US20190053571A1 - Cambered sole - Google Patents
Cambered sole Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190053571A1 US20190053571A1 US15/681,879 US201715681879A US2019053571A1 US 20190053571 A1 US20190053571 A1 US 20190053571A1 US 201715681879 A US201715681879 A US 201715681879A US 2019053571 A1 US2019053571 A1 US 2019053571A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- footwear
- article
- arch
- longitudinal arch
- sole
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/141—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form with a part of the sole being flexible, e.g. permitting articulation or torsion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/143—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form provided with wedged, concave or convex end portions, e.g. for improving roll-off of the foot
- A43B13/145—Convex portions, e.g. with a bump or projection, e.g. 'Masai' type shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/143—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form provided with wedged, concave or convex end portions, e.g. for improving roll-off of the foot
- A43B13/146—Concave end portions, e.g. with a cavity or cut-out portion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
- A43B13/186—Differential cushioning region, e.g. cushioning located under the ball of the foot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/06—Running shoes; Track shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/142—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the medial arch, i.e. under the navicular or cuneiform bones
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/143—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the lateral arch, i.e. the cuboid bone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to shoe soles, and components thereof, having a cambered profile.
- Traditional athletic footwear generally has a midsole that has substantial thickness in the heel and forefoot which does not allow the sole to conform to the wearers foot while it is flexed and torqued during the gait cycle. This has a negative impact on the fit of the shoe and does not allow the foot to flex and expand in the transverse and longitudinal planes.
- Minimal athletic footwear with thinner midsole profiles have been designed to try to accommodate this flexion and torsion and to allow the shoe to expand in the transverse and longitudinal planes, but is done at the sacrifice of the amount of material placed under the users foot. As a result, miminal-type products generally require very thin sole elements with very little support provided to the wearer.
- One aspect of the invention includes an article of footwear having an upper and a sole, the sole including a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion.
- the midfoot portion includes a substantially longitudinal arch including a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion.
- the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
- the medial longitudinal arch portion extends to a greater height than the lateral longitudinal arch portion.
- the forefoot portion may include a substantially transverse arch that is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates transversely in a loaded condition.
- the transverse arch may be positioned proximate the metatarsal region of the forefoot portion.
- the medial longitudinal arch portion and/or the lateral longitudinal arch portion extends to a greater height than the transverse arch.
- the midsole includes a plurality of flex grooves on a lower surface thereof.
- One or more flex groove may extend in a substantially transverse direction and one or more flex groove may extend in a substantially longitudinal direction.
- the flex grooves may at least partially separate the lower surface of the midsole into a plurality of protruding elements.
- the article of footwear may further include a void between at least one protruding element on the medial longitudinal arch portion and at least one protruding element on the lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the void is wider than the flex grooves.
- the article of footwear further includes at least one tension element in the longitudinal arch and/or in the forefoot region.
- Tension elements may extend in a substantially longitudinal direction, a substantially transverse direction, and/or at any angle therebetween.
- one or more tension element extends across at least one flex groove.
- the tension elements may be anchored substantially at the ends thereof to the midsole and, for example, to at least a portion of protruding elements proximate the flex groove over which the tension element(s) extend.
- a sole element for an article of footwear including a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion.
- the midfoot portion includes a substantially longitudinal arch including a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion.
- the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
- an article of footwear including an upper and a sole, the sole including a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion.
- the midfoot portion includes a substantially longitudinal arch including a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
- the forefoot portion includes a substantially transverse arch that is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates transversely in a loaded condition.
- the midsole includes a plurality of flex grooves on a lower surface thereof, the flex grooves at least partially separating the lower surface of the midsole into a plurality of protruding elements.
- the sole further includes at least one tension element extending across at least one flex groove in the longitudinal arch region, the at least one tension element being anchored substantially at the ends thereof to the midsole and, for example, to at least a portion of protruding elements proximate the flex groove over which the tension element(s) extend.
- Another aspect of the invention includes a method of supporting a foot during a gait cycle.
- the method includes providing an article of footwear including an upper and a sole.
- the sole includes a midsole including a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, the midfoot portion including a longitudinal arch region, wherein the longitudinal arch region is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
- FIG. 1A is a side view of the bones and musculature of a foot in an unloaded configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 1B is a side view of the foot of FIG. 1A in a loaded configuration
- FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of a sole of an article of footwear having a plurality of tensioning elements embedded therein, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of the sole of FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 2C is a side view of the sole of FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 2D is a side view of the sole of FIG. 2A without the lateral arch pod, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of a sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 4A is a bottom view of another sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4B is a lateral side view of the sole of FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 4C is a medial side view of the sole of FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 5A is a bottom view of another sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5B is a medial side view of the sole of FIG. 5A ;
- FIG. 5C is a lateral side view of the sole of FIG. 5A ;
- FIG. 6A is a bottom view of another sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6B is a medial side view of the sole of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 6C is a lateral side view of the sole of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the sole of FIG. 6A through section B-B;
- FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view of the sole of FIG. 6A through section C-C;
- FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view of the sole of FIG. 6A through section D-D;
- FIG. 7A is a medial side view of a medial side of an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7B is a lateral side view of a lateral side of the article of footwear of FIG. 7A ;
- FIG. 8A is a bottom view of another sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the sole of FIG. 8A .
- the invention described herein relates to footwear, and more particularly to soles, and components thereof, providing a flexible cambered profile for at least a portion of the sole.
- the sole components described herein may form an insole, midsole, and/or outsole of a shoe, or form a sole element for integration into an insole, midsole, and/or outsole of the shoe (e.g., through bonding to, and/or mechanical attachment to, another midsole element).
- the sole components can be manufactured from any appropriate method and system, as is known in the art.
- a sole, or a component therefor can be manufactured from a polymeric material that is molded (e.g., expansion molded or compression molded) to form a finished part.
- Polymeric material for use in the manufacture of the sole components may include, or consist essentially of, polymers, elastomers, thermoplastics, and/or thermosets.
- the polymeric material may be ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA copolymers, polyethylene (PE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), DuPontTM Surlyn®, blown rubber, or thermoplastic rubber (TPR).
- EVA ethylene vinyl acetate
- EVA copolymers polyethylene
- PE polyethylene
- CPE chlorinated polyethylene
- PU polyurethane
- TPU thermoplastic polyurethane
- DuPontTM Surlyn® blown rubber
- thermoplastic rubber TPR
- the polymeric material is a ground-contact EVA (i.e., an EVA formulated specifically to provide appropriate performance, wear, and durability characteristics to allow it to be used as the ground-contacting surface of a shoe sole.
- FIG. 1A shows the bones and musculature of a foot 100 in an unloaded condition.
- the foot 100 includes a heel portion 105 , a midfoot portion 110 , and a forefoot portion 115 , the forefoot portion containing the metatarsal heads 120 .
- the midfoot portion 110 of the foot 100 in an unloaded condition (i.e., without the weight of the individual pressing down on the foot 100 and forcing the foot against a ground surface), the midfoot portion 110 of the foot 100 includes an arch having a defined curvature 125 , wherein at least a portion of the midfoot region 110 is at least partially elevated above a ground surface.
- the shape and extent of this curvature will depend upon the specific geometry and physical characteristics of each individual foot. As can be seen in FIG.
- the midfoot region 110 is pressed down when loaded to produce an arch having a substantially flat, or at least significantly reduced, curvature 130 .
- This reduction in the curvature of the arch has the effect of elongating the foot in the longitudinal direction.
- the forefoot region, and more particularly the region of the forefoot at and around the metatarsal heads has a transverse arch in an unloaded condition, with this transverse arch deforming and elongating in the transverse direction during loading.
- FIGS. 2A through 2D An example sole for an athletic shoe including a highly flexible structure with a defined arch region (i.e., an upwardly curved region having lower side portions and a raised central portion) and a plurality of tensioning elements is shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D .
- the sole 140 includes a midsole 145 and a plurality of outsole elements 150 (e.g., ground contact rubber outsole pods).
- the sole 140 includes a forefoot region 155 , a midfoot region 160 , and a heel region 165 , and has a medial side 170 and a lateral side 175 .
- the midsole can include a base portion 180 with a plurality of protruding elements 185 (i.e., discrete downward facing extensions defined by the flex grooves 190 ) extending down therefrom, with the outsole elements 150 positioned on the distal ends of the protruding elements 185 .
- the protruding elements 185 may be divided by flex grooves 190 , which can be molded into the midsole 145 during manufacture or be siped or otherwise cut into the midsole 145 .
- the grooves 190 can be of any appropriate depth and be positioned and shaped in any appropriate manner throughout the sole 140 to produce the required degree and configuration of flexibility.
- the sole 140 further includes a plurality of tensioning elements 195 (e.g., elastic elements such as rubber bands) positioned within the midsole 145 or outsole 150 , or held between the midsole 145 and outsole 150 .
- tensioning elements 195 e.g., elastic elements such as rubber bands
- one or more outsole elements 150 may be shaped and configured to act as tensioning elements 195 .
- the tensioning elements 195 may be distinct from (i.e., made from a different material and/or structurally different from) the outsole 150 elements.
- the tensioning elements 195 can extend in a substantially longitudinal direction 200 or a substantially transverse direction 205 , or extend at any other angle on the sole 140 .
- the tensioning elements 195 are held in tension on the sole 140 and extend over grooves 190 between protruding elements 185 to provide an elastic tension counteracting a deflection of the sole 140 during loading and assisting in elastically returning the sole 140 to its unloaded shape.
- This may be particularly beneficial, for example, in embodiments including a cambered arch region, where the arch is adapted to undergo significant deflection during loading. Elastically returning the sole 140 to its cambered unloaded configuration can provide additional energy return during a footstrike event and also support the foot in a natural position throughout a gait cycle to minimize the risk of injury.
- the tensioning elements 195 can be unloaded when the sole 140 is in an unloaded condition, and may only apply an elastic tensioning force upon deformation of the sole 140 (for example at the midfoot arch region and/or forefoot transverse arch region) during loading caused, for example, by a ground contacting footstrike. In another embodiment one or more tensioning elements 195 may be loaded even when the sole 140 is in an unloaded condition (e.g., when the sole is off the ground).
- One embodiment of the invention includes a medial arch pod 210 and a lateral arch pod 215 to provide additional cushioning during a footstrike event.
- These pods may be made from any appropriate material and, for example, a deformable foam.
- no arch pods are required, with the midfoot region 160 of the sole 140 free to deflect concurrently with the deflection of the midfoot of the foot of a wearer of the shoe during a groundstrike event.
- FIG. 3 An example sole element 250 for a shoe including a highly cambered arch 255 in a midfoot region 160 is shown in FIG. 3 .
- the cambered arch 255 has a plurality of molded or siped grooves 260 separating the midsole 145 into a plurality of separate protruding elements 185 within the midfoot region 160 to provide flexibility to the cambered arch 255 and allow for deflection of the cambered arch 255 along with the deflection of a foot during loading of the foot during a groundstrike event.
- the cambered arch 255 can have any appropriate degree of camber necessary to mold to (or substantially mold to) and elastically support the arch region of the foot of a shoe wearer.
- the cambered arch 255 may be adapted to conform substantially to the arch portion of a foot of a wearer of the shoe both when unloaded and upon loading of the sole element 250 , for example during a footstrike event.
