U.S. patent application number 15/036785 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-29 for article of footwear with self-cleaning surface.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE INC.. Invention is credited to Koosha Aslani, Matthew J. Holmes, Ruzica Krstic, Myron Maurer, Tetsuya T. Minami, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Denis Schiller, Timothy J. Smith.
Application Number | 20160278484 15/036785 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52134349 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160278484 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aslani; Koosha ; et
al. |
September 29, 2016 |
ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH SELF-CLEANING SURFACE
Abstract
An article of footwear having a self-cleaning surface and a
method of making an article of footwear are disclosed. The article
of footwear may generally include a sole plate having cleats
associated with resilient members. The resilient members may be
disposed on a bottom surface of the sole plate in an area near the
cleats. For example, a resilient member may be disposed in on the
bottom surface of the sole plate in the peripheral area of a cleat.
The resilient members may prevent mud from accumulating on the
cleats and/or a bottom surface of the sole plate by compressing
against a surface of the ground and then springing back, preventing
mud from sticking to the resilient member.
Inventors: |
Aslani; Koosha; (Tigard,
OR) ; Holmes; Matthew J.; (Portland, OR) ;
Maurer; Myron; (West Linn, OR) ; Minami; Tetsuya
T.; (Portland, OR) ; Schiller; Denis;
(Vancouver, WA) ; Smith; Timothy J.; (Portland,
OR) ; Krstic; Ruzica; (Beaverton, OR) ;
Rushbrook; Thomas J.; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE INC. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
52134349 |
Appl. No.: |
15/036785 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
November 13, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US14/65409 |
371 Date: |
May 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61904689 |
Nov 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 15/02 20130101;
A43C 15/161 20130101; A43B 5/185 20130101; A43B 5/02 20130101; A43B
13/122 20130101; A43B 13/16 20130101; A43B 13/187 20130101; A43B
13/223 20130101; A43B 13/26 20130101; A43B 3/166 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43C 15/16 20060101
A43C015/16; A43C 15/02 20060101 A43C015/02 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole plate including a
bottom surface having a forefoot region, a heel region, a
longitudinal axis extending through the forefoot region and heel
region, a forward edge, and a rearward edge; a first cleat disposed
on the bottom surface of the sole plate, the first cleat having a
shaft extending away from the bottom surface of the sole plate and
a terminal end disposed opposite the bottom surface of the sole
plate; a second cleat disposed on the bottom surface of the sole
plate and spaced from the first cleat, the second cleat having a
shaft extending away from the bottom surface of the sole plate and
a terminal end disposed opposite the bottom surface of the sole
plate; and a first resilient member disposed on the bottom surface
of the sole plate, the first resilient member including a first
portion disposed between and spaced apart from the first cleat and
the second cleat, wherein the first resilient member has a first
hole, a second hole, and a third hole, the first cleat disposed
within the first hole, the second cleat disposed within the second
hole, and the third hole being formed in the first portion of the
resilient member and exposing the bottom surface of the sole
plate.
2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
hole has a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of the
shaft of the first cleat and the second hole has a shape
substantially corresponding to a shape of the shaft of the second
cleat.
3. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
resilient member is substantially flat.
4. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
resilient member is substantially flush with the bottom surface of
the sole plate.
5. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
resilient member is made of a foam material.
6. The article of footwear according to any claim 1, wherein the
first resilient member is made from at least one of silicone and
rubber.
7. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising
an upper attached to the sole plate.
8. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
resilient member is permanently affixed to the bottom surface of
the sole plate in an area of the bottom surface of the sole plate
that substantially surrounds the first cleat.
9. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
resilient member has a thickness that is less than a length of the
first cleat.
10. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
resilient member contacts the shaft of the first cleat.
11-16. (canceled)
17. A method of making an article of footwear comprising: providing
a sole plate including a bottom surface having a forefoot region, a
heel region, a longitudinal axis extending through the forefoot
region and heel region, a forward edge, and a rearward edge,
wherein the sole plate further includes: a first cleat disposed on
the bottom surface of the sole plate, the first cleat having a
shaft extending away from the bottom surface of the sole plate and
a terminal end disposed opposite the bottom surface of the sole
plate; and a second cleat disposed on the bottom surface of the
sole plate and spaced from the second cleat, the second cleat
having a shaft extending away from the bottom surface of the sole
plate and a terminal end disposed opposite the bottom surface of
the sole plate; providing a first resilient member having a first
hole, a second hole, and a third hole; placing the first resilient
member on the bottom surface of the sole plate, the first resilient
member including a first portion disposed between and spaced apart
from the first cleat and the second cleat; placing the first cleat
in the first hole; and placing the second cleat in the second hole;
wherein providing the first resilient member having the third hole
includes providing the first portion of the resilient member with
the third hole to expose the bottom surface of the sole plate
between the first cleat and the second cleat via the third
hole.
18. The method of making an article of footwear according to claim
17, further comprising: placing a second resilient member on the
bottom surface of the sole plate, the second resilient member being
disposed in a space defined between both a third cleat and a fourth
cleat of the sole plate, the third cleat and the fourth cleat both
being spaced from the first cleat, the second cleat, and each
other.
19. The method of making an article of footwear according to claim
17, wherein placing the first resilient member on the bottom
surface of the sole plate includes permanently affixing the first
resilient member to the bottom surface of the sole plate.
20. The method of making an article of footwear according to claim
17, wherein the first resilient member has a thickness that is less
than a length of the first cleat.
21. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the
bottom surface of the sole plate is configured to engage a ground
surface through the third hole.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an article of
footwear and, more particularly, to a sports shoe with cleats.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Articles of footwear having cleats have previously been
proposed. While conventional cleats generally help give sports
shoes more grip, the cleats often accumulate mud when the article
of footwear is worn in muddy conditions. In some instances, the mud
accumulates on a shaft of the cleats and in the spaces between the
cleats. The accumulation of mud weighs down the article of footwear
and interferes with the traction between the cleats and the ground.
It would be advantageous for a sports shoe to have cleats that
prevent mud from accumulating around the cleats.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0004] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an
article of footwear with a sole plate with cleats;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a plane view of the sole plate of FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a side view of the sole plate of FIG. 1 from a
lateral side;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a side view of the sole plate of FIG. 1 from a
medial side;
[0008] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the sole plate of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a rear view of cleats of the sole plate of FIG. 1
before being submerged in mud;
[0010] FIG. 7 is a rear view of cleats of the sole plate of FIG. 1
being submerged in mud;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the first cleat of the sole plate
of FIG. 1 after being submerged in mud;
[0012] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a prior art sole plate before being
submerged in mud;
[0013] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the cleats of the prior art sole
plate being submerged in mud;
[0014] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the prior art sole plate after the
cleats are submerged in mud;
[0015] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
an article of footwear with a sole plate with cleats;
[0016] FIG. 13 is a plane view of the sole plate of FIG. 12;
[0017] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the sole plate of FIG.
12;
[0018] FIG. 15 is a plane view of an exemplary embodiment of a sole
plate of an article of footwear;
[0019] FIG. 16 is a plane view of an exemplary embodiment of a sole
plate of an article of footwear;
[0020] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
an article of footwear with a sole plate with cleats;
[0021] FIG. 18 is a plane view of the sole plate of FIG. 17;
[0022] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the sole plate of FIG.
17;
[0023] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
an article of footwear with a sole plate with cleats;
[0024] FIG. 21 is a plane view of the sole plate of FIG. 20;
[0025] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the sole plate of FIG.
20;
[0026] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
an article of footwear with a sole plate with cleats;
[0027] FIG. 24 is a plane view of the sole plate of FIG. 23;
[0028] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the sole plate of FIG.
23;
[0029] FIG. 26 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an
article of footwear with a sole plate with cleats;
[0030] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
an article of footwear with a sole plate with cleats;
[0031] FIG. 28 is a plane view of the sole plate of FIG. 27;
and
[0032] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the sole plate of FIG.
27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] An article of footwear having a self-cleaning surface and a
method of making an article of footwear are disclosed. The article
of footwear may generally include a sole plate having cleats
associated with resilient members. The resilient members may be
disposed on a bottom surface of the sole plate in an area near the
cleats. For example, a resilient member may be disposed in on the
bottom surface of the sole plate in the peripheral area of a cleat.
The resilient members may prevent mud from accumulating on the
cleats and/or a bottom surface of the sole plate by compressing
against a surface of the ground and then springing back, preventing
mud from sticking to the resilient member.
[0034] In one aspect, the article of footwear may include a sole
plate including a bottom surface having a forefoot region, a heel
region, a longitudinal axis extending through the forefoot region
and heel region, a forward edge, and a rearward edge. The article
of footwear may include a first cleat disposed on the bottom
surface of the sole plate. The first cleat may have a shaft
extending away from the bottom surface of the sole plate and a
terminal end disposed opposite the bottom surface of the sole
plate. The article of footwear may include a second cleat disposed
on the bottom surface of the sole plate and spaced from the second
cleat. The second cleat may have a shaft extending away from the
bottom surface of the sole plate and a terminal end disposed
opposite the bottom surface of the sole plate. The article of
footwear may include a first resilient member disposed on the
bottom surface of the sole plate. The first resilient member may be
disposed in a space defined between the first cleat and the second
cleat.
[0035] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may have a
first hole with a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of
the shaft of the first cleat and a second hole with a shape
substantially corresponding to a shape of the shaft of the second
cleat.
[0036] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may be
substantially flat.
[0037] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may be
substantially flush with the bottom surface of the sole plate.
[0038] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may be made
of a foam material.
[0039] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may be made
from at least one of silicone and rubber.
[0040] In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include an
upper attached to the sole plate.
[0041] In some embodiments, the article of footwear may have a
first resilient member permanently affixed to the bottom surface of
the sole plate in an area of the bottom surface of the sole plate
that substantially surrounds the first cleat.
[0042] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may have a
thickness that is less than a length of the first cleat.
[0043] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may contact
the shaft of the first cleat.
[0044] In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include a
third cleat disposed on the bottom surface of the sole plate and
spaced from a second side of the first cleat that is opposite the
first side of the first cleat. The third cleat may have a shaft
extending away from the bottom surface of the sole plate and a
terminal end disposed opposite the bottom surface of the sole
plate. The first resilient member may have a first edge and a
second opposite edge. The first edge may be disposed between the
first cleat and the second cleat and the second edge may be
disposed between the first cleat and the third cleat.
[0045] In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include a
fourth cleat disposed on the bottom surface of the sole plate and
spaced from a third side of the first cleat. The fourth cleat may
have a shaft extending away from the bottom surface of the sole
plate and a terminal end disposed opposite the bottom surface of
the sole plate. The first resilient member may be disposed in a
space defined between the first cleat and the fourth cleat.
[0046] In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include a
fifth cleat disposed on the bottom surface of the sole plate and
spaced from the first cleat and the fourth cleat. The article of
footwear may further include a sixth cleat disposed on the bottom
surface of the sole plate and spaced from the first cleat, the
fourth cleat, and the fifth cleat. The article of footwear may
include a second resilient member disposed on the bottom surface of
the sole plate. The second resilient member may be disposed in a
space disposed between the fourth cleat, the fifth cleat, and the
sixth cleat.
[0047] In some embodiments, the first resilient member and the
second resilient member may each have a substantially uniform
thickness.
[0048] In some embodiments, the second resilient member may have a
first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first
edge of the second resilient member may be disposed on a first side
of the fourth cleat and the second edge may be disposed on a first
side of fifth cleat.
[0049] In some embodiments, the second resilient member may have a
hole disposed in the space disposed between the fourth cleat, the
fifth cleat, and the sixth cleat.
[0050] In one aspect, the method of making an article of footwear
may include a step of providing a sole plate including a bottom
surface having a forefoot region, a heel region, a longitudinal
axis extending through the forefoot region and heel region, a
forward edge, and a rearward edge. The sole plate further may
include a first cleat disposed on the bottom surface of the sole
plate. The first cleat may have a shaft extending away from the
bottom surface of the sole plate and a terminal end disposed
opposite the bottom surface of the sole plate. The sole plate may
also include a second cleat disposed on the bottom surface of the
sole plate and spaced from the second cleat. The second cleat may
have a shaft extending away from the bottom surface of the sole
plate and a terminal end disposed opposite the bottom surface of
the sole plate. The method may further include a step of placing a
first resilient member on the bottom surface of the sole plate such
that first resilient member is disposed in a space defined between
the first cleat and the second cleat.
[0051] In some embodiments, the method may further include a step
of placing a second resilient member on the bottom surface of the
sole plate such that the second resilient member is disposed in a
space defined between both a third cleat and a fourth cleat of the
sole plate. The third cleat and the fourth cleat may both be spaced
from the first cleat, the second cleat, and each other.
[0052] In some embodiments, the step of placing the second
resilient member on the bottom surface of the sole plate may
include permanently affixing the first resilient member to the
bottom surface of the sole plate.
[0053] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may have a
thickness that is less than a length of the first cleat.
[0054] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary
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 and this summary, be within the scope of the invention,
and be protected by the following claims.
[0055] An article of footwear having a self-cleaning surface is
disclosed. The article of footwear may include a sole plate having
cleats associated with resilient members. For example, FIGS. 1-8
illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a sole plate 102 may include
a first cleat 110 having a first resilient member 174. The
resilient members associated with the cleats may prevent mud from
accumulating on the cleats and/or a bottom surface of the sole
plate by compressing against a surface of the ground and then
springing back, preventing mud from sticking to the resilient
member. For example, FIGS. 6-8 (described in more detail below)
show a resilient member before, during, and after cleats are
submerged in mud. Preventing mud from accumulating in the area
surrounding the cleats may also prevent mud from accumulating on
the cleats and in the spaces between the cleats.
[0056] The following detailed description discusses an exemplary
embodiment in the form of soccer boots, but it should be noted that
the present concept may be associated with any article of footwear,
including, but not limited to, baseball shoes, rugby shoes, and
football shoes. The articles of footwear shown in the figures may
be intended to be used with a left foot. However, it should be
understood that the following discussion may apply to mirror images
of the articles of footwear that may be intended to be used with a
right foot.
[0057] In some embodiments, the sole plate may be associated with
an upper. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, sole plate 102 may be
associated with upper 104. The upper may be attached to the sole
plate by any known mechanism or method. For example, upper 104 may
be stitched to sole plate 102 or upper 104 may be glued to sole
plate 102. The upper may be configured to receive a foot. The
exemplary embodiment shows a generic design for the upper. In some
embodiments, the upper may include another type of design.
[0058] The sole plate and upper may be made from materials known in
the art for making articles of footwear. For example, the sole
plate may be made from elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber,
synthetic rubbers, aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic
leather, plastics, or thermoplastics. In another example, the upper
may be made from nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural
rubber, or synthetic rubber.
[0059] The sole plate may have a top surface and a bottom surface.
For example, referring to FIGS. 1-8, sole plate 102 may include a
top surface 306 and a bottom surface 108. The sole plate may be
configured to be attached to the upper. The sole plate may also be
configured to be attached to a midsole or an insole of an article
of footwear. The top surface may be configured to contact the
midsole or the insole. The sole plate may include a forefoot region
disposed proximate a wearer's forefoot. For example, sole plate 102
may include a forefoot region 140. The sole plate may include a
heel region disposed proximate a wearer's heel and opposite the
forefoot region. For example, sole plate 102 may include a heel
region 142. The sole plate may include a midfoot region disposed
between the forefoot region and the heel region. For example, sole
plate 102 may include a midfoot region 144. The sole plate may
include a medial side and a lateral side opposite medial side. For
example, sole plate 102 may include a medial side 172 and a lateral
side 170. The sole plate may include a medial edge on the medial
side and a lateral edge on the lateral side. The sole plate may
include a forward edge in the forefoot region and a rearward edge
in the heel region and disposed opposite the forward edge.
[0060] The bottom surface of the sole plate may be configured to
contact a playing surface. For example, the bottom surface may be
configured to contact grass, synthetic turf, dirt, or sand. The
bottom surface of the sole plate may include provisions for
increasing traction with such a playing surface. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1-8, such provisions may include cleats. First cleat
110, a second cleat 112, a third cleat 114, a fourth cleat 116, a
fifth cleat 118, a sixth cleat 120, a seventh cleat 122, and an
eighth cleat 124 may be disposed on forefoot region 140 of sole
plate 102. A ninth cleat 126, a tenth cleat 128, an eleventh cleat
130, and a twelfth cleat 132 may be disposed on heel region 142 of
sole plate 102. A thirteenth cleat 134, a fourteenth cleat 136, and
a fifteenth cleat 138 may be disposed on forefoot region 140 of
sole plate 102.
[0061] In some embodiments, the sole plate may include cleats that
extend from the bottom surface. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-8,
sole plate 102 may include cleats integrally formed with sole plate
102 through molding. In another example, the sole plate may be
configured to receive cleats. In some embodiments, the sole plate
may include cleat receiving members configured to receive removable
cleats. For example, the cleat receiving members may include
threaded holes and the cleats may screw into the threaded holes. In
some embodiments, the cleat receiving members may be raised with
respect to the sole plate. In other embodiments, the cleat
receiving members may be flush with the bottom surface of the sole
plate.
[0062] The cleats may be made from materials known in the art for
making articles of footwear. For example, the cleats may be made
from elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, synthetic rubbers,
aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, plastics, or
thermoplastics. In some embodiments, the cleats may be made of the
same materials. In other embodiments, the cleats may be made of
various materials. For example, first cleat 110 may be made of
aluminum while second cleat 112 is made of a thermoplastic
material.
[0063] The cleats may have any type of shape. In some embodiments,
the cleats may all have the same shape. In other embodiments, at
least one of the cleats may have a different shape from another
cleat. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8,
first cleat 110 may be shaped differently from ninth cleat 126. In
some embodiments, the cleats may have a first set of identically
shaped cleats, a second set of identically shaped cleats, and/or a
third set of identically shaped cleats. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1-8, first cleat 110, second cleat 112, third cleat 114,
fourth cleat 116, fifth cleat 118, sixth cleat 120, seventh cleat
122, and eighth cleat 124 may make up a first set of cleats having
a first shape, while ninth cleat 126, tenth cleat 128, eleventh
cleat 130, and twelfth cleat 132 may make up a second set of cleats
having a second shape, and thirteenth cleat 134, fourteenth cleat
136, and fifteenth cleat 138 may make up a third set of cleats
having a third shape.
[0064] The cleats may have a shaft extending away from the bottom
surface of the sole plate. The shaft may have a surface. The cleats
may have a terminal end that is disposed opposite the bottom
surface of the sole plate. For example, as shown in the zoomed in
rear view of tenth cleat 128 and twelfth cleat 132 in FIGS. 6-8,
tenth cleat 128 may have a shaft 604 and a terminal end 602 and
twelfth cleat 132 may have a shaft 610 and a terminal end 608. In
some embodiments, the shaft of at least one cleat may be round. For
example, as shown in FIG. 2, the shaft of at least one cleat may
form a circular shape (tenth cleat 128) or an oval shape (ninth
cleat 126). A surface of the round shaft may formed by a single
sidewall. In other embodiments, at least one of the cleats may be a
shaft formed from a plurality of sidewalls. For example, a cleat
may have three sidewalls forming a triangular shaped shaft. In
another example, a cleat may have four sidewalls forming a square
shaped shaft or a rectangular shaped shaft. The terminal end of at
least one cleat may be a substantially flat surface. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 6-8, terminal end 602 may be a substantially flat
surface. In some embodiments, a substantially flat surface of the
terminal end of at least one cleat may be substantially parallel
with the bottom surface of the sole plate. In some embodiments, a
substantially flat surface of the terminal end of the at least one
cleat may be substantially angled with respect to the bottom
surface of the sole plate. In other embodiments, the terminal end
of at least one cleat may have other shapes that are not
substantially flat. For example, the terminal end of the cleat may
be a substantially rounded surface. In another example, the
terminal end of the cleat may be a surface having ridges. In yet
another example, the terminal end of the cleat may be substantially
conical.
[0065] In some embodiments, the cleats may have the same height,
width, and/or thickness as each other. In other embodiments, the
cleats may have different heights, different widths, and/or
different thicknesses from each other. In some embodiments, a first
set of cleats may have the same height, width, and/or thickness as
each other, while a second set of cleats may have a different
height, width, and/or thickness from the first set of cleats. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, first cleat 110, second cleat 112,
third cleat 114, fourth cleat 116, fifth cleat 118, sixth cleat
120, seventh cleat 122, and eighth cleat 124 may make up a first
set of cleats having a first width and/or thickness, while ninth
cleat 126, tenth cleat 128, eleventh cleat 130, and twelfth cleat
132 may make up a second set of cleats having a second width and/or
thickness.
[0066] The cleats may be arranged in any cleat pattern on the sole
plate. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, first cleat 110, second
cleat 112, fifth cleat 118, and sixth cleat 120 may be
substantially aligned with one another adjacent a lateral perimeter
of bottom surface 108 of sole plate 102 in forefoot region 140.
Similarly, in some embodiments, third cleat 114, fourth cleat 116,
seventh cleat 122, and eighth cleat 124 may be substantially
aligned with one another adjacent a medial perimeter of bottom
surface 108 of sole plate 102 in heel region 142. In some
embodiments, ninth cleat 126 and tenth cleat 128 may be
substantially aligned with one another along the lateral perimeter
of bottom surface 108 of sole plate 102 in heel region 142. In some
embodiments, eleventh cleat 130 and twelfth cleat 132 may be
substantially aligned with one another along the medial perimeter
of bottom surface 108 of sole plate 102 in heel region 142. In some
embodiments, thirteenth cleat 134 may be disposed on medial side
172 of bottom surface 108 of sole plate 102 in a position between
first cleat 110 and the front edge of sole plate 102. In some
embodiments, fourteenth cleat 136 and fifteenth cleat 138 may be
disposed in a forefoot region 140 of sole plate 102 substantially
along a centerline of bottom surface 108 of sole plate 102. While
the embodiments of FIGS. 1-29 are all illustrated with the same
cleat pattern (arrangement), it is understood that other cleat
patterns may be used with the sole plate. The arrangement of the
cleats may enhance traction for a wearer during cutting, turning,
stopping, accelerating, and backward movement.
[0067] The sole plate may include components other than cleats that
contact a playing surface and increase traction. In some
embodiments, the sole plate may include traction elements that are
smaller than cleats or studs. The traction elements on the sole
plate may increase control for wearer when maneuvering forward on a
surface by engaging surface. Additionally, traction elements may
also increase the wearer's stability when making lateral movements
by digging into playing surface. In some embodiments, the traction
elements may be molded into the sole plate. In some embodiments,
the sole plate may be configured to receive removable traction
elements.
[0068] As previously stated, a resilient member may be disposed on
the bottom surface of the sole plate. In some embodiments, a
resilient member may have at least one hole through which the shaft
of at least one cleat may extend. For example, as shown in FIGS.
1-8, first resilient member 174 may be disposed on bottom surface
108 and may have a first hole 184 through which first cleat 110 may
extend and a second hole 186 through which thirteenth cleat 134 may
extend.
[0069] In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include at
least one resilient member disposed in the forefoot region of the
sole plate. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, first resilient
member 174 is disposed in forefoot region 140. In some embodiments,
the article of footwear may include a plurality of resilient
members disposed in the forefoot region of the sole plate. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, article of footwear 100 may include
three resilient members: first resilient member 174, a second
resilient member 178, and a third resilient member 180. In another
example, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, an article of footwear 1200 may
include four resilient members in a forefoot region 1240: first
resilient member 1274, second resilient member 1276, third
resilient member 1278, and fourth resilient member 1280. In another
example, as shown in FIGS. 24-26, an article of footwear 2300 may
include ten resilient members in a forefoot region 2340: first
resilient member 2346, second resilient member 2348, third
resilient member 2350, fourth resilient member 2352, fifth
resilient member 2354, sixth resilient member 2356, seventh
resilient member 2358, eighth resilient member 2360, tenth
resilient member 2392, and eleventh resilient member 2394.
[0070] In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include at
least one resilient member disposed in the heel region of the sole
plate. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, article of footwear 100
may include fourth resilient member 182. In another example, as
shown in FIGS. 12-14, article of footwear 1200 may include fifth
resilient member 1282. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 24-26,
article of footwear 2300 may include eleventh resilient member
2382. In another example, as shown in FIG. 26, article of footwear
2600 may include eleventh resilient member 2682. In another
example, as shown in FIGS. 27-29, article of footwear 2700 may
include fifth resilient member 2782. It is understood that the
different embodiments of resilient members may be combined. For
example, the sole plate may include the resilient members in the
forefoot region according to a first embodiment and the resilient
members in the heel region according to a second embodiment.
[0071] In some embodiments, a single resilient member may be
disposed along a majority of the bottom surface of the sole plate.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, resilient member 2096 may be
disposed along a majority of bottom surface 2008 of sole plate
2002. The number of resilient members included on the bottom
surface of the sole plate may vary depending upon a variety of
factors, e.g. the size, shape, and/or pattern of the cleats.
[0072] In some embodiments, a resilient member may contact the
bottom surface of the sole plate. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3,
4, and 6-8, fourth resilient member 182 may contact bottom surface
108 of sole plate 102. In some embodiments, a resilient member may
contact the shaft of the sole plate. For example, as shown in FIGS.
3, 4, and 6-8, fourth resilient member 182 may contact shaft 604 of
sole plate 102. In some embodiments, at least one cleat may extend
through an opening in at least one resilient member such that the
terminal end of the cleat is exposed. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1-2 and 5, tenth cleat 128 may extend through an opening 129
in fourth resilient member 182 such that terminal end 602 of tenth
cleat 128 is exposed.
[0073] In some embodiments, at least one resilient member may
terminate at a point between the terminal end of the first cleat
and a bottom surface of the sole plate. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 3, 4, and 6-8, fourth resilient member 182 may terminate at a
point between terminal end 602 of tenth cleat 128 and bottom
surface 108 of sole plate 102.
[0074] The resilient members may have a variety of shapes. The
shape and size of the resilient members may be selected based on a
variety of factors. For example, the shape and size of the
resilient members may be selected based on the shape and size of
the cleats or the material used to make the resilient members. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the resilient member may
be substantially flat. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-8,
the resilient member may have a substantially uniform
thickness.
[0075] In some embodiments, at least two resilient members may have
the same shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 23-25 (described in
more detail below), a second resilient member 2348 and a third
resilient member 2350 may have the same shape. In some embodiments,
at least a first resilient member may have a first shape and at
least a second resilient member may have a second shape. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 23-25, a first resilient member 2346 may
have a first shape and second resilient member 2348 may have a
second shape that is different from the first shape. In some
embodiments, a first set of resilient members may have a first
shape while the remaining resilient members have a second shape.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 23-25, a first set of resilient
members including second resilient member 2348, third resilient
member 2350, a fourth resilient member 2352 may each have a first
shape while a second set of resilient members including a fifth
resilient member 2354, a sixth resilient member 2356, a seventh
resilient member 2358, and an eighth resilient member 2360 may each
have a second shape that is different from the first shape.
[0076] The resilient members may be made of a resilient material.
In some embodiments, to prevent water and/or mud from penetrating
the resilient members, the resilient members may be made of a
hydrophobic and/or oleophobic material. For example, the resilient
members may be made of rubber, silicone, and/or latex. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the resilient members may be
formed from a foam material. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS.
27-29 (explained in detail below), the resilient members may
include bladders filled with a liquid or gas. For example, the
bladders may be filled with air. In some embodiments, the bladders
may be made of a resilient material. In some embodiments, the
bladders may be made of a material suitable for retaining a liquid
or gas within the bladder. The material of the resilient members
may be selected based on a variety of factors. For example, the
material of the resilient members may be selected based on the
material of the cleats or the shape of the resilient members.
[0077] The resilient member(s) may be permanently affixed to the
bottom surface of the sole plate. For example, in some embodiments,
the resilient member(s) may be affixed to the bottom surface of the
sole plate by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the resilient
member(s) may be affixed to the bottom surface of the sole plate by
thermal bonding. For example, the resilient member and/or the
bottom surface of the sole plate may be heated to slightly soften
and then the resilient member and the bottom surface may be pressed
together to fuse the two parts together. In some embodiments, the
resilient member may be molded to the bottom surface of the sole
plate. In some embodiments, the above methods of affixing the
resilient members to the sole plate can be combined. For example, a
first resilient member may be affixed to the bottom surface of the
sole plate by both thermal bonding and adhesive. Permanently
affixing resilient member(s) to the bottom surface of the sole
plate may prevent resilient member(s) from becoming detached from
the bottom surface and may prevent mud and other debris from coming
between the resilient member(s) and the bottom surface. In some
embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 26, the cleats may
include a groove around the sidewall of the cleats that corresponds
in shape to the resilient members. Such a groove may receive and
retain the resilient members.
[0078] The details of FIGS. 1-5 will now be discussed. First
resilient member 174 may be disposed adjacent the forward edge of
sole plate 102. Second resilient member 178 may disposed between
first resilient member 174 and third resilient member 180. Third
resilient member 180 may be disposed between second resilient
member 178 and fourth resilient member 182. Fourth resilient member
182 may be disposed between third resilient member 180 and the
rearward edge of sole plate 102.
[0079] First resilient member 174 may be disposed on bottom surface
108 in an area surrounding first cleat 110 and an area surrounding
thirteenth cleat 134. It is understood that a peripheral area of a
cleat is the area of the bottom surface that is surrounding a
cleat. First resilient member 174 may have a first hole 184 through
which first cleat 110 may extend. First resilient member 174 may
have a second hole 186 through which thirteenth cleat 134 may
extend. First resilient member 174 may have a first edge 188 and a
second edge 190 opposite first edge 188. As shown in FIG. 2, first
edge 188 may be rounded and may correspond with the front edge of
sole plate 102. Second edge 190 may be rounded and may extend from
the medial edge of sole plate 102 to the lateral edge of sole plate
102. Second edge 190 may be disposed between first cleat 110 and
second cleat 112. Second edge 190 may be disposed between
thirteenth cleat 134 and fourth cleat 114.
[0080] Second resilient member 178 may be disposed on bottom
surface 108 in an area surrounding fourth cleat 116 and an area
surrounding fifth cleat 118. Second resilient member 178 may have a
first hole 113 through which fourth cleat 116 may extend. Second
resilient member 178 may have a second hole 117 through which fifth
cleat 118 may extend. Second resilient member 178 may have a first
edge 158, a second edge 160 opposite first edge 158, a third edge
154, and a fourth edge 156 opposite third edge 154. As shown in
FIG. 2, first edge 158 may extend from the medial edge of sole
plate 102 to the lateral edge of sole plate 102. First edge 158 may
be disposed between third cleat 114 and fourth cleat 116. First
edge 158 may be disposed between second cleat 112 and fifth cleat
118. First edge 158 may be disposed between fourteenth cleat 136
and fifteenth cleat 138. Second edge 160 may extend from the medial
edge of sole plate 102 to the lateral edge of sole plate 102.
Second edge 160 may be disposed between fourth cleat 116 and
seventh cleat 122. Second edge 160 may be disposed between fifth
cleat 118 and sixth cleat 120. Second edge 160 may be disposed
between fourteenth cleat 136 and fifteenth cleat 138. Second edge
160 may be curved to fit around fifteenth cleat 138. Third edge 154
may correspond with the lateral edge of sole plate 102. Fourth edge
156 may correspond with the medial edge of sole plate 102.
[0081] Third resilient member 180 may be disposed on bottom surface
108 in an area surrounding eighth cleat 124 and an area surrounding
sixth cleat 120. Third resilient member 180 may have a first hole
121 through which sixth cleat 120 may extend. Third resilient
member 180 may have a second hole 125 through which eighth cleat
124 may extend. Third resilient member 180 may have a first edge
166, a second edge 168 opposite first edge 166, a third edge 162,
and a fourth edge 164 opposite third edge 162. As shown in FIG. 2,
first edge 166 may extend from the medial edge of sole plate 102 to
the lateral edge of sole plate 102. First edge 166 may be disposed
between seventh cleat 122 and eighth cleat 124. First edge 166 may
be disposed between fifth cleat 118 and sixth cleat 120. First edge
158 may be disposed between fifteenth cleat 138 and the rearward
edge of sole plate 102. Second edge 168 may extend from the medial
edge of sole plate 102 to the lateral edge of sole plate 102.
Second edge 168 may be disposed between eighth cleat 124 and
eleventh cleat 130. Second edge 168 may be disposed between sixth
cleat 120 and ninth cleat 126. Third edge 162 may correspond with
the lateral edge of sole plate 102. Fourth edge 164 may correspond
with the medial edge of sole plate 102.
[0082] Fourth resilient member 182 may be disposed on bottom
surface 108 in an area surrounding the cleats disposed in heel
region 142. Fourth resilient member 182 may have a first hole 127
through which ninth cleat 126 may extend. Fourth resilient member
182 may have a second hole 129 through which tenth cleat 128 may
extend. Fourth resilient member 182 may have a third hole 131
through which eleventh cleat 130 may extend. Fourth resilient
member 182 may have a fourth hole 133 through which twelfth cleat
132 may extend. Fourth resilient member 182 may be disposed in an
area defined between ninth cleat 126 and tenth cleat 128. Fourth
resilient member 182 may be disposed in an area defined between
eleventh cleat 130 and twelfth cleat 132. Fourth resilient member
182 may be disposed in an area defined between ninth cleat 126,
tenth cleat 128, eleventh cleat 130, and twelfth cleat 132. Fourth
resilient member 182 may be spaced from the rearward edge of sole
plate 102.
[0083] The details of FIGS. 6-8 will now be discussed in comparison
with FIGS. 9-11, which show a prior art sole plate 902. FIGS. 6-8
show how fourth resilient member 182 may prevent mud and/or other
debris from accumulating on the area surrounding tenth cleat 128
and twelfth cleat 132. FIGS. 9-11 show how sole plate 902 packs mud
900 as sole plate 902 is pressed against mud 900. Sole plate 902
has a top surface 906 and a bottom surface 908 opposite top surface
906. Sole plate 902 includes a first cleat 928 having a shaft 904
and a terminal end 902 and a second cleat 932 having a shaft 910
and a terminal end 908. As sole plate 902 is moved in the direction
of the arrows shown in FIG. 9 toward mud 900, sole plate 902 packs
mud 900, as shown in FIG. 10. Packed mud 1000 is packed again
bottom surface 908 of sole plate 902 and the shafts of the cleats
when sole plate 902 moved away from mud 900 in the direction of the
arrows shown in FIG. 11.
[0084] In comparison with FIGS. 9-11, FIGS. 6-8 show a sole plate
according to an exemplary embodiment preventing mud from
accumulating. FIG. 6 shows fourth resilient member 182 and the
cleats before article of footwear 100 comes into contact with mud
600. FIG. 7 illustrates fourth resilient member 182 and the cleats
contacting mud 600. Tenth cleat 128 and twelfth cleat 132 may
penetrate mud 600 and fourth resilient member 182 may be made of a
material that allows fourth resilient member 182 to compress
between a bottom surface 108 of sole plate 102 and a top surface of
mud 600. The compression of fourth resilient member 182 may reduce
the amount of mud 600 being packed by sole plate 102. FIG. 8 shows
tenth cleat 128 and twelfth cleat 132 after emerging from mud 600.
Without being packed against resilient member 182, mud 600 may not
stick to resilient member 182 after sole plate 102 is moved away
from mud 600, as shown in FIG. 8. Fourth resilient member 182 may
spring back to its former position after no longer being compressed
between bottom surface 108 of sole plate and the top surface of mud
600. As fourth resilient member 182 springs back to its former
position, fourth resilient member 182 may scrape mud and/or other
debris away from the surface of the cleats. Accordingly, the
resilient member may prevent mud from accumulating upon the cleat
and/or the area surrounding the cleat.
[0085] The details of FIG. 12-16 will now be discussed. FIG. 12
illustrates an article of footwear 1200 having a sole plate 1202
and an upper 1204. Sole plate 1202 may have the same basic features
described above with respect to sole plate 102. For example, sole
plate 1202 may have a top surface and a bottom surface 1208. In
another example, sole plate 1202 may have a forefoot region 1240,
heel region 1242, midfoot region 1244, medial side 1272, lateral
side 1270, forward edge, and rearward edge. Sole plate 1202 may
have a first cleat 1210, a second cleat 1212, a third cleat 1214, a
fourth cleat 1216, a fifth cleat 1218, a sixth cleat 1220, a
seventh cleat 1222, and an eighth cleat 1224 may be disposed on
forefoot region 1240 of sole plate 1202. A ninth cleat 1226, a
tenth cleat 1228, an eleventh cleat 1230, and a twelfth cleat 1232
may be disposed on heel region 1242 of sole plate 1202. A
thirteenth cleat 1234, a fourteenth cleat 1236, and a fifteenth
cleat 1238 may be disposed on forefoot region 1240 of sole plate
1202.
[0086] Sole plate 1202 may include a first resilient member 1274,
second resilient member 1276, third resilient member 1278, fourth
resilient member 1280, and fifth resilient member 1282. First
resilient member 1274, second resilient member 1276, third
resilient member 1278, fourth resilient member 1280 may be disposed
in forefoot region 1240. Fifth resilient member 1282 may be
disposed in heel region 1242. First resilient member 1274 may be
disposed adjacent the forward edge of sole plate 1202. Second
resilient member 1276 may disposed between first resilient member
1274 and third resilient member 1278. Third resilient member 1278
may be disposed between second resilient member 1276 and fourth
resilient member 1280. Fourth resilient member 1280 may be disposed
between third resilient member 1278 and fifth resilient member
1282. Fifth resilient member 1282 may be disposed between fourth
resilient member 1280 and the rearward edge of sole plate 1202.
[0087] First resilient member 1274 may be disposed on bottom
surface 1208 in an area surrounding first cleat 1210 and an area
surrounding thirteenth cleat 1234. First resilient member 1274 may
have a first hole 1284 through which first cleat 1210 may extend.
First resilient member 1274 may have a second hole 1286 through
which thirteenth cleat 1234 may extend. First resilient member 1274
may have a first edge 1288 and a second edge 1290 opposite first
edge 1288. As shown in FIG. 13, first edge 1288 may be rounded and
may correspond with the front edge of sole plate 1202. Second edge
1290 may be rounded and may extend from the medial edge of sole
plate 1202 to the lateral edge of sole plate 1202. Second edge 1290
may be disposed between first cleat 1210 and second cleat 1212.
Second edge 1290 may be disposed between thirteenth cleat 1234 and
fourth cleat 1214.
[0088] Second resilient member 1276 may be disposed on bottom
surface 1208 in an area surrounding second cleat 1212, an area
surrounding third cleat 1214, and an area surrounding fourteenth
cleat 1236. Second resilient member 1276 may have a first hole 1211
through which second cleat 1212 may extend. Second resilient member
1276 may have a second hole 1237 through which fourteenth cleat
1236 may extend. Second resilient member 1276 may have a third hole
1217 through which third cleat 1214 may extend. Second resilient
member 1276 may have a first edge 1250, a second edge 1252 opposite
first edge 1250, a third edge 1246, and a fourth edge 1248 opposite
third edge 1246. As shown in FIG. 13, first edge 1250 may extend
from the medial edge of sole plate 1202 to the lateral edge of sole
plate 1202. First edge 1250 may be disposed between second cleat
1212 and the forward edge of sole plate 1202. First edge 1250 may
be disposed between fourteenth cleat 1236 and the forward edge of
sole plate 1202. First edge 1250 may be disposed between third
cleat 1214 and the forward edge of sole plate 1202. Second edge
1252 may extend from the medial edge of sole plate 1202 to the
lateral edge of sole plate 1202. Second edge 1252 may be disposed
between second cleat 1212 and fifth cleat 118. Second edge 1252 may
be disposed between third cleat 1214 and fourth cleat 1216. Second
edge 1252 may be disposed between fourteenth cleat 1236 and
fifteenth cleat 1238. Third edge 1246 may correspond with the
lateral edge of sole plate 1202. Fourth edge 1248 may correspond
with the medial edge of sole plate 1202.
[0089] Third resilient member 1278 may be disposed on bottom
surface 1208 in an area surrounding fourth cleat 1216 and an area
surrounding fifth cleat 1218. Third resilient member 1278 may have
a first hole 1213 through which fourth cleat 1216 may extend. Third
resilient member 1278 may have a second hole 1217 through which
fifth cleat 1218 may extend. Third resilient member 1278 may have a
first edge 1258, a second edge 1260 opposite first edge 1258, a
third edge 1254, and a fourth edge 1256 opposite third edge 1254.
As shown in FIG. 13, first edge 1258 may extend from the medial
edge of sole plate 1202 to the lateral edge of sole plate 1202.
First edge 1258 may be disposed between third cleat 1214 and fourth
cleat 1216. First edge 1258 may be disposed between second cleat
1212 and fifth cleat 1218. First edge 1258 may be disposed between
fourteenth cleat 1236 and fifteenth cleat 1238. Second edge 1260
may extend from the medial edge of sole plate 1202 to the lateral
edge of sole plate 1202. Second edge 1260 may be disposed between
fourth cleat 1216 and seventh cleat 1222. Second edge 1260 may be
disposed between fifth cleat 1218 and sixth cleat 1220. Second edge
1260 may be disposed between fourteenth cleat 1236 and fifteenth
cleat 1238. Second edge 1260 may be curved to fit around fifteenth
cleat 1238. Third edge 1254 may correspond with the lateral edge of
sole plate 1202. Fourth edge 1256 may correspond with the medial
edge of sole plate 1202.
[0090] Fourth resilient member 1280 may be disposed on bottom
surface 1208 in an area surrounding eighth cleat 1224 and an area
surrounding sixth cleat 1220. Fourth resilient member 1280 may have
a first hole 1221 through which sixth cleat 1220 may extend. Fourth
resilient member 1280 may have a second hole 1225 through which
eighth cleat 1224 may extend. Fourth resilient member 1280 may have
a first edge 1266, a second edge 1268 opposite first edge 1266, a
third edge 1262, and a fourth edge 1264 opposite third edge 1262.
As shown in FIG. 13, first edge 1266 may extend from the medial
edge of sole plate 1202 to the lateral edge of sole plate 1202.
First edge 1266 may be disposed between seventh cleat 1222 and
eighth cleat 1224. First edge 1266 may be disposed between fifth
cleat 1218 and sixth cleat 1220. First edge 1258 may be disposed
between fifteenth cleat 1238 and the rearward edge of sole plate
1202. Second edge 1268 may extend from the medial edge of sole
plate 1202 to the lateral edge of sole plate 1202. Second edge 1268
may be disposed between eighth cleat 1224 and eleventh cleat 1230.
Second edge 1268 may be disposed between sixth cleat 1220 and ninth
cleat 1226. Third edge 1262 may correspond with the lateral edge of
sole plate 1202. Fourth edge 1264 may correspond with the medial
edge of sole plate 1202.
[0091] Fifth resilient member 1282 may be disposed in on bottom
surface 1208 in heel region 1242. Fifth resilient member 1282 may
have a first indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a
portion of ninth cleat 1226. Fifth resilient member 1282 may have a
second indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a portion
of tenth cleat 1228. Fifth resilient member 1282 may have a third
indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a portion of
eleventh cleat 1230. Fifth resilient member 1282 may have a fourth
indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a portion of
twelfth cleat 1232. Fifth resilient member 1282 may be disposed in
an area defined between ninth cleat 1226 and tenth cleat 1228.
Fifth resilient member 1282 may be disposed in an area defined
between eleventh cleat 1230 and twelfth cleat 1232. Fifth resilient
member 1282 may be disposed in an area defined between ninth cleat
1226, tenth cleat 1228, eleventh cleat 1230, and twelfth cleat
1232. Fifth resilient member 1282 may be spaced from the rearward
edge of sole plate 1202.
[0092] As previously stated, the resilient members of a first
embodiment may be combined with the resilient members of a second
embodiment. For example, FIGS. 15 and 16 show embodiments in which
fifth resilient member 1282 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-14
is combined with other configurations of resilient members disposed
in forefoot region 1240. FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which sole
plate 1202 does not include first resilient member 1274. FIG. 16
shows an embodiment in which sole plate does not include second
resilient member 1276. The presence or absence of resilient members
may be selected based on the type of cleats and/or the cleat
pattern (arrangement).
[0093] The details of FIGS. 17-19 will now be discussed. FIG. 17
illustrates an article of footwear 1700 having a sole plate 1702
and an upper 1704. Sole plate 1702 may have the same basic features
described above with respect to sole plate 102. For example, sole
plate 1702 may have a top surface and a bottom surface 1708. In
another example, sole plate 1702 may have a forefoot region 1740,
heel region 1742, midfoot region 1744, medial side 1772, lateral
side 1770, forward edge, and rearward edge. Sole plate 1702 may
have a first cleat 1710, a second cleat 1712, a third cleat 1714, a
fourth cleat 1716, a fifth cleat 1718, a sixth cleat 1720, a
seventh cleat 1722, and an eighth cleat 1724 may be disposed on
forefoot region 1740 of sole plate 1702. A ninth cleat 1726, a
tenth cleat 1728, an eleventh cleat 1730, and a twelfth cleat 1732
may be disposed on heel region 1742 of sole plate 1702. A
thirteenth cleat 1734, a fourteenth cleat 1736, and a fifteenth
cleat 1738 may be disposed on forefoot region 1740 of sole plate
1702.
[0094] Sole plate 1702 may include a first resilient member 1774,
second resilient member 1776, third resilient member 1778, fourth
resilient member 1780, and fifth resilient member 1782. First
resilient member 1774, second resilient member 1776, third
resilient member 1778, fourth resilient member 1780 may be disposed
in forefoot region 1740. Fifth resilient member 1782 may be
disposed in heel region 1742. First resilient member 1774 may be
disposed adjacent the forward edge of sole plate 1702. Second
resilient member 1776 may disposed between first resilient member
1774 and third resilient member 1778. Third resilient member 1778
may be disposed between second resilient member 1776 and fourth
resilient member 1780. Fourth resilient member 1780 may be disposed
between third resilient member 1778 and fifth resilient member
1782. Fifth resilient member 1782 may be disposed between fourth
resilient member 1780 and the rearward edge of sole plate 1702.
[0095] First resilient member 1774 may be disposed on bottom
surface 1708 in an area surrounding first cleat 1710 and an area
surrounding thirteenth cleat 1734. First resilient member 1774 may
have a first hole 1784 through which first cleat 1710 may extend.
First resilient member 1774 may have a second hole 1786 through
which thirteenth cleat 1734 may extend. First resilient member 1774
may have a first edge 1788 and a second edge 1790 opposite first
edge 1788. As shown in FIG. 18, first edge 1788 may be rounded and
may correspond with the front edge of sole plate 1702. Second edge
1790 may be rounded and may extend from the medial edge of sole
plate 1702 to the lateral edge of sole plate 1702. Second edge 1790
may be disposed between first cleat 1710 and second cleat 1717.
Second edge 1790 may be disposed between thirteenth cleat 1734 and
fourth cleat 1714.
[0096] Second resilient member 1776 may be disposed on bottom
surface 1708 in an area surrounding second cleat 1712, an area
surrounding third cleat 1714, and an area surrounding fourteenth
cleat 1736. Second resilient member 1776 may have a first hole 1711
through which second cleat 1712 may extend. Second resilient member
1776 may have a second hole 1737 through which fourteenth cleat
1736 may extend. Second resilient member 1776 may have a third hole
1717 through which third cleat 1714 may extend. Second resilient
member 1776 may have a first edge 1750, a second edge 1752 opposite
first edge 1750, a third edge 1746, and a fourth edge 1748 opposite
third edge 1746. As shown in FIG. 18, first edge 1750 may extend
from the medial edge of sole plate 1702 to the lateral edge of sole
plate 1702. First edge 1750 may be disposed between second cleat
1712 and the forward edge of sole plate 1702. First edge 1750 may
be disposed between fourteenth cleat 1736 and the forward edge of
sole plate 1702. First edge 1750 may be disposed between third
cleat 1714 and the forward edge of sole plate 1702. Second edge
1752 may extend from the medial edge of sole plate 1702 to the
lateral edge of sole plate 1702. Second edge 1752 may be disposed
between second cleat 1712 and fifth cleat 118. Second edge 1752 may
be disposed between third cleat 1714 and fourth cleat 1716. Second
edge 1752 may be disposed between fourteenth cleat 1736 and
fifteenth cleat 1738. Third edge 1746 may correspond with the
lateral edge of sole plate 1702. Fourth edge 1748 may correspond
with the medial edge of sole plate 1702.
[0097] Third resilient member 1778 may be disposed on bottom
surface 1708 in an area surrounding fourth cleat 1716 and an area
surrounding fifth cleat 1718. Third resilient member 1778 may have
a first hole 1713 through which fourth cleat 1716 may extend. Third
resilient member 1778 may have a second hole 1717 through which
fifth cleat 1718 may extend. Third resilient member 1778 may have a
first edge 1758, a second edge 1760 opposite first edge 1758, a
third edge 1754, and a fourth edge 1756 opposite third edge 1754.
As shown in FIG. 18, first edge 1758 may extend from the medial
edge of sole plate 1702 to the lateral edge of sole plate 1702.
First edge 1758 may be disposed between third cleat 1714 and fourth
cleat 1716. First edge 1758 may be disposed between second cleat
1712 and fifth cleat 1718. First edge 1758 may be disposed between
fourteenth cleat 1736 and fifteenth cleat 1738. Second edge 1760
may extend from the medial edge of sole plate 1702 to the lateral
edge of sole plate 1702. Second edge 1760 may be disposed between
fourth cleat 1716 and seventh cleat 1722. Second edge 1760 may be
disposed between fifth cleat 1718 and sixth cleat 1720. Second edge
1760 may be disposed between fourteenth cleat 1736 and fifteenth
cleat 1738. Second edge 1760 may be curved to fit around fifteenth
cleat 1738. Third edge 1754 may correspond with the lateral edge of
sole plate 1702. Fourth edge 1756 may correspond with the medial
edge of sole plate 1702.
[0098] Fourth resilient member 1780 may be disposed on bottom
surface 1708 in an area surrounding eighth cleat 1724 and an area
surrounding sixth cleat 1720. Fourth resilient member 1780 may have
a first hole 1721 through which sixth cleat 1720 may extend. Fourth
resilient member 1780 may have a second hole 1725 through which
eighth cleat 1724 may extend. Fourth resilient member 1780 may have
a first edge 1766, a second edge 1768 opposite first edge 1766, a
third edge 1762, and a fourth edge 1764 opposite third edge 1762.
As shown in FIG. 18, first edge 1766 may extend from the medial
edge of sole plate 1702 to the lateral edge of sole plate 1702.
First edge 1766 may be disposed between seventh cleat 1722 and
eighth cleat 1724. First edge 1766 may be disposed between fifth
cleat 1718 and sixth cleat 1720. First edge 1758 may be disposed
between fifteenth cleat 1738 and the rearward edge of sole plate
1702. Second edge 1768 may extend from the medial edge of sole
plate 1702 to the lateral edge of sole plate 1702. Second edge 1768
may be disposed between eighth cleat 1724 and eleventh cleat 1730.
Second edge 1768 may be disposed between sixth cleat 1720 and ninth
cleat 1726. Third edge 1762 may correspond with the lateral edge of
sole plate 1702. Fourth edge 1764 may correspond with the medial
edge of sole plate 1702.
[0099] Fifth resilient member 1782 may be disposed in on bottom
surface 1708 in heel region 1742. Fifth resilient member 1782 may
have a first indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a
portion of tenth cleat 1728. Fifth resilient member 1782 may have a
second indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a portion
of twelfth cleat 1732. Fifth resilient member 1782 may be disposed
in an area defined between ninth cleat 1726 and tenth cleat 1728.
Fifth resilient member 1782 may be disposed in an area defined
between eleventh cleat 1730 and twelfth cleat 1732. Fifth resilient
member 1782 may be disposed in an area defined between ninth cleat
1726, tenth cleat 1728, eleventh cleat 1730, and twelfth cleat
1732. Fifth resilient member 1782 may be spaced from the rearward
edge of sole plate 1702. Fifth resilient member 1782 may have a
surface area that is smaller than a surface area of fifth resilient
member 1282.
[0100] The details of FIGS. 20-22 will now be discussed. FIG. 20
illustrates an article of footwear 2000 having a sole plate 2002
and an upper 2004. Sole plate 2002 may have the same basic features
described above with respect to sole plate 102. For example, sole
plate 2002 may have a top surface and a bottom surface 2008. In
another example, sole plate 2002 may have a forefoot region 2040,
heel region 2042, midfoot region 2044, medial side 2072, lateral
side 2070, forward edge, and rearward edge. Sole plate 2002 may
have a first cleat 2010, a second cleat 2012, a third cleat 2014, a
fourth cleat 2016, a fifth cleat 2018, a sixth cleat 2020, a
seventh cleat 2022, and an eighth cleat 2024 may be disposed on
forefoot region 2040 of sole plate 2002. A ninth cleat 2026, a
tenth cleat 2028, an eleventh cleat 2030, and a twelfth cleat 2032
may be disposed on heel region 2042 of sole plate 2002. A
thirteenth cleat 2034, a fourteenth cleat 2036, and a fifteenth
cleat 2038 may be disposed on forefoot region 2040 of sole plate
2002.
[0101] Sole plate 2002 may include a single resilient member 2074
extending along a majority of the surface area of bottom surface
2008. In embodiments in which the sole plate includes a single
resilient member, the resilient member may extend along
substantially the entire perimeter of the bottom surface of the
sole plate. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, resilient member 2074
may extend along substantially the entire perimeter of bottom
surface 2008. Resilient member 2074 may have a lateral edge 2071
and a medial edge 2073 opposite lateral edge 2071. Lateral edge
2071 may correspond with the lateral edge of sole plate 2002.
Medial edge 2073 may correspond with the medial edge of sole plate
2002. Resilient member 2074 may have a forward edge that
corresponds with the forward edge of sole plate 2002. Resilient
member 2074 may have a rearward edge that corresponds with the
rearward edge of sole plate 2002.
[0102] Resilient member 2074 may have holes through which cleats
may extend. First cleat 2010 may extend through a first hole 2084.
Second cleat 2012 may extend through a second hole 2049. Third
cleat 2014 may extend through a third hole 2051. Fourth cleat 2016
may extend through a fourth hole 2053. Fifth cleat 2018 may extend
through a fifth hole 2055. Sixth cleat 2020 may extend through a
sixth hole 2057. Seventh cleat 2022 may extend through a seventh
hole 2059. Eighth cleat 2024 may extend through an eighth hole
2061. Ninth cleat 2026 may extend through a ninth hole 2062. Tenth
cleat 2028 may extend through a tenth hole 2064. Eleventh cleat
2030 may extend through an eleventh hole 2066. Twelfth cleat 2032
may extend through a twelfth hole 2068. Thirteenth cleat 2034 may
extend through a thirteenth hole 2088. Fourteenth cleat 2036 may
extend through a fourteenth hole 2093. Fifteenth cleat 2038 may
extend through a fifteenth hole 2095. In some embodiments, the
resilient member may include holes through which no cleats extend.
For example, resilient member 2074 may include a sixteenth hole
2079, a seventeenth hole 2078, and an eighteenth hold 2096. Such
holes may reduce the weight of the article of footwear, may
maintain a certain level of traction between the bottom surface and
the ground, and/or may allow traction elements other than cleats to
extend.
[0103] The details of FIGS. 23-25 will now be discussed. FIG. 23
illustrates an article of footwear 2300 having a sole plate 2302
and an upper 2304. Sole plate 2302 may have the same basic features
described above with respect to sole plate 102. For example, sole
plate 2302 may have a top surface and a bottom surface 2308. In
another example, sole plate 2302 may have a forefoot region 2340,
heel region 2342, midfoot region 2344, medial side 2372, lateral
side 2370, forward edge, and rearward edge. Sole plate 2302 may
have a first cleat 2310, a second cleat 2312, a third cleat 2314, a
fourth cleat 2316, a fifth cleat 2318, a sixth cleat 2320, a
seventh cleat 2322, and an eighth cleat 2324 may be disposed on
forefoot region 2340 of sole plate 2302. A ninth cleat 2326, a
tenth cleat 2328, an eleventh cleat 2330, and a twelfth cleat 2332
may be disposed on heel region 2342 of sole plate 2302. A
thirteenth cleat 2334, a fourteenth cleat 2336, and a fifteenth
cleat 2338 may be disposed on forefoot region 2340 of sole plate
2302.
[0104] Article of footwear 2300 may include a first resilient
member 2346, a second resilient member 2348, a third resilient
member 2350, a fourth resilient member 2352, a fifth resilient
member 2354, a sixth resilient member 2356, a seventh resilient
member 2358, an eighth resilient member 2360, a ninth resilient
member 2392, and a tenth resilient member 2394 disposed on forefoot
region 2340 of sole plate 2302. First resilient member 2346 may
have a first hole 2384 through which first cleat 2310 extends and a
second hole 2388 through which thirteenth cleat 2334 extends. First
resilient member 2346 may be disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an
area surrounding first cleat 2310 and thirteenth cleat 2334.
[0105] Second resilient member 2348 may have a hole through which
second cleat 2312 extends. Second resilient member 2348 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an area surrounding second cleat
2312. Third resilient member 2350 may have a hole through which
third cleat 2314 extends. Third resilient member 2350 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an area surrounding third cleat
2314. Fourth resilient member 2352 may have a hole through which
fourth cleat 2316 extends. Fourth resilient member 2352 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an area surrounding fourth cleat
2316. Fifth resilient member 2354 may have a hole through which
fifth cleat 2318 extends. Fifth resilient member 2354 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an area surrounding fifth cleat
2318.
[0106] Sixth resilient member 2356 may have a hole through which
sixth cleat 2320 extends. Sixth resilient member 2356 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an area surrounding sixth cleat
2320. Seventh resilient member 2358 may have a hole through which
seventh cleat 2322 extends. Seventh resilient member 2358 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an area surrounding seventh
cleat 2322. Eighth resilient member 2360 may have a hole through
which eighth cleat 2324 extends. Eighth resilient member 2360 may
be disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an area surrounding eighth
cleat 2324.
[0107] Ninth resilient member 2392 may have a hole through which
fourteenth cleat 2336 extends. Ninth resilient member 2392 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an area surrounding fourteenth
cleat 2336. Tenth resilient member 2394 may have a hole through
which fifteenth cleat 2338 extends. Tenth resilient member 2394 may
be disposed on bottom surface 2308 in an area surrounding a
fifteenth cleat 2338.
[0108] Article of footwear 2300 may include an eleventh resilient
member 2382 disposed on heel region 2342 of sole plate 2302. Fourth
resilient member 2382 may be disposed in on bottom surface 2308 in
an area surrounding the cleats disposed in heel region 2342.
Eleventh resilient member 2382 may have a first hole 2362 through
which ninth cleat 2326 may extend. Eleventh resilient member 2382
may have a second hole 2364 through which tenth cleat 2328 may
extend. Eleventh resilient member 2382 may have a third hole 2366
through which eleventh cleat 2330 may extend. Eleventh resilient
member 2382 may have a fourth hole 2333 through which twelfth cleat
2332 may extend. Eleventh resilient member 2382 may be disposed in
an area defined between ninth cleat 2326 and tenth cleat 2328.
Eleventh resilient member 2382 may be disposed in an area defined
between eleventh cleat 2330 and twelfth cleat 2332. Eleventh
resilient member 2382 may be disposed in an area defined between
ninth cleat 2326, tenth cleat 2328, eleventh cleat 2330, and
twelfth cleat 2332. Eleventh resilient member 2382 may have a
lateral edge that corresponds with the lateral edge of sole plate
2302. Eleventh resilient member 2382 may have a medial edge that
corresponds with the medial edge of sole plate 2302. Eleventh
resilient member 2382 may have a rearward edge that corresponds
with the rearward edge of sole plate 2302.
[0109] As previously stated, in some embodiments, the resilient
member may include holes through which no cleats extend. For
example, eleventh resilient member 2374 may include a fifth hole
2378, sixth hole 2374, and seventh hole 2376. Such holes may reduce
the weight of the article of footwear, may maintain a certain level
of traction between the bottom surface and the ground, and/or may
allow traction elements other than cleats to extend.
[0110] The details of FIG. 26 will now be discussed. FIG. 26
illustrates an article of footwear 2600 having a sole plate 2602
and an upper 2604. Sole plate 2602 may have the same basic features
described above with respect to sole plate 2302. For example, sole
plate 2602 may have a top surface and a bottom surface 2608. In
another example, sole plate 2602 may have a forefoot region 2640,
heel region 2642, midfoot region 2644, medial side 2672, lateral
side 2670, forward edge, and rearward edge. Sole plate 2602 may
have a first cleat 2610, a second cleat 2612, a third cleat 2614, a
fourth cleat 2616, a fifth cleat 2618, a sixth cleat 2620, a
seventh cleat 2622, and an eighth cleat 2624 may be disposed on
forefoot region 2640 of sole plate 2602. A ninth cleat 2626, a
tenth cleat 2628, an eleventh cleat 2630, and a twelfth cleat 2632
may be disposed on heel region 2642 of sole plate 2602. A
thirteenth cleat 2634, a fourteenth cleat 2636, and a fifteenth
cleat 2638 may be disposed on forefoot region 2640 of sole plate
2602. Unlike sole plate 2302, sole plate 2602 has indentations
corresponding to resilient members disposed on sole plate 2602.
Details about the indentations are described below.
[0111] Article of footwear 2600 may include a first resilient
member 2646, a second resilient member 2648, a third resilient
member 2650, a fourth resilient member 2652, a fifth resilient
member 2654, a sixth resilient member 2656, a seventh resilient
member 2658, an eighth resilient member 2660, a ninth resilient
member 2692, and a tenth resilient member 2694 disposed on forefoot
region 2640 of sole plate 2602. First resilient member 2646 may
have a first hole 2684 through which first cleat 2610 extends and a
second hole 2688 through which thirteenth cleat 2634 extends. First
resilient member 2646 may be disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an
area surrounding first cleat 2610 and thirteenth cleat 2634.
[0112] Second resilient member 2648 may have a hole through which
second cleat 2612 extends. Second resilient member 2648 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an area surrounding second cleat
2612. Third resilient member 2650 may have a hole through which
third cleat 2614 extends. Third resilient member 2650 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an area surrounding third cleat
2614. Fourth resilient member 2652 may have a hole through which
fourth cleat 2616 extends. Fourth resilient member 2652 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an area surrounding fourth cleat
2616. Fifth resilient member 2654 may have a hole through which
fifth cleat 2618 extends. Fifth resilient member 2654 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an area surrounding fifth cleat
2618.
[0113] Sixth resilient member 2656 may have a hole through which
sixth cleat 2620 extends. Sixth resilient member 2656 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an area surrounding sixth cleat
2620. Seventh resilient member 2658 may have a hole through which
seventh cleat 2622 extends. Seventh resilient member 2658 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an area surrounding seventh
cleat 2622. Eighth resilient member 2660 may have a hole through
which eighth cleat 2624 extends. Eighth resilient member 2660 may
be disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an area surrounding eighth
cleat 2624.
[0114] Ninth resilient member 2692 may have a hole through which
fourteenth cleat 2636 extends. Ninth resilient member 2692 may be
disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an area surrounding fourteenth
cleat 2636. Tenth resilient member 2694 may have a hole through
which fifteenth cleat 2638 extends. Tenth resilient member 2694 may
be disposed on bottom surface 2608 in an area surrounding a
fifteenth cleat 2638.
[0115] Article of footwear 2600 may include an eleventh resilient
member 2682 disposed on heel region 2642 of sole plate 2602. Fourth
resilient member 2682 may be disposed in on bottom surface 2608 in
an area surrounding the cleats disposed in heel region 2642.
Eleventh resilient member 2682 may have a first hole 2662 through
which ninth cleat 2626 may extend. Eleventh resilient member 2682
may have a second hole 2664 through which tenth cleat 2628 may
extend. Eleventh resilient member 2682 may have a third hole 2666
through which eleventh cleat 2630 may extend. Eleventh resilient
member 2682 may have a fourth hole 2633 through which twelfth cleat
2632 may extend. Eleventh resilient member 2682 may be disposed in
an area defined between ninth cleat 2626 and tenth cleat 2628.
Eleventh resilient member 2682 may be disposed in an area defined
between eleventh cleat 2630 and twelfth cleat 2632. Eleventh
resilient member 2682 may be disposed in an area defined between
ninth cleat 2626, tenth cleat 2628, eleventh cleat 2630, and
twelfth cleat 2632. Eleventh resilient member 2682 may have a
lateral edge that corresponds with the lateral edge of sole plate
2602. Eleventh resilient member 2682 may have a medial edge that
corresponds with the medial edge of sole plate 2602. Eleventh
resilient member 2682 may have a rearward edge that corresponds
with the rearward edge of sole plate 2602.
[0116] As previously stated, in some embodiments, the resilient
member may include holes through which no cleats extend. For
example, eleventh resilient member 2674 may include a fifth hole
2678, sixth hole 2674, and seventh hole 2676. Such holes may reduce
the weight of the article of footwear, may maintain a certain level
of traction between the bottom surface and the ground, and/or may
allow traction elements other than cleats to extend.
[0117] Article of footwear 2600 may include a first indentation
2611, a second indentation 2613, a third indentation 2615, a fourth
indentation 2616, a fifth indentation 2619, a sixth indentation
2621, a seventh indentation 2623, an eighth indentation 2625, a
ninth indentation 2637, and a tenth indentation 2639 disposed on
forefoot region 2640 of sole plate 2602. Article of footwear 2600
may include an eleventh indentation 2643 disposed on heel region
2642. The indentations may be sized and shaped to receive the
corresponding resilient members. In some embodiments, the
indentations may be sized and shaped such that the resilient
members are flush with bottom surface 2608 of sole plate 2602. In
some embodiments, the indentations may be sized and shaped such
that the resilient members are recessed below bottom surface 2608
of sole plate 2602. In some embodiments, the indentations may be
sized and shaped such that the resilient members still slightly
protrude from bottom surface 2608 of sole plate 2602. The
indentations may facilitate holding the resilient members in
place.
[0118] The details of FIGS. 27-29 will now be discussed. FIG. 27
illustrates an article of footwear 2700 having a sole plate 2702
and an upper 2704. As shown in FIGS. 27-29, sole plate 2702 may
have resilient members that are bladders filled with a liquid or
gas. For example, the bladders may be filled with air. Sole plate
2702 may have the same basic features described above with respect
to sole plate 1202. For example, sole plate 2702 may have a top
surface and a bottom surface 2708. In another example, sole plate
2702 may have a forefoot region 2740, heel region 2742, midfoot
region 2744, medial side 2772, lateral side 2770, forward edge, and
rearward edge. Sole plate 2702 may have a first cleat 2710, a
second cleat 2712, a third cleat 2714, a fourth cleat 2716, a fifth
cleat 2718, a sixth cleat 2720, a seventh cleat 2722, and an eighth
cleat 2724 may be disposed on forefoot region 2740 of sole plate
2702. A ninth cleat 2726, a tenth cleat 2728, an eleventh cleat
2730, and a twelfth cleat 2732 may be disposed on heel region 2742
of sole plate 2702. A thirteenth cleat 2734, a fourteenth cleat
2736, and a fifteenth cleat 2738 may be disposed on forefoot region
2740 of sole plate 2702.
[0119] Sole plate 2702 may include a first resilient member 2774,
second resilient member 2776, third resilient member 2778, fourth
resilient member 2780, and fifth resilient member 2782. First
resilient member 2774, second resilient member 2776, third
resilient member 2778, fourth resilient member 2780 may be disposed
in forefoot region 2740. Fifth resilient member 2782 may be
disposed in heel region 2742. First resilient member 2774 may be
disposed adjacent the forward edge of sole plate 2702. Second
resilient member 2776 may disposed between first resilient member
2774 and third resilient member 2778. Third resilient member 2778
may be disposed between second resilient member 2776 and fourth
resilient member 2780. Fourth resilient member 2780 may be disposed
between third resilient member 2778 and fifth resilient member
2782. Fifth resilient member 2782 may be disposed between fourth
resilient member 2780 and the rearward edge of sole plate 2702.
[0120] First resilient member 2774 may be disposed on bottom
surface 2708 in an area surrounding first cleat 2710 and an area
surrounding thirteenth cleat 2734. First resilient member 2774 may
have a first hole 2784 through which first cleat 2710 may extend.
First resilient member 2774 may have a second hole 2786 through
which thirteenth cleat 2734 may extend. First resilient member 2774
may have a first edge 2788 and a second edge 2790 opposite first
edge 2788. As shown in FIG. 28, first edge 2788 may be rounded and
may correspond with the front edge of sole plate 2702. Second edge
2790 may be rounded and may extend from the medial edge of sole
plate 2702 to the lateral edge of sole plate 2702. Second edge 2790
may be disposed between first cleat 2710 and second cleat 2712.
Second edge 2790 may be disposed between thirteenth cleat 2734 and
fourth cleat 2714.
[0121] Second resilient member 2776 may be disposed on bottom
surface 2708 in an area surrounding second cleat 2712, an area
surrounding third cleat 2714, and an area surrounding fourteenth
cleat 2736. Second resilient member 2776 may have a first hole 2711
through which second cleat 2712 may extend. Second resilient member
2776 may have a second hole 2737 through which fourteenth cleat
2736 may extend. Second resilient member 2776 may have a third hole
2717 through which third cleat 2714 may extend. Second resilient
member 2776 may have a first edge 2750, a second edge 2752 opposite
first edge 2750, a third edge 2746, and a fourth edge 2748 opposite
third edge 2746. As shown in FIG. 28, first edge 2750 may extend
from the medial edge of sole plate 2702 to the lateral edge of sole
plate 2702. First edge 2750 may be disposed between second cleat
2712 and the forward edge of sole plate 2702. First edge 2750 may
be disposed between fourteenth cleat 2736 and the forward edge of
sole plate 2702. First edge 2750 may be disposed between third
cleat 2714 and the forward edge of sole plate 2702. Second edge
2752 may extend from the medial edge of sole plate 2702 to the
lateral edge of sole plate 2702. Second edge 2752 may be disposed
between second cleat 2712 and fifth cleat 118. Second edge 2752 may
be disposed between third cleat 2714 and fourth cleat 2716. Second
edge 2752 may be disposed between fourteenth cleat 2736 and
fifteenth cleat 2738. Third edge 2746 may correspond with the
lateral edge of sole plate 2702. Fourth edge 2748 may correspond
with the medial edge of sole plate 2702.
[0122] Third resilient member 2778 may be disposed on bottom
surface 2708 in an area surrounding fourth cleat 2716 and an area
surrounding fifth cleat 2718. Third resilient member 2778 may have
a first hole 2713 through which fourth cleat 2716 may extend. Third
resilient member 2778 may have a second hole 2717 through which
fifth cleat 2718 may extend. Third resilient member 2778 may have a
first edge 2758, a second edge 2760 opposite first edge 2758, a
third edge 2754, and a fourth edge 2756 opposite third edge 2754.
As shown in FIG. 28, first edge 2758 may extend from the medial
edge of sole plate 2702 to the lateral edge of sole plate 2702.
First edge 2758 may be disposed between third cleat 2714 and fourth
cleat 2716. First edge 2758 may be disposed between second cleat
2712 and fifth cleat 2718. First edge 2758 may be disposed between
fourteenth cleat 2736 and fifteenth cleat 2738. Second edge 2760
may extend from the medial edge of sole plate 2702 to the lateral
edge of sole plate 2702. Second edge 2760 may be disposed between
fourth cleat 2716 and seventh cleat 2722. Second edge 2760 may be
disposed between fifth cleat 2718 and sixth cleat 2720. Second edge
2760 may be disposed between fourteenth cleat 2736 and fifteenth
cleat 2738. Second edge 2760 may be curved to fit around fifteenth
cleat 2738. Third edge 2754 may correspond with the lateral edge of
sole plate 2702. Fourth edge 2756 may correspond with the medial
edge of sole plate 2702.
[0123] Fourth resilient member 2780 may be disposed on bottom
surface 2708 in an area surrounding eighth cleat 2724 and an area
surrounding sixth cleat 2720. Fourth resilient member 2780 may have
a first hole 2721 through which sixth cleat 2720 may extend. Fourth
resilient member 2780 may have a second hole 2725 through which
eighth cleat 2724 may extend. Fourth resilient member 2780 may have
a first edge 2766, a second edge 2768 opposite first edge 2766, a
third edge 2762, and a fourth edge 2764 opposite third edge 2762.
As shown in FIG. 28, first edge 2766 may extend from the medial
edge of sole plate 2702 to the lateral edge of sole plate 2702.
First edge 2766 may be disposed between seventh cleat 2722 and
eighth cleat 2724. First edge 2766 may be disposed between fifth
cleat 2718 and sixth cleat 2720. First edge 2758 may be disposed
between fifteenth cleat 2738 and the rearward edge of sole plate
2702. Second edge 2768 may extend from the medial edge of sole
plate 2702 to the lateral edge of sole plate 2702. Second edge 2768
may be disposed between eighth cleat 2724 and eleventh cleat 2730.
Second edge 2768 may be disposed between sixth cleat 2720 and ninth
cleat 2726. Third edge 2762 may correspond with the lateral edge of
sole plate 2702. Fourth edge 2764 may correspond with the medial
edge of sole plate 2702.
[0124] Fifth resilient member 2782 may be disposed in on bottom
surface 2708 in heel region 2742. Fifth resilient member 2782 may
have a first indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a
portion of ninth cleat 2726. Fifth resilient member 2782 may have a
second indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a portion
of tenth cleat 2728. Fifth resilient member 2782 may have a third
indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a portion of
eleventh cleat 2730. Fifth resilient member 2782 may have a fourth
indented edge shaped to correspond with at least a portion of
twelfth cleat 2732. Fifth resilient member 2782 may be disposed in
an area defined between ninth cleat 2726 and tenth cleat 2728.
Fifth resilient member 2782 may be disposed in an area defined
between eleventh cleat 2730 and twelfth cleat 2732. Fifth resilient
member 2782 may be disposed in an area defined between ninth cleat
2726, tenth cleat 2728, eleventh cleat 2730, and twelfth cleat
2732. Fifth resilient member 2782 may be spaced from the rearward
edge of sole plate 2702.
[0125] A method of making the described article of footwear may
include a step of providing a sole plate including a bottom surface
having a forefoot region, a heel region, a longitudinal axis
extending through the forefoot region and heel region, a forward
edge, and a rearward edge. The sole plate further may include a
first cleat disposed on the bottom surface of the sole plate. The
first cleat may have a shaft extending away from the bottom surface
of the sole plate and a terminal end disposed opposite the bottom
surface of the sole plate. The sole plate may also include a second
cleat disposed on the bottom surface of the sole plate and spaced
from the second cleat. The second cleat may have a shaft extending
away from the bottom surface of the sole plate and a terminal end
disposed opposite the bottom surface of the sole plate. The method
may further include a step of placing a first resilient member on
the bottom surface of the sole plate such that first resilient
member is disposed in a space defined between the first cleat and
the second cleat.
[0126] In some embodiments, the method may further include a step
of placing a second resilient member on the bottom surface of the
sole plate such that the second resilient member is disposed in a
space defined between both a third cleat and a fourth cleat of the
sole plate. The third cleat and the fourth cleat may both be spaced
from the first cleat, the second cleat, and each other.
[0127] In some embodiments, the step of placing the second
resilient member on the bottom surface of the sole plate may
include permanently affixing the first resilient member to the
bottom surface of the sole plate.
[0128] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may have a
thickness that is less than a length of the first cleat.
[0129] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than
limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached
claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and
changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. The
various embodiments of the invention described herein may be
combined to form other embodiments. Features described with respect
to one embodiment may be included in another embodiment.
* * * * *