U.S. patent application number 13/473335 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for footwear having independent toe platforms.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brett D. Ritter, Mark Thatcher. Invention is credited to Brett D. Ritter, Mark Thatcher.
Application Number | 20130305562 13/473335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49580092 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130305562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thatcher; Mark ; et
al. |
November 21, 2013 |
FOOTWEAR HAVING INDEPENDENT TOE PLATFORMS
Abstract
An article of footwear for increased athleticism utilizing
independently articulating toe platforms. The footwear includes a
first toe platform and a second toe platform disposed in a toe
portion of the footwear that are either physically separated from
one another via a cut in the toe portion or a flexible segment
extending through the toe portion. A toe post is configured to
engage between a first toe of a user's foot and a second toe of the
user's foot. The first toe is configured to contact the first toe
platform and the second toe is configured to contact the second toe
platform. Additional toe platforms and/or toe posts may be
utilized. The footwear may include a topsole, a midsole and an
outsole. A stiffening agent may be disposed between the midsole and
the outsole for resisting bending of the footwear and/or for
helping protect the user's foot from external objects.
Inventors: |
Thatcher; Mark; (Flagstaff,
AZ) ; Ritter; Brett D.; (Santa Barbara, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Thatcher; Mark
Ritter; Brett D. |
Flagstaff
Santa Barbara |
AZ
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49580092 |
Appl. No.: |
13/473335 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/11.5 ;
36/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/127 20130101;
A43B 7/26 20130101; A43B 23/22 20130101; A43B 3/128 20130101; A43B
13/12 20130101; A43B 13/141 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/11.5 ;
36/83 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/12 20060101
A43B003/12; A43B 3/00 20060101 A43B003/00 |
Claims
1. Footwear comprising: a sole having a heel end and a toe end, the
toe end of the sole having a cut disposed therethrough defining a
first planar platform for contacting a toe of a foot of a user
without encompassing the toe and a second planar platform; and an
upper coupled with the sole at a first location, a second location
and a third location for maintaining the sole in a proximity to the
foot of the user, the third location positioned adjacent to the
cut.
2. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the toe of the foot of the user
is a hallux.
3. The footwear of claim 2 wherein the second planar platform is
configured to contact each of four remaining toes of the foot of
the user without encompassing each of the four remaining toes.
4. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the upper includes a strap
connected with a toe post, the toe post securing the strap to the
third location and configured to engage with the toe of the foot of
the user.
5. The footwear of claim 4 further comprising: a second toe post
connected with the strap and adjacent to the toe post, the second
toe post securing the strap to the sole at a fourth location; a
third toe post connected with the strap and adjacent to the second
toe post, the third toe post securing the strap to the sole at a
fifth location; and a fourth toe post connected with the strap and
adjacent to the third toe post, the fourth toe post securing the
strap to the sole at a sixth location, wherein each of the toe
post, the second toe post, the third toe post and the fourth toe
post are configured to engage with the foot of the user between
toes of the foot of the user.
6. The footwear of claim 5 wherein the toe end of the sole
includes: a second cut disposed therethrough defining a third
planar platform separated from the second planar platform, the
second planar platform configured to contact a second toe of the
foot of the user without encompassing the second toe and the third
planar platform configured to contact a third toe of the foot of
the user without encompassing the third toe; a third cut disposed
therethrough defining a fourth planar platform separated from the
third planar platform, the fourth planar platform configured to
contact a fourth toe of the foot of the user without encompassing
the fourth toe; and a fourth cut disposed therethrough defining a
fifth planar platform separated from the fourth planar platform,
the fifth planar platform configured to contact a fifth toe of the
foot of the user without encompassing the fifth toe.
7. The footwear of claim 5 wherein the toe end of the sole
includes: a first flexible segment disposed adjacent to the cut and
defining a third planar platform flexibly coupled with the second
planar platform, the second planar platform configured to contact a
second toe of the foot of the user and the third planar platform
configured to contact a third toe of the foot of the user; a second
flexible segment disposed adjacent to the first flexible segment
and defining a fourth planar platform flexibly coupled with the
third planar platform, the fourth planar platform configured to
contact a fourth toe of the foot of the user; and a third flexible
segment disposed adjacent to the second flexible segment and
defining a fifth planar platform flexibly coupled with the fourth
planar platform, the fifth planar platform configured to contact a
fifth toe of the foot of the user.
8. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the sole includes a midsole
layer, an internal shank coupled with the midsole layer and an
outsole layer coupled with the midsole layer, each of the midsole
layer, the internal shank and the outsole layer having the cut
disposed therethrough.
9. An article of footwear comprising: a sole having a heel portion
and a toe portion; a first division in the sole at the toe portion,
the first division extending substantially along a first axis and
dividing a first toe platform from a second toe platform, the first
toe platform and the second toe platform configured to engage with
a foot of a user only on a bottom surface of the foot; a second
division in the sole at the toe portion and adjacent to the first
division, the second division extending substantially along a
second axis and dividing the second toe platform from a third toe
platform, the third toe platform configured to engage with the foot
of the user only on a bottom surface of the foot; a third division
in the sole at the toe portion and adjacent to the second division,
the third division extending substantially along a third axis and
dividing the third toe platform from a fourth toe platform, the
fourth toe platform configured to engage with the foot of the user
only on a bottom surface of the foot; a fourth division in the sole
at the toe portion and adjacent to the third division, the fourth
division extending substantially along a fourth axis and dividing
the fourth toe platform from a fifth toe platform, the fifth toe
platform configured to engage with the foot of the user only on a
bottom surface of the foot; and a first toe post engaged with the
sole at a location adjacent to the first division and substantially
in-line with the first axis of the first division.
10. The article of footwear of claim 9 wherein: the first division
is a cut that physically separates the first toe platform from the
second toe platform; the second division is a flexible material
that flexibly divides the second toe platform from the third toe
platform; the third division is a flexible material that flexibly
divides the third toe platform from the fourth toe platform; and
the fourth division is a flexible material that flexibly divides
the fourth toe platform from the fifth toe platform.
11. The article of footwear of claim 9 wherein: the first division
is a cut that physically separates the first toe platform from the
second toe platform; the second division is a cut that physically
separates the second toe platform from the third toe platform; the
third division is a cut that physically separates the third toe
platform from the fourth toe platform; and the fourth division is a
cut that physically separates the fourth toe platform from the
fifth toe platform.
12. The article of footwear of claim 9 further comprising: a second
toe post connected with the sole at a location adjacent to the
second division and substantially in-line with the second axis of
the second division; a third toe post connected with the sole at a
location adjacent to the third division and substantially in-line
with the third axis of the third division; and a fourth toe post
connected with the sole at a location adjacent to the fourth
division and substantially in-line with the fourth axis of the
fourth division.
13. The article of footwear of claim 9 further comprising a shank
connected within the sole for resisting bending of the sole, the
shank having a first shank cut aligned with the first division of
the sole, a second shank cut aligned with the second division of
the sole, a third shank cut aligned with the third division of the
sole and a fourth shank cut aligned with the fourth division of the
sole.
14. The article of footwear of claim 11 wherein the first toe post
is secured to the shank via an adhesive.
15. The article of footwear of claim 11 wherein a portion of the
shank protrudes out of the sole for indicating weardown of the
sole.
16. A sandal for improved athleticism over uneven terrain
comprising: a midsole having a first toe platform isolated from a
second toe platform, the first toe platform configured to
articulate independently from the second toe platform; a stiffening
member coupled with the midsole and having a first portion isolated
from a second portion, the first portion coupled with the first toe
platform and the second portion coupled with the second toe
platform; an outsole coupled with the midsole so that the
stiffening member is substantially disposed between the outsole and
the midsole; and a toe post extending through the midsole and
fastened to the stiffening member, the toe post configured to
separate a first toe of a foot of a wearer onto the first toe
platform and a second toe of the foot of the wearer onto the second
toe platform.
17. The sandal of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of
secondary toe posts extending through the midsole and fastened to
the stiffening member, the plurality of secondary toe posts
configured to separate one or more
18. The sandal of claim 16 wherein the second toe platform of the
midsole has a plurality of flexible segments and the stiffening
member includes a plurality of corresponding cuts for allowing the
midsole to flex at each of the plurality of flexible segments.
19. The sandal of claim 16 wherein the midsole has a third toe
platform isolated from the second toe platform, a fourth toe
platform isolated from the third toe platform and a fifth toe
platform isolated from the fourth toe platform, and wherein the
stiffening member has a third portion isolated from the second
portion and molded with the third toe platform, a fourth portion
isolated from the third portion and molded with the fourth toe
platform, and a fifth portion isolated from the fourth portion and
molded with the fifth toe platform.
20. The sandal of claim 19 further comprising a second toe post
extending through the midsole and fastened to the stiffening
member, the second toe post configured to separate a third toe of
the foot of the wearer onto the third toe platform; a third toe
post extending through the midsole and fastened to the stiffening
member, the third toe post configured to separate a fourth toe of
the foot of the wearer onto the fourth toe platform; and a fourth
toe post extending through the midsole and fastened to the
stiffening member, the fourth toe post configured to separate a
fifth toe of the foot of the wearer onto the fifth toe platform.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The present invention relates generally to footwear and
improvements thereto and more particularly pertains to athletic
footwear with independent toe articulation and improvements
thereto.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Designing footwear to balance both athleticism and
wearability has proven a source of difficulty when utilizing
conventional footwear design characteristics. As the athleticism of
a shoe or sport sandal increases, the wearability or comfort level
of such apparel often can diminish. During athletic movement, the
foot of a user may be rapidly shifting, twisting or flexing in
order to make frictional contact with the ground through the
footwear in order to either propel the user in a desired direction
or to abruptly halt the user. Any slippage or movement of the foot
within the shoe results in a loss of athleticism for the user since
the footwear is not optimally transmitting the forces from the
user's foot to the ground below. Thus, to most efficiently
accommodate such activity, conventional athletic footwear must be
fastened tightly around the user's foot, typically through the use
of laces or Velcro straps capable of securing the footwear firmly,
so that minimal movement of the foot within the confines of the
footwear is permitted. Unfortunately, such a tightly secured
fitment can be both uncomfortable and unhealthy for the user over
extended time periods due to the constriction of their foot.
[0005] To help combat these issues, footwear with independent toe
pockets for encompassing each toe was developed. This footwear,
made to fit around a user's foot like a glove, was typically made
of a flexible material that could slide completely over the user's
foot and fully surround each toe via five receptacle toe pockets.
In this manner, the previous problems of athletic footwear
requiring extreme external tightening methods for securing the
footwear to the user's foot were reduced since the individual toe
pockets helped provide additional contact points between the user's
toes, internally securing the user's foot and the footwear to
maintain the two in contact with one another. Thus, medial and
lateral slippage between the foot and the footwear was minimized
without requiring tight cinching of the footwear via straps or
buckles since each toe was physically surrounded by its own
individual pocket.
[0006] Unfortunately, footwear with toe pockets have several
undesirable consequences. Due to the gloved fitment of the footwear
on the user's foot, a light, flexible material is used for
manufacturing in order to allow the user's foot to bend or flex
with the footwear during movement and to allow for use of the
footwear by varying foot sizes and shapes. Indeed, the footwear
acts similar to a second skin surrounding the user's foot and
further constricts the foot when compared against conventional
footwear. While this material allowed for some minimal protection
to the foot, the user ran a risk of particularly sharp objects
(e.g., rocks, nails, broken glass, etc.) on the ground penetrating
the thin, flexible outsole material and puncturing the skin. The
lack of a stronger, more penetration resistant component of the
footwear for helping shield the user's foot kept such footwear from
being viable except in circumstances where the user was unlikely to
encounter any such hazards. Moreover, if a user desired to wear
socks in an effort to lessen this risk to their feet, special socks
with individual toe compartments needed to first be purchased
before such footwear could be used. Articles of footwear with toe
pockets were also more inconvenient to put on or remove than
standard footwear due to their need to individually find, fit and
encompass each toe in its intended pocket.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an article of footwear design
that allows for increased athleticism during use without requiring
significant tightening of the footwear to the user's foot and
without the undesirable consequences of footwear with separate
pockets for receiving each of the individual toes of a user's foot.
Ideally, the footwear would provide sufficient protection to the
user and also be easy to put on and take off. The footwear would
also ideally be inexpensive to construct and allow for improved
transmittal of forces from a user's foot to the ground beneath the
footwear, particularly when traversing rugged, uneven terrain.
SUMMARY
[0008] A footwear apparatus having independent toe platforms for
allowing independent articulation of a wearer's toes is described.
In one embodiment, footwear may include a sole having a heel end
and a toe end, the toe end of the sole having a cut disposed
therethrough defining a first planar platform for contacting a toe
of a foot of a user without encompassing the toe and a second
planar platform. An upper is coupled with the sole at a first
location, a second location and a third location for maintaining
the sole in a proximity to the foot of the user, the third location
being positioned adjacent to the cut.
[0009] In another embodiment, an article of footwear may include a
sole having a heel portion and a toe portion. A first division is
located in the sole at the toe portion, the first division
extending substantially along a first axis and dividing a first toe
platform from a second toe platform, the first toe platform and the
second toe platform configured to engage with a foot of a user only
on a bottom surface of the foot. A second division is located in
the sole at the toe portion and adjacent to the first division, the
second division extending substantially along a second axis and
dividing the second toe platform from a third toe platform, the
third toe platform configured to engage with the foot of the user
only on a bottom surface of the foot. A third division is located
in the sole at the toe portion and adjacent to the second division,
the third division extending substantially along a third axis and
dividing the third toe platform from a fourth toe platform, the
fourth toe platform configured to engage with the foot of the user
only on a bottom surface of the foot. A fourth division is located
in the sole at the toe portion and adjacent to the third division,
the fourth division extending substantially along a fourth axis and
dividing the fourth toe platform from a fifth toe platform, the
fifth toe platform configured to engage with the foot of the user
only on a bottom surface of the foot. A first toe post is engaged
with the sole at a location adjacent to the first division and
substantially in-line with the first axis of the first
division.
[0010] In still another embodiment, a sandal for improved
athleticism over uneven terrain may include a midsole having a
first toe platform isolated from a second toe platform, the first
toe platform configured to articulate independently from the second
toe platform. A stiffening member is coupled with the midsole and
has a first portion isolated from a second portion, the first
portion coupled with the first toe platform and the second portion
coupled with the second toe platform. An outsole is coupled with
the midsole so that the stiffening member is substantially disposed
between the outsole and the midsole. A toe post extends through the
midsole and is fastened to the stiffening member, the toe post
configured to separate a first toe of a foot of a wearer onto the
first toe platform and a second toe of the foot of the wearer onto
the second toe platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill
in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be
protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the
drawings are not necessarily to scale, and may be exaggerated to
better illustrate the important features of the present invention.
In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts
throughout the different views, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a top view of an article of footwear having a
plurality of separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a top view of a topsole for an article of
footwear having a plurality of separated toe platforms and a
plurality of toe posts in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a top view of the topsole of FIG. 2A connected
with a midsole for an article of footwear having a plurality of
separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 3A is a bottom view of a midsole connected with a shank
for an article of footwear having a plurality of separated toe
platforms and a plurality of toe posts in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 3B is a side view of the midsole connected with the
shank of FIG. 3A for an article of footwear having a plurality of
separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 4A is a bottom view of an outsole for an article of
footwear having a plurality of separated toe platforms and a
plurality of toe posts in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4B is a side view of the outsole of FIG. 4A for an
article of footwear having a plurality of separated toe platforms
and a plurality of toe posts in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of an article of footwear having a
plurality of separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of an article of footwear having two
separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 7A is a side view of a midsole connected with a shank
for an article of footwear having two separated toe platforms and a
plurality of toe posts in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 7B is a side view of an outsole for connection with the
midsole of FIG. 7A for an article of footwear having two separated
toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 7C is a side view of an assembled unit having the
outsole and the midsole of FIGS. 7A-7B for an article of footwear
having two separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a midsole connected with a shank
for an article of footwear having two separated toe platforms and a
plurality of toe posts in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an outsole for an article of
footwear having two separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe
posts in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a side view of an article of footwear having a
two separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
[0027] FIG. 11 is a top view of two articles of footwear with
separated toe platforms and a single toe post in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] In reference to FIG. 1, a top view of an article of footwear
(e.g., a sandal) 100 is shown. The footwear 100 has a sole with a
heel end or portion 102 and a toe end or portion 104. During use, a
wearer of the footwear 100 positions his or her foot so that the
heel of their foot contacts the sole of the footwear 100 at the
heel end 102 and the toes of their foot contact the sole of the
footwear 100 at the toe end 104. The sole may include a topsole 106
and a midsole 152, as discussed in greater detail herein.
[0029] The midsole 152 of the footwear 100 has a plurality of cuts
(120, 122, 124, 126) disposed at the toe end 104 of the footwear
100. The cuts (120, 122, 124, 126) are positioned from the outer
edge of the toe end 104 of the footwear 100 and extend inwards
towards the heel end 102 of the footwear, as discussed in greater
detail herein. Thus, the plurality of cuts (120, 122, 124, 126)
form a plurality of planar platforms (131, 133, 135, 137, 139), as
discussed in greater detail herein. In use, each of the plurality
of platforms (131, 133, 135, 137, 139) is configured to receive or
contact one of the five toes of the wearer's foot.
[0030] An upper 110 is connected with the sole of the footwear 100.
The upper 110 may be a strap secured to the sole at various contact
locations. The upper 110 maintains the sole of the footwear 100 in
a close proximity to the foot so that the wearer can move his or
her foot without the footwear 100 becoming too far removed. A first
contact location 112 may be positioned along an outer side or
lateral edge (e.g., a right side of the footwear 100 when the
footwear 100 is viewed from the top perspective). Similarly, a
second contact location 113 may be positioned along an inner side
or medial edge (e.g., a left side of the footwear 100 when the
footwear 100 is viewed from the top perspective). In this manner,
the upper 110 extends across a top portion of the foot of the
wearer during use, in front of the wearer's ankle and behind the
wearer's toes.
[0031] The upper 110 is also fastened near the toe end 104 of the
sole via a plurality of toe posts (114, 115, 116, 117). Each of the
plurality of toe posts (114, 115, 116, 117) secures the upper 110
near the toe end 104 of the sole of the footwear 100 at locations
corresponding to each of the plurality of cuts (120, 122, 124,
126). In an alternative embodiment, any number of toe posts (e.g.,
one toe post) or two cuts (e.g., one toe cut) may be utilized, as
discussed in greater detail herein. For example, the first cut 120
may extend substantially along a first axis or line from the toe
end 104 towards the heel end 102. The first toe post 114 may engage
with the sole adjacent to the first cut 120 and substantially
in-line with the first axis of the first cut 120. Similarly, the
second cut 122 may extend substantially along a second axis or line
from the toe end 104 towards the heel end 102. The second toe post
115 may engage with the sole adjacent to the second cut 122 and
substantially in-line with the second axis of the second cut 122.
The third cut 124 may also extend substantially along a third axis
or line from the toe end 104 towards the heel end 102. The third
toe post 116 may engage with the sole adjacent to the third cut 124
and substantially in-line with the third axis of the third cut 124.
Finally, the fourth cut 126 may extend substantially along a fourth
axis or line from the toe end 104 towards the heel end 102. The
fourth toe post 117 may engage with the sole adjacent to the fourth
cut 126 and substantially in-line with the fourth axis of the
fourth cut 122. Thus, during use, the wearer's foot engages or
contacts each of the toe posts (114, 115, 116, 117) in between each
of the wearer's five toes, separating each of the five toes onto
the respective platforms (131, 133, 135, 137, 139). These
additional points of contact with the wearer's foot via the toe
posts (114, 115, 116, 117) allow for increased athleticism of the
footwear 100.
[0032] The platforms (131, 133, 135, 137, 139) may make contact
with the wearer only on a bottom surface of the wearer's foot and
thus do not encircle or encapsulate the wearer's toes. Such a
configuration allows for easy slip-on or slip-off of the footwear
100 while still providing improved athleticism, fit, comfort and/or
foot health, especially over uneven terrain. For example, each of
the platforms (131, 133, 135, 137, 139) may independently
articulate when transmitting forces between the wearer's foot and
the ground beneath the footwear 100. When encountering uneven
terrain, instead of bending the entire toe portion at once, like is
necessary in traditional foot apparel, the footwear 100 may
independently flex at each toe, providing better frictional grip
along the bottom of the footwear 100 and improved feedback to the
wearer. In addition, the footwear 100 resembles traditional
footwear in appearance, as opposed to gloved footwear that
encapsulates each toe, so may be more visually attractive to users
that do not wish to draw extra attention to their feet when out in
public.
[0033] Turning next to FIG. 2A, a top view of a topsole 200 for an
article of footwear having a plurality of separated toe platforms
and a plurality of toe posts is shown. The topsole 200 may be the
same or similar to the topsole 106 of FIG. 1. The topsole 200 has a
heel end 202 and a toe end 204 and may be used for providing
additional gripping, padding or comfort features to a wearer when
in use. When the topsole 200 is assembled with other layers of the
article of footwear, the heel end 202 of the topsole 200 is
configured to make contact or engage with a heel portion of a foot
and the toe end 204 of the topsole 200 is configured to make
contact or engage with a portion of the foot preceding the toes. In
certain embodiments, the toe end 204 of the topsole 200 may be
designed to extend to the outer edge or perimeter of the assembled
footwear at the toe end 204. A middle portion 206 utilizes a
curvature at the medial and lateral sides in order to match the
typical shape of a human foot.
[0034] FIG. 2B shows a top view of a combination 250 of the topsole
200 from FIG. 2A connected with a midsole 252 for the article of
footwear having a plurality of separated toe platforms and a
plurality of toe posts. The midsole 252 may be the same or similar
to the midsole 152 of FIG. 1. The topsole 200 engages or couples
with the midsole 252 and is secured in place, for example with
adhesives or any other molding process during the manufacturing of
the combination 250.
[0035] The midsole 252 includes a plurality of cuts (260, 262, 264,
266), the same or similar as previously described for FIG. 1. The
cuts (260, 262, 264, 266) define a plurality of substantially
planar platforms (271, 273, 275, 277, 279) and extend completely
through the midsole 252 so that each of the platforms (271, 273,
275, 277, 279) may independently articulate with respect to each
other. Each of the platforms (271, 273, 275, 277, 279) is
configured to make contact with one of the toes of a user's foot
when the article of footwear is in use. The platforms (271, 273,
275, 277, 279) do not encompass or surround the toes of the user's
foot and may only make contact with a bottom surface of the user's
toes. The platforms (271, 273, 275, 277, 279) may vary in size and
shape with respect to one another in order to accommodate the
physical differences in a typical human foot. For example, the
first platform 271 may be larger in width than any of the remaining
four platforms (273, 275, 277, 279) in order to adequately engage
with a big toe (i.e., a hallux) of the user.
[0036] Although four cuts (260, 262, 264, 266) for separating or
defining five platforms (271, 273, 275, 277, 279) are shown in FIG.
2B, in an alternative embodiment, any number of cuts or platforms
may be formed in the midsole 252, as discussed in greater detail
herein. For example, a midsole may only utilize one cut for
physically separating or isolating a first toe platform from a
second toe platform. The first toe platform may be configured to
engage with only a hallux of a wearer while the second toe platform
may be configured to engage with a remaining four toes of the
wearer. In another embodiment, a midsole may utilize a flexible
material or segment in place of a cut for separating certain toe
platforms. Thus, adjacent platforms may be flexibly coupled with
one another via the flexible segment and remain independently
moveable, but without being physically isolated or separated by a
cut, as discussed in more detail herein.
[0037] A plurality of holes (280, 281, 282, 283) are formed in the
midsole 252 preceding the plurality of cuts (260, 262, 264, 266) at
the toe end 204 of the combination 250. These openings may be at
the same or similar locations previously described for the toe
posts (114, 115, 116, 117) of FIG. 1. Each of the holes (280, 281,
282, 283) is configured to receive a toe post for securing the toe
post to the midsole 252, for example via a shank or other
stiffening agent, as described in greater detail herein. Thus, the
holes (280, 281, 282, 283) may align with one or more of the cuts
(260, 262, 264, 266) so that a toe post engaged with one of the
holes (280, 281, 282, 283) operates to appropriately separate the
user's toes onto one or more of the corresponding platforms (271,
273, 275, 277, 279).
[0038] Turning next to FIG. 3A, a bottom view of a combination 300
of a midsole 306 connected with a shank 305 is shown for an article
of footwear having a plurality of separated toe platforms and a
plurality of toe posts. The midsole 306 may be the same or similar
to the midsole 252 of FIG. 2B. The shank 305 is molded or otherwise
coupled with the midsole 306 and acts as a stiffening agent or
member for resisting bending of the article of footwear. The shank
305 may also provide increased protection of a wearer's foot when
the article of footwear is in use by preventing sharp or other
rugged objects from protruding through the sole of the article of
footwear and contacting the wearer's foot. In one embodiment, the
shank 305 may be relatively thin, for example, less than 2.5 mm in
thickness. The shank 305 is made of a material for resisting
bending of the article of footwear in certain areas of the
footwear. The shank 305 may be formed out of one or more of a
variety of materials, for example, thermoplastic compounds, carbon
fiber, steel, graphite, etc. Certain materials may provide
increased stiffness or protection at varying manufacturing
costs.
[0039] The shank 305 is configured to be positioned between the
midsole 306 and an outsole of the article of footwear, as described
in greater detail herein. The shank 305 has a base with a heel end
or portion 302 and a toe end or portion 304, similar to the midsole
252 of FIG. 2B. In addition, positioned at the toe end 304 of the
base, a plurality of planar elements or platforms (331, 333, 335,
337, 339) are physically separated and adjacent from one another
via a plurality of cuts (320, 322, 324, 326). These platforms (331,
333, 335, 337, 339) and cuts (320, 322, 324, 326) may have similar
features to those previously described for FIGS. 1 and 2B and are
configured to allow independent movement of the platforms (331,
333, 335, 337, 339) with respect to each other. The platforms (331,
333, 335, 337, 339) and cuts (320, 322, 324, 326) are configured to
align with corresponding platforms and cuts of the midsole 306.
[0040] In other words, the first cut 320 in the base of the shank
305 is configured to align with a corresponding first cut of the
midsole 306 such that the first platform 331 and the second
platform 333 of the base of the shank 305 are physically isolated
from one another at opposite sides of the first cut of the midsole
306. Similarly, the second cut 322 in the base of the shank 305 is
configured to align with a corresponding second cut of the midsole
306 such that the second platform 333 and the third platform 335 of
the base of the shank 305 are physically isolated from one another
at opposite sides of the second cut of the midsole 306. The third
cut 324 in the base of the shank 305 is configured to align with a
corresponding third cut of the midsole 306 such that the third
platform 335 and the fourth platform 337 of the base of the shank
305 are physically isolated from one another at opposite sides of
the third cut of the midsole 306. The fourth cut 326 in the base of
the shank 305 is configured to align with a corresponding fourth
cut of the midsole 306 such that the fourth platform 337 and the
fifth platform 339 of the base of the shank 305 are physically
isolated from one another at opposite sides of the fourth cut of
the midsole 306. Thus, independent articulation of one of the
platforms (331, 333, 335, 337, 339) of the shank 305 would result
in independent articulation of its corresponding platform of the
midsole 306. For example, if the shank 305 were utilized with the
midsole 252 of FIG. 2B, articulation of the second platform 273 of
the midsole 252 would result only in articulation of the second
platform 333 of the shank 305.
[0041] At a middle section preceding the toe end 304 of the base of
the shank 305, an indented portion 314 of the shank 305 includes a
plurality of slots 346 disposed therein. The indented portion 314
may be formed via compressing an area of the base of the shank 305
and is configured to receive a fastening component 340. In one
embodiment, the indented portion 314 may be compressed by 1 mm and
the fastening component 340 may be 1 mm thick, such that the
fastening component 340 is flush with the surface of the shank 305
when received by the indented portion 314. The fastening component
340 is configured to cooperate with the indented portion 314 to
receive and secure a plurality of toe posts of the article of
footwear, for example, toe posts (114, 115, 116, 117) of FIG. 1. A
plurality of holes (380, 381, 382, 383) in the base of the shank
305 receive the corresponding plurality of toe posts. The toe posts
engage with one of the plurality of indents 344 of the fastening
component 340, loop around the fastening component 340 by engaging
with a second one of the plurality of indents 344 and finally
extend upwards towards the midsole 306 and through one of a
plurality of slots 342 of the fastening component 340. The toe
posts also extend through a corresponding one of the plurality of
slots 346 in the indented portion 314 of the base of the shank 305
and are then secured (e.g., via an adhesive) to the base of the
shank 305. Thus, any slippage of a toe post for the article of
footwear is minimized both by its looping around the fastening
component 340 and via its secure connection to the shank 305.
[0042] The fastening component 340 received within the indented
portion 314 in the base of the shank 305 additionally provides
increased resistance to bending of the shank 305 at the location of
the indented portion 314 due to the increased amount of material
utilized at that location. For example, if a front or toe portion
of the article of footwear gets caught under an object during use
and causes the toe portion to bend backwards towards a rear or heel
portion, the additional stiffness due to the fastening component
340 within the compressed portion 314 helps to resist such bending.
Some bending of the shank 305 in particular areas may be desirable,
however, due to the natural movement of the human foot during
walking or other activity. To allow such movement, a plurality of
slits 312 are formed in the base of the shank 305 adjacent to the
indented portion 314. The slits 312 lessen the resistance of the
shank 305 to bending, therefore permitting the article of footwear
increased flexibility at such locations to accommodate the flexing
action of a human foot during walking, running or other athletic
movement. Similarly, a plurality of notches 311 are disposed
preceding the heel end 302 of the base of the shank 305 for
providing reduced resistance to bending at the locations of the
plurality of notches 311. An alternative embodiment may used
differently sized or configured slits or notches in varying
locations, or may use greater or fewer numbers of slits or
notches.
[0043] The base of the shank 305 additionally includes an opening
310 in the heel end 302 for providing a spring effect during use of
the article of footwear when a user's heel exhibits a downward
force upon the shank 305 through the sole of the footwear. The
opening 310 is formed in the shape of a central circle,
substantially centered in the heel end 302 for aligning with a heel
of a user's foot and a plurality (e.g., five) of curved extensions
extending therefrom around a perimeter of the central circle, thus
substantially forming a rounded 5-point star configuration. In an
alternative embodiment, any shape or configuration for providing a
spring effect upon a heel of a user's foot may be utilized.
Similarly, additional or fewer openings in the shank 305 may be
utilized in varying locations for providing the desired spring
effect upon a wearer's foot during use.
[0044] Each of the platforms (331, 333, 335, 337, 339) of the shank
305 include a protrusion configured to extend to or be flush with
an outside of the sole of the footwear (e.g., by extending through
an outsole of the article of footwear). A first protrusion 359 is
positioned along a line substantially centered on the first
platform 331. A second protrusion 358 is similarly positioned on
the second platform 333. A third protrusion 357 is similarly
positioned on the third platform 335. A fourth protrusion 356 is
similarly positioned on the fourth platform 337. A fifth protrusion
355 is similarly positioned on the fifth platform 339. Each of the
protrusions (359, 358, 357, 356, 355) may travel through the sole
of the footwear and may be visible by inspecting an outside layer
of the article of footwear. These protrusions (359, 358, 357, 356,
355) may indicate the weardown of the article of footwear and
provide an indication on when the footwear should be replaced or
otherwise repaired to ensure optimal athleticism. The protrusions
may also act as cleats in order to increase the traction
performance of the sole of the footwear. For example, the shank 305
may be manufactured of a material more resistant to wear or
friction than an outsole of the article of footwear and thus
provide a visual indication of the weardown of the outsole of the
article of footwear.
[0045] Additional heel protrusions (351, 352) located on the heel
end 302 of the base of the shank 305 and middle protrusions (353,
354) located on the base of the shank 305 adjacent to the indented
portion 314 may be configured to similarly extend to or be flush
with the outer sole of the article of the footwear for indicating
weardown of their respective portions of the footwear. FIG. 3B
shows a side view of the combination 300 of the midsole 306
connected with the shank 305 of FIG. 3A. The protrusions (351, 353,
354, 355, 356, 357, 358) of the shank 305 can be seen from the side
extending outwardly to be received by corresponding openings in an
outsole of the article of footwear, as described in greater detail
herein. Protrusions (352, 359) additionally extend outwardly to be
received by a corresponding opening in the outsole of the article
of footwear, but are hidden from view.
[0046] FIGS. 4A and 4B show bottom and side views, respectively, of
an outsole 400 for an article of footwear having a plurality of
separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts. The outsole
400 may be configured to couple with a midsole including a shank,
for example the midsole 306 and the shank 305 of FIGS. 3A-3B.
Similar to the discussion above, the outsole 400 has a heel end 402
and a toe end 404 and includes a plurality of cuts (420, 422, 424,
426) in the toe end 404 for defining a plurality of platforms (431,
433, 435, 437, 439). Each of the cuts (420, 422, 424, 426) and the
platforms (431, 433, 435, 437, 439) are configured to align with
corresponding cuts and platforms in other layers of the article of
footwear, for example, the midsole 306 and the shank 305 of FIGS.
3A-3B. Thus, for example, when the outsole 400 is part of an
assembled article of footwear (e.g., a midsole, a shank and an
outsole) the cuts (420, 422, 424, 426) of the outsole 400 are
located at the same positioning for cuts in the toe portions of the
other layers making up the article of footwear. Each of the
platforms (431, 433, 435, 437, 439) of the outsole 400 may
therefore cooperate with platforms of the midsole and the shank to
independently articulate.
[0047] The outsole 400 may be formed of one or more of a variety of
materials (e.g., a thermoplastic compound) and may include a
variety of material textures, types, and/or configurations. As
shown in FIG. 4A, for example, the toe end 404 of the outsole 400
is manufactured with a first texture 450 (e.g., a diamond pattern)
for improved grip when engaged with a surface under the outsole 400
during use. The top of the first texture 450 may be 4 mm thick
while the bottom may be 2 mm thick. A second texture 446 (e.g., a
golf-ball pattern) extends in strips on one side (e.g., a lateral
side) of the outsole 400 and surrounds an infinity or figure-eight
shaped portion and may be more flexible than the first texture 450
to allow for diminished resistance to flexing in order to
accommodate the natural bending of a human foot during movement.
The top of the second texture 446 may be 3 mm thick while the
bottom may be 2 mm thick.
[0048] The outsole 400 also utilizes a third texture 444 (e.g., a
micro-teeth pattern) disposed adjacent to the second texture 446 on
the lateral side of the outsole 400 and may be more rigid than the
second texture 446 and exhibit improved gripping performance when
compared to the second texture 446. A fourth texture 448 is
disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 400 from the third
texture 444 (e.g., on a medial side) and may be more flexible with
less gripping potential than the third texture 444 since it is
positioned in an area of the outsole 400 that is less prone to be
used for athletic friction. Finally, a fifth texture 443 is
disposed within the infinity or figure-eight shape extending from
the heel end 402 of the outsole to an area preceding the toe end
404. This fifth texture 443 may provide increased spring or
rebounding force to a foot of a wearer during use. The fifth
texture 443 is surrounded by a first boundary material 441 and a
second boundary material 440 for helping maintain the direction of
the spring or rebounding force of the fifth texture 443 to the foot
of the user during operation. Flexible strips 442 may be used in
the second boundary material 440 for allowing flexing of the
infinity or figure-eight shape. Alternative embodiments may utilize
any of a variety of different textures, shapes, or texture
placements or configurations for providing desired traction,
gripping and/or rebounding characteristics. For example, circular,
rectangular or other ribbed shaped protrusions or indentations may
be utilized upon the outsole 400.
[0049] A plurality of openings (451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457,
458, 459) are disposed in the outsole 400 for receiving a plurality
of protrusions of a shank that is coupled with the outsole. The
protrusions may be the same or similar to the protrusions (351,
352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359) previously described for
the shank 305 of FIGS. 3A-3B. In one embodiment, the thickness of
the outsole 400 may be the same as the thickness of the protrusions
received in the plurality of openings (451, 452, 453, 454, 455,
456, 457, 458, 459). Thus, an exterior surface of the outsole 400
may be flush with the protrusions received in the plurality of
openings (451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459). FIG. 4B
demonstrates a side view of the outsole 400. An upper surface 462
of the outsole 400 is configured to engage or couple with a midsole
and/or a shank while a bottom surface 464 of the outsole 400 is
configured to face away from the midsole and/or the shank and
represents an exterior surface for a completed article of
footwear.
[0050] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a completed article of footwear
500 having a plurality of separated toe platforms and a plurality
of toe posts. The footwear 500 includes a heel end 502 and a toe
end 504 and is configured to engage with a human foot during use.
The footwear 500 has a sole including three layers: a topsole layer
570, a midsole layer 560 and an outsole layer 550. An internal
shank is molded between the midsole layer 560 and the outsole layer
550, the same or similar as previously described. The footwear 500
includes an upper 510 (e.g., a strap), which may be the same or
similar to upper 110 of FIG. 1, connected at a side location 512
along the perimeter of the footwear 500. The upper 510 similarly
connects at an opposite side location (not shown). Four toe posts
(514, 515, 516, 517) connect the upper 510 to the sole of the
footwear 500, the same or similar as previously described.
[0051] Turning next to FIG. 6, an article of footwear 600 is shown.
Generally, the footwear 600 may have certain structure and
functional features that are similar to those of previously
described for FIGS. 1-5. Notwithstanding these similar features,
the footwear 600 may be distinguished by utilizing only one cut for
independent articulation of a user's toes when wearing the footwear
600, as described in greater detail herein.
[0052] The footwear 600 has a heel portion 602 and a toe portion
604. The footwear 600 has a sole including a topsole 606 connected
with a midsole 652 that fastens with an upper 610 at side or
lateral locations 612 and 613. A plurality of four toe posts (614,
615, 616, 617) connect with the upper 610 and aid in securing the
upper 610 to the sole of the footwear 600, the same or similar as
previously described. An ankle strap 608 is also fastened at the
heel portion 602 of the footwear for providing additional
stabilization or securement with a wearer's foot when the footwear
600 is in use.
[0053] At the toe portion 604 of the footwear 600, a plurality of
divisions (620, 622, 624, 626) divide the toe portion 604 into a
plurality of toe platforms for engaging with a bottom surface of a
foot (e.g., one or more toes) of the wearer. The first division 620
is a cut that physically separates a first toe platform 631 from a
second toe platform 633, the same or similar as previously
described. The remaining three divisions (622, 624, 626) divide a
third toe platform 635 from the second toe platform 633, a fourth
toe platform 637 from the third toe platform 635 and a fifth toe
platform 639 from the fourth toe platform 637 but do not physically
isolate them from one another (i.e. the second toe platform 633,
the third toe platform 635, the fourth toe platform 637 and the
fifth platform 639 remain coupled together via the remaining three
divisions (622, 624, 626), as described in greater detail herein.
In one embodiment, any of the plurality of divisions (620, 622,
624, 626) may be a flexible segment or material that flexibly
couples or divides adjacent toe platforms from one another. Any of
a variety of configurations involving cuts and/or flexible segments
may be used for the plurality of divisions (620, 622, 624, 626).
Greater or fewer divisions may also be utilized in an alternative
embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 7A shows a side view of a combination 700 of a midsole
connected with an internal shank for an article of footwear having
two separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts. Similar
to the combination 300 for FIG. 3B, the combination 700 has a heel
end 702 and a toe end 704 and a plurality of protrusions (712, 714,
715, 716, 717, 718, 719) of the internal shank can be seen
extending downward and away from the midsole. FIG. 7B shows a side
view of an outsole 720 for connection with the combination 700 of
FIG. 7A. The outsole 720 similarly shares the heel end 702 and the
toe end 704. The outsole 720 has a top surface 722 for mating or
connecting with the combination 700 and a bottom surface 724 for
forming an exterior surface of the article of footwear. FIG. 7C
demonstrates a side view of an assembly 750 of the combination 700
with the outsole 720. The plurality of protrusions (712, 714, 715,
716, 717, 718, 719) of the shank can no longer be seen from the
side because they are contained within pockets or holes of the
outsole 720, the same or similar as previously described.
[0055] FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of a combination 800 of a midsole
806 and an internal shank 805 for an article of footwear having two
separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe posts. The
combination 800 has a heel end 802 and a toe end 804 and may be the
same or similar as described for the combination 700 of FIG. 7A.
Moreover, certain structure or features of the shank 805 or the
midsole 806 may be the same or similar as previously described, for
example in FIG. 3A. The shank 805 includes notches 811 and slits
812, the same or similar as previously described for the shank 305
of FIG. 3A. Moreover, the shank 805 includes protrusions 851, 852,
853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859) the same or similar as
previously described for the shank 305 of FIG. 3A. A plurality of
holes (880, 881, 882, 883) are disposed in the shank 805 for
receiving toe posts of the article of footwear and an indented
portion 814 with slots 846 for receiving a fastening component (not
shown) is also included as part of the shank 805, the same or
similar as previously described in FIG. 3A. However, only one cut
820 is made in the toe end 804 of the shank 805 for separating two
toe platforms. Thus, a first toe of a wearer (e.g., a hallux) may
contact one of the toe platforms while the remaining four toes of
the wearer's foot contact a second of the toe platforms.
[0056] Turning next to FIG. 9, a bottom view of an outsole 900 for
an article of footwear having two separated toe platforms and a
plurality of toe posts is shown. Generally, certain structure or
features of the outsole 900 may be the same or similar as
previously described for the outsole 400 in FIG. 4A. Nonetheless,
the outsole 900 is shown with only one toe cut.
[0057] Similar to the outsole 400 of FIG. 4A, the outsole 900 may
be configured to couple with a midsole including a shank, for
example the midsole 806 and the shank 805 of FIG. 8 or the midsole
306 and the shank 305 of FIG. 3A. The outsole 900 has a heel end
902 and a toe end 904 and includes a first division 920 in the toe
end 904 in the form of a cut for physically separating or isolating
a first toe platform 931 from a second toe platform 933. A second
division 922 is in the toe end 904 in the form of a flexible
segment that operates to flexibly divide a third toe platform 935
from the second toe platform 933. A third division 924 is in the
toe end 904 in the form of a flexible segment that operates to
flexibly divide a fourth toe platform 937 from the third toe
platform 935. A fourth division 926 is in the toe end 904 in the
form of a flexible segment that operates to flexibly divide a fifth
toe platform 939 from the fourth toe platform 937.
[0058] By utilizing the outsole 900 in an article of footwear with
corresponding cuts and/or flexible connections in other layers of
the footwear (e.g., the combination 300 of FIG. 3A), the flexible
segments (922, 924, 926) may provide for articulation between the
four flexibly connected toe platforms (933, 935, 937, 939). In an
alternative embodiment, if such articulation via the flexible
segments (922, 924, 926) is desired, but on a reduced basis, the
connected shank or midsole may be constructed without any such
corresponding cuts and/or flexible connections (e.g., the
combination 800 of FIG. 8). In yet another alternative embodiment,
if no articulation via flexible segments is to be included, the
outsole may be manufactured without any flexible segments dividing
various of the toe platforms.
[0059] The outsole 900 may be formed of one or more of a variety of
materials and may include a variety of material textures, types,
and/or configurations, the same or similar as previously described
for FIG. 4A. For example, a first texture 948 may be used on the
toe end 904, a second texture 946 may be used on one or both sides
(e.g., a medial side and a lateral side) of the outsole 900 and to
surround an infinity or figure eight portion, a third texture 944
may be used between the second texture 946 and a fourth texture 943
may be used within the infinity or figure-eight portion and
surrounded by a first boundary material 941 and a second boundary
material 940 having flexible strips or cuts 942, the same or
similar as previously described for FIG. 4A. In addition, a
plurality of openings (951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959)
are disposed in the outsole 900 for receiving a plurality of
protrusions of a shank that is coupled with the outsole 900, the
same or similar as previously described for FIG. 4A.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a completed article of footwear
1000 having two separated toe platforms and a plurality of toe
posts. The footwear 1000 includes a heel end 1002 and a toe end
1004 and is configured to engage with a human foot during use. The
footwear 1000 has a sole including three layers: a topsole layer
1070, a midsole layer 1060 and an outsole layer 1050. An internal
shank is molded between the midsole layer 1060 and the outsole
layer 1050, the same or similar as previously described. The
footwear 1000 includes an upper 1010, which may be the same or
similar to the upper 610 of FIG. 6, connected at a side location
1012 along the perimeter of the footwear 1000. The upper 1010
similarly connects at an opposite side location (not shown). Four
toe posts (1014, 1015, 1016, 1017) connect the upper 1010 to the
sole of the footwear 1000, the same or similar as previously
described. An ankle strap 1008, which may be the same or similar to
the ankle strap 608 of FIG. 6 is also connected with the sole of
the footwear 1000 for providing further support, stabilization or
engagement with the foot of a user.
[0061] FIG. 11 shows a top view of two articles of footwear (e.g.,
sandals). A first article of footwear 1100 includes a heel portion
1102 and a toe portion 1104 and has an upper 1110 connected at
lateral locations (1112, 1113) of the footwear 1100. Generally, the
footwear 1100 may have certain structure and functional features
that are similar to those of previously described for FIGS. 1-5.
Notwithstanding these similar features, the footwear 1100 may be
distinguished by utilizing only one toe post 1114 for engaging with
a foot of a wearer. Thus, the toe post 1114 is configured to be
disposed between two of the wearer's toes without any additional
toe posts disposed between the other toes of the wearer's foot.
[0062] Similarly, the second footwear 1150 includes a heel portion
1152 and a toe portion 1154 and has an upper 1160 connected at
lateral locations (1162, 1163) of the footwear 1150. Generally, the
footwear 1150 may have certain structure and functional features
that are similar to those of previously described for FIGS. 6-10.
Notwithstanding these similar features, the footwear 1150 may be
distinguished by utilizing only one toe post 1164 for engaging with
a foot of a wearer. Thus, the toe post 1164 is configured to be
disposed between two of the wearer's toes without any additional
toe posts disposed between the other toes of the wearer's foot. In
an alternative embodiment, any number of toe posts may be utilized
for either the first footwear 1100 or the second footwear 1152.
[0063] Although FIGS. 1-11 disclose particular footwear
configurations using particularly shaped elements and structural
features, other possible configurations or elements may be utilized
in an alternative embodiment. For example, an article of footwear
may utilize any number of toe cuts, divisions or toe posts in an
alternative embodiment or may use greater or fewer layers making up
the sole of the footwear. In addition, although sandal-style
footwear has been shown in the various figures, other types of
footwear may be created with the aspects or features described in
the above embodiments. The exact configurations or elements shown
need not be utilized in certain articles of footwear and certain
features may be replaced, removed or added and the placement or
configuration of such elements may be modified from the precise
structure or positioning described in the above embodiments.
[0064] Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed
in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed
throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor
modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well
versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to
be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon
are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of
the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope
shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *