U.S. patent application number 14/449562 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for article of footwear.
The applicant listed for this patent is WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.. Invention is credited to Matthew D. Beck, James H. Cheney, Matthew R. Clerc, Kevin J. Crowley.
Application Number | 20150040436 14/449562 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52447348 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150040436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clerc; Matthew R. ; et
al. |
February 12, 2015 |
ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Abstract
Footwear having an outsole including treads spaced about 3.0 mm
to about 6.0 mm from one another so that a rocky terrain feature
can fit between adjacent treads thereby providing traction through
the outsole on the rocky terrain feature, each tread of a height of
about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm so the tread engages the rocky terrain
feature without substantially bending upon such engagement. The
treads can include a tread edge defining a right angle to form a
substantially non-radiused corner. The outsole can include
preselected regions having different durometers, e.g., a harder
durometer to assist the treads in holding firm against terrain
features, and a softer durometer to add flexibility to the outsole.
A footbed with zone pods and secondary pods can be secured to the
upper in a Strobel construction, the zone pods and secondary pods
interacting with the outsole to provide enhanced feedback to the
wearer.
Inventors: |
Clerc; Matthew R.;
(Tewksbury, MA) ; Crowley; Kevin J.; (Newbury,
MA) ; Cheney; James H.; (Northborough, MA) ;
Beck; Matthew D.; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. |
Rockford |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52447348 |
Appl. No.: |
14/449562 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61864192 |
Aug 9, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/188 20130101;
A43B 13/02 20130101; A43B 13/122 20130101; A43B 13/223
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/103 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/22 20060101
A43B013/22 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; an outsole
including a longitudinal axis, a base and a plurality of treads,
each tread of the plurality of treads spaced about 3.0 mm to about
6.0 mm from one another on the base along a reference line parallel
to the longitudinal axis so that a rocky terrain feature can fit
between adjacent ones of the plurality of treads, thereby providing
traction between the outsole and the rocky terrain feature, each
tread of the plurality of treads extending from the base to a
height of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm so that each of the treads
can engage the rocky terrain feature without substantially bending
upon such engagement, wherein the outsole includes a first
preselected region having a first durometer, and a second
preselected region having a second durometer, wherein the first
durometer is different from the second durometer.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the outsole is
constructed from a monolithic molded, one-piece structure including
at least one material having the first durometer in the first
preselected region and the second durometer in the second
preselected region, the first durometer being greater than the
second durometer.
3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the first durometer
is about 70 Asker C to about 80 Asker C, and wherein the second
durometer is about 55 Asker C to about 65 Asker C.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the first
preselected region includes a phalanges region and a metatarsals
region, and wherein the second region includes an arch region of
the outsole.
5. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the first
preselected region includes the plurality of treads, wherein the
second preselected region includes at least a portion of the base
of the outsole, wherein the first durometer assists the treads in
holding firmly against the rocky terrain feature without bending
upon such engagement with the rocky terrain feature, wherein the
second durometer provides flexibility to the outsole, allowing the
outsole to at least partially conform to the rocky terrain
feature.
6. The article of footwear of claim 1 comprising a footbed disposed
over the outsole base, the footbed including a footbed base and a
plurality of zone pods extending from the footbed base, the zone
pods arranged to align with the first and second preselected
regions individually so that forces from the rocky terrain feature
can be transferred though the first and second preselected regions
and to respective aligned zone pods, whereby a wearer is provided
sensory feedback regarding the rocky terrain feature through the
wearer's foot from the outsole.
7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the footbed includes
a plurality of secondary pods extending from the base that overlap
the zone pods, and wherein the secondary pods are substantially
elliptical in shape.
8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
treads includes a first tread and a second tread, wherein the first
tread is bounded by a first tread sidewall and the second tread is
bounded by a second tread sidewall, wherein the first tread
sidewall is spaced 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm from the second tread sidewall,
and wherein each of the plurality of treads are of an open delta
shape projecting outwardly from the base.
9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
treads includes a first tread and a second tread, wherein the first
tread is bounded by a first tread sidewall and the second tread is
bounded by a second tread sidewall, wherein the first tread
sidewall is spaced 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm from the second tread sidewall,
and wherein each of the plurality of treads are of a hexagonal
shape projecting outwardly from the base.
10. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; an outsole joined
with the upper, the outsole including a longitudinal axis, a base
and a plurality of treads extending downward from a base, each of
the plurality of treads including a ground contacting surface
spaced a distance of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm from the base, each of the
plurality of treads bounded by a tread edge that transitions from
the ground contacting surface to a tread side surface, the tread
edge defining a right angle with a substantially non-radiused
corner, each of the plurality of treads spaced 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm
from adjacent ones of the plurality of treads along a reference
line parallel to the longitudinal axis so that a rocky terrain
feature can fit between adjacent ones of the plurality of treads
with at least one of the tread edge and the tread side surface
engaging the rocky terrain feature and thereby providing traction
between the outsole and the rocky terrain feature, whereby the
incidence of slippage between the outsole and the rocky terrain
feature is reduced where the rocky terrain feature is at least one
of wet, slippery and slimy via engagement of the at least one of
the tread edge and the tread side surface with the rocky terrain
feature.
11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the outsole is
constructed from a monolithic molded, one-piece structure including
at least one material having a first durometer in a first
preselected region and a second durometer in a second preselected
region, the first durometer being greater than the second
durometer.
12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the first
preselected region includes at least one of the plurality of
treads, whereby the at least one tread holds firm against the rocky
terrain feature, and wherein the second preselected region includes
at least part of the outsole base, whereby the outsole base remains
flexible in the second preselected region so that the outsole can
flex in the second preselected region.
13. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein the first durometer
is about 70 Asker C to about 80 Asker C.
14. The article of footwear of claim 13 wherein the second
durometer is about 55 Asker C to about 65 Asker C.
15. The article of footwear of claim 10 comprising a footbed
including a footbed base and a plurality of zone pods extending
from the footbed base, the zone pods arranged to align with first
preselected regions of the outsole so that forces from the rocky
terrain feature can be transferred though the first preselected
regions and to the zone pods, whereby a wearer is provided sensory
feedback regarding the rocky terrain feature through the wearer's
foot from the outsole.
16. The article of footwear of claim 15 wherein the footbed
includes a plurality of secondary pods extending from the footbed
base that overlap the zone pods.
17. An article of footwear comprising: an upper having a lower
peripheral portion and an opening for insertion of a wearer's foot,
the upper defining a void to accommodate a wearer's foot, an
outsole extending from a heel region to a forefoot region, the
outsole including a longitudinal axis, an outsole base having an
upper surface facing toward the wearer's foot and a lower surface
opposite the upper surface, the outsole including a plurality of
treads extending downward from the lower surface of the outsole
base, each of the plurality of treads including a ground contacting
surface distal from the lower surface and bounded by a tread edge
that transitions from the ground contacting surface to a tread side
surface that extends to the outsole base, the tread edge defining a
right angle and having a substantially non-radiused corner, a
footbed joined with the lower peripheral portion of the upper to
form a Strobel construction, with the footbed closing the upper so
that the void is bounded by a closed bottom formed by the footbed,
the footbed including a footbed base having a first surface adapted
to face the wearer's foot and a second surface opposite the first
surface facing toward the outsole, the footbed including a
plurality of pods extending from at least one of the first surface
and the second surface, each of the plurality of pods movable
independently of one another, wherein the plurality of pods of the
footbed are positioned to interact with the upper surface of the
outsole so that forces applied to the plurality of treads are
transferred to the plurality of pods with the plurality of pods
providing sensory feedback regarding a rocky terrain feature to the
wearer's foot from the outsole; wherein each of the plurality of
treads are of a height of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, so that
each of the treads can engage the rocky terrain feature without
substantially bending upon such engagement with the rocky terrain
feature; wherein each of the plurality of treads are spaced about
3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm from adjacent ones of the plurality of
treads along a reference line parallel to the longitudinal axis so
that the rocky terrain feature can fit between adjacent ones of the
plurality of treads with at least one of the tread edge and the
tread side surface engaging the rocky terrain feature and thereby
providing traction between the outsole and the rocky terrain
feature, whereby the incidence of slippage between the outsole and
the rocky terrain feature is reduced where the rocky terrain
feature is at least one of wet, slippery and slimy, wherein the
outsole is constructed from a monolithic molded, one-piece
structure including a material having a first durometer in a first
preselected region and a second durometer in a second preselected
region, the first durometer being greater than the second
durometer, wherein the first preselected region includes at least
one of the plurality of treads, whereby the at least one tread can
hold firm against the rocky terrain feature, and wherein the second
preselected region includes at least part of the outsole base,
whereby the outsole base remains flexible in the second preselected
region allowing the outsole to at least partially conform to the
rocky terrain feature.
18. The article of footwear of claim 17 wherein each of the
plurality of treads are in the shape of at least one of an open
delta and a hexagon.
19. The article of footwear of claim 17 wherein the first durometer
is about 70 Asker C to about 80 Asker C.
20. The article of footwear of claim 19 wherein the second
durometer is about 55 Asker C to about 65 Asker C.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to footwear, and more
particularly to footwear for use on rocky terrain or other surfaces
in or near water bodies.
[0002] There is a variety of footwear designed for outdoor
activities, particularly activities on or near bodies of water.
Many such activities involve navigation over wet, slippery or slimy
rocks or other surfaces, such as those present in streams, ponds,
rivers, lakes, oceans and the like. This navigation can present
difficulties, and in some cases, can result in inconvenience or
injury where sufficient traction is not established by the
footwear. Slips, falls, and resultant injuries typically are caused
by a lack of good footing. Even if a person does not actually slip
or fall, the need to carefully traverse a slippery surface can be
inconvenient, can slow movement, and can be a distraction that
interferes with a person's ability to be aware of their
surroundings and to otherwise enjoy the activity.
[0003] The technical performance of footwear for such activities is
largely dependent on the sole of the footwear. Some footwear
manufacturers attempt to improve traction by simply adding cleats
to the sole to provide the footwear with more bite. Many times,
however, this causes the sole to become more rigid and less
flexible, and in turn reduces or eliminates sensory feedback
provided through the sole to the wearer's foot. This can present
issues of perception, and while enhancing bite, can actually reduce
the confidence of the wearer traversing the slippery surface.
[0004] Other footwear manufacturers have attempted to improve
traction around water by creating a siping pattern in the sole.
While this can enhance traction on flat, wet surfaces, such as a
boat deck or a dock, it usually does not significantly enhance
traction on slimy or uneven surfaces, such as rocks, reefs, or
other surfaces covered with slimes, algae, mosses or other slippery
materials. The siping can plug with the slippery materials,
negating its traction enhancing effect. Further, siped soles are
many times rather thin, and offer limited protection to jagged
surface features.
[0005] Although there are many existing footwear for activities on
or near bodies of water, most are designed for particular uses, and
fall short of offering superior characteristics for traversing wet,
slimy, slippery rocky terrain or other surfaces near or in those
bodies of water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An article of footwear and related sole assembly are
provided that balance underfoot sensory feedback, foot agility,
traction on wet, slippery and/or slimy surfaces and protection for
the foot. The footwear includes multiple treads having novel
configurations and structure. The sole assembly can include a
multi-durometer monolithic molded, one-piece outsole with a harder
durometer compound to assist treads in holding firmly against
underfoot terrain, and a softer durometer compound to enhance the
agility and flexibility of the sole assembly.
[0007] In one embodiment, the sole assembly can include an outsole
having multiple treads spaced about 3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm from one
another along a reference line parallel to a longitudinal axis of
the outsole and/or direction of travel, so that a rocky terrain
feature can fit between adjacent treads, thereby providing traction
through the outsole on the terrain feature. This can provide
stability to the wearer's foot on the rocky terrain feature,
particularly where the rocky terrain feature is wet, slippery
and/or slimy.
[0008] In another embodiment, the outsole treads can be of a height
of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm from an outsole base so that the
tread sufficiently engages the rocky terrain feature without
substantially bending or deforming upon such engagement.
[0009] In still another embodiment, the outsole treads can include
a tread edge defining a right angle, which can form a substantially
non-radiused corner. The tread edge and/or the configuration and
spacing of the treads can assist in enhancing traction and helping
a wearer in traversing rocky terrain, particularly when it is wet,
slimy and/or slippery.
