Sole Assembly For Article Of Footwear With Interlocking Members
An article of footwear includes a sole assembly with a rib that is resiliently flexible, and the rib has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The transverse axis extends at an acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib includes a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second longitudinal ends. A height of the first and/or second longitudinal end is greater than that of the middle portion. The rib is operable to axially support a first force applied substantially along the acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib transverse axis remains substantially straight in response to the first force. The rib resiliently bends about the rib longitudinal axis in response to a second force applied substantially normal to the ground surface to make the rib transverse axis non-linear.
This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 13/033,414, filed Feb. 23, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELDThe present disclosure relates to an article of footwear and, more particularly, relates to a sole assembly for an article of footwear that includes interlocking members.
BACKGROUNDArticles of footwear can include an upper and a sole assembly. The upper can include layers or sections of material that wrap about and cover a substantial portion of the wearer's foot and ankle. The upper can also include laces, straps, or the like for securing the footwear to the wearer's foot. The sole assembly can include an outsole and a midsole. The outsole can be a unitary piece of relatively high-friction material that provides traction. The midsole can include foam that is disposed between the outsole and the upper for providing cushioned support for the wearer.
However, there remains a need for an article of footwear that is more versatile such that the footwear provides adequate support during a wide variety of activities. Also, there remains a need for an article of footwear that can be comfortable enough to wear while walking and standing during long periods of time and that also provides a sufficiently stiff surface for pushing off while thrusting the foot forward. Furthermore, there remains a need for an article of footwear that provides sufficient stability in these various situations.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONExample embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In some aspects, an article of footwear for treading on a ground surface is disclosed. The footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly that is operably coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a rib that is resiliently flexible, and the rib has a rib longitudinal axis and a rib transverse axis. The rib transverse axis extends at an acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib includes a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second longitudinal ends. A height of at least one of the first and second longitudinal ends measured along the rib transverse axis is greater than that of the middle portion. The rib is operable to axially support a first force applied substantially along the acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib transverse axis remains substantially straight in response to the first force. The rib resiliently bends about the rib longitudinal axis in response to a second force applied substantially normal to the ground surface to make the rib transverse axis non-linear.
Also, an article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole assembly that is operably coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a resiliently flexible first member with a first base and a plurality of first ribs projecting generally inferiorly from the first base. Each first rib has a respective first rib longitudinal axis and a respective first rib transverse axis. At least one of the first rib transverse axes is disposed at an acute angle relative to the ground surface. Also, the sole assembly includes a resiliently flexible second member with a second base and a plurality of second ribs projecting generally superiorly from the second base. Each second rib has a respective second rib longitudinal axis and a respective second rib transverse axis. At least one of the second rib transverse axes is disposed substantially at the acute angle relative to the ground surface. Moreover, at least one of the second ribs includes a longitudinal end and a middle portion. A height of the longitudinal end measured along the respective second rib transverse axis is greater than that of the middle portion. Furthermore, at least some of the second ribs are received between respective pairs of the plurality of first ribs to axially support a first force applied substantially along the acute angle relative to the ground surface and to resiliently bend about the respective rib longitudinal axis in response to a second force applied generally normal to the ground surface. At least some of the second rib transverse axes remain substantially straight in response to the first force, and these second rib transverse axes are non-linear in response to the second force.
Still further, an article of footwear for treading on a ground surface having an anterior end, a posterior end, a lateral side, a medial side, and a footwear longitudinal axis is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole assembly that is operably coupled to the upper and the outsole. The midsole assembly includes a resiliently flexible first member with a first base and a plurality of first ribs integrally coupled to and projecting generally inferiorly from the first base. Each first rib has a respective first rib longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the footwear longitudinal axis. Each first rib also has a respective first rib transverse axis that extends at an acute angle relative to the ground surface. The midsole assembly further includes a resiliently flexible second member with a second base and a plurality of second ribs integrally coupled to and projecting generally superiorly from the second base. Each second rib has a respective second rib longitudinal axis and a respective second rib transverse axis that extends substantially at the acute angle relative to the ground surface. Each second rib has a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a middle portion between the first and second longitudinal ends. A height of the first and second longitudinal ends measured along the respective second rib transverse axis is greater than that of the respective middle portion. Also, the second base and the plurality of second ribs are more resistant to resilient deformation than the first base and the plurality of first ribs. The plurality of second ribs are alternatingly and interlockingly arranged in sequence with the plurality of first ribs from the anterior end to the posterior end to axially support a first force applied substantially along the acute angle relative to the ground surface and to resiliently bend about the respective rib longitudinal axis in response to a second force applied substantially normal to the ground surface. At least some of the second rib transverse axes remain substantially straight in response to the first force, and these second rib transverse axes are non-linear in response to the second force.
Referring to
As shown in
The article of footwear 10 can include an upper 16. The upper 16 can include one or more panels that are overlapped and interconnected to define a cavity 17 (
In addition, the article of footwear 10 can include a sole assembly 18 as shown in detail in
Generally, the outsole 20 can include one or more pieces of high-friction material, such as rubber, and can include various tread patterns, grooves, or other features for improving traction of the footwear 10. Also, the midsole assembly 22 can generally include a first member 24 (
Both the first and second members 24, 26 of the midsole assembly 22 can be made of or include resiliently flexible material, such as foam. In some embodiments, the first and second members 24, 26 can be made from different materials, and either of the members 24, 26 can be stiffer than the other. In other embodiments, the first and/or second members 24, 26 can include fluid-filled bladders that are resiliently deformable. As such, the first and second members 24, 26 can provide cushioned support for the foot 11.
The first and second members 24, 26 can be formed in any suitable fashion, such as molding processes. Also, in some embodiments, the members 24, 26 can be formed independently. In other embodiments, the members 24, 26 can be formed in a dual injection-molding method, wherein one of the members 24, 26 is formed first, then introduced into a mold, and then the other member 24, 26 is molded around the previously formed member 24, 26. (The dual injection-molding method of the members 24, 26 can be according to the teachings discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,467,484, issued Dec. 23, 2008, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/552,790, filed Sep. 2, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/552,778, filed Sep. 2, 2009, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0098797, published Apr. 22, 2010, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0287788, published Nov. 18, 2010, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.) In still other embodiments, the first and/or second members 24, 26 can be formed not by molding methods, but instead by removing (e.g., cutting) material from a blank of material.
The first member 24 will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to
As shown in
The ribs 30 can be integrally coupled to the base 28 so as to be monolithic; however, in other embodiments, the ribs 30 can be removably coupled to the base 28. In still other embodiments, the first member 24 can include one or more of the ribs 30, and the base 28 is not included.
Each rib 30 can be elongate so as to define a respective first rib longitudinal axis RL1 (
As shown in
As shown in
Still further, as shown in
The ribs 30 can be arranged sequentially and consecutively from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10. Thus, the first longitudinal axes RL1 can each be substantially parallel to each other, and the first transverse axes RT1 can each be substantially parallel to each other. However, it will be appreciated that the ribs 30 can be arranged in any suitable fashion. For instance, the ribs 30 can be arranged only on the forefoot area of the footwear 10 or on any other portion of the footwear 10.
The second member 26 will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to
As shown in
Moreover, the ribs 44 can be spaced apart at a distance in the anterior-posterior direction. As such, a groove 48 can be defined between respective pairs of the ribs 44. The groove 48 can be defined by a respective anterior surface 50, a respective posterior surface 52, and an interior surface 54 (
The ribs 44 can be integrally coupled to the base 40 so as to be monolithic; however, in other embodiments, the ribs 44 can be removably coupled to the base 40. In still other embodiments, the second member 26 can include one or more of the ribs 44, and the base 40 is not included.
Each rib 44 can be elongate so as to define a respective second rib longitudinal axis RL2 (
As shown in
As shown in
Still further, as shown in
Also, the height H2 of one or more second ribs 44 can vary across the respective rib longitudinal axis RT2 as shown in
The ribs 44 can be arranged sequentially and consecutively from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10. Thus, the second longitudinal axes RL2 can each be substantially parallel to each other, and the second transverse axes RT2 can each be substantially parallel to each other. However, it will be appreciated that the ribs 44 can be arranged in any suitable fashion. For instance, the ribs 44 can be arranged only on the forefoot area of the footwear 10 or on any other portion of the footwear 10.
Additionally, the second ribs 44 of the second member 26 can be interlocked or meshed with the first ribs 30 of the first member 24 as shown in
The first and second members 24, 26 can also be operably coupled (e.g., fixed) to each other in this interlocking relationship. For instance, in some embodiments, the first and second members 24, 26 can be coupled together via an adhesive or through some other manner. In other embodiments, the first and second members 24, 26 can be held together through surface friction without the addition of adhesives or other securing means.
Because of the different surface contours, raised surfaces, and other shapes of the first and second members 24, 26, the midsole assembly 22 can closely conform to the anatomy of the foot 11 for added comfort. For instance, the raised superior peripheral edge 31 can extend continuously about the foot 11 to help center the foot 11 toward the longitudinal axis X (
Moreover, the first and second members 24, 26 can have different respective resistances to resilient deformation. For instance, the second member 26 can be more resistant to resilient deformation than the first member 24. Specifically, the second member 26 can be stiffer, can have a higher durometer, can be less easily compressible, etc. as compared to the first member 24. Also, in some embodiments, different portions of the second member 26 can have different respective durometers, etc. Likewise, in some embodiments, different portions of the first member 24 can have different respective durometers, etc.
Thus, operation of the midsole assembly 22 will be discussed in reference to
Also as shown in
It will be appreciated that the ribs 30, 44 and the first and second members 26, 28 can be adapted in various ways. For instance, the ribs 30, 44 can extend longitudinally in the anterior-posterior direction such that the ribs 30, 44 are stiffer during lateral movement of the wearer.
In summary, the footwear 10 described above can be very comfortable to wear in various situations because the midsole assembly can compress a significant amount while standing, walking slowly, and the like. However, the midsole assembly can be stiffer and less compressible in other situations, such as sprinting forward such that the midsole assembly provides for higher acceleration of the wearer. Moreover, the contoured surfaces of the midsole assembly can help center the foot 11 within the footwear 10 for added stability, comfort, and performance during these various types of use.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An article of footwear having a forefoot region and a heel region comprising:
- an upper; and
- a sole assembly that defines a ground engaging surface and that is attached to the upper, wherein the sole assembly includes: a first member that is unitary and that includes a first base and a plurality of first ribs, the first ribs depending from the first base toward the ground engaging surface, the first ribs being disposed in the forefoot region; and a second member that is unitary and that includes a second base and a plurality of second ribs, the second base being proximate the ground engaging surface, the second ribs extending from the second base away from the ground engaging surface, the second ribs being disposed in the forefoot region;
- wherein the first member and the second member are interlocked such that the at least some of the plurality of first ribs are received between respective pairs of the second ribs;
- wherein the first ribs depend from the first base at a first acute angle relative to the ground engaging surface;
- wherein the second ribs extend from the second base at a second acute angle relative to the ground engaging surface; and
- wherein the first member has a different resistance to compression than the second member.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the second member is more resistant to compression than the first member.
3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first acute angle is substantially equal to the second acute angle.
4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first base extends continuously from the forefoot region, across a midfoot region, to the heel region;
- wherein the plurality of first ribs include first forefoot ribs disposed in the forefoot region, first midfoot ribs disposed in the midfoot region, and first heel ribs disposed in the heel region;
- wherein the second base extends continuously from the forefoot region, across the midfoot region, to the heel region;
- wherein the plurality of second ribs include second forefoot ribs disposed in the forefoot region, second midfoot ribs disposed in the midfoot region, and second heel ribs disposed in the heel region; and
- wherein the plurality of first ribs and the plurality of second ribs are interlocked in an alternating arrangement from the forefoot region, across the midfoot region, to the heel region.
5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the article of footwear further includes a medial side and a lateral side; and
- wherein at least one of the plurality of first ribs extends continuously from the medial side to the lateral side; and
- wherein at least one of the plurality of second ribs extends continuously from the medial side to the lateral side.
6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the at least one of the plurality of first ribs is exposed on the medial side and the lateral side; and
- wherein the at least one of the plurality of second ribs is exposed on the medial side and the lateral side.
7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second ribs each include a first longitudinal end disposed proximate a medial side of the article of footwear, a second longitudinal end disposed proximate a lateral side of the article of footwear, and a middle portion that is disposed between the first and second longitudinal ends,
- wherein at least one of the plurality of second ribs has a height measured from the second base to a superior surface of the at least one second rib; and
- wherein the height varies between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end.
8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the height is greater at the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end as compared to the middle portion.
9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first ribs each include a first front surface and a first rear surface, wherein the first front surfaces generally face an anterior end of the article of footwear, wherein the first rear surfaces generally face a posterior end of the article of footwear;
- wherein the second ribs each include a second front surface and a second rear surface, wherein the second front surfaces generally face the anterior end, wherein the second rear surfaces generally face the posterior end, wherein the first front surfaces abut against respective ones of the second rear surfaces, and wherein the second front surfaces abut against respective ones of the first rear surfaces.
