CN107404970B

CN107404970B - Multi-component sole structure with auxetic structure

Info

Publication number: CN107404970B
Application number: CN201580077260.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托里·M·克罗斯
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc
Priority date: 2015-03-10
Filing date: 2015-12-18
Publication date: 2020-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-18
Also published as: TWI620515B; CN111602926B; EP3267823B1; WO2016144410A1; TWI694784B; TW201818845A; EP3267823A1; TW201637587A; CN107404970A; CN111602926A

Abstract

An article (100) of footwear (100) includes a sole structure (1000, 1009, 1019, 103, 110) having a midsole component (1004, 1012, 1022, 122) and an insole component (1002, 1010, 1020, 120). The midsole component (1004, 1012, 1002, 122) includes apertures (200, 300, 402, 710) arranged in an auxetic configuration. The midsole component (1004, 1012, 1002, 122) and the inner sole component (1002, 1010, 1020, 120) may have different densities. The midsole component (1004, 1012, 1002, 122) and the inner sole component (1002, 1010, 1020, 120) may have different compressibilities.

Description

Multi-component sole structure with auxetic structure

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part of the following applications: U.S. patent application No. 14/030,002, filed 2013, 9/18, entitled "Auxetic Structures and Footwear Having a sole with an Auxetic structure" (automatic Structures and Footwear with a solution providing an Auxetic structure), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to the following applications: co-pending U.S. patent application No. ______, filed on 3/10/2015 entitled "Midsole Component and outsole Component with Auxetic Structure" (attorney docket No. 51-4273), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present application is also related to the following applications: co-pending U.S. patent application No. _______, filed on 3/10/2015 entitled "Sole Structure with apertures Arranged in Auxetic Configuration" (attorney docket No. 51-4337), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear, and, more particularly, to articles of footwear having an upper and a sole structure.

Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from a variety of materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In many articles of footwear, including the athletic shoe types, the sole structure generally includes an insole, a midsole, and an outsole.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a sole structure includes a midsole component and an insole component. The midsole component includes a plurality of apertures arranged in an auxetic configuration. The midsole component is shaped to receive the inner base component, and a first density of the midsole component is different than a second density of the inner base component.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure having a midsole component and an insole component. The midsole component includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface includes a plurality of apertures arranged in an auxetic configuration. The inner surface includes a central recess that receives the inner sole member. At least one outer bottom component is attached to an outer surface of the midsole component.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.

Drawings

The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear;

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of an article of footwear;

FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a sole component, including an enlarged schematic view of a portion of the sole component;

FIG. 5 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a sole element, including an enlarged schematic view of a portion of the sole element, wherein the portion of the sole element is undergoing auxetic expansion;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary isometric view of an embodiment of a sole structure including a midsole component and an inner sole component;

FIG. 7 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of the sole structure of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an article of footwear before a foot has been inserted;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an article of footwear with a foot inserted; and

fig. 10-12 illustrate schematic views of various material configurations of a midsole component and an inner base component comprising a midsole assembly.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear 100. In an exemplary embodiment, article of footwear 100 has the form of an athletic shoe. However, in other embodiments, the provisions discussed herein for article of footwear 100 may be incorporated into various other types of footwear, including, but not limited to: basketball shoes, hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, training shoes, football shoes, baseball shoes, and other types of shoes. Further, in some embodiments, the provisions discussed herein for article of footwear 100 may be incorporated into various other types of non-athletic related footwear, including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high-heeled shoes and flat-bottom sandals.

For purposes of clarity, the following detailed description discusses features of footwear 100 (also referred to simply as article 100). However, it should be understood that other embodiments may include a corresponding article of footwear (e.g., a right foot article of footwear when footwear 100 is a left side article of footwear) that may enjoy some, and possibly all, of the features of article of footwear 100 described herein and shown in the figures.

Embodiments may be characterized by various directional adjectives and reference sections. These directions and reference portions may be helpful in describing portions of an article of footwear. In addition, these directions and reference portions may also be used to describe sub-components of the article of footwear (e.g., directions and/or portions of an inner sole component, a midsole component, an outer sole component, an upper, or any other component).

Directional adjectives are employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments for consistency and convenience. The term "longitudinal" as used throughout the detailed description and claims refers to a direction extending along a length of an element (e.g., an upper or sole element). In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from the forefoot portion to the heel portion of the member. Likewise, the term "transverse" as used throughout the detailed description and claims refers to a direction extending along the width of a component. In other words, the transverse direction may extend between the inner and outer sides of the component. Furthermore, the term "vertical" as used throughout the detailed description and claims refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case where the article is placed flat on the ground, the vertical direction may extend upward from the ground. Further, the term "interior" refers to the portion of the article disposed adjacent to the interior of the article, or the portion of the article disposed adjacent to the foot when the article is worn. Likewise, the term "exterior" refers to the portion of the article that is disposed away from the interior of the article or away from the foot. Thus, for example, the inner surface of the component is disposed closer to the interior of the article than the outer surface of the component. This detailed description utilizes these directional adjectives to describe articles and various components of articles, including upper, midsole, and/or outsole structures.

The article 100 may be characterized by a plurality of distinct regions or portions. For example, article 100 may include a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion, and an ankle portion. In addition, components of article 100 may likewise include corresponding portions. Referring to fig. 1, article 100 may be divided into a forefoot portion 10, a midfoot portion 12 and a heel portion 14. The forefoot portion 10 may be generally associated with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. The midfoot portion 12 may be generally associated with the arch of the foot. Likewise, heel portion 14 may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. Article 100 may also include ankle portion 15 (which may also be referred to as a collar portion). In addition, article 100 may include exterior side 16 and interior side 18. In particular, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may be opposite sides of article 100. In addition, both lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may extend through forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12, heel portion 14, and ankle portion 15.

Fig. 2 shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear 100. Fig. 1-2 illustrate various components of an article of footwear 100, including an upper 102 and a sole structure 103.

In general, upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size, and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article 100 is a basketball shoe, upper 102 may be a high-top upper that is shaped to provide high support at the ankle. In embodiments where article 100 is a running shoe, upper 102 may be a low-top upper.

In some embodiments, upper 102 includes an opening 114 that provides the foot with access to the interior void of upper 102. In some embodiments, upper 102 may also include a tongue (not shown) that provides cushioning and support across the instep of the foot. Some embodiments may include fastening arrangements including, but not limited to: laces, cables, straps, buttons, zippers, and any other arrangement known in the art for securing articles. In some embodiments, lace 125 may be applied at the fastening areas of upper 102.

Some embodiments may include an upper that extends under the foot, providing 360 degrees of coverage in some areas of the foot. However, other embodiments need not include an upper that extends under the foot. In other embodiments, for example, the upper may have a lower perimeter that is connected with the sole structure and/or sock liner.

The upper may be formed from a variety of different manufacturing techniques to create a variety of upper structures. For example, in some embodiments, the upper may have a braided structure, a knitted (e.g., warp knitted) structure, or some other braided structure. In an exemplary embodiment, upper 102 may be a knit upper.

In some embodiments, sole structure 103 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 103 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. The structure of sole structure 103 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the structure of sole structure 103 may be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces in which sole structure 103 may be used. Examples of the ground include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, hardwood flooring, and other surfaces.

Sole structure 103 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure 103 may include different components. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1-2, sole structure 103 may include an inner bottom component 120, a midsole component 122, and a plurality of outer bottom components 124. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional.

Referring now to fig. 2, in some embodiments, the inner sole component 120 may be configured as an inner layer for a midsole. For example, as discussed in further detail below, the inner sole component 120 may be integrated or received in a portion of the midsole component 122. However, in other embodiments, the inner base member 120 may be used as an inner base layer and/or a strobel layer. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments, to secure sole structure 103 to upper 102, insole component 120 may be joined (e.g., stitched or glued) to lower portion 104 of upper 102.

The inner base member 120 may have an inner surface 132 and an outer surface 134. Interior surface 132 may be generally oriented toward upper 102. Outer surface 134 may be generally oriented toward midsole component 122. In addition, a peripheral sidewall surface 136 may extend between the inner surface 132 and the outer surface 134.

