U.S. patent application number 14/209303 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for footwear with pontoon sole structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Stuart Jenkins, Kyle R. Pulli.
Application Number | 20140259784 14/209303 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520734 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140259784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jenkins; Stuart ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
FOOTWEAR WITH PONTOON SOLE STRUCTURE
Abstract
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure
having an outer periphery and one or more pontoons flexibly and
resiliently joined to the sole structure. The pontoons are
configured to spread laterally when the footwear is loaded to
thereby increase the surface area of the sole structure and
elastically retract back to an original position when the footwear
is unloaded. The increased surface area of the sole reduces sinking
of the footwear in soft, loose or saturated ground. Optionally, the
sole structure includes paddle blades.
Inventors: |
Jenkins; Stuart; (Goleta,
CA) ; Pulli; Kyle R.; (LaJolla, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION |
Goleta |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION
Goleta
CA
|
Family ID: |
51520734 |
Appl. No.: |
14/209303 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61778779 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/184 20130101;
A43B 13/26 20130101; A43B 13/141 20130101; A43B 13/223 20130101;
A43B 5/06 20130101; A43C 15/06 20130101; A43B 5/002 20130101; A43B
13/181 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/102 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; and a sole
structure having an outer periphery attached to the upper, wherein
the sole structure comprises one or more pontoons on the outer
periphery and joined to the sole structure by one or more flexible
and resilient members configured so that the pontoons flex
outwardly when the article of footwear is loaded and elastically
retract back to an original position when the article of footwear
is unloaded.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the one or more
flexible and resilient members comprises at least one hinge member
connecting the pontoons to a central portion of the sole
structure.
3. The article of footwear as in claim 2, wherein the hinge member
is co-molded integrally with the pontoons and the central portion
of the sole structure.
4. The article of footwear as in claim 2, wherein the hinge member
is a reduced thickness portion of the sole structure, and the
pontoons are separated from the central portion by a deep groove at
the hinge member.
5. The article of footwear as in claim 1, wherein the sole
structure includes pontoons on opposed sides of the sole and the
flexible and resilient members comprise straps bridging from and
between the pontoons on opposed sides.
6. The article of footwear as in claim 1, where the pontoons are
hollow, tube-like members.
7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole structure
comprises a plurality of segmented pontoons that individually pivot
outwardly and retract back to an original position providing an
independent suspension.
8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the pontoons are
arranged substantially continuously around the periphery of the
sole structure.
9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of
the sole structure comprises a pattern of protuberances for
providing traction.
10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of
the sole structure includes one or more paddle blades that project
from the outer surface of the sole, wrapping around the periphery
of the sole structure.
11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the blades have
"V" or fish-bone shaped configuration.
12. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the outer surface
of the sole includes one or more fins that generally intersect
perpendicularly with the blades.
13. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of drainage ports in the upper.
14. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; and a sole
structure having an outer periphery attached to the upper, wherein
the sole structure comprises a central portion and a plurality of
segmented pontoons on the outer periphery, the pontoons being
joined to the sole structure by one or more flexible and resilient
hinge members connecting the pontoons to the central portion of the
sole structure, and wherein the hinge members are configured so
that the pontoons independently pivot outwardly when the article of
footwear is loaded and elastically retract back to an original
position when the article of footwear is unloaded.
15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the central
portion of the sole structure, pontoons and hinge member are
integrally co-molded.
16. The article of footwear as in claim 14 wherein the pontoon
members and central potion are separated by deep grooves.
17. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the outsole has
heel and forefoot portions and the heel portion is thicker.
18. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; a sole structure
having an outer periphery attached to the upper; wherein the sole
structure comprises a central portion and a plurality of segmented
pontoons on the outer periphery, the pontoons being joined to the
sole structure by one or more flexible and resilient hinge members
connecting the pontoons to the central portion of the sole
structure, and wherein the one or more hinge members are configured
so that the pontoons independently pivot outwardly when the article
of footwear is loaded and elastically retract back to an original
position when the article of footwear is unloaded; wherein the sole
structure including the central portion, pontoons and hinge members
are integrally co-molded; and wherein the sole structure further
comprises an outsole having a plurality of lugs.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/778,779, filed Mar. 13, 2013.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear,
and in particular to footwear having a sole structure with
pontoons. The footwear of the invention has particular
applicability in soft ground, mud, sand and amphibious environments
in the outdoor recreation and military fields.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Footwear having conventional soles made of resiliently
compressible materials is well known in the art. Footwear in
general and sole structures in particular has been designed for
performance in particular intended environments, i.e., the
floor/ground/terrain and other conditions wherein the footwear will
be used. Sole structures designed for outdoor activities, such as
running, walking, biking and the like, must be durable and provide
sufficient support to handle impact forces generated by a wearer
during the physical activities. Physical activities performed in
soft or loose ground conditions such as mud, sand or snow present
particular design challenges. Conventional footwear can sink into
soft ground, lose traction, and fail to provide proper adequate
support and stability in these conditions.
[0004] As a result, there is a need for improved footwear that
provides enhanced stability, traction and performance in soft
and/or loose ground conditions and in amphibious environments.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The above-identified need is met by the present footwear
incorporating a sole structure having pontoon members.
Specifically, one or more pontoons are provided on an outer
periphery of the sole. The pontoons are configured and adapted to
pivot or otherwise flex outwardly when the footwear is loaded, and
elastically retract back to their original position when the
footwear is unloaded. More specifically, when the footwear is
loaded by running or landing, one or more of the pontoons flex
outwardly to provide an increased surface area with the underlying
surface, thereby generating greater stability and support. As a
result, the increased surface area of the outsole spreads load over
a greater area and helps to reduce sinking of the footwear in soft
ground. The footwear outsole of the invention is also suitable on
hard ground surfaces such a pavement and irregular surfaces such as
rocks, roots and the like. The present pontoon sole structure has
enhanced resiliency and adaptability to conform to a variety of
ground surfaces, namely, soft and hard, wet and dry, smooth and
irregular.
[0006] Another embodiment of the footwear of the invention includes
paddle blades. The blades are particularly advantageous in beach
and other amphibious environments. The paddle blades provide
increased surface area and dig into the ground, thereby providing
enhanced traction, propulsion and control in sand, mud, snow and
other loose or saturated materials. Embodiments of the invention
include both pontoons and paddle blade traction members.
[0007] These and other examples of the present invention are
discussed below in the following detailed description of the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first exemplary article of
footwear having outsole with pontoons and paddle blades.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2A-2A
of FIG. 2 and in the direction generally indicated.
[0011] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2B-2B
of FIG. 2 and in the direction generally indicated.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of a second exemplary article of
footwear having an outsole with pontoons and paddle blades.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG.
3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of a third exemplary article of
footwear having an outsole with pontoon members.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of
FIG. 5 and in the direction generally indicated.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a fourth exemplary article
of footwear in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side view of a fifth exemplary article of
footwear in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG.
8.
[0019] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9A-9A
of FIG. 9 and in the direction generally indicated.
[0020] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9B-9B
of FIG. 9 and in the direction generally indicated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear
configured to be worn by a user on soft, loose or saturated terrain
and/or in amphibious environments. The footwear provides increased
surface area to reduce sinking in sand, mud, snow and other loose
and/or saturated materials and to provide enhanced traction.
Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described below
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0022] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an
article of footwear having pontoon members and paddle blades.
Footwear 10 includes an upper 20 and a sole structure 30. Generally
the upper 20 can be any type of upper, including shoes and boots.
The upper 20 can be made of natural materials such as leather,
synthetic materials, fabrics, such as a lycra/spandex textile
stretch sock, or combinations thereof. The sole structure 30 is
preferably wider than the upper, especially in the heel region. The
sole structure 30 can be a single layer or plural layers, such as a
midsole and outsole 40. The outsole 40 can extend over all or
selective portions of an outer surface of the sole structure. The
sole structure 30 preferably includes tread members 50 and pontoons
60.
[0023] Tread members 50 may include different configurations to
provide traction on a variety of surfaces. More specifically, the
tread members can include ribs, grooves, lugs, paddles, fins and
the like in patterns designed for particular surfaces and
environments. For example, in a trail running embodiment, the tread
members 50 may comprise knobby lugs, like a motocross tire. In a
snow/winter embodiment, the tread members 50 may include a rugged
pattern of ribs and grooves to improve footing and traction in snow
and ice. In amphibious environments, paddle blades may be provided
as explained in greater detail below. The tread members 50 may
include a forefoot tread member 78 and a heel tread member 80,
which may have similar or different configurations.
[0024] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, a forefoot tread member 78
preferably includes paddle blades 90 that project from the bottom
of the outsole 40, wrapping around the side edges of the sole.
Further, optional blades can be provided on the side portions of
the sole wrapping up onto the upper 20 as shown in FIG. 1. The
blades 90 are configured to dig into soft ground, thus providing
enhanced traction in sand, mud, snow and other loose and/or
saturated materials. The paddle blades 90 can be, among other
shapes, "V" or fish-bone shaped as shown. The blades 90 can have
varying heights, spacing, profiles and other configurations
consistent with the object of developing traction in soft, loose
and/or saturated ground.
[0025] The sole structure 30 further includes shallow grooves 100
spaced between and parallel to the edges of the paddle blades, and
deep grooves 110 that extend deeper into the sole 30 than the
shallow grooves 100. The grooves 100, 110 form channels for escape
of excessive water, snow, mud, and the like from the underlying
surface. The shape and layout of the shallow and deep grooves 100,
110 can vary depending on the intended terrain and other
environmental conditions.
[0026] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, a heel portion of the
outsole includes a different tread member 80 having a
diamond-shaped knurling pattern to provide traction during walking
or running on smooth surfaces such as decks, piers, walkways and
the like under potentially slippery conditions. The knurling
pattern may be a regular or irregular, constant or varying pattern
of protuberances, bumps, raised lines or any similar raised
features on any areas of the outsole 40; including for example heel
82 and front toe 84 areas.
[0027] The sole structure further includes pontoons 60. Pontoons 60
can be separate from the outsole, or integral with the outsole. The
pontoons can also be formed with the midsole. Optionally, an
outsole can be secured to the pontoons or a portion thereof. One or
more pontoons 60 are located on the outer periphery of the sole
structure. The pontoons may be continuous around the periphery, or
may be segmented as shown in FIG. 2. The pontoons are compressible,
flexible and resilient. Accordingly, the pontoons 60 are configured
to pivot and/or spread laterally when the footwear 10 is loaded and
elastically retract back to their original shape when the footwear
10 is unloaded. In particular, in one embodiment, the pontoons are
hollow tube-like members that are co-molded with or otherwise
attached to the outer periphery of the sole structure 30.
[0028] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate pontoons 60 separated from a
central portion 66 of the sole structure by the deep grooves 110.
The thickness (T.sub.1) of the outsole and corresponding dimensions
of the pontoons in the forefoot (FIG. 2A) is smaller than the
thickness (T.sub.2) of the heel region (FIG. 2B). However, in
other, zero slope embodiments, the forefoot and heel regions can
have similar thicknesses. Grooves 110 extend deeply into the sole
leaving a comparatively thin portion of the sole structure
connecting pontoons 60 to the central portion 66 of the sole
structure 30. The connecting portions function as hinge members 68
to allow the pontoons 60 to pivot, swing or deflect outwardly when
the sole structure is under load. The degree of pivot depends on
the amount of load, the thickness of the hinge material, the
physical properties of the materials and other factors. The
thickness (T.sub.3) of the hinge member 68 between an inner surface
64 of the sole structure 30 and the grooves 110 is preferably not
less than 7 mm, but could be less depending on the tear strength of
the material. The thickness (T.sub.3) can be adjusted depending on
the density, resiliency, and tear strength of the sole material(s),
the desired amount of pivot, and the desired responsiveness of
retraction/rebound when the load is removed. Thickness (T.sub.3)
can be substantially constant as shown or can vary from forefoot to
heel and from the lateral side to the medial side. Specifically, in
some embodiments it may be desirable to provide a thinner or more
flexible hinge member 68 on the lateral side while allowing less
flexibility and hence more stability on the medial side in the
forefoot region.
[0029] At rest condition the lower or outer portions of the sole
structure extend outwardly beyond the upper to enlarge the surface
area of the footwear as shown if FIGS. 2A and 2B. Further, when
load is applied to the sole structure, e.g., by running or landing,
one or more of the pontoons pivot or flex outwardly to provide an
increased surface area with the underlying surface, thereby
generating greater stability and support. Further, the increased
surface area of the sole structure 30, generated by laterally
spreading the pontoons 60 during impact, also helps to reduce
sinking of the footwear in soft underlying surfaces, such as sand,
mud or snow, i.e., a snow shoe effect.
[0030] The sole structure 30 can be comprised of a single material
as shown, multiple co-molded materials, layers of different
materials that are bonded or laminated together, or combinations
thereof. Further, the sole structure can include hollow portions as
described below in reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 5-6. In a
preferred embodiment, substantially the entire sole structure,
including the pontoons, hinge member, central portion and the
majority of the outsole are integrally molded of a single material.
The material should have sufficient strength, resilience and
durability to withstand repeated extension/retraction cycles.
Further the material should be sufficiently soft to provide
appropriate cushioning and shock absorption. One suitable material
is proprietary foam sold under the trade name RMAT having a
hardness of between about 40 and 55 durometer. Other natural and
synthetic materials can be used, however, based on the desired
performance and durability.
[0031] Optionally, multiple drainage ports 120 can be disposed in
the periphery of the sole structure 30 for escape of water, sand,
mud, and the like from the interior of the footwear. Generally,
each port can be of any geometric shape, e.g., circular, oval or
rectangular. However, in the cases of trail footwear and
snow/winter footwear applications, such ports can be omitted.
[0032] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate another embodiment of the article
of footwear having a pontoon sole structure with paddle blades. In
this embodiment, substantially the entire outer surface of the sole
is equipped with paddle blades 90, which may be suitable for use in
marine, surf or other aquatic applications. The "V" configuration
of the paddle blades provides traction and propulsion. Additional
fins 92 that generally intersect perpendicularly with the paddle
blades 90 (e.g., fish-bone shaped) are provided for structural
integrity and durability. The paddle blades 90 can be either
segmented or undivided. Optionally, paddle blades 94 may extend
upwardly on the medial and lateral sidewalls of the sole structure.
The height of the blades may be reduced or tapered on the sides as
shown in FIG. 3. The blades on the medial and lateral sides and
central area are independent of one another being interrupted by
the grooves 110. Hence the medial side of the footwear 10 can lift
without effecting or leveraging the lateral side of the footwear.
Accordingly, in this embodiment, the outsole 40 provides a
structure designed to adapt or conform to the ground surface the
wearer is walking on.
[0033] The footwear 10 of the FIGS. 3-4 embodiment includes
optional drainage ports 120 located on the periphery of the sloe
structure. Additional, larger drainage ports 130 can be optionally
disposed on either or both the medial and lateral sides of the
footwear and/or on the bottom of the outsole 40 for water, sand,
and/or mud drainage. Ports 130 may be open or more preferably
covered with mesh, such as plastic, metal or Kevlar mesh.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the outsole comprises a plurality of
sectional pontoon members 62 separated by the deep grooves 110. Six
pontoon members are shown, but more or less can be used. The
pontoon members 62 are arranged in series on the periphery of the
sole structure 30. As in the first embodiment, the pontoon members
are connected to a central portion 66 of the sole structure with
reduced thickness, resilient hinge members. The pontoons 62 are
configured to flex outwardly when the footwear is loaded, i.e., the
user's foot impacts the ground when running or jumping. The body of
the sole structure 30 including the sectional pontoons 62, the
resilient hinge member and the central portion 66 are preferably
co-molded and integral. The pontoon members are relatively soft,
flexible and resilient, whereby they can spread laterally under
compression. Optionally, the pontoon members can be hollow.
Thereby, the surface area of the footwear is increased by the
impact force or the user's weight. The pontoons 60 resiliently
retract when unloaded, i.e., when the user lifts his foot from the
ground.
[0035] The pontoon structure can be substantially continuous around
the periphery of the sole structure 30. Preferably, however, the
pontoon members 62 are separated by the deep grooves 110. Thereby
the pontoon members can articulate independently based on ground
conditions and applied loads. Also, the deep grooves 110 provide
for the escape of excessive water, snow, mud, and the like on the
underlying surface.
[0036] FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically illustrate another embodiment of
the article of footwear having sectional pontoons 62 secured to the
sole structure 30. The pontoons are segmented, tube-like flexible
members. Each sectional pontoon 62 is configured to individually
flex outwardly when loaded and elastically retract back to its
original position when unloaded as indicated by arrows 70 in FIG.
6. FIG. 6 also illustrates how the sloe structure 30 can adjust to
uneven ground. First 62a and second 62b pontoons are shown. On
encountering an object or an uneven surface the first sectional
pontoon 62a can compress and spread under compression in a
generally horizontal or lateral direction. As shown graphically
(exaggerated) in FIG. 6, the first pontoon 62a compresses more than
the second pontoon 62b in a form of independent suspension. Upon
returning to a flat surface, pontoon 62a will resiliently return to
its original shape and position.
[0037] FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of the outsole 40 of the
invention. The outsole 40 has five sectional pontoons 62 and
overlying straps 52. The straps 52 are preferably comprised of a
resilient, elastic material and bridge between pontoons 62.
Accordingly, the straps 52 are configured to assist in the
retraction of the pontoons 62 when the footwear 10 is unloaded. The
straps also function as tread members.
[0038] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate yet another embodiment of the
article of footwear having sectional pontoons 62 configured and
adapted for obstacle races and other extreme sport events over a
variety of terrain including mud. In this embodiment, the outsole
40 includes a plurality of projections or lugs 160, which may be
suitable for use in muddy terrain. A quadrilateral (e.g.,
square-shaped) configuration of the lugs 160 provides traction in
the muddy terrain, but the invention is not limited to this
configuration. It is preferred that each lug 160 includes a pair of
transverse grooves 162 forming a cross-shape on an outer surface of
the lug. The transverse grooves 162 improve the resilient grip of
the lug on some surfaces. While cross-shaped grooves are shown,
other suitable configurations are also contemplated.
[0039] The outsole 40 includes one or more pontoons 62 separated by
the deep grooves 110. Each pontoon 62 can carry a plurality of lugs
160 as shown in FIG. 9. Grooves 110 are disposed generally parallel
to a longitudinal axis L of the outsole 40 around a periphery of
the outsole, and the sectional pontoons 62 may be continuous around
the periphery of the outsole 40, or may be segmented throughout the
outsole. The pontoons 62 are compressible, flexible and resilient
as described above relative to the other embodiments. Thus, the
pontoons 62 are configured to independently spread laterally when
the footwear 10 is loaded and elastically retract back to their
original shapes when the footwear 10 is unloaded. Further, as best
shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the pontoons are joined to central
portion 66 of the sole structure by flexible and resilient hinge
members 68. The hinge members allow the pontoons to flex outwardly
when loaded to provide an increased surface area as shown by arrows
70. This increased surface area of the outsole 40 helps to reduce
sinking of the footwear in the muddy terrain.
[0040] FIGS. 9A and 9B also illustrate that the forefoot portion
(FIG. 9A) of the sole structure is generally thinner than the heel
portion (FIG. 9B) and the grooves 110 have different depths based
on a specific region of the outsole 40. Each of the sectional
pontoons 62 are configured to independently compress and articulate
outwardly when loaded and elastically retract back to their
original positions when unloaded.
[0041] While preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been
herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that
certain changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made
therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *