U.S. patent application number 13/615342 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-14 for footwear with sole assembly having midsole plate and heel insert and associated methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Danner, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew James Linth. Invention is credited to Andrew James Linth.
Application Number | 20130061494 13/615342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47828556 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130061494 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Linth; Andrew James |
March 14, 2013 |
FOOTWEAR WITH SOLE ASSEMBLY HAVING MIDSOLE PLATE AND HEEL INSERT
AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
Abstract
Footwear sole assemblies including a midsole plate and a heel
insert and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one
embodiment, for example, a sole assembly includes an outsole
coupled to a midsole plate. The midsole plate can include a first
plate portion and a second plate portion spaced apart from one
another to define a cavity at a heel portion of the midsole plate.
The cavity can be configured to receive an insert. The second plate
portion can be proximate to the outsole, and the first plate
portion can be spaced apart from the outsole. The first plate
portion can include an opening extending through the heel portion.
The sole assembly can further include a midsole pad coupled to the
midsole plate and configured to contact the insert via the
opening.
Inventors: |
Linth; Andrew James;
(Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Linth; Andrew James |
Portland |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Danner, Inc.
Portland
OR
|
Family ID: |
47828556 |
Appl. No.: |
13/615342 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61534328 |
Sep 13, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/102 ;
36/25R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/1425 20130101;
A43B 13/148 20130101; A43B 13/125 20130101; A43B 7/144 20130101;
A43B 13/187 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/102 ;
36/25.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/32 20060101
A43B007/32; A43B 13/14 20060101 A43B013/14 |
Claims
1. A footwear assembly system for use in manufacturing articles of
footwear, comprising: a plurality of uppers, including a first
upper and a second upper; a plurality of midsole plates each having
a midsole arch portion between a midsole forefoot portion and a
midsole heel portion, each midsole plate having top and bottom
plates in at least the midsole heel portion and being spaced apart
from each other to define a cavity with open sides, the top and
bottom plates being connected to each other at a forward end and
diverging away from each other as the top and bottom plates extend
rearwardly relative to the midsole arch portion, the top and bottom
plates being configured to elastically move toward each other under
compressive forces applied to the midsole plate during use of the
footwear; and a plurality of midsole inserts each having a shape
corresponding to the shape of the cavity, the plurality of inserts
including first and second inserts, the first insert having first
absorptive and energy-return characteristics for a first range of
activities that apply first compressive loads to the midsole plate,
and the second insert having second absorptive and energy-return
characteristics different than the first absorptive and
energy-return characteristics and for a second range of activities
that apply second compressive loads to the midsole plate, the first
and second inserts being interchangeably positionable in the cavity
of each midsole plate during manufacture of footwear designed for
the first or second ranges of activities.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein each midsole plate has an aperture
in the top plate in communication with the cavity, and further
comprising a plurality of contoured top pads, each top pad having a
protrusion sized and positioned to substantially fill the aperture
in the top plate and to engage an insert in the cavity.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
outsoles attachable to the midsole plates, wherein each outsole
having an outsole forefoot portion with a toe end area and having
an upper portion with a stepped configuration that provides a
shoulder positioned rearward of the toe end area, and each midsole
plate having a leading edge and being positionable on the upper
portion of the outsole with the leading edge abutting the shoulder
to position the midsole plate on the outsole.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the shoulder of each outsole
having a thickness substantially the same as a thickness of the
shoulder to provide a smooth transition between the upper portion
of the outsole and the forefoot portion of the midsole plate.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the inserts have a wedge
shape.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the inserts have sidewalls
extending between the top and bottom plates when the insert in
positioned in the cavity, and the sidewalls are concave.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the top and bottom plates of each
midsole plate are integrally connected to each other rearward of
the forefoot portion.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the first insert has a cant
configuration to reduce pronation or supination of a wearer's
foot.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the midsole plates each have a
plurality of stiffening features positioned in at least one of the
forefoot or arch portions.
10. A sole assembly for footwear, comprising: an outsole; a midsole
plate coupled to the outsole, the midsole plate having a first
plate portion and a second plate portion spaced apart from one
another to define a cavity at a heel portion of the midsole plate,
wherein the second plate portion is proximate to the outsole, the
first plate portion is spaced apart from the outsole and includes
an opening extending through the heel portion, and the cavity is
configured to receive an insert; and a midsole pad coupled to the
midsole plate and configured to contact the insert via the opening
in the first plate portion.
11. The sole assembly of claim 10, further comprising the insert
positioned in the cavity, and wherein the midsole pad has a
projection extending through the opening and engaging a top surface
of the insert.
12. The sole assembly of claim 10 wherein the opening in the heel
portion has a tear-drop shape.
13. The sole assembly of claim 10 wherein the outsole has a
forefoot portion with a toe end and an upper portion facing the
midsole assembly, and the upper portion has a stepped configuration
that provides a shoulder positioned rearward of the toe end, and
the midsole plate has a leading edge abutting the shoulder to
position the midsole plate on the outsole.
14. The sole assembly of claim 13 wherein the shoulder of each
outsole having a thickness substantially the same as a thickness of
the shoulder to provide a smooth transition between the upper
portion of the outsole and the forefoot portion of the midsole
plate.
15. The sole assembly of claim 10 wherein the cavity is open on
medial and lateral sides and further comprising the insert
positioned in the cavity, the insert having concave sidewalls
extending between the top and bottom plates adjacent to the medial
and lateral sides of the cavity.
16. The sole assembly of claim 10 wherein the first and second
plate portions are integrally connected to each other rearward of a
forefoot portion of the midsole plate.
17. The sole assembly of claim 10 wherein the midsole plate has a
plurality of stiffening features positioned in at least one of a
forefoot portion or an arch portion of the midsole plate.
18. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper and a sole
assembly connected to the upper, the sole assembly having a midsole
assembly and an outsole connected to the midsole assembly opposite
the upper; the outsole comprising an outsole forefoot portion with
a toe bumper, the outsole forefoot portion having an upper portion
facing the midsole assembly, the upper portion having a stepped
configuration that provides a shoulder positioned rearward of the
toe bumper; the midsole assembly being positioned atop the outsole
and having a midsole arch portion between a midsole forefoot
portion and a midsole heel portion, the midsole forefoot portion
being supported by the upper portion of the outsole forefoot
portion, the midsole forefoot portion having a leading edge that
abuts the shoulder of the outsole's upper portion, wherein the
leading edge has a thickness substantially the same as a thickness
of the shoulder to provide a smooth transition between the upper
portion of the outsole and the midsole forefoot portion; the
midsole assembly comprising a midsole plate and a midsole insert;
the midsole plate having top and bottom plates in at least the
midsole heel portion and being spaced apart from each other to
define a cavity, the top and bottom plates being connected to each
other at a forward end and spaced apart from each other as the top
and bottom plates extend rearwardly relative to the midsole arch
portion, the top plate having an aperture therethrough in
communication with the cavity; the midsole insert being disposed in
the cavity between the top and bottom plates, the midsole insert
having a shape that corresponds to the cavity, the midsole insert
having a bottom surface engaging the bottom plate and a top surface
engaging the top plate, the midsole insert being made of a
deformable material with selected absorption and energy-return
characteristics; and a contoured top pad disposed atop the midsole
plate, the contoured top pad having a protrusion disposed in the
aperture of the midsole top plate and in engagement with the
midsole insert.
19. The article of footwear of claim 18 wherein the midsole insert
is a first midsole insert having a first absorptive and
energy-return characteristic selected for a first range of
activities, and further comprising a second midsole insert having a
second absorptive and energy-return characteristics different from
the first absorptive and energy-return characteristics and selected
for a second range of activities, wherein the first and second
midsole inserts are interchangeably positionable in the cavity
during manufacture of the article of footwear to provide the
article of footwear designed for a respective one of the first and
second range of activities.
20. The article of footwear of claim 18 wherein the insert has
concave sidewalls adjacent to edge portions of the top and bottom
plates.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Patent
Application that claims the benefit of and priority to US
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/534,328, titled Footwear With
Sole Assembly Having Midsole Plate And Heel Insert And Associated
Methods, filed Sep. 13, 2011, and which is incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to footwear,
and more particularly to sole assemblies that include a midsole
plate and a heel insert, and associated methods.