Midsole component 122 may be configured to provide cushioning, shock absorption, energy return, support, and possibly other settings. To this end, midsole component 122 may have a geometry that provides structure and support to article 100. In particular, midsole component 122 may be viewed as having a lower portion 140 and sidewall portions 142. Sidewall portion 142 may extend around the entire periphery 144 of midsole component 122. As seen in fig. 1, sidewall portions 142 may partially wrap the sides of article 100 to provide increased support along the bottom of the foot.

Midsole component 122 may further include an inner surface 150 and an outer surface 152. Interior surface 150 may be generally oriented toward upper 102, while exterior surface 152 may be oriented outward. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, midsole component 122 includes a central recess 148 disposed in an inner surface 150. The central recess 148 may be sized and configured to receive the inner base member 120.

In some embodiments, midsole component 122 may include a plurality of apertures 200, at least some of which may extend through the entire thickness of midsole component 122. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2, some of the plurality of holes 200 are visible within the central recess 148.

In various embodiments, midsole component 122 may generally include various arrangements associated with a midsole. For example, in one embodiment, the midsole component may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. In various embodiments, the midsole component may also include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot, for example.

Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the sole structure 103. As seen in fig. 2-3, the plurality of outer base members 124 comprises four different outer base members. In particular, sole structure 103 includes a first outer bottom component 160, a second outer bottom component 162, a third outer bottom component 164, and a fourth outer bottom component 166. Although the exemplary embodiment includes four different outer base members, other embodiments may include any other number of outer base members. In another embodiment, for example, there may be only a single outer base member. In another embodiment, only two outer base members may be used. In another embodiment, only three outer base members may be used. In other embodiments, five or more outer base members may be used.

Generally, the outer base member may be configured as a ground engaging member. In some embodiments, the outsole component may include properties associated with the outsole, such as durability, wear resistance, and increased traction. In other embodiments, the outsole component may include properties associated with the midsole, including cushioning, strength, and support. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of outsole components 124 may be configured as outsole-shaped members that enhance traction with the ground while maintaining wear-resistance.

In different embodiments, the position of one or more of the outer base members may vary. In some embodiments, one or more outsole components may be disposed in a forefoot portion of the sole structure. In other embodiments, one or more outsole components may be disposed in the midfoot portion of the sole structure. In other embodiments, one or more outer sole members may be disposed in the heel portion of the sole structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and

second outsole components

160, 162 may be disposed in the forefoot portion 10 of the sole structure 103. More specifically, the first outsole component 160 may be disposed on the medial side 18 of the forefoot portion 10, while the second outsole component 162 may be disposed on the lateral side 16 of the forefoot portion 10. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the third outer bottom member 164 and the fourth outer bottom member 166 may be disposed in the heel portion 14 of the sole structure 103. More specifically, the third outer bottom piece 164 may be disposed on the exterior side 16 and the fourth outer bottom piece 166 may be disposed on the interior side 18. Further, it can be seen that the first and second

outer bottom members

160, 162 are spaced apart from one another at the center of the forefoot portion 10, while the third and fourth outer

bottom members

164, 166 are spaced apart from one another at the center of the heel portion 14. This exemplary structure provides an outer sole component at an increased ground contact area during various lateral and medial cuts to enhance traction during these movements.

The dimensions of the various outer base members may vary. In an exemplary embodiment, the first outer bottom member 160 may be the largest outer bottom member among the plurality of outer bottom members 124. In addition, second outsole component 162 may be substantially smaller than first outsole component 160, thereby increasing traction more on medial side 18 than on lateral side 16 of sole structure 103 in forefoot portion 10. At the heel portion 14, the third and fourth outer

bottom members

164, 166 are widest along the rear edge 109 of the sole structure 103 and taper slightly toward the midfoot portion 12.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the first outer base member 160 has an inner surface 170 and an outer surface 172. Inner surface 170 may generally be disposed against midsole component 122. The outer surface 172 may face outward and may become the ground-contacting surface. For clarity, only the inner and outer surfaces of first outer base member 160 are shown in fig. 2-3, however, it should be understood that the remaining outer base members may likewise include corresponding inner and outer surfaces having similar orientations with respect to midsole member 122.

In an exemplary embodiment, inner sole component 120 may be disposed within central recess 148 of midsole component 122. More specifically, outer surface 134 of inner bottom component 120 may face toward and contact inner surface 150 of midsole component 122. Further, in some cases, the peripheral sidewall surface 136 may also be in contact with the inner surface 150 along the inner groove sidewall 149. Additionally, a plurality of outer base members 124 may be disposed against outer surface 152 of midsole member 122. For example, inner surface 170 of first outer base member 160 may face toward and contact outer surface 152 of midsole member 122. In some embodiments, when assembled, midsole component 122 and inner bottom component 120 may comprise a composite midsole assembly, or a dual-layer midsole assembly.

In different embodiments, upper 102 and sole structure 103 may be connected in various ways. In some embodiments, upper 102 may be attached to inner sole component 120, for example, using an adhesive or by stitching. In other embodiments, upper 102 may be connected to midsole component 122, for example, along sidewall portions 142. In other embodiments, upper 102 may be joined with both inner bottom piece 120 and midsole piece 122. Further, these components may be connected using any method known in the art for connecting sole components to an upper, including various lasting techniques and devices (e.g., a lasting, etc.).

The attachment configuration of the various components of article 100 may vary in different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, inner sole component 120 may be bonded or otherwise attached to midsole component 122. Such bonding or attachment may use any known method for bonding components of an article of footwear including, but not limited to: adhesive, film, tape, binding, stitching, or other methods. In some other embodiments, it is contemplated that inner sole component 120 may not be bonded or attached to midsole component 122, but may be free-floating. In at least some embodiments, inner sole component 120 may have a friction fit with central recess 148 of midsole component 122.

Outer bottom component 124 may likewise be bonded or otherwise attached to midsole component 122. Such bonding or attachment may use any known method for bonding components of an article of footwear including, but not limited to: adhesive, film, tape, binding, stitching, or other methods.

It is contemplated that, in at least some embodiments, two or more of inner bottom component 120, midsole component 122, and/or outer bottom component 124 may be formed and/or bonded simultaneously during the molding process. For example, in some embodiments, once midsole component 122 is formed, inner sole component 120 may be molded within central recess 148.

Embodiments may include provisions to facilitate expansion and/or adaptability of the sole structure during dynamic motion. In some embodiments, the sole structure may be configured with an auxetic arrangement. In particular, one or more components in the sole structure may be capable of undergoing auxetic motions (e.g., expansion and/or contraction).

Sole structure 103, as shown in figures 1-5 and described in further detail below, has an auxetic structure or configuration. Sole structures incorporating auxetic structures are described in the following applications: cross-over U.S. patent application No. 14/030,002, filed 2013, 9/18, entitled "Auxetic Structures and Footwear Having a sole with Auxetic Structures" (Auxetic Structures and Footwear with a solution providing Auxetic Structures) "(" Auxetic structure application "), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As described in the auxetic structure application, auxetic materials have a negative Poisson's (Poisson) ratio such that when they are under tension in a first direction, their dimensions increase in the first direction and in a second direction that is orthogonal or perpendicular to the first direction. This property of auxetic materials is illustrated in fig. 4 and 5.

As seen in fig. 3, sole structure 103 may include a plurality of apertures 300. As used herein, the term "hole" refers to any hollow or recessed region in a component. In some cases, the hole may be a through hole, wherein the hole extends between two opposing surfaces of the component. In other cases, the hole may be a non-through hole, wherein the hole may not extend through the entire thickness of the component, and thus may be open on only one side. In addition, as discussed in further detail below, the components may utilize a combination of through-holes and non-through-holes. Further, the term "hole" may be used interchangeably with "opening" or "recess" in some cases.

Sole structure 103 may be further associated with a plurality of independent sole portions 320 in areas that include one or more apertures. In particular, sole portion 320 includes portions of sole structure 103 that extend between plurality of apertures 300. It can also be seen that a plurality of apertures 300 extend between sole portions 320. Thus, it will be appreciated that each aperture may be surrounded by a plurality of sole portions such that the boundary of each aperture may be defined by the edges of the sole portions. This arrangement between the apertures (or openings) and the sole portions is discussed in further detail in the auxetic structure application,

as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of apertures 300 may extend through a majority of midsole component 122. In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures 300 may extend through forefoot, midfoot and

heel portions

10, 12, 14 of midsole component 122. In other embodiments, the plurality of holes 300 may not extend through each of these portions.

A plurality of apertures 300 may also extend through the plurality of outer base members 124. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the first, second, third and fourth outer

bottom members

160, 162, 164 and 166 includes two or more apertures. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the outer base members may not include any apertures.

In different embodiments, the geometry of one or more of the apertures may vary. Examples of different geometries that may be used in an auxetic sole structure are disclosed in the auxetic structure application. In addition, embodiments may also utilize any other geometry arranged in a pattern, such as utilizing sole portions having a parallelogram geometry or other geometries, to provide an auxetic structure to the sole. In the exemplary embodiment, each of plurality of apertures 300 has a tri-star geometry including three arms or points extending from a common center.

The geometry of one or more sole portions may also vary. Examples of different geometries that may be used in an auxetic sole structure are disclosed in the auxetic structure application. It will be appreciated that the geometry of the sole portion may be determined by the geometry of the apertures in the auxetic pattern and vice versa. In an exemplary embodiment, each sole portion has an approximately triangular geometry.

The plurality of apertures 300 may be arranged in an auxetic pattern or auxetic configuration on sole structure 103. In other words, the plurality of apertures 300 may be disposed on the midsole component 122 and/or the outsole component 124 in a manner that allows these components to undergo an auxetic motion, such as expansion or contraction. Examples of auxetic expansion that occurs as a result of the auxetic configuration of plurality of apertures 300 are shown in fig. 4 and 5. Initially, in fig. 4, sole structure 103 is in an untensioned state. In this state, the plurality of holes 300 have an untensioned area. For purposes of illustration, only a region 400 of midsole component 122 is shown, wherein region 400 includes a subset of apertures 402.

As shown in fig. 5, when tension is applied across sole structure 103 along an exemplary linear direction 410 (e.g., a longitudinal direction), sole structure 103 undergoes auxetic expansion. That is, sole structure 103 expands along direction 410 and a second direction 412 that is perpendicular to direction 410. In fig. 5, it can be seen that the representative area 400 expands in both direction 410 and direction 412 as the size of the aperture 402 increases.

Embodiments may include arrangements for a dual midsole structure. In some embodiments, the midsole component may be configured to mate or otherwise engage with the inner sole component such that both components incorporate a single midsole structure or other similar sole structure. Further, the two layers may be configured to have different properties, such as different densities, different degrees of compression, and possibly other material properties.

As previously described and shown in fig. 2, the inner sole component 120 may be configured to fit within the central recess 148 of the midsole component 122. In particular, the central recess 148 is sized to fit the inner base member 120. Moreover, in some embodiments, central recess 148 may extend the entire length of sole structure 103, from front end 107 to rear end 108 of sole structure 103 (see fig. 6).

Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of sole structure 103 with an inner sole component 120 assembled with a midsole component 122, including an enlarged cross-sectional view of the two components. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner bottom member 120 fits snugly within the central recess 148 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the assembly is configured such that outer surface 134 of inner bottom piece 120 is disposed against inner surface 150 of midsole piece 122, and peripheral sidewall surface 136 of inner bottom piece 120 is disposed against inner groove sidewall 149 of midsole piece 122.

As shown in fig. 6, inner surface 150 of midsole component 122 includes an inner peripheral surface 602, inner peripheral surface 602 comprising an inner surface of sidewall portion 142 of midsole component 122. In at least some embodiments, inner sole component 120 may be flush with a surface of midsole component 122. In an exemplary embodiment, inner surface 132 of inner bottom component 120 may be flush or approximately flush with inner peripheral surface 602 of midsole component 122. This flush configuration may provide the inner bottom piece 120 and the middle bottom piece 122 with a sense of integrity against the foot (possibly acting through the sock and/or additional lining). Of course, in other embodiments, the inner surface 132 may be raised above the inner peripheral surface 602. In other embodiments, the inner surface may be recessed below the inner peripheral surface 602.

Figure 7 illustrates a bottom isometric view of sole structure 103, including an enlarged view of several apertures in midsole component 122. Referring now to fig. 6-7, the inner sole component 120 may be at least partially exposed on the lower surface 702 of the sole structure 103. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of apertures 200 may include a set of through-holes 710 that extend through the entire thickness of midsole component 122 (i.e., between outer surface 152 and inner surface 150). That is, the holes in the set of through-holes 710 are open to the central groove 148 on the inner surface 150. The result of this configuration is that portions of the inner base member 120 are visible through the set of through holes 710.

As shown in FIG. 7, representative through-hole 720 extends through the entire thickness of midsole component 122. Thus, the outer surface 134 of the inner bottom piece 120 is visible within the through hole 720 and within the other holes of the set of through holes 710. It will also be appreciated that some of the holes are not through holes (i.e., some of the holes may be non-through holes) such that the inner base member 120 may not be visible through such non-through holes. For example, non-penetrating aperture 730 may be visible on midsole component 122. As shown in fig. 7, the inner bottom member 120 is not visible through the non-penetrating hole 730.

In at least some embodiments, midsole component 122 and inner bottom component 120 may have different colors. For example, in one embodiment, midsole component 122 may be green, while inner bottom component 120 may be red. This may provide a pleasing aesthetic effect on the exterior surface of sole structure 103, as inner sole component 120 may be partially visible or exposed through some of the apertures in midsole component 122.

In different embodiments, the physical properties of the layers or components in the bilayer structure may vary. In some embodiments, the inner and middle bottom pieces may have similar physical properties. In other embodiments, the inner and middle bottom pieces may have different physical properties and/or may be made of different materials.

In at least some embodiments, the inner bottom piece 120 and the middle bottom piece 122 can have different compressibility values. As used herein, the term "compressibility" refers to the degree to which an object compresses a volume under a compressive force. In some embodiments, midsole component 122 may be less compressible than inner bottom component 120. In other embodiments, midsole component 122 may be more compressible than inner bottom component 120. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 6-9, inner sole component 120 may be more compressible than midsole component 122 such that the inner sole component provides improved cushioning and contouring to the foot within article 100.

Fig. 8 and 9 show side cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the article 100 including an inner bottom piece 120 and a middle bottom piece 122. In the absence of a foot in the article 100, the inner chassis 120 and the middle chassis 122 have an uncompressed configuration, as shown in FIG. 8. In this uncompressed configuration, inner bottom component 120 has a thickness 802 and midsole component 122 has a thickness 804.

The weight of the user (with or without additional force) may apply a compressive force to sole structure 103 when the foot is inserted into article 100, thereby compressing inner sole component 120. For example, foot 910 applies a compressive force to sole structure 103, thereby compressing inner sole component 120 from initial thickness 802 to compressed thickness 806. In contrast, midsole component 122, which may not be as compressible as inner base component 120, may not experience a significant thickness variation. As shown in fig. 9, midsole component 122 has an approximately constant thickness 804.

In some embodiments, the density of the inner and middle bottom pieces may vary. In some embodiments, the inner bottom component may have a density similar to the midsole component. In other embodiments, the inner sole component may have a different density than the midsole component. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 8-9, inner sole component 120 may have a different density than midsole component 122. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, inner sole component 120 may be made of a less dense material than midsole component 122. As one example, midsole component 122 may be made from a material that includes a high density foam, while inner base component 120 may be made from a material that includes a low density foam. This provides sole structure 110 with a dual density configuration, wherein a higher density midsole component 122 may provide improved durability on the lateral side of sole structure 110.

It should be understood that in some materials, density and hardness may be correlated such that a material having a lower density may be less compressible than a similar material having a higher density. However, some materials, such as some foams, may have a density that is independent of their compressibility. It will thus be appreciated that in some embodiments, the inner base member may vary in density and/or compressibility.

It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the density of one or more outer base members may be different than the density of the inner base member or the middle base member. For example, in one embodiment, outer base member 124 may have a greater density than inner base member 120 and middle base member 122, thereby providing further durability in areas where traction with the ground is intended to be greatest.

10-12 illustrate schematic views of several different embodiments of sole structures that utilize different physical characteristics of an inner bottom component and a midsole component. In FIG. 10, the sole structure 1000 includes a midsole component 1004 and an inner sole component 1002. In FIG. 11, the sole structure 1009 includes a midsole component 1012 and an inner sole component 1010. In FIG. 12, sole structure 1019 includes a midsole component 1022 and an inner sole component 1020. In fig. 10 and 11, the midsole component 1004 and the midsole component 1012 may be made of the same material with the same compression factor. However, inner bottom piece 1002 may be made of a different material than inner bottom piece 1010, which may provide inner bottom piece 1002 with a different compressibility than inner bottom piece 1010. As shown in FIGS. 10-11, under the compressive force 1060, the midsole component 1004 and the midsole component 1012 do not compress significantly, maintaining a consistent thickness 1042 before and after compression. Instead, both inner bottom member 1002 and inner bottom member 1010 are subjected to compression. However, the inner bottom member 1002 compresses to a thickness 1050 that is greater than the thickness 1052 that the inner bottom member 1010 compresses to.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which both the midsole component and the inner bottom component are subjected to compression. As shown in FIG. 12, the midsole component 1022 is made of a different material than the midsole component 1004 or the midsole component 1012. When sole structure 1019 is subjected to compressive force 1060, both inner bottom component 1020 and middle bottom component 1022 are compressed to thickness 1054 and thickness 1058, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, inner bottom component 1020 experiences a greater degree of compression than midsole component 1022.

Embodiments may use any method for making a two-component sole structure (e.g., a dual density or dual compressible sole structure). Some embodiments may utilize a unit sole injection method, various other types of injection molding methods, and/or blow molding methods. Further, in some cases, the insole and midsole components may be molded simultaneously, while in other cases they may be molded separately and glued together.

While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or instead of any other feature or element in any other embodiment, unless specifically limited. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sole structure, comprising:

a midsole component and an inner bottom component;

the midsole component comprising a plurality of apertures arranged in an auxetic configuration;

the midsole component defining a recess that receives the inner sole component; and

wherein a first density of the midsole component is different than a second density of the inner sole component,

the auxetic structure has a negative poisson's ratio such that when tensioned in a first direction, the dimension increases in the first direction and in a second direction that is orthogonal or perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the midsole component includes a recess on an inner surface, the recess receiving the inner sole component, the recess further including an inner recess sidewall extending around the recess; and wherein a peripheral sidewall surface of the inner base component is disposed against the inner recess sidewall of the midsole component.

3. The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of apertures includes at least one aperture extending from an outer surface of the midsole component to the inner surface of the midsole component.

4. The sole structure according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the inner sole component is exposed through the at least one aperture.

5. The sole structure of claim 4, wherein the midsole component is a different color than the inner sole component.

6. The sole structure according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is a non-through aperture.

7. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the midsole component has a higher density than the inner sole component.

8. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the midsole component is made of a material that includes a high density foam.

9. The sole structure of claim 8, wherein the inner sole component is made of a material that includes foam.

10. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the inner sole component is more compressible than the midsole component.

11. An article of footwear, comprising:

a shoe upper;

a sole structure including a midsole component and an inner sole component;

the midsole component including an outer surface and an inner surface;

the outer surface comprises a plurality of apertures arranged in an auxetic configuration;

the inner surface includes a central recess that receives the inner sole component; and

at least one outer base component attached to the outer surface of the midsole component,

12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the central recess has a first geometry, wherein the inner sole component has a second geometry, and wherein the first geometry matches the second geometry.

13. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein an interior surface of the inner sole component is flush with a portion of the interior surface of the midsole component.

14. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the central recess extends from a forward end of the midsole component to a rearward end of the midsole component.

15. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the inner sole component is more compressible than the midsole component.

16. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the inner sole component is exposed on an exterior surface of the sole structure through at least one of the apertures in the midsole component.

17. An article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the at least one outer bottom component has a different density than the inner bottom component.

18. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the at least one outsole component has a different density than the midsole component.

19. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the at least one outsole component is disposed in a recess of the midsole component.

20. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the midsole component is thicker than the inner sole component proximate the central recess.