KR20150135351A - Sole structures and articles of footwear having lightweight midsole members with protective elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A sole structure for a footwear article comprising a shoe flow includes a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole partially covered by at least one rigid and / or dense cage (protective) component (s) and / or other protective component (s) ≪ / RTI >

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a sole structure and footwear having a lightweight midsole member having a protective element,

Related Application Data

(A) a sole structure and footwear article having a lightweight midsole member having a protective element, filed on March 15, 2013 and having the name < RTI ID = 0.0 > U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 835,715; (b) the United States of America, which was filed on March 15, 2013 and is entitled "Sole Structures and Footwear Having a Lightweight Midsole Member with Protective Elements" Patent Application No. 13 / 838,051; And (c) a sole structure and footwear article having a lightweight midsole member having a protective element, filed on March 15, 2013, entitled " Sole Structures and Footwear Having a Lightweight Midsole Member with Protective Elements & U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 837,967. Each of these priority applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of invention

The present invention relates to the field of footwear. More particularly, aspects of the present invention provide a sole structure comprising a relatively soft and / or lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by a protective component and / For example, running shoes).

A typical running shoes article includes two main elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a cover for the foot that stably receives and places the foot against the sole structure. In addition, the upper has a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing sweat. The sole structure is fixed to the lower side of the upper, and is generally disposed between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure provides traction and can control potentially harmful foot movements such as overpronation. The general features and construction of the upper and sole structures are described in more detail below.

The upper forms a void inside the footwear for receiving the feet. The cavity generally has a foot shape, and access to the cavity is provided at the ankle opening. Thus, the upper extends along the foot and the toe area of the foot, along the inner and outer sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. The lacing system is often incorporated into the upper so that the size of the ankle opening is selectively changed and the wearer is allowed to vary the specific dimensions of the upper, especially the girth, to accommodate the feet of various sizes. The upper may also include a tongue extending under the strap system to improve the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to adjust the pressure applied to the foot by the strap), and the upper may also include a tongue And a heel counter for limiting or controlling movement.

Generally, the sole structure includes multiple layers traditionally referred to as "insole", "midsole" and "outsole". An insole (which may also comprise a sock liner) may be positioned adjacent to the sole (lower) surface within the upper to enhance the comfort of the footwear, e.g., to provide a soft, It is a thin member. Traditionally, the midsole attached to the upper along the entire length of the upper part forms an intermediate layer of the sole structure and serves a variety of purposes, including foot motion control and impact damping. The floor window is made of a durable and wear resistant material that includes texturing and other features that form the ground-contacting elements of the footwear and which normally enhance traction.

The main element of a typical midsole is an elastic polymer foam material, such as polyurethane foam or ethylvinylacetate ("EVA"), which extends throughout the length of the footwear. The properties of the polymer foam material in the midsole will depend primarily on the dimensional configuration of the midsole and the factors including the specific properties of the material selected for the polymer foam, including the density and / or hardness of the polymer foam material. By varying these factors throughout the midsole, the relative stiffness, the degree of ground reaction force attenuation, and the energy absorbing characteristics can be altered to meet the specific needs of the activities for which footwear is intended to be used.

Despite the many available footwear models and characteristics, new footwear models and structures continue to develop and are a welcome advance in the art.

This summary is provided to introduce some general concepts of the invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

While potentially useful in any desired type or style of footwear, aspects of the present invention may be applied to shoes such as basketball shoes, running shoes, cross-training shoes, cleated shoes, tennis shoes, There may be special interest in the sole structure used for articles.

A more specific aspect of the invention relates to a sole structure for footwear articles comprising a first polymer foam member for supporting at least a heel and midfoot region of a wearer's foot. The exposed outer edge of such a first polymer foam member may, at least in some instances, extend from the inner forefoot region or forefoot region of the first polymer foam member to around the rear heel region and to the outside of the first polymer foam member, And a billows structure extending continuously to the forefoot or forefoot. For example, other corrugated sub-structures including interwoven billow, support ribs, etc. may be provided in at least some examples of the present invention. These corrugator structures may include two to eight corrugated lateral ridges connected by a billow interstitial area located between adjacent corrugated outer billings.

A sole structure according to another example of the present invention includes a polymer foam member (optionally, a lightweight low density polymer foam material such as a foam material having a density of less than 0.25 g / cm < 3 >) for supporting at least the heel and mid- . The exposed outer edge of such a polymer foam member,

(a) a first outer-corrugated bulge, a second outer-corrugated bulge, a third outer-corrugated bulge, a first intervening region positioned between the first and second outer-corrugated bulges, and a second and third outer- A first wave-portion-side structure including a second intervening region positioned between the first and second wave-

(b) a third corrugated structure including a fourth outer corrugated bulge, a fifth outer corrugated bulge, and a third intervening region positioned between the fourth and fifth outer corrugated bulges,

The fourth outer corrugated bulge starts in the first intervening area and the fifth outer corrugated bulge starts in the second intervening area. The exposed outer edge of the polymeric foam member may further comprise other corrugated sub-structures, for example the outer corrugated sub-ridges of such corrugated sub-structures start in the third interposed region. One corrugated subassembly may extend around the rear heel region of the sole structure while another corrugated side structure may be located in the side flank region of the sole structure. The bottom window component may engage the bottom surface of the polymer foam member.

Another outsole structure according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a first polymer foam member for supporting at least a heel region of a wearer's foot, the first polymer foam member comprising: (a) an outer sidewall, (b) (c) a rear heel wall connecting the inner side wall and the outer side wall, (d) a bottom wall connecting the inner side wall, the outer side wall and the rear heel wall, and (e) Constitutes an outer shell, and this first polymer foam member extends around the rear heel region of the sole structure. The second polymer foam member having a heel portion at least partially received in a space defined by the outer shell of the first polymer foam member and the forefoot end of the second polymer foam member extending beyond the open end of the first polymer foam member do. This second polymer foam member has a density less than the density of the first polymer foam member and a portion of the bottom surface of the second polymer foam member is exposed in the bottom forefoot region of the footwear article. If desired, one or more protective elements can be combined with the bottom surface of the second polymer foam member in the bottom forefoot region.

Another shoe structure according to some embodiments of the present invention is a polymer foam member for supporting an entire sole surface of a wearer's foot, the polymer foam member comprising a foam material having a density of less than 0.25 g / cm < 3 & (b) at least 80% of the surface area of the bottom surface of the polymer foam member, wherein the protective member comprises a web base surface, and the plurality of traction elements Extends downwardly from the web base surface and the thickness of most web base surfaces at positions between the plurality of traction elements is less than 2 mm thick.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an article of footwear comprising a sole structure of the various types described above which is associated with the upper. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of making various types of sole structures and / or footwear articles described above (and described in more detail below). More specific aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

The foregoing summary of the invention, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout the various figures in which the reference numerals are represented.
Figures 1A-1F illustrate a sole structure according to one example of the present invention;
2A to 2F show a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate features of a sole structure according to another example of the present invention; FIG.
Figure 4 illustrates a heel region of a portion of a foam component that may be included in a sole structure according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a basketball according to one example of the present invention;
Figure 6 shows a running shoe according to one example of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a traction according to one example of the present invention;
8A to 8F show a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;
9 is an exploded view of a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;
FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate features of a sole structure according to another example of the present invention; FIG.
11a-11c provide various views of a footwear article according to another example of the present invention;
12A to 12C provide various views of a footwear article according to another example of the present invention.

In the following description of the various embodiments of footwear structures and components according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and which illustrate, by way of example, various exemplary structures and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced . It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made from structures and functions which are specifically described without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Ⅰ. General description of aspects of the present invention

Some aspects of the present invention include a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole component that is partially covered by at least one more rigid and / or dense cage (protection) component (s) and / or other protective component Sole structure and / or footwear (e.g., athletic shoes) article. More specific features and aspects of the present invention are described in more detail below.

A. Characteristics of the sole structure and footwear article according to the present invention example

Some aspects of the invention relate to a sole structure for a footwear article, and a footwear article (or other foot-receiving device) comprising such a sole structure. The sole structure for a footwear article according to at least some examples of the present invention may comprise a first polymer foam member for supporting at least the heel and midsole region of the wearer's foot. The exposed outer edge of this first polymer foam member extends continuously from the inner mid- or forefoot region of the first polymer foam member to around the rear heel region and to the outer mid- or forefoot of the first polymer foam member And includes a corrugated sub-structure. Such corrugated sub-structures may include two to eight corrugated lateral ridges connected by corrugated sub-annular areas located between adjacent corrugated outer ridges.

A sole structure in accordance with at least some examples of the present invention may include a bottom window component (e.g., a bottom window component) on one or more bottom surfaces (s) of a foam protection component and / Such as, for example, rubber, phylon, phylite, thermoplastic polyurethane, and the like. The bottom window component (s) may include, for example, hardness, strength, abrasion resistance and traction (e.g., by providing a texture, cleat, or other traction-enhancement structure on the bottom surface of the sole structure) Can be provided. In some exemplary structures in accordance with the present invention, several independent floor window components are provided at various different locations around the bottom of the sole structure. The bottom window component may also be considered a "protection" component for a lightweight midsole component.

If desired, according to at least some examples of the present invention, a lighter and / or less dense foam core material component and / or a denser protective component (optionally made of a heavier or denser polymer foam material) May include a corrugated structure (described in more detail below). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, at least a portion of the foam midsole component may comprise a corrugated structure adjacent to, for example, the corrugated structures of the one or more protective components (if they are corrugated). Although any number of individual corrugated structures are possible on the various components without departing from the invention, in some instances, in the up-and-down direction, the individual sole structure includes two to eight corrugations, And may include six wave portions.

A sole structure according to another example of the present invention includes a polymer foam member (optionally, a lightweight low density polymer foam material such as a foam material having a density of less than 0.25 g / cm < 3 >) for supporting at least the heel and mid- . The exposed outer edge of such a polymer foam member,

A first outer-corrugated bulge, a second outer-corrugated bulge, a third outer-corrugated bulge, a first intervening region positioned between the first and second outer corrugated bulges, and a second intervening region between the second and third outer- A first wave-form portion structure including a second interleaved region located in the first wave-

And a third intervening region positioned between the fourth outer-wave-shaped bulge, the fourth outer-wave bulge, the fifth outer-wave bulge, and the fourth and fifth outer-wave bulge,

The fourth outer corrugated bulge starts in the first intervening area and the fifth outer corrugated bulge starts in the second intervening area. The exposed outer edge of the polymeric foam member may further comprise other corrugated sub-structures, for example the outer corrugated sub-ridges of such corrugated sub-structures start in the third interposed region. One corrugated subassembly may extend around the rear heel region of the sole structure while another corrugated side structure may be located in the side flank region of the sole structure. The bottom window component may engage the bottom surface of the polymer foam member.

Another exemplary sole structure according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a first polymer foam member for supporting at least a heel region of a wearer's foot, the first polymer foam member comprising: (a) an outer sidewall, (b) (C) a rear heel wall connecting the inner side wall and the outer side wall, (d) a bottom wall connecting the inner side wall, the outer side wall and the rear heel wall, and (e) And this first polymer foam member extends around the rear heel region of the sole structure. The second polymer foam member having a heel portion at least partially received in a space defined by the outer shell of the first polymer foam member and the forefoot end of the second polymer foam member extending beyond the open end of the first polymer foam member do. This second polymer foam member has a density less than the density of the first polymer foam member and a portion of the bottom surface of the second polymer foam member is exposed in the bottom forefoot region of the footwear article. If desired, the protective element can be combined with the bottom surface of the second polymer foam member in the bottom forefoot region.

Another shoe structure according to some embodiments of the present invention is a polymer foam member for supporting an entire sole surface of a wearer's foot, the polymer foam member comprising a foam material having a density of less than 0.25 g / cm < 3 & (b) at least 80% of the surface area of the bottom surface of the polymeric foam member, wherein the protective member comprises a web base surface, and wherein a plurality of traction elements extend from the web base surface And the thickness of most web base surfaces at positions between the plurality of traction elements is less than 2 mm thick.

Another additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a sole that is combined with various types of sole structures described above (and described in more detail below) (e.g., any desired design including a conventional design, , Configuration, or structure).

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a footwear article or its various components. One more specific aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of making the sole structure for footwear articles of the various types and configurations described above. While the various components and components of the sole structure and footwear article in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be manufactured in a manner commonly known and used in the art, an example of a method embodiment of the present invention may be used to produce the various structures described above To combining the sole structure and / or footwear parts and bonding them together.

In the foregoing, a general description of features, aspects, structures and arrangements in accordance with the present invention is provided, followed by a more detailed description of certain exemplary sole structures, footwear articles and methods according to the present invention.

Ⅱ. Detailed description of an exemplary sole structure and footwear article according to the present invention

Referring to the drawings and discussion below, various sole structures, footwear articles and their features are disclosed in accordance with the present invention. The sole structures and footwear shown and discussed are footwear and the concepts disclosed for the various aspects of such footwear include walking, tennis shoes, soccer shoes, soccer shoes, basketball shoes, running shoes, cross-training shoes, The present invention can be applied to a wide range of athletic shoes not limited thereto. In addition, at least some of the concepts and aspects of the present invention may be applied to a wide range of non-sneakers, including work boots, sandals, loafers, dressings. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the precise embodiment disclosed herein, but generally applies to footwear.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate various views of an exemplary sole structure 100 for a footwear article including at least some aspects and features of the present invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1A, a portion of a footwear article (and its various component parts) is located at or near such portion of the footwear article when the footwear is worn on an appropriately sized foot Can be identified based on the area of the foot that has been created. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, a footwear article and / or sole structure may include a "forefoot region" at the front of the foot, a "midfoot" region at the middle or arched region of the foot, and a "heel region" . ≪ / RTI > The footwear and / or sole structure may include a "lateral side" ("outside" or "small toe side") and a "medial side" ("inward" or "big toe side" Also included. The forefoot region generally includes joints connecting the metatarsal and phalangeal and portions of the footwear corresponding to the toes. The midfoot region generally includes a portion of the footwear corresponding to the arcuate region of the foot. The heel region generally corresponds to the posterior portion of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. The outer and inner sides of the footwear extend through the forefoot region, midsole region and heel region and generally correspond to opposite sides of the footwear (and may also be considered as separated by a longitudinal center axis). These regions (separated by a dividing line in FIG. 1A) and the sides are not intended to delimit the exact area of the footwear. Rather, the terms "forefoot region", "midfoot region", "heel region", "outer side", and "inner side" are used to express the approximate area of the various items of the footwear article, It is intended.

1B shows an outline side view, FIG. 1C shows an inner side view, FIG. 1D shows a bottom view, FIG. 1E shows a heel or rear side view And Fig. 1F shows a toe or front side view. 1A-1F, the exemplary sole structure 100 is configured to support the entire sole surface of the wearer's foot, i.e., from the rear heel region of the sole 100 to the front toe region of the sole 100, Includes a single midsole component (102) that extends continuously from this particular structure (100), from the outer side edge to the inner side edge of the sole (100). Other midsole configurations are possible, but according to some examples of the present invention, the midsole component 102 may be constructed of a foam material (e.g., an ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") foam, a polyurethane foam, a pylon foam, . The top surface 102a of the midsole component 102 may have contours, for example, to comfortably support and / or assist in positioning the sole surface of the wearer's foot.

In some examples of the present invention, the midsole component 102 may have a density of less than 0.25 g / cm3 (in some instances less than 0.2 g / cm3, in the range of 0.075 to 0.2 g / cm3, and even 0.1 to 0.18 g / ) ≪ / RTI > of the foam material). If desired, the foam material of the midsole component 102 may include one or more openings formed therein and / or include other impact damping components such as a fluid-filled bladder, mechanical shock-absorbing member, You may. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the entire midsole component 102 constitutes such a lightweight foam material (e. G., Having the density characteristics as described above) and is provided on the entire foot of the wearer . In an exemplary structure 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, the foam midsole element 102 includes a junction line 106 (such a bond line 106 is referred to as a material 102/104 (E. G., A polymeric foam material) that is denser or more rigid (e.g., a polymeric foam material), a bottom window material ; "Cage" or "carrier member" or the like). In the illustrated example, the midsole component 102 is generally over the protective component 104 (and may be at least partially received by the protective component 104). As another option, the midsole component 102 may be manufactured as a multiple component midsole (e.g., foam) component if desired, and / or the sole structure 100 includes multiple protective component parts 104 It is possible.

As a more specific example of some, at least some of the midsole component 102 may be made of a foam material, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,941,938, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In at least some exemplary exemplary sole structure 100 in accordance with the present invention, all, substantially all, or at least a portion of the midsole component 102 may comprise from about 10 to about 100 parts hydrogenation or From about 0 to about 40 percent modified hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer, and from 0 to about 90 percent alpha olefin copolymer, and an amount of a suitable amount of a < RTI ID = 0.0 > And may include a foam material comprising at least one additive. Such a foam material may have a light sponge feel. The density of the foam material may generally be less than 0.25 g / cm3, less than 0.20 g / cm3, less than 18 g / cm3, less than 0.15 g / cm3, less than 0.12 g / cm3, and in some cases less than 0.10 g / cm3. As an exemplary range, lightweight foam densities can range, for example, from 0.05 to 0.25 g / cm 3 or within the various ranges mentioned above.

Also, according to at least some examples of the present invention, the elasticity of the foam material for the midsole component 102 may be greater than 40%, greater than 45%, at least 50%, and in some embodiments 50 to 70%. The compression set may be in the range of 60% or less, 50% or less, 45% or less, and in some cases, 20 to 60%. The Durometer Asker C for the exemplary midsole component 102 may be, for example, 25 to 50, 25 to 45, 25 to 35, or 35 to 45, depending on the type of footwear, for example . The tensile strength of the foam material 102 may be at least 15 kg / cm2, and typically 15 to 40 kg / cm2. Elongation% is between 150 and 500, typically over 250. The tear strength is from 6 to 15 kg / cm, typically above 7 kg / cm. In at least some exemplary configurations according to the present invention, the foam material of at least some portion of the midsole component 102 may have low energy loss and may be lighter than a conventional EVA foam. The energy loss may be in the range of less than 30%, alternatively from about 20% to about 30%. As a further example, if desired, at least a portion of the midsole component 102 may be made of a foam material used in the LUNAR family of footwear products available from NIKE, Inc., Beaverton, Oregon .

While the above paragraphs describe the potential features and characteristics of the foam material for the midsole component 102 in accordance with some examples of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the midsole component 102 may deviate from the present invention And may have other desired characteristics, features, and / or combinations of features without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Other lightweight and / or low density foams may also be used. Because of the protective component 104 described in more detail below, the lightweight foam midsole component 102 need not necessarily have sufficient hardness, durability, and / or abrasion resistance to be in direct contact with the ground at use At least not in some of the larger ground contact locations).

The protective component 104 in this exemplary sole structure 100 may be made of any desired material without departing from the present invention. For example, the protective component 104 may be made of conventional bottom window materials such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and the like. As another example, the protective component 104 may be at least partially fabricated from a polymer foam cage or carrier material such as that disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 7,941,938. Other conventional polymeric foam materials may also be used in the protective component 104.

The foam midsole component 102 and the protective component 104 may be joined together in any desired manner without departing from the present invention, including conventional manner as known and used in the art. In the illustrated example, the protective component 104 is sandwiched within one or more recesses formed in the bottom and / or sides of the polymer foam component 102. The recess (s), if present, can be formed during the molding process (or other molding process) in which the lightweight foam component 102 is formed. Alternatively, the recess may be fabricated by, for example, a cutting or grinding operation after the lightweight foam component 102 is formed. The protective component 104 can be a ground or other material, such as a herringbone structure, raised rib or ridge, recessed groove, or the like, in use, including conventional traction elements as known and used in the art And traction elements or other features for engaging the contact surface. As a further example, the bottom surface of the protective component 104 may be formed to include a receptacle for receiving a removable cleat, and / or include an actual cleat element extending from the bottom surface of the protective component .

1D, the bottom surface of the protective component 104 need not completely cover the bottom surface of the midsole component 102. As shown in FIG. Rather, the protective component 104 may be provided with some space or holes that expose the bottom surface of the lightweight foam material 102. This feature can provide several potential benefits. For example, by removing a portion of the protective component 104, the weight of the sole structure 100 can be reduced. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1d, the protective component 104 may be provided with a protective element 104 that provides a desired bending line (e. G., A forefoot region, (E.g., elongated slots or gaps in the sole structure 100), thereby helping to maintain overall flexibility (and optionally more natural flexibility) of the overall sole structure 100. The large opening of the protective component 104 in the heel region of this exemplary sole structure 100 provides a relatively large and soft "crash pad" for the heel such that, for example, And provides better comfort and feel when hitting, for example, walking or landing the jump. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the openings of the protective component 104 are optional and may be provided in any desired size, shape, and / or number, without departing from the invention, if any, It can be done. Preferably, however, the high wear area on the bottom surface of the sole structure 100 is less than the weight of the lightweight (and more fragile) polymeric midsole component 102 to help protect the structural integrity of the midsole component 102 102) of the protective component (104).