[0003] 1. Background
[0004] Articles of footwear have been designed for use in a wide
variety of physical activities including walking, running, hiking,
trekking, hunting, backpacking, and other indoor and outdoor
activities. Footwear is typically constructed from an upper
connected to a sole assembly. The sole assembly has an outsole, a
midsole, and an insole made from materials that provide a
comfortable, durable, and stable platform for a particular
activity. For example, hiking boots are typically designed to
provide a wearer with suitable comfort and support for hiking or
walking on uneven or rough terrain.
[0005] 2. Summary
[0006] The present disclosure is directed generally to footwear
with a sole assembly that overcomes drawbacks of the prior art and
provide other benefits. At least one embodiment of the disclosure
provides a footwear assembly system for use in manufacturing
articles of footwear. The system has a plurality of uppers,
including a first upper and a second upper, and a plurality of
midsole plates each having a midsole arch portion between a midsole
forefoot portion and a midsole heel portion. Each midsole plate has
top and bottom plates in at least the midsole heel portion and is
spaced apart from each other to define a cavity with open sides.
The top and bottom plates are connected to each other at a forward
end and diverging away from each other as the top and bottom plates
extend rearwardly relative to the midsole arch portion. The top and
bottom plates are configured to elastically move toward each other
under compressive forces applied to the midsole plate during use of
the footwear. The system has a plurality of midsole inserts each
having a shape corresponding to the shape of the cavity. The
inserts include first and second inserts, where the first insert
has first absorptive and energy-return characteristics for a first
range of activities that apply first compressive loads to the
midsole plate. The second insert has second absorptive and
energy-return characteristics different than the first absorptive
and energy-return characteristics and for a second range of
activities that apply second compressive loads to the midsole
plate. The first and second inserts are interchangeably
positionable in the cavity of each midsole plate during manufacture
of footwear designed for the first or second ranges of
activities.
[0007] Another embodiment of the disclosure provides a sole
assembly for footwear comprising an outsole and a midsole plate
coupled to the outsole. The midsole plate has a first plate portion
and a second plate portion spaced apart from each other to define a
cavity at a heel portion of the midsole plate. The second plate
portion is proximate to the outsole, and the first plate portion is
spaced apart from the outsole. The first plate portion includes an
opening extending through the heel portion, and the cavity is
configured to receive an insert. A midsole pad is coupled to the
midsole plate and is configured to contact the insert via the
opening in the first plate portion.
[0008] Another embodiment of the disclosure provides an article of
footwear comprising an upper and a sole assembly connected the
upper. The sole assembly has a midsole assembly and an outsole
connected to the midsole assembly opposite the upper. The outsole
has an outsole forefoot portion with a toe bumper, and the outsole
forefoot portion has an upper portion facing the midsole assembly.
The upper portion has a stepped configuration that provides a
shoulder positioned rearward of the toe bumper. The midsole
assembly is positioned atop the outsole and has a midsole arch
portion between a midsole forefoot portion and midsole heel
portion. The midsole forefoot portion is supported by the upper
portion of the outsole forefoot portion. The midsole forefoot
portion has a leading edge that abuts the shoulder of the outsole's
upper portion, wherein the leading edge has a thickness
substantially the same as a thickness of the shoulder to provide a
smooth transition between the upper portion of the outsole and the
midsole forefoot portion.
[0009] The midsole assembly comprises a midsole plate and a midsole
insert. The midsole plate has top and bottom plates in at least the
midsole heel portion and spaced apart from each other to define a
cavity. The top and bottom plates are connected to each other at a
forward end of the cavity and diverge away from each other as the
top and bottom plates extend rearwardly relative to the midsole
arch portion. The top plate has an aperture therethrough in
communication with the cavity, wherein the top and bottom plates
are biased away from each other. The midsole insert is disposed in
the cavity between the top and bottom plates. The midsole insert
has a shape that corresponds to the cavity. The midsole insert has
a bottom surface engaging the bottom plate and a top surface
engaging the top plate. The midsole insert is made of a deformable
material with selected absorption and energy-return
characteristics. A contoured top pad is disposed atop the midsole
plate. The contoured top pad has a protrusion disposed in the
aperture of the midsole top plate and in engagement with the
midsole insert.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an article of footwear
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of a sole assembly
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the sole assembly
of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a back cross-sectional view of the sole assembly
of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Footwear with sole assemblies having a midsole plate and a
heel insert, and associated methods for using and making such
assemblies are described in detail herein in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, for
example, the sole assembly includes a midsole plate that receives a
heel insert to enhance impact absorption and energy return in the
heel portion. Certain details are set forth in the following
description and in FIGS. 1-4 to provide a thorough understanding of
various embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the art,
however, will understand that the present technology may have
additional embodiments, and that other embodiments of the
technology may be practiced without several of the specific
features described below, while still other embodiments of the
disclosure may be practiced with additional details and/or
features. Other details describing well-known structures and
components often associated with footwear and methods of forming
footwear, however, are not set forth below to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the description of various embodiments of the disclosure.
Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any
relative positional terms such as above, below, over, under, etc.,
do not necessarily require a specific orientation of the footwear
assemblies as described herein. Rather, these or similar terms are
intended to describe the relative position of various features of
the disclosure described herein.
[0015] Many of the details, dimensions, angles, relative sizes of
components, and/or other features shown in FIGS. 1-4 are merely
illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure.
Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions,
angles, sizes, and/or features without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an article of footwear 100
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
art, the footwear 100 can include any article of footwear (e.g., a
shoe, sandal, etc.) and is not limited to the boot shown in FIG. 1.
In the illustrated embodiment, the footwear 100 includes an upper
102 attached to a sole assembly 104. The sole assembly 104 includes
an outsole 106 coupled to a midsole 108. The sole assembly 104 also
includes an arch portion 110 positioned between a heel portion 112
and a forefoot portion 114. As described in detail below, the sole
assembly 104, and in particular the midsole 108, is configured to
enhance stability, impact absorption, and energy return.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sole assembly 104 of FIG.
1, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic side and back cross-sectional
views, respectively, of the sole assembly 104. Referring to FIG. 2,
the sole assembly 104 includes the outsole 106 and the midsole 108.
The outsole 106 can be made from elastomeric materials (e.g.,
natural rubber, synthetic rubber, etc.), leather, and/or other
suitable footwear materials or combinations of materials. In the
illustrated embodiment, the outsole 106 includes an outsole arch
portion 214 between an outsole heel portion 216 and an outsole
forefoot portion 218. The outsole 106 has an exterior tread portion
220 that can have any suitable tread pattern for providing traction
while walking or running on various terrains. The outsole forefoot
portion 218 of the illustrated embodiment includes a toe bumper 222
made from an extension of the outsole 106. The toe bumper 222 can
be an integral portion to the outsole material, or it can be a
separate component permanently attached to the toe portion of the
outsole 106. The illustrated outsole forefoot portion 218 has a
shoulder 224 positioned rearward of the toe bumper 222 so that the
top surface of the outsole is stepped up just rearward of the toe
bumper 222.
[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 108 is positioned
atop the outsole 106 and secured in place using adhesive or other
conventional joining techniques. The midsole 108 has a midsole arch
portion 230 between a midsole forefoot portion 234 and a midsole
heel portion 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole
forefoot portion 234 of the plate 226 includes a leading edge 236
that abuts the shoulder 224 of the outsole 106. The thickness of
the midsole 108 at the leading edge 236 is substantially the same
as the height of the shoulder 224, such that there is a smooth
transition between the midsole forefoot portion 234 and the outsole
forefoot portion 218 at the leading edge 236. This abutting
interface acts to help orient the plate 226 with respect to the
outsole 106 and/or to securely retain the plate 226 in position on
the outsole 106. In other embodiments, the outsole forefoot portion
218 has a flat top surface along its full length and it does not
have the stepped configuration defined by a shoulder portion. In
this embodiment, the leading edge of the midsole forefoot portion
is immediately adjacent to the toe bumper 222 and/or the forward
most end of the outsole forefoot portion 218.
[0019] The midsole 108 is a multi-component assembly with a midsole
plate 226 ("plate 226") with a split-tail configuration that
defines a cavity 242, and a separate midsole insert 244 is
contained in the receptacle area of the split-tail arrangement. As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the midsole plate 226 is a unitary
structure, wherein the split-tail arrangement of the plate 226 is
formed by a top plate portion 238 and a bottom plate portion 240
integrally connected to each other and that diverge away from each
other as they extend rearwardly from the arch portion 230. In the
illustrated embodiment, for example, the top and bottom plate
portions 238 and 240 project rearward away from one another at an
angle .theta. to form the substantially wedge-shaped cavity 242. In
other embodiments, however, the top and bottom plate portions 238
and 240 can form a cavity having different shapes (e.g., circular,
rectangular, etc.) or sizes. In addition, the plate 226 can include
additional portions or structures proximate to the heel portion 232
to further define the cavity 242. In further embodiments, the
cavity 242 can extend further toward the forefoot portion 234 of
the plate 226. In still further embodiments, the cavity 242 can
extend only partially into the heel portion 232.
[0020] The plate 226 can be made from substantially rigid material
that can maintain the separation between the top and bottom plate
portions 238 and 240. For example, the plate 226 can be formed from
stiff plastic, composites, carbon fiber, stiff rubber, metal,
metallic alloy, combinations thereof, and/or other suitable
footwear materials. In selected embodiments, the top and bottom
plate portions 238 and 240 can be formed integrally with the arch
and/or forefoot portions 230 and/or 234 of the plate 226. In other
embodiments, the top and bottom plate portions 238 and 240 can be
separate structures permanently joined together using adhesives,
welds, molds, and/or other suitable attachment mechanisms to
provide a unitary plate structure with the split tail
configuration.
[0021] The midsole plate 226 can be constructed to act as a spring
plate that has flexibility and that provides efficient energy
return to the wearer during the gait cycle. In various embodiments,
the first and second portions 238 and 240 of the plate 226 can be
spring biased away from one another such that at least one of the
portions 238 and 240 can bend and store energy during heel strike
and/or during the transition between the flat foot stage and the
toe-off stage of the gait cycle. This stored energy can be used to
propel the heel portion 238 of the plate 226 forward as the wearer
advances through the gate cycle.
[0022] The insert 244 contained in the cavity 242 of the plate 226
has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the cavity 242, so the
insert substantially fills the cavity 242 and connects to the top
and bottom plate portions 238 and 240. The insert 244 is formed
from a deformable material that can absorb impacts and provide
energy return, such as closed-cell foam materials (e.g.,
ethylvinylacetate ("EVA")), polyurethane foams, carbon fiber
composites, other composites, other suitable footwear materials,
and/or combinations of selected materials. In various embodiments,
the insert 244 can be configured as a chamber or bladder filled
with gases (e.g., air), liquids, and/or other suitable materials or
combinations of materials.
[0023] In one embodiment, multiple different inserts 244 can be
used with the same midsole plate 226, wherein each insert is
configured with the same shape to fit in the cavity 242, but with
different characteristics, such as performance characteristics.
Accordingly, a midsole 108 can be constructed to provide specified
performance characteristics by selecting and inserting the desired
insert 244 into the plate's cavity 242 during manufacturing of the
footwear 100 (FIG. 1). For example, the impact absorption, energy
return, and/or other characteristics of the insert 244 can be
selected for a particular activity. A firmer insert 244 may be
selected for a hiking boot than for a walking shoe to provide
sufficient energy absorption and return for the higher impact
activity.
[0024] Additionally, the structure and properties of the insert 244
may be configured for particular characteristics of the user. For
example, the insert 244 can be canted outwardly toward the lateral
side of the sole assembly 104 to reduce over pronation. In other
embodiments, a substantially deformable insert 244 may be selected
for a lighter user to obtain the desired impact absorption upon
heel strike, while a less deformable insert may be selected for a
heavier user. In further embodiments, the insert 244 may be omitted
from the midsole 108 such that the first plate portion 238 can bend
freely into the cavity 242 to reduce the stiffness of the heel
portion 232 while providing the energy return from the plate
226.
[0025] In various embodiments, the cavity 242 and the insert 244
can have standardized shapes and sizes, such that plates 226 can
receives various inserts 244 with different properties and/or
structures (e.g., firm inserts, soft inserts, solid inserts,
gas-filled inserts, etc.). The standardized plate 226 and insert
244 can be used in sole constructions for a variety of different
activities and users. Accordingly, multiple models, styles, or
versions of footwear with different performance characteristics can
be constructed using the same midsole plate, but with different
inserts that match the intended performance characteristics of the
footwear. This use of a common part amongst multiple types of
footwear can help decrease manufacturing cost of the footwear. In
addition, achieving different performance characteristics by
selecting and inserting a different insert 244 into the plate's
cavity 246 can greatly simplify portions of the manufacturing
process, as well as reducing the cost of the footwear.
[0026] In one embodiment, performance characteristics of the
footwear can also be provided by features of the midsole plate 226.
For example, the arch portion 230 of the plate 226 can include a
plurality of ribs 248 that add stiffness to the plate 226. The
plate 226 in the illustrated embodiment, for example, includes five
elongated ribs 248 that extend between the forefoot portion 234 and
the heel portion 232. In other embodiments, however, the plate 226
can include a greater or fewer number of ribs 248 and/or the ribs
248 can be longer or shorter. The ribs 248 can be raised structures
integrally formed (e.g., molded) and made from the same material as
the plate 226. In other embodiments, the ribs 248 can be otherwise
formed on the plate 226 and/or include different materials than the
plate 226 to provide additional rigidity. For example, the ribs 248
can be formed from a plastic that is more rigid than the plate
226.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 108 includes a
contoured top pad 228 that sits atop the midsole plate 226. The pad
228 has a contoured upper surface configured to connect to the
upper 102 of the footwear 100 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the pad
228 is a full-length foot pad cemented, molded, or otherwise
securely connected to the top surface of the full-length plate 226.
The pad 228 is constructed of a durable midsole material such as
EVA, other foam or rubber material, or other suitable material. The
pad 228 provides support and cushioning to the wearer's foot.
[0028] The pad 228 includes a heel portion 232 positioned atop the
top plate portion 238 of the plate 226. In one embodiment, the top
plate portion 238 includes an opening 246 that allows a portion of
the pad 228 to engage a portion of the insert 244. As shown in FIG.
3, the midsole 108 can be configured such that the pad 228 contacts
the underlying insert 244 via the opening 246 to provide impact
absorption and energy return at the heel portion 232. In the
illustrated embodiment, for example, the pad 228 includes a
protrusion 250 that extends downwardly from the lower surface of
the pad 228 and through the opening 246 of the top plate portion
238 and contacts the top surface of the insert 244. In selected
embodiments, the protrusion 250 can also engage the edges of the
opening 246 to securely attach the pad 228 to the plate 226. In
other embodiments, the insert 244, rather than the pad 226,
includes a protrusion that projects into the opening 246 to contact
the pad 228 and, optionally, secure the insert 244 to the plate
226. In further embodiments, the protrusion 250 can be omitted such
that the heel portion 232 of the pad 228 contacts the insert 244
under compression (e.g., during heel strike).
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 250 positioned
in the cavity has substantially the same shape as the opening 246
and the same height as the thickness of the top plate portion 238.
Accordingly, the surface of the protrusion 250 is substantially
coplanar with the surface of the top plate portion 238. The opening
246 can have any suitable shape. In various embodiments, for
example, the opening 246 can have a generally circular or tear drop
shape that generally corresponds with the impact area of the
wearer's heel during a heel strike. In other embodiments, the plate
226 can include additional openings in the heel portion 232 in
other portions of the plate 226 (e.g., in the forefoot portion
234). The direct interface between the pad 228 and the insert 244
through the opening 246 can provide additional impact absorption at
the high impact areas of the heel. In yet another embodiment, the
opening 246 in the plate's top plate portion 238 may be
omitted.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, in various aspects of the illustrated
embodiment, the insert 244 includes concave sidewalls 252. These
concave sidewalls 252 can bow inwardly in the direction of the
arrows when placed under compression (e.g., heel strike), and
thereby prevent the insert 244 from projecting beyond the perimeter
of the plate 226 or sole assembly 104. Accordingly, the concave
sidewalls 252 can reduce the footprint of the sole assembly 104 and
keep the sidewalls 252 from pressing or rubbing against adjoining
sole structures during the gate cycle. In other embodiments, the
sidewalls 252 can be angled inwardly and/or otherwise configured to
reduce outward bowing of the insert 244.
[0031] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
embodiments of the technology have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be
made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the technology.
Further, while various advantages associated with certain
embodiments of the disclosure have been described above in the
context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit
such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit
such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *