WO2024020220A1

WO2024020220A1 - Locking mechanism for coupling an upper and sole structure of footwear

Info

Publication number: WO2024020220A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/028402
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregoire Laverty; Pierre Girot; Lucie LEROY; Jean-Michel Challe
Original assignee: The North Face Apparel Corp.
Priority date: 2022-07-22
Filing date: 2023-07-21
Publication date: 2024-01-25
Also published as: US20240023671A1

Abstract

A footwear article may comprise an upper portion, the upper portion further comprising a sleeve configured to receive a locking member. The footwear article further comprises a sole structure oriented at a bottom of the footwear. The sole structure may comprise a midsole further comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the sleeve and the locking member and an outsole configured for ground contact. The locking member disposed within the peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.

Description

LOCKING MECHANISM FOR COUPLING AN UPPER AND SOLE STRUCTURE OF

FOOTWEAR

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of footwear, and more particularly to articles and methods relating to separable footwear.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional articles of athletic footwear generally include at least two components, namely, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is often secured to the sole structure and forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving a foot.

[0003] The upper and sole structure of most conventional articles of footwear are permanently secured together through adhesive bonding or stitching, for example.

[0004] Accordingly, wear or damage occurring to either the upper or sole structure may require that the entire article of footwear be discarded. In addition, sole structures are generally configured for use during specific activities, particularly with athletic footwear. For example, a sole structure may incorporate pronation control elements that are beneficial for running, stability elements for court-style activities, or relatively soft cushioning for walking. A sole structure that is configured for one athletic activity, such as long-distance running, may not be suitable for use during another athletic activity, such as tennis. Each different type of sole or upper structure, therefore, may require a distinct corresponding component in footwear where the upper and sole structure are permanently secured together.

[0005] In contrast with the conventional article of footwear that includes a traditionally secured upper and sole structure, footwear configurations embodying a detachable upper and sole structure have been proposed. As an example, U.S. Patent Number 6,023,857 to Vizy et al. discloses footwear with a permanently attached upper and outsole that includes a separate midsole and heel counter structure, which is removable from the upper. As another example, U.S. Patent Number 5,083,385 to Halford and U.S. Patent number 4,974,344 to Ching both disclose an outsole structure that is detachable from the remainder of the footwear. As a further example, U.S. Patent Numbers 6,023,859 and 5,799,417 to Burke et al. disclose an article of footwear with removable and exchangeable inserts that are positioned between the upper and a lower portion of the sole structure. The inserts protrude through the lower portion of the sole structure to provide a ground-contacting surface.

[0006] However, improvements are needed.

SUMMARY

[0007] A footwear article may comprise a sole structure oriented at the bottom of the footwear and configured for ground contact, an upper portion. The upper portion may be releasably attached to the sole structure via a locking assembly. The locking assembly may comprise a sleeve integrated with the upper portion and a locking member insertable into the sleeve. The sole structure may include a locking channel formed along an external surface of a peripheral edge of the sole structure. The locking channel may be configured to receive the locking assembly.

[0008] A footwear article may comprise: an upper portion, the upper portion further comprising a sleeve configured to receive a locking member; and a sole structure oriented at a bottom of the footwear, the sole structure further comprising: a midsole comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the sleeve and the locking member; and an outsole configured for ground contact, wherein the locking member is configured to be disposed in the sleeve while the sleeve is at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking member within the sleeve and peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following drawings show generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various examples discussed in the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components of a footwear article in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an example locking channel of the footwear article of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a back view of a locking channel in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an example midsole and outsole in accordance with the present disclosure. [0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of an example midsole and outsole in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate assembly of a footwear article in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an example locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an example locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an example locking mechanism and method of locking in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate an example locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 11 A-l IB illustrate an example locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure relates to a footwear article that may comprise a plurality of components coupled to one another, and may further comprise a locking assembly for securing an upper to a sole structure. The locking assembly may include a sleeve integrated with the upper portion, a locking member insertable into the sleeve, and a channel disposed about the periphery of the midsole configured to receive the sleeve containing the locking mechanism.

[0022] As an example, FIG. l is a perspective view of the components of a footwear article in accordance with the present disclosure. The footwear article 100 may comprise an upper portion 102 and a sole structure 104. The sole structure 104 may further comprise a midsole 106 and an outsole 108. The upper portion 102 may be oriented at the top of the assembled footwear, the outsole 108 may be oriented at the bottom of the assembled footwear and configured for ground contact, and the midsole 106 may be disposed between the upper portion 102 and the outsole 108. The components of the footwear article 100 may be coupled together to form at least a portion of the footwear article 100. The upper portion 102 and sole structure 104 may be releasably coupled together via a locking assembly, as described herein. The footwear article 100 may be assembled with additional components or without all of the listed components present.

[0023] The components of the footwear article 100 may be made from the same material or from different materials. The components of the footwear may be made from recycled, recyclable and or bio-based or biodegradable materials. The sole structure 104 may be oriented at the bottom of the footwear article 100. The sole structure 104 may comprise a midsole 106 configured for coupling with the upper portion 102 and an outsole 108 for contacting the ground. The midsole 106 may generally be formed in the shape of a base of an article of footwear. The midsole 106 may be configured to provide cushioning and shock absorption to a wearer. The midsole 106 can be formed from a compressible polymer foam element, for example a polyurethane (PU) foam or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer based materials, rubber, etc., or any suitable material which attenuates ground reaction forces and provides cushioning when compressed between the foot and the ground when walking, running or performing other activities. The midsole 106 may be formed from recycled or recyclable materials (e.g., recycled EVA). The midsole 106 may be formed from one piece of material (e.g., foam block or rubber material).

[0024] FIGS. 4-5 illustrate an example midsole and outsole in accordance with the present disclosure. The outsole 108 may be secured to a lower surface of the midsole 106 and may be formed of a wear resistant rubber material (e.g., a bio-based rubber) that is textured to impart traction. The outsole 108 may be a single piece of material attached generally to an underside of the midsole 106, or may be a plurality of outsole components attached to various locations of the underside of the midsole 106. In some embodiments, the outsole 108 may comprise a plurality of segments or pads (e.g., rubberized pads 128, 130) arranged in a spacedapart pattern that forms a plurality of channels (e.g., channels 132, 134) along the underside of the footwear article 100. The outsole 108 can be attached to the midsole 106 by means of an appropriate adhesive. The structure and characteristics of the sole structure 104 or any component of the sole structure 104 used with the upper portion 102 can vary considerably.

[0025] The upper portion 102 of the footwear article 100 may at least partially be made from a textile formed from a natural material (e.g., cotton, linen, silk, hemp, leather, etc.), or any suitable synthetic material (e.g., nylon, polyester, etc.). The upper portion 102 may comprise or may be formed from a polymer material (e.g., PET). Other materials may be used. [0026] As shown in the figures (e.g., FIGS. 1, and 6A-6D), the upper portion 102 of the footwear article 100 may comprise a sleeve 110. The sleeve 110 may be formed with or attached to other upper portion components (e.g., straps or other conventional upper components). The sleeve 110 may be configured to lay flat, and may expand into an elongate tube. To effect the coupling of the upper portion 102 with the midsole 106, the sleeve 110 may be configured to receive a locking member. The sleeve may comprise one or two open ends (e.g., sleeve ends 111, 112) to receive the locking member. The sleeve ends 111, 112 may be reinforced with a durable material (e.g., vinyl, leather, etc.). The durable material may be the same or different from the material used to form other portions of the sleeve.

[0027] The sleeve 110 may be formed in substantially the same shape of at least a portion of the periphery of a corresponding midsole 106. In some embodiments, the sleeve 110 may be shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of the midsole 106 such that it fully corresponds to the periphery of the midsole 106. As an example, the sleeve 110 may be configured to fully surround the upper portion 102 in the general shape of the midsole 106. In another example, the sleeve 110 may only partially surround the upper portion 102 (i.e., may be formed in just a rear, lateral and/or medial side, or front portion of the upper portion 102, or some combination thereof). In such an embodiment, the sleeve 110 may be shaped to be attached to a portion of the periphery of a midsole 106 that is less than the entire length of the periphery.

[0028] The sleeve 110 may be formed from a durable natural or synthetic textile material (leather, cotton, linen, nylon, vinyl, polyester). The material used to form the sleeve 110 may the same or different from the material used to form any other upper portion 102 components.

[0029] FIG. 1 further illustrates an example locking member of the footwear article of FIG. 1. The locking member 113 may be a flexible elongate rod configured to be inserted into the sleeve 110 of the upper portion 102. The locking member 113 may be formed from extruded, molded or 3D printed from thermoplastic polymer material, composite polymer material, silicon material, or other like material suitable to provide sufficient flexibility and rigidity to the locking mechanism to facilitate insertion of the locking member 113 into the upper sleeve 110 and insertion of the locking member 113 and upper sleeve 110 into a channel of the midsole 106. The locking member 113 may include first and second ends 114, 116 having corresponding positive and negative shapes. For instance, a first end 114 of the locking member 113 may be convex and a second end 116 may be concave. In this manner, the first and second ends 114, 116 may mate when the locking member 113 is inserted into the sleeve 110 and midsole 106 channel. The diameter or the cross-sectional length of the locking member 113 may be between about 4-5cm. The shape of the cross-section of the locking member 113 may be circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, or irregularly shaped.

[0030] The upper portion 102 may be attached to the midsole 106 via a locking assembly, as explained herein. The locking assembly may comprise the upper sleeve 110, and the locking member 113. A midsole locking channel may be configured to receive the locking assembly (i.e., the upper sleeve 110 and locking member 113) when the locking member 113 is partially or fully inserted into the upper sleeve 110. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an example locking channel 118 in accordance with the present disclosure (also referred to herein as a channel). As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, the midsole 106 may comprise a peripheral channel 118 that runs along the circumference of the midsole 106. The channel 118 may be inset into a peripheral pipe or groove (e.g., peripheral groove 120, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5) formed within a surface of the midsole 106. The peripheral groove 120 may be formed within an outer surface of a sidewall of the midsole 106, or may be formed along a top edge of the midsole 106. The peripheral groove 120 may fully or partially circumnavigate the midsole 106. As an example, the peripheral groove 120 may be formed by forming two separate midsole components, each having one half of the groove formed within a sidewall region, and joining the two midsole components to form a complete midsole 106 having a peripheral groove 120 formed within an external surface of the midsole sidewall or a top edge of the midsole 106.

[0031] The channel 118 may be formed separately and attached to the midsole 106. In such an embodiment, the midsole 106 may be formed with a peripheral groove into which the channel 118 may be inserted. The channel 118 may be attached to the midsole 106 via, for example, an adhesive. Alternatively, the channel 118 can be directly formed with the midsole 106, via, for example, a midsole mold having the channel 118 directly integrated into the external surface of the midsole sidewall.

[0032] The channel 118 may be a partially enclosed or almost fully enclosed pipe or belt that runs substantially about the periphery of the sidewall of the midsole 106 as is at least partially set into the peripheral groove. The channel 118 may a hollow tube. The channel may comprise a longitudinal slit 119 be at least partially formed a within the tube. The longitudinal slit 119 may be configured to expand to receive the locking assembly as the locking member 113 is fed into the sleeve 110 after the locking assembly has been inserted into one or more ends of the channel 118. The channel 118 may be comprised of a flexible material, but may be substantially rigid to hold the locking assembly against the sidewall of the midsole 106 and prevent the slit from expanding after insertion of the locking assembly into the channel 118.

[0033] The channel 118 may be under sufficient tension to remain in place against the sidewall of the midsole 106. The channel 118 may be at least partially inset into the sidewall of the midsole 106.

[0034] The channel 118 may terminate at a heel portion of the midsole 106. The heel portion of midsole 106 may include a gap 122 between two endpoints 124, 126 of the groove 120 and/or the channel 118. The gap 122 may provide one or more entry points (e g., entry points 124, 126) for inserting the sleeve 110 and locking member 113 into the channel 118. The gap 122 may be about 5mm - 1cm wide. The entry point or entry points may enable the locking member 113 and upper sleeve 110 to be inserted into the channel 118 (i.e., at first and second entry points 124, 126). To this end, the inside and outside diameters of the channel 118 at the entry points 120, 122 may be greater than the inside and outside diameters of the remaining length of the channel 118. For instance, the inside diameter of the substantial portion of the length of the channel 118 may be about 5-6mm, and the outside diameter may be about 8mm, and the inside diameter of the channel 118 at the entry points 124, 126 may be about 8mm, and the outside diameter of the channel 118 at the entry points 124, 126 may be about 11mm. The inside and outside diameters may taper from greater to smaller as the distance between an entry point and the remaining channel 118 increases (i.e., until the point where the channel begins to curve around the heel just before the medial and lateral sides of the midsole). For instance, about 1 - 2 cm of the channel may be wider at the heel portion of the midsole than the remaining length of the channel. The inside diameter of the channel 118 may also be greater than the diameter of the locking assembly when the locking member 113 is inserted into the sleeve 110, so as to fully accommodate the locking assembly and, optionally, any adhesive used to further secure the locking assembly within the channel 118.

[0035] The locking assembly (i.e., the locking member 113 at least partially inserted into the sleeve 110) may then be used to couple the upper and the sole structure 104 via the channel 118. Upon insertion of the locking assembly into the channel 118, the locking assembly may optionally be adhered to the midsole 106 via an adhesive.

[0036] FIGS. 6 A - 6D illustrate a method of assembling the footwear article 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 6A shows a locking assembly (e.g., a locking member 113 inserted into a sleeve 110 of an upper portion) that couples the upper portion 102 to the sole structure 104 of the footwear article. The locking member 113 may be partially inserted into a sleeve 110 of the upper portion 102, as shown by the directional arrows. To assemble the footwear article 100, the flexible locking member 113 may be partially inserted into the sleeve 110 of the upper portion 102, and the sleeve 110 containing the partially inserted flexible locking member 113 may be inserted into a peripheral groove of the midsole 106. A first end of the sleeve 110 and locking member 113 assembly may be inserted into a first entry point of the midsole 106 channel 118. A second end of the sleeve 110 and locking member 113 assembly may be inserted into a second entry point of the midsole 106 channel 118. First and second entry points may be located at the heel portion of the midsole 106.

[0037] Thereafter, as is shown in FIG. 6B-6C, sufficient force may be applied to continue inserting the flexible locking member 113 into the sleeve 110 while continuing to engage the sleeve 110 and rod with the peripheral groove of the midsole 106 (as shown by the directional arrows in FIG. 6B). The groove may hold the sleeve 110 and rod under tension. In FIG. 6D, the locking member 113 and sleeve 110 are fully inserted into the channel 118, and end portions of the locking member 113 may be joined to complete the coupling of the upper portion 102 and the sole structure 104 of the footwear article 100. The first and second ends of the locking member 113 may be joined at a toe portion of the footwear article when the locking member 113 and sleeve 110 are fully inserted into the channel 118.

[0038] Additional embodiments of a footwear article are shown in FIGS. 7-1 IB. FIG 7 illustrates an embodiment comprising a hooking lock mechanism. As shown in FIG. 7, a receiving portion 702 of a locking mechanism is embedded between two components of the footwear article (e.g., a midsole and an outsole, two midsole segments, etc.). The first locking mechanism portion 702 may be a rigid channel formed from any suitable materials as described herein. The first locking mechanism portion may be configured to span the perimeter of the footwear articles portions between which the locking mechanism receiving portion 702 is secured. The locking mechanism receiving portion 702 may be thermoformed when forming the surrounding footwear article components or may be formed separately and attached to the footwear article components. The hooking lock mechanism may further comprise an engagement apparatus 704 attached to or formed with an upper portion (e.g., upper portion 102 of the footwear article 100). The engagement apparatus 704 may be configured to secure at least a portion of the upper to the midsole/outsole portion of the footwear article. For example, upper material may extend downward toward the midsole/outsole of the footwear article and the engagement apparatus 704 further extends downward. The locking mechanism receiving portion 702 can then receive the engagement apparatus 704 to secure the upper to the midsole/outsole of the footwear article. The engagement apparatus 704 may be continuous or may be formed at intervals along the perimeter of the upper. Likewise, the locking mechanism receiving portion 702 could be configured to receive the engagement apparatus 704 continuously or at intervals as determined by the locking mechanism receiving portion 702.

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a footwear article comprising an alternative locking assembly. In this embodiment, an upper portion (e.g., upper portion 102) may be attached to a footwear component or components (e.g., a midsole or an outsole) via a locking assembly comprising a locking member 802 formed as part of the footwear component or components (e.g., a midsole or outsole) or formed between two footwear components (e.g., between a midsole and an outsole or between two midsole components). Locking member 802 may be similar to locking member 113, in that locking member 802 may be a flexible elongate rod. The locking member 802 may be formed from extruded, molded or 3D printed from thermoplastic polymer material, composite polymer material, silicon material, or other like material suitable to provide sufficient flexibility and rigidity to the locking member to facilitate receiving an engagement mechanism 804. The engagement mechanism 804 may be formed with or attached to an upper portion of the footwear article. The upper portion may be secured to the midsole/outsole portion of the footwear article by sliding or snapping the engagement mechanism 804 around or over the locking member 802.

[0040] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate a footwear article comprising an alternative locking assembly. The locking assembly may be used alone or in combination with any of the described embodiments and footwear components. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, a receiving portion 902 of a locking mechanism is embedded between two components of the footwear article (e.g., a midsole and an outsole, two midsole segments, etc.). The first locking mechanism portion 902 may be a rigid channel formed from any suitable materials as described herein. The first locking mechanism portion 902 may be configured to span the perimeter of the footwear articles portions between which the locking mechanism receiving portion 902 is secured. The locking mechanism receiving portion 902 may be thermoformed when forming the surrounding footwear article components or may be formed separately and attached to the footwear article components. The locking assembly may further comprise an engagement apparatus. The lock mechanism may further comprise an engagement apparatus 904 attached to or formed with an upper portion (e.g., upper portion 102 of the footwear article 100). The engagement apparatus 904 may be configured to secure at least a portion of the upper to the midsole/outsole portion of the footwear article. For example, upper material may extend downward toward the midsole/outsole of the footwear article and the engagement apparatus 904 further extends downward. The locking mechanism receiving portion 902 can then receive the engagement apparatus 904 to secure the upper to the midsole/outsole of the footwear article. The locking mechanism receiving portion 902 may comprise a lip or hook for securing the engagement apparatus 904 after the engagement apparatus has been inserted into the receiving portion 902. Likewise, the engagement apparatus 904 may comprise a lip or hook configured to engage with the hook or lip of the securing the engagement apparatus 904 after the engagement apparatus has been inserted into the receiving portion 902. FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate the progression of the engagement apparatus 904 being inserted into and secured by the receiving portion 902. FIG. 9A illustrates the locking mechanism receiving portion 902 and the engagement apparatus 904 prior to engagement. FIG. 9B illustrates an initial insertion of the engagement apparatus 904 into the receiving portion 902. FIG. 9C illustrates the engagement apparatus 904 further inserted into the receiving portion 902 and engaging, via the receiving portion hook or lip, with the hook or lip of the locking mechanism receiving portion 902. The engagement apparatus 904 may be tilted or otherwise positions such that it can engage with the locking mechanism receiving portion 902 and secure the upper portion to the midsole/outsole. The engagement apparatus 904 may be continuous or may be formed at intervals along the perimeter of the upper. Likewise, the locking mechanism receiving portion 902 could be configured to receive the engagement apparatus 904 continuously or at intervals as determined by the locking mechanism receiving portion 902.

[0041] FIGS 10A-10B illustrate an additional embodiment of a locking assembly for a footwear article. In this embodiment, a midsole or outsole of a footwear article (e.g., midsole 106 or outsole 108 of footwear article 100) may include a groove or narrow channel 1010 into which a sleeve of an upper portion (e.g., sleeve 110 of footwear article 100) may be inserted. As can be seen in FIG. 10A, a groove or channel may extend diagonally from an interior portion of a midsol e/outsole (e.g., interior base or sidewall) to an exterior sidewall portion of the midsole/outsole at, for example, intervals 1012 along the perimeter of the midsole/outsole. FIG. 10B illustrates a side view of the footwear article including the locking assembly with grooves or channels formed at intervals. A locking member (e.g., locking member 113) may be inserted into an opening formed along a bottom edge of the sleeve (e.g., as described herein with respect to sleeve 110) to secure the upper portion to the midsole/outsole.

[0042] FIGS. 11 A-l IB illustrate an additional embodiment of a locking assembly for a footwear article. The locking assembly may be configured to engage with a midsole/outsole as described herein to secure an upper portion to the midsole/outsole. The locking assembly may comprise a tensioning mechanism 1110 configured to encircle the midsole/outsole after an upper portion has been placed over the midsole/outsole. The midsole/outsole may further comprise a channel 1112 or groove into which the tensioning mechanism may be inserted for additional engagement and securing of the upper portion to the midsole/outsole. As shown in FIG. 11 A, the tensioning mechanism may be a band, formed, for example, from elastic or other durable tensioning material. As shown in FIG. 1 IB, the tensioning mechanism may be a hooking mechanism 1114 formed with an aperture into which a tensioning band may be inserted. The midsole/outsole may then be configured to receive the tensioning mechanism to secure the upper portion to the midsole/outsole.

[0043] The outsole 108 may be made from rubber, plastic/polymer and/or foam materials (e.g., EVA, PU, TPR). The outsole 108 may comprise a foam portion coupled to a rubber base. The materials may be recycled, recyclable and/or bio-based or biodegradable. Other materials may be used.

[0044] The footwear article 100 may further comprise other components. As an example, the footwear article 100 may include an insole between the midsole 106 and the outsole 108. The insole may be made from a bio-based foam, a recyclable foam or other cushioned or supportive materials).

[0045] The footwear article 100 may further comprise laces. The laces may be made from plastic such as recycled or recyclable polymers. The laces may comprise or may be formed from cotton such as organic cotton or regenerative cotton. Other materials may be used. [0046] The components of the footwear article 100 may further comprise a plurality of segments made from the recyclable and/or biodegradable materials. As an example, the upper portion 102 may comprise a plurality of separable segments made from the same type of material or different types of materials. The materials may be recyclable or bio-degradable.

[0047] The present disclosure comprises at least the following aspects:

[0048] Aspect 1 : A footwear article comprising: an upper portion, the upper portion further comprising a sleeve 110 configured to receive a locking member 113; and a sole structure 104 oriented at a bottom of the footwear, the sole structure 104 further comprising: a midsole 106 comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the sleeve 110 and the locking member 113; and an outsole 108 configured for ground contact, wherein the locking member is configured to be disposed in the sleeve while the sleeve is at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking member within the sleeve and peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.

[0049] Aspect 2: The footwear article of Aspect 1, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one open end configured to receive the locking member.

[0050] Aspect 3: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-2, wherein the sleeve is configured to lay substantially flat and expand into an elongate tube.

[0051] Aspect 4: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-3, wherein the sleeve is shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of the midsole.

[0052] Aspect 5: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-4, wherein the locking member is a flexible rod.

[0053] Aspect 6: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-5, wherein the locking member includes first and second ends having corresponding positive and negative shapes.

[0054] Aspect 7: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-6, wherein the locking member is formed from extruded, molded or 3D printed from a thermoplastic polymer material, a composite polymer material, or a silicon material.

[0055] Aspect 8: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-7, wherein the midsole further comprises a peripheral groove configured to receive the peripheral channel.

[0056] Aspect 9: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-8, wherein the channel terminates at a heel portion of the midsole. [0057] Aspect 10: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-9, wherein the channel includes endpoints spaced apart at the heel portion of midsole.

[0058] Aspect 11: The footwear article of Aspect 10, wherein the endpoints are entry points for inserting the locking member and sleeve into the channel.

[0059] Aspect 12: The footwear article of Aspect 11, wherein an inside diameter of the channel at the entry points is greater than an inside diameter of a remaining length of the channel.

[0060] Aspect 13: The footwear article of Aspect 10, wherein an outside diameter of the channel at the entry points is greater than an outside diameter of a remaining length of the channel.

[0061] Aspect 14: A method of making the separable footwear article of any of Aspects 1-13.

[0062] Aspect 15: A footwear article comprising: an upper portion comprising a locking assembly; and a sole structure comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to be at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking assembly within the peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.

[0063] Aspect 16: The footwear article of Aspect 15, wherein the locking assembly comprises an upper sleeve and a locking member.

[0064] Aspect 17: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 15-16, wherein the upper sleeve is shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of the sole structure.

[0065] Aspect 18: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 15-17, wherein the locking member is a flexible rod.

[0066] Aspect 19: The footwear article of any of Aspects 17-18, wherein the upper sleeve comprises at least one open end configured to receive the locking member.

[0067] Aspect 20: The footwear article of any of Aspects 15-19, wherein the peripheral channel includes endpoints spaced apart at the heel portion of sole structure, and wherein the endpoints are entry points for inserting the locking assembly into the peripheral channel.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A footwear article comprising: an upper portion, the upper portion further comprising a sleeve 110 configured to receive a locking member 113; and a sole structure 104 oriented at a bottom of the footwear, the sole structure 104 further comprising: a midsole 106 comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the sleeve 110 and the locking member 113; and an outsole 108 configured for ground contact, wherein the locking member is configured to be disposed in the sleeve while the sleeve is at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking member within the sleeve and peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.

2. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one open end configured to receive the locking member.

3. The footwear article of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the sleeve is configured to lay substantially flat and expand into an elongate tube.

4. The footwear article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the sleeve is shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of the midsole.

5. The footwear article of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the locking member is a flexible rod.

6. The footwear article of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the locking member includes first and second ends having corresponding positive and negative shapes.

7. The footwear article of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the locking member is formed from extruded, molded or 3D printed from a thermoplastic polymer material, a composite polymer material, or a silicon material.

8. The footwear article of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the midsole further comprises a peripheral groove configured to receive the peripheral channel.

9. The footwear article of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the channel terminates at a heel portion of the midsole.

10. The footwear article of claims 1-9, wherein the channel includes endpoints spaced apart at the heel portion of midsole.

11. The footwear article of claim 10, wherein the endpoints are entry points for inserting the locking member and sleeve into the channel.

12. The footwear article of claim 11, wherein an inside diameter of the channel at the entry points is greater than an inside diameter of a remaining length of the channel.

13. The footwear article of claim 12, wherein an outside diameter of the channel at the entry points is greater than an outside diameter of a remaining length of the channel.

14. A method of making the separable footwear article of any of claims 1-13.

15. A footwear article comprising: an upper portion comprising a locking assembly; and a sole structure comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to be at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking assembly within the peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.

16. The footwear article of claim 15, wherein the locking assembly comprises an upper sleeve and a locking member.

17. The footwear article of any one of claims 15-16, wherein the upper sleeve is shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of the sole structure.

18. The footwear article of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the locking member is a flexible rod.

19. The footwear article of any of claims 17-18, wherein the upper sleeve comprises at least one open end configured to receive the locking member.

20. The footwear article of any of claims 15-19, wherein the peripheral channel includes endpoints spaced apart at the heel portion of sole structure, and wherein the endpoints are entry points for inserting the locking assembly into the peripheral channel.