Patent classifications
A43B7/24
SOLE STRUCTURE WITH PROPRIOCEPTIVE ELEMENTS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A SOLE STRUCTURE
A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole body having a proximal surface and a distal surface. Proprioceptive elements may extend in the hole in the midsole body, and translate toward the proximal surface in the holes upon a force directed along a central axis of the hole at a distal end of the proprioceptive elements. In various embodiments, the holes may angle relative to vertical from the proximal surface to the distal surface, the holes may be defined by perforations and the proprioceptive elements may be integral portions of the midsole body, or the midsole body may have a plurality of annular holes at the proximal surface, and a plurality of annular recesses in the distal surface, and a plurality of proprioceptive elements, each centered in a different annular hole of the plurality of annular holes. Methods of manufacturing articles of footwear are described.
STABILIZING SHOE INSERT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a shoe insert sized and shaped to accommodate a user's foot and fit inside a standard shoe (e.g., a golf shoe). The insert is configured with a gradient with a first height on a lateral edge and a second (lesser) height on a medial edge. In this way, the insert does not lay flat on the inside of the user's shoe but provides a gradient that stabilizes the user's weight to the center of the foot. Advantageously, the inserts allow the golfer to automatically assume a proper stance and to properly shift the body weight during a swing. As a result, the insert keeps a golfer from swaying during a golf swing, thereby reducing the incidence of shanking the ball.
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.
Footwear with flexible cage and wedge
An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, where the midsole is located between the outsole and the upper. A wedge is located between the outsole and the midsole and is preferably made of a material that is less compressible than the midsole. A flexible cage is located on the exterior surfaces of the upper and midsole. In embodiments, the flexible cage is designed to limit the outward expansion of the midsole when the midsole is compressed under load, and thus effectively stiffen the midsole. The total compression of the midsole of the article of footwear is based, at least in part, on a desired orientation of the ankle, knee, and hip joints of a user.
Footwear with flexible cage and wedge
An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, where the midsole is located between the outsole and the upper. A wedge is located between the outsole and the midsole and is preferably made of a material that is less compressible than the midsole. A flexible cage is located on the exterior surfaces of the upper and midsole. In embodiments, the flexible cage is designed to limit the outward expansion of the midsole when the midsole is compressed under load, and thus effectively stiffen the midsole. The total compression of the midsole of the article of footwear is based, at least in part, on a desired orientation of the ankle, knee, and hip joints of a user.
FOOTWEAR MIDSOLES WITH BRIDGE COMPONENTS
An example article of footwear includes a forward midsole component, a rearward midsole component, and a bridge component mated with an outsole side of the forward midsole component and an outsole side of the rearward midsole component to permanently attach the forward midsole component and the rearward midsole component to form a midsole of the article of footwear.
SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled with the upper. The sole includes an upper plate that is configured to couple with the upper and a lower plate that is spaced from and pivotably coupled with the upper by a beam. The beam is oriented along a heel-to-toe direction of the article of footwear and is configured to provide a resistive moment to control the rotation between the upper plate and the lower plate. The sole structure further includes a midsole that is configured to surround at least a portion of the beam and to extend between the upper plate and the lower plate to provide a force that resists the rotation between the upper plate and the lower plate.
Medially-located lateral footwear stabilizer
A sole structure for an article of footwear. The sole structure includes at least one support plate located on an underside of a midsole on a medial forefoot side of the midsole and extending from a medial edge of the midsole to at least a longitudinal center line of the midsole, wherein a lateral edge of the plate is located medially of the lateral edge of the midsole. The support plate may contain at least one sipe or groove extending laterally across the midsole to provide flexibility in a forefoot-to-heel direction of the midsole. The support plate may contain at least one rail.
Medially-located lateral footwear stabilizer
A sole structure for an article of footwear. The sole structure includes at least one support plate located on an underside of a midsole on a medial forefoot side of the midsole and extending from a medial edge of the midsole to at least a longitudinal center line of the midsole, wherein a lateral edge of the plate is located medially of the lateral edge of the midsole. The support plate may contain at least one sipe or groove extending laterally across the midsole to provide flexibility in a forefoot-to-heel direction of the midsole. The support plate may contain at least one rail.
Foot Support Systems Including Tiltable Forefoot Components
Sole structures, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices include: (a) a first footwear component having a ground-facing surface, wherein a forefoot portion of the ground-facing surface includes arched medial and lateral surfaces and (b) a second footwear component having an upper-facing surface, wherein a forefoot portion of the upper-facing surface includes arched medial and lateral surfaces that face (and optionally contact) the respective arched medial and lateral surfaces of the first footwear component. The first and second footwear components are movably engaged together such that: (a) the arched medial surface of the first footwear component moves with respect to and along the arched medial surface of the second footwear component and (b) the arched lateral surface of the first footwear component moves with respect to and along the arched lateral surface of the second footwear component.