U.S. patent application number 16/970898 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-17 for ventilated article of footwear.
The applicant listed for this patent is C. & J. CLARK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED. Invention is credited to Adrian LOCKE.
Application Number | 20200390186 16/970898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005060485 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-17 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200390186 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOCKE; Adrian |
December 17, 2020 |
VENTILATED ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Abstract
A structure (2) and a removable component (10) for an article of
footwear are disclosed. A structure comprises an outsole component
(3) comprising resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements (6) for
generation of pumping action for forcing air towards the removable
component placed in a holding recess (7). The removable component
comprises cavities (11) facing the outsole component and arranged
to receive air from the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements,
air circulation channels (12) extending substantially laterally
from the cavities for distributing air from the cavities to the air
circulation channels, and sealing areas adjacent to the cavities
and air circulation channels. The sealing areas are arranged to
prevent air from escaping the cavities and air circulation channels
when the removable component is inserted in the holding recess. Air
circulation channels (12) may be provided with expanded areas (16).
The expanded areas may have varying shapes and number of
perforations.
Inventors: |
LOCKE; Adrian; (Street
Somerset, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
C. & J. CLARK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED |
Street Somerset |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005060485 |
Appl. No.: |
16/970898 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
February 15, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/053798 |
371 Date: |
August 18, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/203 20130101;
A43B 7/105 20130101; A43B 7/081 20130101; A43B 13/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/10 20060101
A43B007/10; A43B 13/12 20060101 A43B013/12; A43B 7/08 20060101
A43B007/08; A43B 13/20 20060101 A43B013/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 19, 2018 |
GB |
1802662.5 |
Claims
1. A structure for an article of footwear, the structure
comprising: an outsole component and a removable component, wherein
the outsole component comprises resiliently deflecting diaphragm
elements at the bottom thereof for generation of pumping action for
forcing air towards the removable component, and the removable
component comprises cavities facing the resiliently deflecting
diaphragm elements and arranged to receive air from the resiliently
deflecting diaphragm elements; air circulation channels extending
substantially laterally from the cavities between the removable
component and the outsole component for distributing air forced
into the cavities by the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements
to the interior of the article of footwear via perforations
extending from the air circulation channels through the removable
component; a holding recess configured to receive and hold the
removable component on top of the outsole component; and sealing
areas adjacent to the cavities and air circulation channels, the
sealing areas being configured to prevent air from escaping the
cavities and air circulation channels when the removable component
is inserted in the holding recess.
2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of
the sides of the holding recess comprise upper material of the
article of footwear.
3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the removable
component comprises-side grooves extending from the air circulation
channels to the upper side of the removable component.
4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the removable
component comprises at least one expanded perforated area for
enhanced air circulation.
5. The structure according to claim 4, wherein the at least one
expanded perforated area is provided on the underside of the
removable component and comprises a pattern of perforations for
connecting the respective air circulation channel with the upper
side of the removable component.
6. The structure according to claim 1, the removable component
comprising perforations or side grooves connected to the air
circulation channels for distributing air within the mid and front
sections of the article of footwear, wherein the heel section of
the article of footwear is free of such perforations.
7. The structure according to claim 1, comprising at least one
further element between the removable component and the outsole
component, the at least one further element being configured for
airflow from the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements to air
circulation channels provided on the underside of the removable
component.
8. The structure according to claim 7, further comprising a strobel
sock attached to upper material of the article of footwear and
perforated at locations aligned with the resiliently deflecting
diaphragm elements.
9. The structure according to claim 8, wherein the strobel sock is
cemented or stitched to the outsole component or to the upper
material.
10. The structure according to claim 7, comprising a shank or a
heel element configured to allow airflow from the resiliently
deflecting diaphragm elements to the air circulation channels of
the removable component.
11. The structure according to claim 10, wherein the shank or the
heel element comprises openings tapering from the resiliently
deflecting diaphragm elements towards the cavities at the removable
component.
