Stability Structure
A sole structure is provided having a stability structure. The stability structure may be located primarily in the midfoot area of the sole structure, but may extend into both the forefoot and heel regions. The stability structure may provide support along the longitudinal length of the foot so as to limit non-axial, vertical flexion. The stability structure may have various stability members that may curve in a unidirectional manner to provide targeted support to the foot of the wearer.
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to a shoe having a stability structure.
BACKGROUNDAn article of footwear may be designed to accommodate a foot of a wearer performing various activities. Court-style activities, such as basketball, tennis, and racquetball, may include rapid lateral direction changes, lunges, and jumping that may place a high level of stress upon an the foot of the wearer. To reduce the probability of injury and improve stability during these motions, it may be desirable to provide support along the longitudinal length of the foot so as to limit non-axial, vertical flexion in, at least, the midfoot and heel area of the foot of the wearer.
SUMMARYThis 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, aspects herein relate to a stability structure that may provide stability to a foot of a wearer while a wearer performs various activities. A stability structure, in accordance with aspects herein, may have at least four stability elements that may have a non-linear shape or a unidirectional curve in a medial-lateral plane. A stability structure may provide, among other things, support along the longitudinal length of the foot of the wearer.
Examples are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
Aspects herein related to a stability structure that may be located within a sole structure of a footwear item. The stability structure may, among other things, provide support along the longitudinal length of the foot of the wearer.
Accordingly, at least one aspect relates to a stability structure. The stability structure may have a first stability member, a second stability member, a third stability member, and a fourth stability member. The first stability member may be integrally connected to a connecting member at a first proximal end of the first stability member. The first stability member may have a unidirectional curve in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane that extends to a first distal end. The second stability member may also be integrally connected to the connecting member at a second proximal end and extend in a non-curved manner in a medial-lateral plane to a second distal end. The third stability member may be integrally connected to the connecting member at a third proximal end of the third stability member. The third stability member may have a unidirectional curve of a first radius in a medial direction in the medial-lateral plane that extends to a third distal end. The fourth stability member may be integrally connected to the connecting member at a fourth proximal end of the third stability member. The fourth stability member may have a unidirectional curve of a second radius in the medial direction in the medial-lateral plane that extends to a fourth distal end. The first radius of the third stability member may be greater than the second radius of the fourth stability member.
Another aspect relates to an outsole and a stability structure. The outsole may be one continuous element that extends from a toe end to an opposite heel end. The stability structure may have a connecting member, a first stability member, a second stability member, a third stability member, and a fourth stability member.
The first stability member may be integrally connected at a first proximal end to the connecting member and have a first stability member first non-curved portion, a first stability member curved portion, and a first stability member second non-curved portion. The first stability first non-curved portion may be non-curved and extend from the first proximal end to a first stability member first transition point. The first stability member curved portion may extend from the first stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane to a first stability member second transition point. The first stability member non-curved portion may extend from the first stability member second transition point to the first distal end.
The second stability member may be integrally connected at a second proximal end to the connecting member and extend in a non-curved manner in a medial-lateral place to a second distal end. The third stability member may be integrally connected at a third proximal end to the connecting member and have a third stability member first non-curved portion, a third stability member curved portion, and a third stability member second non-curved portion. The third stability member first non-curved portion may be non-curved extend from the third proximal end to a third stability member first transition point. The third stability member curved portion may extend from the third stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve having a first radius in a medial direction in the medial-lateral plane to a third stability member second transition point. The third stability member second non-curved portion may extend from the third stability member second transition point to the third distal end.
The fourth stability member may be integrally connected at a fourth proximal end to the connecting member and have a fourth stability member first non-curved portion, a fourth stability member curved portion, and a fourth stability member second non-curved portion. The fourth stability member first non-curved portion may be non-curved extend from the fourth proximal end to a fourth stability member first transition point. The fourth stability member curved portion may extend from the fourth stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve having a first radius in a medial direction in the medial-lateral plane to a fourth stability member second transition point. The fourth stability member second non-curved portion may extend from the fourth stability member second transition point to the fourth distal end.
Another aspect relates to a stability structure having a first stability member, a second stability member, a third stability member, and a fourth stability member. The first stability member may be integrally connected at a first proximal end to the connecting member and have a first stability member first non-curved portion, first stability member curved portion, and a first stability member second non-curved portion. The first stability first non-curved portion may be non-curved and extend from the first proximal end to a first stability member first transition point. The first stability member curved portion may extend from the first stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane to a first stability member second transition point. The first stability member non-curved portion may extend from the first stability member second transition point to the first distal end.
The second stability member may be integrally connected at a second proximal end to the connecting member and extend in a non-curved manner in a medial-lateral plane to a second distal end. The third stability member may be integrally connected at a third proximal end to the connecting member and have a third stability member first non-curved portion, a third stability member curved portion, and a third stability member second non-curved portion. The third stability member first non-curved portion may be non-curved extending from the third proximal end to a third stability member first transition point. The third stability member curved portion may extend from the third stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve having a first radius in a medial direction in the medial-lateral plane to a third stability member second transition point. The third stability member second non-curved portion may extend from the third stability member second transition point to the third distal end.
The fourth stability member may be integrally connected at a fourth proximal end to the connecting member and have a fourth stability member first non-curved portion, a fourth stability member curved portion, and a fourth stability member second non-curved portion. The fourth stability member first non-curved portion may be non-curved extending from the fourth proximal end to a fourth stability member first transition point. The fourth stability member curved portion may extend from the fourth stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve having a second radius in a medial direction in the medial-lateral plane to a fourth stability member second transition point. The fourth stability member second non-curved portion may extend from the fourth stability member second transition point to the fourth distal end. The first radius of the third stability member may be greater than the second radius of the fourth stability member.
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 various activities. Exemplary articles of footwear may include athletic shoes, sandals, dress shoes, boots, loafers, and the like. The term “shoe” 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.
An exemplary shoe 100 is provided in
Upper 110 defines a cavity within shoe 100 for receiving and securing a foot relative to sole structure 120. The cavity may be shaped to accommodate the foot and extends along a lateral side of the foot, along a medial side of the foot, over the foot, around a heel of the foot, and may extend under the foot. Access to the cavity 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 cavity within shoe 100.
Sole structure 120 may have, among other things, a midsole 122 and an outsole 124. Sole 120 may attenuate ground reaction forces and absorbs energy as shoe 100 contacts the ground. Additionally, aspects of sole 120 may provide stability to at least the foot of the wearer during various activities, such as rapid lateral direction changes, lunges, and jumping. Further, aspects of sole 120 may also provide pronation control elements.
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A ratio between the height (e.g., a distance between first surface 449 and second surface 451 of
The height-to-width ratio may vary based on an intended use of an associated article of footwear. For example, an article having a sole of sufficient thickness may have a greater height-to-width ratio than an article having a thinner sole. This may result from a greater amount of the stability structure height being able to be maintained within the thicker sole. Further, the height-to-width ratio may be adjusted based on a selection of material from which a stability structure (or any component e.g., a sole) is formed. For example, a material with a higher flexibility measure may also be implemented in a greater height-to-width ratio to achieve a similar flexibility profile as a material with a lower flexibility measure implemented with a lower height-to-width ratio, in an exemplary aspect. Further, it is contemplated that the height-to-width ratio of individual stability members may vary. For example, a first stability member may have a first height-to-width ratio while a second stability member may have a second height-to-width ratio, in an exemplary aspect to achieve a desired flexibility profile (e.g., stiffness) as provided herein.
It is contemplated that any combination of height-to-width ratios may be implemented with any material in any configuration as contemplated herein. Further, it is contemplated that a stability member may have different height-to-width ratios that vary along a length of the stability member. For example, a width may change along the length, a height may change along the length, and/or the height and width may change along the length. The greatest height-to-width ratio of a stability member may be at a location between a proximal end and a distal end of the stability member such that as the proximal end and distal end of the stability member are approached from the portion of the stability member having the greatest height-to-width ratio, the height-to-width ratio reduces. Further, it is contemplated that the height-to-width ratios of two or more stability members may vary from one another at distances from their respective distal/proximal ends. Further, it is contemplated that the largest height-to-width ratios of each of two or more stability members may vary, in exemplary aspects. It is also contemplated that the greatest height-to-width ratios of two or more stability members may be equivalent, in an exemplary aspect.
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Second stability member 420 may be linear and not have any curve and/or angle in the medial-lateral plane 459. As such, stability member 420 may be described as extending in a non-curved manner in medial-lateral plane 459. For reference purposes,
For reference purposes,
In some aspects, fourth stability member arc 484 may be tighter than third stability member arc 474 such that a fourth stability member radius 485 of fourth stability member arc 484 is less than a third stability member radius 475 of third stability member arc 474. Said another way, fourth stability member 440 may curve more toward medial side 138 than third stability member 430. Additionally, first stability member 410 may have a length of 499, second stability member may have a length of 498, third stability member may have a length of 497, and fourth stability member may have a length of 496. Length 498 may be greater than length 499, length 497 may be greater than length 498 and length 496 may be lesser than length 497 such that first stability member 410 is shorter than second stability member 420, third stability member 430 is longer than second stability member 420, and fourth stability member 440 is shorter than third stability member 430.
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First groove 610 may have a recessed area that is shaped to receive at least a portion, such as lower portion 498, of first stability member 410 by being shaped to mirror an outline of first stability member 410. Similar to first stability member 410, first groove 610 may have a first groove distal end 612, a first groove proximal end 614, a first groove first transition point 666, a first groove second transition point 668, a first groove first straight portion 616, a first groove second straight portion 618, and a first groove curve portion 617. An arc 664 may be illustrated for reference purposes. First groove first straight point 616 may extend from first groove first proximal end 614 to first groove first transition point 666. First groove curve portion 617 may extend from first groove first transition point 666 to first groove second transition point 668. First groove arc 664 illustrates an angle of first groove curve portion 617. First groove curve portion 617 may curve toward lateral side 136, in the as-worn position. First groove second straight portion 618 may extend from first groove second transition point 668 to first groove second proximal end 614. It is contemplated each of a first proximal end 614, a first groove first transition point 666, a first groove second transition point 668, a first groove first straight portion 616, a first groove second straight portion 618, and a first groove curve portion 617 may correspond with a first proximal end 412 of stability structure 201 of
Second groove 620 may have a recessed area that is shaped to receive at least a portion, such as lower portion 498, of second stability member 420 by being shaped to minor an outline of second stability member 420. Similar to second stability member 420, second groove 620 may be linear and not have any curve and/or angle in the medial-lateral plane 459.
Third groove 630 may have a recessed area that is shaped to receive at least a portion, such as lower portion 498, of third stability member 430 by being shaped to minor an outline of third stability member 430. Similar to third stability member 430, third groove 630 may have a third groove distal end 632, a third groove proximal end 634, a third groove first transition point 676, a third groove second transition point 678, a third groove first straight portion 636, a third groove second straight portion 638, and a third groove curve portion 637. An arc 674 may be illustrated for reference purposes. Third groove first straight portion 636 may extend from third groove first proximal 634 to third groove first transition point 666. Third groove curve portion 637 may extend from third groove first transition point 666 to third groove second transition point 668. Third groove arc 664 illustrates an angle of third groove curve portion 637. Third groove curve portion 637 may curve toward medial side 138, in the as-worn position. Third groove second straight portion 638 may extend from third groove second transition point 668 to third groove proximal end 634. It is contemplated each of third groove proximal end 634, a third groove first transition point 666, a third groove second transition point 668, a third groove first straight portion 636, a third groove second straight portion 638, and a third groove curve portion 637 may correspond with a third proximal end 432 of stability structure 201 of
Fourth groove 640 may have a recessed area that is shaped to receive at least a portion, such as lower portion 498, of fourth stability member 440 by being shaped to minor an outline of fourth stability member 440. Similar to fourth stability member 440, fourth groove 640 may have a fourth groove distal end 642, a third groove proximal end 644, a fourth groove first transition point 676, a fourth groove second transition point 678, a fourth groove first straight portion 646, a fourth groove second straight portion 648, and a fourth groove curve portion 647. An arc 684 may be illustrated for reference purposes. Fourth groove first straight point 646 may extend from fourth groove first proximal 644 to fourth groove first transition point 666. Fourth groove curve portion 647 may extend from fourth groove first transition point 666 to fourth groove second transition point 668. Fourth groove arc 684 illustrates an angle of fourth groove curve portion 647. Fourth groove curve portion 647 may curve toward medial side 138, in the as-worn position. Fourth groove second straight portion 648 may extend from fourth groove second transition point 668 to fourth groove proximal end 644. It is contemplated each of fourth groove proximal end 644, a fourth groove first transition point 666, a fourth groove second transition point 668, a fourth groove first straight portion 646, a fourth groove second straight portion 648, and a fourth groove curve portion 647 may correspond with a fourth proximal end 442 of stability structure 201 of
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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 footwear member, the footwear member comprising:
- a first stability member integrally connected at a first proximal end to a connecting member, the first stability member having a unidirectional curve in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane extending to a first distal end;
- a second stability member integrally connected at a second proximal end to the connecting member, the second stability member extending in a non-curved manner in a medial-lateral place to a second distal end;
- a third stability member integrally connected at a third proximal end to the connecting member, the third stability member having a unidirectional curve of a first radius in a medial direction in the medial-lateral plane extending to a third distal end;
- a fourth stability member integrally connected at a fourth proximal end to the connecting member, the fourth stability member having a unidirectional curve of a second radius in the medial direction in the medial-lateral place extending to a fourth distal end; and
- the first radius is greater than the second radius.
2. The footwear member of claim 1, wherein the first stability member has a first stability member first non-curved portion that is non-curved, a first stability member curved portion that is curved in a unidirectional manner in the lateral direction in the medial-lateral plane, and a first stability member second non-curved portion that is non-curved.
3. The footwear member of claim 2, wherein the third stability member has a third stability member third non-curved portion that is non-curved, a third stability member curved portion that is curved in a unidirectional manner in the lateral direction in the medial-lateral plane, and a third stability member second non-curved portion that is non-curved.
4. The footwear member of claim 3, wherein the fourth stability member has a fourth stability member fourth non-curved portion that is non-curved, a fourth stability member curved portion that is curved in a unidirectional manner in the lateral direction in the medial-lateral plane, and a fourth stability member second non-curved portion that is non-curved.
5. The footwear member of claim 4, wherein the first stability member first non-curved portion extends from the first proximal end to a first stability member first transition point.
6. The footwear member of claim 5, wherein the first stability member curved portion extends from the first stability member first transition point to a first stability member second transition point.
7. The footwear member of claim 4, wherein the third stability member non-curved portion extends from the third proximal end to a third stability member first transition point.
8. The footwear member of claim 7, wherein the third stability member curved portion extends from the third stability member transition point to a third stability member second transition point.
9. The footwear member of claim 4, wherein the fourth stability member first non-curved portion extends from the fourth proximal end to a fourth stability member first transition point.
10. The footwear member of claim 9, wherein the fourth stability member curved portion extends from the fourth stability member first transition point to a fourth stability member second transition point.
11. The footwear member of claim 1, wherein the first distal end comprises a first disk, the second distal end comprises a second disk, the third distal end comprises a third disk, and the fourth distal end comprises a fourth disk.
12. The footwear member of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first stability member, the second stability member, the third stability member, or the fourth stability member has a maximum height-to-width ratio found in the range of 1.5:1 and 8:1.
13. The footwear member of claim 1, wherein the first stability member has a first distance between the first proximal end and the first distal end and wherein the second stability member has a second distance between the second proximal end and the second distal end.
14. The footwear member of claim 13, wherein the third stability member has a third distance between the third proximal end and the third distal end.
15. The footwear member of claim 14, wherein the fourth stability member has a fourth distance between the fourth proximal end and the fourth distal end.
16. The footwear member of claim 15, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, the third distance is greater than the second distance, and the fourth distance is lesser than the third distance.
17. An article of footwear comprising:
- an outsole, the outsole extends in one continuous element from a toe end to an opposite heel end; and
- a stability structure having a connecting member, a first stability member, a second stability member, a third stability member, and a fourth stability member,
- the first stability member being integrally connected at a first proximal end to a connecting member, the first stability member having a first stability member first non-curved portion, a first stability member curved portion, and a first stability member second non-curved portion, (a) the first stability member first non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the first proximal end to a first stability member first transition point, (b) the first stability member curved portion extending from the first stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane to a first stability member second transition point, and the first stability member second non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the first stability member second transition point to the first distal end;
- the second stability member being integrally connected at a second proximal end to the connecting member, the second stability member extending in a non-curved manner in a medial-lateral place to a second distal end;
- the third stability member being integrally connected at a third proximal end to the connecting member, the third stability member having third stability member first non-curved portion, a third stability member curved portion, and a third stability member second non-curved portion, (a) the third stability member first non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the third proximal end to a third stability member first transition point, (b) the third stability member curved portion extending from the third stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve having a first radius in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane to a third stability member second transition point, and (c) the third stability member second non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the third stability member second transition point to the third distal end; and
- the fourth stability member being integrally connected at a fourth proximal end to the connecting member, the fourth stability member having a fourth stability member first non-curved portion, a fourth stability member curved portion, and a fourth stability member second non-curved portion, (a) the fourth stability member first non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the fourth proximal end to a fourth stability member first transition point, (b) the fourth stability member curved portion extending from the fourth stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve having a second radius in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane to a fourth stability member second transition point, and (c) the fourth stability member second non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the fourth stability member second transition point to the fourth distal end.
18. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the first radius is greater than the second radius.
19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the first stability member is more lateral than the second stability member, the third stability member is more medial than the second stability member, and the fourth stability member is more medial than the third stability member.
20. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first stability member, the second stability member, the third stability member, or the fourth stability member has a maximum height-to-width ratio found in the range of 1.5:1 and 8:1.
21. A stability structure comprising:
- a first stability member being integrally connected at a first proximal end to a connecting member, the first stability member having a first stability member first non-curved portion, a first stability member curved portion, and a first stability member second non-curved portion, (a) the first stability member first non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the first proximal end to a first stability member first transition point, (b) the first stability member curved portion extending from the first stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane to a first stability member second transition point, and the first stability member second non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the first stability member second transition point to the first distal end;
- a second stability member being integrally connected at a second proximal end to the connecting member, the second stability member extending in a non-curved manner in a medial-lateral place to a second distal end;
- a third stability member being integrally connected at a third proximal end to the connecting member, the third stability member having third stability member first non-curved portion, a third stability member curved portion, and a third stability member second non-curved portion, (a) the third stability member first non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the third proximal end to a third stability member first transition point, (b) the third stability member curved portion extending from the third stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve having a first radius in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane to a third stability member second transition point, and (c) the third stability member second non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the third stability member second transition point to the third distal end;
- a fourth stability member being integrally connected at a fourth proximal end to the connecting member, the fourth stability member having a fourth stability member first non-curved portion, a fourth stability member curved portion, and a fourth stability member second non-curved portion, (a) the fourth stability member first non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the fourth proximal end to a fourth stability member first transition point, (b) the fourth stability member curved portion extending from the fourth stability member first transition point in a unidirectional curve having a second radius in a lateral direction in a medial-lateral plane to a fourth stability member second transition point, and (c) the fourth stability member second non-curved portion being non-curved and extending from the fourth stability member second transition point to the fourth distal end; and
- at least one of the first stability member, the second stability member, the third stability member, or the fourth stability member has a maximum height-to-width ratio found in the range of 1.5:1 and 8:1.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 24, 2014
Publication Date: Dec 24, 2015
Inventor: Leo S. Chang (Portland, OR)
Application Number: 14/313,693