10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second ribs includes a base end attached to the second base and a superior end, wherein the base end and the superior end are opposite each other;
- wherein the at least one of the second ribs includes a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the front surface and the rear surface both extend from the base end to the superior end;
- wherein the at least one of the second ribs has a first width measured between the front surface and the rear surface proximate the base end;
- wherein the at least one of the second ribs has a second width measured between the front surface and the rear surface proximate the superior end; and
- wherein the first width is greater than the second width.
11. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first base includes a superior surface;
- wherein the superior surface includes a peripheral edge that encircles a central area of the superior surface; and
- wherein the peripheral edge is raised with respect to the central area.
12. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole assembly further includes an outsole that defines the ground engaging surface;
- wherein the second ribs extend from a superior surface of the second base; and
- wherein the outsole is attached to an inferior surface of the second base, the inferior surface facing the ground engaging surface, and the superior surface facing away from the ground engaging surface.
13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole assembly includes an anterior end and a posterior end;
- wherein at least one of the second ribs includes a base end attached to the second base and a superior end, wherein the base end and the superior end are opposite each other; and
- wherein the at least one of the second ribs extends from the second base such that the superior end is directed generally toward the anterior end of the sole assembly.
14. An article of footwear having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, a heel region, a medial side, and a lateral side comprising:
- an upper;
- an outsole that defines a ground engaging surface of the footwear; and
- a resiliently compressible midsole disposed between the upper and the outsole, the midsole including: a first member that is unitary and that includes a first base and a plurality of first ribs; and a second member that is unitary and that includes a second base and a plurality of second ribs; wherein the first ribs depend from the first base toward the ground engaging surface, wherein the first ribs extend continuously from the medial side to the lateral side, and wherein some of the first ribs are disposed in the forefoot region, others of the first ribs are disposed in the midfoot region, and others of the first ribs are disposed in the heel region; wherein the second base is proximate the ground engaging surface, wherein the second ribs extend from the second base away from the ground engaging surface, wherein the second ribs extend continuously from the medial side to the lateral side, and wherein some of the second ribs are disposed in the forefoot region, others of the second ribs are disposed in the midfoot region, and others of the second ribs are disposed in the heel region; wherein the first and second ribs extend at an acute angle relative to the ground engaging surface; wherein the first member and the second member are interlocked such that at least some of the plurality of first ribs are received between respective pairs of the second ribs; and wherein the first member has a different resistance to compression than the second member.
15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the second member is more resistant to compression than the first member.
16. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of first ribs is exposed on the medial side and the lateral side; and
- wherein at least one of the plurality of second ribs is exposed on the medial side and the lateral side.
17. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the plurality of second ribs each include a first longitudinal end disposed proximate a medial side of the article of footwear, a second longitudinal end disposed proximate a lateral side of the article of footwear, and a middle portion that is disposed between the first and second longitudinal ends,
- wherein at least one of the plurality of second ribs has a height measured from the second base to a superior surface of the at least one second rib; and
- wherein the height varies between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end.
18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the height is greater at the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end as compared to the middle portion.
19. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the first ribs each include a first front surface and a first rear surface, wherein the first front surfaces generally face an anterior end of the article of footwear, wherein the first rear surfaces generally face a posterior end of the article of footwear;
- wherein the second ribs each include a second front surface and a second rear surface, wherein the second front surfaces generally face the anterior end, wherein the second rear surfaces generally face the posterior end, wherein the first front surfaces abut against respective ones of the second rear surfaces, and wherein the second front surfaces abut against respective ones of the first rear surfaces.
20. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein at least one of the second ribs includes a base end attached to the second base and a superior end, wherein the base end and the superior end are opposite each other;
- wherein the at least one of the second ribs includes a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the front surface and the rear surface both extend from the base end to the superior end;
- wherein the at least one of the second ribs has a first width measured between the front surface and the rear surface proximate the base end;
- wherein the at least one of the second ribs has a second width measured between the front surface and the rear surface proximate the superior end; and
- wherein the first width is greater than the second width.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 7, 2014
Publication Date: Apr 16, 2015
Inventors: Petre Gheorghian (Portland, OR), Martine I.V. Mientjes (Beaverton, OR), Erez Morag (Lake Oswego, OR), Matthew A. Nurse (Lake Oswego, OR)
Application Number: 14/536,290
International Classification: A43B 13/22 (20060101); A43B 13/18 (20060101);