U.S. patent application number 16/739827 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-08 for footwear outsole with resistance elements.
The applicant listed for this patent is Honeywell Safety Products USA, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gregory Coyne, Paul Matonich, Xingui Shi, Linan Zhao.
Application Number | 20200315293 16/739827 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004597178 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200315293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zhao; Linan ; et
al. |
October 8, 2020 |
FOOTWEAR OUTSOLE WITH RESISTANCE ELEMENTS
Abstract
An outsole for footwear is provided. The outsole includes a base
having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of
resistance elements disposed on the outer surface of the base.
Inventors: |
Zhao; Linan; (Shanghai,
CN) ; Shi; Xingui; (Shanghai, CN) ; Matonich;
Paul; (Taylor Ridge, IL) ; Coyne; Gregory;
(Natick, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Honeywell Safety Products USA, Inc. |
Fort Mill |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004597178 |
Appl. No.: |
16/739827 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/141 20130101;
A43B 13/223 20130101; A43B 13/146 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/22 20060101
A43B013/22; A43B 13/14 20060101 A43B013/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 3, 2019 |
CN |
201920443611.1 |
Claims
1. An outsole for footwear, the outsole comprising: a base having
an inner surface and an outer surface; and a plurality of
resistance elements disposed on the outer surface of the base,
wherein the plurality of resistance elements comprise: a plurality
of first resistance elements protruding from the base, wherein at
least a first part of the plurality of first resistance elements
are arranged in a first type configuration and the first part of
the plurality of first resistance elements have a first coefficient
of friction with respect to a first contact surface; and a
plurality of second resistance elements protruding from the base,
wherein at least a first part of the plurality of second resistance
elements are arranged in a second type configuration and the first
part of the plurality of second resistance elements have a second
coefficient of friction with respect to the first contact surface,
wherein the second coefficient of friction is different from the
first coefficient of friction.
2. An outsole for footwear according to claim 1, wherein each of
the plurality of first resistance elements is hexagonal, and
wherein each of the plurality of second resistance elements is
triangular.
3. An outsole for footwear according to claim 2, wherein each of
the plurality of second resistance elements is an isosceles
triangle.
4. An outsole for footwear according to claim 3, wherein the
plurality of second resistance elements have the same size, and
wherein the second type configuration formed by at least part of
the plurality of second resistance elements is hexagonal.
5. An outsole for footwear according to claim 2, wherein each of
the plurality of second resistance elements comprises a
longitudinal gap segment and a transverse gap segment.
6. An outsole for footwear according to claim 2, wherein the first
type configuration formed by the first part of the plurality of
first resistance elements is X-shaped.
7. An outsole for footwear according to claim 2, wherein the first
type configuration formed by the first part of the plurality of
first resistance elements is triangular.
8. An outsole for footwear according to claim 7, wherein a third
type configuration formed by a second part of the plurality of
first resistance elements is parallelogrammatic.
9. An outsole for footwear according to claim 2, wherein the first
type configuration formed by the first part of the plurality of
first resistance elements is a hexagonal band.
10. An outsole for footwear according to claim 9, wherein the
hexagonal band is in a transverse direction of the outer surface of
the base.
11. An outsole for footwear according to claim 9, wherein the
hexagonal band is at an angle from a transverse direction of the
outer surface of the base.
12. An outsole for footwear according to claim 1, wherein each of
the plurality of first resistance elements is rhombic, wherein each
of the plurality of second resistance elements is rhombic.
13. An outsole for footwear according to claim 12, wherein the
first type configuration formed by the first part of the plurality
of first resistance elements is a rhombus band.
14. An outsole for footwear according to claim 12, wherein each of
the plurality of second resistance elements comprises a
longitudinal gap segment and a transverse gap segment, wherein the
second type configuration formed by at least part of the plurality
of second resistance elements is a rhombus band.
15. An outsole for footwear according to claim 1, wherein the inner
surface of the base comprises at least one hollow portion.
16. An outsole for footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
contact surface comprises an icy surface, wherein the first
coefficient of friction indicates an icy surface coefficient of
friction associated with the first part of a first plurality of
resistance elements, and the second coefficient of friction
indicates an icy surface coefficient of friction associated with
the first part of a second plurality of resistance elements,
wherein the first coefficient of friction is higher than the second
coefficient of friction.
17. An outsole for footwear according to claim 16, wherein the
first part of the first plurality of resistance elements has a
third coefficient of friction associated with a second contact
surface, and the first part of the second plurality of resistance
elements has a fourth coefficient of friction associated with the
second contact surface.
18. An outsole for footwear according to claim 17, wherein the
second contact surface comprises a wet surface, wherein the third
coefficient of friction indicates a wet surface coefficient of
friction associated with the first part of the first plurality of
resistance elements, and the fourth coefficient of friction
indicates a wet surface coefficient of friction associated with the
first part of the second plurality of resistance elements, wherein
the fourth coefficient of friction is higher than the third
coefficient of friction.
19. An outsole for footwear according to claim 1, wherein each of
the plurality of first resistance elements is quadrilateral,
wherein the plurality of first resistance elements have different
sizes.
20. An outsole for footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
part of a first plurality of resistance elements is formed from a
first material, and wherein the first part of a second plurality of
resistance elements is formed from a second material, wherein the
first material is different from the second material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to and benefit of
Chinese Utility Model Application No. 201920443611.1, filed with
the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) of the People's
Republic of China on Apr. 3, 2019, the entire content of which is
incorporated by reference into the present application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses,
systems, and methods for improving slip resistance of footwear, and
more particularly, to apparatuses, systems, and methods related to
an outsole having resistance elements.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Footwear refers to an article that covers and protects the
foot, including the sole of the foot. Existing footwear are plagued
by many limitations and restrictions. For example, existing
footwear in the art provide insufficient slip resistance on complex
surfaces (e.g., oily, icy, and/or wet surfaces or a combination of
oily, icy, and/or wet surfaces). As such, when a wearer of the
footwear walks on complex surfaces, the wearer has a heightened
risk of slipping and falling due to the footwear's lack of
sufficient slip resistance.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] Various embodiments described herein relate to methods,
apparatuses, and systems for improving the slip resistance of
footwear. In particular, various embodiments improve slip
resistance by disposing a plurality of resistance elements on the
surface of footwear's outsole.
