to fit within and be supported by the curved upper surface 1806a of the plate member 1806. The perimeter edges of the midsole component 1808 in this illustrated example curve upward to create raised sidewalk at least at some portions of the midsole component 1808 to help better hold the wearer's foot on the sole structure 1800. Specifically, at least the perimeter edges around the rear heel area form the raised side wall 1808c that helps maintain the wearer's foot in the proper position at the heel area. Raised side walls also may be provided at other areas, such as at the lateral forefoot and midfoot areas (particularly side wall 1808d at the little toe area and side wall 1808e at the medial forefoot area). Likewise, these side walls 1808d and 1808e help maintain proper foot position on the plantar surface 1808a of the midsole component 1808.
Returning to
Notably, in this example structure 1800, the midsole component 1808 forms all or substantially all of the upper surface of the overall sole structure 1800 for engaging the upper and supporting the plantar surface of the wearer's foot. Note
In sole structures 1800 according to at least some examples of this invention, the lower foam component 1804 (or at least an outer perimeter portion of a medial side 1804d of the lower foam component 1804) may be made from a softer, less dense, or otherwise more compressible foam material than the foam material contained in midsole component 1808 (if any). In other examples, the lower foam component 1804 (or at least an outer perimeter portion of a medial side 1804d of the lower foam component 1804) may be made from a softer, less dense, or otherwise more compressible foam material than the foam material making up a majority of the volume of the midsole component 1808 (and particularly softer, less dense, or otherwise more compressible than the foam material(s) in the rearfoot area of the midsole component 1808). As another example feature in accordance with at least some examples of this invention, the lower foam component 1804 (or at least a medial side 1804d thereof) will be made from a softer, less dense, or more compressible material than any foam material of the midsole component 1808, and the midsole component 1808 will be made from a softer material than the plate 1806.
While not a requirement (and while not shown), if desired, sole structures 1800 of the types described above in conjunction with
The bootie portion 1902 of this example assembly 1900 is made from one or more pieces of textile material. While any type of textile material may be used without departing from this invention, in this illustrated example, the bootie portion 1902 includes multiple layers of fabric sandwiching a spacer mesh material to provide excellent breathability. The textile and the strobel member 1920 define an enclosed interior chamber 1904 for receiving a user's foot (through ankle opening 1906). Rather than conventional laces, lace engaging structures, and a tongue member, the instep or vamp area 1908 of this example bootie portion 1902 is enclosed. To allow for easy insertion of a wearer's foot, each side of the ankle opening 1906 in this example structure includes a stretchable or elastic portion 1910. Additionally or alternatively, however, a more conventional acing system and structure could be provided without departing from this invention.
The forefoot portion of this example bootie and strap assembly 1900 includes a first strap securing system 1940. This strap securing system 1940 includes a first strap member 1942 that extends from the lateral forefoot area (e.g., at a location near or surrounding the wearer's little toe) somewhat diagonally across the instep or vamp area 1908 to the medial midfoot area. The lateral forefoot end 1944 of the first strap member 1942 may be engaged between the bootie portion 1902 and the strobel 1920 (e.g., at the extreme lateral edge of the bootie, somewhat underneath the foot support surface, generally at the center line of the bootie (see seam 1954 in
Any size or dimension straps may be provided for the first strap securing system 1940 without departing from this invention. If necessary or desired, as shown in
The rearfoot area of this example bootie and strap assembly 1900 includes a second strap securing system 1960, which may constitute a strap assembly of the types described above in conjunction with
The upper medial strap component 1972 and the upper lateral strap component 1974 further may include structures for securing the strap around the wearer's foot. While any desired type of securing structure(s) may be provided without departing from this invention, in the illustrated example, the free end of the upper lateral strap component 1974 includes a portion 1974a of a hook-and-loop fastener and the free end of the upper medial strap component 1972 includes a tensioning element 1972a. As is conventional, the free end of the upper lateral strap component 1974 feeds through and folds around the tensioning element 1972a so that the hook-and-loop fastener portion 1974a of the free end of the upper lateral strap component 1974 can engage another portion 1974b of the hook-and-loop fastener (in this illustrated example, provided on the surface of the upper lateral strap component 1974). Other fastener arrangements and/or structures may be used without departing from this invention, including, for example, buckles, clamps, or other mechanical connectors.
Portions of the strap member 1940 extend between the strobel layers 1920a and 1920b and are engaged with the strobel layers 1920a and 1920b by sewn seams 1954 and 1956, as mentioned above. While
If desired, the free ends of the strap member 1960 beneath the footbed may meet together such that a single seam can hold both straps to the strobel member 1920. As yet another example, if desired, the lower medial strap component 1966 that extends from the medial side junction area 1962 and beneath the footbed may be formed as a single piece with the lower lateral strap component 1968 that extends from the lateral side junction area 1964 and beneath the footbed. In such a construction, it may be possible that no seam would be needed to engage the strap member 1960 to the strobel member 1920 (although a seam and engagement of these parts may be provided, if desired).
In addition to the bootie and strap assembly 2020, this example article of footwear includes a synthetic leather member 2002 (including one or more component parts) that covers selective portions of the bootie and strap assembly and forms a portion of the overall footwear upper. This synthetic leather member 2002 is provided to improve the durability and/or abrasion resistance of the article of footwear, and may be located at selected positions that tend to experience greater wear or impacts. As shown, in this example construction 2000, the leather member 2002 surrounds all or substantially all of the shoe perimeter immediately above the sole assembly 2040. The leather member 2002 also covers all or substantially all of the upper toe and vamp/instep portions of the bootie and strap assembly, terminating or providing an opening at the medial side so as to allow the strap member 1940 to freely pass. The surface of the leather member 2002 includes a portion 2004 of a hook-and-loop fastener that engages with the hook-and-loop fastener portion 1946a provided at the free end 1946 of strap member 1940. The rear lateral side of the leather member 2002 also terminates a short distance up (below the ankle area of the foot) to expose the strap member 1960 of the heel and strap assembly 1900. The leather member 2002 also may include numerous openings (e.g., in the vamp or instep area, along the medial and lateral sides, etc.) to provide improved ventilation and breathability. Also, while the above description identifies member 2002 as being made from synthetic leather, other materials also may be used without departing from this invention, such as natural leather, thermoplastic polyurethanes, other polymers or textiles, etc.
As noted above, rather than a conventional lace system; the bootie and strap assembly 2020 of this example includes stretchable material portions 1910 along the medial and lateral sides of the shoe that enable expansion of the ankle opening 1904 to a sufficient extent to allow a wearer to insert his/her foot. Also, to assist in donning the shoe 2000, the front portion 2006 of the ankle opening 1904 includes a raised portion that can act as a handle for the user when putting on the shoe. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a rear handle (e.g., fabric loop 2008) can be provided to assist in the shoe donning process. The rear portion 2010 of the ankle opening 1904 also may include a raised area to which loop 2008 is attached. If desired, the loop 2008 also may extend downward (optionally to the leather member 2002) and form a “belt-loop” type structure 2012 through which a portion of the strap member 1960 extends.
In use, an article of footwear 2000 with a sole structure 1800/2040 like that described and illustrated above in conjunction with
In addition to articles of footwear, aspects of this invention can be practiced with other types of “foot-receiving devices” (i.e., any device into which a user places at least some portion of his or her foot). In addition to all types of footwear or shoes (e.g., as described above), foot receiving devices include, but are not limited to: boots, bindings and other devices for securing feet in snow skis, cross country skis, water skis, snowboards, and the like; boots, bindings, clips, or other devices for securing feet in pedals for use with bicycles, exercise equipment, and the like; boots, bindings, clips, or other devices for receiving feet during play of video games or other games; and the like. Such foot-receiving devices may include: (a) a foot-covering component (akin to a footwear upper) that at least in part defines an interior chamber for receiving a foot; and (b) a foot-supporting component (akin to the footwear sole structure) engaged with the foot-covering component. Structures for providing the desired relative rearfoot movement with respect to the forefoot, as described above, may be incorporated in the foot-covering and/or foot-supporting component of any desired type of foot-receiving device.
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 of the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments. As but one example, techniques such as are described herein can be used to fabricate articles other than footwear uppers. The embodiments discussed 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 utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Any and all combinations, subcombinations and permutations of features from above-described embodiments are the within the scope of the invention. With regard to claims directed to an apparatus, an article of manufacture or some other physical component or combination of components, a reference in the claim to a potential or intended wearer or a user of a component does not require actual wearing or using of the component or the presence of the wearer or user as part of the claimed component or component combination. With regard to claims directed to methods for fabricating an component or combination of components, a reference in the claim to a potential or intended wearer or a user of a component does not require actual wearing or using of the component or the participation of the wearer or user as part of the claimed process.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/614,268, titled “Footwear Configured to Allow Relative Heel/Forefoot Motion” and filed Mar. 22, 2012. Provisional patent application 61/614,268, in its entirety, is incorporated by reference herein.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20130247416 A1 | Sep 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61614268 | Mar 2012 | US |