As best shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the exemplary sole structure 100 includes other elements, such as a support plate 108, provided in the center or midsole region of the sole structure. This support plate 108 provides additional support for the arcuate region of this sole structure 100. 1C and 1D, the support plate 108 is shown separated from the midsole component 102 and / or the protective component 104 by a coupling line 110. This coupling line 110 is provided as an auxiliary line in the figure to highlight the change in position between the support plate 108 and the materials 102/104 in these figures. In the illustrated example, the support plate 108 may be at least partially sandwiched or laminated at least between the midsole component 102 and the protective component 104 in the arcuate region of the sole structure 100. The support plate 108 may be secured to the midsole component 102 by an adhesive or cement, by a mechanical connector, and / or by any other desired manner, including conventional manner known and used in the art. And / or the protective component 104. The protective element 104 may be a < / RTI > The support plate 108 may comprise any desired number of pieces or parts, and / or any desired number of parts, without departing from the invention, including conventional arcuate support materials and / or components as known and used in the art Can be made of the desired material. Examples of some more specific materials include thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon based polymer materials (e.g., PEBAX), carbon fiber reinforced polymer materials, glass fiber reinforced polymer materials, other composites, and the like.

1A-1F illustrate other features that may be included in the sole structure 100 in accordance with at least some examples of the present invention. As shown in these figures, the midsole foam component 102 and / or at least a portion of the outer edge or sides of the protective component 104 may comprise a "corrugated structure" As used herein, the term " billowed structure "or" billows structure "means that the outer surface shape of the element is a corrugation, for example a series of wave peaks Ridge ") and a wave-like structure having a valley between the wave peaks. In the sole structure, the "corrugated structure" need not be expanded and compressed in the same manner as a conventional corrugated portion, rather such term is more generally associated with the shape of the outer surface of the structure. In the illustrated exemplary sole structure 100, the lightweight midsole foam component 102 has a series of 4/2-shaped portions 122 (e. G., Visible as four stacked discs around the rear heel region) The protective component 104 includes a ½ wave portion 124 (which engages the ½ wave portion 122 of the bottom of the midsole form 102 to complete the bottom side corrugation in this sole structure 100) do. At least a portion of the corrugated structure 120 may extend from the top surface 102a of the midsole component 102 such that, for example, the midsole component 102 at least partially surrounds the wearer ' May be provided on the sidewalls of raised up midsole component 102 (and corrugated structure 120 thereof). In some more specific examples, the outer shell of the midsole component 102 (in which the wavy structure 120 is formed) has an outer sidewall 130, an inner sidewall 132, an inner sidewall 132, A rear heel wall 134 connecting the side walls 130 and an upper solesupport surface 102a connecting the inner side wall 132, the outer side wall 130 and the rear heel wall 134 . The upper solesupport surface 102a may extend from the top surface 102a by, for example, about 10 to 20 mm in the center heel region and / or about 8 to 16 mm in the forefoot region (e.g., the metatarsal head support region) A layer of polymer foam extending downward (optionally including one or more fluid-filled bladder therein). The walls 130,132, 134 may extend upwardly from the top surface 102a and may be tapered or may be tapered to a variety of heights, for example, from 0 to 5 mm in the midfoot region, from 25 to 50 mm Or more). At least a portion of the 4½-shaped portion of the corrugated structure 120 may extend continuously around the outer side wall 130, the rear heel wall 134, and the outer side surface of the inner side wall 132.

The size, number, shape, and / or other features of the corrugated structure 120 may be selected to control the feel of the footwear article. Typically, the deeper the corrugations (i. E., The greater the dimension from the wave peak to the bottom of the adjacent valley), the greater the sense of reactivity (e.g., a faster return to the original geometry). The size, density and / or hardness of the midsole component (s) 102 and / or the protective component (s) 104 can also be controlled to provide control over the feel of the sole structure 100 relative to the wearer's foot . The wavy structure 120 of the illustrated exemplary sole structure 100 is configured to receive the middle or front part of the midsole component 102 from the inner mid or forefoot area of the midsole component 102 Lt; / RTI > region (see FIG. 1d). This particular overall wavy structure 120 includes five corrugated outer ridges, and the five corrugated outer ridges include four corrugated outer corrugated portions of four corrugated outer corrugated portions, Are connected by an intervening region.

The corrugated sub-structure may take various forms without departing from the present invention. For example, Figures 1B, 1C, 1E and 1F illustrate that the walls of the individual corrugated portions have a "stepped" configuration and the outermost ridges of each individual corrugated portion constitute relatively sharp corners. This is not a prerequisite. As a further example, if desired, the corrugated side wall may be smooth, straight and / or curved. Additionally, the outermost edges or ridges of each corrugated portion may be formed as less sharp corners without departing from the present invention, smoothly curved, partitioned, and the like. Also, although the corrugated structure can be seen similarly on the opposite interior side of the walls 130, 132 and 134 (see Figure 9 having hollow corrugated portion peaks; see Figure 9), the walls 130, 132, 134 are smooth (e.g., these corrugations are solid and not hollow).

In addition, in the exemplary exemplary sole structure 100 shown, in the rear heel region of the midsole component 102, the highest corrugated lateral ridge (top corrugated flange) is oriented such that the sole structure 100 is oriented on a horizontal plane (At the bottom) by a vertical distance of at least 1.5 inches from the lowermost corrugated lateral ridge. In addition, or alternatively, in the sole structure 100, in the rear heel region of the midsole component 102, the central ridge lateral ridge (third wavy region in this example) And extends rearward at the longest distance in the case of being oriented in the direction of the arrow. These features are best seen, for example, in FIGS. 1B and 1C.

1B, 1C, and 1F, the exposed outer edge of the protective component 104 of this exemplary sole structure 100 is positioned around the front toe area of the sole structure 100 And includes an elongated corrugated sub-structure 140. The exemplary corrugated structure 140 includes three corrugated outer ridges, the three corrugated outer ridges having two corrugated portions located between adjacent corrugated lateral ridges of the three corrugated outer ridges Area. As shown, the wavy structure 140 of the protective component 104 of this exemplary sole structure 100 is not continuous with the wavy structure 120 of the midsole component 102. Rather the corrugated side structure 140 of the protective component 104 is formed by the transitional regions 142 and 144 provided in the outer forefoot region and the inner forefoot region of the sole structure 100, respectively, Is separated from the auxiliary structure (120). Transition regions 142 and / or 144 may be comprised of midsole component 102, protective component 104 and / or other sole components. In addition, transition regions 142 and 144 may have any desired structure, including other corrugated sub-structures, one or more raised ribs, or other supporting components, and the like.

The sole structure 100 shown in Figures IA-IF has at least a portion of the individual corrugations 122 and 124 around their midsole component (s) 102 and / or the protective component (s) (120) extending continuously from the outer lateral end to their inner lateral ends and without interruption. This is not a prerequisite. Rather, Figs. 2A-2F illustrate a similar sole structure 200 having similar parts and structure to the sole structure 100 of Figs. 1A-1F, but with different corrugated structures.

For the sake of simplicity, similar components between Figs. 1A-1F and Figs. 2A-2F will not be described in detail herein. Rather, in the following discussion, the focus will be on differences between the structures shown in Figs. 2A-2F as compared to those shown in Figs. 1A-1F. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the parts not described in detail below with respect to Figs. 2A-2F are similar or similar to those similar parts and structures described above with respect to Figs. IA- And / or the same or similar features and / or options.

At least a portion of the individual corrugated portions 122 and 124 are continuously and intermittently from their outer lateral ends to their inner lateral ends about midsole component (s) 102 and / or protective component (s) 104 Unlike the wavy structure 120 shown in Figs. 1A to 1F, which extend without the wavy structure 220, the wavy structure 220 of Figs. 2A to 2F includes a mixed or interwoven wave form. As best seen in Figures 2b, 2c and 2e, the corrugated structure 220a in the rear heel region of the sole structure 200 is formed in the rear heel region of the sole structure 100 of Figures IA- (For example, it has five corrugated outer edges and four corrugated subregions) in the rear heel area of the corrugated part structure 120 of the corrugated part structure. However, as best seen in FIGS. 2B, 2C, and 2E, the wavy component 220 in this exemplary sole structure 200 is positioned along the outer heel region and the inner heel region, As shown in Fig. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, the new wave portion series 220b starts in the heel region in the interposition region 250 provided between the upper three wave portions of the rear wave portion structure 220a. In Fig. 2B, the starting point of the new corrugated portion of the new corrugated part series 220b is shown at point 252 in the intervening area 250. In Fig. From these starting points 252, the three intervening corrugations are tapered to a greater width and height to form outermost corrugated bulges on both sides of the outermost point 254 thereof. In addition, the intervening corrugated part of the new corrugated part series 220b is tapered to a size large enough to completely cover the rear heel corrugated part series 220a (for example, the rear heel corrugated part 220a is tapered to a new corrugated part series 220b ) Has a starting point 220f at a position within the intervening region of the substrate. Additionally, although not required, in the exemplary sole structure 200 shown in FIG. 2B, the outer ridge 254 of the new wedge series 220b is sized (as it moves from its peak area to the end point 256) Tapering in the decreasing direction. Other support structures, including other corrugated sub-series configurations as shown in FIG. 2B, may be fabricated from an intervening region between new corrugated sub-assemblies 220b and / or from outside of the new corrugated sub-assemblies 220b (e.g., (E. G., 258) and forward of the sole structure 200. < / RTI > Thus, on at least the outer heel side portion shown in FIG. 2B, the new corrugated part series 220b includes a rear corrugated component extending from the starting point 220f (from the starting point 220f) It is possible to constitute a central corrugated part construction body having a front corrugated part construction extending to a region.

2C, on the inner side of the sole structure 200, a new wave portion series 220c is formed on a heel (not shown) in the interposition region 250 provided between the upper three wave portions of the rear wave portion structure 220a, Area. In Fig. 2C, the starting point of the new corrugated portion of the new corrugated part series 220c is shown at point 260 in the intervening area 250. Fig. From these starting points 260, the three intervening corrugations are tapered to a large width and height to completely cover the rear heel corrugated sub-series 220a (e.g., the rear heel corrugated portion 220a is tapered to a new corrugated sub- 220c) at the position within the intervening area of the first and second electrodes 220a, 220b, 220c).

The exemplary corrugated part construction of Figs. 2A to 2F shows different intervening corrugated part configurations on the inside side to outside side. This is not a prerequisite. Rather, if desired, the corrugated component construct as in Fig. 2b may be provided on the inner side and / or the corrugated component as in Fig. 2c may be provided on the outer side without departing from the invention.

Figure 2d also shows that the sole structure 200 is a floor that is somewhat differently configured on the protective component 204 as compared to the bottom surface (shown in Figure 1d) of the protective component 104 of the sole structure 100. [ Plane. ≪ / RTI > This results in an exposed mattress material 102 of a different pattern at the bottom surface of the sole structure 200. The coupling area between the protective component 204 and the lightweight midsole material 202 is highlighted in line 206 in FIGS. 2A-2F. It is also contemplated that the coupling region 208 between the midsole support element 208 (e.g., similar to the support element 108 of FIGS. 1A-1F) and the lightweight midsole material 202 and / Are highlighted in line 210 in Figures 2A-2F. The bottom surface of the protective component 204 also includes some features such as traction elements, etc., as described in more detail below with respect to Figures 10a and 10b.

Another exemplary alternative sole structure 300 in accordance with some examples of the present invention is shown in Figures 3A and 3B. As with the other sole structures 100, 200 described above, the sole structure 300 includes a lightweight foam core material 302 that is coupled to the protective component 304, for example, by an adhesive or cement. The protective component 304, which may be made of more dense or durable polymer foam and / or bottom window material, provides at least a portion of the bottom surface of the sole structure 300. The sole structure 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3B is substantially similar in structure and function to the sole structure 200 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2F, but other structures and functions are possible without departing from the present invention. For simplicity, similar parts between Figs. 2A-2F and Figs. 3A and 3B will not be described in detail herein. Rather, in the following discussion, the focus will be on differences between the structures shown in Figs. 3A and 3B as compared to those shown in Figs. 2A-2F. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the parts not described in detail below with respect to Figures 3A and 3B are the same or similar to those similar parts and structures described above with respect to Figures 1A- And / or the same or similar features and / or options.

In the exemplary sole structure 100, 200 described above, the corrugated sub-structure has been uninterruptedly extended around the entire heel area of the lightweight midsole component 102, 202. This is not a prerequisite. Rather, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the rear heel region of this exemplary lightweight midsole component 302 includes a cut or cut region 310 at its upper end side. This cutout region 310 may extend at any desired vertical distance from the midsole component 302 without departing from the invention. 3B, in this exemplary structure 300, the cutout region 310 extends down through at least two (and optionally more) of the corrugated sub-structures of the individual corrugated sub-structures, Other configurations are possible without departing from the invention. The cutout region 310 also extends downward by 25% to 65% of the overall vertical height H of the sole structure 300 (and / or the midsole component 302) immediately adjacent to the cutout region 310 It is possible. 3A and 3B illustrate a cutout region 310 only in the midsole component 302, the cutout region 310 also includes a cutout region 310 that is also vertically offset from the cutout region 310, Or may be provided to the protective component 304 for a sole structure having a larger dimension.

The notch region 310 of this exemplary sole structure 300 is somewhat V-shaped to provide an open V-shaped region at the rear edge of the midsole component 302. Other shapes for the notch region 310, such as a U shape, a rectangular or square shape, a circular shape, a star shape, a logo shape, and / or any other desired shape, are possible without departing from the invention. This exemplary notch region 310 helps to provide flexibility to the entire sole structure 300, and in particular the midsole component 302, in the outward side-inward side direction. Thereby, when the user performs other activities such as walking or running, jump landing, etc., it can provide a more natural movement or feeling. Additional or other alternative cut regions of this type may be provided at other locations around the sole structure 300 (i.e., not limited to the rear heel region). For example, a cutout area 310 along the outside and / or inboard side of the sole structure 300 (e. G., In the midfoot region) (optionally, by improving the flexibility of the sole structure 300, To better support and establish a bend line for the sole structure to more closely correspond to or support the bending tendency.

In the cutout region 310 of the exemplary sole structure 300, the exposed region of the foam core material 302 is covered by an edge element 312, such as a molded thermoplastic polyurethane member, another plastic member, or the like . This edge element 312, formed as a heel clip, helps protect the exposed edges of the foam core material 302 and assists in providing an aesthetic or design opportunity of interest. This type of edge element 312 also allows the shape of the cutout region 310 to be changed, if desired. The edge element 312 may be secured to the foam midsole component 302 and / or to the entire sole structure 300 and / or other portions of the footwear structure, if desired, in any desired manner, . In some more specific examples, these components may be bonded together using adhesives or cements, mechanical connectors, or the like. The edge element 312 may also be used to affect the bending or stiffness characteristics of the sole structure 300.

3B, a portion of the various corrugated subregions of the foam midrange component 302 of the present structure 300 includes a starting point 360 located at or near the edge of the cutout region 310 . In the exemplary exemplary sole structure 300 shown, the individual corrugated portion interrupted by the cutout region 310 may have its starting point 360 at the edge of the cutout region 310, but below the cutout region 310, The positioned additional corrugated subregion also has its starting point 360 located in the rear heel region. Alternatively, if desired, the lower corrugated subregion may extend continuously around the rear wheel region without interruption, without departing from the invention (optionally with varying size). Other corrugated structures above and / or below the cutout region 310 may also be used without departing from the invention.

Quot; cut out "or" cut away "region 312, this region 312 need not be provided by any cutting operation on any part of the sole structure 300 . Rather, the region 312 may be fabricated in any desired manner without departing from the present invention, including by way of use of a cutting operation, such as by way of a laser, knife, blade, die, May be provided to the desired component (s) of the sole structure 300. Alternatively, the region 312 may be molded directly into the structure of, for example, the foam midsole component 302 and / or the protective component 304 to form the sole structure component (s) (e.g., the component 302 And / or 304) may be formed directly during the manufacturing process. Thus, the term "cutout area" as used herein in this context and / or for this type of component or structure encompasses this type of area of the structure regardless of how such area is provided to the component. .

3A and 3B illustrate that a portion of the region between the corrugations in the rear heel region adjacent to the notch region 310 in this exemplary structure 300 extends through the window of the full- Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 362 < / RTI > In the illustrated example 300, the window 362 extends along the edges of the corrugated portion located above and below it (when the corrugated portion tapers to its starting point 360), but without extending from the present invention, 362 may be used. The window 362 may affect the flexibility of the midsole component 302 in the rear heel region of the exemplary sole structure 300. The sole structure 300 may include more or fewer windows 362 on either side of the cutout region 310 without any departure from the present invention More or fewer windows 362 may be provided.

The window 362 may be formed from any of a number of different types of materials, such as by way of use (e.g., by laser, knife, blade, die or other cutting system) (E. G., Into the structure of the foam midsole component 302 and / or the protective component 304) by integrally forming a window 362 directly in the top surface (S) of the sole structure 300 in any desired manner without departing from the invention, including, for example, by molding the window 362).

Although all of the sole structures 100, 200, and 300 of Figs. 1A to 3B show a wavy structure having three to five individual wavy structure structures having a relatively uniform shape over various areas, this is not a necessary condition . As another example, FIG. 4 shows a portion of another exemplary sole component 400 that includes three corrugated portions whose corrugated sub-structures 402 are oriented vertically or vertically. 4 illustrates the outer side view of this exemplary corrugated sub-structure 402, but similar structures may be provided on the inner side of, for example, the sole component 400 and / or the rear of the sole component 400 May be provided in the heel region. The exemplary corrugated sub-structure 402 may be provided to a foam midsole component (e.g., similar to the components 102, 202, 302 described above) as shown in FIG. 4, Such as polymer foam protection components and / or components, similar to the components 104, 204, 304 described above with respect to Figs. 1a to 3b. Also, while only the heel region of the sole component 400 is shown in FIG. 4, those skilled in the art will recognize that, taking into consideration the advantages of the present disclosure, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI >

The corrugated structure 402 in Fig. 4 differs from the corrugated portion in the shape of another corrugated structure described above with respect to Figs. 1A to 3B. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the central corrugated portion 402b of the exemplary corrugated structure 402 is concave (or outwardly expanded) in both the upward and downward directions. 4, the floor bottom of the intervening area 404a between the central corrugated part 402b and the upper corrugated part 402a is curved in the concave upward direction, so that the high point of the curved part is curved in the concave upward direction, Area. Similarly, the floor bottom of the intervening area 404b between the central corrugated part 402b and the bottom corrugated part 402c is concavely curved downward so that the lower side point of the curved part is in the center side heel area. Because of this configuration, the upper wave portion 402a is formed to be curved upward, and the uppermost point of the curved portion is located in the central region of the upper wave portion 402a in the arrangement shown in Fig. Similarly, the bottom wave portion 402c is formed to be curved downward, and the lower minimum point of the curved portion is located in the central region of the bottom wave portion 402c in the arrangement shown in Fig. This provides a somewhat more bulbous shape to the entire corrugated structure 402 as compared to at least a portion of the corrugated structure shown in Figures 1A-3B.

In particular, the corrugated portion configuration 402 has smoother sidewalls (as well as the corrugated structure of Figs. 2A-3B) as compared to the more stepped sidewalls in the corrugated structure shown in Figs. 1A-1F. In addition, the corrugated portion configuration of Figs. 2A to 4 has an outer ridge of the individual corrugated portion formed as a sharp corners. However, other structural options for these side walls and / or corner portions are possible without departing from the invention.

5, 6, and 7 show side views of various other examples of footwear articles 550, 650, 750 that include sole structures 500, 600, 700 in accordance with another example of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates basketball formation 650, FIG. 6 illustrates running shoe 650, and FIG. 7 illustrates cross shoe 750. The sole structures 500, 600 and 700 are coupled with uppers 552, 652 and 752, respectively, to provide the entire footwear structure 550, 650 and 750. The upper 552, 652, and 752 may be coupled with their respective sole structures 500, 600, 700 in any desired manner without departing from the invention, including the conventional manner known and used in the art. . In some more specific examples, upper 552, 652, and 752 and sole structures 500, 600, 700 may be attached by adhesive or cement, by mechanical connectors, by stitching or sewing, and / They can be combined with each other by other connection techniques.

When further describing the footwear structures 500, 600, 700 of FIGS. 5-7, various features of the exemplary upper (including the potential features of the upper 552, 652, 752) will be described. This description may include features of the upper that may be included in the footwear structure according to at least some examples of the present invention, including examples of upper that may be combined with the sole structures 100, 200, 300, 400 of FIGS. . ≪ / RTI > Since the sole structures 500, 600, 700 of FIGS. 5-7 generally have a similar structure, some differences of these sole structures 500, 600, 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5-7. Thereafter, more detailed features of the components and construction of the sole structures 500, 600, 700 of Figs. 5-7 will be described in more detail with respect to Figs. 8A-8F.

Uppers 552, 652 and 752 for the articles of the footwear structures 550, 650 and 750 according to the present invention may be used in a variety of ways, such as through the use of cements or adhesives, through the use of mechanical connectors, and / Including any conventional manner known and used in the footwear field, including, for example, through the use of techniques (e. G., Melt or fusion bonding of hot melt materials or the like) Or constitute a plurality of component parts constituents. A non-limiting example of some fabrication techniques will be described in more detail below.

