巴西专利BR112015013053B1 footwear item

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专利摘要:
“FOOTWEAR ITEM” A shoe item can include a leather and a sole attached to the leather. The sole may include multiple distinct protrusions distributed across a lower outer surface of the sole. The article may also include a compressible foam midsole contained within the upper. The midsole can be non-destructively removable from the upper.
公开号:BR112015013053B1
申请号:R112015013053-4
申请日:2013-12-02
公开日:2020-11-03
发明作者:Matt Holmes；Eric P. Avar；Jeongwoo Lee；Fanny Ho；Bryant Klug
申请人:Nike Innovate C.V.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

[001] This Application claims priority benefits based on United States Patent Application No. 13 / 693,596, filed on December 4, 2012 and entitled "Article of Footwear". Order 13 / 693,596, in its entirety, will be incorporated here by reference. BACKGROUND
[002] Conventional footwear generally includes two main components: a leather and a sole structure. The upper provides a foot cover and securely positions the foot in relation to the sole structure. The sole structure is attached to a lower leather surface and configured to be positioned between the foot and the ground when a user is standing, walking or running. Outsole structures are often designed to cushion, protect and support the feet. Sole structures can also be designed to increase traction and help control potentially harmful foot movements, such as pronation.
[003] Many types of sports shoes have a sole structure that includes a deformable midsole. A primary element of many conventional midsoles is a resilient polymeric foam material that spans the entire length of the shoe. The physical characteristics of a midsole often depend on the density and other properties of the polymeric foam material and the three-dimensional configuration of the midsole. By varying these factors throughout the midsole, the relative stiffness, degree of attenuation of the reaction force with the soil and energy absorption properties can be changed to meet the specific demands of the activity for which the footwear should be used.
[004] Damping and impact attenuation are valuable attributes of a sole structure. However, the components that confer these attributes also tend to reduce the degree to which a shoe wearer can feel the contours of the ground and other characteristics. This loss of sensitivity to the characteristics of the soil can be disadvantageous. The sensation of a surface of the ground detected by the underside of a person's foot can provide useful clues about the conditions of the ground on which that person may be moving. When detecting rough, uneven and / or soft terrain, for example, a runner can adjust his movements.
[005] United States Patent Commonly Issued 6,990,755 describes an article of footwear having an articulated sole structure in which multiple grooves separate distinct sole elements from the midsole. The resulting sole structure helps to simulate the feeling of running barefoot while, at the same time, providing a degree of cushioning and protection for the user's foot. However, there continues to be a continuing need for improved footwear that protects the wearer's foot, but also provides a sense of natural movement and tactile feedback on ground conditions. SUMMARY
[006] This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified way, which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.
[007] In some embodiments, a shoe item may include a leather, a sole and a compressible foam midsole. The sole can be directly attached to an outer face of a durable upper element. The midsole can be contained therein and be removable in a non-destructive way from the leather.
[008] In some modalities, a shoe item may include a leather and a sole. The sole may include multiple distinct protrusions distributed across a lower outer surface of the sole. The compressible foam midsole can be contained within the upper. This midsole can be non-destructively removable from the upper and can include a plurality of regions protruding over an upper surface configured to receive a plantar face of a user's foot.
[009] In some modalities, a shoe item may include a leather and a sole attached to the leather. The sole may include multiple distinct protrusions distributed across a lower outer surface of the sole. Each of the projections can be separated from adjacent projections by a gap region. The sole may have a thickness of between about 0.5 mm and about 0.8 mm in the gap regions. The article may also include a compressible foam midsole contained within the upper part.
[010] Additional modalities are described here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[011] Some modalities are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures in the accompanying drawings and in which the same reference numerals refer to similar elements.
[012] Figures 1A and 1B are, respectively, views of the lateral and medial lateral faces of a shoe article according to some modalities.
[013] Figure 1C is a bottom view of the shoe article of Figures 1A and 1B.
[014] Figures 2A to 2D are seen from the side, medial, front and rear sides, respectively, of a midsole of the footwear of Figures 1A and 1B.
[015] Figure 2E is a bottom view of the midsole of the footwear of Figures 1A and 1B.
[016] Figure 2F is a top side perspective view of the midsole of the footwear of Figures 1A and 1B.
[017] Figures 3A and 3B are views of the cross sectional area taken from the location indicated in Figure 1 A.
[018] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional area view similar to Figure 3A, but showing localized pressure transfer.
[019] Figures 4A and 4B are, respectively, views of the lateral and medial faces of a shoe article according to some additional modalities.
[020] Figure 40 is a bottom view of the shoe article of Figures 4A and 4B.
[021] Figures 5A to 5D are seen from the side face, medial face, front and rear, respectively, of a midsole of the footwear of Figures 4A and 4B.
[022] Figure 5E is a bottom view of the midsole of the shoe article of Figures 4A and 4B.
[023] Figure 5F is a top side perspective view of the midsole of the footwear of Figures 4A and 4B.
[024] Figures 6A and 6B are, respectively, seen from the side and medial sides of a shoe article according to some other modalities.
[025] Figure 6C is a bottom view of the shoe item of Figures 6A and 6B.
[026] Figures 7A to 7D are seen from the side, medial, front and rear face, respectively, of a midsole of the footwear of Figures 6A and 6B.
[027] Figure 7E is a bottom view of the midsole of the footwear of Figures 6A and 6B.
[028] Figure 7F is a top side perspective view of the midsole of the footwear of Figures 6A and 6B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[029] In at least some modalities, a shoe item comprises a thin and highly flexible sole. The sole can be directly attached to an article leather. In certain sports, the sole can be directly attached to the underside of a durable element in this upper. The sole may also comprise multiple distinct protrusions. The article may also include an internal foam midsole that rests directly on the durable element. In response to ground forces imposed by walking, running or other actions by the user of the article, individual projections can move vertically to provide localized pressure on the midsole. The midsole can then transfer a portion of this localized pressure to a localized region of the user's foot. As a result, the user can receive tactile feedback that provides information about the condition of the soil surface on which the user may be moving. An article of footwear, according to at least some modalities, can give a user with a highly defined sensation regarding the characteristics of the soil surface, while still conferring attenuation of the impact force and other protection. As further described further, additional characteristics of one or more modalities can further increase the degree to which a user is able to perceive physical details of a soil surface.
[030] The discussion and attached figures below describe footwear articles according to various modalities. Shoes, according to various modalities, have configurations that are suitable for sports activities, such as running and training. Other modalities include a shoe article adapted for basketball, golf, hiking, hiking and other athletic and non-athletic activities, those versed in the relevant technique, therefore, will recognize that the concepts described here can be applied to a wide variety of styles of clothing items. footwear and are not limited to the specific modalities discussed below and represented in the figures.
[031] To assist and clarify the subsequent description of several modalities, several terms are defined here. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the following definitions apply to the entire specification (including claims). "Shoe" and "shoe article" are used interchangeably to refer to objects intended for use on a human foot. A shoe may or may not involve a user's entire foot. For example, a shoe could include a sandal or other item that exposes large portions of a user's foot. The "interior" of a shoe refers to the space that is occupied by a user's foot when the shoe is worn. A side, surface, face or other external aspect of a shoe component refers to a side, surface, face or other aspect of this component that is (or will be) oriented out of the interior of the shoe in the finished shoe. A side, surface, face or other external aspect of a component refers to a side, surface, face or other aspect of this component that is (or will be) oriented out of the interior of the shoe in the finished shoe. In some cases, the side, surface, face or other interior aspect of a component may have other elements between this side, surface, face or other interior aspect and the interior of the finished shoe. Similarly, a side, surface, face or other external aspect of a component can have other elements between this side, surface, face or other external aspect and the space external to the finished shoe.
[032] Unless the context indicates otherwise, "upper", "lower", "over", "under", "above", "below" and similar location terms assume that a shoe or shoe structure of interest is in the orientation that would result if the shoe (or shoe that incorporates the shoe structure of interest) was in an undeformed condition with its sole (and / or other element (s) of the sole structure that it contacts (m) the ground)) that rests on a flat horizontal surface. Primarily, however, the term "upper" is reserved for use in describing a shoe component that at least partially covers a user's foot and helps to hold the user's foot against a shoe sole structure.
[033] Elements of a shoe can be described based on the regions and / or anatomical structures of a human foot wearing this shoe and assuming that the shoe is the correct size for the foot. As an example, a forefoot region of the foot includes the metatarsal and phalangeal bones. A forefoot element of a shoe is an element that has one or more portions located above, below, on the lateral and / or medial sides and / or in front of a user's forefoot (or part of it) when the shoe is used. As another example, a midfoot region of a foot includes the cuboid, navicular, cuneiform mediai, intermediate cuneiform and lateral cuneiform bones and the heads of the metatarsal bones. A midfoot element of a shoe is an element that has one or more portions located on, under and / or on the lateral and / or middle sides of a central part of the user's foot (or part of it) when the shoe is worn. As an additional example, a region of the heel of a foot includes the talus and calcaneus bones. A shoe heel element is an element that has one or more portions located on, under, on the side and / or median and / or behind a user's heel (or part of it) when the shoe is worn. The forefoot region can overlap the midfoot region, as well as the midfoot and heel regions.
[034] Unless otherwise indicated, a longitudinal axis refers to a horizontal axis of the heel-toe along the center of a shoe and that is approximately parallel to a line that runs along the second and second metatarsals phalanx of a user's foot. A transverse axis refers to a horizontal axis through a shoe that is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal direction is parallel (that is, approximately parallel) to a longitudinal axis. A transverse direction is parallel (that is, approximately parallel) to a transverse axis.
[035] Figures 1A and 1B are seen from the side and medial side, respectively, of a shoe 100 according to some modalities. Shoe 100 is a shoe for the left foot and is part of a pair that includes a shoe for the right foot (not shown) which is a mirror image of the shoe 100. Shoe 100 includes a leather 101 configured to wrap and hold the shoe. foot of a shoe user 100. The leather 101 and the leather shown in other drawings are merely exemplary. There are numerous additional modalities in which a leather can be functionally similar to leather 101 and / or to a leather shown in the other figures in the drawings, but which may have a different visual appearance.
[036] In shoe mode 100, leather 101 may comprise a lightweight mesh panel 102 and a partial sock 103. The partial sock 103 may be formed of a knitted textile material that includes elastic fibers. The partial sock 103 includes a collar 105 that completely wraps a user's foot at or above the level of the ankle. An opening 106 in the collar 105 allows a user to insert a foot into the shoe 100. The collar 105 and / or partial sock 103 may allow a tight fit to the user's foot. In some embodiments, collar 105 and / or partial sock 103 may include features (for example, raised ribs, protrusions, etc.) that apply localized pressure to the user's foot, for example, to improve proprioception.
[037] Mesh panel 102 covers the sides of the user's foot and the upper part of the user's foot in a region of the forefoot of a mooring system 104. The mooring system 104 is analogous to a tongue opening on certain models conventional footwear. In shoe 100, however, a conventional tongue is not included. Instead, the edges of the partial sock 103 are joined to the mesh panel 102 at or near the edges of the lashing system 104. Other edges of the partial sock 103 around a lower portion of the collar 105 are joined to the top edges of the panel mesh 102 in a leather 101 region. A shoelace 107 passes through multiple eyelets 108 and can be used to tighten leather 101 over a user's foot.
[038] Although not visible in Figures 1A and 1B, leather 101 includes a durable element (for example, a Strobel) that is sewn, glued or otherwise attached to the bottom edge of mesh panel 102 and which generally extends over the entire length and width of leather 101. This durable element forms the bottom portion of leather 101. The outer face of this durable element is directly attached to sole 110. As explained in more detail below, sole 110 is highly flexible and includes multiple projections 112 distributed across a lower outer surface. As also explained below, the shoe 100 also includes a compressible foam midsole located inside the leather 101. This midsole rests directly on the inner face of the durable element of the leather 101, with an upper surface of this midsole forming an insole for the wearer. shoe 100. The sole 110 and the midsole form portions of the sole structure of the shoe 100. When a user tightens the shoelace 107, this sole structure is attached to the underside (plantar surface) of the user's foot. The lower ends of the mooring eyelets 108 can be attached to the edges of the durable element (and thus extend at least slightly below the plantar face of the user foot), so that the mooring eyelets extend and curl around the sides and a portion of the bottom the user’s foot.
[039] The mesh panel 102 of the leather 101 further includes a lining portion 114 attached to the outer face of the mesh. The coating portion 114 can be formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), an outer face of TPU having a polyurethane (PU) or other polymeric materials. In some embodiments, mesh panel 102 can be formed using materials and techniques as described in United States Patent Application Commonly assigned Serial Number 12 / 603,498, filed on October 21, 2009 and entitled "Composite Shoe Upper and Method of Making Same ", a request which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[040] Figure 1C is a bottom view of shoe 100 and shows additional details of the bottom outer surface of sole 110. The sole 110 and soles shown in other drawings are merely exemplary. There are a number of additional modalities in which a sole may be functionally similar to sole 110 and / or to a sole shown in other figures in the drawing, but which may have a different visual appearance.
[041] As indicated previously and as still shown in Figure 1C, sole 110 includes multiple protrusions 112 distributed over the outer region that contacts the floor of sole 110. In some embodiments, protrusions are distributed over at least the forefoot region. In some modalities, and as seen in Figure 1C, protrusions may be distributed over the forefoot region and most of the midfoot and heel regions. The protrusions 112 are distinct. In particular, each projection 112 is separated from adjacent projections by a gap 116. To avoid obscuring Figure 1C with text, only some of the projections 112 and gaps 116 are shown in Figure 1C to indicate the relative arrangement of the projections and gaps.
[042] The sizes of the 112 projections may vary based on location. In addition, the heights of the projections 112 may also vary based on location. As used herein, the "height" of a ledge refers to the amount by which the ledge extends beyond the outer surface of the sole 110 that forms the openings 116 surrounding this ledge. In some modalities, projections located in regions that are expected to experience greater pressure from the foot may have heights that are greater than the heights of the projections in other regions. The regions that are expected to experience the greatest pressure may vary according to the activity for which a particular shoe is intended. In at least some modalities, such regions may include the heel region, the region of the metatarsophalangeal joints and the big toe (that is, the hallux).
[043] In at least some embodiments, the protrusions 112 have a cross-sectional area size that is small in relation to the surface area that contacts the soil of the sole 110. For example, and as seen in Figure 1C, the widest portion outsole 110 is identified as "W". Approximately eight projections 112 fit within this widest portion 112. In some embodiments, and for some or all of the projections 112, the largest width of an individual projection is approximately 0.4 inches (10.2 mm) or less. In shoe mode 100, for example, projections 112 have square cross sections. The greatest width of such a square projection is, therefore, the diagonal dimension from one corner to the other corner. In some embodiments, the greater width of some or all of the protrusions may be smaller (for example, about 0.3 inches (7.6 mm) or less, about 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) or less, about 0.15 inches (3.8 mm) or less). In other embodiments, the ridges can also take other forms. Some embodiments may also include a sole that comprises protrusions of different cross-sectional shapes.
[044] In some embodiments, and as can also be seen in Figure 1C, the spacing between the projections 112 may vary based on location. For example, the gaps 116 between the ridges in the heel region are relatively narrow. An example of such a gap width in the heel region in some embodiments is between about 0.015 inches and about 0.025 inches (for example, about 0.02 inches). On the other hand, the gaps 116 between ridges in various regions of the forefoot are relatively wide. An example of such a gap width in the forefoot region, in some embodiments, is between approximately 0.1 inch and about 0.16 inch (for example, about 0.13 inch). These gap widths are just examples, however, and gaps in these and / or other regions may have widths outside these ranges in some modalities.
[045] The sole 110 can be formed of synthetic rubber having a hardness and other properties similar to those of the synthetic rubber compounds conventionally used for shoe sole. As previously indicated, however, sole 110 is highly flexible. Consequently, sole 110, in at least some embodiments, has a thickness of between approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 0.8 mm in gap regions 116. This allows sole 110 to flex significantly between adjacent ridges 112. This in turn allows the individual projections 112 to transfer pressure from the ground to a user's foot with a greater definition (for example, by displacing the adjacent projections in the vertical direction). This allows a user of the shoe 100 to better feel the individual characteristics of the ground or other surface on which the user is standing, walking, running, etc. In some embodiments, portions of the sole 110 may be formed of a rubber compound that is harder and more durable than other portions of the sole. The rubber of greater durability could be used, for example, in a non-slip pad located inside the heel region and / or at the bottom of the protrusions located in some other high pressure regions that, typically, wear out more quickly.
[046] Figures 2A and 2B are, respectively, side and medial side views of a shoe 100 midsole 200. Figures 2C and 2D are front and rear views of midsole 200, respectively. Midsole 200 and midsoles shown elsewhere drawings are merely exemplary. There are numerous additional modalities in which an midsole may be functionally similar to the midsole 200 and / or an midsole shown in other figures in the drawing, but which may have a different visual appearance.
[047] To show in general the position of the midsole 200 inside the shoe 100, the upper 101 and sole 110 are approximately indicated with dashed lines in Figures 2A and 2B. The midsole 200 attenuates the reaction forces of the ground and absorbs energy when a user of the shoe 100 walks, runs, jumps, etc. The midsole 200 is not permanently attached to the upper 101 or sole 110. Instead, the midsole 200 simply sits inside the shoe 100. The midsole 200 can be removed non-destructively from the shoe 100 through opening 106 of collar 105 ( see Figures 1A and 1B) and then replaced through opening 106.
[048] The midsole 200 can also include a reinforcement for the heel 202. The reinforcement for the heel 202 can be formed of a foam that is denser and more compressible than other portions of the midsole 200 and can be formed as a separate component fitted to the foam material of the midsole 200. The heel reinforcement 202 helps to provide stability for a user's foot by centering the user's heel. In some embodiments, the shape and / or location of a reinforcement for the heel may vary. A reinforcement configuration for the heel may vary according to the intended use of a shoe and / or based on a user's gait characteristics. For example, a midsole of a shoe intended for use when playing basketball may have a reinforcement for the heel that is larger and / or denser than a reinforcement for the heel of a midsole of a shoe intended for linear running. As another example, the reinforcement for the heel of a "superpronator" can be dimensioned and / or shaped differently from that of a user with a more neutral gait. In some embodiments, reinforcement for the heel may be omitted. Midsoles 200 further include a plurality of transverse grooves 201, as discussed in greater detail below in conjunction with Figure 2E.
[049] The midsole 200 is formed from a viscoelastic foam material. In at least some embodiments, the midsole 200 is formed from a compressed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. EVA foams are also known as phylon. In at least some of these modalities, and for midsole portions 200 with the exception of the heel 202, the EVA foam may have banded properties as listed in Table 1. TABLE 1

[050] Other materials can also be used for midsole 200. As an example, in some embodiments, a midsole can be formed of foam materials, such as those used in the LUNAR family of shoe products available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton , Oregon. Additional examples of foam materials that can be used for midsole 200 include materials described in United States Patent No. 7,941,938, which patent is hereby incorporated by reference. Other materials that can be used for the midsole 200 include TPU and PU foams.
[051] Figure 2E is a bottom view of the midsole 200. The midsole 200 includes transverse grooves 201 that extend at least partially between the lateral and medial faces. The longitudinal grooves 203 extend longitudinally along the midsole 200. The grooves 201 and 203 create an articulated structure that provides relatively high flexibility and articulation. In particular, grooves 201 and 203 define a plurality of elements (such as element 204) when exposing the sides of these elements. By flexing along grooves 201 and 203, elements 204 can separate and move away from each other as a user walks, runs, etc. In some embodiments, the midsole 200 may have a groove pattern, as described for external midsoles in United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61 / 632,837, filed December 15, 2011 and entitled "Articulated Sole Structure with Rearwardly Angled Mediolateral Midfoot Sipes ", Order which is incorporated by reference. Other groove patterns can also be used. The grooves 201 and 203 also allow the vertical displacement of the elements 204 in relation to the adjacent elements 204, for example, to transmit the vertical displacement of the individual protrusions 112 of the sole through the midsole 200 to the plantar side of the user's foot.
[052] Figure 2F is a front side perspective view of the midsole 200. An upper surface 205 is contoured to correspond to a lower side of a shoe user's foot 100. The surface 205 is configured to function as an insole and receive the plantar face of a user's foot. The protruding edge 206 surrounds the upper surface 205. The edge 206 helps to stabilize the midsole 200 within the upper 101 and provides support for the sides of the user's foot. Edge 206 is larger in the midfoot and heel portions of the midsole 200 compared to the forefoot portion.
[053] The upper surface 205 and the inner sides of the edge 206 may have a pattern formed on them, in order to increase the friction in relation to the foot with a sock of a shoe user 100. The pattern may comprise raised portions 207 which are separated by shallow channels 208. In some embodiments, the raised portions 207 have heights (in relation to the surrounding channels 208) of approximately 1 millimeter. The raised portions 207 cooperate with the projections 112 and help to convey sensations of characteristics of the soil to the underside of a user's foot. The channels 208 can further assist in increasing the flow of air to the bottom of a user's foot and allow greater evaporation of moisture than would occur if the upper surface 205 were smooth.
[054] Although the relief portions 207 comprise triangles in the form of the midsole 200, other formats could be used. In at least some embodiments, the protrusions 112 of the sole and the raised portions 207 are dimensioned so that they are approximately on the same scale. In some embodiments, for example, an average of the cross-sectional areas of the sole projections is within a range of about 50% to about 200% of an average of the cross-sectional areas of the raised elements. In some embodiments, the average of the cross-sectional areas of the sole protrusions is within a range of about 20% to about 500% of an average of the cross-sectional areas of the raised elements. In certain embodiments, the protrusions in the sole and the raised portions of the midsole are dimensioned so that the number of protrusions along a first path that crosses the sole, in a transversal direction, is within a range of about 50% about 200% of the number of raised portions located along a second transverse path that crosses the midsole and is directly above the first transverse path. In some modalities, the number of protrusions along a first path that crosses the sole, in a transverse direction, is within a range of about 20% to about 500% of the number of raised portions located over a second transverse path directly above the first transverse path. In some embodiments, the pattern of protruding portions on an upper surface of the midsole may correspond, or otherwise be correlated, to a pattern of protrusions on the sole of a shoe that contains this midsole.
[055] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the shoe 100 from the location indicated in Figure 1A. As can be seen in Figure 3A, the lower (and outer) face of the midsole 200 rests directly on the upper (and inner) face of the durable element 301. The cross sectional plane of Figure 3A is parallel to one of the transverse grooves 201 in the midsole. 200 and shows the intersection of the four longitudinal grooves 203 with this transverse groove 201. Figure 3B is similar to Figure 3B, but shows only a cross-sectional area view of the midsole 200. As indicated in Figure 3B, the midsole 200 includes a portion 302 comprehensive and a hinged portion 303. The limits of the comprehensive portion 302 and the hinged portion 303 are only approximately indicated in Figure 3B. The hinged portion 303 includes a plurality of elements 204 formed by grooves 201 and 203. The comprehensive portion 302 includes portions of the midsole 200 above the grooves 201 and 203. The elements 204 are connected (for example, integrally formed with) and extend towards down from the comprehensive portion 302.
[056] The grooves in the midsole 200 can be formed by cutting these grooves after the midsole 200 is molded. Such a cut can be performed using a hot knife tool, a laser or other cutting device. In some embodiments, the grooves can be formed during molding a midsole, for example, by including blades in a midsole mold that correspond to the desired groove locations. In some embodiments, the grooves are formed so that the overlapping portion 302 has a thickness t above the grooves of about 3 millimeters. In some embodiments, a portion of a midsole configured to rest under a user's forefoot has a total thickness of between about 3 millimeters and about 6 millimeters. In some of such embodiments having thinner midsoles, the grooves may be of reduced depth or be omitted.
[057] In some embodiments, at least the midsole 200 lacks a top fabric or other covering element applied to the surface 205. In this way, the user's foot (perhaps covered by a sock) rests directly on the exposed surface of the foam that it forms the midsole 200. The absence of an upper fabric also helps to increase the degree to which details on the soil surface are transmitted vertically through the sole structure and felt down the bottom of a user's foot. If an upper fabric were adhered to surface 205, this upper fabric would apply a tensile force that would tend to resist deformation of the midsole 200 as a user moves. This tractive force would moderate the degree to which the midsole 200 could transfer pressure to the user's foot from the individual projections 112, thereby reducing the definition with which a user is able to feel the characteristics of the ground.
[058] In some embodiments, a midsole may have additional elements added to a surface, such as the upper surface 205. In at least some of such embodiments, however, the additional elements cover only a limited portion of the upper surface of the midsole. For example, individual features, such as triangles 207, may have a coating, but such a coating may not cover gaps (such as channels 208) between such characteristics. In addition or alternatively, if desired, a partial upper fabric or lining element could be provided (even one covering some gaps or channels 208) in areas of the foot where pressure transmission through the sole structure is less useful or desired.
[059] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the shoe area 100 taken from the same location as the view in Figure 3A. In Figure 3C, however, the effect of a localized upward pressure P is illustrated. Upward pressure P can result, for example, when a user of shoe 100 steps on a rock, the root of a tree or some other object when the user is running. The pressure P pushes one or more of the projections 112 upwards. For convenience, this ledge is indicated as 112-1 and two adjacent ledges are indicated as 112-2 and 112-3. Due to the flexibility of the sole 110 conferred by the thin regions of the gaps 116, the projection 112-1 is able to move upwards, while only affecting the adjacent projections 112-2 and 112-3 only minimally.
[060] The upward pressure P over the protrusion 112-1 is transferred to the underside of the midsole 200. Although the foam of the midsole 200 compresses a little (thereby absorbing some of the energy from the pressure P), the region located LR of the midsole 200 on the protrusion 112-1 is also moved upwards. The underside of the user foot detects this pressure in the LR region. As a result, the user's shoe 100 may notice that he has stepped on an object in this region. The combination of distinct protrusions 112, highly flexible gaps 116 and midsole 200 allows the user of shoe 100 to detect the presence of an object on the ground with more definition than is possible with many models of conventional shoes. These characteristics also allow the user to perceive and feel the contours or inclination of the soil surface, even if he does not step on a foreign object.
[061] Figure 3C also illustrates how shoulder regions 207 of the midsole 200 can help to increase the definition with which a user of shoe 100 detects objects and / or contours of the ground. As the midsole 200 is moved upward, the surface portion 205 in the LR region becomes inclined. This can cause the edges 321 of the shoulder regions 207 to become more prominent and create more localized pressure on parts of the user's foot.
[062] Figures 4A and 4B are seen from the side and medial sides of a shoe 400 according to some additional modalities. Shoe 400 includes an upper 401 which is similar to upper 101 of shoe 100 and which can be formed in a similar manner to leather 101. Like leather 101, leather 401 also includes a mesh panel 402 and a sock partial 403. The partial sock 403 is also formed of a partially elastic woven material and includes a collar 405 similar to collar 105. The partial sock 403 is joined to the mesh panel 402 in a similar manner to that in which the partial sock 103 is joined to the mesh panel 102 (for example, through sewing, fusing techniques, etc.). Leather 401 differs from leather 101 in several ways, however. For example, the portion of the mesh panel 402 that surrounds the heel region extends less upward than the similar heel region of mesh panel 102. The lining panel 414 of the structure of this example also has a different configuration of the panel cover 114 of mesh panel 102. Primarily, cover panel 414 includes panels 499 and 498 extending upward to the mooring opening 404. In some embodiments, mesh panel 402 may include a counter or other element of support in a region of the heel (for example, as a separate component inside, outside and / or embedded in the 402 mesh panel).
[063] The shoe 400 also includes a sole 410 that is similar to the sole 110 of the shoe 100. In particular, the sole 410 is thin, highly flexible and directly attached to a durable element (not shown) of the leather upper 401. The sole 410 it also includes a plurality of 412 distinct projections. Unlike soles 110, however, soles 410 include a raised lateral edge 497 and a higher medial edge 496. Edges 496 and 497 provide greater lateral and arch support, respectively.
[064] Figure 4C is a bottom view of shoe 100 and shows additional details of the bottom outer surface of sole 410. Similar to sole 110, sole 410 includes several distinct protrusions 412. The protrusions 412 are small in relation to the area of the surface contact with the ground of the sole 410 and are separated from each other by gaps 416. According to the protrusions 112 of the sole 110, the height and cross-sectional areas of the protrusions 412 may vary based on location, as well as the separation between projections 412.
[065] Figures 5A and 5B are, respectively, side and medial views of a midsole 500 of the shoe 400. Figures 5C and 5D are, respectively, front and rear views of the midsole 500. To show in general the position midsole 500 inside shoe 400, upper 401 and sole 410 are approximately indicated with dashed lines in Figures 5A and 5B. Midsole 500 can be formed from materials such as those described in relation to midsole 200. Like midsole 200, midsole 500 attenuates soil reaction forces and absorbs energy. The midsole 500 is not permanently attached to the upper 401 or sole 410 and can be non-destructively removed from the shoe 400 through the opening of collar 405.
[066] The sole 500 includes a lateral reinforcement in the forefoot 510 and a medial reinforcement in the forefoot 511. The reinforcements 510 and 511, which can be formed from higher density and less compressible foams similar to the reinforcement for the heel 202 of the midsole 200 , help to stabilize the user's forefoot. In the shoe 500 mode, the midsole 400 needs a heel reinforcement (although it can be supplied, if desired). Reinforcements 510 and 511 (as well as 202) can also be formed separately and can be attached to the foam of the midsole components (for example, through adhesives, glues or mechanical connectors, etc.).
[067] Figure 5E is a bottom view of the midsole 500. The midsole 500 also includes a plurality of transverse grooves 501 and longitudinal grooves 503 and also includes diagonal grooves 513. In the shoe embodiment 500, however, grooves 501, 503 and 513 are relatively shallow compared to the grooves of the midsole 200.
[068] Figure 5F is a top side perspective view of the midsole 500. The upper surface 505 of the midsole 500 includes a plurality of shoulder regions 507 separated by channels 508. The shoulder regions 507, which can have heights of approximately 1 millimeter, provide similar benefits to those provided by the shoulder regions 207 of the midsole 200. As with the midsole 200, the shoulder regions 507 of the midsole 500 and the protrusions 412 of the sole 410 are dimensioned so that they are approximately on the same scale . The upper surface 505 of the midsole 500 may also lack an upper fabric or other lining element.
[069] Figures 6A and 6B are seen from the side and medial sides of a 600 shoe according to some other modalities. Shoe 600 includes a leather 601 which is similar to the leather 101 of the shoe 100 and which can be formed in a similar manner to the leather 101. Like the leather 101, the leather 601 includes a mesh panel 602 and a partial sock 603. The partial sock 603 is also formed of a partially elastic woven material and includes a collar 605 similar to the collar 105. The partial sock 603 is joined to the mesh panel 602 in a similar manner to that in which the partial sock 103 is joined to the panel of mesh. mesh 102. Leather 601 differs from leather 101 in several aspects. For example, and similar to the upper 401 of the shoe 400, the lining panel 614 of the mesh panel 602 includes panels 699 and 698 that extend upwardly in the mooring opening 604. In some embodiments, panel 699 and / or the panel 698 can extend all the way to opening 604 and / or can include portions (for example, formed of a thinner material and / or of a different color) that extend all the way to opening 604.
[070] The shoe 600 includes a sole 610. Like the sole 110 of the shoe 100, the sole 610 is thin, highly flexible and attached directly to a durable element (not shown) of the upper 601. The sole 610 also includes a plurality 612 distinct projections.
[071] Figure 6C is a bottom view of shoe 600 and shows additional details of the bottom outer surface of sole 610. Similar to sole 110, sole 610 includes multiple distinct protrusions 612. Protrusions 612 are small in relation to the surface area contact with the floor of the sole 610 and are separated from each other by gaps 616. According to the protrusions 112 of the sole 110, the height and cross-sectional areas of the protrusions 612 may vary based on location, as well as the separation between the overhangs 612.
[072] Figures 7A and 7B are, respectively, side and medial views of a midsole 700 of the shoe 600. Figures 7C and 7D are, respectively, front and rear views of the midsole 700. To show in general the position of the midsole 700 inside the shoe 600, the upper 601 and the midsole 610 are approximately indicated with dashed lines in Figures 7A and 7B. Midsole 700 can be formed from materials such as those described in relation to midsole 200. Like midsole 200, midsole 700 attenuates soil reaction forces and absorbs energy. The midsole 700 is not permanently connected to the upper 601 or sole 610 and can be non-destructively removed from the shoe 600 through the opening of collar 605.
[073] The sole 700 includes a lateral reinforcement for the forefoot 710 and a reinforcement for the heel 702. Reinforcements 702 and 710, which can be formed from higher density and less compressible foams similar to the reinforcement for the heel 202 of the midsole 200, help to stabilize the user's forefoot and heel.
[074] Figure 7E is a bottom view of the midsole 500. Instead of grooves, the lower surface of the midsole 700 includes a groove pattern similar to the channels between the raised portions on the upper surface of the midsole 700. These channels can be seen in Figure 7F, an upper side frontal perspective view of the midsole 700. The upper surface 705 of the midsole 700 includes a plurality of shoulder regions 707 separated by channels 708. The shoulder regions 707, which can have heights of approximately 1 millimeter , provide similar benefits to those of the shoulder regions 207 of the midsole 200. As with the midsole 200, the shoulder regions 707 of the midsole 700 and the protrusions 612 of the sole 610 are dimensioned so that they are approximately on the same scale. The upper surface 705 of the midsole 700 may also lack an upper fabric or other lining element.
[075] In some modalities, shoes having soles and / or midsoles such as those of shoes 100, 400 and 600, as well as shoes which have soles and / or midsoles according to other modalities, may have a leather as described in the Order United States Patent Commonly Assigned Serial Number 13/681842 (filed November 20, 2012 and entitled "Footwear Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component With Collar And Throat Portions"), Order which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[076] In some embodiments, only a few portions of a sole may include distinct ridges separated by gaps, with the thickness of the sole in these gaps being relatively thin. For example, some modalities may include a sole in which some or all of the forefoot region is similar to the forefoot region of sole 110, sole 410 or sole 610, but in which the heel region is substantially thicker and / or it lacks distinct protrusions.
[077] In some embodiments, a shoe may include a sole that is slightly thicker and / or that may include an additional midsole element. For example, a rubber sole may be attached to a relatively thin outer midsole formed of EVA or other compressible material, with this outer midsole, in turn, attached to a durable leather element. The outsole and outer midsole can still be relatively thin so as, for example, to allow individual overhangs to exert upward pressure independently of adjacent overhangs. In some of such embodiments, a removable internal midsole similar to the midsoles described above (for example, 200, 500 and / or 700 midsoles) may also be included.
[078] As indicated above, the upper 101 and the upper shown in other designs, the sole 110 and outs shown in other designs and the midsole 200 and midsoles shown in other designs are merely exemplary. There are a number of additional modalities in which a leather, sole and / or midsole may be functionally similar to a leather, sole or midsole as described here, but which may have a different visual appearance.
[079] The preceding description of the modalities has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit modalities of the present invention to the precise form described and modifications and variations are possible in the light of the teachings cited above or can be acquired from the practice of various modalities. The modalities discussed here were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and nature of various modalities and their practical application to allow those skilled in the art to use the present invention in various modalities and with various modifications, as appropriate for the specific use considered . Any and all combinations, subcombination and interchanges of characteristics of modalities described above are within the scope of the invention. With respect to claims directed at an appliance, a manufacturing article or some other physical component or combination of components, a reference in the claim to a potential or intended user or use of a component does not require the actual user or use of the component or the user's presence or use, as part of the claimed component or combination of components.

权利要求:
Claims (10)
[0001]
1. Footwear item CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a leather, the leather including an element of durability; a sole / outsole formed of a synthetic rubber material directly attached to an external face of the durability element, in which the sole comprises multiple distinct protrusions distributed across a lower outer surface of the sole in the forefoot, midfoot and heel region of the sole, each of the ridges having a width greater than approximately 10 mm (0.4 inches) or less, each of the ridges separated from the adjacent ridges by a gap region, and the sole having a thickness between about 0.5 mm and about 0.8 mm in the gap regions; and a compressible foam midsole contained within the upper, the midsole being non-destructively removable from the upper and resting on the durability element, wherein a lower part of the midsole comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves and a plurality of transverse grooves formed therein. , wherein at least one of the longitudinal grooves includes parts in the forefoot, midfoot and midsole regions, where the transverse grooves include a plurality of transverse grooves in the midsole heel region and a plurality of transverse grooves in the midfoot region of the midsole, and where a contoured upper surface of the midsole has a contour corresponding to a lower part of a user's foot, the contoured upper surface further comprising a plurality of raised regions distributed over the contoured upper surface and separated by channels, the raised regions having relative heights s to the surrounding channels of approximately 1 millimeter; and where the sole / outsole, the durability element and the midsole are configured so that, in response to an upward pressure located on one of the multiple distinct protrusions, the protrusion is able to move upwards while the adjacent protrusions are only minimally affected, the element of durability is deformable upwards in a region located above the projection, and a portion of the upper contoured surface of the midsole in the located region can be forced upwards.
[0002]
2. Footwear item, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the protrusions and the raised regions are dimensioned so that they are approximately on the same scale.
[0003]
3. Footwear article, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the average of the cross-sectional areas of the multiple distinct projections is within a range of 20% to 500% of an average of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of regions bouncing.
[0004]
4. Footwear article, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that an average of the cross sectional areas of the multiple distinct projections is within a range of 50% to 200% of an average of the cross sectional areas of the plurality of regions bouncing.
[0005]
5. Footwear article, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the projections and the raised regions are dimensioned so that a number of projections along a first transverse path that crosses the midsole in a transverse direction within a range of about 50% to about 200% of a number of raised regions located on a second transverse path that crosses the midsole and is directly above the first transverse path.
[0006]
6. Footwear item, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the upper contoured surface of the midsole lacks an upper fabric.
[0007]
7. Footwear article, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the upper contoured surface of the midsole lacks a lining.
[0008]
8. Footwear article according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the contoured upper surface consists essentially of an exposed foam material from which the midsole is formed.
[0009]
9. Footwear article according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the midsole comprises an articulated portion comprising the grooves and a comprehensive portion above the grooves, and in which the comprehensive portion has a thickness of approximately 3 millimeters in an insole region.
[0010]
10. Footwear article, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that a midsole thickness in a region configured to receive a portion of a user's forefoot has a thickness between about 3 and about 6 millimeters.

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同族专利:

公开号 | 公开日

JP2015536762A|2015-12-24|

AU2013356324B2|2017-03-09|

US20140150297A1|2014-06-05|

CA2892077C|2017-09-05|

ZA201503607B|2017-09-27|

HK1214096A1|2016-07-22|

US20180192737A1|2018-07-12|

CA2892077A1|2014-06-12|

EP2928336A1|2015-10-14|

MX362379B|2019-01-14|

CN105025746B|2018-11-02|

JP6126697B2|2017-05-10|

MX2015007118A|2016-03-07|

WO2014088956A1|2014-06-12|

US9943134B2|2018-04-17|

AU2013356324A1|2015-06-04|

KR101862913B1|2018-05-30|

US10925346B2|2021-02-23|

BR112015013053A2|2017-07-11|

KR20150089055A|2015-08-04|

CN105025746A|2015-11-04|

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法律状态:
2018-11-21| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

2020-04-14| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

2020-09-01| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

2020-11-03| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 02/12/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

US13/693,596|US9943134B2|2012-12-04|2012-12-04|Article of footwear|

US13/693,596|2012-12-04|

PCT/US2013/072637|WO2014088956A1|2012-12-04|2013-12-02|Article of footwear|

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