CN108348035B - Footwear with replaceable sole structure elements - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a sole structure including a plurality of support elements (18a-18e) located in a sole region. Each of the support elements is at least partially secured to a corresponding location (23a-23e) on the sole structure by a corresponding retaining band (19a-19 e; 20a-20e) surrounding at least a portion of the support element, and wherein each of the retaining bands is elastically and non-destructively expandable. A method of using the article includes removing the support element and replacing the removed support element with a replacement support element. A kit is also disclosed that includes an article of footwear and a plurality of support elements for each location.

Description

Footwear with replaceable sole structure elements

Cross reference to related applications

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application No.14/887,761 (entitled "footwear with replaceable sole structural elements") filed 10/20/2015 and U.S. patent application No.14/887,769 (entitled "footwear with replaceable sole structural elements") filed 10/20/2015. Both of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background

Conventional articles of footwear generally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides coverage for the foot and securely positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and is configured to: when the wearer stands, walks or runs, it is positioned between the foot and the ground. The sole structure may include one or more cushioning elements. These cushioning elements may help attenuate and dissipate forces on the wearer's foot that may result from ground impacts during walking or running.

In general, the sole structure is designed based on a particular condition or set of conditions, and/or based on a particular set of preferences and/or characteristics of the intended wearer. For example, the cushioning structure may be sized and positioned based on the expected movement of the wearer associated with a particular type of motion. In many cases, the choice of buffer structure may be a compromise between a number of possible alternatives. However, some individuals may find a particular compromise that is less than satisfactory due to differences between different individuals who may wear a particular shoe. Accordingly, a sole structure that allows for adjustment of the cushioning characteristics to better match the preferences and/or needs of the individual wearer is desired.

Drawings

Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a front side perspective view of a shoe according to some embodiments.

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the shoe of fig. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the shoe of FIG. 1 with one of the plurality of individual support elements removed.

FIG. 4 is a bottom-in perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 1 with all support elements removed.

Figures 5A1 and 5A2 are respective bottom and top views of a forefoot support element of the shoe shown in figure 1.

Figures 5B1 and 5B2 are respective bottom and top views of a medial forefoot support element of the shoe of figure 1.

Figures 5C1 and 5C2 are bottom and top views, respectively, of the internal heel support element of the shoe of figure 1.

Figures 5D1 and 5D2 are bottom and top views, respectively, of the side heel support element of the shoe of figure 1.

Figures 5E1 and 5E2 are respective bottom and top views of the lateral forefoot support element of the shoe shown in figure 1.

FIG. 6 is a front, side, perspective view of the sole structure of the footwear shown in FIG. 1, but with certain components removed.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the sole structure of the footwear shown in FIG. 1, but with certain components removed.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a sole structure of the footwear shown in FIG. 1, including a sensor assembly and an electronic module.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electronic module of the shoe of FIG. 1 in communication with a second device.

FIG. 10A is a block diagram illustrating steps in a method according to some embodiments.

Fig. 10B is a block diagram illustrating steps in a method according to some further embodiments.

Fig. 10C is a block diagram illustrating steps in a method according to some further embodiments.

Fig. 11 shows a kit according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

In some embodiments, an article of footwear may include a sole structure with a plurality of independently removable and replaceable support elements. By selecting a combination of support elements having desired properties, a user may customize the article of footwear to meet his or her preferences and/or needs. In some embodiments, for example, a user may remove some or all of the previously installed support elements and replace the removed support elements with support elements having different characteristics.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure may include a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region. Each of the support elements is at least partially secured to a corresponding location on the sole structure by a corresponding retaining strap, wherein each of these retaining straps surrounds at least a portion of its corresponding support element. The retaining band is elastically and non-destructively extensible.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear may include: an upper and a sole structure, wherein the sole structure includes a base that defines a plurality of locations therein. A plurality of support elements may correspond to and be located at the locations, respectively. An elastic retaining band may secure the support element in its corresponding position.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear may include an upper and a plurality of sensors located within the article of footwear configured to measure a force applied in a footbed area of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may further comprise: a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor. The processor may be configured to receive an input indicative of a force measured by the sensor and to transmit data based on the input indicative of the force measured by the sensor. The article of footwear may additionally include a sole structure that includes a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region, where each of the support elements is non-destructively removable from and replaceable in the sole structure.

In some embodiments, a method may include the steps of: an article of footwear is retained that includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure may include a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region. Each of the support elements may be at least partially secured to a corresponding location on the sole structure by a corresponding retaining strap, wherein each of the retaining straps is elastically and non-destructively extensible. The method may further comprise: removing one of the support elements from the sole structure; and securing the support element for replacement to a location corresponding to the removed support element.

In some embodiments, a method may comprise: receiving a data transmission from the article of footwear. The article of footwear may include: a shoe upper; a plurality of sensors located within the article of footwear and configured to measure a force applied in a footbed area of the article of footwear; and a processor. The processor may be communicatively coupled to the sensor. The processor may be configured to receive an input indicative of a force measured by the sensor and to transmit data based on the input indicative of the force measured by the sensor. The article of footwear may also include a sole structure including a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region, where each of the support elements is non-destructively removable from and replaceable in the sole structure. The method may comprise: identifying a support element for replacement in response to the received data transmission; removing the identified support element from the article of footwear and replacing the removed support element with a replacement support element.

In some embodiments, a kit may comprise: an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure base. The sole structure base may include a plurality of locations defined therein. The kit may further comprise: a plurality of first position support elements corresponding to a first one of the positions. Each of the first position support elements may be configured for placement in the first position and for securing in the first position by a first retaining band coupled to the base and corresponding to the first position. The first retention strap may be elastically and non-destructively extensible. The kit may additionally comprise: a plurality of second position support elements corresponding to second ones of the positions. Each of the second position support elements may be configured for placement at the second position and for securing to the second position by a second retention strap coupled to the base and corresponding to the second position. The second retaining band may be elastically and non-destructively extensible.

In some embodiments, a kit may include an article of footwear comprising: a shoe upper; a sole structure base defining a plurality of locations therein; a plurality of sensors located within the article of footwear and configured to measure a force applied in a footbed area of the article of footwear; and a processor. A processor may be communicatively coupled to the sensor, and the processor may be configured to receive an input indicative of a force measured by the sensor and to transmit data based on the input indicative of the force measured by the sensor. The kit may additionally include a plurality of first position support elements corresponding to first ones of the positions, each of the first position support elements being configured to be placed into, secured to, and non-destructively removed from the first position. The kit may further comprise a plurality of second position support elements corresponding to second ones of the positions, each of the second position support elements being configured to be placed into, secured to, and non-destructively removed from the second position.

Additional embodiments are described herein.

To facilitate the explanation of the subsequent description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. The following definitions apply to the entire patent document (including the claims) unless the context dictates otherwise. "shoe" and "article of footwear" are used interchangeably to mean an article intended to be worn on a person's foot. The shoe may or may not enclose the entire foot of the wearer. For example, the shoe may include a sandal-like upper that exposes a substantial portion of the foot of the shoe. The "interior" of the shoe represents the space occupied by the wearer's foot when wearing the shoe. The medial side, surface, face, or other aspect of a footwear component refers to the side, surface, face, or other aspect of the component that is oriented (or will be oriented) toward the interior of the footwear in the completed shoe. The lateral side, surface, face, or other aspect of a footwear component refers to the side, surface, face, or other aspect of the component that is oriented (or will be oriented) away from the interior of the footwear in the completed shoe. In some cases, the medial side, surface, face, or other aspect of a component may have other elements between the medial side, surface, face, or other aspect and the interior in the complete shoe. Similarly, the lateral side, surface, face, or other aspect of the footwear component may have other elements between the lateral side, surface, face, or other aspect and the space outside the complete shoe.

The shoe elements may be described based upon the area and/or anatomical structure of the wearer's foot, with the interior of the shoe assumed to substantially conform to and otherwise conform to the size of the wearer's foot. The forefoot region of the foot includes: the head and body of the metatarsal bones, and the phalanges. The forefoot element of the shoe is the element: which has one or more portions that, when the shoe is worn, are located under, over, on the lateral side and/or medial side, and/or in front of, the forefoot (or a portion thereof) of the wearer. The midfoot region of the foot includes: the cuboid, navicular, and cuneiform bones, and the metatarsal bones. The midfoot element of the shoe is such an element: which has one or more portions that, when the shoe is worn, are located below, above, and/or on the lateral and/or medial sides of the wearer's foot (or a portion thereof). The heel area of the foot includes: talus and calcaneus. The heel element of the shoe is such that: which has one or more portions that, when the shoe is worn, are located beneath, laterally and/or medially of, and/or behind the wearer's heel (or a portion thereof). The forefoot region may overlap the midfoot region, as may the midfoot and heel regions.

Unless otherwise indicated, the longitudinal axis refers to: a horizontal heel-toe axis along the center of the foot that is roughly parallel to the line along the second metatarsal and second phalanx. The transverse axis refers to: transverse to a horizontal axis of the foot, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The transverse direction is substantially parallel to the transverse axis. "Top", "bottom" and other terms indicating a vertical direction assume: the surface of the sole structure for contacting the bottom surface rests on a horizontal surface and the sole structure does not deform.

In the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, various components, sections, regions, or other items may be identified using common reference numerals, but with different letter affixations to distinguish between the various specific items. For example, various embodiments include an article of footwear having a sole structure that includes five support elements 18a,18b,18c,18d,18 e. Items identified in this manner may be collectively identified using only the numerical portion of the reference numeral (e.g., support element 18). The numerical portion of such reference numbers may also be used to generally identify one or more of these items (e.g., support element 18, one or more support elements 18).

FIG. 1 is a front side perspective view of footwear 10 according to some embodiments. The medial side of footwear 10 has a similar configuration and appearance, but is configured to correspond with the medial side of a wearer's foot. Footwear 10 is configured for wearing on a right foot and is part of a pair that includes footwear (not shown) that is a mirror image of footwear 10 and is configured for wearing on a left foot.

Footwear 10 includes an upper 11 coupled to a sole structure 12. Upper 11 may be of a conventional configuration and formed from any of a variety of different types of materials and have any of a variety of different configurations. Upper 11 includes an ankle opening 13 through which a wearer's foot may be inserted into the interior void formed in part by upper 11. Lacing 14 passes through eyelets on either side of the tongue opening and may be tightened to secure footwear 10 to the foot of the wearer. Upper 11 may be lasted to close the foot-receiving interior void of footwear 10 by stitching a bottom edge of upper 11 to strobel (not shown) or other last element. In other embodiments, the footwear may include a sole structure similar to sole structure 12, but having an upper that is different than the upper in footwear 10. For example, the upper may be a sandal-like arrangement of straps. As another example, the upper may utilize one or more closure mechanisms other than or in addition to straps.

Sole structure 12 includes a base 17 and five support elements 18. Only the support elements 18a,18e,18d are visible in fig. 1. Two further support elements 18b and 18c can be seen in the subsequent figures and are described below. As also described in greater detail below, each support element 18 is non-destructively removable from base 17 independently of each other support element 18 and is replaceable in the sole structure. The bottom surface of the support element 18 forms the ground-contacting surface of the sole structure 12.

As described in greater detail below, sole structure 12 includes: a sensor assembly attached to the top surface of base 17, and an electronics module disposed within a slot formed in the midfoot region of base 17. In an embodiment of footwear 10, the bottom surface of the last element stitched to the bottom edge of upper 11 is attached directly to the top surface of the sensor assembly, as well as to the surrounding portions of the top surface of base 17 that are not covered by the sensor assembly. A raised outer edge around the top surface of base 17 is bonded to a lower area of upper 11. The top surface and raised outer edge of base 17 are further described below in conjunction with fig. 6 and 7. In other embodiments, the upper may be coupled to the sole structure in another manner. For example, the midsole may be interposed between the base and a last element attached to the upper.

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of footwear 10, showing all of support elements 18. The forefoot support element 18a is fastened to the underside of the base body 17 in a forefoot position 23a by means of elastic retaining bands 19a, 20 a. The medial forefoot support element 18b is fastened to the underside of the base body 17 at the medial forefoot position 23b by means of elastic retaining straps 19b, 20 b. The inner heel support element 18c is fastened to the underside of the base body 17 at an inner heel location 23c by means of elastic retaining straps 19c, 20 c. The side heel support element 18d is fastened to the underside of the base 17 at a side heel position 23d by elastic retaining straps 19d, 20 d. The lateral forefoot support element 18e is fastened to the underside of the base body 17 at a lateral forefoot position 23e by means of elastic retaining straps 19e, 20 e. In an embodiment of footwear 10, a portion of the underside of base 17 in the midfoot region is not covered by the support elements and remains exposed. In other embodiments, portions of the bottom side of the substrate in other areas may also or alternatively be exposed. In still other embodiments, all of the substrate bottom surface may be covered by the support element.

Each support element 18 is non-destructively removable from its corresponding position on the bottom of base 17 and replaceable in the sole structure. For example, the straps 19a, 20a may extend out of the retention slots 36a,37a, thereby allowing removal of the support member 18 a. Figure 3 is a bottom view of footwear 10, showing sole structure 12 after removal of support element 18a from forefoot position 23 a. The support element 18a (or replacement support element having a shape that is the same as or similar to the shape of the support element 18 a) can be placed in position 23a by: the straps 19a, 20a are extended to accommodate the ends of the support element 18a (or of the replacement support element) and then the straps 19a, 20a are allowed to retract into the retaining slots 36a,37a (or into similar retaining slots of the replacement support element). Each of the other support elements 18 b-18 e may be removed and reinstalled (or replaced) in a similar manner, either alone or in combination with one or more of the other support elements 18.

Fig. 4 is a bottom-in perspective view of footwear 10. In fig. 4, all support elements 18 are removed to expose the base 17 at each support element location 23a-23 e. Each location 23 comprises: features formed in the bottom of the base 17 help retain the corresponding support element 18. The forefoot position 23a includes: a cavity 27a defined by the inner surface 33a and the surrounding sidewall 28 a. The medial forefoot position 23b includes: a cavity 27b defined by an inner surface 33b and a surrounding sidewall 28 b. The inner heel position 23c includes: a cavity 27c defined by an inner surface 33c and a surrounding sidewall 28 c. The lateral heel position 23d includes: a cavity 27d defined by the inner surface 33d and the surrounding sidewall 28 d. The lateral forefoot position 23e includes: a cavity 27e defined by an inner surface 33e and a surrounding sidewall 28 e. In some embodiments, the substrate 17 having the cavities 27 a-27 e may be molded as a single unit from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or other polymer.

Each location 23a-23e includes an elastic retaining strap to hold the support element in that location, the retaining strap being elastically and non-destructively extensible to allow repeated removal and installation of the support element. The retaining straps 19a, 20a are located at position 23 a. The retaining strap 19a extends from the holes 29a, 30a and the retaining strap 20a extends from the holes 31a, 32 a. The retaining straps 19b, 20b are located at position 23 b. The retaining strap 19b extends from the holes 29b, 30b, and the retaining strap 20b extends from the holes 31b, 32 b. The retaining straps 19c, 20c are located at position 23 c. The retaining strap 19c extends from the holes 29c, 30c and the retaining strap 20c extends from the holes 31c, 32 c. The retaining straps 19d, 20d are located at position 23 d. The retaining strap 19d extends from the holes 29d,30d, and the retaining strap 20d extends from the holes 31d,32 d. The retaining straps 19e, 20e are located at position 23 e. The retaining strap 19e extends from the holes 29e, 30e, and the retaining strap 20e extends from the holes 31e,32 e. The retaining bands 19 and 20 may be formed from an elastomeric or other elastic material.

Fig. 5a 1-5E 2 illustrate individual support elements 18. In each of fig. 5a 1-5E 2, the illustration of the support element 18 is enlarged relative to the illustrations of the support elements 18 in the other figures.

Figure 5a1 is a bottom view of the support element 18a removed from the sole structure 12. The support element 18a includes two retaining strap slots 36a,37 a. The other groove 38a connects the grooves 36a and 37 a. Each of the grooves 36a,37a,38a includes: recessed groove bottoms 39a,41a,43a surrounded by sidewalls 40a,42a,44 a. The recessed groove bottom 43a may be slightly deeper than the portions of the groove bottoms 39a,41a that are outside the intersection of the grooves 36a,37a and the groove 38 a.

The grooves 36a,37a correspond to the holding belts 19a, 20a, respectively. In particular, when the support element 18a is installed at the location 23a of the sole structure 12, the retaining strap 19a is seated within the slot 36a and the retaining strap 20a is seated within the slot 37 a. The slot 38a allows for additional flexibility and articulation of the support element 18 a. The slot 38a also allows easier access to the retaining strips 19a, 20a when the support element 18a is mounted in position 23 a. For example, the wearer of shoe 10 may slide the tip of a flat screwdriver or similarly shaped tool along the groove bottom 43a of groove 38a and under the portion of retaining band 19a where grooves 36a, 38a intersect. Using a tool, the wearer can then lift and extend the retaining band 19a out of the slot 36a and slide the extended retaining band 19a over the edges of the outer side wall 40 a. The wearer can then slide the extended retaining band 19a over the side ends 45a of the elements 18 a. In a similar manner, the wearer can use tools to lift and extend the retaining band 20a out of the channel 37a and slide the extended retaining band 20a over the edge of the outer side wall 42a and the extended retaining band 20a over the inner end 46a of the element 18a (and/or move the element 18a from under the extended retaining band 20 a).

Figure 5a2 is a top view of the support element 18a removed from the sole structure 12. The narrowed top portion 49a of the support element 18a is defined by a shoulder 50a and an inset wall 51 a. Shoulder 50a and inset wall 51a surround the perimeter of the top portion of element 18 a. Narrowed top portion 49a nests snugly within cavity 27a of location 23 a. In particular, the contour of the embedded wall 51a has a shape corresponding to the contour shape of the side wall 28a, the top surface 52a of the element 18a has a contour corresponding to the contour of the inner surface 33a, and the heights of the embedded wall 51a and the side wall 28a at positions along their boundaries match such that the top surface 52a may contact the inner surface 33 a. The element 18a may be mounted to the location 23a by: sliding the band 19a beyond the lateral end of the element 18a and into the slot 36a, sliding the band 20a beyond the medial end of the element 18a and into the slot 37a, and pressing the narrowed top portion 49a into the cavity 27 a.

Figures 5B1 and 5B2 are bottom and top views, respectively, of the support element 18B removed from the sole structure 12. The support element 18b comprises two retaining strap slots 36b and 37b, which are connected by a further slot 38 b. Each of the grooves 36b,37b,38b includes: a recessed groove bottom 39b,41b,43b surrounded by sidewalls 40b,42b,44 b. The recessed groove bottom 43b may be slightly deeper than the portions of the groove bottoms 39b,41b that are outside the intersection of the grooves 36b,37b and the groove 38 b. The narrowed top portion 49b of the support element 18b is defined by a shoulder 50b and an inset wall 51 b. Shoulder 50b and inset wall 51b surround the perimeter of the top portion of element 18 b. Narrowed top portion 49b nests tightly within cavity 27b of location 23 b. The contour of inset wall 51b has a shape that corresponds to the contour shape of sidewall 28b, the top surface 52b of element 18b has a contour that corresponds to the contour of inner surface 33b, and the heights of inset wall 51b and sidewall 28b at locations along their boundaries match such that top surface 52b may contact inner surface 33 b. When the support element 18b is mounted to the base 17 at position 23b, the bands 19b and 20b are seated in the grooves 36b and 37b, respectively.

Figures 5C1 and 5C2 are bottom and top views, respectively, of the support element 18C removed from the sole structure 12. The support element 18c comprises two retaining strap slots 36c and 37c, which are connected by a further slot 38 c. Each of the grooves 36c,37c,38c includes: and a recessed groove bottom 39c,41c,43c surrounded by sidewalls 40c,42c,44 c. The recessed groove bottom 43c may be slightly deeper than the portions of the groove bottoms 39c,41c that are outside the intersection of the grooves 36c,37c and the groove 38 c. The narrowed top portion 49c of the support element 18c is defined by a shoulder 50c and an inset wall 51 c. Shoulder 50c and inset wall 51c surround the perimeter of the top portion of element 18 c. Narrowed top portion 49c nests snugly within cavity 27c at location 23 c. The contour of inset wall 51c has a shape that corresponds to the contour shape of side wall 28c, the top surface 52c of element 18c has a contour that corresponds to the contour of inner surface 33c, and the heights of inset wall 51c and side wall 28c at locations along their boundaries match such that top surface 52c may contact inner surface 33 c. When support element 18c is mounted to base 17 at location 23c, straps 19c and 20c are seated within slots 36c and 37c, respectively.

Figures 5D1 and 5D2 are bottom and top views, respectively, of the support element 18D removed from the sole structure 12. The support element 18d comprises two retaining strap slots 36d and 37d, which are connected by a further slot 38 d. Each of the grooves 36d,37d,38d includes: recessed groove bottoms 39d,41d,43d surrounded by sidewalls 40d,42d,44 d. The recessed groove bottom 43d may be slightly deeper than the portions of the groove bottoms 39d,41d that are outside of where the grooves 36d,37d intersect the groove 38 d. The narrowed top portion 49d of the support element 18d is defined by a shoulder 50d and an inset wall 51 d. Shoulder 50d and inset wall 51d surround the perimeter of the top portion of element 18 d. Narrowed top portion 49d nests snugly within cavity 27d at location 23 d. The contour of inset wall 51d has a shape that corresponds to the contour shape of sidewall 28d, the top surface 52d of element 18d has a contour that corresponds to the contour of inner surface 33d, and the heights of inset wall 51d and sidewall 28d at locations along their boundaries match such that top surface 52d may contact inner surface 33 d. When the support element 18d is mounted to the base 17 at location 23d, the bands 19d and 20d are disposed within the slots 36d and 37d, respectively.

Figures 5E1 and 5E2 are bottom and top views, respectively, of the support element 18E removed from the sole structure 12. The support element 18e comprises two retaining strap slots 36e and 37e, which are connected by a further slot 38 e. Each of the grooves 36e,37e,38e includes: recessed groove bottoms 39e,41e,43e surrounded by sidewalls 40e,42e,44 e. The recessed groove bottom 43e may be slightly deeper than the portions of the groove bottoms 39e,41e that are outside of where the grooves 36e,37e intersect the groove 38 e. The narrowed top portion 49e of the support element 18e is defined by a shoulder 50e and an inset wall 51 e. Shoulder 50e and inset wall 51e surround the perimeter of the top portion of element 18 e. Narrowed top portion 49e nests snugly within cavity 27e at location 23 e. The contour of inset wall 51e has a shape that corresponds to the contour shape of side wall 28e, the top surface 52e of element 18e has a contour that corresponds to the contour of inner surface 33e, and the heights of inset wall 51e and side wall 28e at locations along their boundaries match such that top surface 52e may contact inner surface 33 e. When the support element 18e is mounted to the base 17 at position 23e, the bands 19e and 20e are seated in the grooves 36e and 37e, respectively.

Each of support elements 18 b-18 e may be mounted to and removed from sole structure 12 in a manner similar to that described for support element 18 a. To remove one of the support elements 18b to 18e, for example, a retaining strap may be extended (e.g., using the previously mentioned tool) and displaced from the slot of that support element to allow the support element to be removed from its position on the base 17. To install one of the support members 18b to 18e, the belt is stretched and allowed to retract into the groove of that support member while pressing the narrowed top portion of that support member into the corresponding cavity at the support member location. Replacement support elements corresponding to each location 23 may be installed in a similar manner.

In some embodiments, each support element 18 may be formed from a material that provides cushioning. Examples of materials that may be used include compressible polymer foams, such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). The support element may also or alternatively comprise other components or materials, or a combination of other components and materials. In some embodiments, for example, the support element may comprise a fluid-filled bladder. As another example, the bottom of the support element may include a discrete outsole element formed from one or more materials selected to provide greater traction and/or wear resistance. Examples of such materials include rubber compounds conventionally used for outsoles. The ground-contacting surface of the support element may further comprise tread patterns or other traction elements. The tread pattern and/or other traction elements may be formed directly from EVA or other cushioning material, may be formed from one or more exterior bottom pieces attached to another portion of the support element, or may be attached to the support element in another manner.

Figure 6 is a front side perspective view of sole structure 12. Fig. 6 is similar to fig. 1, except that upper 11 and its attached last element are removed. Figure 7 is a top view of sole structure 12. The retaining bands 19 and 20 have been omitted in fig. 6 and 7, with the sensor assembly and electronics module described below. The top surface 55 of base 17 has a size and shape that approximately corresponds to the contour of a human foot. An outer edge 56 of base 17 extends upwardly from top surface 55. The top surface 55 may be contoured to substantially correspond to the shape of the plantar region of a human foot and provide arch support. In some embodiments, a separate midsole element or other element may be interposed between the base (e.g., base 17) and the last element of the upper. The top surface 55 includes a slot 64, the slot 64 being shaped to hold an electronic module, as described below.

Each of the holes 29, 30, 31, 32 extends from the top surface 55 through the base 17 to its underside. The depressions are formed in the areas of top surface 55 surrounding holes 29, 30, 31, 32. The material at the ends of the retaining straps 19 and 20, and the stops attached to these ends, are disposed within some of the recesses to avoid irregularities being formed in the footbed of the shoe 10 and to avoid irregularities that would interfere with the installation of the sensor assembly described below. In other recesses, the portion of the retaining band material between the two ends is disposed within the recess for similar reasons. The stop may be a knot in the end of the retaining strap material or may be a separate element attached to the end to prevent the end from being pulled out through the bottom of the base 17.

The retaining strap 19a is formed by a single piece of elastic material that extends through the holes 29a, 30a to form a loop at location 23a on the bottom of the base 17. The stops on the ends of the piece of material rest in recesses in the top surface 55 surrounding the holes 29a, 30 a. The retention strap 20a is formed by a single piece of elastic material that extends through the holes 31a, 32a to form a loop at location 23a on the bottom of the base 17 with the stop on the end of the piece of material seated within the recess in the top surface 55 surrounding the holes 31a, 32 a.

A single piece of elastic material forms the retaining bands 19b, 19 e. The piece of material extends through hole 30b beyond the bottom side of base 17, back through hole 29b from the bottom side of base 17 to top surface 55, back through hole 29e from top surface 55 to the bottom side of base 17, and then back through hole 30e from the bottom side of base 17 to top surface 55. The stops on the ends of the piece of material rest in the recesses in the top surface 55 surrounding the holes 30b, 30 e. An intermediate portion of the piece of material is disposed within a recess in the top surface 55 surrounding the holes 29b, 29 e. The retaining strap 19b is the part of the piece of material forming the loop that extends between the holes 29b and 30b at the location 23b on the underside of the base 17. The retaining strap 19e is the part of the piece of material forming the loop that extends between the holes 29e and 30e at the location 23e on the underside of the base 17.

The holding belts 20b, 20e, the holding belts 19c, 9d, and the holding belts 20c, 20d are formed in a similar manner to the holding belts 19b, 19 e. A single piece of elastic material is passed through the holes 32b,31b,31e,32e to form the retaining bands 20b, 20e into loops at locations 23b, 23e, respectively, on the underside of the base 17. A single piece of elastic material is passed through the holes 30c,29c,29d,30d to form the retaining bands 19c, 19d into loops at locations 23c, 23d, respectively, on the underside of the base 17. A single piece of elastic material is passed through the holes 32c,31c,31d,32d to form the retaining bands 20c, 20d into loops at locations 23c, 23d, respectively, on the underside of the base 17.

In other embodiments, the retention strap may be attached to the substrate in another manner. In some embodiments, for example, holes through the base plate may not be used. Alternatively, the ends or intermediate portions of the elastomeric member may be glued or otherwise fastened to the bottom surface of the base plate.

Figure 8 is another top view of sole structure 12, but with sensor assembly 65 and electronic module 66 installed therein. The holding strap 19 and the holding strap 20 are omitted from fig. 8. The sensor assembly 65 includes four sensors 67,68,69,70 configured to measure forces applied by the foot of a wearer of the footwear 10 in the footbed area of the footwear 10. The medial forefoot sensors 67,68 are located in areas approximately corresponding to the head of the big toe (big toe) and corresponding to the first metatarsal, respectively. The lateral forefoot sensor 69 is located in an area approximately corresponding to the head of the fifth metatarsal. The heel sensor 70 is located in the heel region. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly may include more or fewer sensors, and/or the sensors may be disposed in other locations.

Each of the sensors 67 to 70 may, for example, comprise electrodes, which are separated by an air gap and/or by a Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR). The downward force on the sensor may increase the current through (and decrease the voltage on) the sensor electrodes by increasing the contact area of the sensor electrodes and/or by decreasing the resistance of the FSR disposed between the sensor electrodes. The increased current and/or decreased voltage may be measured by the electronics module 66, with the measured value being correlated to the amount of force applied to the sensor. In other embodiments, other types of sensors may also or alternatively be used.

The assembly 65 may further comprise: a sheet of polymer material to hold the electrodes and to hold the leads that connect the electrodes to the electronic module 66. The bottom side of the sensor assembly 65 may be bonded directly to the top surface 55. The top surface of sensor assembly 65 and the surrounding areas of top surface 55 not covered by sensor assembly 65 may be bonded to the bottom of a last element stitched to upper 11.

The electronics module 66 includes a processor, memory, power supply, and other components as described below in connection with fig. 9. In some embodiments, the electronics module 66 may be removed and replaced. A tab may be cut in the portion of the last element attached to upper 11 located over slot 64 and electronics module 66. After removing the sockliner, insole, or other elements within the void of upper 11, the user may pull the flap back into the last element to expose slot 64 and electronics module 66.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 65 and the electronic module 66 may be a sensor system, for example, one of the sensor systems described in U.S. patent application publication 2013/0213147 entitled "footwear with sensor system," published on 2013, 8, 22 (U.S. patent application 13/401,918 filed on 2012, 2, 22), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly may be mounted in the shoe in different ways. As one example, the sensor assembly may be attached to the top surface of the base, as shown in fig. 8, however, a foam layer or other type of midsole may be interposed between the top of the sensor assembly and the bottom of the last element attached to the upper. As another example, the sensor assembly may be embedded within a foam layer or other midsole element, where the foam layer or other midsole element is interposed between the top of a base (e.g., base 17) and the bottom of a last element attached to the upper. As yet another example, the sensor assembly may be embedded in an insole board or footbed located on the last element. In each of these examples, an opening may be formed in the midsole, insole, or insole to allow access to the electronic module received in the slot (e.g., slot 64). Alternatively, the electronic module may be located elsewhere on the shoe.

The block schematic diagram of fig. 9 shows the electronic module 66 and the components of the second device 73 in data communication therewith. The second device 73 may be, for example, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, or other type of device. The lines to and from each block in fig. 9 represent signal (e.g., data and/or power) flow paths and are not necessarily used to represent individual conductors.

The electronics module 66 may include a processor 101, memory 102, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)103, a low energy wireless communication module 104 (e.g., a bluetooth communication chip), a communication and power transfer module 105, and a power supply 106. The processor 101 receives input from each of the sensors 67-70. The processor 101 executes instructions stored by the memory 102 and/or stored by the processor 101 that cause the electronic module 66 to perform operations such as those described herein. "processor" or "a processor" as used herein refers to one or more microprocessors and/or other types of computational circuitry configured to perform operations, such as those described herein; "instructions" may include hard-coded instructions and/or instructions that may be modified; "memory" or "a memory" refers to one or more components (e.g., flash memory, Random Access Memory (RAM)) capable of storing data in a non-transitory manner.

As previously described, processor 101 is configured to receive inputs from sensors 67-70. As described in more detail below, these inputs may be indicative of forces measured by the sensors 67-70. As also described below, the processor 101 may be configured to transmit data based on inputs received from the sensors 67-70. In some embodiments, data based on inputs received from sensors 67-70 may include: data indicative of the forces measured by the sensors 67-70. In some embodiments, the data based on the inputs received from the sensors 67-70 may also or alternatively include other types of data. These other types of data may include: data indicating one or more installed support elements and/or one or more replacement support elements that should be replaced.

Data stored in memory 102 and/or processor 101 may include: an identifier for each support element 18, and data defining various parameters of each support element 18. Such parameters may include, without limitation: the corresponding location 23 where the support element is mounted, and the value of one or more characteristics for the support element. Such features may include, without limitation: compressibility, height, ground contact surface type, etc. The data stored in the memory 102 and/or the processor 101 may also include: values for forces or pressures measured by sensors 67-70, the number of times such forces or pressures are measured, etc.

The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)103 may include: a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer and/or a magnetometer. The data output of the IMU103 is available to the processor 101 to detect changes in orientation and movement of the shoe containing the controller electronics module 66 and the foot thereby wearing the shoe. Processor 101 may use such information to determine that the foot is experiencing a particular portion of the gait cycle (e.g., turning from the lateral side to the medial side as the wearer travels through the swing portion of the gait cycle) and may correlate the gait cycle information with the forces measured using sensors 67-70.

The wireless communication module 104 may comprise an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) and may be used to transfer programming and other instructions from the second device 73 to the processor 101, as well as to transfer data that may be stored in the memory 102 or the processor 101 to the second device 73. For example, and as described below, the module 104 may be used to receive data from the second device 73 (which includes an identifier for each support element 18 installed in the sole structure 12) as well as data regarding the characteristics of those support elements. As another example, the module 104 may be used to send data to the second device 73 to indicate the measured forces during running and/or suggest that one or more support elements should be replaced with support elements having different characteristics.

The communication and power transfer module 105 may include, for example, a USB (universal serial bus) port and associated circuitry. In some embodiments, module 105 may be connected to a USB cable and used to transmit the same data that can be transmitted via wireless module 104. The connection structure to the module 105 may also be used to charge a battery within the power supply 106. The power supply 106 may also include circuitry to control the charging and discharging of the battery.

The second device 73 may be used to communicate with the electronic module 66. As previously mentioned, the second device 73 may be, for example, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or other type of device having data storage and processing capabilities. The device 73 may include a transceiver module 111, a user input device 112, a processor 113, a memory 114, an output device 115, and a power supply 116. Transceiver module 111 may be a wireless communication module (e.g., a Bluetooth module), a USB port and associated circuitry, and/or other component or components that facilitate data transfer. The user input device 112 may be a touch screen, keyboard, mouse, etc. Output device 115 may be a display screen, speakers, printer, or other device that physically conveys information in a form understandable to a human. The power source 116 may include a battery. Processor 113 may execute instructions stored in memory 114 and/or within processor 113 to perform operations such as receiving communications from electronic module 66, analyzing data received from electronic module 66, generating image and/or video and/or audio information based on data received from electronic module 66, presenting the generated information through output device 115, receiving user input through device 112, and transmitting data to electronic module 66 based on the user input.

Footwear (e.g., footwear 10) provides a variety of advantages and opportunities for customization to match the preferences and/or needs of a particular individual. For each location 23a-23e on the base 17, there may be a plurality of corresponding support elements that may potentially be installed, where each of these support elements differs from the other support elements based on one or more characteristics.