[0010] In even another embodiment, the outsole can include
preselected regions having different durometers, for example, a
harder durometer for the treads to assist the treads in holding
firm against rocky terrain features, and a softer durometer to add
flexibility to the outsole, allowing the footwear to conform to the
rocky terrain feature. The first durometer can be about 70 Asker C
to about 80 Asker C, and the second durometer can be about 55 Asker
C to about 65 Asker C.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the outsole can include different
preselected regions having different durometers. The metatarsals
region, phalanges region and part of the heel region of the outsole
can be constructed from material with a harder durometer, while the
arch region and a center of the heel region can be constructed from
material with a softer durometer to provide flexibility and agility
to the outsole and the footwear in those regions. Optionally, in
the heel region, the harder durometer material can surround the
softer durometer material to provide enhanced cushioning in the
heel.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the footwear can include a
footbed with zone pods and secondary pods. The footbed can be
secured to the upper to form a Strobel construction. The zone pods
and secondary pods can interact with the outsole to provide
enhanced sensory feedback to the wearer's foot.
[0013] The present invention provides footwear and a sole assembly
having a balance of terrain sensory or proprioceptive feedback,
foot agility and traction on wet, slippery and/or slimy rocky
terrain features, while also providing a good level of protection
to the foot. The footwear is well suited for activities involving
navigation in and near bodies of water, as well as other
activities. The outsole/treads can enable the outsole to bite into
and generally grab the rocky terrain features so that it is less
susceptible to slippage relative to the rocky terrain features,
particularly where the rocky terrain features are wet, slippery
and/or slimy. The footwear and sole assembly also can assist in
cutting through rock debris, rocky terrain, and other ground
surfaces similar to rocky terrain, as well as holding against
various cracks, crevices and other features of rocky terrain.
Further, the footwear can assist in providing the wearer with an
understanding of the rocky terrain, for example, the size, shape
and stability of rocks or other features.
[0014] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by
reference to the description of the current embodiment and the
drawings.
[0015] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the details of operation or to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be
implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or
being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed
herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in
the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting
the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor
should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the
scope of the invention any additional steps or components that
might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or
components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the footwear including a sole
assembly in accordance with a current embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a section view of the footwear taken along line
2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of the sole assembly of the
footwear;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of the sole assembly of the
footwear;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a section view of the footwear taken along line
5-5 of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a section view of the footwear taken along line
6-6 of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a section view of the footwear taken along line
7-7 of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective, close-up view of treads on the sole
assembly;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a side close-up view of the treads engaging a
rocky terrain feature;
[0025] FIG. 9A is a close-up view of a tread edge;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a top view of a footbed included in the
footwear;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a section view of the footbed taken along line
11-11 of FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a section view of the footbed taken along line
12-12 of FIG. 10;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a first alternative embodiment
of the footwear;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a section view of the footwear taken along line
14-14 of FIG. 13;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a side view of the sole assembly of the footwear;
and
[0032] FIG. 16 is a close-up perspective view of treads of the sole
assembly of the first alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
[0033] An article of footwear in accordance with a current
embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-12 and generally designated 10. The
footwear 10 includes a sole assembly 20 having an outsole 40. The
footwear includes an upper assembly 12 that is optionally of a
Strobel construction in which a foot-receiving upper 14 is closed
on its bottom or lowermost portion by a footbed 60 or other similar
component. Although not shown, the footwear 10 can include other
upper components with the footbed fitted into the upper 14.
[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5-10, the footwear 10, and
in particular the outsole 40, can include treads 50 spaced about
3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm from one another so that a rocky terrain
feature RF can fit between adjacent treads 50A, 50B thereby
providing traction through the outsole on the rocky terrain feature
RF. Each tread can be of a height H of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm
so the tread engages the rocky terrain feature RF without
substantially bending, deforming or otherwise giving way so the
tread disengages the tread feature upon such engagement. The treads
50 can include a tread edge 50E defining an angle .alpha., which
can be a right angle to form a substantially non-radiused corner.
The outsole 40 can include preselected regions having different
durometers. For example, first regions 70A-70I can have a harder
durometer to assist the treads in holding firm against rocky
terrain features. Second regions 80A-80B, optionally located around
or between the first regions, and/or within the arch region, can
have a softer durometer to provide flexibility and agility to the
outsole 40. The footwear 10 also can include a footbed 60 having
zone pods 60A-60H, optionally aligned with the preselected regions
on the outsole, and secondary pods 66 that are independently
moveable. The zone pods and secondary pods can interact with the
outsole to provide enhanced feedback to the wearer's foot WF. The
footbed 60 can be secured to the upper 14 to form a Strobel
construction.
[0035] Although the current embodiments are illustrated in the
context of a water or outdoor shoe, they may be incorporated into
any type or style of footwear, including performance shoes, running
shoes, athletic shoes, hiking shoes, trail shoes and boots, hiking
boots, all-terrain shoes, barefoot running shoes, sneakers,
conventional tennis shoes, walking shoes, multisport footwear,
casual shoes, dress shoes or any other type of footwear or footwear
components. Generally, the shoe is well suited for traversing rocky
terrain features or other surfaces in or around bodies of water.
For example, the shoe can be used in to navigate wet, slippery
and/or slimy rock surfaces, for example, those in rocky streams,
ponds, lakes, oceans or other water bodies. As used herein, rocky
terrain feature(s) includes, but is not limited to, features of
rocks or other hard surfaces that are generally rough, jagged,
pointy, uneven, irregular, creviced, cracked, loose and/or
unstable, and in some cases can include man-made surfaces, such as
those constructed from concrete, wood or other materials. In many
cases, rocky terrain features can include jagged points, sharp
edges or crevices, for which the shoe is well suited to grip and
firmly hold to provide traction, as well as protect the wearer's
foot from such features. The shoe also is well suited to provide
such properties where the rocky terrain feature is wet, slimy or
slippery, due to the feature being wet, covered with algae, slime,
moss, mud, or other slippery substance.
[0036] It also should be noted that directional terms, such as
"vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower,"
"inner," "inwardly," "outer" and "outwardly," are used to assist in
describing the invention based on the orientation of the
embodiments shown in the illustrations. Further, the terms
"medial," "lateral" and "longitudinal" are used in the manner
commonly used in connection with footwear. For example, when used
in referring to a side of the shoe, the term "medial" refers to the
inward side (that is, the side facing the other shoe) and "lateral"
refers to the outward side. When used in referring to a direction,
the term "longitudinal direction" refers to a direction generally
extending along the length of the shoe between toe and heel, and
the term "lateral direction" refers to a direction generally
extending across the width of the shoe between the medial and
lateral sides of the shoe. The use of directional terms should not
be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific
orientation.
[0037] Further, as used herein, the term "arch region" (or arch or
midfoot) refers generally to the portion of the footwear or sole
assembly corresponding to the arch or midfoot of the wearer's foot;
the term "metatarsals region" (or part) refers generally to the
portion of the footwear partly within and/or forward of the arch
region corresponding to the metatarsals (for example, including the
ball and metatarsal head) of a wearer's foot; the term "phalanges
region" (or part) refers generally to the portion of the footwear
forward of the metatarsals region corresponding to the phalanges
(for example, including the toes) of a wearer's foot; and the term
"heel region" (or heel) refers generally to that portion of the
footwear rearward of the arch region corresponding to the heel of
the wearer's foot. The phalanges region 91, metatarsals region 92,
arch or midfoot 93 and heel 94 are generally identified in FIG. 3,
however, it is to be understood that delineation of these regions
may vary depending upon the configuration of the sole assembly and
footwear.
[0038] The upper assembly 12 of the illustrated embodiment includes
an upper 14 formed from one or more layers of material that are
shaped to form an enclosure or void 13 of roughly the size and
shape of a wearer's foot WF. The upper 14 may include quarters that
form the sides and a vamp that closes the top. Foxing and other
trim or extra material may be added to the upper 14 as desired for
functional or aesthetic reasons. Optionally, the upper 14 can
include a tongue and a closure system (not shown) to facilitate
fitting and removal of the shoe 10 on a wearer's foot. The upper 14
can include a heel counter (not shown) configured to provide
control and stability to the wearer's heel. For example, the upper
14 may include a rigid or semi-rigid insert (not shown) that forms
a sidewall in the heel region to seat the wearer's heel. In some
embodiments, the heel counter may be eliminated from the upper.
[0039] The embodiments herein are described in connection with
footwear 10 in the form of a shoe 10 having an upper assembly 12,
which as mentioned above, can include a Strobel construction. For
example, the upper 14 can include a lower peripheral allowance or
edge 16. That lower peripheral allowance 16 can be stitched with
stitching 18, cemented or otherwise fastened to the footbed 60
around the perimeter of the footbed. In such a Strobel
construction, the footbed 60 closes the upper so that the void 13
within the upper is bounded by a closed bottom formed by the
footbed 60. Of course, the sole assembly 20 herein can be combined
with any other type or style of upper construction capable of being
suitably joined with the outsole 40. The joining of the sole
assembly/outsole and the upper can be accomplished using adhesives,
cement, injection molding, pour molding or any other technique used
to join an upper and sole.
[0040] As noted above, the sole assembly 20 of shoe 10 generally
can include the footbed 60 and outsole 40. Optionally, the sole
assembly 20 can include a midsole 95, shown in FIG. 3, which can be
located generally starting in the arch region 93, extending under
the heel region 94. The midsole can be disposed between the footbed
60 and the outsole 40, and more particularly between the lower
surface 62 of the footbed 60 and the upper surface 41 of the
outsole 40. The midsole can be constructed from ethyl vinyl acetate
(EVA), polyurethane (PU), latex, foam, a gel or other materials.
Generally the density of the midsole is such that it compresses
relatively easily to provide cushion to the wearer's foot, for
example, the heel. The midsole can be of a low profile or depth D''
under the heel, for example, optionally about 0 mm to about 12 mm,
further optionally about 4 mm to about 8 mm, and even further
optionally about 6 mm. Of course, if desired, the midsole can be
eliminated from the footwear if desired.
[0041] The sole assembly 20 can be constructed so that the footbed
60 interacts with the outsole 40 to provide proprioceptive or
sensory feedback to the wearer of underfoot surfaces, such as rocky
terrain features. The sole assembly also can allow the wearer to
experience the contours of the supporting surface and localized
forces across the outsole; to aid in understanding the size, shape,
and stability of the rocky terrain features. As shown in FIGS. 2
and 10-12, the footbed 60 can include a footbed base 63 having a
first or upper surface 61 adapted to face the wearer's foot and a
second or lower surface 62 opposite the first surface facing toward
the outsole 20. The footbed can be compliant to confirm to the
shape and contours of the wearer's foot. The footbed also can be
bounded by perimeter 69, generally of a shape corresponding to a
wearer's foot. Optionally, the size, shape, features and
configurations of the footbed 60 can vary from application to
application.
[0042] The footbed 60 can be constructed from a sheet of material,
such as foam, EVA, PU, latex, gel or other materials, and can have
a thickness of optionally about 1 mm to about 8 mm, further
optionally about 2 mm to about 4 mm, and even further optionally
about 2 mm and about 6 mm. These thicknesses can vary by region as
well. Depending on the application, the thickness can be about 2 mm
to about 4 mm in the phalanges and metatarsals region, and about 2
mm to about 6 mm in the heel region. The footbed can be covered
with a woven or non-woven fabric, leather, or other material. The
footbed and any optional covering can be treated with an
antimicrobial or other compound to reduce odor and/or deterioration
of the footbed. Optionally, the footbed can include the features of
and be of a similar construction to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
8,333,022 to Crowley, which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0043] With further reference to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the footbed
60 can include one or more zone pods 60A-60H and/or secondary pods
65 extending from a base 64. The zone pods and/or secondary pods
can extend from one or both of the upper surface 61 and lower
surface 62 of the footbed 60. The secondary pods 65 can extend
upward from the base 64 a distance to form an upwardly projecting
pod part 65A. The secondary pods 65 can extend downward from the
base 64 a distance to form a downwardly projecting pod part 65B.
These secondary pods can project any predetermined distances, but
optionally can extend upwardly about 0 mm to about 4 mm, and
downwardly about 0 mm to about 15 mm. As shown, the secondary pods
upwardly extending part 65A can extend a lesser distance than the
downwardly extending lower pod part 65B from the base 64. This of
course can be reversed in certain circumstances, or the degree of
extension can be equal from the base. The thickness of the
individual secondary pods 65 also can vary depending on the region
within which they are located to enhance sensory feedback, for
example, proprioceptive feedback in the phalanges region and/or the
metatarsals region, or any other region.
[0044] Optionally, the secondary pods 65 in the heel region 94 can
be thicker as shown in FIG. 11 than the secondary pods in the
phalanges 91 and metatarsals regions 92. The secondary pods in the
arch region can be of a thickness between that of the heel region
94 and the metatarsals 92 and/or phalanges 91 regions if desired.
Further optionally, the overall thickness of the footbed 60 can be
tapered, decreasing in overall thickness from the heel region 94 to
the phalanges region 91.
[0045] Generally, the variance in thickness of the secondary pods
and the variance in the overall thickness of the footbed, can
assist in the proprioceptive feedback to the bottom of the wearer's
foot. The secondary pods also can interact with the anatomical
design and the contours of the upper surfaces 41, 96 of the outsole
and/or midsole to move more like a bare foot of the wearer,
providing more barefoot-like contact with the ground or underlying
rocky terrain features.
[0046] Optionally, the secondary pods 65 can have a substantially
elliptical shape when viewed from the top or bottom of the footbed
60. This shape can be replaced with other shapes, for example
polygonal, circular, rounded, irregular or other shapes as desired
for a particular application.
[0047] Generally, the base 64, zone pods and individual secondary
pods can be formed as a one-piece monolithic structure with the
material from which the structure is constructed being generally
homogenous throughout the footbed 60, except for optional
differences in density and/or durometers as explained herein.
Further, the base 64 can have a substantially uniform thickness,
for example optionally about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm; and the
secondary pods 65 can have a thickness as noted above or optionally
about 4 mm to about 16 mm. The individual pods 65 can move
independently and separately from adjacent secondary pods 65. This
can be due to the thinner or more flexible base 64 connecting the
adjacent secondary pods, flexing or moving, allowing the individual
pods 65 to move independently of one another. This relationship
between the base and secondary pods, and/or zone pods in general,
can provide sensory feedback where forces are transmitted through
the outsole to one or more individual secondary pods or zone pods,
which in turn can provide the wearer with an understanding of the
underfoot surfaces, for example. With this feedback, the wearer can
understand the size, shape and stability of the rocky terrain
feature being traversed.
[0048] Optionally, the thickness of the sole assembly 20 under the
wearer's foot, and generally the footwear, under the wearer's foot,
can be minimized to enhance the quality of the proprioceptive
feedback. For example, the total thickness of material under the
wearer's foot in the footwear 10 can range optionally from about 4
mm to about 18 mm, optionally about 6 mm to about 16 mm, even
further optionally about 9 mm to about 15 mm.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 10-12, one or more of the secondary pods
65 can include a lower pod surface 67. These surfaces can generally
lie within one or more continuous planes or other contours.
Generally, these planes or contour can match that of the upper
surface 41 of the outsole and/or the upper surface 96 of the
midsole 95 if one is included. The upper surface 41 of the outsole
and the upper surface 96 of the midsole can be substantially
continuous, without voids, recesses, gaps or other apertures
therein into which the secondary pods interfit. Of course if
desired, such features can be included in these surfaces.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 10, the footbed also can include one or
more zone pods 60A-60H. These zone pods can extend from the base 64
and can more independently of one another, similar to the secondary
pods. Optionally, in the outlined regions surrounding the
individual pods for example pods 60D, 60C, 60E-H, the base can be
relatively thin in those areas. Each of the zone pods 60A-60H can
be outlined as illustrated in FIG. 10. The zone pods 60A-60H can be
configured to be positioned in different regions 91-94 of the
footbed, optionally overlapping certain regions. For example, the
zone pod 60A can be located in both the heel region 94 and the arch
region 93. Optionally, zone pods 60A can extend substantially only
within the lateral portion of the footwear, without extending in or
through the medial portion.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 10, the footwear includes a longitudinal
axis LA. The medial portion M of the footwear 10 is located on one
side of the longitudinal axis LA and the lateral portion L is
located on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis LA. The zone
pod 60A can extend substantially only in the lateral portion L of
the footwear but not in the medial portion M of the footwear. The
zone pod 60A also can extend into the metatarsals region in the
medial portion M. Another zone pod 60B can extend under the medial
portion M generally in the metatarsals region. Zone pod 60C can be
located in the medial portion M generally in the phalanges region
91 Likewise, the zone pod 60D can also extend in the phalanges
region 91, but in the lateral portion L. The additional zone pods
60E-60H can be located in the phalanges region 91 in one or both
lateral L and medial M portions as well, if desired. Optionally,
the different zone pods can be separated into different regions or
locations other than those illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 10, the zone pods 60A-60H can align
generally vertically (one above the other) with the underlying
preselected regions 70A-70H of the outsole 40. This alignment of
the zone pods and the specific regions of the outsole can be
one-on-one so that forces from an underlying surface, for example a
rocky terrain feature, can be transferred through the regions to
the respective aligned zone pods (as well as the secondary pods if
present). In this manner, a wearer can be provided with
proprioceptive feedback regarding the rocky terrain feature through
the wearer's foot, from the outsole or generally the sole assembly.
In turn, the wearer can better understand the rocky terrain
feature. As part of the feedback, the individual secondary pods,
zone pods and/or preselected regions can move independently, and
yet further enhance the wearer's sense of the rocky terrain
feature.
[0053] As mentioned above, the sole assembly 20 can include the
footbed 60 and the outsole 40. The outsole 40 is generally disposed
below the upper 14, the midsole (if included) and the footbed 60.
The outsole can include a toe cap 44 that extends upwardly over the
upper 14 in the phalanges region 91 of the footwear to provide
enhanced protection to the toes. This can be helpful where
traversing rocky terrain features.
[0054] The outsole 20 can be constructed from one or more
materials, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic
polyurethane elastomers (TPU), nylon, polymer blends, wear
resistant polymers, elastomers and/or other materials. Other
materials, such as fiber-reinforced polymers can be used, which can
include epoxy, polyethylene or thermosetting plastic reinforced
with carbon, glass and/or aramid fibers for enhanced
protection.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, the outsole can include multiple treads
50 as described further below. The outsole also can include one or
more flex contours 49A and 49B. These flex contours can be disposed
under the ball of the foot, optionally overlapping the metatarsals
region 92 and/or the phalanges region 91. Although only two flex
contours 49A and 49B are shown, additional ones can be included.
The flex regions can be in the form of a recess or groove that
extends across the width of the footwear generally across the
medial portion M and the lateral portion L, traversing the
longitudinal axis LA. Although the flex contours 49A and 49B are
shown as recesses or grooves to enhance the flexibility between the
respective parts of the outsole 40, these grooves can be removed.
Alternatively, the flexibility between these outsole parts can be
enhanced via a softer durometer material in the second preselected
region 80A being located between the sets of pods 70C, 70D and
70E-70I. Each of the flex contours 49A and 49B can be rearwardly
concave or curved as shown, with the apex of the curve at or near
the longitudinal axis LA being closer to the toe than the
respective ends of the contours adjacent the lateral and medial
sides of the footwear. Although shown as a curve, the contours can
also be linear and generally angled.
[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5-7, the outsole can include
multiple first regions 70A-70I, and second regions 80A and 80B.
These regions can have different durometers. The particular shape
of the first preselected region 70A-70I can vary from those
illustrated. Generally, the outsole can be constructed from a
monolithic molded, one-piece structure of the same or different
materials. In one example, the material can be a rubber compound,
having a first durometer in a first preselected region and a second
durometer a second preselected region. The first durometer can be
greater than the second durometer. Optionally, however, the
one-piece structure can be constructed from multiple different
materials such as rubber and polymers, that are co-molded so that
they integrally bond with one another to form that monolithic
construction. The method of manufacture can be any type of molding,
for example injection molding, pour molding, two-shot molding, gas
injection molding or the like.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 1, a first preselected region can be
region 70A located in the heel region 94 and extending into the
arch region 93 and/or metatarsals region 92. This outlined
preselected first region 70A, can be of a first durometer. The
first durometer can be greater than the durometer of the material
in the second region 80B and/or 80A. This is further illustrated in
FIG. 5, where the material in the first preselected region 70A is
of a first durometer and the material in the second preselected
region 80A is of a second durometer.
[0058] It has been discovered that with a mixture of different
durometer materials in the first preselected regions and the second
preselected regions, the sole assembly provides exceptional
flexibility and agility, while still providing excellent traction
on rocky terrain features, particularly those that are wet,
slippery and/or slimy. Particular durometers work surprisingly
well. For example, the first durometer in the first preselected
regions can be about 70 Asker C to about 80 Asker C. The second
durometer in the second preselected regions can be about 55 Asker C
to about 65 Asker C. Again, the first preselected regions can be
those regions 70A-70I, and the second preselected regions can be
80A and 80B. Other regions with these or other durometers are
contemplated
[0059] Generally, the region 80A is a majority of the remaining
portion of the footwear outsole 40 "outside" the regions 70A-70I.
The softer, lesser durometer material in the region 80A can extend
underfoot, through regions 91-94, and optionally can extend
upwardly, forming the sides of the outsole. This second, lower
durometer material can form the part of the outsole that extends
upwardly along one or more portions of the upper, for example, up
and over a portion of the toes, forming the toe bumper 44, and/or
along the medial and lateral and heelward sides of the upper as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-7. With the softer durometer material in
these locations, the footwear can exhibit surprising flexibility
and agility, thereby allowing the sole assembly 20 to flex and
contort, further following the contours of an underlying rocky
terrain feature. Generally, the sole assembly provides a better
proprioceptive feedback to the wearer, allowing the wearer to
better understand and navigate the rocky terrain feature.
[0060] FIGS. 6 and 7 show further examples of different durometers
in different regions of the outsole 20. There, the first
preselected region 70A occupies only a portion of the width of the
sole 40. Optionally, this higher durometer material and region 70A
can be located substantially only in the lateral portion L of the
outsole 40, with the medial portion M across that cross section
being substantially only the lower durometer material in the second
region 80A. The second region 80A also can laterally flank the
first preselected region 70A on the outermost part of the lateral
portion L of the outsole 40. Optionally, the second preselected
region 80A with the lower durometer material can be located across
a majority of the width of the sole 40 through the arch region and
all or a portion of the metatarsals region. This can provide
enhanced agility and flexibility of the forefoot relative to the
heel of the sole assembly 20, thereby in some cases, enhancing the
ability of the footwear to conform to the contours of an underlying
rocky terrain feature.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is also noted that the
different durometer material can overlap parts of individual treads
50. For example, each individual tread can be constructed of either
the first durometer material or the second durometer material.
Alternatively, portions of the treads can be overlapped by and
include both the first durometer material and the second durometer
material. Optionally, the treads 50 located in the first
preselected regions 70A-70I can be constructed substantially
entirely from the first durometer material. With the first
durometer material being harder than the second durometer material,
that tread can hold firmly against a rocky terrain feature.
Generally, the tread can be resistant to bending or undue flexing,
which can lose traction between the tread and/or the outsole and
the respective underlying rocky terrain feature.
[0062] The first preselected regions 70A-70I can correspond to the
portions of the wearer's foot that transmit a substantial portion
of forces to the underlying surface upon which the sole assembly is
located during a normal gait. For example, significant forces are
transmitted through the ball of the foot and the toes in certain
parts of the gait cycle. Therefore, the harder durometer material
can be located in the preselected regions 70B, 70C and 70D, as well
as the regions 70E-70I upon toe-off. Typically, because significant
forces are not transmitted through the arch region, the amount of
harder durometer material through the arch region can be limited to
that of the preselected region 70A on only the lateral portion L of
the outsole 40. The inside, medial portion in the arch region can
be void of the higher durometer material and thus provide greater
flexibility via the softer durometer material in the second
preselected region 80A there.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 7, the preselected regions 70A and
70B can include the greater durometer material, while the
surrounding preselected regions 80A can include the softer
durometer material. With the higher durometer material separated by
a softer durometer material 80A across the longitudinal axis and/or
along the longitudinal axis LA, the respective preselected regions
70A and 70B on the respective lateral portion L and medial portion
M can flex relative to one another on opposite sides of the
longitudinal axis. Therefore, the footwear can exhibit flexibility
across this axis, enabling the lateral portion L to flex
independently of the medial portion M, and vice versa. Optionally,
this division of the respective portions and preselected regions
can be primarily in the forefoot, that is, in the metatarsals and
phalanges regions, where there are multiple metatarsals in the
wearer's foot that can move independently.
[0064] In the heel region, however, the different durometer
materials might not be separated and isolated independently on the
lateral portion L and in the medial portion M. The heel region can
include a particular combination of different durometer materials.
For example, the first preselected region 70A of the harder
durometer material can completely surround the second preselected
region 80B of the softer durometer material in the heel. If the
first region 70A hypothetically defined an aperture under the
wearer's heel, the second preselected region 80B would fill that
aperture. But because the outsole 40 is constructed from a
one-piece monolithic molded structure, there technically is not an
aperture through the first preselected region 70A. Of course, there
can be such a hole or a recess if desired. The region 70 A simply
circumferentiates or surrounds the second preselected region 80B.
In a different construction, the first preselected region, with the
greater durometer 70A, does not completely circumferentiate the
second preselected region 80B in the heel. Instead, there can be an
opening so that second regions 80A and 80B are connected and
contiguous. If desired the entire second preselected region 80B can
be absent from the construction, with the first preselected region
70A spanning throughout the heel region under the wearer's heel.
Generally, the softer durometer material in the second preselected
regions 80A, 80B and the harder durometer material in the
respective regions 70C, 70D and 70E-70I, those regions 70C, 70D and
70E-70I can flex relative to one another through the softer
durometer material. This can provide a more natural feel and
articulation of the wearer's foot. The first preselected regions
70A-70I can correspond to the portion of the outsole that contacts
an underlying structure, such as the ground or an underlying rocky
terrain feature. The higher durometer material can offer that
greater level of protection, and in some cases prevent penetration
of the outsole in those regions by the rocky terrain feature. As
noted above, with the second preselected region 80A of the softer
durometer surrounding the respective harder durometer first
preselected regions 70A-70I, those first preselected regions, which
can be more stiff than the second preselected regions 80A, 80B, can
flex and bend relative to one another allowing greater contact and
maintaining contact between the outsole and an underlying rocky
terrain feature. Further, this bending and flexing relative to one
another can provide better proprioceptive feedback to the wearer of
the underlying rocky terrain features, as well as the stability,
shape and/or size of the underlying rocky terrain features. In some
cases, each of the respective preselected regions can flex and bend
across multiple axes relative to one another, allowing the footwear
to conform to the underlying rocky terrain feature and/or grip or
bite it to provide enhanced traction. In some cases, this can allow
the shoe to move, flex and conform to underlying surfaces in a
barefoot-like manner with enhanced conformance to irregular
surfaces such as rocky terrain features under the wearer's
foot.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the outsole 20 includes multiple
treads 50. These treads 50 can be oriented in a first direction
forward of the arch region 93 and in a second direction rearward of
the arch region 93. With the treads 50 oriented in a "forward
pointing" orientation as shown in FIG. 3, generally in the
metatarsals region 92 and the phalanges region 91, the individual
treads can provide enhanced traction to propel the wearer forward.
The treads 50 in the heel region 96, however, generally are
"rearward pointing" and can provide enhanced braking action in the
heel to enable a user to slow themselves down when traversing a
particular surface, or to act as a brake when traversing down an
inclined surface. Thus, the treads can be bi-directionally
oriented, with some of the treads generally pointing or facing
forward, to enhance forward propulsion, and other treads rearwardly
oriented, generally the opposite direction, to provide braking.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6-9, the treads 50 can be integrally
formed with an outsole base 45. The outsole base 45 can include an
upper surface 41 of the outsole. The outsole base can be of a
preselected thickness, for example 1 mm to about 4 mm, further
optionally about 2 mm. This thickness can be selected to provide
the desired flexibility between individual treads, regions and/or
portions of the outsole 40. The outsole base 45 can include an
outer surface 46 from which the individual treads 50 extend. The
treads 50 can extend upwardly and outwardly from the base, in
particular the outer surface 46 of the base.
[0067] The treads can be of a preselected height H, about 1.5 mm to
about 2.5 mm. It has been discovered that this height provides
surprising and unexpected results in that the individual treads can
engage rocky terrain features, particularly wet, slippery and/or
slimy rocky terrain features, and yet hold firm against them
without substantially bending and thereby losing traction. The
treads can be spaced along the base 45, and in particular the outer
base surface 46 a particular distance from one another.
Specifically, it has been discovered that when the treads are
spaced a distance D1 of about 3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm, the treads
enable a rocky terrain feature to fit or project generally between
adjacent treads. For example as shown in FIG. 9, the rocky terrain
feature RF includes a jagged tip or point that extends upwardly
between the adjacent treads 50A and 50B. This distance D1 is
surprisingly sufficient to accommodate most rocky terrain features
and yet enable those features, to enter between the treads,
allowing at least one surface of the treads and optionally the
base, to engage the rocky terrain feature RF and provide traction
and/or bite relative to it.
[0068] The individual treads 50 can be spaced a distance D1 from
one another along reference lines RL1 and RL2 which are generally
parallel to the longitudinal axis LA and generally parallel to
forward movement of a wearer. The spacing of distance D1 can be
about 3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm from one another along those
respective reference lines RL1 and RL2. Optionally, the spacing
between adjacent, laterally spaced treads along a reference line
RL3 can be a distance D2. This distance D2 also can be about 3.0 mm
to about 6.0 mm. Of course, this distance D2 can be varied to other
distances for example about 0.5 mm to about 6.0 mm. Alternatively,
the adjacent treads along the reference line RL3, which can be
transverse to the longitudinal axis LA, can actually overlap one
another so that there is no distance that separates the respective
treads. This is illustrated in FIG. 1, within the second
preselected region 80B, where parts of adjacent treads 50C and 50D
overlap one another laterally. Of course, in some circumstances the
spacing between treads that lay along different reference lines,
for example RL1 and RL2 can overlap as well, and can have different
spacing than the distances D1 and/or D2 mentioned above.
[0069] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the individual treads 50
each include a ground contacting surface 54 and one or more tread
sidewalls 55. The tread sidewalls generally extend upwardly and
optionally perpendicularly to the outer surface 46 of the base 45.
The sidewalls 55 transition at a tread edge 50E to the ground
contacting surface 54. Although referred to as a ground contacting
surface, this generally refers to the fact that when on a
completely flat surface, that surface 54 of many of the treads
contact the underlying flat surface. Many times however, when
traversing rocky terrain features, the ground contacting surface 54
does not even contact the features of the rocky terrain feature.
Instead, the rocky terrain feature RF as shown in FIG. 9 extends
upwardly between individual tread 50A and 50B.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 9A, the tread side surface 55 transitions
to the ground contacting surface 54 at the tread edge 50E. The
tread edge 50E defines a right angled corner between the side
surface 55 and the ground contacting surface 54. This right angle
can form a non-radiused, non-chamfered corner, or a
minimally-radiused or minimally-chamfered corner to enhance release
from a mold. For purposes of this disclosure, a substantially
non-radiused corner can include a minute radius used for enhancing
mold release of the treads from a mold. Other edge configurations
are possible as well.
[0071] More particularly, as shown in FIG. 9A, the tread edge 50E
forms the substantially right angle .alpha. between those surfaces.
This angle .alpha. can have slight tolerances depending on the
particular mold with which the outsole is formed. The right angle
edge 50E can provide enhanced traction and bite into the rocky
terrain feature RF, particularly when it is wet, slippery and/or
slimy to enhance slip resistance and traction. This sharp corner
edge 50E also can provide relatively better traction compared to a
substantially rounded corner, since the sharp edge can catch on the
surfaces of the rocky terrain feature RF. Further, where the
outsole base 45 flexes, the respective tread edges 50E can grab the
rocky terrain feature RF for enhanced traction. Further, due to the
reduced bending of the individual treads, this can further enhance
traction.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, the respective treads 50 are in the form
of an open delta shape projecting outwardly from the base 45. By
open delta shape, it is meant that the bottom, portion opens up to
form a generally triangular or otherwise open void opposite the
point of the delta. The lateral and medial sides of each of the
individual treads as shown also can be truncated to form a
generally squared off ends 56, which can inhibit unwanted flexing
or bending of those ends and the tread in general. This too can
provide enhanced traction and hold of the individual treads
relative to the rocky terrain feature RF. Of course, if desired,
other shapes can be selected for the treads such as rectangular,
triangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, hexagonal or other shapes.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, when the outsole 40 engages a rocky
terrain feature RF, that rocky terrain feature RF can fit between,
on, across and/or adjacent treads 50A, 50B. At least one of the
tread edge 50E and the tread side surface 55, and in some cases
adjacent the ground contacting surface 54 can engage the rocky
terrain features RF. By way of this engagement, one or more of the
treads thereby provides traction between the outsole and the rocky
terrain feature. This enhanced traction between the tread and in
particular the edge and/or side surface can reduce the incidence of
slippage between the outsole and that rocky terrain feature,
particularly where the terrain feature is wet, slippery and/or
slimy.
[0074] In some cases, the rocky terrain feature RF also can engage
the ground contacting surface 54, which further enhances traction.
Generally, the forces applied to the treads 50A, 50B and generally
the outsole 40 are transferred through the base 50 into the midsole
and/or footbed. In this transfer, the forces are transferred to the
zone pods 60A-60H and/or the individual secondary pods 65, which
can independently move relative to one another as described above.
This in turn provides enhanced proprioceptive feedback to the
wearer's foot regarding the rocky terrain feature RF. Accordingly,
the wearer can sense and better understand that rocky terrain
feature, for example, it's size, shape and stability.
[0075] A first alternative embodiment of the footwear is shown in
FIGS. 13-16 and generally designated 110. This footwear 110 is
identical to the embodiment described above in connection with
FIGS. 1-12 with several exceptions. For example, the footwear 110
includes a sole assembly 120, and in particular an outsole 140. To
the sole assembly 120 an upper 114 is attached. The upper 114 forms
a void 113 within which the wearer's foot can be positioned. The
footwear 110 also includes a footbed 160 of the type described
above, which can be incorporated via a Strobel construction and
joined with the upper 114. If desired, a midsole 195 can also be
incorporated into the footwear 110. The outsole 120, however, can
differ in that it can also include one or more flex contours
149A-149C disposed in the metatarsal and phalanges regions of the
footwear. The footwear 110 can also define a longitudinal axis LA
as with the embodiment above.
[0076] If desired, the outsole 120 also can be constructed from a
monolithic molded, one-piece structure. It can include one or more
materials having different durometers, for example first and second
durometers, such as that described in connection with the
embodiment above, located in the same or different first and second
preselected regions--or other regions if desired.
[0077] The treads 150 of this construction can differ somewhat from
the treads of the embodiment above. For example, as shown in FIGS.
15 and 16, the treads can generally be of a hexagonal shape. Of
course, other polygonal, rounded or other shapes can be selected if
desired. The treads 150 are joined with an underlying outsole base
145 which includes an outer surface 146. The treads can project
upwardly from the outsole base 145 a height H', and in particular
the base outer surface 146, a height of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5
mm. The individual treads 50A and 50B also can be separated from
one another a distance D'. This distance D' can be about 3.0 mm to
about 6.0 mm from one another on the base along a reference line
RL4, generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA, or otherwise
aligned with a forward direction of movement. Like the embodiment
above, this enables a rocky terrain feature to fit between adjacent
treads, thereby providing traction between the outsole and the
rocky terrain feature. This can enable the treads to engage and
hold against a rocky terrain feature without substantially bending
upon such engagement. The distance between laterally disposed
treads not necessarily on the same reference line RL4, can be the
same distance D'. Of course, in some cases, the treads can overlap
one another so that they are not spaced any lateral distance from
one another, as with the embodiment above.
[0078] The above description is that of current embodiments of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in
accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine
of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative
purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description
of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the
claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in
connection with these embodiments. For example, and without
limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention
may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially
similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This
includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such
as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art,
and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such
as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development,
recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments
include a plurality of features that are described in concert and
that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The
present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that
include all of these features or that provide all of the stated
benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the
issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for
example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "said," is not to
be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
* * * * *