Uppers 552, 652 and 752 may be made of any desired material and / or combination of materials without departing from the invention. For example, upper 552, 652, and 752 may comprise a multi-layer construction, wherein the various layers cover all or a portion of the entire upper region. In some more specific examples, the upper 552, 652, and 752 may include an inner fabric or a fibrous layer and an outer "skin" layer (e.g., (Made of a thermoplastic polyethylene film to provide desired aesthetics to provide abrasion resistance or abrasion resistance in a particular region, to provide better support in a particular region), and / or to be sandwiched and / Mesh layer. It is not necessary that the inner fabric or the fibrous layer, the mesh layer, and / or the sheath layer extend to cover the entire surface of the upper 552, 652, 752. Rather, the location (s) of the various layers may be used to create a " LOGO "or other design feature from the underlying mesh material with a different aesthetic appearance (for example to improve breathability, 652, and 752 by omitting the sheath layer in a particular region to provide the upper portion 552, 652, Also, as is known in the art, upper 552, 652, and 752 may form an ankle opening, and a comfort-improving foam or fabric ring may be provided around such ankle opening, if desired. The bottom surface of the upper 552, 652, and 752 may include an inner strobel member (e.g., a strobel member that connects the inner side and the outer side of the upper material to be sewn to the inner and outer side edges of the upper The upper 552, 652, and 752 may be closed. The sole structures 500, 600, 700 may be joined to the upper 552, 652, 752 at the strobel and its bottom edge using, for example, cement or adhesive, stitching or sewing, mechanical connectors,

The multi-layered top construction may be manufactured in any desired manner without departing from the present invention, including conventional manner as is known and used in the footwear field. For example, if desired, the outer skin layer may be adhered to the underlying mesh layer (or other layer), for example by application of heat and / or pressure, using an adhesive or hot melt material in a conventional manner. Non-sewn "type material. As a further example, if desired, the shell layer may be bonded to the underlying mesh layer (or other layer) by cement or adhesive and / or by sewn seam. As another further example, if desired, the upper 552, 652, 752 (or portions thereof) may be configured to be coupled to the upper 552, , Or by joining the various layers of material using fusing techniques, each of these patent documents incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The upper 552, 652, and 752 may include other support elements that are sandwiched at desired locations, for example, between the outer sheath layer and the underlying mesh layer. For example, a heel counter may be provided in the heel area to provide more support for the heel of the wearer. The heel counter, if present, can be made of a thin, rigid plastic material such as PEBAX, TPU, or other polymer material (e.g., to control flexibility, breathability, support properties; Or the like). ≪ / RTI > (550, 650, 750), such as a forefoot or toe area (for providing protection and abrasion resistance, etc.), in the outer lateral region of the vicinity of the fifth metatarsal head or the like Additional support may be provided.

Other potential materials that may be used for uppers 552, 652, and 752 in accordance with at least some examples of the present invention include synthetic leather, natural leather, fibers, any combination of these materials, and / Includes any one or more of any material and any combination of these materials. As another potential feature, at least some portions of the upper 552, 652, and 752, if desired, may be formed by a knitting process. Alternatively, in at least some examples of the present invention, at least most (or even all) of the uppers 552, 652, and 752 may be formed using a knitting process. The knitted fiber component may be used to provide a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable top component.

Referring now to FIG. 5, additional details of this exemplary footwear structure 550 will be described. The exemplary footwear structure 550 is basketball shoes. Upper 552 may have a construction such as that of leather, a multi-layer fused-joint material, or any other construction made of other materials and / or components such as those known and used in the art. The sole structure 500 of the present example comprises a series of five stacks of continuously extending, for example, around the sole structure 500 from the forefoot lateral side region around the rear heel region to the forefoot inward side region of the sole structure 500 And has an alternative appearance similar to the sole structure 100 shown in Figs. 1A and 1F, as described in detail above, including a wavy segment. The five wave configuration of this exemplary sole structure 500 is well suited for basketball as it creates a somewhat higher heel structure as is common to current basketball shoes.

The outline of the corrugated portion is similar, but the sole structure 500 of FIG. 5 is significantly different in configuration from the sole structure 100 of FIGS. 1A-1F. At this point in time, the exposed rear portion 504 of the sole structure 500 has been removed from the midsole component 502 (Fig. 8A), although the detailed description of the construction of the sole structure 500 is reserved for discussion of Figs. 8A- ) Constituting a protective element which at least partly retains and receives a part of the protective element. The back protection component 504 includes a material such as the various protective components 104, 204, 304 described above (including, for example, a polymer foam material having one or more corrugated structures formed on its outer wall edge) . ≪ / RTI > The front portion 502 of the sole structure 500 in this example is a lightweight portion of the sole structure 500 that may be similar to the lightweight midsole component 102, 202, 302 (including the same or similar material) And forms the exposed portion of the foam core material 502. Although the midsole component 502 may still be extended to support all or substantially all of the sole foot surface of the wearer's foot, in the illustrated example, at least a portion of the lightweight midsole component 502 and, Element 504 is received. In this way, behind the footwear structure 550, the protective component 504 acts as a cage or carrier for the lightweight foam midsole component 502. The foam midsole component 502 extends outwardly of the front (open) end of the protective component 504, as described in more detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 6, additional details of this exemplary footwear structure 650 will be described. The exemplary footwear structure 650 is a running shoe. Upper 652 may be constructed from a composition such as a multi-layer fused-joint material, a fabric, a mesh, a knitted material, or any other conventional material, including compositions made of other materials and / or compositions as known and used in the art Lt; / RTI > The sole structure 600 of the present example includes a first series of stacked corrugated portions 610 extending, for example, around the rear heel region of the sole structure 600, Having an alternative appearance similar to the sole structure 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2F as described in detail above, including a staggered forward web portion series 612 extending forward from the heel region towards the heel region. The front corrugated part series 612 starts in the intervening area between the corrugated parts of the rear heel corrugated part series 610. The upper corrugated portion of the front corrugated part series 612 starts above the upper corrugated part of the rear heel corrugated part series 610. The rear heel wedge portion series 610 is terminated in the heel-midgut region, for example, between the individual wedge portions of the front wedge subseries 612 or the interleaving region along the individual wedge portions. Although FIG. 6 shows only the outer side view, the inner side view of the present sole structure 650 may have a similar interposed wave configuration.

The sole structure 600 for this exemplary running shoe 650 is somewhat shorter and has a lower profile than the sole structure 200 of FIGS. 2A-2F and the sole structure 500 of FIG. In particular, the sole structure 600 includes three vertically stacked corrugations 610 in the rear heel region (instead of the five corrugations shown in Figs. 2A-2F), and staggered heel corrugations 610 And includes three vertically stacked front wave portions 612. Although not required, the reduction in the number of such corrugations provides a somewhat smaller vertical height in the heel region of the sole structure 600.

5, the exposed rear portion 604 of the sole structure 600 comprises a protective element that at least partially retains and accommodates a portion of the lightweight foam midsole component 602 do. The back protection component 504 includes a material such as the various protective components 104, 204, 304 described above (including, for example, a polymer foam material having one or more corrugated structures formed on its outer wall edge) . ≪ / RTI > The front portion 602 of the sole structure 600 in this example is a lightweight portion of the sole structure 600 that may be similar to the lightweight midsole component 102, 202, 302 (including the same or similar material) And forms an exposed portion of the foam core material 602. It should be noted that in this exemplary structure 600, at least a portion of the lightweight midsole component 602 and, optionally, most of the midsole component 602, Is received within protection component (604). In this manner, behind the footwear structure 650, the protective component 604 acts as a cage or carrier for the lightweight foam midsole component 602. The foam midsole component 602 extends outwardly of the front (open) end of the protective component 604, as described in more detail below.

For the vertical direction shown in Figure 6 (e.g., the running shoe 650 is oriented on a horizontal contact surface), the heel and / or midfoot region extends through the rear heel wedge portion series 610 and the front wedge sub- 612). ≪ / RTI > In other words, as the heel and / or the foot region of the sole structure 600 moves in a vertical direction at least in part of the region (shown as line 614, for example) With the surfaces of the individual corrugated portions of the front corrugated sub-series 612 located between the surfaces of the individual corrugated portions of the front corrugated sub-series. This stacked and / or interweaving series of corrugations provides additional support to such heel / midsole regions and provides good support for the running sole.

FIG. 7 shows training 750. The upper 752 may have a construction, such as that of any conventional traction, including components made of fusion-bonded materials, fibers, meshes, knitted materials or other materials and / or components as known and used in the art . The sole structure 700 of the present example has a configuration having an intervening wave portion as will be described in more detail below. Like the sole structure 500 of FIG. 5, the exposed rear portion 704 of the sole structure 700 constitutes a protective element that at least partially retains and receives a portion of the midsole component 702. The back protection component 704 may be fabricated from a material such as the various protective components 104,204 and 304 described above (including, for example, a polymer foam material having corrugated structures formed on its outer wall edge) . The front portion 702 of the sole structure 700 in this example is a lightweight portion of the sole structure 700 that may be similar to the lightweight midsole components 102, 202, 302 (including the same or similar materials) And forms the exposed portion of the foam core material 702. It should be noted that in this exemplary structure 700, at least a portion of the lightweight midsole component 702 and, optionally, a majority of the majority of the lightweight midsole component 702, Is received within protection component 704. In this way, behind the footwear structure 750, the protective component 704 acts as a cage or carrier for the lightweight foam midsole component 702. The foam midsole component 702 extends outwardly of the front (open) end of the protective component 704, as will be described in more detail below.

In this exemplary sole structure 700, both the rear heel region of the protective component 704 and the front toe region of the midsole foam component 702 comprise three vertically stacked corrugator structures (the heel- Somewhat deeper). However, at least in the mid-forefoot region along the outer side of the training shim 750, various other types of support features are provided (although similar structures may be provided on the inner side, if desired). 7, a first support rib or element 710 is provided along the bottom of the outboard side of the sole structure 700 (in this example, in the foam midsole component 702) . The first support rib or element 710 is located vertically downward from and proximate to the fifth metatarsal support region of the sole structure 700. [ A second support rib or element 712 is provided somewhat rearward and upward from the first support rib or element 710. The second support rib or element 712 bridges the coupling between the foam midsole component 702 and the protective component 704 in the exemplary structure 700 and provides the midsole portion 700 of the sole structure 700, Or in the arcuate region. The second support rib or element 712 may have a generally longitudinal length dimension between the first support rib or element 710 and the generally longer end. A third support rib or element 714 is provided somewhat forward and upward from the second support rib or element 712. At least most (and potentially all) of these third support ribs or elements 714 are formed in the foam midsole component 702. A third support rib or element 714 overlies the first support rib or element 710 vertically and is located vertically downward from and proximate to the fifth metatarsal head support region of the sole structure 700. This third support rib or element 714 may have a shorter (end to end) longitudinal dimension than the first support rib or element 710. A fourth support rib or element 716 is provided somewhat rearward and upward from the third support rib or element 714. [ This fourth support rib or element 716 also bridges the coupling between the midsole component 702 and the protection component 704 but most of it bridges the midsole component 702 to the second support rib or element 712 As shown in Fig. A fifth support rib or element 718 is provided somewhat forward and upward from the fourth support rib or element 716. [ At least most (and potentially all) of these fifth support ribs or elements 718 are formed in the foam midsole component 702. The fifth support rib or element 718 overlaps the first support rib or element 710 and the third support rib or element 714 vertically and is adjacent to the fifth metatarsophal head support region of the sole structure 700 . The fifth support rib or element 718 may have a shorter length dimension than the first support rib or element 710 and / or the third support rib or element 714.

Thus, the first support rib or element 710, the second support rib or element 714, the third support rib or element 714, the fourth support rib or element 716, and the fifth support rib or element 718 create discontinuities in the corrugation structure between the corrugation structures in the rear heel protection component 704 and the front foam midsole component 702. These supporting ribs or elements 710, 712, 714, 716 and / or 718 may be formed, for example, in the vicinity of the fifth metatarsophalangeal head of the wearer's foot by an outer midline portion of the sole structure 700 and / Provides additional support for the area. This provides additional support to the wearer during training activities, such as when performing a sharp turning or cutting operation, for example, when pushing the outside of the foot.

Support ribs or elements 710, 712, 714, 716, 718 are formed as raised pyramidal structures that extend outwardly from the sides of the sole structure 700, although other specific structures are possible. The supporting ribs or elements 710, 712, 714, 716, 718 may be oriented somewhat better than the interweaving type waveguide structures shown in the various other figures described above. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, support ribs or elements 712 and 716 begin in an intervening region between the support ribs or elements 710, 714 and 718. The supporting ribs or elements 710, 712, 714, 716, 718 may also start in an intervening region between corrugations positioned forward and / or rearward of the supporting rib or element. In particular, the peaks extending outwardly of the supporting ribs or elements 712, 716 and 718 substantially align in the upper front-bottom rear direction. In addition, the peaks extending outwardly of the support ribs or elements 710, 714 and 718 substantially align vertically from top to bottom.

The supporting rib or element structure of Figure 7 constitutes an example of a structure to provide only outer and / or inner side support (and / or to modify or control the support features of the training 700). Other support changing configurations may be used without departing from the invention, including a different number of ribs, ribs of different arrays, ribs of different shapes, and / or ribs of different relative orientations with respect to each other. Also, if desired, a simple gap may be provided between adjacent corrugated sub-structures to change the support or feel in the gap, for example. The "gap" may include the actual spacing in the foam material or the smooth foam material between the corrugated structures.

One exemplary configuration of the sole structures 500, 600, 700 of Figs. 5-7 is described in more detail with respect to Figs. 8A-8F. 8A shows a rear side view of the exemplary sole structure 800 including a rear side protection component 804 and a foam midsole component 802 extending outwardly of the free end of the protective component 802, FIG. 8A shows the protective component 804 and the foam midsole component 802 being fitted together but before they are secured to each other, for example, using an adhesive or cement. Fig. 8B shows a bottom view of these two parts separated from each other, and Fig. 8C shows a plan view of these two parts separated from each other. As can be seen from these figures, the protective component 802 acts as a cage or carrier that accommodates the rear portion of the foam midsole component 802. The foam midsole component 802 has an upper bearing surface 802a for supporting all or substantially all of the soles foot surface of the wearer's foot (although, if desired, the guard component 804 also includes at least a portion of the soles foot surface of the wearer's foot To provide a surface for directly supporting the portion). In addition to extending outside the front free end of the protective component 804, the foam midsole component 802 is exposed through a heel opening 806 formed in the bottom surface of the protective component 804. By providing this bottom opening 806, it is possible to lighten the weight and at the same time to control and change the flexibility characteristics of the entire sole structure 800.

In this exemplary structure 800, the foam midsole component 802 includes a lightweight foam material of the type described above with respect to the components 102, 202, 302, Of a desired foam material (or a combination of foam materials). Optionally, if desired, the foam midsole component 802 may be embedded or otherwise included with one or more fluid-filled bladders, mechanical impact absorbing structures, and / or other structures to provide impact damping. However, in the illustrated example, the foam midsole component 802 comprises a single solid piece of foam material, preferably one of the lightweight and / or less dense foam materials described above.

The protective component 804 of the illustrated exemplary sole structure 800 may also constitute a polymer foam material including conventional polymer foam materials as known and used as mouthfeel material in the footwear field. As some more specific examples, protective component 804 may be made of polyurethane foam, ethyl vinyl acetate ("EVA") foam, pylon, or other known midsole foam or material. In some exemplary structures according to the present invention, the polymeric foam material used for the protective component 804 is heavier, denser and / or durable than the foam material used for the foam midsole component 802 Abrasion resistance, abrasion resistance, etc.).

8A-8C, the polymeric foam material of protective element 804 may comprise a corrugator structure formed around at least the portion (s) of its peripheral edge. 8A-8C illustrate that the protective component 804 (which is the same as the protective component of FIGS. 5-7) may constitute an outer shell comprising a corrugated structure, Side walls 804a; An inner sidewall 804b; A rear heel wall 804c connecting the inner sidewall 804b and the outer sidewall 804a; And a bottom wall 804d connecting the inner side wall 804b, the outer side wall 804a and the rear heel wall 804c. In at least some examples of the present invention, the corrugated sub-structure of the polymeric foam material of the protective component 804 includes at least a portion of the outer sidewall 804a, a rear heel wall 804c, and at least a portion of the inner sidewall 804b And extends continuously around the outer surface. The corrugated sub-structure of the polymeric foam material of the protective component 804 may also include any of the interwoven corrugated portions, support ribs or elements, vertical ribs, gaps, and / or any other corrugated structures, features and / Or an option.

8A-8C illustrate that at least the heel portion of the foam midsole component 802 is positioned on the outer sidewall 804a, the inner sidewall 804b, the rear heel wall 804c and the bottom wall 804d of the protective component 804, As shown in Fig. The forefoot end of the foam midsole component 802 extends past the forward end of the outer sidewall 804a and the forward end of the inner sidewall 804b in the exemplary structure 800 in this exemplary embodiment. This midpoint end of the foam midsole component 802 may be at least partially exposed in the final sole structure 800.

As described above with respect to FIG. 7 at least, both the outer side surface of the protective component 804 and the outer side surface of the foam midsole component can include a corrugated sub-structure. For example, the corrugated sub-structure of the protective component 804 may be disposed around the outer side-rear heel-inner side of the sole structure (either continuously or (E.g., due to other features). Additionally or alternatively, the foam midsole component 802 may include a corrugated sub-structure extending around the front toe region of the sole structure 800. [ In this particular illustrated example, the corrugated sub-structure of the foam midsole component 802 includes three corrugated lateral ridges connected by two corrugated areas.

If both components 802 and 804 have a waveguide structure, the waveguide structure of foam midrange component 802 may not extend or extend continuously with the waveguide structure of protective component 804. These corrugated sub-structures may be provided by an outer plastic or composite support, for example by a supporting rib or other element, by an intervening corrugation, by a gap in the sole structure, by a smooth foam material, , By a transition region, or the like. Such "interruption " in the corrugated subassembly can be achieved by the use of the outer forefoot region of the sole structure and the inner forefoot region of the sole structure (e.g., to provide a position that supports more natural motion bending properties) (E.g., to provide additional support for cutting or turning operations), and / or to provide an outer forefoot region of the sole structure and / or to provide desired support and / or flexibility including natural motion flexibility characteristics Such as at a desired location.

Additional components may be provided on the bottom surface of any or all of the foam midsole component 802 and / or the protective component 804. [ For example, for at least a portion of the sole structure 800 in contact with the ground in use, a wear resistant or abrasion resistant material may be applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of these components to improve wear and durability characteristics . 8D illustrates an exemplary floor window 804 that may be applied within the receptacle 822 that is formed (e.g., molded or cut) in the heel region of the protective component 804, 820 < / RTI > 8E illustrates a receptacle or other region (not shown) formed (e.g., molded or cut) in the bottom surface of the foam midsole component 802, optionally in the forefoot region (region 826) of the foam midsole component 802 0.0 > 824 < / RTI > Figure 8f shows these parts, and how these parts fit together. These floor window components 820, 824 can be made of any desired floor window material (or combination of floor window materials) without departing from the present invention, including rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the bottom window components 820, 824 may constitute a cleat structure or receptacle for receiving a removable cleat structure.

Figure 9 provides an exploded view of another exemplary sole structure 900 in accordance with some examples of the present invention. In this sole structure 900, the lightweight foam midsole component 902 (e.g., of the type described above) includes a support surface 902a for supporting all or substantially all of the sole surface of the wearer's foot do. The foam protection component 904 (optionally including any desired type of corrugator structure) extends at least around the side of the midsole component 902, and in this example, And serves as a cage or carrier for receiving such portions of the midsole component 902, from the midfoot or forefoot region to the inner midfoot or forefoot region. A plurality of bottom window protection components 906a, 906b, 906c and 906d may be exposed to the bottom of the foam midsole component 902 (and / or the protective component 904 is exposed to the outer bottom surface of the sole structure 900) The bottom of the protective component 904). In the illustrated example, the bottom window component 906a protects one heel side of the foam midsole component 902 (and / or the protective component 904), and the bottom window component 906b protects the one- (And / or protective component 904), while the bottom window component 906c protects the foam midsole component 902 (and / or the protective component 904) To protect the other side of the heel. The relatively large floor window protection component 906d in the forefoot area covers most, if not all, of the forefoot area of the foam midsole component 902 (and / or the protective component 904). These various components can be joined together in any desired manner, for example, by cement or adhesive, by mechanical connectors, or in any other manner as known and used in the art. These components may be made of any of the materials described above, for example, for the corresponding parts. Further, any of the individual components shown in FIG. 9 and described above may be made of one or more separate components without departing from the present invention.

5 to 9 show a sole structure in which a lightweight midsole component is at least partially covered by a protective component in the heel and / or midsole region (and which extends outward to be exposed in the forefoot region of the sole structure) However, other configurations are possible without departing from the present invention. For example, if desired, the lightweight midsole component and the exposed portion of the protective component can essentially form an end "flip-flop" in the structure of Figures 5 to 9, The lightweight midsole component is covered by a protective component in the forefoot and / or midfoot region (and also extends outward to be exposed in the heel region of the sole structure). Modifications to the size, shape and / or engagement area between the lightweight midsole component and the protective component may also vary widely without departing from the invention.

10A and 10B illustrate additional features that may be included in the sole structure according to at least some examples of the present invention. Figure 10a shows the bottom surface 1002a of the lightweight midsole component 1002, as described in detail above. The bottom surface 1002a of this exemplary lightweight midsole component 1002 includes a plurality of expanded or "bulbous" areas at various locations of the midsole component 1002. [ One bulbous region 1004a is provided in the rear heel region of the midsole component 1002 and provides additional impact damping and / or a comfortable and soft feel, for example when the wearer takes a step or landing jump do. Additional contemplated regions are provided in the forefoot region of the sole structure 1000. More specifically, a spherical region 1004b is provided below the fifth metatarsal head region, for example, on the outer side of the midsole component 1002. The third spherical region 1004c is centered somewhat forward and inward relative to the center of the spherical region 1004b (e.g., below the fifth metatarsal head bearing region of the sole (i.e., below the metatarsal head region of the big toe) As shown in Fig. The fourth spherical region 1004d is positioned in front of the third spherical region 1004c (e.g., on the outer side positioned under the big toe and / or the adjacent toe).

The spherical regions 1004a through 1004d in the exemplary structure 1002 provide additional impact damping and / or comfort under the wearer's foot during certain activities, such as running (or walking), walking or jump landing, And are arranged to provide a soft feel. During a typical step cycle, the runner steps toward the outer heel side of the foot. Condensed area 1004a is provided in the rear heel area of the midsole component 1002 to provide additional impact damping and / or a comfortable and soft feel at the time of such heel mating. As the foot continues to roll, the foot rolls forward and the outboard side edge of the sole comes into contact with the ground. The bulbous region 1004b is provided in the outer lateral region (under the young toe) of the midsole component 1002 to provide additional impact damping and / or a comfortable and soft feel at this time in the walking cycle. As the foot continues rolling forward, the foot also begins to roll inward toward the inner side and eventually the runner pushes the ground using the first metatarsal head area and / or the big toe (and possibly the adjacent toe). The bulbous regions 1004c and 1004d may be provided in the inner front side region of the midsole component 1002 (below the ball and / or the big toe region of the foot) to provide additional impulse attenuation and / Provides a comfortable and soft feel.

Figure 10B illustrates an example of the bottom surface 1000a of the sole structure 1000 in which the midsole component 1002 of the type described above with respect to Figure 10A is included. As shown in the figures, the bottom of the sole structure 1000 may include a traction element and / or other features (e.g., a thin web-like Formed as part of the protective component). The sole structure 1000 and the spherical character of the foam material on such location at various locations help to provide good impact damping in spherical regions 1004a through 1004d. Additionally or alternatively, if the foam material of the midsole component 1002 responds sufficiently sensitively, at least some of these spherical regions 1004a through 1004d may provide return energy to the feet For example, when the impact force is reduced (when the foot is lifted for the next step), the midsole component 1002 applies a lifting force to the soles surface of the wearer's foot as it returns to its original shape.

Although four separate contour regions are described and spaced apart in the manner described above with respect to Figure 10A, this is not a requirement. Rather, any desired pattern of spherical regions, including more or fewer spherical regions, may be provided to the midsole component without departing from the invention. The sole structure according to an example of the present invention may include any number of spherical regions that do not have spherical regions or contain one, two or more spherical regions (arranged in any manner). The bulging region (s) may be arranged to provide impact damping, soft feel and / or restoration energy at any desired location, optionally depending on the intended use of the shoe. This type of spherical area is also visible at the bottom of the sole structure shown in Figs. 2B-2F, 3A, 3B and 7, and may be included in any desired sole structure.

11A-11C illustrate another exemplary basketball 1150 that includes a sole structure 1100 in accordance with at least some examples of the present invention. Fig. 11A is an outside side view of the basketball formation 1150, Fig. 11B is an inside side view of the basketball formation 1150, and Fig. 11C is a rear heel drawing of the basketball formation 1150. Fig. Such a basketball hoop 1150 includes an upper 1152 having a multi-layer fusion splicing type upper configuration, but other configurations may be used without departing from the present invention. Upper 1152 is associated with a sole structure 1100 comprising features according to at least some examples of the present invention. Upper 1152 can be coupled with sole structure 1100 in any desired manner without departing from the present invention, including in a conventional manner as known and used in the art. In some more specific examples, the upper 1152 and sole structure 1100 can be joined together, for example, by cement or adhesive, by mechanical connectors, by stitching or sewing, or the like have.

The sole structure 1100 of the illustrated example includes three major component parts. The first part constitutes, for example, the various types of lightweight (and low density) midsole components 1102 described above. The foam midsole component 1102 may extend to support all or substantially all of the sole surface of the wearer's foot. A portion of the midsole component 1102 includes, in the illustrated example, (a) a position along the outer side edge at least in the midfoot region (see FIG. 11A); (b) (optionally, at least on the outer side) a front toe region (see Fig. 11A); (c) a position along all or substantially all of the inner side edges (see Figure 11b); (FIG. 11C) of the upper rear heel region on the inner side (FIG. 11D) and the upper rear heel region (FIG. 11C) on the inner side of the foot structure 1150. The foam midsole component 1102 provides a soft, comfortable feel to the wearer's foot, as generally described above for other lightweight foam midsole structures.

The first component of this exemplary sole structure 1100 is a protective component 1104 that at least partially receives the foam midsole component 1102. The protective component 1104 of the illustrated example constitutes a protective component of a polymer foam type that may have a foam structure that is heavier or heavier than the foam material of the lightweight foam midsole component 1102. In the illustrated example, one portion of the protective component 1104 extends from the outer midpoint and / or heel region of the sole structure 1100, around the rear heel region of the sole structure 1100, 1100). ≪ / RTI > 11C, the foam midsole element 1102 extends outward from the rear of the protective element 1104 and extends outwardly from the back surface of the sole structure 1100 to the outer surface of the basketball shoe 1150 Exposed. Other portions of the protection component 1104 are provided in the outer forefoot region of the basketball hood 1150 as shown in FIG. 11A. This outer foreleg portion of the protective component 1104 may be integrally formed with the protective component part 1104 of the rear heel region as a single integral configuration, or it may be a separate component. Another portion of the protective element 1104 of the present example is provided in the front toe end region of the sole structure 1100 and extends around the front toe region from the inner side to the outer side. These front toe portions of protective element 1104 may be formed integrally with one or more of the other protective component parts 1104 (as a single integral configuration), or may be separate components.

The third part of this exemplary sole structure 1100 may include a bottom window that may serve as a protective component coupled with the bottom side of at least one of the half-shell form component 1102 and / or the polymer foam protective component 1104 Element 1106. < / RTI > The bottom window element 1106 of this exemplary sole structure 1100 covers a major portion of the bottom surface of the basketball hood 1150. The bottom window element 1106 may include traction elements such as grooves, ridges, nubs, herringbone, and / or other traction enhancement components. One or more bottom window nubs, such as nubs 1108, may be positioned within the spherical region of the bottom surface of the foam midsole element 1102 to provide a smooth contact area of the sole structure 1100 (the spherical region described above with respect to FIG. And can be in direct contact with it. 11B, an opening for exposing the bottom surface of the midsole member 1102 is formed through the exemplary bottom window element 1106. As shown in Fig.

The bottom window element 1106 has a base surface thickness of less than 3 mm (i.e., the thickness of the base sheet or web surface at a location that does not pass through nubs, raised ribs, traction elements, etc.), and in some instances, , Less than 1.5 mm, or even less than 1 mm. ≪ / RTI > This thin flexible bottom window element 1106 may be formed of synthetic rubber having similar hardness and other properties to synthetic rubber compounds commonly used in footwear floor windows. This thin bottom window web structure allows the bottom window element 1106 to be significantly bent between adjacent lugs 1108 and / or other structural components. In some of the sole structures, a portion of the bottom window element 1106 may be formed of a harder and durable rubber compound than other portions of the bottom window element 1106. Higher durability rubbers may be used, for example, in crash pads located within the heel region and / or on the floor of lugs typically located in certain other high pressure areas that wear out more quickly.

11A, the protective component 1104 of the present exemplary sole structure 1100 includes a corrugated sub-structure (similar to the corrugated sub-structure shown in Fig. And an outer corrugated bulge). 11A, the central corrugated portion of the protective component 1104 extending around the heel region is sandwiched between the corrugated webs of the two corrugated web structures provided in the foam midsole component 1102 in the outer midrange region (At termination point 1110). A portion of the other front waveguide structure relative to the outer forefoot protection component 1104 begins at point 1112 in the intervening area between the two wave flanges of the foam midsole component 1102. The corrugated sub-structure of the foam midsole component 1102 begins at an intervening area between the corrugations of the protective component 1104 positioned forward and rearward of such corrugated sub-structure of the foam midsole component 1102 1114).

As shown in FIG. 11C, the three corrugated structures at the outer side of the protective component 1104 are reduced to two corrugated structures at the bottom inner heel side of the protective component 1104. The foam midsole component 1102 is positioned on the outer side of the sole structure 1100 in the rear heel area from below the protective component 1104, Thereby forming two corrugated sub-structures to be placed on the corrugated sub-structure. Therefore, in this exemplary sole structure 1100, the corrugated sub-structure extending around the heel changes from three corrugated sub-structures on one side to four corrugated sub-structures on the other side. 11B, on the outer side of the sole structure 1100, the corrugated side structure of the protective component 1104 is terminated in the lower inner heel region of the sole structure 1100. As shown in Fig. The corrugated sub-structure of the foam midsole component 1102 further extends forward and the upper outer ridge of this corrugated sub-structure extends forward in a somewhat wavy or curved manner. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the independent, shallower corrugated structure extends around the front toe region along the side edges of the protective component 1104 and / or the exposed foam core component 1102.

Some exemplary sole structures described above include (a) a foam midsole component made, for example, of a lightweight foam material, and (b) optionally a protective element made of a heavier and denser polymer foam material, Foam polymer material, it is not a requirement that the sole structure according to the invention has two different polymer foam materials. Rather, as described above with respect to, for example, Figures 1A-2F, if desired, the protective component in the form of a bottom window component can be lightweight and less dense without the need for other polymer foam protective components in the sole structure Or may be provided on at least a portion of the bottom of the foam midsole component. 12A-12C illustrate another exemplary sole component 1200 wherein a lightweight, less dense foam midsole component 1202 (e.g., of the type described above) Is protected over at least a portion of its bottom surface by the bottom window component 1206, without including any other polymer foam protective material at any other location.

FIG. 12A shows an outline side view, FIG. 12B shows an inner side view, and FIG. 12C shows a bottom view of this exemplary sole structure 1200 and footwear article 1250 according to an example of the present invention. The exemplary footwear article 1250 is a running shoe and includes an upper 1252 constructed, for example, of any of the various materials described above. In some more specific examples, the upper 1252 may be made at least in part with a fibrous material such as a mesh material, a knitted material, or the like. The upper 1252 may be joined to the sole structure 1200 in any conventional manner, for example, using an adhesive or cement.

The side 1202a of the lightweight midsole component 1202 of the present exemplary structure 1200 includes a variety of wavy structure structures, although it is not necessary to have any wavy structure, The subsidiary structure differs in some respects from the various other corrugated sub-structures described above. 12A, the heel region of the present exemplary midsole component 1202 includes a three-layer wavy structure 1210 extending from the rear heel region of the shoe 1250 to the outer side. A two-layer wavy structure 1212 is provided in the mid-region of the midsole component 1202 and a two-layer wavy structure 1212 is formed of a segment 1214 of smooth polymer foam material Layered corrugated structure 1210 of the rear heel by a portion of the corrugated web 1202, thereby providing a gap in the corrugated structure on the outside side of the sole 1200. The mid-foot two-layer corrugated part series 1212 is terminated in the middle / forefoot region of the sole structure 1200. Another smooth segment 1216 of the polymeric material (a portion of the lightweight midsole component 1202) includes a middle layer two-layer corrugated part series 1212 and a single corrugated part 1218 extending around the toe area of the shoe 1250 ) (Or raised rib structure).

The single forefoot ribs 1218 of the present exemplary structure extend from the outer side of the shoe 1250 around the front toe region and to the inner side, as shown in Figs. 12A and 12B. As exemplified herein, a single waved portion 1218 is terminated in the inner forefoot region. Another short gap 1220 without a corrugated portion (here provided with a smooth polymer foam segment 1220 of such a midsole component 1202), a two-layer corrugated part series 1222 is initiated and passed through the forefoot region And extends rearward. The lower corrugated portion of the two-layer corrugated portion series 1222 terminates in the midrange region, where another smooth segment 1224 of the corrugated material 1202 is provided. The upper corrugated portion of the two-layer corrugated portion series 1222 extends continuously along the upper edge of the midsole component 1202 at the junction between the midsole component 1202 and the upper portion 1252. After the smooth segment 1224, a heel wedge subregion 1210 begins on the inner side of the sole structure 1200. [ Particularly, the upper corrugated part of the forefoot corrugated part series 1222 forms the upper corrugated part of the rear heel corrugated part series 1210.

Segments 1214, 1216, 1220, and 1224 of the smooth polymer foam material of the midsole component 1202 provide a somewhat more rigid area in the vertical direction compared to the areas supported by the various corrugated structures. In this exemplary structure 1200, particularly one smooth gap segment 1214 is provided in the outer heel region of the sole structure 1200. This segment 1214 provides additional support for the runner foot when taking steps during a running walk cycle. Also, a smooth gap segment 1216 on the outer side of the sole structure 1200 is located at or near the fifth metatarsal head region of the sole structure 1200. In this position, the somewhat rigid, smooth segment 1216 provides additional support beneath the fifth metatarsal head region as the foot rolls forward during this gait cycle. The smooth gap segment 1220 is located in the inner forefoot or toe region of the sole structure 1200 and provides additional support for the wearer ' s toe region, e.g. during the pushoff phase of the walking cycle. A smooth gap segment 1224 is provided in the arcuate region of the shoe 1250 and provides additional arcuate support for the wearer.

The heel wedge structure 1210 of this exemplary sole structure 1200 is interrupted at the inner heel side area by a series of obliquely oriented support ribs 1230. In the illustrated example, the support ribs 1230 are inclined in the upper rear-floor forward direction. However, rib 1230 may be oriented at any desired angle without departing from the art, including vertical angle (90 degrees from horizontal) when sole 1200 is on a horizontal plane. As a further example, the rib 1230 may be oriented at an angle in the range of 25 to 90 relative to the horizontal direction (when the sole 1200 is on a horizontal plane). The rib 1230 may be inclined in a direction opposite to that shown in Fig. 12B, i.e., in a rear bottom-front upper direction, when it is inclined not perpendicularly. It is not necessary that all ribs in series with two or more ribs extend at the same angle as the other ribs (but all ribs may be parallel if desired).

These ribs 1230 provide additional support for the inner side of the foot during the walking cycle, for example, to prevent overpronation during a walking cycle. Although other arrangements are possible, in the exemplary exemplary sole structure 1200 shown, the rib 1230 extends from the top corrugated sub-element of the rear heel corrugated sub-series 1210 to the bottom corrugated sub-element. In this manner, the ribs 123 extend integrally from the top and bottom corrugated fascias, and the ribs 1230 stop the central corrugation of the three-layer corrugated part series 1210. Also, although three support rib elements 1230 are shown in Fig. 12B, one, two or more rib elements 1230 of this type may be provided as inner heel supports of this type without departing from the invention .

Also, the series of ribs 1230 on the individual shoes 1250 may have any desired shape without departing from the invention, including triangular cross-sectional shapes, circular cross-sectional shapes, planar or rectangular cross-sectional shapes, and the like. When two or more ribs are present on the sole structure 1200 in series, such a series of various ribs 1230 need not have the same shape and / or even approximately the same shape. Rather, the shape of the rib element 1230 can be varied widely even in the individual shoes 1250 without departing from the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 12C, the bottom window structure 1206 of the present exemplary footwear article 1250 will be described in greater detail. The bottom window element 1206 may be joined to the bottom side of the middle foam component 1202 using, for example, cement or an adhesive. The bottom window element 1206 of this exemplary sole structure 1200 covers a major portion of the bottom surface of the shoe 1250. The bottom window element may comprise any desired type of traction element and / or traction element construct, however, in the illustrated example, the traction element is a ridge type structure spaced apart in an alternate matrix pattern around the bottom of the sole structure 1200 And a nub (or lug) 1240. One or more bottom window nubs 1240 may be disposed on the bulbous region of the bottom side of the foam midsole component 1102 to provide a smooth contact area of the sole structure 1200, Similar to the above) and may be in direct contact therewith.

The bottom window element 1206 has a base surface thickness of less than 3 mm (i.e., the thickness of the base sheet or web surface at a location 1242 between the nubs 1240), and in some instances less than 2 mm, 1.5 mm Less than or even less than < RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 mm, < / RTI > Figure 12c shows a nub that is substantially square or rectangular and is arranged substantially in rows or columns (as a matrix), but any desired nub shape (s) and / or nub arrangement (s) and / But may be provided on the sole structure without departing from the invention. The bottom window element 1206 of the present exemplary sole structure 1202 may also be a thinner window similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 693,596, filed December 4, 2012 and entitled " Article of Footwear & Features, or characteristics of the sole components, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Such a thin flexible floor window element 1206 may be formed of a synthetic rubber having similar hardness and other properties to that of a synthetic rubber compound commonly used in sheet-like materials, such as footwear flooring. This thin bottom window web structure allows the bottom window element 1206 to be very lightweight and to bend significantly between adjacent nubs 1242. In some of the sole structures, a portion of the bottom window element 1206 may be formed of a rigid, durable rubber compound that is harder than other portions of the bottom window element 2106, or the bottom window component web region 1242 may be formed Region. ≪ / RTI > The higher durability and thickness of the rubber can be achieved, for example, in certain other high pressure regions (not shown) that are typically worn faster along the outer edge of the bottom window 1206 and / or within the crash pad region 1244 located, for example, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > lug < / RTI > Figure 12C also shows that this exemplary thin webbed bottom window structure 1206 is perforated at some location (e.g., in this example, the forefoot and midfoot regions). Also, as shown, the nub size (e.g., height, cross-sectional dimension, cross-sectional shape, etc.) can be varied over different areas of the sole structure 1206.

The thin web bottom window member 1206 is configured to cover at least 60% of the surface area of the bottom surface of the midsole component 1202 and, in some instances, at least 80%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% And is combined with the foam member. At least a majority of the web base surface (most of the surface area between traction elements) has a thickness of less than 2 mm, and in some instances less than 1.5 mm or even less than 1 mm. If desired, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of the web base surface (surface area between traction elements) will have the thickness characteristics described above.

Ⅲ. conclusion

The present invention is described above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the object provided by this disclosure is not to limit the scope of the invention, but rather to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention. The features of one exemplary structure may be provided, used and / or compatible with some of the other structures, even though no particular combination of structure and / or features is disclosed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations can be made to the above-described structures without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (18)

In footwear articles,
Upper; And
The sole structure associated with the upper
Wherein the sole structure comprises:
A first polymer foam member for supporting at least a heel region of a wearer's foot,
Outer sidewalls,
Inner side wall,
A rear heel wall connecting the inner side wall and the outer side wall,
A bottom wall connecting the inner side wall, the outer side wall and the rear heel wall,
An open end opposite the rear heel wall
The first polymer foam member extending around a rear heel region of the sole structure;
A second polymer foam member having a heel portion at least partially received in a space defined between an outer side wall, an inner side wall, a rear heel wall, and a bottom wall of the first polymer foam member, Wherein the second polymeric foam member has a density that is less than the density of the first polymeric foam member and a portion of the bottom surface of the second polymeric foam member extends beyond the open end of the first polymeric foam member, A second polymer foam member exposed in the bottom forefoot region of the article; And
A protective element coupled to a bottom surface of the second polymer foam member in the bottom forefoot region,
≪ / RTI > The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the second polymer foam member comprises a foam material having a density of less than 0.25 g / cm < 3 >. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the protective element comprises a traction element associated with a bottom surface of the second polymer foam member. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein an opening is formed through a bottom wall of the first polymeric foam member and a bottom surface of the second polymeric foam member is exposed through the opening. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the bottom surface of the first polymer foam member comprises at least one bottom window component coupled therewith. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the second polymer foam member is sized to support the entire sole surface of the wearer's foot. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the upper constitutes a basketball shoes upper and the sole structure comprises at least four vertically stacked corrugator structures in the heel region. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein said at least four vertically stacked corrugator structures are formed at least partially in outer sidewalls, inner sidewalls and rear sheath walls of said first polymer foam member. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the upper comprises a knitted structure. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sole structure comprises a first wavy section series comprising at least three vertically stacked wavy structure elements in a heel region. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the sole structure comprises a second wedge portion series comprising at least two vertically stacked wedge portion structures located in the midsole region of the sole structure. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the two vertically stacked corrugated sub-structures of the second corrugated sub-series extend into an intervening region formed between the three vertically stacked corrugated sub-structures of the first corrugated sub-series. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the first wave-form sub-series and the second wave-form sub-series comprise an interwoven wave form sub-structure. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the interwoven wavy structure is located at an outer heel side area of the sole structure. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the sole structure comprises a second wedge portion series comprising at least three vertically stacked wedge portion structures located in the forefoot region of the sole structure. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the first wave-form part series and the second wave-form part series are separated by a plurality of support ribs. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the plurality of support ribs separating the first wavy subseries and the second wavy subseries comprises three vertically oriented rib elements. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the three vertically oriented rib elements are located along a fifth metatarsal head bearing region of the sole structure.

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