SHOE SOLE

Abstract

A shoe sole basically includes a body and a cover. The body extends in a longitudinal direction between a toe end and a heel end. The body includes a receiving area so as to receiving a cleat-nut provided in between the toe end and the heel end. The cover is configured to cover the receiving area in a state where the cover is coupled to the body. The receiving area includes a body engagement part. The cover includes a cover engagement part configured to be detachably engaged with the body engagement part.

Claims

1. A shoe sole comprising: a body extending in a longitudinal direction between a toe end and a heel end, the body including a receiving area so as to receive a cleat-nut provided in between the toe end and the heel end; and a cover configured to cover the receiving area in a state where the cover is coupled to the body, wherein the receiving area includes a body engagement part, and the cover includes a cover engagement part configured to be detachably engaged with the body engagement part.

2. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the body has a top surface including a recess defining the receiving area.

3. The shoe sole according to claim 2, wherein the cover is disposed below or even with the top surface of the body in a state where the cover is coupled to the body.

4. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the body engagement part is disposed on a wall defining the receiving area, and the cover engagement part is disposed on a side surface of the cover.

5. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the body engagement part includes a notch, and the cover engagement part includes a protrusion configured to engage the notch to detachably retain the cover to the body.

6. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the-cover engagement part includes a notch, and the body engagement part includes a protrusion configured to engage the notch to detachably retain the cover to the body.

7. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the body engagement part includes a first body engagement part and a second body engagement part, the first body engagement part and the second body engagement part are disposed so as to face each other in a width direction of the body, and the cover engagement part includes a first cover engagement part configured to engage the first body engagement part and a second cover engagement part configured to engage the second body engagement part.

8. The shoe sole according to claim 7, wherein the first body engagement part includes one of a first notch and a first protrusion, while the first cover engagement part includes the other of the first notch and the first protrusion such that the first protrusion is configured to be detachably engaged with the first notch, and the second body engagement part includes one of a second notch and a second protrusion, while the second cover engagement part includes the other of the second notch and the second protrusion such that the second protrusion is configured to be detachably engaged with the second notch.

9. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the body and the cover includes at least one of a resin material and a fiber reinforced plastic material.

10. The shoe sole according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the body and the cover includes the resin material having a polyamide.

11. The shoe sole according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the body and the cover includes the fiber reinforced plastic material having a plurality of carbon fibers.

12. The shoe sole according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the body and the cover includes the fiber reinforced plastic material having a plurality of glass fibers.

13. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the receiving area further includes an attachment opening.

14. The shoe sole according to claim 13, wherein the attachment opening includes at least one elongated slot that is elongated in the longitudinal direction.

15. The shoe sole according to claim 13, wherein the attachment opening includes three elongated slots.

16. A shoe comprising: the shoe sole according to claim 1; an upper attached to the shoe sole; and an inner sole layer at least partly overlying a top surface of the body and disposed inside the upper.

17. The shoe according to claim 16, further comprising an outer sole layer at least partly overlying a bottom surface of the body and disposed outside the upper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a shoe having a shoe sole in accordance with a first embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the shoe illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which a cleat has been installed.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a transverse cross sectional view of the shoe sole illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 as seen along section line 4-4 in FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the shoe sole of the shoe illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 as viewed from an outer side of the shoe sole wherein the cleat-nut has been omitted.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the shoe sole illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein the cleat-nut has been omitted.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the shoe sole illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 as viewed from an inner side of the shoe sole.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the shoe sole illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a transverse cross sectional view of the shoe sole illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 as seen along section line 9-9 in FIG. 6.

[0049] FIG. 10 is an exploded top perspective view of the shoe sole illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a transverse cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 9, of the shoe sole illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 but where the cover has been detached from the body of the shoe sole.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the cover of the shoe sole illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 11.

[0052] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a portion of the cover illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0053] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a shoe sole in accordance with a second embodiment wherein a cleat-nut has been omitted.

[0054] FIG. 14 is a transverse cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 9, of a shoe sole in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 15 is a transverse cross sectional view of the shoe sole illustrated in FIG. 14 as seen along section line 15-15 in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the shoe field from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0057] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 to 3, a shoe 10 is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoe 10 is a left shoe of a pair of left-right symmetric ones, in which the right shoe is omitted. The right shoe is identical to the shoe 10 (the left shoe), except that the right shoe is a mirror image of the shoe 10 (the left shoe). Accordingly, description of the shoe 10 applies equally to the right shoe. Therefore, a description will be provided for only one of the shoes (the left shoe 10). The shoe 10 is especially suitable for cycling or other human-powered vehicles having pedals. Thus, the shoe 10 can be referred to as a cycling shoe.

[0058] It should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the terms inner side and inboard side refer to the right side of a shoe for the left foot, and the left side of a shoe for the right foot. In other words, the inner side or the inboard side is the side of the shoe facing the shoe on the other foot of the wearer. Similarly, the terms outer side and outboard side refer to the left side of the shoe for the left foot and the right side of the shoe for the right foot. The outer side or the outboard side is the side of the shoe facing away from the shoe on the other foot. As well, the terms inner side and inboard side are used interchangeably with respect to the present disclosure. Similarly, the terms outer side and outboard side are also used interchangeably with respect to the description of the present disclosure. Also, the term outer instep side refer to the left side of the shoe in the instep area for the left foot and the right side of the shoe in the instep area for the right foot. Similarly, the term inner instep side refer to the right side of the shoe in the instep area for the left foot and the left side of the shoe in the instep area for the right foot.

[0059] Basically, as seen in FIGS. 1 to 4, the shoe 10 comprises a shoe sole 12 and an upper 14. The upper 14 is attached to the shoe sole 12. The shoe sole 12 supports the upper 14. Specifically shoe sole 12 is attached to the upper 14. For example, the shoe sole 12 can be fixedly attached to the upper 14 in a conventional manner, such as with stitching, adhesives, and/or embedding portions of the upper 14 within the shoe sole 12. Thus, the upper 14 and the shoe sole 12 are integrated together. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole 14 is especially useful for cycling. Thus, as explained below, a cleat C can be attached to the shoe 10 by a plurality of fasteners F (see FIG. 3). In this way, the shoe sole 12 and upper 14 form the cycling shoe 10.

[0060] Here, the upper 14 is a low-cut style of upper. However, the upper 14 is not limited to the low-cut style, but may be of any style. The upper 14 is made of any suitable natural or polymetric materials. The upper 14 can be formed of an expandable material or a non-expandable material. For example, the upper 14 can be made of a leather material, a nylon mesh and/or any other material that is utilized for conventional uppers. Alternatively, the upper 14 can be made of a stretchable material or stretchable fabric which has the ability to stretch and elastically return to an original unstretched state. For example, the stretchable material can be partially made of elastic fibers, such as Lycra, Spandex or elastane, and/or can be a knit fabric which stretches due to a series of interlocking loops formed in the production of the upper 14. Here, the upper 14 is made from a mesh thermoplastic polyurethane and a synthetic leather material.

[0061] Here, the shoe 10 further comprises an outer sole layer 16. The outer sole layer 16 is disposed outside the upper 14. The outer sole layer 16 at least partly overlies a bottom of the shoe sole 12. Here, as seen in FIG. 4, a lower edge portion 14a of the upper 14 is disposed between the shoe sole 12 and the outer sole layer 16. The outer sole layer 16 can also be referred to as an outsole. The outer sole layer 16 can be made of a conventional material that is commonly used for outsole of cycling shoes. For example, here, the outer sole layer 16 includes a polyurethane material or a polyamide material that is suitable for an outsole.

[0062] Also, as seen in FIG. 4, the shoe 10 comprises further an inner sole layer 18. The inner sole layer 18 is disposed inside the upper 14. The inner sole layer 18 at least partly overlies the shoe sole 12. The inner sole layer 18 is removably disposed on the shoe sole 12. Preferably, the inner sole layer 18 is not attached to the shoe sole 12. Rather, the inner sole layer 18 merely rests on top of the shoe sole 12. The inner sole layer 18 can also be referred to as an insole. The inner sole layer 18 can be made of a conventional material that is commonly used for insoles of cycling shoes. For example, here, the inner sole layer 18 includes a foam material layer. The inner sole layer 18 can also be made of several layers of different materials.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the upper 14 includes a first lateral side 21 and a second lateral side 22. The upper 14 includes a foot receiving opening 24 (FIG. 1) formed between the first lateral side 21 and the second lateral side 22. The upper 14 further includes a closure system 26 for tightening and securing the shoe 10 to a wearer's foot. Here, the closure system 26 includes a single tightening strap 28 over a bottom toe area of the upper 14, a strap tightener 30 provided to the first lateral side 21, and a shoe cord or cable 32 laced between the first and second lateral sides 20 and 22. The tightening strap 28 is provided to the second lateral side 22 and a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro) is provided between the tightening strap 28 and the first lateral side 21. Here, the strap tightener 30 is a reel closure that is configured to selectively wind the cable 32 to tighten the upper 14 on the wearer's foot, and is configured to unwind the cable 32 to loosen the upper 14 on the wearer's foot. However, the closure system 26 is not limited to the illustrated closure system. For example, alternatively, the closure system 26 can include a shoelace extending between the first lateral side 21 and the second lateral side 22. Alternatively, the upper 14 can include one or more tightening straps having hook and loop fasteners. Since closure systems for securing a shoe to a wearer's foot are conventional and well-known structures, a detail description of the closure system 26 is omitted for the sake of brevity. Since the present disclosure is applicable to a variety of differing shoe styles, designs and configuration, the depicted embodiment shows a basic shoe design that is made of several textile based materials that are sewn or stitched together to form the depicted shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the depicted shape, as will be understood from the description of the present disclosure below.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoe sole 12 includes a forefoot part 34 and a tarsal part 36. The tarsal part 36 of the shoe sole 12 can be further subdivided into a midfoot part 36a and a hindfoot part 36b. Basically, the bones of a person's foot can be divided into three groups (i.e., the phalanges, the metatarsals and the tarsals. In describing the shoe sole 12, the term forefoot part as used herein refers the portion or part of the shoe sole that supports the phalanges and the metatarsals of the person's foot, while the term tarsal part as used herein refers the portion or part of the shoe sole that supports the tarsals of the person's foot. The tarsals of the foot are organized into three groups: proximal, intermediate, and distal. The proximal group includes the tarsal bones that include the talus and the calcaneus. The intermediate group contains one bone, the navicular. The distal group includes the cuboid and the three cuneiforms. The term midfoot part as used herein refers the portion or part of the shoe sole that supports the navicular, cuboid, and cuneiforms of the person's foot, while the term hindfoot part as used herein refers the portion or part of the shoe sole that supports the talus and calcaneus of the person's foot. The hindfoot part can also be referred to as the heel part.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 13, the shoe sole 12 will now be discussed in more detail. In FIGS. 5 to 13, the shoe sole 12 is shown without the outer sole layer 16 and the inner sole layer 18. Optionally, the outer sole layer 16 and the inner sole layer 18 can be omitted from the shoe 10. Here, the shoe sole 12 comprises a body 40 and a cover 42. In the illustrated embodiments, at least one of the body 40 and the cover 42 includes at least one of a resin material and a fiber reinforced plastic material. Preferably, the resin material includes a polyamide. Also, preferably, the reinforced plastic material includes a plurality of carbon fibers or a plurality of glass fibers. In other words, at least one of the body 40 and the cover 42 includes a resin material having a polyamide. Preferably, at least one of the body 40 and the cover 42 includes a fiber reinforced plastic material having a plurality of carbon fibers. Alternatively, at least one of the body 40 and the cover 42 includes a fiber reinforced plastic material having a plurality of glass fibers. Here, in the illustrated embodiments, the body 40 and the cover 42 both includes a fiber (e.g., carbon fibers, glass fibers, etc.) reinforced plastic (FRP). By forming the body 40 and the cover 42 of a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), the shoe sole 12 will resist bending during cycling.

[0066] The body 40 extends in a longitudinal direction L between a toe end 44 and a heel end 46. Here, the body 40 is a one-piece member molded from a polyamide material or a reinforced plastic material. The body 40 includes a receiving area 48 so as to receive a cleat-nut 50 provided in between the toe end 44 and the heel end 46. In other words, the receiving area 48 is provided in between the toe end 44 and the heel end 46. Also, the receiving area 48 is configured to receive the cleat-nut 50. The cleat-nut 50 is a conventional cleat-nut that is made of a metallic material such as steel plate or a stainless steel plate. The cover 42 is configured to cover the receiving area 48 in a state where the cover 42 is coupled to the body 40. As seen in FIG. 4, the receiving area 48 is configured to receive the cover 42 such that the cleat-nut 50 is disposed in the receiving area 48 between the body 40 and the cover 42. The cleat-nut 50 is retained in the receiving area 48 in a state where the cover 42 is coupled to the body 40.

[0067] The body 40 has a top surface 52. The body 40 has a bottom surface 54 that faces in the opposite direction to the top surface 52. The outer sole layer 16 at least partly overlies the bottom surface 54 of the body 40. Here, as seen in FIG. 4, the lower edge portion 14a of the upper 14 partly overlies an outer edge portion 54a of the bottom surface 54 of the body 40. The lower edge portion 14a of the upper 14 sandwiched between the outer edge portion 54a of the bottom surface 54 of the body 40 and the outer sole layer 16. The lower edge portion 14a of the upper 14 is bonded to the bottom surface 54 of the body 40 and the outer sole layer 16 in a conventional manner.

[0068] The top surface 52 includes a recess 60 defining the receiving area 48. The recess 60 is dimensioned for receiving the cleat-nut 50 therein. The recess 60 is further dimensioned for receiving the cover 42 therein. The cover 42 is disposed below or even with the top surface 52 of the body 40 in a state where the cover 42 is coupled to the body 40. As seen in FIG. 4, the inner sole layer 18 at least partly overlies the top surface 52 of the body 40.

[0069] The receiving area 48 includes a body engagement part 62. The body engagement part 62 is configured to be engaged with the cover 40 to detachably retain the cover 40 to the receiving area 48 of the body 40 as described below. Here, in the first embodiment, the body engagement part 62 includes a first body engagement part 64 and a second body engagement part 66. The first body engagement part 64 and the second body engagement part 66 are configured to be engaged with the cover 40 to detachably retain the cover 40 to the receiving area 48 of the body 40 as described below. Here, the body engagement part 62 is disposed on a wall 68 defining the receiving area 48. In particular, the receiving area 48 includes the wall 68 (i.e., a side wall) and a bottom wall 70. The wall 68 (the side wall) surrounds the bottom wall 70 to define the recess 60 which receives the cleat-nut 50 and the cover 40 therein. The first body engagement part 64 and the second body engagement part 66 are disposed on opposite sides of the wall 68 with respect to the recess 60. Preferably, the first body engagement part 64 and the second body engagement part 66 are disposed so as to face each other in a width direction W of the body 40. In this way, the first body engagement part 64 and the second body engagement part 66 will not be disengaged if the body 40 is longitudinally flexed.

[0070] Now, the cover 42 will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. As mentioned above, the cover 42 is configured to be detachably coupled to the receiving area 48 of the body 40. In the first embodiment, the cover 42 includes a cover engagement part 72. The cover engagement part 72 is configured to be detachably engaged with the body engagement part 62. In particular, in the first embodiment, the cover engagement part 72 includes a first cover engagement part 74 configured to engage the first body engagement part 64 and a second cover engagement part 76 configured to engage the second body engagement part 66. Here, the cover engagement part 72 is disposed on a side surface 78 of the cover 42. The side surface 78 can also be referred to as a peripheral side edge of the cover 42. More specifically, the first cover engagement part 74 and the second cover engagement part 76 are disposed on opposite sides of the side surface 78 (the peripheral side edge). Preferably, the cover engagement part 74 and the second cover engagement part 76 are disposed so as to face each other in the width direction W in a state where the cover 42 is coupled to the body 40. The side surface 78 includes an indented portion 78a. The indented portion 78a is configured for receiving a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) for detaching the cover 42 from the body 40.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the body engagement part 62 and the cover engagement part 72 are configured to be coupled together via a snap-fit. Thus, the cover 42 is coupled to the body 40 by pushing the cover 42 into the recess 60 of the receiving area 48 such that the body engagement part 62 and the cover engagement part 72 interlock together. Accordingly, to form this snap-fit connection, the first body engagement part 64 includes one of a first notch and a first protrusion, while the first cover engagement part 74 includes the other of the first notch and the first protrusion such that the first protrusion is configured to be detachably engaged with the first notch. Likewise, to form this snap-fit connection, the second body engagement part 66 includes one of a second notch and a second protrusion, while the second cover engagement part 76 includes the other of the second notch and the second protrusion such that the second protrusion is configured to be detachably engaged with the second notch. In the first embodiment, the body engagement part 62 includes a notch 80a or 80b, and the cover engagement part 72 includes a protrusion 82a or 82b. The protrusion 82a or 82b is configured to engage the notch 80a or 80b to detachably retain the cover 42 to the body 40. More specifically, the first body engagement part 64 includes a first notch 80a, while the first cover engagement part 74 includes a first protrusion 82a such that the first protrusion 82a is configured to be detachably engaged with the first notch 80a. Also, in the first embodiment, the second body engagement part 66 includes a second notch 80b, while the second cover engagement part 76 includes a second protrusion 82b such that the second protrusion 82b is configured to be detachably engaged with the second notch 80b.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 9 to 11, the receiving area 48 will be further discussed to receiving the cleat-nut 50. As mentioned above, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the receiving area 48 is configured to receive the cleat-nut 50. Thus, the receiving area 48 can also be referred to as a cleat-nut receiving area. Basically, the receiving area 48 further includes an attachment opening 84. The attachment opening 84 provides access to the cleat-nut 50 in a state where the cleat-nut 50 is disposed in the receiving area 48. In other words, the cleat C can be attached to the cleat-nut 50 is disposed in the receiving area 48 via the attachment opening 84. Preferably, the attachment opening 84 includes at least one elongated slot 86 that is elongated in the longitudinal direction L. In this way, the position of the cleat C can be adjusted longitudinally relative to the body 40 of the shoe sole 12. More preferably, as in the first embodiment, the attachment opening 84 includes three elongated slots 86. Thus, as seen in FIG. 3, the cleat C can be attached to the shoe sole 12 the fasteners F. Alternatively, the attachment opening 84 can include a single attachment opening, two attachment openings or more than three attachment openings, as needed and/or desired.

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, a shoe sole 112 is illustrated in accordance with a second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0074] The shoe sole 112 basically comprises a body 140 and a cover 142. The shoe sole 112 is attached to the upper 14 in the same manner as the first embodiment to form a cycling shoe. Preferably, the shoe sole 112 further comprises the outer sole layer 16 and the inner sole layer 18. The outer sole layer 16 and the inner sole layer 18 are provided to the shoe sole 112 in the same manner as the first embodiment. The body 140 is identical to the body 40 of the first embodiment, except that the engagement structure of the body 140 for engagement with the cover 142 has been modified as described below. Similarly, the cover 142 is identical to the cover 42 of the first embodiment, except that the engagement structure of the cover 142 for engagement with the body 140 has been modified as described below.

[0075] The body 140 includes a receiving area 148 having a recess 160 for receiving the cleat-nut 50 similar to the first embodiment (e.g., see FIG. 4 of the first embodiment). The receiving area 148 includes a body engagement part 162. Here, in the second embodiment, the body engagement part 162 includes a first body engagement part 164 and a second body engagement part 166. The first body engagement part 164 and the second body engagement part 166 are configured to be engaged with the cover 140 to detachably retain the cover 140 to the receiving area 148 of the body 140 as described below.

[0076] The cover 142 includes a cover engagement part 172. The cover engagement part 172 is configured to be detachably engaged with the body engagement part 162. Here, in the second embodiment, the cover engagement part 172 includes a first cover engagement part 174 and a second cover engagement part 176. In the second embodiment, the body engagement part 162 and the cover engagement part 172 are configured to be coupled together via a snap-fit. Thus, the cover 142 is coupled to the body 140 by pushing the cover 142 into the recess 160 of the receiving area 148 such that the body engagement part 162 and the cover engagement part 172 interlock together.

[0077] Accordingly, to form this snap-fit connection, the body engagement part 162 includes at least one protrusion 180a or 180b, while the cover engagement part 172 includes at least one notch 182a or 182b. Here, in the second embodiment, the body engagement part 162 includes a protrusion 180a or 180b, and the cover engagement part 172 includes a notch 182a or 182b. The protrusion 180a or 180b is configured to engage the notch 182a or 182b to detachably retain the cover 142 to the body 140. More specifically, the first body engagement part 164 includes a first protrusion 180a and a second protrusion 180b, while the first cover engagement part 174 includes a first notch 182a and a second notch 182b. The first protrusion 180a is configured to be detachably engaged with the first notch 182a, while the second protrusion 180b is configured to be detachably engaged with the second notch 182b.

[0078] Alternatively, the body 140 and the cover 142 can be configured such that the body 140 includes a first protrusion and a first notch, and the cover 142 includes a second notch and a second protrusion. Thus, the second notch and the second protrusion of the cover 142 can engage the first protrusion and the first notch of the body 140 via a snap-fit.

[0079] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term comprising and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, including, having and their derivatives. Also, the terms part, section, portion, member or element when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.

[0080] As used herein, the following directional terms frame facing side, non-frame facing side, forward, rearward, front, rear, up, down, above, below, upward, downward, top, bottom, side, vertical, horizontal, perpendicular and transverse as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a shoe in an upright position on level ground. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to describe the shoe sole should be interpreted relative to a shoe in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and that is equipped with the shoe sole. The terms left and right are used to indicate the right when referencing from the right side as viewed from a person wearing the shoe, and the left when referencing from the left side as viewed from a person wearing the shoe.

[0081] The phrase at least one of as used in this disclosure means one or more of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase at least one of as used in this disclosure means only one single choice or both of two choices if the number of its choices is two. For another example, the phrase at least one of as used in this disclosure means only one single choice or any combination of equal to or more than two choices if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three. Also, the term and/or as used in this disclosure means either one or both of. For instance, the phrase at least one of A and B encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase at least one of A, B, and C encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase at least one of A and B does not mean at least one of A and at least one of B in this disclosure.

[0082] Also, it will be understood that although the terms first and second may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0083] The term attached or attaching, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, joined, connected, coupled, mounted, bonded, fixed and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as substantially, about and approximately as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0084] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.