Multi-Rubber Outsole

Abstract

A sole is provided having multiple levels of hardnesses. Different levels of hardness may be provided at various locations of the sole. Varying levels of hardness may be provided to, among other things, accommodate varying levels of wear, tear, abrasion, and force experienced at different locations of the sole. Additionally, the sole may have multiple traction structures. Traction structures may be strategically located on the sole in order to, among other things, provide varying levels and orientations of traction to a wearer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a shoe having an outsole with various regions of hardnesses and traction structures.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential elements of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The present invention is defined by the claims.

At a high level, an outsole may be provided that has various characteristics that are strategically located along the outsole. It is contemplated that an outsole may have varying regions of hardness. Varying hardnesses may, among other things, allow for additional durability and traction to be provided to a wearer at strategic locations of the outsole. Additionally, aspects may relate to an outsole having multiple traction structures. Different traction structures may provide, among other things, varying levels of traction and orientations of tractions. Traction structures may be placed at strategic locations to provide strategic level and orientations of traction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a shoe having an upper and an outsole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 2 provides a plan view of a bottom of an outsole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 3 provides a plan view of the bottom of the outsole having multiple regions, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with a first portion of a first region of a sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with a second portion of the first region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with a first portion of a second region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with the first portion of the second region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with the first portion of the second region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with a second portion of the second region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with the second portion and a fourth portion of the second region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with a third portion of the second region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 12 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with a third portion of the second region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with the fourth portion of the second region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of traction structures associated with a third region of the sole, in accordance with aspects described herein; and

FIG. 15 provides a perspective view of articulation joints, in accordance with aspects described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to an outsole having various regions of hardnesses and traction structures. Levels of hardness and traction structures may be strategically located in order to address various levels of wear, tear, abrasion, and force, experienced at various locations of a sole.

Accordingly, at least one aspect relates to an outsole having multiple hardnesses. It is contemplated that the outsole comprises a top surface, an opposite bottom surface, a toe end, an opposite heel end, a midfoot area extending between the toe end and the heel end, a lateral side, and an opposite medial side. The outsole comprises a first region that extends from the toe end and has two portions, a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of first region extends from the medial side to the lateral side proximate to the toe end, and extends toward the heel end to a first transition. The second portion of the first region extends from the first transition toward the heel end along the medial side and extends toward the lateral side to a second transition. The outsole also comprises a second region and a third region. The second region extends toward the heel end from the first transition to a third transition, and extends from the lateral side toward the medial side. The third region extends toward the heel end from the third transition and extends from the medial side to the lateral side. The first region and the third region have hardnesses greater than the second region.

Another aspect relates to an outsole having multiple hardnesses. It is contemplated that the outsole comprises a top surface, an opposite bottom surface, a toe end, an opposite heel end, a midfoot region extending between the toe end and the heel end, a lateral side, and an opposite medial side. The outsole comprises a first region that extends from the toe end and has two portions; a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the first region extends from the medial side to the lateral side proximate to the toe end, and extends toward the heel end to a first transition. The second portion of the first region extends from the first transition toward the heel end along the medial side and extends toward the lateral side to a second transition. The outsole also comprises a second region and a third region. The second region extends toward the heel end from the first transition to a third transition, and extends from the lateral side toward the medial side. The second region has a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion of the second region extends from the first transition toward the heel end to the third transition, and extends from the lateral side toward the medial side to a fifth transition. The second portion of the second region extends from the first transition toward the heel end to the fourth transition, and extends from the fifth transition toward the medial side to the second transition. The third portion of the second region extends from the fourth transition toward the heel end to a sixth transition and extends from the medial side to the fifth transition. The fourth portion of the second region extends from the sixth transition toward the heel end to the third transition, and extends from the fifth transition to the medial side. The third region extends toward the heel end from the third transition and extends from the medial side to the lateral side. The first region and the third region have hardnesses greater than the second region.

The article of footwear disclosed herein has a general configuration suitable for various activities such as walking, running, jumping, and the like. An article of footwear may take on various forms in order to provide support to a wearer when performing the various activities. Exemplary articles of footwear may include athletic shoes, sandals, dress shoes, boots, loafers, and the like. The term “boot” may be used herein for simplicity, in reference to aspects of the articles of footwear. However, concepts described herein may be applied to a variety of other types of footwear. Additionally, as used herein, the term “toward” may refer to a direction while the term “to” may refer to a location. For example, a first region that extends toward a medial side of a boot may be understood as extending in a direction of the medial side and may or may not arrive at the medial side. Whereas a first region that extends to a medial side of a boot may be understood as extending in a direction of the medial side and arriving at the medial side.

An exemplary boot 100 is depicted in FIG. 1. In accordance with aspects herein, boot 100 may include an upper 110 and a sole 120. For reference purposes, boot 100 may have a toe end 130, a midfoot area 132, and a heel end 134. Toe end 130 is proximate to portions of boot 100 that correspond with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges of a foot of a wearer, in the as-worn position. For reference purposes, the as-worn position refers to a position of the foot of the wearer when the wearer dons boot 100. Midfoot area 132 generally includes portions of boot 100 corresponding with middle portions of the foot including, at least, the cuboid, navicular, medial cuniform, intermediate cuniform and lateral cuniform bones of the foot of the wearer, in the as-worn position. Heel end 134 is opposite toe end 130 and is proximate to portions of boot 100 that correspond with the heel of the foot, including the calcaneus bone of the foot of the wearer in the as-worn position. Boot 100 may also include a lateral side 136 and a medial side 138. More particularly, lateral side 136 corresponds with an outside area of the foot (i.e. the surface that faces away from the other foot), and medial side 138 corresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e the surface that faces toward the other foot). Areas 130, 132, and 134 and sides 136 and 138 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of boot 100. Rather, regions 130, 132, and 134, and sides 136 and 138 are intended to represent general areas of boot 100 to aid in the following discussion.

Upper 110 defines a void within boot 100 for receiving and securing a foot relative to sole structure 120. The void may be shaped to accommodate the foot and extends along the lateral side of the foot, along the medial side of the foot, over the foot, around the heel, and may extend under the foot. Access to the void may be provided by an ankle opening 112 located near a top portion of upper 110, in the as-worn position. Various portions of upper 110 may be made from a plurality of elements, including textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather, and the like, that may be joined together or seamlessly formed (e.g. woven or knit) to provide the void within boot 100.

Sole 120 attenuates ground reaction forces and absorbs energy as boot 100 contacts the ground. In some aspects, portions of sole 120 may be strategically configured to have various amounts of durability and/or traction. As will be discussed further herein, various amounts of resilience, durability, and/or traction of sole 120 may be based on levels of wear, tear, and force experienced by portion of sole 120. Sole 120 includes both a midsole 122 and an outsole 124. However, not all soles may have a midsole and/or an outsole. It is contemplated that midsole 122 is positioned between upper 110 and outsole 124. Midsole 122 serves a variety of purposes that include controlling foot motions, such as pronation, and shielding the foot from substantial ground reaction forces. Midsole 122 may be formed from a variety of materials, such as a polymer foam material. Outsole 124 forms the ground-contacting element of boot 100. It is contemplated that outsole 124 may be fashioned from durable, wear resistant materials that may include texturing to improve traction. Outsole 124 may be formed from a single or a plurality of elements that are joined together. Suitable materials for outsole 124 include various abrasion-resistant materials. For instance, outsole 124 may be formed from natural and/or synthetic rubber, polymers, leather, foams, and the like. Outsole 124 may have a top surface 140 that faces a bottom of the foot of the wearer of boot 100 when in the as-worn position. Outsole may also have a bottom surface 142 that is opposite the top surface and that faces the ground when in the as-worn position.

Turning to FIG. 2, a bottom view of a bottom surface 142 of a sole 200 is provided, in accordance with aspects provided herein. Sole 200 may be similar to sole 120 of boot 100. Sole 200 has toe end 130, midfoot area 132, heel end 134, lateral side 136, and medial side 138, similar to that of boot 100 of FIG. 1. Sole 200 may have multiple regions with varying characteristics to achieve desired functionality of sole 200. Characteristics of sole 200 may include a grade of hardness, traction structures, tread styles, articulation joints, transitions, and the like.

As will be discussed further herein, sole 200 may have at least three regions, such as a first region 210, a second region 212, and a third region 214. First region 210 may be located near toe end 130, third region 214 may be located near heel end 134, and second region 212 may be located between first region 210 and third region 214 near midfoot area 132. It is contemplated that sole 200 may have multiple hardnesses at strategic locations. For instance, first region 210 may have a hardness that is different from a hardness of second region 212. In another instance, third region may have a hardness that is the same as hardness of first region 210 and different from the hardness of second region 212.

Additionally, as will be discussed further herein, sole 200 may have various traction structures and tread styles. Sole 200 may have multiple traction structures 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, and 246, and articulation joints 248, as discussed in relation to FIGS. 4-15. A combination of the various traction structures in each region may form various tread styles. Traction structures may be strategically located along various places of sole 200 in order to provide effective traction and support to a wearer. While bottom surface 142 of a sole 200 is illustrated as having specific traction structures at specific locations, it is contemplated that traction structures may be interchanged among various locations of bottom surface 142. Additionally, traction structures of various shapes may be interchanged with the illustrated traction structures. For instance, a traction structure having a similar hardness but a different shape may be interchanged with traction structures illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary illustration of various regions of sole 200. As indicated above, sole 200 may have first region 210, second region 212, and third region 214. Additionally, sole 200 may have a first transition 250, a second transition 252, a third transition 254, a fourth transition 256, a fifth transition 258, and a sixth transition 260. As will be described further herein, a transition may be any change in characteristics, such as a change in hardness, traction structure, and/or tread style and the like. Described further herein, each region may have specific characteristics that are designed to accommodate, among other things, wear, tear, and abrasion specific to each region. For instance, third region 214 may have a hardness greater than a hardness of second region 212 in order to accommodate greater wear and tear that third region 214 may experience. The characteristics for each region may include a hardness, a traction structure, a tread style, and the like. However, it is contemplated that there may be additional characteristics, such as a type of material, that a region may have and that may assist a region in providing durability, resilience, and the like.

For purposes of further discussion herein, generally, a front area of a foot of a wearer that is associated with the metatarsals and phalanges may facilitate a forward motion and/or a motion that a wearer intends to go, in the as-worn position. A back area of the foot of the wearer that is behind the metatarsals in the heel end direction may facilitate a stopping motion and/or a motion opposite a direction the wearer may be going, in the as-worn position. As such, traction structures that correspond with the front area of the foot of a wearer may be oriented to assist in, among other things, facilitating the forward motion of the foot of the wearer. Traction structures that correspond with the back area of the foot of the wearer may be oriented to assist in, among other things, the stopping motion of the foot of the wearer.

As will be discussed further herein, a traction structure may comprise an engaging face, a ground face, and a transfer face. A percentage of a traction structure comprised by each face may correspond to an amount of traction provided by the traction structure. For instance, in some aspects, a first traction structure that has a first ground face that comprises a larger percentage of the first traction structure than a first engaging face and/or a first transfer face, may not provide as much traction as a second traction structure that has a second ground face that comprises a smaller percentage of the second traction structure than a second engaging face and/or a second transfer face. Said another way, in some aspects, a first traction structure that has a first engaging face and/or a first transfer face that comprises a larger percentage of the first traction structure than a first ground face, may provide more traction than a second traction structure that has a second engaging face and/or a second transfer face that comprises a smaller percentage of the second traction structure than a second ground face of the second traction structure.

Turning now to first region 210 of FIG. 3. First region 210 may be located near toe end 130 of sole 200. First region 210 may have a first portion 221 and a second portion 222. First portion 221 of first region 210 may be located proximate toe end 130 and extend toward heel end 134 to first transition 250. First portion 221 of first region 210 may extend from medial side 138 to lateral side 136. Second portion 222 of first region 210 may be located near toe end 130 and extend from first transition 250 along medial side 138 toward heel end 134 to fourth transition 256. Second portion 222 of first region 210 may extend from medial side 138 toward lateral side 136 to second transition 252. First portion 221 of first region 210 may comprise between five percent and 20 percent of a surface of an outsole to achieve durability and traction desired by a wearer of sole 200. Additionally, in some aspects, first portion 221 of first region 210 may be configured to correspond to the phalanges of a foot of a wearer in the as-worn position. Particularly, it is contemplated that in specific aspects, first transition 250 corresponds to an area proximate to the phalanges of a foot of a wearer, in the as-worn position, such that first portion 221 of first region 210 may extend from toe end 130 toward heel end 134 far enough to correspond to the phalanges, but not far enough to correspond to the metatarsals of the foot of the wearer in the as-worn position.

Generally, a toe end and a proximate medial side of an article of footwear may experience additional wear, tear, and/or abrasion, as a wearer may use the toe end to, for instance, initiate a movement. For example, a wearer may start walking or jump off from a place of rest. As first region 210 is located near toe end 130, additional durability and resilience may be necessary for first region 210 to accommodate the additional wear, tear, and/or abrasion experienced by the toe end and proximate medial side. First region 210 may be configured to provide, among other things, additional durability and resilience by having a specific hardness. In some aspects, first region 210 may have a durometer in the range of 68-72. Additionally, first region 210 may have a hardness that is greater than a hardness of second region 212. For instance, first region 210 may have a durometer in the range of 68-72 Shore A, while second region 212 may have a durometer in the range of 48-54 Shore A, for example.

First region 210 may have traction structures and tread styles that assist first region 210 in, among other things, providing additional durability and abrasion resistance. Turning to FIG. 2, traction structure 230 is illustrated. Traction structure 230 is located proximate toe end 130, runs from medial side 138 to lateral side 136, and is located in first portion 221 of first region 210. Turning briefly to FIG. 4, a further illustration of traction structure 230 is provided, in accordance with aspects provided herein. For illustration purposes, a dotted line is provided to show a plane 401 which is approximately parallel to a bottom surface of a foot of a wearer. Traction structure 230 has geometrical characteristics of a ridge and valley structure that include an engaging face 410, a ground face 412, and a transfer face 414. Engaging face 410 may be approximately perpendicular to plane 401. In the as-worn position, engaging face 410 may receive a substantial amount of a force applied to traction structure 230 when a wearer, for instance, initiates movement causing the sole 200 and traction structure 230 to make contact with the ground. Ground face 412 may be substantially parallel to plane 401 and may make substantial contact with the ground, in the as-worn position. Transfer face 414 may be at a non-perpendicular angle to plane 401. In the as-worn position, transfer face 414 may receive a portion of force applied to traction structure 230 and transfer such force to various portions of an outsole. Traction structure 230 may be able to aptly provide traction to a wearer initiating movement by orienting engaging face 410 toward heel end 134 of sole 200 and orienting transfer face 414 toward toe end 130 of 200. By orienting engaging face 410 toward heel end 134, engaging face 410 may be positioned to properly receive the substantial amount of the force applied to traction structure 230 when the wearer, among other things, initiates movement.

Additionally, as the toe end may receive additional force as compared to other portions of a footwear item, a traction structure located near a toe end may require a structure that can withstand the additional force and be able to provide traction to accommodate this additional force. Traction structure 230 may be designed to, among other things, withstand and accommodate the additional force that may be applied near a toe end by having the engaging face 410 and transfer face 414 comprise a larger percentage of traction structure 230 than ground face 412.

Turning back to FIG. 2, traction structure 231 is provided. Traction structure 231 may extend from first transition 250 toward heel end 134, from medial side 138 toward lateral side 136 to second transition 252, and is located in second portion 222 of first region 210. Turning briefly to FIG. 5, a further illustration of traction structure 231 is provided, in accordance with aspects herein. Similar to FIG. 4, for illustration purposes, a dotted line is provided to show a plane 501 which is substantially parallel to a bottom of a foot of a wearer. Traction structure 231 has geometrical characteristics that are similar to traction structure 230, such as an engaging face 510, a ground face 512, and a transfer face 514. Engaging face 510 may be perpendicular to plane 501. In the as-worn position, engaging face 510 may receive a majority of a force applied to traction structure 231 when a wearer, for instance, initiates movement. Ground face 512 may be substantially parallel to plane 501 and may make substantial contact with the ground, in the as-worn position. Transfer face 514 may be at a non-perpendicular angle to plane 501. In the as-worn position, transfer face 514 may receive a substantial amount of force that may be applied to traction structure 231 when sole 200 and traction structure 231 make contact with the ground and transfer such force to various portions of an outsole. Traction structure may be able to aptly provide traction to a wearer initiating movement by orienting engaging face 510 toward heel end 134 of sole 200 of FIG. 2, and orienting transfer face 514 toward toe end 130 of 200 of FIG. 2. By orienting engaging face 510 toward heel end 134, engaging face 510 may be positioned to properly receive the substantial amount of force applied to traction structure 231 when the wearer, among other things, initiates movement.

Additionally, as the toe end and proximate medial side may receive additional force as compared to other portions of a footwear item, a traction structure located near a toe end may require a structure that can withstand the additional force and be able to provide traction to accommodate this additional force. Traction structure 231 is designed to, among other things, withstand and accommodate the additional force that may be applied near a toe end by having the engaging face 510 and transfer face 514 comprise a larger percentage of traction structure 231. Engaging face 510 and/or transfer face 514 may comprise a majority of the surface area of traction structure 231 such that the majority of traction structure 231 may be directed toward providing traction to a wearer.

In some aspects, traction structure 230 and traction structure 231 may be referred to as tread style 261. As such, first region may be referred to having tread style 261 where traction structure 230 may be located in first portion 221 and traction structure 231 may be located in second portion 222.

Turning back to FIG. 3, second region 212 may be located between first region 210 and third region 214 extending from first transition 250 to third transition 254. Second region 212 may extend from lateral side 136 toward medial side 138. Second region may have a first portion 223, a second portion 224, a third portion 225, and a fourth portion 226. First portion 223 of second region 212 may extend from first transition 250 toward heel end 134 to third transition 254, and from lateral side 136 toward medial side 138 to fifth transition 258. Second portion 224 of second region 212 may extend from first transition 250 toward heel end 134 to fourth transition 256 and from fifth transition 258, toward medial side 138 to second transition 252. Third portion 225 of second region 212 may extend from fourth transition 256 toward heel end 134 to third transition 254, and from medial side 138 toward lateral side 136 to fifth transition 258. Fourth portion 226 of second region 212 may extend from sixth transition 260 toward heel end 134 to third transition 254, and from fifth transition 258 to medial side 138.

Second region 212 may have characteristics that are different from first region 210 and/or third region 214. Generally, a midfoot area of a footwear item may experience more frequent contact with the surface of the ground than a toe end or a heel end. Providing a midfoot area of a footwear item that is capable of gripping the surface of the ground may increase the traction provided to a wearer. As the second region 212 is located in the midfoot area, the second region may be softer, have a greater coefficient of friction, and/or a lesser durometer than first region 210 and/or third region 214. In some aspects, second region 212 may have a durometer in the range of 48-54 Shore A. Additionally, third region 214 may have a hardness that is greater than a hardness of second region 212. For instance, third region may have a durometer in the range of 68-72 Shore A, while second region 212 may have a durometer in the range of 48-54 Shore A, for example.

Each portion of second region 212 may have a tread style and various traction structures. Tread styles and traction structures described herein may be designed and oriented to assist various motions of a foot of a wearer. Turning briefly to FIG. 3, first portion 223 of second region 212 may have traction structures 236, 240, and 242, as shown in FIG. 2. A combination of traction structures 236, 240, and 242 may be referred to as tread style 262. Tread style 262 may run from first transition 250 toward heel end 134 to third transition 254. Turning to FIGS. 6-8, traction structures 236, 240, and 242 are further illustrated. Traction structure 236 may have a variety of geometrical characteristics including, an engaging face 610, a ground face 612, and a transfer face 614. Similar to FIG. 4, for reference purposes, a dotted line is provided to illustrate a plane 601 that may be parallel to the bottom of the foot of the wearer. Engaging face 610 may be approximately perpendicular to plane 601. Ground face 612 may be substantially parallel to plane 601 and may make substantial contact with the ground, in the as-worn position. Transfer face 614 may be at a non-perpendicular angle to plane 601.

Traction structure 236, as compared to traction structure 230, may have a ground face 612 that comprises a larger percentage of traction structure 236 than the ground face 412 of traction structure 230. Traction structure 236 may correspond to a lateral side of the metarsals of a foot of a wearer in the as-worn position and as such, may be used to facilitate a forward motion of the wearer. In order to provide traction for a forward motion of the wearer, traction structure 236 may be oriented such that engaging face 610 may face heel end 134 of sole 200 of FIG. 2 and transfer face 614 may face toe end 130 of sole 200 of FIG. 2.

Turning to FIG. 7, traction structure 240 is provided. Traction structure 240 may have a variety of geometrical characteristics including a heel end face 710, ground face 712, and a toe end face 714. Heel end face 710 and toe end face 714 may be perpendicular to plane 701. Ground face 712 may be substantially parallel to plane 701 and may make substantial contact with the ground, in the as-worn position. Traction structure 240 may correspond to an area proximate the cuboid bone that is between the metatarsals and calcaneus bone of a foot of a wearer in the as-worn position. As such, traction structure 240 may assist in both a forward and a stopping motion of a foot of a wearer. In some aspects, the ground face 712 may comprise the majority of a surface area of traction structure 240. Similar to FIG. 4, for illustration purposes, a dotted line is provided to show a plane 701 which is substantially parallel to the bottom of the foot of the wearer.

Turning to FIG. 8, traction structure 242 is provided. Traction structure 242 may have a variety of geometrical characteristics including, an engaging face 810, a ground face 812, and a transfer face 814. Traction structure 242, as compared to traction structure 230, may have a ground face 812 that comprises a larger percentage of traction structure 242 than the ground face 412 of traction structure 230. Similar to FIG. 4, for reference purposes, a dotted line is provided to illustrate a plane 801 that may be parallel to the bottom of the foot of the wearer. Engaging face 810 may be approximately perpendicular to plane 801. Ground face 812 may be substantially parallel to plane 801 and may make substantial contact with the ground, in the as-worn position. Transfer face 814 may be at a non-perpendicular angle to plane 801.

Traction structure 242 may correspond to a lateral side of a foot of a wearer and may be proximate to an area near the calcaneus bone of the foot of the wearer in the as-worn position. As traction structure 242 is located behind the metatarsals toward the heel end of the foot of the wearer, traction structure 242 may be used to assist the wearer in a stopping motion. In order to provide traction for a stopping motion of the wearer, traction structure 242 may be oriented such that engaging face 810 may face toe end of sole 200 of FIG. 2 and transfer face 814 may face heel end 134 of sole 200 of FIG. 2.

Turning back to FIG. 2, traction structures and tread styles for second portion 224 of second region 212 will be discussed. Traction structures 232 and 234 may be located in second portion 224 of second region 212. A tread style 264 may be referred to as comprising traction structures 232 and 234. Tread style 264 runs from first transition 250 toward heel end 134 to fourth transition 256 of sole 200 and from second transition 252 toward lateral side 136 to fifth transition 258.

Turning to FIGS. 9 and 10, traction structures 232 and 234 are further illustrated. Traction structure 232 comprises a variety of geometrical characteristics including, a first engaging face 910, a second engaging face 911, a ground face 912, and a transfer face 914. Similar to FIG. 4, for reference purposes, a dotted line is provided to illustrate a plane 901 that may be parallel to the bottom of the foot of the wearer. First engaging face 910 and second engaging face 911 may be approximately perpendicular to plane 901. Ground face 912 may be substantially parallel to plane 901 and may make substantial contact with the ground, in the as-worn position. Transfer face 914 may be at a non-perpendicular angle to plane 901.

In some aspects, traction structure 232, as compared to traction structure 230, may have a ground face 912 that comprises a larger percentage of traction structure 232 than the ground face 412 of traction structure 230. In additional aspects, traction structure 232, as compared to traction structure 236, may have a ground face 912 that comprises a smaller percentage of traction structure 232 that the ground face 612 of traction structure 236. The percentage of a surface area comprised by ground face 912 of traction structure 232 in comparison to traction structures 230 and 236, for example, may correspond to the amount of traction provided by each traction structure. In further aspects, traction structure 232 may have a smaller ground face 912 than the ground face 612 of traction structure 236.

Traction structure 232 may correspond to the metarsals of a foot of a wearer in the as-worn position and as such, may be used to facilitate a forward motion of the wearer. In order to provide traction for a forward motion of the wearer, traction structure 232 may be oriented such that first engaging face 910 and second engaging face 911 may be directed toward heel end 134 of sole 200 of FIG. 2 and transfer face 914 may face toe end 130 of sole 200 of FIG. 2.

Turning to FIG. 10, traction structure 234 comprises a variety of geometrical characteristics including, a first face 1010, a second face 1012, and a third face 1014. First face 1010 may be oriented toward toe end 130 and medial side 138, second face 1012 may be oriented toward lateral side 136, and third face 1014 may be oriented toward heel end 134 and medial side 138. First face 1010, second face 1012, and third face 1014 may be configured to into a triangular shape that protrudes outwardly away from the bottom of the foot of the wearer to form a point.

Turning back to FIG. 2, traction structures and tread styles for third portion 225 of second region 212 will be discussed. Traction structures 238 and 239 may be located in third portion 225 of second region 212. A tread style 266 may be referred to as comprising traction structures 238 and 239. Tread style 266 runs from fourth transition 256 toward heel end 134 to sixth transition 260 of sole 200 and from medial side 138 toward lateral side 136 to fifth transition 258. Particularly, traction structures 238 and 239 are located proximate an arch area of a foot of a wearer in the as-worn position, in an exemplary aspect.

Traction structures 238 and 239 are further illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Traction structure 238 comprises a variety of geometrical characteristics including a first face 1110, a second face 1112, a third face 1114, and a fourth face 1116. First face 1110 may be oriented toward heel end 134 and lateral side 136. Second face 1112 may be oriented toward heel end 134 and medial side 138. Third face 1114 may be oriented toward toe end 130 and medial side 138, and fourth face 1116 may be oriented toward toe end 130 and lateral side 136. First face 1110, second face 1112, third face 1114, and fourth face 1116 may be configured in a triangular shape that protrudes outwardly away from the bottom of a foot of a wearer to form a point. Traction structures 238 may assist a wearer in gripping items when performing certain activities. For instance, traction structures 238 may assist the wearer in gripping a rope when climbing up or going down the rope.

Traction structure 239 comprises a variety of geometrical characteristics including a first side 1210, a second side 1212, a third side 1214, and a face 1216. First side 1210 may be oriented toward medial side 138, second side 1212 may be oriented toward toe end 130 and lateral side 136, and third side 1216 may be oriented heel end 134 and lateral side 136. Face 1216 may be parallel to the bottom of a foot of a wearer.

In some aspects, a plurality of traction structures 238 may surround traction structure 239 on the second side 1212 and third side 1214 of traction structure 239. Further, in some aspects, traction structure 239 may be located at a highest position of an arch of a foot of the wearer in the as-worn position. Positioning traction structure 239 at the highest point of the arch may, among other things, allow a wearer to effectively grip an item and hold such item close to the foot of the wearer. For instance, in gripping a rope, the plurality of traction structures 238 surrounding traction structure 239 may grip the rope while the flatness of face 1216 may allow the rope to be pressed against the outsole parallel to the foot of the wearer.

Turning back to FIG. 2, traction structures and tread styles for fourth portion 226 of second region 212 will be discussed. Traction structures 244 and 234 may be located in fourth portion 226 of second region 212. A tread style 268 may be referred to as comprising traction structures 244 and 234. Tread style 268 runs from sixth transition 260 toward heel end 134 to third transition 254 of sole 200, and from fifth transition 258 to medial side 138.

Turning to FIGS. 13 and 10, traction structures 244 and 234 are further illustrated. Traction structure 244 comprises a variety of geometrical characteristics including, a first engaging face 1310, a second engaging face 1311, a ground face 1312, and a transfer face 1314. Similar to FIG. 4, for reference purposes, a dotted line is provided to illustrate a plane 1301 that may be parallel to the bottom of the foot of the wearer. First engaging face 1310 and second engaging face 1311 may be approximately perpendicular to plane 1301. Ground face 1312 may be substantially parallel to plane 1301, and may make substantial contact with the ground, in the as-worn position. Transfer face 1314 may be at a non-perpendicular angle to plane 1301.

Traction structure 244 may be similar in shape to traction structure 232. However, traction structure 244 may be oriented in a different direction than traction structure 232. In some aspects, traction structure 244 may be oriented to minor traction structure 232. Traction structure 244 may be oriented to mirror traction structure 232 in order to provide, among other things, a traction force in an opposite direction than traction structure 232. For instance, traction structure 232 may be located behind the metatarsals toward the heel end of the foot of the wearer where assistance in a stopping motion may be needed by a foot of a wearer in the as-worn position. Traction structure 244 may be used to assist the wearer in a stopping motion by being oriented such that first engaging face 1310 and second engaging face 1311 may be directed toward toe end 130 of sole 200 of FIG. 2, and transfer face 1314 may face heel end 134 of sole 200 of FIG. 2. As such, in some aspects, first engaging face 1310 and second engaging face 1311 of traction structure 244 are directed toward toe end 130 of sole 200 of FIG. 2, while first engaging face 910 and second engaging face 911 of traction structure 232 may be directed toward heel end 134 of sole 200 of FIG. 2. Further, in some aspects, transfer face 1314 of traction structure 244 faces heel end 134 of sole 200 of FIG. 2, while transfer face 914 of traction structure 232 faces toe end 132 of sole 200 of FIG. 2. Traction structure 244 may provide traction to assist a wearer in a stopping motion while traction structure 232 may provide traction to assist a wearer in a forward motion.

As similarly described above in reference to second portion 224 of second region 212, traction structure 234 comprises a variety of geometrical characteristics including, a first face 1010, a second face 1012, and a third face 1014. First face 1010 may be oriented toward toe end 130 and medial side 138, second face 1012 may be oriented toward lateral side 136, and third face 1014 may be oriented toward heel end 134 and medial side 138. First face 1010, second face 1012, and third face 1014 may be configured to into a triangular shape that protrudes outwardly away from the bottom of the foot of the wearer to form a point.

Turning to FIG. 3, third region 214 may be located near heel end 134. Third region may extend from third transition 254 to heel end 134 and extend from medial side 138 to lateral side 136. In some aspects, third region 214 may comprise up to 20 percent of a length of an outsole moving from heel end 134 toward toe end 130. In additional aspects, third region comprises 10 percent of a length of the outsole. A length of third region 214 may be configured to correspond to a length of a calcaneus bone of a foot of a wearer in the as-worn position such that third region 214 may not extend past the calcaneus bone from heel end 134 toward toe end 130. As such, in some aspects, third transition 254 may correspond to an area of the foot where the calcaneus bone meets the cuboid bone.

Generally, a heel end of a footwear item may experience additional wear, tear, and potential abrasion, as a wearer may use the heel end to, for instance, stop a forward motion. As third region 214 is located near the heel end, additional durability and abrasion resistance may be necessary for third region 214 to accommodate the additional wear, tear, and potential abrasion experienced by the toe end and proximate medial side. Third region 214 may be configured to provide, among other things, additional durability and abrasion resistance by having a specific hardness. In some aspects, third region 214 may have a durometer in the range of 68-72 Shore A hardness. Additionally, third region 214 may have a hardness that is greater than a hardness of second region 212. For instance, third region 214 may have a durometer in the range of 68-72 Shore A, while second region 212 may have a durometer in the range of 48-54 Shore A. Further, third region 214 may have a hardness that is the same or similar as the hardness of first region 210. Particularly, in some aspects, first region 210 and third region 214 may both have a durometer in the range of 68-72 Shore A.

Third region 214 may have traction structures and tread styles that assist first region 210 in, among other things, providing additional durability and abrasion resistance. Looking at FIG. 2, traction structure 246 may be located in third region 214 and near heel end 134 of sole 200. Traction structure 246 is further illustrated in FIG. 14. Traction structure 246 may have geometrical characteristics that are similar to the geometrical characteristics of traction structure 230. Traction structure 246 may have an engaging face 1420, a ground face 1422, and a transfer face 1424. Similar to FIG. 4, for reference purposes, a dotted line is provided to illustrate a plane 1401 that may be parallel to the bottom of the foot of the wearer. Similar to traction structure 230, engaging face 1420 may be perpendicular to plane 1401. In the as-worn position, engaging face 1420 may receive a majority of a force applied to traction structure 246 when a wearer is stopping movement. Transfer face 1424 may be at a non-perpendicular angle to plane 1401. In the as-worn position, transfer face 1424 may receive a portion of force applied to traction structure 246 and transfer such force to various portions of an outsole. Traction structure 246 may be able to aptly provide traction to a wearer stopping movement by orienting engaging face 1420 toward toe end 130 of sole 200 and orienting transfer face 1424 toward heel end 134 of sole 200. By orienting engaging face 1420 toward toe end 130 of sole 200, engaging face 1410 may be positioned to properly receive the majority of the force applied to traction structure 246 when a wearer is stopping movement and/or attempting to go in a direction opposite the current direction a wearer may be moving.

Turning back to FIG. 2, an articulation joint 248 is illustrated. Portions of articulation joint 248 may be located in second portion 222 of first region 210, second portion 224 of second region 212, and first portion 223 of second region 212. In some aspects, articulation joint 248 may extend toward medial side 138 but not reach medial side 138. In additional aspects, articulation joints may extend toward lateral side 136 but not reach lateral side 136. Additionally, articulation joint 248 may be positioned in midfoot area 132 and correspond to the metatarsals of the foot of the wearer. Generally, midfoot area 132 of the foot of the wearer cause boot 100 to bend in corresponding areas when a wearer performs various activities, such as walking, running, and the like. Articulation joint 248 may facilitate an easier bending of boot 100 by providing an area of less resistance as compared to other portions of sole 200.

Turning to FIG. 15, an exemplary articulation joint 248 is shown. In some aspects, articulation joint 248 may be an absence of outsole 124 of FIG. 1. An absence of outsole 124 may allow for midsole 122 to be exposed, as shown in FIG. 15. In additional aspects, articulation joint 248 may be a region of outsole 124 that is thinner than surrounding areas of outsole 124. In further aspects, articulation joint 248 may be a region of outsole 124 that has a greater elasticity than surrounding areas of outsole 124.

The present invention has been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multiple hardness outsole, the outsole comprising:

a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, a toe end and an opposite heel end with a midfoot region extending between the toe end and the heel end, and a lateral side and an opposite medial side;

a first region extending from the toe end having two portions, (a) a first portion of the two portions extending from the medial side to the lateral side proximate the toe end, the first portion extending toward the heel end to a first transition, (b) a second portion of the two portions extending from the first transition toward the heel end along the medial side, the second portion extending toward the lateral side to a second transition;

a second region, the second region extending toward the heel end from the first transition to a third transition, the second region also extending from the lateral side toward the medial side;

a third region, the third region extending toward the heel end from the third transition to the heel end and extending from the medial side to the lateral side; and

the first region and the third region having a hardness greater than the second region.

2. The outsole of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the first region extends from the first transition toward the heel end to a fourth transition.

3. The outsole of claim 1, wherein the second region comprises a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion.

4. The outsole of claim 3, wherein the first portion of the second region extends from the first transition toward the heel end to the third transition and extends from the lateral side toward the medial side to a fifth transition.

5. The outsole of claim 4, wherein the second portion of the second region extends from the first transition toward the heel to the fourth transition and extends from the fifth transition toward the medial side to the second transition.

6. The outsole of claim 5, wherein the third portion of the second region extends from the fourth transition toward the heel end to a sixth transition and extends from the fifth transition to the medial side.

7. The outsole of claim 6, wherein the fourth portion of the second region extends from the sixth transition toward the heel to the third transition and extends from the fifth transition to the medial side.

8. The outsole of claim 5, wherein the first region has a first tread style and the second region has a second tread style, the first tread style being different from the second tread style.

9. The outsole of claim 8, wherein the third region has a third tread style.

10. The outsole of claim 9, wherein the first tread style of the first region has a first traction structure, wherein the third tread style of the third region has a third traction structure, wherein the first traction structure has geometrical characteristics similar to the third traction structure.

11. The outsole of claim 10, wherein the first traction structure has an engaging face directed toward a heel end of a foot of the wearer.

12. The outsole of claim 11, wherein the third traction structure has an engaging face directed toward a toe end of the foot of the wearer.

13. The outsole of claim 1, wherein the first region and the third region have a durometer in the range of 68-72 Shore A, and wherein the second region has a durometer in the range of 48-54 Shore A.

14. The outsole of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of articulation joints that extend from an area of the second portion of the first region toward the lateral side to an area of the first portion of the second region.

15. The outsole of claim 14, wherein the plurality of articulation joints extend from below the first transition toward the heel end to above the fourth transition.

16. A multiple hardness outsole, the outsole comprising:

a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, a toe end and an opposite heel end with a midfoot region extending between the toe end and the heel end, and a lateral side and an opposite medial side;

a first region extending from the toe end having two portions, (a) a first portion of the two portions extending from the medial side to the lateral side proximate the toe end, the first portion extending toward the heel end to a first transition, and (b) a second portion of the two portions extending from the first transition toward the heel end along the medial side, the second portion extending from the medial side toward the lateral side to a second transition and from the first transition toward the heel end to a fourth transition;

a second region, the second region extending toward the heel end from the first transition to a third transition and extending from the lateral side toward the medial side, the second region having a first portion, second portion, third portion, and fourth portion, wherein the first portion of the second region extends from the first transition toward the heel end to the third transition and extends from the lateral side toward the medial side to a fifth transition, wherein the second portion of the second region extends from the first transition toward the heel to the fourth transition and extends from the fifth transition toward the medial side to the second transition, wherein the third portion of the second region extends from the fourth transition toward the heel end to a sixth transition and extends from the fifth transition to the medial side, and wherein the fourth portion of the second region extends from the sixth transition toward the heel to the third transition and extends from the fifth transition to the medial side;

a third region, the third region extending toward the heel end from the third transition to the heel end and extending from the medial side to the lateral side; and

the first region and the third region having a hardness greater than the second region.

17. The outsole of claim 16, wherein the first region and the third region have a durometer in the range of 68-72 Shore A, and wherein the second region has a durometer in the range of 48-54 Shore A.

18. The outsole of claim 16, wherein the first region has a first tread style and the second region has a second tread style.

19. The outsole of claim 18, wherein the third region has a third tread style, the third tread style being similar to the first tread and oriented at an acute angle opposite that of the first tread style to provide traction to a wearer in a stopping motion

20. The outsole of claim 18, wherein the first portion of the second region has a first sub-tread style, the second portion of the second region has a second sub-tread style, the third portion of the third region has a third sub-tread style, and the fourth portion of the second region has a fourth sub-tread style.