12. The structure according to claim 7, wherein the at least one
further element is configured to provide at least one air
circulation channel.
13. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the outsole
component is side stitched or corner stitched to upper material of
the article of footwear.
14. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the outsole
component is configured to provide at least a part of the air
circulation channels.
15. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the cavities are
configured to cause pumping action of air into the air circulation
channels.
16. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the removable
component comprises an integrated midsole and footbed
structure.
17. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; an outsole
component and a removable component, wherein the outsole component
comprises resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements at the bottom
thereof for generation of pumping action for forcing air towards
the removable component, and the removable component comprises
cavities facing the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements and
configured to receive air from the resiliently deflecting diaphragm
elements; air circulation channels extending substantially
laterally from the cavities between the removable component and the
outsole component for distributing air forced into the cavities by
the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements to the interior of
the article of footwear via perforations extending from the air
circulation channels through the removable component; a holding
recess configured to receive and hold the removable component on
top of the outsole component; and sealing areas adjacent to the
cavities and air circulation channels, the sealing areas being
configured to prevent air from escaping the cavities and air
circulation channels when the removable component is inserted in
the holding recess.
18. The article of footwear according to claim 17, wherein the
sides of the holding recess are provided by the upper.
19. A removable component for an article of footwear, the removable
component being configured for insertion in and removal from a
holding recess on top of an outsole component of the article of
footwear, the removable component comprising: cavities facing
resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements of the outsole component
for receiving air pumped by the diaphragm elements towards the
cavities and distribution of air flows from the cavities within the
removable component; air circulation channels on the side of the
removable component facing the outsole component and extending
substantially laterally from the cavities for distributing air
flows from the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements within the
article of footwear via perforations extending from the air
circulation channels through the removable component; and sealing
areas adjacent to the cavities and air circulation channels, the
sealing areas being configured to prevent air from escaping the
cavities and air circulation channels when the removable component
is inserted in the holding recess above the outsole component.
20. The removable component according to claim 19, wherein the
removable component comprises side grooves extending from the air
circulation channels to the upper side of the removable
component.
21. The removable component according to claim 19, wherein at least
one of the air circulation channels comprises an expanded
perforated area for enhanced air circulation.
22. The removable component according to claim 21, wherein the
expanded perforated area is provided on the underside of the
removable component and comprises an enlarged pattern of
perforations for connecting the air circulation channels with the
upper side of the removable component.
23. The removable component according to claim 19, comprising
perforations or side grooves connected to the air circulation
channels for distributing air within the mid and front sections of
the article of footwear while the heel section of the removable
component is free of such perforations.
24. The removable component according to claim 19, wherein the
cavities are configured to cause pumping action of air into the air
circulation channels.
25. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; an outsole
comprising resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements at the bottom
thereof for generation of pumping action of air; a holding recess
provided by the upper and the outsole and configured to receive a
removable component on top of the outsole, the removable component
comprising cavities configured to receive air forced by the
resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements towards the removable
component; air circulation channels extending between the outsole
and the removable component substantially laterally from the
cavities for distributing air flows from the cavities within the
article of footwear to perforations of the removable component
extending from the air circulation channels through the removable
component; and sealing areas adjacent to the cavities and air
circulation channels, the sealing areas being configured to prevent
air from escaping the cavities and air circulation channels when
the removable component is inserted in the holding recess above the
outsole.
26. The article of footwear according to claim 25, comprising a
strobel sock between the removable component and the outsole, the
strobel sock being attached to the upper and perforated at
locations aligned with the resiliently deflecting diaphragm
elements for airflow from the resiliently deflecting diaphragm
elements to the air circulation channels of the removable
component.
27. A method of arranging circulation of air within an article of
footwear, the article of footwear comprising an upper, an outsole
and a removable component, the method comprising: inserting the
removable component into a holding recess above the outsole;
forcing air towards cavities in the removable component facing the
outsole by pumping action of resiliently deflecting diaphragm
elements at the bottom of the outsole; distributing air from the
diaphragm elements by air circulation channels extending
substantially laterally from the cavities between the removable
component and the outsole to perforations of the removable
component extending from the air circulation channels through the
removable component; and applying pressure to sealing areas of the
removable component to maintain engagement of sealing areas of the
removable component with the surface of the holding recess to
prevent escaping of the air forced into the cavities of the
removable component.
28. The method according to claim 27, comprising distributing air
only within the mid and front sections of the article of footwear
through perforations or side grooves disposed in said mid and front
sections.
29. The method according to claim 27, comprising enhancing flow of
air into the air circulation channels by compressing the
cavities.
30. The method according to claim 27, comprising changing
properties of the article of footwear by replacing the removable
component with a different removable component.
Description
[0001] This disclosure relates to an article of footwear. More
particularly, the disclosure relates to arranging air circulation
within an article of footwear.
[0002] An article of footwear can comprise e.g. a shoe, a sandal, a
boot or the like. Main components of an article of footwear
comprise an upper and a sole bound together during manufacture. An
upper can be made from materials such as leather, fabrics and/or
synthetic materials. A sole is typically made from more hardwearing
materials, e.g. rubber and/or hardwearing synthetic material.
Regardless of the materials used, an article of footwear forms a
space for receiving the foot. Ventilation of the internal parts of
the footwear has been conventionally improved by ventilation holes
in the upper.
[0003] Circulating air within an article of footwear by means of
pumping air into the article of footwear has been suggested.
Arrangements for pumping air into a shoe are disclosed, e.g., in EP
patent 2082660 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,375,601 B2.
[0004] However, more convenient, user friendly, efficient and/or
alternative arrangements for circulating air in an article of
footwear may be desired.
[0005] According to an aspect there is provided a structure for an
article of footwear, the structure comprising: an outsole component
and a removable component, wherein the outsole component comprises
resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements at the bottom thereof for
generation of pumping action for forcing air towards the removable
component, and the removable component comprises cavities facing
the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements and arranged to
receive air from the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements; air
circulation channels extending substantially laterally from the
cavities between the removable component and the outsole component
for distributing air forced into the cavities by the resiliently
deflecting diaphragm elements to the interior of the article of
footwear via perforations extending from the air circulation
channels through the removable component; a holding recess arranged
to receive and held the removable component on top of the outsole
component; and sealing areas adjacent to the cavities and air
circulation channels, the sealing areas being arranged to prevent
air from escaping the cavities and air circulation channels when
the removable component is inserted in the holding recess.
[0006] According to another aspect there is provided a removable
component for an article of footwear, the removable component being
arranged for insertion in and removal from a holding recess on top
of an outsole component of the article of footwear, the removable
component comprising: cavities facing resiliently deflecting
diaphragm elements of the outsole component for receiving air
pumped by the diaphragm elements towards the cavities and
distribution of air flows from the cavities within the removable
component; air circulation channels on the side of the removable
component facing the outsole component and extending substantially
laterally from the cavities for distributing air flows from the
resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements within the article of
footwear via perforations extending from the air circulation
channels through the removable component; and sealing areas
adjacent to the cavities and air circulation channels, the sealing
areas being arranged to prevent air from escaping the cavities and
air circulation channels when the removable component is inserted
in the holding recess above the outsole component.
[0007] According to yet another aspect there is provided an article
of footwear, comprising: an upper; an outsole comprising
resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements at the bottom thereof for
generation of pumping action of air; a holding recess provided by
the upper and the outsole and arranged to receive a removable
component on top of the outsole, the removable component comprising
cavities arranged to receive air forced by the resiliently
deflecting diaphragm elements towards the removable component; air
circulation channels extending between the outsole and the
removable component substantially laterally from the cavities for
distributing air flows from the cavities within the article of
footwear to perforations of the removable component extending from
the air circulation channels through the removable component; and
sealing areas adjacent to the cavities and air circulation
channels, the sealing areas being arranged to prevent air from
escaping the cavities and air circulation channels when the
removable component is inserted in the holding recess above the
outsole.
A strobel sock may be provided between the removable component and
the outsole, the strobel sock being attached to the upper and
perforated at locations aligned with the resiliently deflecting
diaphragm for airflow from the resiliently deflecting diaphragm
elements to the air circulation channels of the removable
component.
[0008] According to another aspect there is provided a method of
arranging circulation of air within an article of footwear, the
article of footwear comprising an upper, an outsole and a removable
component, the method comprising: inserting the removable component
into a holding recess on top of the outsole; forcing air towards
cavities in the removable component facing the outsole by pumping
action of resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements at the bottom
of the outsole; distributing air from the diaphragm elements by air
circulation channels extending substantially laterally from the
cavities between the removable component and the outsole to
perforations of the removable component extending from the air
circulation channels through the removable component; and applying
pressure to sealing areas of the removable component to maintain
engagement of sealing areas of the removable component with the
surface of the holding recess to prevent escaping of the air forced
into the cavities of the removable component.
[0009] At least a part of the sides of the holding recess may be
provided by upper material of an article of footwear. The air
circulation channels may be provided on the underside of the
removable component and/or on top of an outsole component. The
removable component may comprise perforations and/or side grooves
extending from the air circulation channels to the upper side of
the removable component.
[0010] The removable component may comprise at least one an
expanded perforated area for enhanced air circulation. The at least
one expanded perforated area may be provided on the underside of
the removable component and comprise a pattern of perforations for
connecting the air circulation channel with the upper side of the
removable component.
[0011] The removable component may comprise perforations and/or
side grooves connected to the air circulation channels and/or the
cavities for distributing air only within the mid and front
sections of the article of footwear while the heel section of the
article of footwear is free of such perforations.
[0012] At least one further component may be provided between the
removable component and the outsole. The at least one further
component can be arranged for airflow from the resiliently
deflecting diaphragm elements to the removable component. The
further component can comprises a strobel sock attached to upper
material of the article of footwear and perforated at locations
aligned with the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements. The
strobel sock may be cemented and/or stitched to the outsole
component and/or upper material. A shank and/or a heel element
arranged to allow airflow from the resiliently deflecting diaphragm
elements to the removable component may also be provided. The shank
and/or the heel element may comprise openings tapering from the
resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements towards the cavities at
the removable component. The at least one further component may
also be configured to provide at least one air circulation
channel.
[0013] The outsole may also be configured to provide at least a
part of the air circulation channels.
[0014] The cavities may be arranged to enhance circulation of air
within the air circulation channels. Flow of air into the air
circulation channels can be enhanced by compressing the
cavities.
[0015] A removable component may comprise an integrated midsole and
footbed structure.
[0016] Properties of the article of footwear can be changed by
replacing a removable component with a different removable
component.
[0017] An article of footwear comprising an upper and a sole
structure as described herein may also be provided.
[0018] Various exemplifying embodiments of the invention are
described below with reference to the attached drawings. Steps and
elements explained herein may be reordered, omitted, and combined
to form different embodiments and any step indicated as performed
may be caused to be performed in another order. In the
drawings:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a view of an example of an article of
footwear;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIGS. 3-7 show certain examples according to the
invention;
[0022] FIGS. 8-10 show further examples;
[0023] FIGS. 11-13 show yet further examples; and
[0024] FIG. 14 is a flowchart in accordance with certain
embodiments.
[0025] In the following certain detailed examples embodying the
invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows an example of an article of footwear 1
comprising a sole structure 2 and the upper 4. Typically a sole
structure can conventionally comprise various components, such as
an outsole, a midsole, a footbed, a shank and other intermediate
components. An outsole is the lowermost part of a footwear which
contacts the ground. Conventionally a midsole would be placed above
the outsole and a footbed (also known as sock liner) would be be on
top of the midsole. The sole structure 2 can be attached to the
upper 1 by various techniques. According to a possibility side
stitching denoted by reference 5 can be used to attach the upper to
the sole structure. Techniques such as cementing, corner stitching
and the like may also be used for this,
[0027] Some examples of possible components of a structure of the
current invention for arranging air circulation in an article of
footwear will be explained in more detail below.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements 6, or
"pumping pods", at the bottom of the outsole 3. The resiliently
deflecting diaphragm elements 6 are arranged for generation of
pumping action so that air is forced towards the interior of the
footwear 1.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the outsole 3 and the
resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements 6 of the sole structure.
In the example seven diaphragm elements are shown to be provided in
the sole structure. It is noted however that the number, sizing
and/or positioning of the resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements
can be different from the examples shown in the Figures.
[0030] A removable component will be described next with a
particular reference to the structures shown in FIGS. 3 to 7. FIG.
3 shows a bottom view of the removable component 10. FIGS. 4 and 6
show sectioned side views of two different structures with
removable components 10. FIG. 5 shows a removable component from
the top. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view from the forepart of a
removable component 10.
[0031] In accordance with an embodiment the removable component 10
can be formed such that it provides functionalities of a
conventional midsole and footbed. The removable component can be
provided such that there is no need for a separate midsole to be
fixed on top of the outsole.
[0032] In accordance with an example the removable component 10 is
placed in a holding recess 7 of an outsole component 3. As shown
e.g. in FIG. 7, the removable component can be dimensioned
according to the dimensions of the recess 7 to provide an accurate
fit.
[0033] According to another possibility at least a part of the
sides of the holding recess is provided by the upper material. An
example of this will be explained on more detail later.
[0034] The removable component is arranged for easy insertion in
and removal thereof from the holding recess. This can be
advantageous e.g. to be able to remove the removable component for
drying and/or cleaning purposes. Also, this enables use of
different removable components. For example, different sets of
removable components can be used in running shoes depending on the
type of exercise.
[0035] The structure can be such that there are no conventional
elements such as a midsole between the removable component and the
outsole. Lack of separate components such as a midsole can allow
for an easy and quick alteration, even a substantial alteration, of
properties and characteristics of a footwear. Also, a substantial
part of the internal components can be removed for drying and/or
cleaning by simply removing the removable component. Once the
removable component is removed, all that is left is an empty
"shell" formed by the sole unit and the upper, and possible leaner
elements such as a strobel sock and/or a shank.
[0036] Cavities 11 are provided to receive air from co-operative
resiliently deflecting diaphragm elements 6 of the outsole
component 3 for generation of air flow within the removable
component 10. Air circulation channels 12 extend substantially
laterally from the cavities 11 for distributing air forced into the
cavities by the pumping action of the diaphragm elements 6. Areas
14 adjacent to the cavities and air circulation channels are
provided to seal the sole structure such that when the removable
component is placed in the holding recess 7, air forced into the
cavities and therefrom to the channels 12 of the removable
component does not escape laterally from the channels 12 and the
cavities 11.
[0037] In the example of FIGS. 3 to 7 the air circulation channels
12 are provided on the underside of the removable component 10. The
removable component comprises perforations 13 extending from the
air circulation channels 12 to the upper side of the removable
component. The perforations may be e.g. punched, drilled, moulded,
laser cut to the removable component material.
[0038] According to a possibility upwards extending apertures, or
grooves connected to the channels 12 and cavities 11 can be
provided at the sides of the removable component. By means of this
air circulation at the sides of the upper can be enhanced.
[0039] Sealing areas 14 are also shown. When the resiliently
deflecting diaphragm elements 6 generate pumping action forcing air
towards the cavities 11 and further to the channels 12 of the
removable component 10 in the holding recess 7, the sealing areas
14 provide sealing between the removable component and the outsole
preventing air from escaping laterally from air circulation or
distribution channels 12. Thus the air is guided along the channels
12 and through the openings or perforations 13 extending upwards
from the channels 12 towards the interior of the footwear.
[0040] The removable component does not need to be fixedly attached
to the outsole to retain the air in the channels. Instead, when the
footwear is in use and the removable component 10 is placed in the
holding recess 7, the weight of the user causes the sealing surface
areas 14 be pressed against the surface of the outsole, thus
sealing the channels. Materials of the removable component and the
outsole components can be selected to optimise the sealing
effect.
[0041] According to an example, the material and/or structure of
the removable component is such that the cavities 11 also enhance
the pumping effect. The cavities 11 of the removable component can
be arranged to be of soft material such that the cavities compress
as the user steps on the removable component, thus enhancing the
pumping action forcing air into the channels 12.
[0042] FIGS. 3 and 7 show also how at least one of the air
circulation channels 12 can comprise an expanded area 16 for
enhanced air circulation in given areas. FIG. 5 shows a top view of
the perforations 13 and the expanded area on the upper side of the
removable component 10. The expanded areas 16 can be provided on
the underside of the removable component 10. The expanded areas can
comprise an appropriate pattern of perforations 13 for connecting
the air circulation channels 12 with the upper side of the
removable component. In each expanded area 16 the channel can
expand laterally such that more perforations 13 towards the
interior of the footwear can be provided per length of the channel.
In the example of FIGS. 3 and 5 five expanded areas 16 with varying
shapes and number of perforations 13 are provided. However, any
other appropriate number, sizing and shaping of expanded areas is
possible. The size, shape and overall configuration of the
perforated areas can be optimised based on the shoe type, size
and/or any specific design requirement there might be.
[0043] A removable component can comprise a section providing
characteristics of a footbed or sock. A section providing
characteristics of a footbed or sock can be integrated on top of a
section providing characteristics that would have conventionally
been provided by a midsole fixed to the outsole. An example of this
is illustrated in FIG. 6. A footbed or sock part 20 covering at
least a part of the midsole part of the removable component 10 can
be provided with openings substantially matching the air
circulation channels and openings extending from the air
circulation channels.
[0044] The openings 13 may be produced to the footbed or sock, e.g.
by punching, laser, drilling, water jet, or otherwise. The openings
can be produced at the same time with producing the openings of the
midsole part.
[0045] Distribution of the perforations guiding the air into the
interior of the footwear through the expanded areas is
advantageous, e.g., because the air can flow with less resistance
further from the cavities. The air flow and even distribution
thereof can be further assisted by upwards extending side grooves
arranged on at least one side edge of the removable component.
Also, when a user walks or runs the foot presses against the sole
structure underneath and at least some opening on the top of the
sole structure will become closed by the foot. The larger number of
openings spread on wider area and side grooves can be used to
ensure that at least some of the openings are open all the
times.
[0046] According to a possibility also shown in FIGS. 3 and 5
perforations connected to air circulation channels are arranged for
distributing air only within the mid and front sections of the
article of footwear while the heel section is free of such
perforations. This can be provided to increase the amount of air
forced into the front portion of the interior by the pods
distributed on the entire bottom area of the outsole. Also, this
leaves the heel section visible from outside free of any holes. In
addition for aesthetic reasons, this allows better use of the heel
section for, e.g., branding.
[0047] The outsole component may be side and/or corner stitched to
upper material of an article of footwear.
[0048] A sole structure may also comprise at least one further
component between the removable component and the outsole
component. The at least one further component can be arranged such
that it does not hinder airflow from the diaphragm elements to the
removable component.
[0049] FIGS. 8, 9, 10A and 10B show examples of such an
arrangement. More particularly, a strobel construction where
strobel material or sock 30 is provided between an outsole
component 3 and a removable component 10 is shown. A strobel sock
can be made of fabric or non-woven material used to finish the
bottom of an upper. A special machine can be used to make a strobel
stitch to attach the strobel material to the upper. In a strobel
shoe the upper material 4 can be sewn to the bottom material
creating a "strobel sock" Jo construction. The material may have at
least some flexibility. The upper and strobel material can be
strobel stitched together. After the upper has been lasted, the
upper and strobel material can be cemented to the outsole component
3. The strobel material such as the sock 30 can be perforated at
locations 31 matching the diaphragm elements 6 and the cavities 11.
In addition, or as an alternative, other types of stitching can
also be used for the joining.
[0050] FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view where a removable
component 10 is in place in a receiving recess whereas in FIG. 10B
the removable component is removed from the outsole. FIG. 10B
further illustrates an embodiment where stitching 33 extends
through strobel material 30 and the outsole component 3.
[0051] In FIGS. 10A and 10B the sides of the receiving recess 7 are
provided by upper material 4. The sides are further supported by
upwards protruding parts 8 of the outsole 3. Thus the removable
component 10 rests on the strobel sock 30 on top of the outsole 3
and is held in place sideways by upper material 4.
[0052] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectioned view of an example where the
sides of the receiving recess 7 are provided solely by the upper
material 4.
[0053] A structure for an article of footwear may also comprise
other internal components, for example an internal shank and/or a
heel element. Examples of possible internal components are shown in
FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. More particularly, a structure may comprise a
shank 50 and/or a heel element 40. A function of the element 40 is
to fill the volume in the heel section. The internal component are
configured so that they do not hinder airflow from the diaphragm
elements 6 to the removable component 10.
[0054] A shank 50 can comprise openings 51 aligned with diaphragm
elements 6 of an outsole component 3 underneath and cavities 11 of
a removable component 10 above the shank to allow air to flow
through the structure. As shown in FIG. 12, the shank 50 can extend
underneath the air distribution channels 12/expanded areas 16.
[0055] A shank piece can be designed such that no part thereof
extends on top of one or more diaphragm elements 6.
[0056] According to a possibility at least a part of the air
distribution channels in the area of the shank is provided in the
shank. The air channels can be provided in the top and/or bottom of
the shank, as appropriate.
[0057] A part of the air distribution channels may also be provided
on the outsole. For example, a removable component may not be thick
enough at the front part thereof to accommodate air distribution
channels. To address this the air distribution channels can be
provided on the top surface of the holding recess of the outsole in
such areas.
[0058] The heel element 40 can also be provided with appropriate
openings 41 aligned with the diaphragm elements 6. The sectioned
view of FIG. 13 shows the opening 41 to be conically shaped. This
may be advantageous in enhancing the air flow towards the cavity
11. At the bottom of the heel element 40 the opening 41 can have
large enough diameter to be slightly larger than the diaphragm
element 6. However, as the shank 50 may not be strong enough to
accommodate this large openings, smoothly tapering shape can be
provided through the heel element 40 and shank 50 towards the
cavity 11.
[0059] FIGS. 12 and 13 also illustrate an example of side stitching
5 between the outsole component 3 and the upper 4.
[0060] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for a method of circulating air in an
article of footwear comprising an upper, an outsole and a removable
component inserted into a holding recess. Air is forced at 100
towards cavities in the removable component by resiliently
deflecting diaphragm elements at the bottom of the outsole. Air
forced towards the removable component by the diaphragm elements is
distributed at 102 within the removable component by air
circulation channels extending substantially laterally from the
cavities between the removable component and the holding
recess.
[0061] Pressure is applied at 104 to sealing areas of the removable
component to maintain engagement of the sealing areas with the
surface of the holding recess to prevent escaping of air forced
into the removable component from the air circulation channels.
[0062] The foregoing description provides by way of exemplary and
non-limiting examples a full and informative description of
exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, various
modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled
in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended
claims. All such and similar modifications of the teachings of this
invention will still fall within the spirit and scope of this
invention.
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