[0005] In accordance with various examples, an outsole for footwear
is provided. The outsole comprises a base having an inner surface
and an outer surface, and a plurality of resistance elements
disposed on the outer surface of the base. The plurality of
resistance elements comprise a plurality of first resistance
elements protruding from the base, and a plurality of second
resistance elements protruding from the base. A first part of the
plurality of first resistance elements are arranged in a first type
configuration, and the first part of the plurality of first
resistance elements have a first coefficient of friction with
respect to a first contact surface. At least a first part of the
plurality of second resistance elements are arranged in a second
type configuration, and the first part of the plurality of second
resistance elements have a second coefficient of friction with
respect to the first contact surface. The second coefficient of
friction is different from the first coefficient of friction.
[0006] In some examples, each of the plurality of first resistance
elements is hexagonal, and each of the plurality of second
resistance elements is triangular.
[0007] In some examples, each of the plurality of second resistance
elements is isosceles triangular. In some examples, the plurality
of second resistance elements have the same size, and the second
type configuration formed by the at least part of the plurality of
second resistance elements is hexagonal.
[0008] In some examples, each of the plurality of second resistance
elements comprises a longitudinal gap segment and a transverse gap
segment.
[0009] In some examples, the first type configuration formed by the
first part of the plurality of first resistance elements is
X-shaped.
[0010] In some examples, the first type configuration formed by the
first part of the plurality of first resistance elements is
triangular.
[0011] In some examples, a third type configuration formed by a
second part of the plurality of first resistance elements is
parallelogrammatic.
[0012] In some examples, the first type configuration formed by the
first part of the plurality of first resistance elements is a
hexagonal band. In some examples, the hexagonal band is in a
transverse direction of the outer surface of the base. In some
examples, the hexagonal band is at an angle from a transverse
direction of the outer surface of the base.
[0013] In some examples, each of the plurality of first resistance
elements is rhombic, and each of the plurality of second resistance
elements is rhombic. In some examples, the first type configuration
formed by the first part of the plurality of first resistance
elements is a rhombus band. In some examples, each of the plurality
of second resistance elements comprises a longitudinal gap segment
and a transverse gap segment. The second type configuration formed
by the at least part of the plurality of second resistance elements
is a rhombus band.
[0014] In some examples, the inner surface of the base comprises at
least one hollow portion. In some examples, the inner surface is
secured to the footwear.
[0015] In some examples, the first contact surface comprises an icy
surface. The first coefficient of friction indicates an icy surface
coefficient of friction associated with the first part of the first
plurality of resistance elements, and the second coefficient of
friction indicates an icy surface coefficient of friction
associated with the first part of the second plurality of
resistance elements, wherein the first coefficient of friction is
higher than the second coefficient of friction.
[0016] In some examples, the first part of the first plurality of
resistance elements has a third coefficient of friction associated
with a second contact surface, and the first part of the second
plurality of resistance elements has a fourth coefficient of
friction associated with the second contact surface. In some
examples, the second contact surface comprises a wet surface. In
some examples, the third coefficient of friction indicates a wet
surface coefficient of friction associated with the first part of
the first plurality of resistance elements, and the fourth
coefficient of friction indicates a wet surface coefficient of
friction associated with the first part of the second plurality of
resistance elements. In some examples, the fourth coefficient of
friction is higher than the third coefficient of friction.
[0017] In some examples, the first type configuration has a first
wet surface coefficient of friction, and the second type
configuration has a second wet surface coefficient of friction. In
some examples, the second wet surface coefficient of friction is
higher than the first wet surface coefficient of friction.
[0018] In some examples, each of the plurality of first resistance
elements is quadrilateral, and the plurality of first resistance
elements have different sizes.
[0019] In some examples, at least some of the plurality of first
resistance elements are of different shapes.
[0020] In some examples, the first part of the first plurality of
resistance elements is formed from a first material, and the first
part of the second plurality of resistance elements is formed from
a second material, wherein the first material is different from the
second material.
[0021] The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other
exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the disclosure, and the
manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained in
the following detailed description and its accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The description of the illustrative embodiments may be read
in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be
appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration,
elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn
to scale, unless described otherwise. For example, the dimensions
of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other
elements, unless described otherwise. Embodiments incorporating
teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with
respect to the figures presented herein, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example footwear in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIGS. 2A-2H illustrate various example views of an example
outsole in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an example outsole in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an example outsole in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates an example outsole in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates an example outsole in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates an example outsole in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates an example outsole in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates an example outsole in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0032] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate example views of example outsoles in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be
described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure
are shown. Indeed, these disclosures may be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal
requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0034] The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one
embodiment," and the like generally mean that the particular
feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be
included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and
may be included in more than one embodiment of the present
disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to
the same embodiment).
[0035] The word "example" or "exemplary" is used herein to mean
"serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any
implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily
to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
implementations.
[0036] If the specification states a component or feature "may,"
"can," "could," "should," "would," "preferably," "possibly,"
"typically," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "might" (or
other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a
specific component or feature is not required to be included or to
have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be
optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, an example footwear 100 is
provided.
[0038] As used herein, the term "footwear" refers generally to an
article (such as a garment) that is worn on the foot. Footwear may
serve the purpose of protecting the feet against environmental
adversities, easing locomotion, and/or preventing injuries.
Footwear may be categorized based on types. Example types of
footwear include, for example, boots, shoes, sandals, socks, and
the like. Footwear may also be categorized based on the desired
environment or purpose for wearing the footwear (for example,
safety footwear for improving worker safety in heavy duty
environments, athletic footwear for improving athlete performance,
indoor footwear for indoor use, etc.).
[0039] While FIG. 1 illustrates an example boot (indicated as
footwear 100), the scope of the present disclosure is not limited
to boots, and embodiments of the present disclosure may be
incorporated into other types of footwear without deviating from
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the footwear 100 may include various
components, including, for example, a collar 103, an upper 105, and
a sole 107.
[0041] The collar 103 refers to the portion of the footwear 100
that may cover the lower leg of the wearer when the footwear 100 is
in use. As shown in FIG. 1, the collar 103 may include various
components, including, for example, a liner 111 and a heel loop
113. The liner 111 forms the rims of the collar 103, and may be
made of soft or elastic material that facilitates a user in putting
on the footwear 100. When a user wants to put on the footwear 100,
the user may push his foot through the opening defined by the
collar 103 and pull the heel loop 113, so that the heel of the foot
can slide smoothly down.
[0042] The upper 105 refers to the portion of the footwear 100 that
covers the foot. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper 105 may include
various components, including, for example, an upper liner 115, a
heel counter 117 and a toe cap 121. The upper liner 115 connects
the collar 103 to the upper 105, and may be made of flexible
material. The heel counter 117 refers to the rear portion of the
footwear 100 that helps maintain the shape of the footwear 100. The
heel counter 117 may be made of stiff material. The toe cap 121
refers to the front portion of the footwear that houses toes of the
foot wearing the footwear 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper 105 is
joined to the collar 103, with an upper portion of upper 105 mated
to a lower portion of the collar 103. For example, the upper liner
115 may provide structural support for mating the upper 105 and the
collar 103. In some examples, an edge of the upper 105 may be
stitched, sew, or otherwise mended to an edge of the collar 103,
and the upper liner 115 is not used.
[0043] The sole 107 refers to the portion of the footwear that is
below the wearer's foot when the footwear is in use. As shown in
FIG. 1, the sole 107 may include various components, including, for
example, a midsole 108 and an outsole 109. The term "outsole"
refers to the layer of sole that is exposed on the bottom of the
footwear 100 and configured for contacting the ground when in use.
In this regard, example outsoles as described herein may be
implemented in different types of footwear, including, but not
limited to, shoes, boots, and others. The term "midsole" refers to
the structural and cushioning portion of the sole that is
configured to support the weight of the wearer when the footwear
100 is in use. As shown in FIG. 1, the midsole 108 is joined to a
lower portion of the upper 105 and generally defines a footbed on
which a user's foot may rest. The outsole 109 is affixed to (and
covers) a bottom portion of the midsole 108, thereby being
configured to contact the ground in use.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2H, various views of an example
footwear outsole in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure are illustrated.
[0045] FIG. 2A illustrates an example bottom view of the example
outsole. The example outsole as illustrated in FIG. 2A may include
a base 200, which defines the bottom surface of the outsole. The
base 200 may have an outer surface 201 (for example, as shown in
FIG. 2A), and an inner surface 202 (for example, as shown in FIG.
2D).
[0046] In some examples, the base 200 may be made of rubber
material. In some examples, the rubber material may have stiffness
properties such that the base 200 may provide structural support as
the wearer of the footwear stands. Alternatively, or additionally,
the rubber material may have resilience properties such that the
base 200 may flex and/or bend as the wearer of the footwear walks.
Alternatively, or additionally, the base 200 may be made of or
contain material other than rubber.
[0047] In some examples, to manufacture the base 200, a liquid form
of the material may be shaped using a rigid frame ("a mold"). The
mold resembles the shapes of the base. Alternatively, or
additionally, the base 200 may be manufactured through other
process, including, for example, through a 3D printing process.
[0048] The example outsole as illustrated in FIG. 2A may include a
plurality of resistance elements disposed on the base 200,
including, for example, the plurality of first resistance elements
203 and the plurality of second resistance elements 204.
[0049] As used herein, the term "resistance element" refers to a
structure that is disposed on and protrudes from the base 200 of
the outsole as shown in FIG. 2A. As described in greater detail
herein, the resistance elements are generally configured to provide
resistance against slippage when the outsole is in contact with a
ground surface. In some examples, a resistance element may be made
of rubber material, including, for example, nitrile rubber (NBR).
Alternatively, or additionally, a resistance element may be made of
or contain material other than rubber. In some examples, the
resistance elements may be molded, affixed and/or attached onto the
base 200. Alternatively, or additionally, the resistance elements
may be formed by etching into an outer surface 201 of the base 200,
leaving resistance elements protruding from the base 200.
[0050] As described herein, one or more resistance elements may be
arranged, neighbor, be joined, or otherwise be linked to form a
configuration of resistance elements that, in some examples, may
provide one or more benefits to slip resistance in complex surfaces
(including, for example, oily, icy, and/or wet surfaces or a
combination of oily, icy, and/or wet surfaces).
[0051] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
plurality of resistance elements may comprise a plurality of first
resistance elements 203 and a plurality of second resistance
elements 204. Further, the plurality of resistance elements may be
arranged in different types of configurations. In this regard, part
of the plurality of first resistance elements 203 may be arranged
in a first type configuration 205, and part of the plurality of
second resistance elements 204 may be arranged in a second type
configuration 206.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, each of the
plurality of first resistance elements 203 defines a hexagonal
shape. Further, the plurality of first resistance elements 203 may
be arranged in various configurations. For example, five of the
plurality of first resistance elements may be arranged in a first
type configuration 205. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A,
for example, a first type configuration 205 is X-shaped (e.g.,
where the plurality of first resistance elements 203 are arranged
in a shape generally resembling the capitalized letter X in the
English alphabet). In some examples, the first type configuration
205 may be formed by less than five or more than five first
resistance elements, without deviating from the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, each of the second
resistance elements 204 defines a triangular shape. In some
examples, at least some of the second resistance elements 204
define isosceles triangles. In some examples, each of the second
resistance elements 204 is of the same size. In other embodiments,
the plurality of second resistance elements may have different
sizes.
[0054] In some examples, at least some of the resistance elements
may have one or more gap segments. The term "gap segment" refers to
the portion of a resistance element where there is a break of
protrusion from the base. A gap segment may be formed through, for
example, a molding process with a mold defining the gap segments.
Additionally, or alternative, a gap segment may be formed by
etching into a resistance element.
[0055] For example, in the illustrated embodiment of in FIG. 2A,
each of the plurality of second resistance elements 204 includes a
longitudinal gap segment 223 and a transverse gap segment 221. The
longitudinal gap segment 223 may be aligned with a longitudinal
direction of the outer surface 201 of the base 200, and the
transverse gap segment 221 may be aligned with a transverse
direction of the outer surface 201 of the base 200. As described
herein, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to a direction
aligned with the length of the footwear, and the term "transverse
direction" refers to a direction aligned with the width of the
footwear.
[0056] In some examples, at least part of the plurality of second
resistance elements 204 may be arranged in a second type
configuration. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of in
FIG. 2A, six second resistance elements 204 are arranged in a
second type configuration 206 in the form of a hexagonal shape
(e.g., six resistance elements 204 are arranged such
that--together--they resemble a hexagon). In some examples, the
second type configuration 206 may be formed by less than six or
more than six second resistance elements, without deviating from
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the outer surface
201 of the base 200 may comprise a top portion 201A, a middle
portion 201B, and a bottom portion 201C. A plurality of first
resistance elements 203 and plurality of second resistance elements
204 are disposed on the top portion 201A and the bottom portion
201C. However, in the illustrated embodiment of in FIG. 2A, the
plurality of first resistance elements 203 and the plurality of
second resistance elements 204 are not disposed on the middle
portion 201B.
[0058] The middle portion 201B may optionally include one or more
labels 207, such as brand label 208 and size labels 209A and 209B.
The brand label 208 may indicate the branding information of the
footwear, and the size labels 209A and 209B may indicate the size
information of the footwear. In some examples, there is no brand
label 208 or size labels 209A and 209B on the middle portion 201B
of the outer surface 201.
[0059] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure
provide improved slip resistance performance for footwear. In this
regard, the plurality of first resistance elements 203 may be made
of a different material than that of plurality of second resistance
elements 204, so that they have different slip resistance
performance, such as, for example, different coefficient of
friction on different surfaces.
[0060] As used herein, the term "coefficient of friction" or COF is
a value that indicates the relationship between two surfaces (such
as, for example, the outer surface of the outsole and the surface
that the outsole is on), and the force applied between the two
surfaces vertically and laterally. In some examples, a higher
coefficient of friction means that there is more friction and more
traction (i.e. more slip resistance). A lower coefficient of
friction means that there is less traction (i.e. more
slippery).
[0061] A variety of factors may affect the coefficient of friction
of an outsole, including, for example, the material that the
outsole is made of, configuration(s) disposed on the outsole
surface, and the condition of the contact surface that the outsole
is on (e.g. whether the surface is icy, wet, and/or oily). In other
words, the same outsole may have a different coefficient of
friction on an icy surface (i.e. a surface that at least partially
includes ice) than on a wet surface (i.e. a surface that at least
partially includes water).
[0062] For example, an icy surface coefficient of friction may
indicate the coefficient of friction of an example outsole on an
icy surface (i.e. a surface that at least partially includes ice).
In this regard, at least a first part of the plurality of first
resistance elements 203 are arranged in the first type
configuration 205, and the first part of the plurality of first
resistance elements 203 have a first coefficient of friction with
respect to an icy surface. A first part of the plurality of second
resistance elements 204 are arranged in a second type configuration
206, and the first part of the plurality of second resistance
elements 204 have a second coefficient of friction with respect to
the icy surface. The first coefficient of friction may be higher
than the second coefficient of friction. In other words, the first
type configuration 205 may provide better slip resistant
performance on an icy surface than that of the second type
configuration 206.
[0063] Additionally, or alternatively, a wet surface coefficient of
friction may indicate the coefficient of friction of an example
outsole on a wet surface (i.e. a surface that at least partially
includes water). In this regard, the first part of the first
plurality of resistance elements 203 has a third coefficient of
friction associated with a wet surface, and the first part of the
second plurality of resistance elements 204 has a fourth
coefficient of friction associated with the wet surface. The fourth
coefficient of friction may be higher than the third coefficient of
friction. In other words, the second type configuration 206 may
provide better slip resistant performance on a wet surface than the
first type configuration 205.
[0064] In some examples, by combining different types of resistance
elements (e.g. the plurality of first resistance elements 203 and
the plurality of second resistance elements 204) and their
corresponding configurations, example outsoles in accordance with
the present disclosure may improve slip resistance performance on
complex surfaces, including for example, a wet icy surface. In this
regard, a wet icy surface coefficient of friction may indicate the
coefficient of friction of an example outsole on a wet icy surface
(i.e. a surface that at least partially includes water and ice).
The first part of the first plurality of resistance elements 203
may have a fifth coefficient of friction associated with a wet icy
surface, and the first part of the second plurality of resistance
elements 204 may have a sixth coefficient of friction associated
with the wet icy surface. The fifth coefficient of friction may be
higher than the sixth coefficient of friction.
[0065] Example coefficient of frictions of example outsoles in
accordance with the present disclosure are described further in
connection with TABLE 1 herein.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 2D, an example top view of the base
200 showing the inner surface 202 is illustrated. In some examples,
the inner surface 202 may comprise one or more hollow portions,
such as ring hollow portions 241 and rectangular hollow portions
243, which are cutout portions of the outsole from the inner
surface. The ring hollow portions 241 are cutout portions each in
the shape of a ring, and the rectangular hollow portions 243 are
cutout portions each in the shape of a rectangle. In some examples,
one or more of the ring hollow portions 241 and one or more of the
rectangular hollow portions 243 may be linked.
[0067] The inner surface 202 of the base 200 is secured to the
footwear (e.g., to the midsole 108). As such, the ring hollow
portions 241 and rectangular hollow portions 243 are near the heel
of the footwear. In some examples, the ring hollow portions 241 and
the rectangular hollow portions 243 may reduce the weight of the
heel and make the footwear light to wear.
[0068] While in the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2D, the one
or more hollow portions of the inner surface 202 are in the shapes
of rings or rectangles, it is noted that the hollow portions may
additionally or alternatively resemble other shapes (including, for
example, triangles, circles, hexagons) without deviating from the
scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the inner
surface 202 does not include any hollow portion.
[0069] In FIGS. 2A-2H, various example measurements of the
footwear, including the base 200 and the plurality of resistance
elements (such as the plurality of first resistance elements 203
and the plurality of second resistance elements 204), are
illustrated. It is noted that these measurements are for example
purpose only, and the present disclosure is not limited to these
particular measurements.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 2B-2E, FIG. 2B illustrates an example
outside side view of the example sole including the base 200; FIG.
2C illustrates an example inside side view of the example sole
including the base 200; FIG. 2D illustrates an example top view of
the example sole including the base 200; and FIG. 2E illustrates a
cross-sectional view based on line A-A' as shown in FIG. 2A of the
example sole including the base 200.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 2B, the top portion 201A may have an
example greatest thickness D1 in the example range of 35.00 mm to
43.00 mm, preferably 39.00 mm. The sole may have different layers,
including a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and a
fourth layer.
[0072] In some examples, the first, second, and third layers may
have a total thickness of D7 in the example range of 17.00 mm to
21.00 mm, preferably 19.00 mm. In some examples, the second layer
depth D2 may be in the example range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm,
preferably 0.5 mm.
[0073] In some examples, the third layer may have varying
thickness. For example, the third layer may have a first example
thickness D6 in the example range of 3.3 mm to 3.7 mm, preferably
3.5 mm, and a second example thickness D11 in the example range of
3.3 mm to 3.7 mm, preferably 3.5 mm.
[0074] The fourth layer may have varying thickness, and may be
curved in the top portion 201A. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the
fourth layer may have a depth D3 from the top of the fourth layer
to the ground, and D3 may be in the example range of 17.00 mm to
21.00 mm, preferably 19.00 mm. The fourth layer may have a first
thickness D4 and a second thickness D5. In some examples, D4 may be
in the example range of 3.3 mm to 3.7 mm, preferably 3.5 mm. In
some examples, D5 may be in the example range of 2.8 mm to 3.2 mm,
preferably 3.0 mm. In some examples, D4 and D5 may have the same
value. In some examples, D4 and D5 may have difference values.
[0075] The bottom portion 201C may have varying thickness. For
example, the bottom portion 201C may have a first thickness D15 in
the example range of 30.00 mm to 33.00 mm, preferably 31.50 mm, and
a second thickness D18 in the example range of 30.00 mm to 35.00
mm, preferably 32.50 mm. The fourth layer on the bottom portion
201C (i.e. the heel of the footwear) may have an example depth D8
in the example range of 10.00 mm to 14.00 mm, preferably 12.00
mm.
[0076] As described above, the second resistance elements 204 may
include a transverse gap segment 204A. As shown in FIG. 2A, the
transverse gap segment 204A may have an example width L1 in the
example range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, preferably 0.5 mm. As shown in
FIG. 2B, the transverse gap segment 204A may have an example depth
D12 in the example range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 1.0 mm.
Further, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, an
example gap segment between two neighboring second resistance
elements 204 may have an example depth D10 in the example range of
3.2 mm to 3.7 mm, preferably 3.5 mm.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 2D, the example outsole may have an
example greatest length L5 in the example range of 250.0 mm to
330.00 mm, preferably 290.00 mm. In some examples, L5 may be in
other values without deviating from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0078] In the illustrated embodiment of in FIG. 2D, as described
above, the inner surface 202 may comprise ring hollow portions 241
and rectangular hollow portions 243. In some examples, the ring
hollow portions 241 may have a first radius R1 in the example range
of 10.00 mm to 14.00 mm, preferably 12.00 mm, and a second radius
R2 in the example range of 4.0 mm to 8.0 mm, preferably 6.00 mm. In
some examples, the rectangular hollow portions 243 may have an
example width in the example range of 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably
4.5 mm.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 2E, the ring hollow portions 241 may have
an example depth D31 in the example range of 2.5 mm to 5.5 mm,
preferably 4.0 mm. Further, the hollow portions may have an example
radius R3 in the example range of 5.00 mm to 9.00 mm, preferably
7.00 mm. As shown in FIG. 2H, the rectangular hollow portions 243
may have an example depth D6 in the example range of 3.00 mm to
5.00 mm, preferably 4.00 mm. Further, the distance D61 is the
distance between the bottom surface of the ring hollow portions 241
and the outer surface 201 of the base 200, and D61 may be in the
example range of 8.00 mm to 12.00 mm, preferably 10.00 mm.
[0080] Further, as shown in FIG. 2E, a first resistance element 203
may have an example thickness D21 in an example range of 3.0 mm to
7.0 mm, preferably 5.0 mm. An example combined depth D25 of the
first resistance element and the base may be in an example range of
5.00 mm to 11.00 mm, preferably 8.0 mm. As shown in FIG. 2A, a
first resistance element 203 may have an example diameter W2 in the
example range of 21.3 mm to 23.3 mm, preferably 22.3 mm.
[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 2F-2H, FIG. 2F illustrates a
cross-sectional view based on line B-B' as shown in FIG. 2A, FIG.
2G illustrates a cross-sectional view based on line C-C' as shown
in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2H illustrates a cross-sectional view based on
line D-D' as shown in FIG. 2A. In particular, FIGS. 2F, 2G, and 2H
further illustrate example measurements described above.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 3, an example footwear outsole
according to another embodiment is illustrated. In the illustrated
embodiment of FIG. 3, the example outsole includes a base 300,
which has an outer surface 301 (e.g., similar to the outer surface
201 as described above in connection with FIG. 2A).
[0083] The example outsole as illustrated in FIG. 3 may include a
plurality of resistance elements disposed on the outer surface 301
of the base 300, including, for example, a plurality of first
resistance elements 303 and a plurality of second resistance
elements 304. In this regard, the plurality of first resistance
elements 303 may be made of a material similar to that of the
plurality of first resistance elements 203 as described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2H, and the plurality of second resistance
elements 304 may be made of a material similar to that of the
plurality of second resistance elements 204 as described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2H.
[0084] Similar to the plurality of second resistance elements 204
as described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2H, the plurality of
second resistance elements 304 may form a second type configuration
in a hexagonal shape.
[0085] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of first
resistance elements 303 may be arranged in different types of
configurations. For example, four of the plurality of the first
resistance elements may be arranged in a configuration 305 that
defines a parallelogrammatic or quadrilateral shape (i.e.
connecting the centers of these first resistance elements would
create a parallelogram or quadrilateral shape). As another example,
three of the plurality of the first resistance elements may be
arranged in a configuration 311 that defines a triangular shape
(i.e. connecting the centers of these first resistance elements
would create a triangle shape).
[0086] In some examples, the configuration 305 may be formed by
less than four or more than four first resistance elements, and/or
the configuration 311 may be formed by less than three or more than
three first resistance elements. In some examples, one or more
configurations may be of other shapes.
[0087] In some examples, different configurations may provide
different coefficients of friction on icy surface and/or wet
surface.
[0088] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more labels 307 may
be disposed on the outer surface 301, such as, for example, brand
label 308 and size labels 309. The brand label 308 may indicate the
branding information of the footwear, and the size labels 309 may
indicate the size information of the footwear. In some examples,
there is no label on the outer surface 301.
[0089] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, various example
measures of the base 300 and the plurality of resistance elements
(including the plurality of first resistance elements 303 and the
plurality of second resistance elements 304) are illustrated. It is
noted that these measurements are for examples only, and the
present disclosure is not limited to these particular
measurements.
[0090] For example, FIG. 3 illustrate a cross-sectional view A-A'
of the base 300. As shown, the base 300 may have a thickness D301,
which may be in the example range of 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm, preferably
8.00 mm. As described above, the second resistance elements 304 may
form a hexagonal shape, which may comprise a gap segment having a
depth of D302 from the surface. In some examples, D302 may be in
the example range of 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, preferably 5.0 mm.
[0091] Further, in some examples, the gap segment between a first
resistance element 303 and a second resistance element 304 may have
a depth of D303, which may be in the example range of 5.0 mm to 7.0
mm, preferably 6.0 mm.
[0092] Further, in some examples, the outer surface of the first
resistance elements 303 to the inner surface of the base 300 may
have a depth of D304. In some examples, D304 has the same value as
D301. In such examples, the height of the first resistance element
has the same value as D303. In some examples, D304 and D301 may
have different values.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 4, an example footwear outsole
according to another embodiment is illustrated.
[0094] The example outsole as illustrated in FIG. 4 may include a
plurality of resistance elements disposed on the outer surface 401
of the base 400, including, for example, a plurality of first
resistance elements 403 and a plurality of second resistance
elements 404. In this regard, the plurality of first resistance
elements 403 may be made of a material similar to that of the
plurality of first resistance elements 203 as described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2H, and the plurality of second resistance
elements 404 may be made of a material similar to that of the
plurality of second resistance elements 204 as described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2H. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the
plurality of first resistance elements 403 and the plurality of
second resistance elements 404 may be arranged in different types
of configurations than those described in connection with FIGS.
2A-2H.
[0095] In particular, the first resistance elements 403 may be
arranged in a hexagonal band configuration 405. The hexagonal band
configuration 405 includes a plurality of neighboring first
resistance elements 403. In the hexagonal band configuration 405,
each of the first resistance elements 403 is in the shape of a
hexagon, and connecting centers of these hexagons would create a
waveform that resembles a triangle wave. In some examples, the
first resistance elements 403 may be arranged such that the
waveform may resemble other waves, such as, for example, a square
wave or a sawtooth wave.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 4, the hexagonal band configuration 405 may
be aligned with the transverse direction of the outer surface 401
of the base 400. In some examples, the hexagonal band configuration
405 may be aligned with a different direction, such as in the
longitudinal direction of the outer surface 401.
[0097] Similarly, the plurality of second resistance elements 404
may be arranged in a hexagonal band configuration 406. In
particular, the plurality of second resistance elements 404 may be
arranged in configurations in the shapes of neighboring hexagons,
and connecting centers of these hexagons would create a waveform
that resembles a triangle wave. As shown in FIG. 4, the hexagonal
band configuration 406 may be aligned with the transverse direction
of the outer surface 401 of the base 400. In some examples, the
hexagonal band configuration 406 may be aligned with a different
direction, such as in the longitudinal direction of the outer
surface 401.
[0098] Further, in the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 4, each
one of the hexagonal band configurations formed by the first
resistance elements 403 may be between two hexagonal band
configurations formed by the second resistance elements 404, and
each one of the hexagonal band configurations formed by the second
resistance elements 404 may be between two hexagonal band
configurations formed by the first resistance elements 403. In some
examples, a hexagonal band configuration formed by the first
resistance elements 403 may be between less than two or more than
two hexagonal band configurations formed by the second resistance
elements 404. In some examples, a hexagonal band configuration
formed by the second resistance elements 404 may be between less
than two or more than two hexagonal band configurations formed by
the first resistance elements 403.
[0099] In some examples, different configurations may provide
different coefficients of friction on icy surface and/or wet
surface.
[0100] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more labels 407 may
be disposed on the outer surface 401, such as, for example, brand
label 408 and size labels 409. The brand label 408 may indicate the
branding information of the footwear, and the size labels 409 may
indicate the size information of the footwear. In some examples,
there is no label on the outer surface 401.
[0101] Referring now to FIG. 5, an example footwear outsole
according to another embodiment is illustrated.
[0102] The example outsole as illustrated in FIG. 5 may include a
plurality of resistance elements disposed on the outer surface 501
of the base 500, including, for example, a plurality of first
resistance elements 503 and a plurality of second resistance
elements 504. In this regard, the plurality of first resistance
elements 503 may be made of a material similar to that of the
plurality of first resistance elements 203 as described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2H, and the plurality of second resistance
elements 504 may be made of a material similar to that of the
plurality of second resistance elements 204 as described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2H.
[0103] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the plurality of first
resistance elements 503 may be arranged in a hexagonal band
configuration 505 similar to the hexagonal band configuration 405
described above in connection with FIG. 4, and the plurality of
second resistance elements 504 may be arranged in a hexagonal band
configuration 506 similar to the hexagonal band configuration 406
described above in connection with FIG. 4.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 5, the hexagonal band configuration 505 and
the hexagonal band configuration 506 may be at an angle from a
transverse direction of the outer surface 501 of the base 500. In
some examples, the hexagonal band configuration 505 and the
hexagonal band configuration 506 may be at a different direction.
In some examples, the hexagonal band configuration 505 and the
hexagonal band configuration 506 may intersect, and they may be
arranged so that they together form a shape similar to the
capitalized letter X in the English alphabet.
[0105] In some examples, different configurations may provide
different coefficients of friction on icy surface and/or wet
surface.
[0106] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more labels 507 may
be disposed on the outer surface 501, such as, for example, brand
label 508 and size labels 509. The brand label 508 may indicate the
branding information of the footwear, and the size labels 509 may
indicate the size information of the footwear. In some examples,
there is no label on the outer surface 501.
[0107] Referring now to FIG. 6, an example footwear outsole
according to another embodiment is illustrated.
[0108] The example outsole as illustrated in FIG. 6 may include a
plurality of resistance elements disposed on the outer surface 601
of the base 600, including, for example, a plurality of first
resistance elements 603 and a plurality of second resistance
elements 604. In this regard, the plurality of first resistance
elements 603 may be made of a material similar to that of the
plurality of first resistance elements 203 as described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2H, and the plurality of second resistance
elements 604 may be made of a material similar to that of the
plurality of second resistance elements 204 as described above in
connection with FIGS. 2A-2H.
[0109] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of first
resistance elements 603 is in a rhombic shape. The first resistance
elements 603 may form a rhombus band configuration 605. The rhombus
band configuration 605 includes a plurality of neighboring first
resistance elements 603. Each of the first resistance elements 603
is in the shape of a rhombus, and connecting the center of these
rhombuses would form a straight line. As shown in FIG. 6, the
rhombus band configuration 605 may be aligned with the longitudinal
direction of the outer surface 601 of the base 600. In some
examples, the rhombus band configuration 605 may be aligned with a
different direction, such as in the transverse direction of the
outer surface 601.
[0110] Similarly, the plurality of second resistance elements 604
may be arranged in a rhombus band configuration 606. In particular,
the plurality of second resistance elements 604 may be arranged in
configurations in the shapes of neighboring rhombuses, and
connecting the center of these rhombuses would form a straight
line. As shown in FIG. 6, the rhombus band configuration 606 may be
aligned with the longitudinal direction of the outer surface 601 of
the base 600. In some examples, the rhombus band configuration 606
may be aligned with a different direction, such as the transverse
direction of the outer surface 601.
[0111] In some examples, different configurations may provide
different coefficients of friction on icy surface and/or wet
surface.
[0112] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more labels 607 may
be disposed on the outer surface 601, such as, for example, brand
label 608 and size labels 609. The brand label 608 may indicate the
branding information of the footwear, and the size labels 609 may
indicate the size information of the footwear. In some examples,
there is no label on the outer surface 601.
[0113] Referring now to FIG. 7, an example footwear outsole
according to another embodiment is illustrated.
[0114] The example outsole as illustrated in FIG. 7 may include a
plurality of resistance elements disposed on the outer surface 701
of the base 700, including, for example, a plurality of first
resistance elements 703A and 703B, as well as a plurality of second
resistance elements 704. In this regard, the plurality of first
resistance elements 703A and 703B may be made of a material similar
to that of the plurality of first resistance elements 203 as
described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2H, and the plurality
of second resistance elements 704 may be made of a material similar
to that of the plurality of second resistance elements 204 as
described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2H.
[0115] Further, as show in FIG. 7, the plurality of first
resistance elements 703A and 703B may have different shapes and
sizes. For example, one or more of the plurality of first
resistance elements may be in a quadrilateral shape, such as the
first resistance elements 703A. Another example, one or more of
first resistance elements may be in a wave form, such as the first
resistance elements 703B. In other examples, the first resistance
element may be in other shapes, including, for example, circle,
ring, and triangle. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of
the plurality of second resistance elements 704 may be in different
shapes.
[0116] In some examples, different configurations may provide
different coefficients of friction on icy surface and/or wet
surface.
[0117] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more labels 707 may
be disposed on the outer surface 701, such as, for example, brand
label 708 and size labels 709. The brand label 708 may indicate the
branding information of the footwear, and the size labels 709 may
indicate the size information of the footwear. In some examples,
there is no label on the outer surface 701.
[0118] Referring now to FIG. 8, an example footwear outsole
according to another embodiment is illustrated.
[0119] The example outsole as illustrated in FIG. 8 may include a
plurality of resistance elements disposed on the outer surface 801
of the base 800, including, for example, a plurality of first
resistance elements 803A, 803B, and a plurality of second
resistance elements 804. In this regard, the plurality of first
resistance elements 803A and 803B may be made of a material similar
to that of the plurality of first resistance elements 203 as
described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2H, and the plurality
of second resistance elements 804 may be made of a material similar
to that of the plurality of second resistance elements 204 as
described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2H. In some examples,
different configurations of the plurality of first resistance
elements 803A, 803B and the plurality of second resistance elements
804 may provide different coefficients of friction on icy surface
and/or wet surface.
[0120] With continuing reference to FIG. 8, one or more of the
first resistance elements may include a gap segment. For example,
the first resistance element 803A may include a gap segment 806,
thereby dividing the first resistance element 803A into two
portions.
[0121] Referring now to FIG. 9, an example footwear outsole
according to another embodiment is illustrated.
[0122] The example outsole as illustrated in FIG. 9 may include a
plurality of resistance elements disposed on the outer surface 901
of the base 900. In particular, the outer surface 901 may include a
top portion 901A and a bottom portion 901B. As shown in FIG. 9, a
plurality of resistance elements 903 may be disposed on the top
portion 901A but not in the bottom portion 901B, and a plurality of
resistance elements 904 may be disposed on the bottom portion 901B
but not on the top portion 901A.
[0123] In some examples, the plurality of resistance elements 903
may be made of a material similar to that of the plurality of first
resistance elements 203 as described above in connection with FIGS.
2A-2H. In some examples, the plurality of resistance elements 903
may be made of a material similar to that of the plurality of
second resistance elements 204 as described above in connection
with FIGS. 2A-2H.
[0124] In some examples, the plurality of resistance elements 904
may be made of a material similar to that of the plurality of first
resistance elements 203 as described above in connection with FIGS.
2A-2H. In some examples, the plurality of resistance elements 904
may be made of a material similar to that of the plurality of
second resistance elements 204 as described above in connection
with FIGS. 2A-2H. In some examples, different configurations of the
plurality of resistance elements 904 may provide different
coefficients of friction on icy surface and/or wet surface.
[0125] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as
methods for manufacturing footwear. For example, in various
embodiments of the present disclosure, an example method for
manufacturing a footwear outsole is provided.
[0126] The example method may include, for example, molding a base
that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The base made be
made of, for example, a rubber material. A liquid form of the
material may be shaped using a rigid frame (a "mold"), and the
liquid hardens inside the mold and adopts its shape.
[0127] The example method may also include, for example, separately
manufacturing the plurality of first resistance elements and the
plurality of second resistance elements onto the base. Such
manufacturing process may include, for example, molding, pressing,
and/or fusing. In some examples, the base and the resistance
elements may be manufactured using other processes, including, for
example, the 3D printing process.
[0128] Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, example outsoles in accordance
with the present disclosure are shown. In particular, example
testing may be conducted on these example outsoles, which indicates
that various embodiments of the present disclosure improve slip
resistance of outsoles.
[0129] In FIG. 10, a plurality of first resistance elements 1003
and a plurality of second resistance elements 1004 may be disposed
on the outer surface 1001 of the base 1000. Similarly, in FIG. 11,
a plurality of first resistance elements 1103 and a plurality of
second resistance elements 1104 may be disposed on the outer
surface 1101 of the base 1100. Comparing FIG. 10 with FIG. 11, it
can be seen that there are more first resistance elements disposed
on the outer surface 1001 of the base 1000 than those disposed on
the outer surface 1101 of the base 1100.
[0130] In FIG. 12, a plurality of first resistance elements 1203
and a plurality of second resistance elements 1204 may be disposed
on the outer surface 1201 of the base 1200. Similarly, in FIG. 13,
a plurality of first resistance elements 1303 and a plurality of
second resistance elements 1304 may be disposed on the outer
surface 1301 of the base 1300. Comparing FIG. 12 with FIG. 13, it
can be seen that there are more first resistance elements disposed
on the outer surface 1201 of the base 1200 than those disposed on
the outer surface 1301 of the base 1300.
[0131] Example testing results of example outsoles embodying
features from FIGS. 10-13 are summarized in TABLE 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example Testing Results Testing Item
Required A B C D Dry Ice Static CoF Static CoF .gtoreq. 0.40 0.50
0.50 0.42 0.41 Dynamic 0.21 0.20 0.23 0.21 CoF Wet Icy Static CoF
0.51 0.51 0.48 0.37 Dynamic 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.21 CoF Surface 1
(Forefoot) .gtoreq.0.32 0.50 0.51 0.51 0.47 Surface 1 (Heel)
.gtoreq.0.28 0.40 0.41 0.47 0.38 Surface 2 (Forefoot) .gtoreq.0.18
0.20 0.21 0.22 0.24 Surface 2 (Heel) .gtoreq.0.13 0.20 0.23 0.21
0.19
[0132] In TABLE 1, Column A indicates example testing results on an
example outsole embodying features as shown in FIG. 10. Column B
indicates example testing results on an example outsole embodying
features as shown in FIG. 11. Column C indicates example testing
results on an example outsole embodying features as shown in FIG.
12. Column D indicates example testing results on an example
outsole embodying features as shown in FIG. 13.
[0133] As shown in TABLE 1, for each example outsole, dry icy slip
resistance performance (including dynamic coefficient of friction
and static coefficient of friction on a dry and icy surface) of
each outsole are tested. Wet icy slip resistance performance
(including dynamic coefficient of friction and static coefficient
of friction on a wet and icy surface) of each outsole are also
tested. The term "dynamic coefficient of friction" refers to the
coefficient of friction when the wearer is moving on the surface,
and the term "static coefficient of friction" refers to the
coefficient of friction when the wearer is standing on the
surface.
[0134] In addition, and as shown in TABLE 1, for each example
outsole, additional example surface testing may be conducted,
including testing on Surface 1 and testing on Surface 2. In this
regard, Surface 1 may include ceramic tile flow lauryl sulphate,
and Surface 2 may include steel substrate with glycerol. For each
surface testing, both the circumstance of sliding of the heel area
of the outsole ("heel") and the circumstance of sliding of the
forefoot area of the outsole ("forefoot") are tested.
[0135] As shown in TABLE 1, all example outsoles pass requirements
as shown in the Column Required. Further, comparing Column A with
Column B, it can be seen that the incorporation of additional first
resistance elements may improve the slip resistance of the example
outsole on dry, icy surface in accordance with the present
disclosure. In addition, by comparing Column A with Column C (as
well as comparing Column B with Column D), it can be seen that the
resistance elements and various configurations that they formed in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure may
affect slip resistance performance of an example outsole. For
example, TABLE 1 illustrates that the addition of the first type
configuration as described above may improve the slip resistance
performance on wet icy surface.
[0136] It is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation, unless described
otherwise.
* * * * *