One feature of such a support element may be: the degree of cushioning provided. The soft support elements corresponding to specific locations on the substrate 17 may be highly compressible and provide a high degree of cushioning. The hard support elements corresponding to the same locations may have much less compressibility and provide significantly less cushioning. Other support elements corresponding to the positions may provide different degrees of cushioning that is greater than the hard support elements but less than the soft support elements. Different degrees of buffering may be provided, for example, by: utilizing EVA or other foam materials for forming cushioning elements of varying densities, utilizing a single bladder and/or multiple bladders of different types, utilizing different combinations of foam types, utilizing different combinations of bladder types, utilizing different combinations of foam types and bladder types, and the like.

In addition to varying the amount of cushioning provided by different support elements corresponding to particular locations on the base 17, the support elements may vary based on the cushioning distribution. For example, a first support element may be stiffer on the lateral side of the element than on the medial side of the element, a second support element may be stiffer on the medial side than on the lateral side, a third support element may be stiffer on the anterior side of the element than on the posterior side of the element, and so on.

Another support element feature may be height. The first support element corresponding to a specific location on the base 17 may have a narrowed top portion that fits within the cavity of the corresponding location, while the remaining portion has a height h 1. The second support element corresponding to the same location may have the same narrowed top portion as the first support element, but the remainder of the second support element may have a height h2 that is less than h 1. Additional support elements may have other heights.

Another support element feature may be of the ground-contacting surface type. For example, a first support element corresponding to a particular location on base 17 may have a first type of ground-contacting surface formed from a first outsole material, wherein the first outsole material provides greater friction but is more prone to wear on concrete. The second support element corresponding to the same location may have a second type of ground contacting surface formed of a second outer sole material, wherein the second outer sole material is relatively less prone to wear on the concrete but provides less friction. The third support element corresponding to said same position may have a tread pattern optimized for cross country running. The fourth support element corresponding to said same position may have a tread pattern optimized for running on a runway or indoors.

The above features present only a few examples. The support element may vary based on additional characteristics. In addition, the support elements corresponding to particular locations on the substrate 17 may vary based on different combinations of features. For example, a first support element may be relatively stiff and have a first tread pattern and/or first outsole material, and a second support element may be relatively less stiff and have a smaller height than the first support element, and have a second tread pattern and/or second outsole material.

The block diagram of fig. 10A shows steps performed in the method 200 according to some embodiments. In method 200, a support element installed in a sole structure is identified, removed, and replaced with a replacement support element. The sole structure may be a portion of a shoe (including an upper and the sole structure), wherein the sole structure includes a plurality of independent support elements located in a plantar region, wherein each support element supports a corresponding location that is at least partially secured in the sole structure by at least one retaining band that surrounds at least a portion of the support element. For convenience, the method 200 is described as, for example: support element 18b is removed from footwear 10 and element 18b is replaced with a replacement support element. However, according to other embodiments, the method 200 may be performed with respect to other support elements 18 and with respect to footwear and support elements according to other embodiments.

In a first step 201, information is received to identify a support element installed in a sole structure and further to identify a replacement support element. The mounted support element may be specifically identified or identified by the location at which the support element is currently mounted. In this example, the information received in step 201 identifies the support element 18b and the replacement support element to be installed once the support element 18b is removed.

In step 203, footwear 10 is held ready to remove the identified support element. In some embodiments, method 200 may be performed by a wearer of footwear 10 while footwear 10 remains on the wearer's foot. For example, a wearer of footwear 10 may sit on the stool and place the side of the wearer's right foot on the wearer's left lap. In this manner, the bottom of sole structure 12 is readily accessible to a seated wearer. In other embodiments, the performer of the method 200 may be an individual who: which has removed footwear 10 from his or her foot, and/or which is intended to place footwear 10 on his or her foot after support element 18b is replaced. In still other embodiments, the performer of method 200 may be a person (e.g., a coach or trainer) performing the operations of method 200 for another wearer of footwear 10 (or a person who is about to wear footwear 10).

In step 205, the support element 18b is removed from the sole structure 12. As part of this removal action, the retaining straps 19b, 20b securing the support element 18b in position 23b are extended and moved out of the slots 36b,37 b. For example, a screwdriver tip or the tip of another tool may be placed under the retaining band 20 b. The tool may then be used to pull the retention strap 20b out of the slot 37 b. Once out of the slot 37b, the belt 20b may roll and/or slide on the rear end of the support element 18 b. In a similar manner, the tool may then be used to pull the retention strap 19b out of the slot 36 b. If the extended retaining strap 19b is disposed on the front end of the support element 18b and in front of the slot 36b, the rear end of the support element 18b may be lifted off the plate 17 and the front end of the support element 18b pulled out of the extended strap 19 b.

In step 207, a replacement support element is installed in the location vacated by the support element removed in step 205. In the present example, the replacement support member is configured to be mounted at the position 23 b. In particular, the replacement support element may have: a narrowed top portion configured to seat within the cavity 27b of the location 23 b. The rest of the replacement support element also has a similar shape to the removed support element 18b, including two corresponding slots similar to slots 19b, 20 b. However, the replacement support element may differ from the removed support element 18b in one or more characteristics. For example, the replacement support element may be harder or softer than the removed support element 18 b.

As part of the mounting action of the replacement support element, the retaining straps 19b, 20b are extended and allowed to retract into the corresponding slots of the replacement support element. For example, the tape 19b may be extended by pulling the tape 19b outward, the leading end of the replacement support element being pushed into the extended loop of the extended tape 19b, and the extended tape 19b being pulled over the leading end of the replacement support element. The strap 20b can be pulled out beyond the rear end of the replacement support element before the narrowed top portion of the replacement support element is fully seated within the cavity 27b of the location 23 b. The straps 19b, 20b may then be moved into their corresponding slots and allowed to contract, thereby securing the replacement support element to position 23 b.

In an embodiment of the shoe 10, each support element 18 is secured in place by two retaining straps. In other embodiments, the support element may be secured by a single retaining strap. In such an embodiment, steps 205 and 207 of method 200 may be performed by extending and moving the single band. In still other embodiments, the support element may be secured by more than two retaining straps. In these embodiments, steps 205 and 207 may be performed by extending and moving more than two belts.

Referring back to step 201, the support elements installed in the sole structure and the replacement support elements may be identified in various ways for replacement. After walking and/or running with all of the support elements 18 installed, for example, the wearer may identify one or more of the support elements 18 for replacement based on the feel of the footwear 10 and may select a slightly stiffer (or slightly softer) support element that may be used in the same location. As another example, a coach or trainer may observe the performance of the wearer of footwear 10 while walking or running and may identify one or more support elements 18 for replacement based on these observations. As yet another example, the electronic module 66 and/or another device (e.g., the second device 73 in fig. 9) may analyze data collected using the sensor assembly 65 and may generate data that identifies and/or may be used to identify one or more support elements to be replaced and/or replacement support elements to be used based on the analysis.

Figure 10B is a block diagram illustrating operations performed in method 250 according to some embodiments. In method 250, processor 101 of electronic module 66 receives input from sensors 67-70 as the wearer of footwear 10 (with attached support elements 18a-18e) steps and/or runs. The processor 101 then evaluates the data based on these inputs and suggests one or more support elements 18 for replacement.

In step 251, the processor receives and stores data in the memory 102, the data including an identifier for each of the support elements 18a to 18e, and the data indicating the position 23 occupied by each support element 18. After the user provides input via the input device 112, the processor 101 may receive data from the second device 73 via the wireless module 104 and/or the module 105 in step 251.

In step 253, processor 101 receives input from sensors 67-70 as the wearer of footwear 10 steps and/or runs. The input from each of the sensors 67-70 may represent the force experienced in the area of the footbed of the shoe 10 corresponding to the sensor. The processor 101 then stores data based on these sensor inputs. The stored data may include: the maximum force measured by each sensor during each gait cycle for that sensor.

In step 255, the processor 101 analyzes the data stored in step 253 and identifies any of the support elements 18a-18e that should potentially be replaced. Step 255 may be performed in a number of different ways. In some embodiments, for example, the processor 101 may determine an average maximum force value for each sensor 67-70. The average force may be calculated, for example, by: the maximum effort measured by the sensor over N step cycles is summed and then divided by N. The processor 101 may then identify the data in the memory 102 based on previously stored data (data identifying the support elements 18a-18e installed in the sole structure 12), including a look-up table for each sensor 67-70 in the memory 102. For each sensor 67-70, the processor 101 may compare the average maximum force value calculated for that sensor to the values or value ranges in the identified look-up table and determine whether one or more support elements 18 corresponding to the position of that sensor should be replaced. For example, an average maximum force within a particular range may be associated with the support element 18 being compressed an appropriate amount and may indicate that replacement is not necessary. An average maximum force value above the range may be associated with the support element being over-compressed and may indicate that the support element should be replaced with a stiffer support element. An average maximum force value below the range may be associated with the support element being under-compressed and may indicate that the support element should be replaced with a softer support element. Each look-up table may be generated using the compressibility of the material forming the support element and the known geometry of the support element and/or empirically. The foregoing represents just one way in which step 255 may be performed. In other embodiments, step 255 may include one or more alternative and/or additional operations.

In step 257, the processor 101 receives an instruction to output the data generated in step 255. The instructions may be received from the second device 73 via module 104 and/or via module 105. In response and as shown in step 259, processor 101 may output the data generated in step 255 by sending the data to second device 73 via module 104 and/or module 105. Upon receiving the transmitted data, the processor 113 of the second device 73 may generate and present information on the display device 115 indicating which support element 18 should be replaced and the type of support element to be used for replacement (step 261). The information may be presented in a form that can be understood by a human. For example, the processor 113 may generate an image on the display screen illustrating the support elements 18 and marking one or more of these support elements to indicate that the one or more support elements should be replaced, the image including text to identify one or more suggested replacement support elements for each marked support element.

Figure 10C is a block diagram illustrating operations performed in method 300 according to some embodiments. The method 300 is similar to the method 250, but certain operations are performed by the second device 73 rather than by the electronic module 66. In step 301, the processor 113 of the second device 73 receives and stores in the memory 114 data providing an identifier for each support element 18a-18e and indicating the position 23 occupied by each support element 18. In step 303, processor 101 of electronic module 66 receives input from sensors 67-70 and stores data, which may include data similar to the data stored in step 253 of method 250, as the wearer of footwear 10 walks and/or runs. In step 305, the processor 113 of the second device 73 sends instructions to the electronic module 66 to send the data stored in step 303. In step 307, in response to receiving the instruction sent in step 305, the processor 101 of the electronic module 66 sends the stored data to the second device 73 via the module 104 and/or the module 105. In step 309, in response to receiving the data sent in step 307, the processor 113 of the second device 73 stores the received data in the memory 114, analyzes the data, identifies any support elements 18a-18e that potentially should be replaced, and identifies a replacement support element for each support element 18a-18e identified for potential replacement. The operations performed by the processor 113 in step 309 may be similar to the operations performed by the processor 101 in step 255 of the method 250. In step 311, similar to step 261 of method 250, processor 113 may generate and present information on display device 115 to indicate which support element 18 should be replaced and the type of support element to be used for replacement for each indicated support element 18.

In some embodiments, a shoe (e.g., shoe 10) may be provided as part of a kit. In particular, the shoe may be provided with a plurality of support elements from which a user may select a support element to be mounted in a first position, a plurality of support elements from which a user may select a support element to be mounted in a second position, and so on. Fig. 11 shows a kit 500 according to one such embodiment. The kit 500 includes a shoe 510. Footwear 510 has a base 517 (which is substantially identical to base 17 of footwear 10) and an upper 511 (which is substantially identical to upper 11 of footwear 10). Although not visible in fig. 11, footwear 510 also includes: a sensor assembly that is substantially identical to sensor assembly 65 of footwear 10 and that is installed into footwear 510 in substantially the same manner that sensor assembly 65 is installed into footwear 10. Similarly, the shoe 510 further includes: an electronic module that is substantially identical to the electronic module 66 of the shoe 10 and that is installed into the shoe 510 in substantially the same manner as the electronic module 66 is installed into the shoe 10.

Kit 500 includes a kit 518a having three forefoot support elements 518a1,518a2,518a3, each of which is mountable at a forefoot position of base 517 that is substantially identical to forefoot position 23a of base 17. The support element 518a1 may be stiffer than the support element 518a2, and the support element 518a2 may be stiffer than the support element 518a 3. Kit 500 also includes a kit 518b having three medial forefoot support elements 518b1,518b2,518b3, each of which is capable of being mounted in a medial forefoot position of base 517 that is substantially identical to medial forefoot position 23b of base 17. The support element 518b1 may be stiffer than the support element 518b2, and the support element 518b2 may be stiffer than the support element 518b 3. The kit 500 further includes a kit 518c having three inner heel support members 518c1,518c2,518c3, each of which is capable of being mounted at an inner heel location of the base 517 that is substantially identical to the inner heel location 23c of the base 17. The support element 518c1 may be stiffer than the support element 518c2, and the support element 518c2 may be stiffer than the support element 518c 3. The kit 500 additionally includes a kit 518d having three side heel support elements 518d1,518d2,518d3, each of which can be mounted at a side heel location of the base 517 that is substantially identical to the side heel location 23d of the base 17. The support element 518d1 may be stiffer than the support element 518d2, and the support element 518d2 may be stiffer than the support element 518d 3. Kit 500 still further includes a kit 518e having three lateral forefoot support elements 518e1,518e2,518e3, each of which is mountable at a lateral forefoot position of base 517 that is substantially identical to lateral forefoot position 23e of base 17. The support element 518e1 may be stiffer than the support element 518e2, and the support element 518e2 may be stiffer than the support element 518e 3.

In other embodiments, the kit may include one or more subcombinations and/or other variations of the components shown in fig. 1. In some embodiments, for example, the support elements configured for a particular location on substrate 517 may also or alternatively vary based on characteristics other than compressibility. Examples of such other features are as described previously. In some embodiments, a kit may comprise: more or less than three support elements configured for a particular location on substrate 517. In some embodiments, kit 518a (support elements 518a1-518a3), kit 518b (support elements 518b1-518b3), kit 518c (support elements 518c1-518c3), kit 518d (support elements 518d1-518d3), and/or kit 518e (support elements 518e1-518e3) may be included in a kit that does not include footwear 510. In some embodiments, shoe 510 may be provided with a default set of support elements that includes a single support element mounted at each location of base 517. One or more kits may then provide a plurality of replacement support elements for one, some, or all of the locations on substrate 517.

Other embodiments include a variety of additional variations on the various components and combinations described above. Such variations may include, without limitation, one or more of the following.

In some embodiments, the support elements may have other arrangements. As just one example, the heel region of the sole structure base may be configured to receive a single support element, rather than two support elements. As another example only, the lateral forefoot region of the sole structure base may be configured to receive two support elements, rather than a single support element; and/or the medial forefoot region of the sole structure base may be configured to receive two support elements, rather than a single support element. As yet another example, the support element may be configured such that: most of the installed forefoot region support elements are located on the medial side of the shoe centerline, but a portion of the forefoot region support elements extend into the lateral side of the shoe centerline. Such a configuration may also or alternatively include: another forefoot region support element, when installed, has a majority of its area on a lateral side of the shoe centerline, but a portion of the forefoot region support element extends into a medial side of the shoe centerline.

In some embodiments, the support element may have other shapes. For example, as described in the preceding paragraphs, some embodiments may have more or fewer support elements in a particular area, and/or support elements configured to cover a sole structure area in a different manner than shown in footwear 10. As just another example, the support element may include additional slots to increase flexibility.

In some embodiments, a single support element may be replaced with multiple support elements, and/or vice versa. For example, in some embodiments, medial forefoot support element 18b may be replaced with two replacement support elements. A first of these replacement support elements may correspond to the anterior portion of medial forefoot position 23b and may be secured using retaining strap 19 b. A second of these replacement support elements may correspond to the posterior of medial forefoot position 23b and may be secured using retaining strap 20 b. Such a configuration may be useful, for example, when the wearer of footwear 10 wishes to adjust the stiffness in the front and rear portions of the medial forefoot region, respectively, corresponding with location 23 b. Similar one-to-many or many-to-one replacement schemes may be used in other locations 23.

The foregoing description of various 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. The embodiments described herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various embodiments and their practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Any and all combinations, subcombinations, and permutations of various features from the embodiments described herein are within the scope of the invention. In the claims, reference to a potential or intended wearer or user of a component does not require the actual wearing or use of the component or the presence of the wearer or user as part of the claimed invention.

Claims (20)

1. An article of footwear comprising:

a shoe upper; and

a sole structure coupled to the upper and including a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region, wherein each of the support elements is at least partially secured to a corresponding location on the sole structure by a corresponding retaining band that surrounds at least a portion of the support element, and wherein each of the retaining bands is elastically and non-destructively expandable,

wherein each of the support elements comprises a slot having a slot bottom, a top edge, and a slot wall defined by the slot bottom and the top edge; and is

Each of the retaining straps is disposed within the slot of the support element corresponding thereto and in contact with a slot bottom of the slot;

wherein the sole structure further comprises a base; and wherein each of the support elements comprises a portion disposed within a cavity formed in the bottom side of the base at a location corresponding to the support element; and is

Wherein each of the retaining bands extends from a surface of the cavity, wherein the portion of the support element corresponding to the cavity is disposed within the cavity.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein each of the support elements is non-destructively removable from the sole structure and replaceable in the sole structure without passing through an interior void formed at least in part by the upper.

3. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein each of the retaining bands is elastically and non-destructively expandable to a size that allows the retaining band to slide over an exposed outer surface of the support element.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein each of the retaining bands is elastically and non-destructively expandable to slide over the top edge of the slot in which the retaining band is disposed.

5. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the support elements is secured in place on the sole structure by a plurality of retaining straps.

6. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the support element is positioned as a ground-contacting surface when the article of footwear is worn.

7. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein each support element of the plurality abuts at least one other support element of the plurality.

8. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of support elements includes a medial side support element and a lateral side support element.

9. The article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the medial side support element and the lateral side support element are located in a forefoot region.

10. The article of footwear according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of support elements includes: a medial support element in the heel region; and a lateral side support element in the heel region.

11. The article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the medial side support element and the lateral side support element are located in a heel region.

12. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole structure further includes a base; and wherein each of the retaining bands extends from a surface of the substrate.

13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein each of the support elements is non-destructively removable from and replaceable into the sole structure from an outer underside of the article of footwear.

14. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein each of the support elements is non-destructively removable from and replaceable into the sole structure when the article of footwear is worn on a foot of a wearer.

15. A method of replacing a support element in a sole structure, comprising:

an article of retaining footwear, wherein the article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper, wherein the sole structure includes a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region, wherein each of the support elements is at least partially secured to a corresponding location on the sole structure by a corresponding retaining band surrounding at least a portion of the support element, and wherein each of the retaining bands is elastically and non-destructively expandable;

removing one of the support elements from the sole structure;

securing the replacement support element to a position corresponding to the removed support element,

wherein removing one of the support elements comprises: extending one of said retaining straps out of a slot in the support element; and wherein fastening the replacement support element comprises: allowing said one of said retaining bands to retract into the slot of said replacement support element; and is

Wherein the removed support element has a compressibility characteristic that is different from a compressibility characteristic of the replacement support element.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the removing and the securing are performed while the article of footwear is worn on a foot of a wearer.

17. A kit, comprising:

an article of footwear, the article of footwear comprising: an upper and a sole structure base coupled to the upper, wherein the sole structure base includes a plurality of locations defined therein;

a plurality of first position-supporting elements corresponding to first ones of the positions, each of the first position-supporting elements configured for placement at the first position and for securing to the first position by a first retaining band coupled to the base and corresponding to the first position, wherein the first retaining band is elastically and non-destructively expandable; and is

A plurality of second position-supporting elements corresponding to second ones of the positions, each of the second position-supporting elements configured for placement at the second position and for fastening to the second position by a second retaining band coupled to the base and corresponding to the second position, wherein the second retaining band is elastically and non-destructively expandable,

wherein each of the first position support elements and each of the second position support elements comprises a trough having a trough bottom, a top edge, and a trough wall defined by the trough bottom and the top edge; and is

Each of the first and second retention straps is disposed within and in contact with the groove bottom of the support element corresponding to that retention strap, and

wherein the content of the first and second substances,

wherein one of said first position support elements has a compressibility characteristic that is different from a compressibility characteristic of another of said first position support elements;

one of the second position support elements has a compressibility characteristic that is different from a compressibility characteristic of another one of the second position support elements.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein each of the locations comprises a cavity formed in the substrate.

19. The kit of parts according to claim 17, wherein the first location is on a medial side of the sole structure base and the second location is on a lateral side of the sole structure base.

20. The kit of parts according to claim 17, wherein the first position is on a medial side of the sole structure base in a forefoot region; the second location is on a lateral side of the sole structure base in the forefoot region; and the plurality of locations includes a third location in the heel region, and the kit further comprises:

a plurality of third position support elements corresponding to the third positions, each of the third position support elements configured for placement at the third position and for fastening to the third position by a third retaining band coupled to the base and corresponding to the third position, wherein the third retaining band is elastically and non-destructively expandable.

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