- the cambered arch 255 upon loading the cambered arch 255 is pushed downwards 262 towards a ground surface by the splaying and deformation of the arch of a foot during footstrike.
- this downward force 262 has the effect of elongating the sole element 250 through longitudinal elongation 264 of the sole element 250 as the cambered arch 255 is pushed downwards 262 and flattened.
- This deformation of the shape of the sole element 250 during loading corresponds, or substantially corresponds, to the deformation and splaying of the foot during groundstrike, and therefore allows the sole element 250 to conformingly support the arch of a foot throughout an entire gait cycle.
- Such a configuration allows for the flexibility and conformal support of a minimal-type shoe while still allowing the sole to have the thickness and cushioning of a more traditional athletic shoe.
- the midfoot region 160 of a sole for an article of footwear can have a first longitudinal cambered arch in a medial side of the sole and a second, different, longitudinal cambered arch in a lateral side of the sole, with the intermediate region between the medial and lateral sides having a cambered arch that blends between the arch shapes on the medial and lateral sides in any appropriate manner (e.g., in a manner conforming at least substantially to the contour of the arch region of a foot).
- An example sole element 300 having a different medial longitudinal cambered arch 305 and lateral longitudinal cambered arch 310 is shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C .
- the bottom surface of the sole element 300 includes a plurality of a siped grooves 260 separating different portions of the midfoot arch region 160 , and a plurality of elongate grooves, or voids 315 , extending longitudinally through the midfoot arch region 160 .
- the voids 315 can extend to any height within the sole element 300 and, in one embodiment, extend all the way through the sole element 300 .
- the voids 315 provide additional flexibility and also reduce the weight of the sole element 300 .
- the medial longitudinal cambered arch 305 extends to a greater height than the lateral longitudinal cambered arch 310 , with the respective shapes of the arches configured to substantially conform to the shape of the unloaded arch region of a foot.
- the sole element 300 is adapted to be flexible enough such that, upon loading (e.g., upon the foot striking the ground during a walking or running gait) the midfoot arch region 160 of the sole element 300 conformingly flattens and splays (e.g., elongates in the longitudinal direction) along with the arch of the foot, with the arch springing back to its curved unloaded configuration upon the foot unloading (e.g., leaving the ground after the footstrike event).
- the sole element 300 can include a number of elongate tensioning elements extending through deformable arch regions of the sole.
- An example sole element 300 having a medial longitudinal cambered arch 305 and a lesser curved lateral longitudinal cambered arch 310 with medial tensioning elements 320 and lateral tensioning elements 325 extending between protruding elements 185 and over grooves 260 spanning at least a portion of the midfoot arch region 160 is shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C .
- the medial tensioning elements 320 extend at an acute angle of between about 10°-40° from the longitudinal axis (i.e., the axis extending longitudinally from the back of the shoe to the front of the shoe) of the shoe, while the lateral tensioning elements 325 extend in a substantially longitudinal direction.
- various tensioning elements may extend at any appropriate angle between 0°-90° from the longitudinal axis, depending upon the specific arrangement of protruding elements 185 and grooves 260 and on the specific arch displacement being supported.
- the tensioning elements can, in various embodiments, extend over any portion of the cambered arch region and can be shaped and configured to provide any degree and direction of support and elastic tensioning to any portion of the cambered arch region in a longitudinal, transverse, or intermediate direction.
- the tensioning elements take the form of medial tensioning elements 320 extending between protruding elements 185 and over grooves 260 in a medial region of the arch and a lateral tensioning elements 325 extending between protruding elements 185 and over grooves 260 in a lateral region of the arch.
- Dividing the tensioning into a plurality of separate tensioning elements allows the medial longitudinal cambered arch 305 and lateral longitudinal cambered arch 310 to be supported separately, thereby allowing for more controlled and adaptive support for the various regions of the foot throughout different footstrike events and for different users who may deform the arch differently based on their running style and foot geometry.
- grooves, sipes, or other flexion supporting elements may be located in any appropriate region of the bottom 330 , sides 335 , and even top of the sole element.
- a plurality of side flexion grooves 340 are shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C .
- any appropriate number, shape, and configuration of side flexion grooves may be utilized.
- tensioning elements may be located over any sipe, groove, and/or void within a sole element to provide elastic tensioning at any location, and in any direction(s), on the sole.
- One embodiment of the invention may include cambered arches in other portions of the foot and or in other configurations, in addition to, or in place of longitudinal cambered arches in the midfoot region.
- a transverse arch region is located in a forefoot region of the sole to support and conformingly adapts to a deformation of the forefoot (for example a transverse flattening and splaying of the forefoot region at and around the metatarsal heads).
- FIGS. 6A to 6F is shown in FIGS. 6A to 6F .
- the forefoot region 155 has a transverse arch 400 having a cambered (i.e., curved) profile 405 when unloaded, the transverse arch 400 deflecting downwards 410 during loading (e.g., when the forefoot deforms towards a ground surface and elongates transversely) to conformingly flatten and splay along with the metatarsal head region of the foot.
- a cambered (i.e., curved) profile 405 when unloaded, the transverse arch 400 deflecting downwards 410 during loading (e.g., when the forefoot deforms towards a ground surface and elongates transversely) to conformingly flatten and splay along with the metatarsal head region of the foot.
- the transverse arch 400 may be elastically supported by one or more transverse tensioning elements 415 that extend across longitudinal flex grooves 420 that are arranged longitudinally, or substantially longitudinally, on the underside of the sole element 300 .
- the sole element 300 can also include transverse flex grooves 425 in the forefoot to provide additional flexibility on the forefoot region 155 (with, in sonic embodiment, longitudinally extending tensioning elements extending over the transverse flex grooves).
- the transverse cambered arch 400 can be configured to deflect in any appropriate manner and, for example, can be configured to deflect about an axis “A” extending along a central portion of the forefoot region 155 .
- the axis “A” can be defined, for example, by the orientation and shape of the longitudinal flex grooves 190 in the forefoot region 155 .
- the axis “A” may be at any acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the midfoot and heel regions (e.g., between 0° and 30°).
- Another example cambered sole element 300 is shown in FIGS. 8A and 86 .
- FIGS. 7A and 7B A shoe 500 having a cambered sole element 300 is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B .
- the shoe includes an upper 505 including a forefoot region 510 , a midfoot region 515 , and a heel region 520 , and further includes an opening 525 for entry of the foot into an interior of the upper 505 .
- the shoe 500 also includes a closing mechanism (e.g., a lacing system 530 ) for closing the upper and tightening the upper on the foot when worn.
- a closing mechanism e.g., a lacing system 530
- any appropriate closing mechanism e.g., hook and loop fastening, draw-string fastening, elastic element fastening, buckles, and the like may be utilized.
- the upper 505 can include one or more flexibility elements 530 (e.g., one or more elastically flexible and deformable portions) to allow the upper 505 to smoothly deform and elongate along with the sole element 300 during a loading event.
- flexibility elements 530 e.g., one or more elastically flexible and deformable portions
- FIG. 7A and 7B show an upper 505 having a plurality of elastic flexibility elements 530 (in this case triangular flexibility elements 530 ) formed from an elastically deformable material (e.g., a stretchable mesh) extending upwards from proximate the sole element 300 on both the medial and lateral side of the midfoot region 515 and forefoot region 510 (i.e., in the areas which will undergo the majority of the deformation during a loading event) to allow the upper 505 to deform easily during athletic activity in compliance with the deformation of the cambered sole element 300 .
- the upper 505 may be formed from a deformable cage of flexible material providing structural stability to the upper with a plurality of flexible panels extending therebetween.
- the sole may be formed from a plurality of separate portions, each of the portions attached to the upper and adapted to conformingly fit to the corresponding foot position while being able to flex and deform with respect to each other to allow for and support deformation and elongation of the foot during a loading event.
- the sole, or a portion thereof can be formed from an accordion-like structure that allows for and supports the deformation and elongation of the sole during a loading event.
- multiple elements of the foot can be configured to allow for, and support, vertical flexing of the various arch portions and longitudinal and transverse (and, where necessary, all angles in-between) elongation of the shoe (and especially the sole of the shoe) when loaded.
- an insert for an interior of the shoe e.g., an insole
Abstract
The invention relates to shoes including sole elements having a cambered profile. An example sole element includes a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, the midfoot portion including a longitudinal arch including a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
Description
- This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/792,691, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to shoe soles, and components thereof, having a cambered profile.
- Traditional athletic footwear generally has a midsole that has substantial thickness in the heel and forefoot which does not allow the sole to conform to the wearers foot while it is flexed and torqued during the gait cycle. This has a negative impact on the fit of the shoe and does not allow the foot to flex and expand in the transverse and longitudinal planes. Minimal athletic footwear with thinner midsole profiles have been designed to try to accommodate this flexion and torsion and to allow the shoe to expand in the transverse and longitudinal planes, but is done at the sacrifice of the amount of material placed under the users foot. As a result, miminal-type products generally require very thin sole elements with very little support provided to the wearer.
- As a result, there is a need for an improved shoe for an article of footwear that provides a more conforming, adaptive flexion during loading and unloading of the foot to assist in the prevention of injury and to improve the efficiency of the athlete during a gait cycle while still providing adequate support, cushioning, and protection for the foot.
- One aspect of the invention includes an article of footwear having an upper and a sole, the sole including a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion. The midfoot portion includes a substantially longitudinal arch including a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion. The longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition. In one embodiment the medial longitudinal arch portion extends to a greater height than the lateral longitudinal arch portion.
- The forefoot portion may include a substantially transverse arch that is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates transversely in a loaded condition. The transverse arch may be positioned proximate the metatarsal region of the forefoot portion. In one embodiment the medial longitudinal arch portion and/or the lateral longitudinal arch portion extends to a greater height than the transverse arch.
- In one embodiment the midsole includes a plurality of flex grooves on a lower surface thereof. One or more flex groove may extend in a substantially transverse direction and one or more flex groove may extend in a substantially longitudinal direction. The flex grooves may at least partially separate the lower surface of the midsole into a plurality of protruding elements. In one embodiment there are at least two protruding elements on a medial longitudinal arch portion and at least one protruding element on a lateral longitudinal arch portion. The article of footwear may further include a void between at least one protruding element on the medial longitudinal arch portion and at least one protruding element on the lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the void is wider than the flex grooves.
- In one embodiment the article of footwear further includes at least one tension element in the longitudinal arch and/or in the forefoot region. Tension elements may extend in a substantially longitudinal direction, a substantially transverse direction, and/or at any angle therebetween. In one embodiment one or more tension element extends across at least one flex groove. The tension elements) may be anchored substantially at the ends thereof to the midsole and, for example, to at least a portion of protruding elements proximate the flex groove over which the tension element(s) extend.
- Another aspect of the invention includes a sole element for an article of footwear, the sole element including a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion. The midfoot portion includes a substantially longitudinal arch including a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion. The longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
- Another aspect of the invention includes an article of footwear including an upper and a sole, the sole including a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion. In one embodiment the midfoot portion includes a substantially longitudinal arch including a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
- In one embodiment the forefoot portion includes a substantially transverse arch that is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates transversely in a loaded condition. In one embodiment the midsole includes a plurality of flex grooves on a lower surface thereof, the flex grooves at least partially separating the lower surface of the midsole into a plurality of protruding elements. In one embodiment the sole further includes at least one tension element extending across at least one flex groove in the longitudinal arch region, the at least one tension element being anchored substantially at the ends thereof to the midsole and, for example, to at least a portion of protruding elements proximate the flex groove over which the tension element(s) extend.
- Another aspect of the invention includes a method of supporting a foot during a gait cycle. The method includes providing an article of footwear including an upper and a sole. The sole includes a midsole including a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, the midfoot portion including a longitudinal arch region, wherein the longitudinal arch region is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
- These and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present invention herein disclosed, will become more apparent through reference to the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.
- In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1A is a side view of the bones and musculature of a foot in an unloaded configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 1B is a side view of the foot ofFIG. 1A in a loaded configuration; -
FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of a sole of an article of footwear having a plurality of tensioning elements embedded therein, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of the sole ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 2C is a side view of the sole ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 2D is a side view of the sole ofFIG. 2A without the lateral arch pod, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of a sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4A is a bottom view of another sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4B is a lateral side view of the sole ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 4C is a medial side view of the sole ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5A is a bottom view of another sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5B is a medial side view of the sole ofFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 5C is a lateral side view of the sole ofFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 6A is a bottom view of another sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6B is a medial side view of the sole ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 6C is a lateral side view of the sole ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the sole ofFIG. 6A through section B-B; -
FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view of the sole ofFIG. 6A through section C-C; -
FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view of the sole ofFIG. 6A through section D-D; -
FIG. 7A is a medial side view of a medial side of an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7B is a lateral side view of a lateral side of the article of footwear ofFIG. 7A ; -
FIG. 8A is a bottom view of another sole for an article of footwear having a cambered longitudinal arch region, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the sole ofFIG. 8A . - The invention described herein relates to footwear, and more particularly to soles, and components thereof, providing a flexible cambered profile for at least a portion of the sole.
- The sole components described herein may form an insole, midsole, and/or outsole of a shoe, or form a sole element for integration into an insole, midsole, and/or outsole of the shoe (e.g., through bonding to, and/or mechanical attachment to, another midsole element). The sole components can be manufactured from any appropriate method and system, as is known in the art. In one embodiment, for example, a sole, or a component therefor, can be manufactured from a polymeric material that is molded (e.g., expansion molded or compression molded) to form a finished part.
- Polymeric material for use in the manufacture of the sole components may include, or consist essentially of, polymers, elastomers, thermoplastics, and/or thermosets. For example, the polymeric material may be ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA copolymers, polyethylene (PE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), DuPont™ Surlyn®, blown rubber, or thermoplastic rubber (TPR). In one example embodiment the polymeric material is a ground-contact EVA (i.e., an EVA formulated specifically to provide appropriate performance, wear, and durability characteristics to allow it to be used as the ground-contacting surface of a shoe sole.
-
FIG. 1A shows the bones and musculature of afoot 100 in an unloaded condition. Thefoot 100 includes aheel portion 105, amidfoot portion 110, and aforefoot portion 115, the forefoot portion containing the metatarsal heads 120. As shown, in an unloaded condition (i.e., without the weight of the individual pressing down on thefoot 100 and forcing the foot against a ground surface), themidfoot portion 110 of thefoot 100 includes an arch having a definedcurvature 125, wherein at least a portion of themidfoot region 110 is at least partially elevated above a ground surface. The shape and extent of this curvature will depend upon the specific geometry and physical characteristics of each individual foot. As can be seen inFIG. 1B , which shows thesame foot 100 in a loaded condition (i.e., with the weight of the individual pressing down on thefoot 100 and forcing the foot against a ground surface), themidfoot region 110 is pressed down when loaded to produce an arch having a substantially flat, or at least significantly reduced,curvature 130. This reduction in the curvature of the arch has the effect of elongating the foot in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the forefoot region, and more particularly the region of the forefoot at and around the metatarsal heads, has a transverse arch in an unloaded condition, with this transverse arch deforming and elongating in the transverse direction during loading. - An example sole for an athletic shoe including a highly flexible structure with a defined arch region (i.e., an upwardly curved region having lower side portions and a raised central portion) and a plurality of tensioning elements is shown in
FIGS. 2A through 2D . In this embodiment, the sole 140 includes amidsole 145 and a plurality of outsole elements 150 (e.g., ground contact rubber outsole pods). The sole 140 includes aforefoot region 155, amidfoot region 160, and aheel region 165, and has amedial side 170 and alateral side 175. The midsole can include abase portion 180 with a plurality of protruding elements 185 (i.e., discrete downward facing extensions defined by the flex grooves 190) extending down therefrom, with theoutsole elements 150 positioned on the distal ends of theprotruding elements 185. The protrudingelements 185 may be divided byflex grooves 190, which can be molded into themidsole 145 during manufacture or be siped or otherwise cut into themidsole 145. In various embodiments thegrooves 190 can be of any appropriate depth and be positioned and shaped in any appropriate manner throughout the sole 140 to produce the required degree and configuration of flexibility. - The sole 140 further includes a plurality of tensioning elements 195 (e.g., elastic elements such as rubber bands) positioned within the
midsole 145 oroutsole 150, or held between themidsole 145 andoutsole 150. In one embodiment one ormore outsole elements 150 may be shaped and configured to act as tensioningelements 195. In an alternative embodiment thetensioning elements 195 may be distinct from (i.e., made from a different material and/or structurally different from) theoutsole 150 elements. Thetensioning elements 195 can extend in a substantiallylongitudinal direction 200 or a substantiallytransverse direction 205, or extend at any other angle on the sole 140. In operation, thetensioning elements 195 are held in tension on the sole 140 and extend overgrooves 190 betweenprotruding elements 185 to provide an elastic tension counteracting a deflection of the sole 140 during loading and assisting in elastically returning the sole 140 to its unloaded shape. This may be particularly beneficial, for example, in embodiments including a cambered arch region, where the arch is adapted to undergo significant deflection during loading. Elastically returning the sole 140 to its cambered unloaded configuration can provide additional energy return during a footstrike event and also support the foot in a natural position throughout a gait cycle to minimize the risk of injury. - In one embodiment the
tensioning elements 195 can be unloaded when the sole 140 is in an unloaded condition, and may only apply an elastic tensioning force upon deformation of the sole 140 (for example at the midfoot arch region and/or forefoot transverse arch region) during loading caused, for example, by a ground contacting footstrike. In another embodiment one ormore tensioning elements 195 may be loaded even when the sole 140 is in an unloaded condition (e.g., when the sole is off the ground). - One embodiment of the invention includes a medial
arch pod 210 and a lateralarch pod 215 to provide additional cushioning during a footstrike event. These pods may be made from any appropriate material and, for example, a deformable foam. In an alternative embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3 , no arch pods are required, with themidfoot region 160 of the sole 140 free to deflect concurrently with the deflection of the midfoot of the foot of a wearer of the shoe during a groundstrike event. - An example
sole element 250 for a shoe including a highlycambered arch 255 in amidfoot region 160 is shown inFIG. 3 . In this embodiment, thecambered arch 255 has a plurality of molded orsiped grooves 260 separating themidsole 145 into a plurality of separateprotruding elements 185 within themidfoot region 160 to provide flexibility to thecambered arch 255 and allow for deflection of thecambered arch 255 along with the deflection of a foot during loading of the foot during a groundstrike event. In various embodiments thecambered arch 255 can have any appropriate degree of camber necessary to mold to (or substantially mold to) and elastically support the arch region of the foot of a shoe wearer. - In operation, the
cambered arch 255 may be adapted to conform substantially to the arch portion of a foot of a wearer of the shoe both when unloaded and upon loading of thesole element 250, for example during a footstrike event. As indicated inFIG. 3 , upon loading thecambered arch 255 is pushed downwards 262 towards a ground surface by the splaying and deformation of the arch of a foot during footstrike. In addition, thisdownward force 262 has the effect of elongating thesole element 250 throughlongitudinal elongation 264 of thesole element 250 as thecambered arch 255 is pushed downwards 262 and flattened. This deformation of the shape of thesole element 250 during loading corresponds, or substantially corresponds, to the deformation and splaying of the foot during groundstrike, and therefore allows thesole element 250 to conformingly support the arch of a foot throughout an entire gait cycle. Such a configuration allows for the flexibility and conformal support of a minimal-type shoe while still allowing the sole to have the thickness and cushioning of a more traditional athletic shoe. - In one embodiment the
midfoot region 160 of a sole for an article of footwear can have a first longitudinal cambered arch in a medial side of the sole and a second, different, longitudinal cambered arch in a lateral side of the sole, with the intermediate region between the medial and lateral sides having a cambered arch that blends between the arch shapes on the medial and lateral sides in any appropriate manner (e.g., in a manner conforming at least substantially to the contour of the arch region of a foot). An examplesole element 300 having a different medial longitudinalcambered arch 305 and lateral longitudinalcambered arch 310 is shown inFIGS. 4A to 4C . The bottom surface of thesole element 300 includes a plurality of asiped grooves 260 separating different portions of the midfootarch region 160, and a plurality of elongate grooves, or voids 315, extending longitudinally through the midfootarch region 160. Thevoids 315 can extend to any height within thesole element 300 and, in one embodiment, extend all the way through thesole element 300. Thevoids 315 provide additional flexibility and also reduce the weight of thesole element 300. - In this embodiment, the medial longitudinal
cambered arch 305 extends to a greater height than the lateral longitudinalcambered arch 310, with the respective shapes of the arches configured to substantially conform to the shape of the unloaded arch region of a foot. In operation, thesole element 300 is adapted to be flexible enough such that, upon loading (e.g., upon the foot striking the ground during a walking or running gait) the midfootarch region 160 of thesole element 300 conformingly flattens and splays (e.g., elongates in the longitudinal direction) along with the arch of the foot, with the arch springing back to its curved unloaded configuration upon the foot unloading (e.g., leaving the ground after the footstrike event). - In one embodiment the
sole element 300 can include a number of elongate tensioning elements extending through deformable arch regions of the sole. An examplesole element 300 having a medial longitudinalcambered arch 305 and a lesser curved lateral longitudinalcambered arch 310 withmedial tensioning elements 320 andlateral tensioning elements 325 extending between protrudingelements 185 and overgrooves 260 spanning at least a portion of the midfootarch region 160 is shown inFIGS. 5A to 5C . Themedial tensioning elements 320 extend at an acute angle of between about 10°-40° from the longitudinal axis (i.e., the axis extending longitudinally from the back of the shoe to the front of the shoe) of the shoe, while thelateral tensioning elements 325 extend in a substantially longitudinal direction. In alternative embodiments various tensioning elements may extend at any appropriate angle between 0°-90° from the longitudinal axis, depending upon the specific arrangement of protrudingelements 185 andgrooves 260 and on the specific arch displacement being supported. The tensioning elements can, in various embodiments, extend over any portion of the cambered arch region and can be shaped and configured to provide any degree and direction of support and elastic tensioning to any portion of the cambered arch region in a longitudinal, transverse, or intermediate direction. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 5A to 5C the tensioning elements take the form ofmedial tensioning elements 320 extending between protrudingelements 185 and overgrooves 260 in a medial region of the arch and alateral tensioning elements 325 extending between protrudingelements 185 and overgrooves 260 in a lateral region of the arch. Dividing the tensioning into a plurality of separate tensioning elements (e.g., 320, 325) allows the medial longitudinalcambered arch 305 and lateral longitudinalcambered arch 310 to be supported separately, thereby allowing for more controlled and adaptive support for the various regions of the foot throughout different footstrike events and for different users who may deform the arch differently based on their running style and foot geometry. - In one embodiment grooves, sipes, or other flexion supporting elements may be located in any appropriate region of the bottom 330,
sides 335, and even top of the sole element. A plurality ofside flexion grooves 340 are shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C . In an alternative embodiment any appropriate number, shape, and configuration of side flexion grooves may be utilized. In various embodiment tensioning elements may be located over any sipe, groove, and/or void within a sole element to provide elastic tensioning at any location, and in any direction(s), on the sole. - One embodiment of the invention may include cambered arches in other portions of the foot and or in other configurations, in addition to, or in place of longitudinal cambered arches in the midfoot region. In one embodiment, for example, a transverse arch region is located in a forefoot region of the sole to support and conformingly adapts to a deformation of the forefoot (for example a transverse flattening and splaying of the forefoot region at and around the metatarsal heads). An example
sole element 300 having a transversecambered arch 400 in aforefoot region 155. In addition to a longitudinal cambered arch system in themidfoot region 160, is shown inFIGS. 6A to 6F . In this embodiment, theforefoot region 155, as shown, for example, in Section B-B inFIG. 6D , has atransverse arch 400 having a cambered (i.e., curved)profile 405 when unloaded, thetransverse arch 400 deflecting downwards 410 during loading (e.g., when the forefoot deforms towards a ground surface and elongates transversely) to conformingly flatten and splay along with the metatarsal head region of the foot. - The
transverse arch 400 may be elastically supported by one or moretransverse tensioning elements 415 that extend acrosslongitudinal flex grooves 420 that are arranged longitudinally, or substantially longitudinally, on the underside of thesole element 300. Thesole element 300 can also includetransverse flex grooves 425 in the forefoot to provide additional flexibility on the forefoot region 155 (with, in sonic embodiment, longitudinally extending tensioning elements extending over the transverse flex grooves). The transversecambered arch 400 can be configured to deflect in any appropriate manner and, for example, can be configured to deflect about an axis “A” extending along a central portion of theforefoot region 155. The axis “A” can be defined, for example, by the orientation and shape of thelongitudinal flex grooves 190 in theforefoot region 155. The axis “A” may be at any acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the midfoot and heel regions (e.g., between 0° and 30°). Another example camberedsole element 300 is shown inFIGS. 8A and 86 . - A
shoe 500 having a camberedsole element 300 is shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B . The shoe includes an upper 505 including aforefoot region 510, amidfoot region 515, and aheel region 520, and further includes anopening 525 for entry of the foot into an interior of the upper 505. Theshoe 500 also includes a closing mechanism (e.g., a lacing system 530) for closing the upper and tightening the upper on the foot when worn. In an alternative embodiment any appropriate closing mechanism (e.g., hook and loop fastening, draw-string fastening, elastic element fastening, buckles, and the like) may be utilized. - In one embodiment the upper 505 can include one or more flexibility elements 530 (e.g., one or more elastically flexible and deformable portions) to allow the upper 505 to smoothly deform and elongate along with the
sole element 300 during a loading event. For example,FIGS. 7A and 7B show an upper 505 having a plurality of elastic flexibility elements 530 (in this case triangular flexibility elements 530) formed from an elastically deformable material (e.g., a stretchable mesh) extending upwards from proximate thesole element 300 on both the medial and lateral side of themidfoot region 515 and forefoot region 510 (i.e., in the areas which will undergo the majority of the deformation during a loading event) to allow the upper 505 to deform easily during athletic activity in compliance with the deformation of the camberedsole element 300. In one embodiment the upper 505 may be formed from a deformable cage of flexible material providing structural stability to the upper with a plurality of flexible panels extending therebetween. - In one embodiment the sole may be formed from a plurality of separate portions, each of the portions attached to the upper and adapted to conformingly fit to the corresponding foot position while being able to flex and deform with respect to each other to allow for and support deformation and elongation of the foot during a loading event. In one embodiment the sole, or a portion thereof, can be formed from an accordion-like structure that allows for and supports the deformation and elongation of the sole during a loading event.
- In various embodiments multiple elements of the foot can be configured to allow for, and support, vertical flexing of the various arch portions and longitudinal and transverse (and, where necessary, all angles in-between) elongation of the shoe (and especially the sole of the shoe) when loaded. For example, an insert for an interior of the shoe (e.g., an insole) may be formed from a flexible and stretchable material (e.g., a stretchable fabric and/or foam) to allow for deformation and elongation during loading.
- It should be understood that alternative embodiments, and/or materials used in the construction of embodiments, or alternative embodiments, are applicable to all other embodiments described herein. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (18)
1. An article of footwear comprising:
an upper;
a sole comprising a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, the midfoot portion comprising a substantially longitudinal arch comprising a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the medial longitudinal arch portion extends to a greater height than the lateral longitudinal arch portion.
3. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the forefoot portion comprises a substantially transverse arch that is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates transversely in a loaded condition.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3 , wherein the transverse arch is positioned proximate the metatarsal region of the forefoot portion.
5. The article of footwear of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the medial longitudinal arch portion and the lateral longitudinal arch portion extends to a greater height than the transverse arch.
6. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the midsole comprises a plurality of flex grooves on a lower surface thereof.
7. The article of footwear of claim 6 , wherein at least one flex groove extends in a substantially transverse direction and at least one flex groove extends in a substantially longitudinal direction.
8. The article of footwear of claim 6 , wherein the flex grooves at least partially separate the lower surface of the midsole into a plurality of protruding elements.
9. The article of footwear of claim 8 , wherein there are at least two protruding elements on a medial longitudinal arch portion and at least one protruding element on a lateral longitudinal arch portion.
10. The article of footwear of claim 9 , further comprising a void between at least one protruding element on the medial longitudinal arch portion and at least one protruding element on the lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the void is wider than the flex grooves,
11. The article of footwear of claim 6 , further comprising at least one tension element in the longitudinal arch.
12. The article of footwear of claim 11 , wherein the at least one tension element extends in a substantially longitudinal direction.
13. The article of footwear of claim 11 , further comprising at least one tension element in the forefoot region.
14. The article of footwear of claim 13 , wherein the at least one tension element in the forefoot region extends in a substantially transverse direction.
15. The article of footwear of claim 11 , wherein the at least one tension element extends across at least one flex groove.
16. The article of footwear of claims 11 , wherein the at least one tension element is anchored substantially at the ends thereof to the midsole.
17. A sole element for an article of footwear comprising:
a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, the midfoot portion comprising a substantially longitudinal arch comprising a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.
18. An article of footwear comprising:
an upper; and
a sole comprising a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, wherein:
(i) the midfoot portion comprises a substantially longitudinal arch comprising a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition;
(ii) the forefoot portion comprises a substantially transverse arch that is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates transversely in a loaded condition;
(iii) the midsole comprises a plurality of flex grooves on a lower surface thereof, the flex grooves at least partially separating the lower surface of the midsole into a plurality of protruding elements; and
(iv) the sole further comprises at least one tension element extending across at least one flex groove in the longitudinal arch region, the at least one tension element being anchored substantially at the ends thereof to the midsole.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/681,879 US20190053571A1 (en) | 2017-08-21 | 2017-08-21 | Cambered sole |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/681,879 US20190053571A1 (en) | 2017-08-21 | 2017-08-21 | Cambered sole |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190053571A1 true US20190053571A1 (en) | 2019-02-21 |
Family
ID=65359895
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/681,879 Abandoned US20190053571A1 (en) | 2017-08-21 | 2017-08-21 | Cambered sole |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190053571A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10660401B1 (en) * | 2019-01-07 | 2020-05-26 | Fast Ip, Llc | Rapid-entry footwear having an expandable opening |
US20200170339A1 (en) * | 2018-12-03 | 2020-06-04 | Cole Haan Llc | Shoe Having A Concave Outsole |
USD932755S1 (en) * | 2020-07-24 | 2021-10-12 | New Balance Athletics, Inc. | Shoe sole |
US11197513B2 (en) * | 2021-04-05 | 2021-12-14 | Massimo RINALDI | Running shoe |
CN114340436A (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2022-04-12 | 加拿大露露柠檬运动用品有限公司 | Sectional type sole for shoes |
US11517073B2 (en) * | 2019-03-01 | 2022-12-06 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with midfoot flexibility |
WO2024018262A1 (en) * | 2022-07-20 | 2024-01-25 | Massimo Rinaldi | Running shoe |
US11918071B2 (en) | 2019-01-07 | 2024-03-05 | Fast Ip, Llc | Rapid-entry footwear having a compressible lattice structure |
-
2017
- 2017-08-21 US US15/681,879 patent/US20190053571A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11388949B2 (en) * | 2018-12-03 | 2022-07-19 | Cole Haan Llc | Shoe having a concave outsole |
US20200170339A1 (en) * | 2018-12-03 | 2020-06-04 | Cole Haan Llc | Shoe Having A Concave Outsole |
US11918071B2 (en) | 2019-01-07 | 2024-03-05 | Fast Ip, Llc | Rapid-entry footwear having a compressible lattice structure |
US10660401B1 (en) * | 2019-01-07 | 2020-05-26 | Fast Ip, Llc | Rapid-entry footwear having an expandable opening |
US11517073B2 (en) * | 2019-03-01 | 2022-12-06 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with midfoot flexibility |
US20220295940A1 (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2022-09-22 | Lululemon Athletica Canada Inc. | Segmented sole for footwear |
CN114340436A (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2022-04-12 | 加拿大露露柠檬运动用品有限公司 | Sectional type sole for shoes |
EP4021240A4 (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2023-08-30 | Lululemon Athletica Canada Inc. | Segmented sole for footwear |
USD943943S1 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2022-02-22 | New Balance Athletics, Inc. | Shoe upper |
USD964007S1 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2022-09-20 | New Balance Athletics, Inc. | Article of footwear |
USD939813S1 (en) * | 2020-07-24 | 2022-01-04 | New Balance Athletics, Inc. | Outsole |
USD990104S1 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2023-06-27 | New Balance Athletics, Inc. | Shoe sole |
USD932755S1 (en) * | 2020-07-24 | 2021-10-12 | New Balance Athletics, Inc. | Shoe sole |
US11197513B2 (en) * | 2021-04-05 | 2021-12-14 | Massimo RINALDI | Running shoe |
WO2024018262A1 (en) * | 2022-07-20 | 2024-01-25 | Massimo Rinaldi | Running shoe |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20190053571A1 (en) | Cambered sole | |
US11464282B2 (en) | Article of footwear with adaptive fit | |
US9750303B2 (en) | Cambered sole | |
JP6505895B2 (en) | shoes | |
EP3897267B1 (en) | Footwear article with doffing ledge | |
US11918078B2 (en) | Foot support members that provide dynamically transformative properties | |
US11744324B2 (en) | Article of footwear with multiple durometer outsole | |
US9578920B2 (en) | Energy return, cushioning, and arch support plates, and footwear and footwear soles including the same | |
US8640363B2 (en) | Article of footwear with embedded orthotic devices | |
EP2782467B1 (en) | Article of footwear with medial contact portion | |
JP2023101652A (en) | Footwear article with asymmetric ankle collar | |
US20120036740A1 (en) | Sole structure with traction elements | |
US20170332729A1 (en) | Footwear |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |