Patent classifications
A43B5/06
SOLE AND SHOE
A sole includes: a midsole main body; an elastic portion; and a pressing member. The midsole main body includes a containing portion. The elastic portion is contained in the containing portion in a compressed state. The pressing member has an elastic modulus higher than an elastic modulus of the elastic portion in the compressed state, and presses the elastic portion so that the elastic portion is maintained in the compressed state. The elastic modulus of the elastic portion in the compressed state is larger than an elastic modulus of the midsole main body.
Sole structure for article of footwear
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
Sole structure for article of footwear
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.
ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR WITH ADAPTIVE-HEIGHT BLADDER ELEMENTS
Articles of footwear can include an adaptive-height sole structure that includes a variable height bladder system. The sole structure can include one or more bladder systems positioned between a midsole and a banking plate. The banking plate can change its relative orientation to the midsole based on an inflation level of the bladder systems.
ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR WITH ADAPTIVE-HEIGHT BLADDER ELEMENTS
Articles of footwear can include an adaptive-height sole structure that includes a variable height bladder system. The sole structure can include one or more bladder systems positioned between a midsole and a banking plate. The banking plate can change its relative orientation to the midsole based on an inflation level of the bladder systems.
Tripod Running Shoes
A running shoe having an improved sole including one or more cushioning elements disposed at or around one or more of the foot's tripod strike points, wherein such cushioning elements may optionally be connected to each other by one or more bridges and the region bounded by the cushioning elements is vertically enlarged to provide added space for various structures of the foot to deform.
Tripod Running Shoes
A running shoe having an improved sole including one or more cushioning elements disposed at or around one or more of the foot's tripod strike points, wherein such cushioning elements may optionally be connected to each other by one or more bridges and the region bounded by the cushioning elements is vertically enlarged to provide added space for various structures of the foot to deform.
Ground-Engaging Structures for Articles of Footwear
Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and an opposite ground-facing surface. The outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component. A matrix structure extends from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area. The matrix structure defines one or more sets of adjacent open cells, the set(s) including at least three open cells that are substantially aligned in the forefoot support area along a line extending in a forward medial-to-rear lateral direction.
Ground-Engaging Structures for Articles of Footwear
Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and an opposite ground-facing surface. The outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component. A matrix structure extends from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area. The matrix structure defines one or more sets of adjacent open cells, the set(s) including at least three open cells that are substantially aligned in the forefoot support area along a line extending in a forward medial-to-rear lateral direction.
Foam compositions and uses thereof
Components for articles of footwear and athletic equipment are provided including a foam. A variety of foams and foam components and compositions for forming the foams are provided. In some aspects, the foams and components including the foams can have exceptionally high energy return while also having improved durability and softness. In particular, midsoles including the foams are provided for use in an article of footwear. Methods of making the compositions and foams are provided, as well as methods of making an article of footwear including one of the foam components. In some aspects, the foams and foam components can be made by injection molding or injection molding followed by compression molding.