Apparatus for article of footwear including frame with footwear plate

Abstract

An apparatus for an article of footwear includes a frame having a footwear plate and an arcuate shield. The footwear plate is configured to extend at least partially along and below a sole of a foot of a wearer. The arcuate shield is integral with the footwear plate and is configured to extend laterally from the footwear plate at least partially over an upper portion of a foot of a wearer.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 535,883, filed August 31, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for footwear articles, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear board. Background Technology

[0003] Footwear typically includes a sole structure configured to lie beneath the wearer's foot to separate it from the ground. The sole structure can generally be configured to provide one or more of cushioning, motion control, and rebound. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary rather than limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0005] Figure 1 This is an internal perspective view of an apparatus for footwear products, which includes a frame having a footwear plate and an arced shield.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An external perspective view of the device.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a plan view of an alternative device, which includes a frame having a footwear board and having Figure 1 The frame features an arc-shaped protective cover, and the footwear plate has only the forefoot and midfoot sections.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear board and having Figure 1 The frame features an arc-shaped protective cover, and the footwear plate only has the forefoot portion.

[0009] Figure 5 It is an inside perspective view of a footwear product, including the upper and sole structure. Figure 1 The device is equipped with an arc-shaped shield that extends along the inner surface of the front panel of the shoe upper.

[0010] Figure 6 It is an inside perspective view of a footwear product, including the upper and sole structure. Figure 1 The device is equipped with an arc-shaped shield that extends along the outer surface of the vamp of the footwear.

[0011] Figure 7 It has a connector. Figure 1 An internal perspective view of the device, showing the connector fixed to the upper surface of the arc-shaped shield.

[0012] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial perspective view of the curved protective cover and the connector.

[0013] Figure 9 This is a plan view of an alternative device, which includes a frame having a footwear board and having Figure 7 The device features an arc-shaped shield and a connector, and the footwear plate has only a forefoot portion and a midfoot portion.

[0014] Figure 10 This is a plan view of an alternative device, which includes a frame having a footwear board and having Figure 7 The device features an arc-shaped shield and a connector, and the footwear plate has only the forefoot portion.

[0015] Figure 11 It is an inside perspective view of a footwear product, including the upper and sole structure. Figure 7 The device is equipped with an arc-shaped shield that extends along the outer surface of the front part of the shoe upper.

[0016] Figure 12 It includes Figure 1 An inner perspective view of a footwear product with a connector comprising a fabric fixed to the outer surface of the front panel of the footwear upper and a magnet or magnetic material operably fixed to the fabric.

[0017] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A partial perspective view of a portion of the fabric of the footwear upper and connector.

[0018] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A partial perspective view of a portion of the footwear upper and connector.

[0019] Figure 15 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, which includes a frame having a footwear plate and an arc-shaped shield.

[0020] Figure 16 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, which includes a frame having a footwear plate and an arc-shaped shield.

[0021] Figure 17This is an external perspective view of an apparatus for footwear products, which includes a frame having a footwear plate and an arc-shaped shield.

[0022] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A plan view of the device.

[0023] Figure 19 It is an external perspective view of a footwear product, including the upper and sole structure. Figure 17 The device is equipped with an arc-shaped protective cover and includes Figure 7 The connector has an arc-shaped shield that extends along the outer surface of the front panel of the shoe upper.

[0024] Figure 20 It includes Figure 17 An exterior perspective view of a footwear product with a device having Figure 12 . connector.

[0025] Figure 21 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate and an arcuate shield having an end disposed above the upper surface of the footwear plate.

[0026] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An internal perspective view of the device.

[0027] Figure 23 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate and an arcuate shield having an end disposed above the upper surface of the footwear plate.

[0028] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 An internal perspective view of the device.

[0029] Figure 25 This is a plan view of an alternative device, which includes a frame having a footwear board and having Figure 21 The frame features an arc-shaped protective cover, and the footwear plate has only the forefoot and midfoot sections.

[0030] Figure 26 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear board and having Figure 21 The frame features an arc-shaped protective cover, and the footwear plate only has the forefoot portion.

[0031] Figure 27 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate and an arcuate shield having an end disposed above the upper surface of the footwear plate.

[0032] Figure 28 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate and an arcuate shield having an end disposed above the upper surface of the footwear plate.

[0033] Figure 29 This is an external perspective view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate and an arcuate shield having an end disposed above the upper surface of the footwear plate.

[0034] Figure 30 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate and an arcuate shield having an end disposed above the upper surface of the footwear plate.

[0035] Figure 31 It is an external perspective view of a footwear product, including the upper and sole structure. Figure 29 The device is equipped with an arc-shaped protective cover and includes Figure 7 The connector has an arc-shaped shield that extends along the outer surface of the front panel of the shoe upper.

[0036] Figure 32 It includes Figure 29 An exterior perspective view of a footwear product with a device having Figure 12 . connector.

[0037] Figure 33 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate, a first arc-shaped shield, and a second arc-shaped shield.

[0038] Figure 34 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate, a first arc-shaped shield, and a second arc-shaped shield.

[0039] Figure 35 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate, a first arc-shaped shield, and a second arc-shaped shield.

[0040] Figure 36 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear board and having Figure 33 The frame features an arc-shaped protective cover, and the footwear plate has only the forefoot and midfoot sections.

[0041] Figure 37 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear board and having Figure 33 The frame features an arc-shaped protective cover, and the footwear plate only has the forefoot portion.

[0042] Figure 38 It has a first connector and a second connector. Figure 34 A plan view of the device, the first connector (such as...) Figure 11 The second connector (such as the first arc-shaped protective cover) is fixed at the first arc-shaped protective cover. Figure 11 The connector is fixed at the second arc-shaped shield.

[0043] Figure 39 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate, a first arc-shaped shield, a second arc-shaped shield, and a bridging member connecting the first arc-shaped shield and the second arc-shaped shield.

[0044] Figure 40 It includes Figure 38 An external perspective view of footwear products with devices and connectors.

[0045] Figure 41 It includes having Figure 34 An external perspective view of a footwear product comprising a footboard, a first curved guard, and a second curved guard, wherein... Figure 39 The bridging element connects the first arc-shaped shield and the second arc-shaped shield, and in which Figure 11 The connector is fixed at the bridging component.

[0046] Figure 42 It includes Figure 34 The device and Figure 11 An external perspective view of a footwear product with a connector.

[0047] Figure 43 This is an interior perspective view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a honeycomb panel and having Figure 1 The curved protective shield.

[0048] Figure 44 This is an exterior perspective view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a honeycomb panel and having Figure 17 The curved protective shield.

[0049] Figure 45 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, which includes a frame with a honeycomb panel.

[0050] Figure 46 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, which includes a frame with a honeycomb panel having only a forefoot portion and a midfoot portion.

[0051] Figure 47 This is a plan view of an apparatus for footwear products, which includes a frame with a honeycomb panel having only the forefoot portion.

[0052] Figure 48 It includes Figure 45 An inside perspective view of a footwear product with an apparatus.

[0053] Figure 49 This is an exploded interior perspective view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate and an arcuate shield that can be selectively removed from the footwear plate.

[0054] Figure 50 This is an exploded interior perspective view of an apparatus for footwear products, the apparatus including a frame having a footwear plate and an arcuate shield that can be selectively removed from the footwear plate.

[0055] Figure 51 It is an inside perspective view of a footwear product including the upper and sole structure, the footwear product having Figure 49 The device has an arcuate shield attached to the footwear plate and extending along the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper, and includes... Figure 11 . connector.

[0056] Figure 52 It is an inside perspective view of a footwear product including the upper and sole structure, the footwear product having Figure 50 The device has an arcuate shield attached to the footwear plate and extending along the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper, and includes... Figure 11 . connector.

[0057] Figure 53 This is an exterior perspective view of a footwear product, which includes having Figure 11 connector Figure 17 The device also includes a recess on the surface of the midsole for accommodating a magnet or magnetic material.

[0058] Figure 54 Is Figure 53 The line 54-54 was cut off. Figure 53 A cross-sectional view of footwear products.

[0059] Figure 55 It is an external perspective view of a footwear product with stripes having magnets or magnetic materials fixed to the stripes and disposed and fixed to magnets or magnetic materials housed in recesses in the midsole.

[0060] Figure 56 yes Figure 55 A partial cross-sectional view of one of the strips, on which a magnet or magnetic material is fixed.

[0061] Figure 57 Is Figure 55 The line 57-57 was cut off. Figure 55 A cross-sectional view of footwear products.

[0062] Figure 58 This is an inside perspective view of a footwear product having a front midsole component and a rear midsole component (shown in the use position) that are pivotable relative to each other, and having a device with a footplate and an arcuate shroud.

[0063] Figure 59 yes Figure 58 An inside perspective view of a device included in footwear products.

[0064] Figure 60 It has a front midsole component and a rear midsole component. Figure 58 An inside view of a footwear product, wherein the front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivoted relative to each other to an entry position.

[0065] Figure 61 This is an external perspective view of a footwear product having a front midsole component and a rear midsole component (shown in the use position) that are pivotable relative to each other, and having... Figure 11 connector Figure 17 The device.

[0066] Figure 62 It has a front midsole component and a rear midsole component. Figure 61 An external view of the footwear, wherein the front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivoted relative to each other to an entry position.

[0067] Figure 63 This is an exterior perspective view of a footwear product, which includes having Figure 11 connector Figure 17 The device also includes a recess for accommodating a magnet or magnetic material on the surface of the heel footbed of the front midsole component.

[0068] Figure 64 Is Figure 63 The line 64-64 was cut off. Figure 63 A cross-sectional view of the heel pad.

[0069] Figure 65 It is in the usage position. Figure 63 An external perspective view of a footwear product having straps with magnets or magnetic material fixed thereon and disposed in a recess in the heel footbed.

[0070] Figure 66 Is Figure 65 The line 66-66 was cut off. Figure 65 A cross-sectional view of footwear products. Detailed Implementation

[0071] This disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for footwear articles, comprising a frame and a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole portion of a wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the frame includes an arcuate shield extending from the frame and configured to extend over the upper portion of the wearer's foot. Various embodiments of the frame contribute to supporting and protecting the foot and may include features that aid movement, such as a joint connector that receives externally applied forces.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the device for footwear articles may include a frame having a footboard and a curved shield. The footboard may be configured to extend at least partially along the sole of the wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot. The curved shield may be integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot. Because the frame is configured to extend both over the upper portion of the wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot, thereby partially enclosing the foot, the frame can be used to guide foot movement. For example, forces applied to the frame are distributed to the top and bottom of the foot. Additionally, when incorporated into footwear articles and worn during activities where forces can be directed to the upper portion (such as during sports activities), the curved shield can protect the upper portion of the foot. In some implementations, the frame may receive externally applied forces to assist the wearer during walking or running, such as to induce rotation of the foot around the ankle, assist plantar flexion of the foot, and reduce the effort required by the wearer (compared to performing the same activity without such externally applied forces).

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the curved shield and the footplate can be a single, integral structure. This allows any forces applied to the footplate to be efficiently distributed by it. Additionally, the footplate can be relatively rigid, and in some embodiments, more rigid than other components of the sole structure of the footwear article. For example, the frame can include carbon fiber composite material. The frame can have a compressive stiffness of a predetermined value or within a predetermined range. The frame can have sufficient stiffness to prevent the curved shield from bending relative to the footplate when subjected to a force no greater than a predetermined force. Therefore, the footplate is sufficiently stiff to maintain forward propulsion as the wearer's foot rolls forward from heel to toe and the plantar flexes through the toe-off position. Furthermore, for example, a frame with a relatively stiff plate efficiently converts the applied force into rotation of the frame around the wearer's ankle. This frame provides stiffness regardless of the type of footwear it is embedded in. For example, when incorporated into footwear, the frame will increase the stiffness of the otherwise relatively flexible sole structure, establishing a baseline stiffness sufficient to transmit the intended force applied to the device.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the connector may be operatively attached to and / or secured to the upper surface of the curved shield. For example, the connector may be directly secured to the upper surface, or indirectly secured to the upper surface, such as by securing it to a footwear upper. In either case, the connector is considered to be operatively attached to the curved shield, and more specifically to the upper surface of the curved shield.

[0075] In examples, the curved shield may be configured to extend along the inner surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper, and the connector may include fabric fixed to the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper. In one embodiment, the fabric may be configured to pivot relative to the outer surface of the footwear upper about at least two vertical axes. The two vertical axes may include, for example, a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis. In a particular example, the fabric may be fixed to the footwear upper at only one end, allowing the fabric to move relative to the footwear upper as part of a ball joint. In one or more embodiments, the connector may include a magnet or magnetic material operably fixed to the fabric.

[0076] In another example, the connector can be directly attached to the curved shield. In one embodiment, the connector is directly attached to the curved shield. Such a connector can also be configured to function as part of a ball joint. For example, the connector can have a base defining a cavity that can be generally spherical or otherwise configured to receive additional portions of the ball joint, such as a link with a ball attached. Configuring the connector as part of a ball joint allows for the maintenance of flexibility in the forefoot area. Therefore, any external forces applied through the ball joint to assist movement should not restrict the natural movement of the wearer's foot.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the curved shield may extend over the forefoot portion of the footplate. In some embodiments, the curved shield may alternatively or additionally extend over the midfoot and / or heel portion of the footplate.

[0078] The footwear plate itself can also be configured to have various lengths and positions within the footwear. For example, the footwear plate can be configured to extend only in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear, or it can be configured to extend only in the forefoot and midfoot areas of the footwear, or it can be configured to extend only in the midfoot and heel areas of the footwear, or it can be configured to extend in the forefoot, midfoot, and heel areas of the footwear.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the curved shield may extend laterally from the outer portion of the footwear board to the inner portion of the footwear board. For example, the curved shield may be attached to the footwear board at its outer edge or between its outer edge and longitudinal centerline. The curved shield may also be attached to the footwear board at its inner edge or between its inner edge and longitudinal centerline. The curved shield thus connects to both the inner and outer portions of the footwear board. This connection may be selective (e.g., the curved shield may be selectively attached to and detachable from the footwear board). Alternatively, the connection may be permanent, such as when the curved shield and the footwear board are adjacent single components.

[0080] The curved shield can be shaped to extend generally along the surface profile of the upper portion of a typical wearer's foot and / or the footwear upper in which the device is incorporated. For example, the curved shield can have a front edge and a rear edge, with the front edge closer to the upper surface of the footplate than the rear edge, such that the upper surface of the curved shield has a downward and forward pitch from the rear edge to the front edge. This is analogous to the typical downward slope of the upper portion of the wearer's foot in front of the ankle and / or the forefoot portion of the footwear upper in which the device is incorporated. By typically wrapping the foot in this relatively tight manner, the frame is more easily integrated into the footwear without unduly increasing the overall size of the footwear.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the frame can be configured to receive external forces to enhance plantar flexion of the wearer's foot. In one example, a connector may be positioned in front of the ankle opening of the footwear article. For example, the connector or other attachment features discussed herein can be configured to receive and direct external forces on the frame (such as on the curved shield) to induce rotation around the ankle, thereby reducing the effort required by the wearer for plantar flexion. This energy assistance allows the wearer to remain active and / or travel greater distances over longer periods. In one example, the frame is configured for operatively attaching to an outer frame that provides the external forces assisting plantar flexion. The connector may be positioned on a portion of the curved shield above the upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0082] The sole structure can include any implementation of the frame discussed herein. For example, a sole structure for footwear articles can include a frame according to any example discussed herein, such as a frame having a footboard and an arcuate shroud configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of the wearer's foot, the arcuate shroud being integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot. In some examples, the sole structure may also include a midsole, and the footboard may extend at least partially over the midsole. In examples, the footboard may be, for example, between a foam midsole and an insole, or between an underlying midsole and an overlying midsole.

[0083] Footwear articles may include any implementation of the frame and any implementation of the sole structure discussed herein. For example, the footwear article may include a frame having a footboard and an arcuate shield configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of the wearer's foot, the arcuate shield being integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0084] In some embodiments, footwear articles may include a footwear upper, and a curved shroud may extend along the inner surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper. In such examples, footwear articles may also include a connector operatively attached to and / or secured to the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper. For example, the connector may include fabric secured to the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper as discussed herein.

[0085] In other embodiments, the curved shield may extend outward from the outer surface of the footwear upper, such as by extending through the footwear upper from the interior of the foot receiving cavity at or near one or both of the inner and outer sides of the footwear upper, and extending over the outer surface of the footwear upper between the locations where the curved shield extends through the footwear upper. In other embodiments, the curved shield may be entirely outside the footwear upper, such as in embodiments where the curved shield is continuously connected to or selectively attached to the footwear plate at the sole structure, such as below the lower edge of the footwear upper at the inner and / or outer sides of the footwear article. In such embodiments, a connector may be directly attached to the curved shield.

[0086] The position of the curved shield relative to the footplate can be configured to facilitate relatively easy foot insertion (e.g., positioning the sole of the wearer's foot above the footplate, with the curved shield positioned above the upper portion of the wearer's foot). For example, the device for footwear articles may include a frame. This frame may have a footplate configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of the wearer's foot, and the frame may also have a curved shield integral with the footplate and configured to extend laterally from the inner portion of the footplate to the outer portion of the footplate, at least partially above the upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0087] The front edge of the curved shield on the inner part of the footwear plate is further forward or further back than the front edge of the curved shield on the outer part of the footwear plate, so that the front edge of the curved shield is diagonally shifted from the inner part of the footwear plate to the outer part of the footwear plate, respectively.

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, the rear edge of the curved shield can be diagonally moved backward or forward from the inner portion of the footwear plate to the outer portion of the footwear plate, respectively. If the foot not only enters from behind the rear edge, but also moves laterally inward toward the longitudinal midline from the side opposite to the side diagonally forward from the rear edge (e.g., if the rear edge diagonally forward from the inner portion to the outer portion, it moves forward and laterally inward from the outer portion, and if the rear edge diagonally forward from the outer portion to the inner portion, it moves forward and laterally inward from the inner portion), it becomes relatively easy to insert the foot from behind the rear edge of the curved shield into the frame that begins with the forefoot area of ​​the foot.

[0089] In an example where the front edge of the curved shield is obliquely shifted forward from one of the medial and lateral portions to the other, the front edge of the curved shield at the medial portion of the footplate may be located at one of the forefoot and midfoot portions of the footplate, and the front edge of the curved shield at the lateral portion of the footplate may be located at the other of the forefoot and midfoot portions. In such an embodiment, the curved shield should span the instep of the wearer's foot. External forces applied to the curved shield (such as at any of the joint connectors described herein) should cause the forefoot portion to rotate forward around the ankle (e.g., plantar flexion).

[0090] In one or more instances, the device for footwear articles may have an arcuate shield that extends only partially across the upper portion of the wearer's foot. For example, in one or more embodiments, the device for footwear articles may include a frame having a footboard and an arcuate shield, the footboard being configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of the wearer's foot, the arcuate shield being integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot from one of the inner or outer portions of the footboard to an end disposed above the upper surface of the footboard. When disposed in footwear articles, the arcuate shield may extend partially over the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper or may be inside the footwear upper. Any of the connectors described herein may be operatively connected to and / or secured to the upper surface of the arcuate shield.

[0091] By positioning the end above the upper surface of the footwear plate, the curved shield can function to protect the foot, distribute the applied force, minimize external weight, and potentially make it easier for the foot to be inserted into the footwear from the side opposite to where the curved shield extends.

[0092] In one embodiment, the curved shield extends from the inner side and / or inner edge of the footwear plate and does not extend to the outer side and / or outer edge of the footwear plate. In an alternative embodiment, the curved shield extends from the outer side and / or outer edge of the footwear plate and does not extend to the inner side and / or inner edge of the footwear plate.

[0093] In one or more instances, the device for footwear articles may have two curved shields. For example, the device may include a frame having a footboard configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of the wearer's foot. A first curved shield may be integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot. A second curved shield may be integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the first arc-shaped shield may be at least partially disposed above the forefoot portion of the footplate in front of the second arc-shaped shield. In the same embodiment or in different embodiments, the second arc-shaped shield may be at least partially disposed above the midfoot portion of the footplate.

[0095] Compared to a device with a single arcuate shield having the same front / back length as both arcuate shields, providing two arcuate shields can help distribute point loads while increasing the flexibility of the device. By at least partially separating the two arcuate shields, the gap between them reduces the resistance to bending of the device about a lateral axis aligned with the arcuate shields (such as at the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joint). Additionally, in some embodiments, providing two arcuate shields can help distribute the forces acting on either arcuate shield to reduce the likelihood of point loads being transferred to the wearer's foot.

[0096] In one aspect, the first connector can be operatively connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the first arcuate shield, and the second connector can be operatively connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the second arcuate shield. The first and second connectors can be configured as any of the connectors disclosed herein.

[0097] Providing two connectors allows for the option of offering different mechanical advantages when applying external force to the device. For example, a second curved shield and its connector located further back than the first curved shield and its connector would provide a shorter lever relative to the wearer's ankle (compared to the first connector). The greater mechanical advantage of applying external force to the first curved shield via the first (forward) connector may be more suitable for certain activities, while the smaller mechanical advantage of applying external force to the second curved shield via the second (backward) connector may be more suitable for other activities.

[0098] On the other hand, the frame may also include a bridging element that integrally connects the first and second arcuate shields. The device may include a connector operatively connected to and / or secured to the upper surface of the bridging element. In such an example, at least a partial increase in flexibility can be achieved by providing two arcuate shields instead of a single, larger arcuate shield, and the distribution of any external forces applied to the connector is at least partially achieved via the bridging element.

[0099] In one or more instances, the footwear plate used in the device can be optimized to reduce external weight while increasing plate strength. For example, the device for footwear articles may include a frame having a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along and beneath the sole of the wearer's foot. The footwear plate may include a matrix structure defining a plurality of open units. Connectors such as any of the connectors disclosed herein may be operatively connected to and / or secured to the frame.

[0100] The matrix structure can be configured according to computerized design to achieve a specific stiffness distribution on the sole. The design of the cell size, shape, and the thickness and height of the footwear plate can be used to influence the stiffness distribution. In one or more embodiments, at least some of these cells can be polygonal. For example, at least some of these cells can be hexagonal.

[0101] Compared to solid structural panels of similar thickness (e.g., without open units), matrix structures with multiple open units can be lighter and stronger. Matrix structures allow the use of different, lighter materials that enable footwear panels to have the same or greater strength as solid footwear panels without open units.

[0102] In some embodiments of the device having a frame with a matrix structure, the frame may include an arcuate shield that is integral with the footwear plate and configured to extend from the footwear plate at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0103] In some embodiments of the device having a frame with a matrix structure, the height of the footwear plate, the thickness of the footwear plate between adjacent open units in the open unit, and / or the shape of the open unit can be configured to provide a predetermined stiffness distribution of the footwear plate.

[0104] For example, in an embodiment of a footwear plate with a matrix structure used in footwear configured for sprinting, the footwear plate can be a full-length plate (e.g., it can have a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion), because sprinting primarily utilizes the forefoot area of ​​the foot, and the sole structure can flex less during sprinting compared to long-distance running. In footwear configured for long-distance running, the wearer typically experiences heel impact and a heel-to-toe transition with each stride. Therefore, the footwear plate in this embodiment can be shorter than that in footwear used for sprinting; for example, it may only have a forefoot portion, or only a forefoot and midfoot portion, or a forefoot, midfoot, and heel portion (but with a narrow heel portion or a heel portion with openings to allow engagement with the rebound foam portion of the midsole).

[0105] In some instances of this device, the curved shield can be selectively attached to and detached from the footwear plate. For example, a device for footwear articles may include a frame having a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of the wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot. The device may include a curved shield that is selectively attached to and detachable from the footwear plate, and when attached to the footwear plate, is configured to extend laterally from the inner portion of the footwear plate to the outer portion of the footwear plate, at least partially above the upper portion of the wearer's foot. By configuring the curved shield to be selectively detachable, it can be removed when needed, such as when the wearer's planned activity does not require the presence of the curved shield. For example, if any of the connectors described herein are operatively attached to and / or secured to the frame (such as operatively attached to and / or secured to the upper surface of the curved shield), and the wearer's planned activities do not involve the use of the connectors, then removing the curved shield results in a reduction in the overall weight of the footwear. Furthermore, the selective attachment and removal of the curved shield makes it possible to use different curved shields for different activities. For example, a first curved shield with a first connector can be attached to a footwear plate for one or more activities, and a second curved shield with another connector configured for connection to different components can, for example, be attached to a footwear plate for different activities.

[0106] The curved shield can be any configuration described herein, such as a configuration in which the curved shield extends to both the inner and outer portions of the footwear plate, or a configuration in which the curved shield is configured to extend above the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper when attached to the footwear plate.

[0107] In one embodiment, selective attachment of the curved shield and the footplate is achieved via a tab and slot connection. One of the footplate and the curved shield includes a slot, and the other includes a tab configured to be received within the slot to attach the curved shield to the footplate. In embodiments where a downward force is applied to the curved shield, the force will cooperate with, rather than counteract, the connection between the curved shield and the footplate at the tab and slot. Other attachment features may be used, such as using openings in the curved shield and the footplate to establish selective attachment and detachment, these openings being aligned to receive fasteners to hold the curved shield to the footplate, or hook-and-loop connections, etc.

[0108] In an example, the sole structure for footwear includes: a frame, a connector operably attached to and / or fixed to the frame, and a midsole having a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of the wearer's foot and beneath the sole of the wearer's foot. The midsole may include a forefoot midsole component and a rearfoot midsole component, which are pivotable relative to each other between a use position and an entry position at a pivot axis extending laterally across the midfoot area of ​​the sole structure, wherein the sole structure is lifted at the pivot axis in the entry position. The footwear plate may extend at least partially along the forefoot midsole component. For example, in one or more embodiments, the footwear plate may extend only in the forefoot area of ​​the sole structure and / or only in front of the pivot axis. In some other embodiments, the forefoot midsole component may include a heel bed that covers the rearfoot midsole component in the use position and is spaced apart from the rearfoot midsole component in the entry position. In such embodiments, the footwear plate may further extend along the heel bed behind the pivot axis. Because the heel footbed moves together with the forefoot midsole, configuring the footplate to extend behind the pivot axis and above the rear footbed will not interfere with pivoting at the pivot axis.

[0109] In some instances, the frame can be used in the sole structure of footwear articles, the sole structure being configured for magnetic attachment to another component. For example, the sole structure may include: a frame, a connector operatively attached to and / or fixed to the frame, and a midsole, the frame having a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of the wearer's foot and beneath the sole of the wearer's foot. The footwear plate may extend at least partially along the midsole. The midsole may define a recess on its surface, and a magnet or magnetic material housed within the recess. For example, the recess may be on an outer surface of the midsole, such as a sidewall. This sidewall may be an outer sidewall.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the recess may have a partially cylindrical shape. For example, the recess may be part of a cylindrical shape with an opening at the surface of the midsole. A magnet or magnetic material may be positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the recess, thereby opening a portion of the cylindrical recess to receive a magnetic connector, such as another magnet or magnetic material configured to attract the magnet or magnetic material housed in the recess, through an opening in the side surface.

[0111] For example, the sole structure may include a strip and another magnet or magnetic material attached to the strip and configured to attract the magnet or magnetic material housed in a recess. The magnet or magnetic material attached to the strip may be shaped to be received in the recess. Thus, when the magnet or magnetic material attached to the strip is received in the recess, the magnetic connection between the magnet or magnetic material housed in the recess and the magnet or magnetic material attached to the strip operatively connects the strip to the midsole. Forces may be applied to the strip to move the midsole. For example, if the recess is in the heel area of ​​the midsole, an upward force applied to the strip will cause the footwear plate to exert an upward force on the wearer's sole behind the ankle. When an upward force is applied in front of the ankle (such as at the joint connector), this force can counteract any tendency of the heel portion to move away from the wearer's sole.

[0112] In one respect, both the inner and outer sides of the midsole can be configured for magnetic connection to another component. For example, the recess can be a first recess, the surface of the midsole can include an inner surface, and the magnet or magnetic material can be a first magnet or a first magnetic material. The surface of the midsole can also include an outer surface and can define a second recess at least partially at the outer surface, and the sole structure can include a second magnet or a second magnetic material housed in the second recess.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, the midsole may include a forefoot midsole component and a rearfoot midsole component, which are pivotable relative to each other between a use position and an entry position at a pivot axis extending laterally across the midfoot area of ​​the sole structure, wherein the sole structure is lifted at the pivot axis in the entry position. Such a midsole may be referred to as a seamed midsole. In one example, the footwear plate may be configured to extend only in front of the pivot axis, such as a footwear plate having only a forefoot portion or only a forefoot and midfoot portion. In another example, the forefoot midsole component may include a heel bed that covers the rearfoot midsole component in the use position and is spaced apart from the rearfoot midsole component in the entry position. The surface of the midsole defining a recess therein may be the surface of the heel bed. In such an example, the heel bed may have a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion, and may extend in each of the forefoot, midfoot, and heel areas of the footwear article. The recess can be, for example, located on the side surface of the heel portion of the heel footbed. If the sole structure includes a strip and another magnet or magnetic material attached to the strip and configured to attract the magnet or magnetic material housed in the recess, then when the sole structure is in the use position, the strip can be at least partially positioned between the heel footbed and the inner side of the footwear upper. This facilitates further securing of the strip, and when the sole structure is in the use position, it helps to further secure the magnet or magnetic material attached to the strip within the recess.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, a sole structure for footwear articles includes: a frame having a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of a wearer's foot; a connector operatively connected to and / or secured to the frame; and a midsole including a forefoot midsole component and a rearfoot midsole component, the forefoot midsole component and the rearfoot midsole component being pivotable relative to each other between a use position and an entry position at a pivot axis extending laterally across the midfoot area of ​​the sole structure, wherein the sole structure is lifted at the pivot axis in the entry position. The footwear plate may extend at least partially along the forefoot midsole component. The forefoot midsole component may include a heel bed that covers the rearfoot midsole component in the use position and is spaced apart from the rearfoot midsole component in the entry position. The surface of the heel bed may define a recess, and a magnet or magnetic material may be accommodated in the recess.

[0115] As discussed herein, the recess may be a first recess, the surface of the heel footbed defining the recess may include an inner surface, and the magnet or magnetic material may be a first magnet or a first magnetic material. The surface of the heel footbed may include an outer surface defining a second recess, and the sole structure may also include a second magnet or a second magnetic material housed in the second recess. As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the recess may have a partially cylindrical shape. As further discussed herein, a strip may be included having another magnet or magnetic material attached to the strip and configured to attract a magnet or magnetic material housed in and shaped to be received in the recess.

[0116] The above-described features and advantages of this teaching, as well as other features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out this teaching when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that while embodiments may be described individually below, their individual features may also be combined in additional embodiments.

[0117] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts in all views, Figure 1 It is a sole structure that can be used in footwear products (such as...) Figure 5 An inner perspective view of the device 10 in the sole structure 12 and footwear 14, and Figure 2 This is an external perspective view of device 10.

[0118] like Figure 1As shown, the device 10 includes a frame 16. The frame 16 has a footboard 18 and an arcuate shield 20, as discussed further herein. The footboard 18 has a heel portion 22, a midfoot portion 24, and a forefoot portion 26. The heel portion 22, midfoot portion 24, and forefoot portion 26 of the footboard 18 correspond to the heel area 27, midfoot area 28, and forefoot area 30 of the sole structure 12 and the footwear 14, respectively.

[0119] When a human foot, corresponding in size to the sole structure 12 and footwear 14, is supported on the sole structure 12, the heel portion 22 of the footwear plate 18 and the heel area 27 of the sole structure 12 and footwear 14 typically include that portion of the footwear plate 18 and the area of ​​the sole structure 12 and footwear 14 corresponding to the posterior portion (including the calcaneus) of the human foot.

[0120] The forefoot portion 26 of the footwear plate 18 and the forefoot area 30 of the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14 generally include this portion of the footwear plate 18 and the area of ​​the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14 corresponding to the toe and the joints of the metatarsals and phalanges connecting the human foot (which may be interchangeably referred to herein as the "metatarsopstomy joint" or "MPJ" joint).

[0121] The midfoot portion 24 of the footwear plate 18 and the midfoot area 28 of the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14 are respectively located between the heel portion 22 and the forefoot portion 26, or between the heel area 27 and the forefoot area 30, and generally include this portion of the footwear plate 18 and the area of ​​the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14 corresponding to the arch area (including the navicular joint) of the human foot.

[0122] The sole structures within the scope of this disclosure (such as sole structure 12) may include any implementation of the device discussed herein, comprising a frame and its curved shield. The frame 16 includes a footplate 18 and a curved shield 20, the footplate 18 being configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of the wearer's foot, the curved shield 20 being integral with the footplate 18 and configured to extend laterally from the footplate 18 at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot. For example, in Figure 6 The representative human foot 50 and ankle 52 are shown in dashed lines in the footwear 114, wherein the foot 50 is disposed in the foot receiving cavity 46 such that the footplate 318 extends at least partially along the sole 51 of the wearer's foot 50 and below the sole 51 of the wearer's foot 50, and the curved shield 320 extends laterally from the footplate 318 above the upper portion 53 of the foot 50.

[0123] Furthermore, this document may disclose or explain various exemplary features and aspects of the footwear plate 18, sole structure 12, and footwear article 14 by referring to the "longitudinal direction" and / or the "longitudinal length" of the footwear plate 18, sole structure 12, and footwear article 14. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the "longitudinal direction" is defined as the position from the last heel of device 10 ( Figure 1 The RH in the middle extends to the forefoot position ( Figure 1 The direction of line LM (FT) in the footwear. This line LM can also be referred to as the longitudinal centerline, and can also be used as the longitudinal centerline of the sole structure 12 and footwear 14 when the footwear plate 18 is incorporated therein. The “longitudinal length” of the footwear plate 18 is the length dimension measured from the last heel position RH to the forefoot position FT.

[0124] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the heel portion 22 of the footwear plate 18 and the heel area 27 of the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14 are defined herein as being located between the vertical planes that generally define the rear third of the footwear plate 18 and the rear third of the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14, respectively. The midfoot portion 24 of the footwear plate 18 and the midfoot area 28 of the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14 are defined herein as being located between the vertical planes that generally define the middle third of the footwear plate 18 and the middle third of the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14, respectively. The forefoot portion 26 of the footwear plate 18 and the forefoot area 30 of the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14 are defined herein as being located between the vertical planes that generally define the front third of the footwear plate 18 and the front third of the sole structure 12 and footwear article 14, respectively.

[0125] The footwear plate 18 has an inner side 32 and an outer side 34, both extending from the heel portion 22 to the forefoot portion 26 and generally located on opposite sides of the longitudinal midline LM. The inner side 32 and outer side 34 of the footwear plate 18 are also referred to as the inner portion 32 and outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 18, respectively. The inner side 32 and outer side 34 of the footwear plate 18 correspond respectively to the inner side 32A and outer side 34A of the sole structure 12 and the footwear article 14, as well as any other components thereof, such as... Figure 5 The footwear upper 40 shown. For example, both the footwear upper 40 and the sole structure 12 have a medial side 32A and a lateral side 34A (both the medial side 32A and the lateral side 34A extend from the heel area 27 to the forefoot area 30 and are generally located on opposite sides of the longitudinal midline LM of the footwear article 14).

[0126] refer to Figure 1The inner portion 32 of the footwear plate 18 lies between the inner edge 33 of the footwear plate 18 (also referred to herein as the inner end of the footwear plate 18) and the longitudinal center line LM. The outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 18 lies between the outer edge 35 of the footwear plate 18 (also referred herein as the outer end of the footwear plate 18) and the longitudinal center line LM.

[0127] Figure 5 This is an inside perspective view of a footwear article 14 including a footwear upper 40 and a sole structure 12. The sole structure 12 includes a midsole 42 and an outsole 44 with a ground-facing surface attached to the midsole 42. The midsole 42 may include one or more midsoles and is shown as having a single midsole 43. A footwear plate 18 extends at least partially over the midsole 43.

[0128] The middle layer 43 may be at least partially polyurethane foam or polyurethane ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and may comprise thermally expanded and molded EVA foam granules. The middle layer 43 typically comprises phylon (ethylene-vinyl acetate or “EVA”) and / or polyurethane (“PU”) base resin. For example, in one embodiment, the middle layer 43 may be compression-molded phylon. If EVA is used, it may have a vinyl acetate (VA) level between about 9% and about 40%. Suitable EVA resins include, for example, Elvax® supplied by DuPont and Company and Engage™ supplied by Dow Chemical Company. In some embodiments, EVA may be formed from a combination of high melt index and low melt index materials. For example, EVA may have a melt index of about 1 to about 50. EVA resins may be formulated to include various components, including a blowing agent and a curing / crosslinking agent. The blowing agent may have a weight percentage between about 10% and about 20%. The foaming agent can be thermally decomposable and is selected from common organic and inorganic chemical foaming agents. The properties of the foaming agent are not particularly limited, as long as it decomposes under the temperature conditions used when incorporating the foam into the virgin resin. Suitable foaming agents include, for example, azodicarbonamide. In some embodiments, peroxide-based curing agents, such as dicumyl peroxide, can be used. The amount of curing agent can be between about 0.6% and about 1.5%. EVA may also include homogenizing agents, processing aids, and waxes. For example, a mixture of light aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as Struktol® 60NS, available from Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH, Germany, can be included to allow for easier incorporation of other materials or waste EVA into the resin. EVA may also include other components such as release agents (e.g., stearic acid), activators (e.g., zinc oxide), fillers (e.g., magnesium carbonate), pigments, and clay. In embodiments combining multiple materials, each material can be formed from a material compatible with and readily bondable to another material. For example, these materials can be formed from EVA resin with suitable foaming agents, crosslinking agents and other auxiliary components, pigments, fillers, etc. Other suitable materials will become apparent to those skilled in the art thanks to this disclosure.

[0129] Outsole 44 can be formed from materials that typically include natural or synthetic rubber or other suitable durable materials. One or more materials can be selected for outsole 44 to provide a desired combination of durability and flexibility. Synthetic rubbers that can be used include polybutadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) copolymer rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber.

[0130] The sole structure 12 may include additional components, such as one or more other insoles covering the midsole 42 or the footwear plate 18, and / or one or more gas-retaining bladders. As shown, the device 10 is disposed within a foot receiving cavity 46 defined by the footwear upper 40 above the sole structure 12. The footwear upper 40 defines an ankle opening 48 into the foot receiving cavity 46. The footwear plate 18 is shown as covering the midsole 42. An insole, insole, and / or strobel (not shown) may cover the footwear plate 18 and be disposed between the wearer's foot and the footwear plate 18. In one example, the footwear plate 18 may be, for example, between a foam midsole (such as midsole 43) and the insole. The insole is in Figure 5 Not shown, but the foot receiving cavity 46 is located above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18 and may be placed on the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18. Figure 54 Such an insole 3443 is shown. The upper surface 47, also referred to herein as the foot-facing surface of the footwear plate 18, is also described herein. In other embodiments, such as regarding... Figure 6 The footwear board can be located between the lower mid-bottom layer and the upper upper mid-bottom layer.

[0131] The upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18 can be shaped to generally enclose the sole of the foot 50. For example, the upper surface 47 at the forefoot portion 26 can be slightly concave in cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, the material of the insole (such as a foam insole) can be shaped to provide additional geometry between the sole of the wearer's foot and the upper surface 47 to conform to the sole of the foot.

[0132] Additionally, the curved shield 20 can be shaped to extend generally along the contour of the upper part of the wearer's foot. When incorporated into footwear articles having an upper, the curved shield 20 can be shaped to extend generally along the contour of the upper (such as the forefoot portion of the upper). For example, as Figure 2As shown, the curved shield 20 has a front edge 56 and a rear edge 58. The front edge 56 is closer to the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18 (e.g., the surface facing the foot) than the rear edge 58, such that the upper surface 60 of the curved shield 20 has a downward and forward angle from the rear edge 58 to the front edge 56. This is similar to the typical downward slope of the upper part of the wearer's foot in front of the ankle and / or the typical downward slope of the forefoot portion of the footwear upper. By wrapping the foot in this relatively tight manner, the frame 16 can be more easily integrated into footwear articles such as footwear article 14 without unduly increasing the overall size of the footwear article 14.

[0133] Because the frame 16 is configured to extend both over the upper portion of the wearer's foot and under the sole of the foot, thus partially enclosing the foot, the frame 16 can be used to guide foot movement. For example, due to the integrated curved shield 20 and footboard 18, forces applied to the frame 16 can be distributed to the top and bottom of the foot. In some cases, this can help to hold the wearer's foot relative to the footboard 18. When shear forces are applied to the device 10 and / or the footwear in which the device 10 is incorporated, the integrated curved shield 20 can help prevent or reduce movement of the wearer's foot relative to the footboard 18 and / or relative to the footbed in which the device 10 is incorporated. Additionally, when the device 10 is incorporated into the footwear and worn during activities where forces can be directed upwards (such as during athletic activities), the curved shield 20 can protect the upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0134] In some embodiments, the frame 16 can receive forces to assist the wearer during walking or running, such as causing rotation of the foot around the ankle, assisting plantar flexion of the foot, and reducing the wearer's effort. Forces applied to the frame 16 at the curved shield 20 can be used to push at least a portion of the sole structure of the footwear article incorporating the device 10 away from the foot; however, since the footwear upper is attached to the sole structure, the upper also exerts a downward force on the foot. Such applied forces can be used to push another portion of the sole structure against the wearer's foot; for example, if a downward force is applied to the curved shield 20, the portion of the sole structure behind the ankle joint can press upward against the wearer's foot.

[0135] As used herein, the arcuate shield is a structure that extends at least partially upward from the footboard and laterally over the footboard when the bottom of the footboard and / or the bottom of the sole structure of the footwear article incorporating the device 10 is placed on a flat, horizontal ground surface. The arcuate shield, as used herein, does not need to have an arch-like shape. For example, the arcuate shield does not need to have a semi-circular shape, etc. The arcuate shield may alternatively be referred to as an overfoot extension or overlay extension because it is configured to extend at least partially over the upper surface of the footboard (such as the upper surface 47 of the footboard 18) and at least partially over the wearer's foot when the sole of the foot is placed on the upper surface of the footboard.

[0136] like Figure 1 As shown, the curved shield 20 and the footwear plate 18 are integral monolithic structures. Thus, any force applied to the frame 16 is distributed to the footwear plate 18. Additionally, the frame 16 can be relatively rigid, and in some embodiments, can be more rigid than other components of the sole structure 12, such as the midsole 43 and outsole 44. In other words, the frame 16, including the footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 20, can be formed of a relatively rigid material. For example, the frame 16 can be formed of a non-foamed polymer material, or alternatively, a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fiber and / or glass fiber. For example, the frame 16 can include a carbon fiber composite material. Forming the frame 16 with a relatively rigid material allows the frame 16 to distribute the forces associated with the use of the footwear 14 when the footwear 14 contacts the ground surface. The frame 16 can have a compressive stiffness of a predetermined value or within a predetermined range. The frame 16 can be, but is not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane. In one example, frame 16 may be a polyether block amide PEBAX® available from Arkema, Inc., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA. Frame 16 may have sufficient stiffness to prevent the curved shield 20 from bending relative to the footplate 18 when subjected to a force no greater than a predetermined force. Therefore, the footplate 18 is sufficiently stiff to maintain forward propulsion as the wearer lowers their foot to transition to a toe-off position and plantar flexion. Additionally, for example, a relatively stiff footplate, frame 16, efficiently converts the applied force into rotation of frame 16 around the wearer's ankle.

[0137] Frame 16 can have greater compressive stiffness and greater flexural stiffness than midsole 43 and / or outsole 44, and can be thinner than midsole 43. The relative stiffness of frame 16 enables it to perform its functions (e.g., force transmission, facilitating forward movement, and enhancing the stability of sole structure 12) without unduly increasing the overall thickness of sole structure 12 (e.g., stack height). The relatively low stack height further enhances stability by maintaining a low height-to-width ratio, thereby reducing the tendency for lateral rollover.

[0138] like Figure 1 As shown, an arcuate shield 20 extends laterally over the footwear plate 18 from the outer portion 34 (e.g., outer side) to the inner portion 32 (e.g., inner side) of the footwear plate 18. The arcuate shield 20 connects to the inner portion 32 and the outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 18. For example, the arcuate shield 20 connects to the footwear plate 18 at its outer edge 35. In other embodiments, the arcuate shield 20 may connect to the footwear plate 18 between its outer edge 35 and the longitudinal center line LM. The arcuate shield 20 is shown connecting to the footwear plate 18 at its inner edge 33. In other embodiments, the arcuate shield 20 may connect to the footwear plate 18 between its inner edge 33 and the longitudinal center line LM. This connection may be selective (e.g., the arcuate shield may be selectively attached to and detachable from the footwear plate, similar to...). Figures 49 to 50 (The devices 3210 and 3310). Or, as... Figure 1 As shown, the connection can be permanent, such as when the curved shield 20 and the footwear plate 18 are adjacent single parts.

[0139] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the curved shield 20 extends only over a portion of the forefoot portion 26 of the footwear plate 18. In other embodiments shown and discussed herein, the curved shield 20 alternatively or additionally extends over the midfoot portion 24 and / or the heel portion 22 of the footwear plate 18.

[0140] exist Figure 1 In the footwear plate 18, each of the forefoot portion 26, the midfoot portion 24, and the heel portion 22 is present, and therefore in Figure 5 The forefoot region 30, midfoot region 28, and heel region 27 of the footwear article 14 are extended in each of these. In other embodiments shown and discussed herein, devices with footwear plates are illustrated, which are configured to extend only in the forefoot region 30 of the footwear article 14, or only in the forefoot region 30 and midfoot region 28 of the footwear article 14, or only in the midfoot region 28 and heel region 27 of the footwear article 14.

[0141] For example, Figure 3A plan view of device 110 is shown, which is similar to device 10 in all respects except that device 110 includes a frame 116 having a footboard 118, which is similar to footboard 18 in all respects except that it has only a forefoot portion 26 and a midfoot portion 24 (e.g., without a heel portion 22), such that when device 110 is incorporated into footwear 14 in place of device 10, footboard 118 is configured to extend only in the forefoot region 30 and midfoot region 28 of footwear 14 and not in the heel region 27.

[0142] In another example, Figure 4 A plan view of device 210 is shown, which is similar to device 10 in all respects except that device 210 includes a frame 216 having a footboard 218, which is similar to footboard 18 in all respects except that it has only a forefoot portion 26 (e.g., without a midfoot portion 24 and without a heel portion 22), such that when device 210 is incorporated into footwear 14 in place of device 10, the footboard 218 is configured to extend only in the forefoot region 30 of footwear 14 and not in the midfoot region 28 and not in the heel region 27.

[0143] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Different arrangements for incorporating devices having footwear plates and curved guards as disclosed herein into footwear articles are shown. Figure 5 middle, Figure 1 The device 10 is provided with both a footboard 18 and an arc-shaped shield 20 (the footboard 18 and the arc-shaped shield 20 are disposed in the foot receiving cavity 46), and wherein the arc-shaped shield 20 extends along the inner surface 59 of the front piece 62 of the footwear upper 40.

[0144] Figure 6 This is an inside perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a footwear article 114, including a footwear upper 40 and a sole structure 112. Figure 6 In this context, the footwear article 114 includes a device 310 having a frame 316, the frame 316 having a footboard 318 and an arcuate shield 320 integral with the footboard 318. The footboard 318 and the arcuate shield 320 are integrated in all respects with... Figure 5The footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 20 are similar, except that the footwear plate 318 is disposed within the midsole 142 of the sole structure 112 of the footwear article, such as embedded between the upper midsole 142A and the lower midsole 142B. Alternatively, the footwear plate 318 may be embedded in a single midsole. The footwear plate 318 is shown extending to the outside of the sidewalls of the midsoles 142A, 142B, wherein the curved shield 320 is connected to and extends from the footwear plate 318. In this arrangement, the curved shield 320 extends along the outer surface 64 of the footwear upper 40 at the forefoot panel 62 of the footwear upper 40.

[0145] Figure 7 It has a connector 70. Figure 1 An internal perspective view of the device 10 shows the connector 70 operatively connected to the upper surface 60 of the arcuate shield 20. More specifically, the connector 70 is directly fixed to the upper surface 60 of the arcuate shield 20, such as being directly fixed to the upper surface 60.

[0146] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial perspective view of the device 10 shows a connector 70 fixed to an arcuate shield 20. The connector 70 is configured to function as part of a ball joint. For example, the connector 70 has a base 72 with two portions 72A and 72B that can be secured to each other with fasteners 74, etc., and together define a cavity 76 and an opening 78 into the cavity 76. The cavity 76 may be generally spherical or otherwise configured to receive additional portions of the ball joint through the opening 78, such as a link extending through the opening, wherein a ball is connected to the link and disposed within the cavity 76. In another example, the connector may be a single piece forming a cavity with flexible portions (such as upwardly extending fingers) that bend to receive a ball within the cavity. Since the force typically applied through the ball will be downward, the ball will be held within the cavity in this single-piece configuration even with the flexible fingers.

[0147] The advantage of the connectors configured in any of the embodiments described herein (e.g., connector 70 or 70A) is that any of the devices described herein can be easily disconnected from any external structure, such as an outer frame. For example, by disengaging the device from the external structure at the connector, the same device can then be inserted into different foot-receiving cavities of footwear articles configured in different ways. Additionally or alternatively, different footwear articles with different devices can be connected to the same external structure. In other words, different footwear articles with different devices or having the same device can be used with the same external structure by engaging and disengaging them at the connector. Therefore, if different footwear articles are better suited for different activities (e.g., having different sole structures (e.g., different flexibility), one is better suited for trail running and the other for road running), these footwear articles can be easily interchanged for use with external structures.

[0148] In at least one instance of a device or footwear article including connector 70 or connector 70A, connector 70 or connector 70A may be off-center (e.g., on the inside or outside of the upper surface of the arcuate shield).

[0149] Figure 9 This is a plan view of the replacement device 410, which includes a frame 116 having a plan view of the replacement device 410. Figure 3 The footwear plate 118 and the curved shield 20 described herein (e.g., the footwear plate 118 has only a forefoot portion 26 and a midfoot portion 24), and have a fixed to the curved shield 20. Figures 7 to 8 The connector 70 of the device 10.

[0150] Figure 10 This is a plan view of the replacement device 510, which includes a frame 216 having a plan view of the replacement device 510. Figure 4 The footwear plate 218 and the curved shield 20 described herein (e.g., the footwear plate 218 has only the forefoot portion 26), and have fixed to the curved shield 20 Figures 7 to 8 The connector 70 of the device 10.

[0151] Figure 11 It has Figure 7The image shows an inner perspective view of a footwear article 214 of device 10, which includes a footwear upper 240 and a sole structure 12. The footwear upper 240 is similar in all respects to the footwear upper 40, except that openings 241 extend through the footwear upper 240 at inner and outer sides 34A, allowing a curved shield 20 to extend along the outer surface 64 of the forefoot panel 62 of the footwear upper 240. The curved shield 20 extends from the interior of the foot receiving cavity 46 through openings 241 at or near one or both of the inner and outer sides 34A of the footwear upper 240, and extends over and outside the outer surface 64 of the footwear upper 240 between the locations where the curved shield extends through the footwear upper 240 (e.g., between openings 241). Footwear plate 18 extends above midsole 42, as per... Figure 5 As stated above.

[0152] The connector 70 is configured to function as part of a ball joint, enabling flexibility to be maintained in the forefoot area 30 of the footwear 214. Specifically, when a downward force (such as...) is applied to the ball joint connector 70... Figure 11 When the force F shown is applied, the ball joint connection will still allow the footwear 214 to be positioned around the longitudinal centerline LM and around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline LM (e.g., Figure 11 The vertical axis in the middle is rotated to a certain extent, for example, to cause a pivot axis (such as the one passing through the wearer's ankle joint) to rotate around the vertical axis. Figure 6 The rotation of the pivot axis A in the middle. Therefore, the external force (such as force F) applied through the ball joint to assist movement should not unduly restrict the natural movement of the wearer's foot. In one example, frame 16 is configured to be operatively connected to an outer frame, wherein the outer frame provides an external force F to assist plantar flexion at the ball joint connector 70. Because the ball joint connector 70 is located on an axis passing through the wearer's ankle joint (e.g., the pivot axis A in the middle), the rotation of the pivot axis A in the middle. Figure 6 The pivot axis A) is in front of the joint connector 70, so a downward force on the connector 70 will cause rotation about the ankle joint in a direction consistent with the plantar flexion of the wearer's foot 50. For example, an example of an outer frame for assisting plantar flexion and improving walking or running performance is found in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2023 / 0124653A1, published April 20, 2023.

[0153] Figure 12 This is an inner perspective view of footwear article 614, which includes device 10, regarding... Figure 5The footwear article 14 describes a sole structure 12 and a footwear upper 40, and has an alternative type of connector 70A, which is also configured to function as part of a ball joint. The connector 70A includes a fabric 80 that is fixed to the outer surface 64 of the forefoot panel 62 of the footwear upper 40 of the footwear article 614.

[0154] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A partial perspective view of a portion of the fabric 80 of the footwear upper 40 and the connector 70A. Figure 13 As shown, the fabric 80 has a main portion 80A, which is sewn to the footwear upper 40 using stitches 81, such that the main portion 80A cannot move relative to the footwear upper 40. The fabric 80 has an end portion 80B that is integral with the main portion 80A but not sewn or otherwise directly attached to the footwear upper 40. In other words, the end portion 80B is only indirectly attached to the footwear upper 40 via the main portion 80A. Therefore, the end portion 80B can move relative to the footwear upper 40 (e.g., the end portion 80B can be lifted away from the footwear upper 40 and moved toward the footwear upper 40 in the direction of the double-headed arrow B, such as...). Figure 14 (As shown in the diagram). Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A partial perspective view of a portion of the footwear upper and connector. Because the fabric 80 is flexible, the end portion 80B can also be slightly tilted about the longitudinal axis of the footwear upper 40 to the extent permitted by the anchored main portion 80A, as indicated by double-headed arrow C. In addition to the directions along double-headed arrows B and C, the end portion 80B can also move slightly relative to the footwear upper 40 in several other directions, such as laterally along double-headed arrow D and longitudinally along double-headed arrow E. The end portion 80B can therefore be referred to as the free end portion 80B. The fabric 80 is thus configured to pivot relative to the outer surface 64 of the footwear upper 40 about at least two vertical axes. These two vertical axes may include, for example, a lateral axis along double-headed arrow D and a longitudinal axis along double-headed arrow E.

[0155] The connector 70A also includes a magnet 82 (or magnetic material) and a plastic base 84, through which the magnet 82 (or magnetic material) is operatively secured to the fabric 80. The magnet 82 is shown being secured to the plastic base 84, for example, by an adhesive. The plastic base 84 is secured only at the fixed end 84A to the free end portion 80B of the fabric 80, for example, by stitches 86. Only some of the stitches 86 are marked. In this arrangement, the plastic base 84 has a free end 84B. This free end 84B is opposite to the free end portion 80B of the fabric 80 and is movable relative to the fixed end 84A and the footwear upper 40 in various directions (such as, but not limited to, along bidirectional arrows B and C).

[0156] The combination of a relatively flexible fabric 80 having a free end portion 80B and a base 84 having a free end 84B opposite to the free end portion 80B enables the connector 70A to be used as part of a ball joint. The connector 70A is operably connected to Figure 12 The upper surface 60 of the curved shield 20 is indirectly fixed to the upper surface 60 of the footwear upper 40 by means of the aforementioned fixing method. As described with respect to footwear article 14, the curved shield 20 of the frame 16 is configured to extend along the inner surface 59 of the forefoot panel 62 of the footwear upper 40. The fabric 80 is fixed to the footwear upper 40 only at one end (one end at the main portion 80A), allowing the fabric 80 to move relative to the footwear upper 40 and function as part of a ball joint.

[0157] As shown in the figure, the connector 70A is directly fixed to the outer surface 64 of the footwear upper 40 outside the curved shield 20. Therefore, the external force applied to the connector 70A will be transferred to the curved shield 20, without restricting the natural movement of the wearer's foot due to the fact that the connector 70A can move relative to the footwear upper 40 as described above. This relative movement can even occur during the application of external force to the curved shield 20 via the connector 70A.

[0158] Therefore, in footwear 614, frame 16 is configured to receive external forces to enhance plantar flexion of the wearer's foot. For example, connector 70A can receive and direct external forces onto frame 16 (such as the curved shield 20) to induce rotation around the ankle, thereby reducing the effort required by the wearer for plantar flexion. This energy assistance allows the wearer to remain active for longer periods and / or travel greater distances. In this example, frame 16 is configured to be operatively connected via connector 70A to an outer frame, which provides the external forces that assist plantar flexion.

[0159] Figure 15This is a plan view of another device 610 for footwear products, which includes a frame 616 having, for example, regarding Figure 1 The description describes the footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 620. The footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 620 are integrally formed as a single-piece structure. The footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 620 are relatively rigid and may comprise any of the materials described herein with respect to frame 16 or any other device described herein. The curved shield 620 extends laterally over the footwear plate 18 from the outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 18 to the inner portion 32 of the footwear plate 18 and connects to both the inner portion 32 and the outer portion 34. For example, the curved shield 620 is connected to the footwear plate 18 at the outer edge 35. In other embodiments, the curved shield 620 may be connected to the footwear plate 18 between the outer edge 35 and the longitudinal centerline LM. The curved shield 620 is shown as being connected to the footwear plate 18 at the inner edge 33. In other embodiments, the curved shield 620 may be connected to the footwear plate 18 between the inner edge 33 and the longitudinal center line LM. This connection may be selective (e.g., the curved shield 620 may be selectively attached to and detachable from the footwear plate, similar to...). Figures 49 to 50 (The devices 3210 and 3310). Or, as... Figure 15 As shown, the connection can be permanent, such as when the curved shield 620 and the footwear plate 18 are adjacent single parts.

[0160] As described regarding the curved shield 20, the curved shield 620 is shaped to cover the wearer's foot 50 (in... Figure 6 The foot 50 shown extends above the upper portion 53 and generally follows the contour of the upper surface of the wearer's foot, having a front edge 656 and a rear edge 658, wherein the front edge 656 is closer to the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18 than the rear edge 658.

[0161] The position of the curved shield 620 relative to the footplate 18 facilitates relatively easy foot insertion (e.g., positioning the sole 51 of the wearer's foot 50 above the footplate 18, with the curved shield 620 positioned above the upper portion 53 of the wearer's foot 50). For example, the front edge 661 of the curved shield 620 at the medial portion 32 of the footplate 18 is further forward than the front edge 663 of the curved shield 620 at the lateral portion 34 of the footplate 18, such that the front edge 656 of the curved shield 620 is obliquely shifted rearward from the medial portion 32 of the footplate 18 to the lateral portion 34 of the footplate 18. Additionally, the rear edge 658 of the curved shield 620 is obliquely shifted rearward from the medial portion 32 of the footplate 18 to the lateral portion 34 of the footplate 18. If the foot not only enters from behind the posterior edge 658, but also moves laterally inward toward the longitudinal midline LM from the side opposite to the side that moves forward obliquely from the posterior edge (e.g., from... Figure 15 If the inner part 32 moves forward and laterally inward, then using this configuration, Figure 6 Insertion of the foot 50 from behind the rear edge 658 of the curved shield 620 into the frame 616, which begins at the forefoot area of ​​the foot 50, becomes relatively easy. This assumes that if the frame 616 is incorporated into the footwear, the footwear upper is also configured to facilitate (or at least not prevent) such insertion.

[0162] exist Figure 15 In this embodiment, the rear edge 658 of the curved shield 620 has its front edge 665 at the inner portion 32 of the footwear plate located at the forefoot portion 26 of the footwear plate 18, and the rear edge 658 of the curved shield 620 has its front edge 667 at the outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 18 located at the midfoot portion 24 of the footwear plate 18. In such an embodiment, the curved shield 620 should span the instep of the wearer's foot 50. In an alternative embodiment, a footwear plate with only the forefoot portion 26 and the midfoot portion 24 (e.g., without the heel portion 22) can be used. A downward external force applied to the curved shield 620 (such as at any of the connectors described herein, provided they are operably connected to the curved shield 620) should generate around... Figure 6 The ankle pivots on axis A and rotates forward (e.g., plantar flexion). When the bottom of plate 18 is placed on a flat ground surface, the downward force applied to the arcuate shield is a vertical force pointing towards the flat ground surface.

[0163] Figure 16 This is a plan view of another device 710 for footwear products, which includes a frame 716 having, for example, regarding Figure 1The description describes the footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 720. The footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 720 are integrally formed as a single-piece structure. The footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 720 are relatively rigid and may comprise any of the materials described herein with respect to frame 16 or any other device described herein. The curved shield 720 extends laterally over the footwear plate 18 from the outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 18 to the inner portion 32 of the footwear plate 18 and connects to both the inner portion 32 and the outer portion 34. For example, the curved shield 720 is connected to the footwear plate 18 at the outer edge 35. In other embodiments, the curved shield 720 may be connected to the footwear plate 18 between the outer edge 35 and the longitudinal centerline LM. The curved shield 720 is shown as being connected to the footwear plate 18 at the inner edge 33. In other embodiments, the curved shield 720 may be connected to the footwear plate 18 between the inner edge 33 and the longitudinal centerline LM. This connection may be selective (e.g., the curved shield 720 may be selectively attached to and detachable from the footwear plate, similar to...). Figures 49 to 50 (The devices 3210 and 3310). Or, as... Figure 16 As shown, the connection can be permanent, such as when the curved shield 720 and the footwear plate 18 are adjacent single parts.

[0164] As described regarding the curved shield 20, the curved shield 720 is shaped to cover the wearer's feet 50 (in... Figure 6 The foot portion 50 shown extends above the upper portion 53 and generally follows the contour of the upper surface of the wearer's foot, having a front edge 756 and a rear edge 758, wherein the front edge 756 is closer to the upper surface 47 of the footplate 18 than the rear edge 758.

[0165] The position of the curved shield 720 relative to the footplate 18 facilitates relatively easy foot insertion (e.g., positioning the sole 51 of the wearer's foot 50 above the footplate 18, with the curved shield 720 positioned above the upper portion 53 of the wearer's foot 50). For example, the front edge 761 of the curved shield 720 at the inner portion 32 of the footplate 18 is further rearward than the front edge 763 of the curved shield 720 at the outer portion 34 of the footplate 18, such that the front edge 756 of the curved shield 720 is obliquely forward from the inner portion 32 of the footplate 18 to the outer portion 34 of the footplate 18. Additionally, the rear edge 758 of the curved shield 720 is obliquely forward from the inner portion 32 of the footplate 18 to the outer portion 34 of the footplate 18. For example, the rear edge 765 of the curved shield 720 at the inner portion 32 of the footwear plate 18 is further rearward than the rear edge 767 of the curved shield 720 at the outer portion 34, such that the rear edge 758 is obliquely shifted forward from the inner portion 32 to the outer portion 34. If the foot not only enters from behind the rear edge 658, but also moves laterally inward towards the longitudinal midline LM from the side opposite to the side obliquely shifted forward from the rear edge (e.g., from... Figure 16 If the outer part 34 moves forward and laterally inward, then using this configuration, Figure 6 Insertion of the foot 50 from behind the rear edge 758 of the curved shield 720 into the frame 716, which begins at the forefoot area of ​​the foot 50, becomes relatively easy. This assumes that if the frame 716 is incorporated into the footwear article, the footwear upper is also configured to facilitate (or at least not prevent) such insertion.

[0166] exist Figure 16 In this embodiment, the rear edge 758 of the curved shield 720, at the rear edge 765 of the inner portion 32 of the footwear plate 18, lies at the midfoot portion 24 of the footwear plate 18, and the front edge 767 of the rear edge 758 of the curved shield 720, at the outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 18, lies at the forefoot portion 26 of the footwear plate 18. It should be noted that the front edge 767 of the rear edge 758 is also the rear edge of the curved shield 720 at the outer edge 35, and may be referred to as such. In this embodiment, the curved shield 720 should span the instep of the wearer's foot 50. In an alternative embodiment, a footwear plate having only the forefoot portion 26 and the midfoot portion 24 (e.g., without the heel portion 22) may be used. The downward force applied to the arcuate shield 720 (such as at any of the connectors described herein, provided that it is operably connected to the arcuate shield 720) should produce a forward rotation (e.g., plantar flexion) about the pivot axis A of the ankle.

[0167] Figure 17 This is an outer perspective view of a device 810 for footwear products, the device 810 including a frame 816 having, for example, about Figure 1The footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 820 are described. Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A plan view of the device 810. The footboard 18 and the curved shield 820 are integrally formed as a single-piece structure. The footboard 18 and the curved shield 820 are relatively rigid and may comprise any of the materials described herein with respect to frame 16 or any other device described herein. The curved shield 820 extends laterally over the footboard 18 from the outer portion 34 of the footboard 18 to the inner portion 32 of the footboard 18 and connects to both the inner portion 32 and the outer portion 34. For example, the curved shield 820 is connected to the footboard 18 at the outer edge 35 of the footboard 18. In other embodiments, the curved shield 820 may be connected to the footboard 18 between the outer edge 35 of the footboard 18 and the longitudinal centerline LM. The curved shield 820 is shown as being connected to the footboard 18 at the inner edge 33 of the footboard 18. In other embodiments, the curved shield 820 may be connected to the footwear plate 18 between its inner edge 33 and longitudinal centerline LM. This connection may be selective (e.g., the curved shield 820 may be selectively attached to and detachable from the footwear plate 18, similar to...). Figures 49 to 50 (The devices 3210 and 3310). Or, as... Figure 17 As shown, the connection can be permanent, such as when the curved shield 820 and the footwear plate 18 are adjacent single parts.

[0168] As described regarding the curved shield 20, the curved shield 820 is shaped to cover the wearer's foot 50 (in... Figure 6 The foot 50 shown extends above the upper portion 53 and generally follows the contour of the upper surface of the wearer's foot, having a front edge 856 and a rear edge 858, wherein the front edge 856 is closer to the upper surface 47 of the footplate 18 than the rear edge 858.

[0169] The position of the curved shield 820 relative to the footplate 18 facilitates relatively easy foot insertion (e.g., positioning the sole 51 of the wearer's foot 50 above the footplate 18, with the curved shield 820 positioned above the upper portion 53 of the wearer's foot 50). For example, the front edge 861 of the curved shield 820 at the inner edge 33 of the footplate 18 is further forward than the front edge 863 of the curved shield 820 at the outer edge 35 of the footplate 18, such that the front edge 856 of the curved shield 820 is obliquely shifted rearward from the inner edge 33 of the footplate 18 to the outer edge 35 of the footplate 18. Additionally, the rear edge 858 of the curved shield 820 is obliquely shifted rearward from the inner edge 33 of the footplate 18 to the outer edge 35 of the footplate 18. If the foot not only enters from behind the posterior edge 858, but also moves laterally inward toward the longitudinal midline LM from the side opposite to the side that moves forward obliquely from the posterior edge 858 (e.g., from... Figure 18 If the inner part 32 moves forward and laterally inward, then using this configuration, Figure 6 Insertion of the foot 50 from behind the rear edge 858 of the curved shield 820 into the frame 816, which begins at the forefoot area of ​​the foot 50, becomes relatively easy. This assumes that if the frame 816 is incorporated into the footwear, the footwear upper is also configured to facilitate (or at least not prevent) such insertion.

[0170] exist Figure 18 In this embodiment, the rear edge 758 of the curved shield 820, at the inner edge 33 of the footplate 18, has its front edge 865 located at the midfoot portion 24 of the footplate 18, and the rear edge 858 of the curved shield 820, at the outer edge 35 of the footplate 18, has its front edge 867 located at the heel portion 22 of the footplate 18. In such an embodiment, the curved shield 820 should span the instep of the wearer's foot 50. A downward external force applied to the curved shield 820 (such as at any of the connectors described herein, provided they are operably connected to the curved shield 820) in front of the ankle axis A of the wearer's foot should produce a forward rotation (e.g., plantar flexion) about the pivot axis A of the ankle.

[0171] Figure 19 This is an external perspective view of footwear article 814, which includes a footwear upper 840 and a sole structure 12 (in conjunction with the above). Figure 17 (Description of device 810) The sole structure 12 is provided with an arcuate shield 820 extending along the outer surface 864 of the forefoot panel 862 of the footwear upper 840, and includes an upper surface 860 fixed to the arcuate shield 820. Figure 11 The connector 70. Similar to the footwear upper 240, an opening 841 extends through the footwear upper 840, allowing the curved shield 820 to protrude through the footwear upper 840 and extend along the outer surface 864 of the forefoot panel 862 of the footwear upper 840. Only one opening 841 is shown at the outer side 34A of the footwear upper 840, but a similar opening 841 extends at the inner side 32A. The curved shield 820 extends through the interior of the foot receiving cavity 46 through the opening 841 in the footwear upper 840 at or near one or both of the inner side 32A and the outer side 34A of the footwear upper 840, and extends above the outer surface 864 of the footwear upper 840 between its extension points through the footwear upper 840 (e.g., between the openings 841). The footwear plate 18 extends above the midsole 42, as per the description of the footwear upper 840. Figure 5 As stated above.

[0172] Figure 20This is an external perspective view of footwear product 914, which includes a footwear upper 40 and a sole structure 12 (in conjunction with...). Figure 17 (Description of device 810), the sole structure 12 is provided with an arcuate shield 820 extending along the inner surface 59 of the footwear upper 40, and includes Figures 12 to 14 The connector 70A is located at the forefoot panel 62 and is secured to the outer surface 64 of the footwear upper 40 outside the curved shield 820. The footwear plate 18 extends above the midsole 42, as per... Figure 5 As stated above.

[0173] Figure 21 This is a plan view of an apparatus 910 for footwear products, which includes a frame 916 having a previously described footwear plate 18 and an arcuate shield 920 integral with the footwear plate 18 (configured as an integral single component), the arcuate shield 920 having an end 921 disposed above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18. Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An inner perspective view of the device 910. The footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 920 are relatively rigid and may comprise any of the materials described herein with respect to frame 16 or any other device described herein.

[0174] Device 910 is similar to device 710 as previously described, except that an arcuate shield 920 is used instead of the arcuate shield 720. The arcuate shield 920 is configured to extend only partially across the upper portion of the wearer's foot when incorporated into footwear. More specifically, the arcuate shield 920 is configured to extend laterally from the inner portion 32 of the footwear plate 18 over the upper portion of the wearer's foot to an end 921 disposed above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18. In this embodiment, the arcuate shield 920 extends from the inner portion 32 and / or the inner edge 33 of the footwear plate 18, and although it extends over the outer portion 34, it does not extend to the outer portion 34 and / or the outer edge 35 of the footwear plate 18.

[0175] The front edge 956 and rear edge 958 of the curved shield 920 are inclined forward because the front edge 956 at the inner portion 32 is further rearward than the front edge 963 at the end 921. Similarly, the front edge 965 of the rear edge 958 at the inner portion 32 is further rearward than the front edge 967 at the end 921.

[0176] When incorporated into footwear, the curved shield 920 may extend partially over the outer surface of the forefoot upper, or it may be located inside the footwear upper, similar to... Figure 19 and Figure 20The placement of the arc-shaped shield 820. Any of the connectors described herein (e.g., connectors 70, 70A, etc.) can be operatively connected to and / or secured to the upper surface of the arc-shaped shield 920.

[0177] By positioning the end 921 above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18, the curved shield 920 can protect the foot, distribute applied forces, minimize external weight, and potentially make it easier to insert the foot into the footwear from the side opposite to the side from which the curved shield 920 extends (e.g., the foot enters from behind the curved shield 920 and from...). Figure 21 The outer portion 34 moves forward and laterally inward.

[0178] exist Figures 23 to 24 In the alternative embodiment shown, a device 1010 for footwear is provided, wherein an arcuate shield 1020 extends from the outer side 34 and / or outer edge 35 of the footwear plate 18, and does not extend to the inner side 32 and / or inner edge 33 of the footwear plate 18. More specifically, Figure 23 This is a plan view of an apparatus 1010 for footwear products, which includes a frame 1016 having a previously described footwear plate 18 and an arcuate shield 1020 integral with the footwear plate 18 (configured as an integral single component), the arcuate shield 1020 having an end 1021 disposed above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18. Figure 24 yes Figure 23 An inner perspective view of the device 1010. The footwear plate 18 and the curved shield 1020 are relatively rigid and may comprise any of the materials described herein with respect to frame 16 or any other device described herein.

[0179] Device 1010 is similar to the previously described device 910, except that the curved shield 1020 extends from the outer edge 35 of the footwear plate 18 and does not extend to the inner side and / or inner edge of the footwear plate; instead, the end 1021 is disposed above the upper surface of the footwear plate 18 at the inner portion 32. The curved shield 1020 is thus configured to extend only partially across the upper portion of the wearer's foot when incorporated into a footwear article. More specifically, the curved shield 1020 is configured to extend laterally from the outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 18 at least partially above the upper portion of the wearer's foot to the end 1021 disposed above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18, and although it extends above the inner portion 32, it does not extend to the inner portion 32 or the inner edge 33.

[0180] The front edge 1056 of the curved shield 1020 can be slightly tilted forward because the front edge 1063 at the outer portion 34 of the front edge 1056 can be further rearward than the front edge 1061 at the end 1021 of the front edge 1056. Similarly, the rear edge 1058 of the curved shield 1020 can be slightly tilted forward because the front edge 1067 at the outer portion 34 of the rear edge 1058 can be further rearward than the front edge 1065 at the end 1021 of the rear edge 1058.

[0181] When incorporated into footwear, the curved shield 920 may extend partially over the outer surface of the forefoot upper, or it may be located inside the footwear upper, similar to... Figure 19 and Figure 20 The placement of the arc-shaped shield 820. Any of the connectors described herein (e.g., connectors 70, 70A, etc.) can be operatively connected to and / or secured to the upper surface of the arc-shaped shield 920.

[0182] By positioning the end 1021 above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18, the curved shield 1020 can protect the foot, distribute applied forces, minimize external weight, and potentially make it easier to insert the foot into the foot from the side of the footwear opposite to the side from which the curved shield 1020 extends (e.g., the foot enters from behind the curved shield 920 and from...). Figure 23 The inner part 32 moves forward and laterally inward.

[0183] Figure 25 This is a plan view of the replacement device 1110, which includes a frame 1016 having Figure 3 The footwear plate 118 described herein (having only a forefoot portion 26 and a midfoot portion 24) and having Figure 21 The frame 916 has an arc-shaped protective shield 920.

[0184] Figure 26 This is a plan view of an apparatus 1210 for footwear products, the apparatus 1210 including a frame 1216 having Figure 4 The footwear plate 218 described herein (having only the forefoot portion 26) and having Figure 21 The frame 916 has an arc-shaped protective shield 920.

[0185] Figure 27 This is a plan view of an apparatus 1310 for footwear products. The apparatus 1310 includes a frame 1316 having a previously described footwear plate 18 and an arcuate shield 1320 having an end 1321 disposed above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18. The arcuate shield 1320 is related to... Figure 22 The curved shield 920 is similar in that the curved shield 1320 extends from the inner portion 32 or inner edge 33 of the footwear plate 18, with the end 1321 located above the upper surface 47 at the outer portion 34, but not connected to the outer portion 34. However, the front edge 1356 and the rear edge 1358 slope backward from the inner edge 33 to the end 1321.

[0186] Figure 28 This is a plan view of an apparatus 1410 for footwear products. The apparatus 1410 includes a frame 1416 having a previously described footwear plate 18 and an arcuate shield 1420 having an end 1421 disposed above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18. The arcuate shield 1420 is related to... Figure 23 The curved shield 1020 is similar in that it extends from the outer portion 34 or outer edge 35 of the footwear plate 18, with the end 1421 located above the upper surface 47 at the inner portion 32, but not connected to the inner portion 32. However, the front edge 1456 and the rear edge 1458 slope backward from the outer edge 35 to the end 1421 to a greater extent than the corresponding front edge 1056 and rear edge 1058 of the curved shield 1020.

[0187] Figure 29 This is an external perspective view of a device 1510 for footwear products. The device 1510 includes a frame 1516 having a previously described footwear plate 18 and an arcuate shield 1520 having an end 1521 disposed above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18. The arcuate shield 1520 is similar to the one described above. Figures 17 to 18 The curved shield 820 is described only in that the curved shield 1520 extends from the inner portion 32 or inner edge 33 of the footwear plate 18, wherein the end 1521 is located above the upper surface 47 at the outer portion 34, but does not connect at the outer portion 34. The front edge 1556 and the rear edge 1558 are the same as those described with respect to the front edge 856 and the rear edge 858, except that the outer edge 1563 of the front edge 1556 and the outer edge 1567 of the rear edge 1558 are at the end 1521 instead of at the footwear plate 18.

[0188] Figure 30 This is a plan view of an apparatus 1610 for footwear products. The apparatus 1610 includes a frame 1616 having a previously described footwear plate 18 and an arcuate shield 1620 having an end 1621 disposed above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18. The arcuate shield 1620 is similar to the one described above. Figures 17 to 18The curved shield 820 is described only in that the curved shield 1620 extends from the outer portion 34 or outer edge 35 of the footwear plate 18, wherein the end 1621 is located above the upper surface 47 at the inner portion 32, but does not connect to the inner portion 32. The front edge 1656 and the rear edge 1658 are the same as those described with respect to the front edge 856 and the rear edge 858, except that the inner edge 1661 of the front edge 1656 and the inner edge 1665 of the rear edge 1658 are at the end 1621 instead of at the footwear plate 18.

[0189] Figure 31 This is an outer perspective view of a footwear article 1514 including a footwear upper 1540 and a sole structure 12, the footwear article 1514 having Figure 29 The device 1510 is provided with an arcuate shield 1520 extending along the outer surface 1564 of the forefoot panel 1562 of the footwear upper 1540 and includes a component fixed to the arcuate shield 1520. Figure 11 Connector 70. Similar to the footwear upper 840, the footwear upper 1540 includes an opening 841 extending through the footwear upper 1540, such that an arcuate shield 1520 can extend along the outer surface 1564 of the forefoot panel 1562 of the footwear upper 1540. Only one opening 841 is indicated at the inner side 32A of the footwear upper 1540. The arcuate shield 1520 extends through the opening 841 in the footwear upper 1540 from the interior of the foot receiving cavity 46 and extends over the outer surface 1564 of the footwear upper 1540 between its extension point through the footwear upper 1540 and its end point 1521 (e.g., between the opening 841 and the end point 1521). The footwear plate 18 extends over the midsole 42, as per the description. Figure 5 As stated above.

[0190] Figure 32 It includes Figure 29 An external perspective view of the footwear article 1614 of the device 1510, the device 1510 having Figure 14 The connector 70A is attached to the upper. The curved shield 1520 extends along the inner surface 59 of the footwear upper 40, and the connector 70A is fixed to the outer surface 64 of the footwear upper 40 at the forefoot panel 62 and outside the curved shield 1520. The footwear plate 18 extends above the midsole 42, as per [reference to...]. Figure 5 As stated above.

[0191] Figure 33This is a plan view of an apparatus 1710 for footwear, comprising a frame 1716 having a footwear plate 18 as described herein and having a first arcuate shield 1720A and a second arcuate shield 1720B. Both the first arcuate shield 1720A and the second arcuate shield 1720B are integral with the footwear plate 18, such that the frame 1716 is configured as a single, integral component. Both the first arcuate shield 1720A and the second arcuate shield 1720B extend laterally from the footwear plate 18, at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot. The frame 1716, including the footwear plate 18 and the arcuate shields 1720A and 1720B, is relatively rigid and may comprise any of the materials described herein with respect to the frame 16 or any other apparatus described herein.

[0192] exist Figure 33 In the illustrated embodiment, both the arcuate shields 1720A and 1720B extend from the inner portion 32 to the outer portion 34 above the upper surface 47 of the footwear plate 18. More specifically, both the first arcuate shield 1720A and the second arcuate shield 1720B extend from the inner edge 33 to the outer edge 35.

[0193] The first arc-shaped shield 1720A is at least partially disposed on the forefoot portion 26 of the footwear plate 18 in front of the second arc-shaped shield 1720B. The second arc-shaped shield 1720B is at least partially disposed on the midfoot portion 24 of the footwear plate 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire first arc-shaped shield 1720A (from its front edge 1756A to its rear edge 1758A) is situated on the forefoot portion 26 of the footwear plate 18. The second arc-shaped shield 1720B extends over both the forefoot portion 26 and the midfoot portion 24, as its front edge 1756B is over the forefoot portion 26 and its rear edge 1758B is over the midfoot portion 24. A gap 1723 separates the first arc-shaped shield 1720A from the second arc-shaped shield 1720B. More specifically, the gap 1723 extends entirely along the rear edge 1758A of the first curved shield 1720A and the front edge 1756B of the second curved shield 1720B, separating the rear edge 1758A of the first curved shield 1720A and the front edge 1756B of the second curved shield 1720B. In other words, the curved shields 1720A and 1720B are not connected to each other, but are both connected to the footwear plate 18. Furthermore, because when incorporated into footwear (where the rear edge 1758B of the second curved shield 1720B is in front of the ankle opening at the instep), both curved shields 1720A and 1720B will extend above the instep of the wearer's foot, any downward force applied to either of the curved shields 1720A or 1720B should cause the wearer's ankle to rotate around a pivot axis (e.g., ...). Figure 6 The rotation of the pivot axis A in the middle helps with plantar flexion.

[0194] Providing a frame with two arcuate shields (such as frame 1716 with arcuate shields 1720A, 1720B) can help distribute point loads while increasing the flexibility of device 1710 compared to a device with a single arcuate shield (extending the same front / rear length as the two arcuate shields 1720A, 1720B) (e.g., a device with a single arcuate shield (having a front edge at the same position as the front edge 1756A of the first arcuate shield 1720A and a rear edge at the same position as the rear edge 1758B of the second arcuate shield 1720B)). By at least partially separating the two arcuate shields 1720A and 1720B, the gap 1723 between them reduces the resistance to bending of device 1710 about a lateral axis aligned with the arcuate shields (such as at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the wearer).

[0195] Figure 34 This is a plan view of an apparatus 1810 for footwear, comprising a frame 1816 having a footwear plate 18 and a first arcuate shield 1820A and a second arcuate shield 1820B spaced apart from each other by a gap 1823. The gap 1823 extends entirely along the rear edge 1858A of the first arcuate shield 1820A and the front edge 1856B of the second arcuate shield 1820B, separating the rear edge 1858A of the first arcuate shield 1820A and the front edge 1856B of the second arcuate shield 1820B. Frame 1816 is similar in construction to frame 1716 and offers the advantages discussed regarding frame 1716. The difference between frame 1816 and frame 1716 is that both arcuate shields 1820A and 1820B are further forward at their inner edge 33 than at their outer edge 35. In other words, each of the front edge 1856A, rear edge 1858A, front edge 1856B, and rear edge 1858B extends rearward from the inner edge 33 to the outer edge 35. This makes it easy to put on the second arcuate shield 1820B from behind, where the foot moves forward and laterally inward from the inner edge 33 toward the longitudinal centerline LM.

[0196] The first curved shield 1820A extends partially over the forefoot portion 26 and midfoot portion 24 of the footwear plate 18, and the second curved shield 1820B extends partially over the midfoot portion 24 and heel portion 22 of the footwear plate 18. Furthermore, because both curved shields 1820A and 1820B extend over the instep of the wearer's foot when incorporated into footwear (where the rear edge 1858B of the second curved shield 1820B is in front of the ankle opening at the instep), an external force applied downwards to either curved shield 1820A or 1820B should cause the wearer's ankle to rotate around a pivot axis (e.g., ...). Figure 6The rotation of the pivot axis A in the middle helps with plantar flexion.

[0197] Figure 35 This is a plan view of an apparatus 1910 for footwear, comprising a frame 1916 having a footwear plate 18 and a first arcuate shield 1920A and a second arcuate shield 1920B spaced apart from each other by a gap 1923. The gap 1923 extends entirely along the rear edge 1958A of the first arcuate shield 1920A and the front edge 1956B of the second arcuate shield 1920B, separating the rear edge 1958A of the first arcuate shield 1920A and the front edge 1956B of the second arcuate shield 1920B. Frame 1916 is similar in construction to frame 1716 and offers the advantages discussed regarding frame 1716. Frame 1916 differs from frame 1816 in that both arcuate shields 1920A and 1920B are positioned further back at their inner edge 33 than at their outer edge 35. In other words, each of the front edge 1956A, rear edge 1958A, front edge 1956B, and rear edge 1958B extends forward from the inner edge 33 to the outer edge 35. This makes it easy to put on the second arcuate shield 1920B from behind, where the foot moves forward and laterally inward from the outer edge 35 toward the longitudinal centerline LM.

[0198] The first curved shield 1920A extends partially over the forefoot portion 26 and midfoot portion 24 of the footwear plate 18, and the second curved shield 1920B extends partially over the midfoot portion 24 and heel portion 22 of the footwear plate 18. Furthermore, because both curved shields 1920A and 1920B extend over the instep of the wearer's foot when incorporated into footwear (where the rear edge 1958B of the second curved shield 1920B is in front of the ankle opening at the instep), an external force applied downwards to either curved shield 1920A or 1920B should cause the wearer's ankle to rotate around a pivot axis (e.g., ...). Figure 6 The rotation of the pivot axis A in the middle helps with plantar flexion.

[0199] Figure 36 This is a plan view of the replacement device 2010, which includes a frame 2016 having Figure 3 The footwear plate 118 described herein (having only a forefoot portion 26 and a midfoot portion 24) and having Figure 33 The first arc-shaped shield 1720A and the second arc-shaped shield 1720B of the frame 1716.

[0200] Figure 37 This is a plan view of an apparatus 2110 for footwear products, the apparatus 2110 including a frame 2116 having Figure 4The footwear plate 218 described herein (having only the forefoot portion 26) and having Figure 33 The first arc-shaped shield 1720A and the second arc-shaped shield 1720B of the frame 1716.

[0201] Figure 38 It is used for footwear products similar to Figure 34 A plan view of device 2210 of device 1810, which has a first connector 70 fixed to the upper surface 60A of the first arcuate shield 1820A and a second connector 70 fixed to the upper surface 60B of the second arcuate shield 1820B. For example, the first connector 70 and the second connector 70 can be identical to each other and related to... Figure 8 The described connector is the same as connector 70.

[0202] Providing two connectors 70 allows for the option of offering different mechanical advantages when external force is applied to the device 1810. For example, compared to the first connector 70 on the first arcuate shield 1820A, the second arcuate shield 1820B and its connector 70, which are positioned further rearward than the first arcuate shield 1820A and its connector 70, will provide a relative advantage to the wearer's ankle joint (such as relative to...). Figure 6 A) A shorter lever. The greater mechanical advantage provided by the longer lever, which applies an external force to the first arcuate shield 1820A via the first (forward) joint connector 70, is more suitable for certain activities, while the smaller mechanical advantage of applying an external force to the second arcuate shield 1820B via the second (last) joint connector 70 is more suitable for other activities.

[0203] Figure 39 This is a plan view of an apparatus 2310 for footwear products. The apparatus 2310 includes a frame 2316 having a footwear plate 18 as described herein and having a first curved shield 2310A, a second curved shield 2310B, and a bridging member 2329 connecting the first curved shield 2320A and the second curved shield 2320B. The bridging member 2329 spans a gap 2323 from the rear edge 2358A of the first curved shield 2320A to the front edge 2356B of the second curved shield 2320B. The curved shields 2320A and 2320B are connected to... Figure 35 The similarities in shape and position between the curved guards 1920A and 1920B are that each of the front edges 2356A and rear edges 2358A of the first curved guard 2320A and the front edges 2356B and rear edges 2358B of the second curved guard 2320B extends forward from the inner edge 33 of the footwear plate 18 to the outer edge 35. This makes it easy to put on the footwear from behind the second curved guard 1820B, with the foot extending from the outer edge 35 toward the longitudinal centerline LM (such as...). Figure 35 The longitudinal centerline (LM) shown moves forward and laterally inward. In addition, the first arc-shaped shield 2320A extends partially over the forefoot portion 26 and midfoot portion 24 of the footwear plate 18, and the second arc-shaped shield 2320B extends partially over the midfoot portion 24 and heel portion 22 of the footwear plate 18.

[0204] Bridging element 2329 integrally connects the first arc-shaped shield 2320A and the second arc-shaped shield 2320B. Device 2310 also includes a connector 70, such as... Figure 8 The connector 70 is fixed to the upper surface 60C of the bridging member 2329. In this example, at least part of the increased flexibility resulting from providing two curved shields instead of one large curved shield can be achieved, and the distribution of external forces applied to the connector 70 is at least partially achieved via the bridging member 2329. In other words, the bridging member 2329 can at least partially distribute (e.g., diffuse) the external forces acting on it via the connector 70 to both the curved shields 2320A and 2320B, reducing the likelihood of point loads transmitted to the wearer's foot.

[0205] Figure 40 It includes Figure 38 An external perspective view of a footwear article 2414 comprising a device 2210 and a first connector 70 and a second connector 70. The footwear article 2414 includes a footwear upper 2440 and a sole structure 12 as described herein, the sole structure 12 having arcuate shields 1820A, 1820B extending along the outer surface 2464 of the forefoot panel 2462 of the footwear upper 2440. Similar to the footwear upper 240, openings 2441 extend through the footwear upper 2440 such that each of the arcuate shields 1820A, 1820B can extend along the outer surface 2464 of the forefoot panel 2462 of the footwear upper 2440. Only one set of openings 2441 is shown at the outer side 34A of the footwear upper 2440, but a similar set of openings 2441 extends at the inner side 32A. The curved shields 1820A and 1820B extend from the interior of the foot receiving cavity 46 through openings 2441 in or near one or both of the inner side 32A and outer side 34A of the footwear upper 2440, and extend over the outer surface 2464 of the footwear upper 2440 between their locations extending through the footwear upper 2440 (e.g., between openings 2441). The footwear plate 18 extends over the midsole 42, as per [reference to footwear upper 2440]. Figure 5 As stated above.

[0206] Figure 41 This is an exterior perspective view of footwear article 2514, which includes... Figure 40 Footwear uppers 2440 and similar Figure 38 The device 2210 (but with such Figure 39 The bridging member 2329 described herein connects the first arc-shaped shield 1820A and the second arc-shaped shield 1820B, and has a fixed component at the bridging member 2329. Figure 11 Device 2410 (connector 70).

[0207] Figure 42 This is an external perspective view of a footwear article 2614 including the footwear upper 40 and sole structure 12 described herein, the footwear article 2614 having Figure 34 The device 1810 and Figure 11 Connector 70A. Curved shields 1820A and 1820B extend along the inner surface 59 of the footwear upper 40. Connector 70A is fixed to the outer surface 64 of the footwear upper 40 at the forefoot panel 62 and outside the curved shield 1820A. Footwear plate 18 extends above the midsole 42, as per... Figure 5 As stated above.

[0208] Figure 43 This is an inner perspective view of a device 2710 for footwear products, which includes a frame 2716. The frame 2716 has a footwear board 2718 and has... Figure 1 The described arcuate shield 20 is integral with the footwear plate 2718 and is configured to extend from the footwear plate 2718 at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot. The footwear plate 2718 and the arcuate shield 20 are integrally formed as a single-piece structure. The footwear plate 2718 and the arcuate shield 20 are relatively rigid and may comprise any of the materials described herein with respect to frame 16 or any other device described herein. The arcuate shield 20 extends laterally from the outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 2718 to the inner portion 32 of the footwear plate 2718 and connects to both the inner portion 32 and the outer portion 34. For example, the arcuate shield 20 connects to the footwear plate 2718 at the outer edge 35 and the inner edge 33. Connectors (such as any of the connectors disclosed herein) may be operatively attached to and / or secured to the frame 2716, such as operatively attached to the upper surface 60 of the arcuate shield 20.

[0209] The footwear plate 2718 may be referred to herein as a honeycomb plate or honeycomb footwear plate, and can provide the advantage of minimizing the added weight of the footwear article while increasing the plate strength. The honeycomb footwear plate 2718 is configured to extend at least partially along the sole of the wearer's foot and beneath the sole of the wearer's foot, similar to... Figure 6The footwear plate 18 is shown. However, the honeycomb footwear plate 2718 is not a solid, integral extension throughout the forefoot portion 26, midfoot portion 24, and heel portion 22 like the footwear plate 18, but rather includes a matrix structure defining multiple open units 37. Figure 43 Only some of the open units are labeled. Open units 37 are distributed across each of the forefoot portion 26, midfoot portion 24, and heel portion 22. A matrix structure with multiple open units 37 can have a lighter weight and greater strength compared to a solid structure of similar thickness. The matrix structure allows for the use of different, lighter materials that can give the footwear plate 2718 the same or greater strength than a solid plate of similar thickness (such as plate 18), and allow for the use of heavier materials in the solid plate. For example, the footwear plate 2718 may comprise a plastic material instead of a carbon fiber composite material (although carbon fiber composite materials may be used in some embodiments).

[0210] This matrix structure can be provided by computer-designing the size and shape of various open units 37, the height of the footwear plates 2718, and the thickness of the footwear plates 2718 surrounding each of the units 37, to achieve a specific desired stiffness distribution in different portions of the footwear plates 2718 (e.g., in the forefoot portion 26, midfoot portion 24, and heel portion 22, and in the medial portion 32 and lateral portion 34). For example, for every two size increments, a specific design of unit size and shape, as well as the thickness and height of the footwear plates 2718, can be used. For larger increments in footwear size, it may be preferable to provide separate computer-designed features for these characteristics. U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0153264A1 to Amos et al., published June 7, 2018 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), includes a number of features that can be used for the honeycomb plates in the honeycomb footwear plates 2718 and / or other honeycomb plates disclosed herein. U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0153254A1 to Fusco et al., published June 7, 2018, and U.S. Patent No. 10,045,588 to Berend et al., granted August 14, 2018, are also incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and include many features of the cellular panels that can be used in cellular panel 2718 and / or other cellular panels disclosed herein.

[0211] like Figure 43As shown, at least some of the units 37 are polygonal. For example, at least some of the units 37 are hexagonal. At least some of the various hexagonal shapes may not have six sides of equal length, but may be elongated or irregular hexagons that deviate from regular hexagons with six sides of equal length. In addition, as shown, in each of the forefoot portion 26, midfoot portion 24, and heel portion 22, and in the medial portion 32 and lateral portion 34, the units 37 may have different sizes and shapes.

[0212] Footwear plate 2718 is a full-length plate (e.g., having a forefoot portion 26, a midfoot portion 24, and a heel portion 22). Like all full-length footwear plates described herein, full-length footwear plates with a matrix structure (such as footwear plate 2718) can increase flex stiffness relative to shorter plates and are therefore best suited for footwear configured for sprinting, for example, since sprinting primarily utilizes the forefoot area of ​​the footwear. The flex of the sole structure 12 may be less during sprinting compared to long-distance running. In footwear configured for long-distance running, the wearer typically experiences heel impact and a heel-to-toe transition with each stride. Therefore, the footwear plate in the embodiment for long-distance running can be shorter than the footwear plate in footwear articles for sprinting. For example, it may only have a forefoot portion 26, or only have a forefoot portion 26 and a midfoot portion 24, or have a forefoot portion 26, a midfoot portion 24 and a heel portion 22 (but with a narrow heel portion 22 or a heel portion 22 with openings to allow the wearer's foot to engage more directly with the rebound foam portion of the midsole during heel impact).

[0213] Figure 44 This is an outer perspective view of a device 2810 for footwear products, the device 2810 including a frame 2816 having Figure 43 2718 honeycomb panels and Figure 17The curved shield 820 is integral with the footwear plate 2718 and is configured to extend from the footwear plate 2718 at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot. The footwear plate 2718 and the curved shield 820 are integrally formed as a single-piece structure. The footwear plate 2718 and the curved shield 820 are relatively rigid and may comprise any of the materials described herein with respect to frame 16 or any other device described herein. The curved shield 820 extends laterally from the outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 2718 to the inner portion 32 of the footwear plate 2718 and connects to both the inner portion 32 and the outer portion 34. For example, the curved shield 820 connects to the footwear plate 2718 at the outer edge 35 and the inner edge 33. Connectors (such as any of the connectors disclosed herein) may be operatively connected to and / or secured to the frame 2816, such as operatively connected to the upper surface 860 of the arcuate shield 820.

[0214] Figure 45 This is a plan view of an apparatus 2910 for footwear products, which includes a frame 2916 having a footwear plate 2918. The footwear plate 2918 is a honeycomb plate and may be referred to herein as honeycomb plate 2918 or honeycomb footwear plate 2918. The honeycomb plate 2918 is identical to the honeycomb plate 2718, except that attachment features 2749 are provided at the inner portion 32 and the outer portion 34. Specifically, the attachment features 2749 are configured as flanges extending laterally outward at the inner edge 33 and the outer edge 35 of the honeycomb plate 2918. Each attachment feature 2749 includes an opening 2769, at which, for example, a component for applying external force can be attached. The attachment feature 2749 with the opening 2769 can be used as a connector. Alternatively, the attachment feature can be used to attach a selectively attachable and removable arcuate shield configured similarly to any of the arcuate shields described herein, except having an additional corresponding flange with an opening for receiving attachment devices such as fasteners. In another alternative, attachment feature 2749 can be alternatively configured as any of the attachment features disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication 2023 / 0124653A1 to Farina et al., published April 20, 2023 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). A downward external force applied to attachment feature 2749 should generate around... Figure 6 The ankle's pivot axis A is shown to rotate forward (e.g., plantar flexion). In one example, the outer frame may be operatively attached at attachment feature 2749, wherein the outer frame provides external forces that assist plantar flexion.

[0215] Figure 46This is a plan view of the alternative device 3010, which includes a frame 3016 having a honeycomb panel 3018 similar to the honeycomb panel 2918 but only having a forefoot portion 26 and a midfoot portion 24 (e.g., without a heel portion 22).

[0216] Figure 47 This is a plan view of an alternative device 3110 for footwear products, which includes a frame 3116 having a honeycomb panel 3118 similar to the honeycomb panel 2918 but only having a forefoot portion 26 (e.g., without a midfoot portion 24 and a heel portion 22).

[0217] Figure 48 It includes Figure 45 An inner perspective view of the footwear product 3114 of the device 2910. The footwear plate 2918 is embedded in the... Figure 6 Within the midsole 142 of the described sole structure 112, attachment features 2749 extend laterally on the exterior of the medial and lateral sidewalls of the midsole 142 (e.g., on the exterior of the sole structure 112) to facilitate access at the medial side 32A and lateral side 34A of the footwear article. For example, a footwear plate 2918 may be embedded between an overlying upper midsole 142A and an underlying lower midsole 142B. Alternatively, the footwear plate 2918 may be embedded within a single midsole.

[0218] Figure 49 This is an exploded interior perspective view of an apparatus 3210 for footwear products, which includes a frame 3216. The frame 3216 includes a footwear plate 3218 and a curved shield 3220, which is selectively detachable from the footwear plate 3218 and... Figure 49 The portion shown is detached. Selective attachment of the curved shield 3220 and the footwear plate 3218 is achieved via a tab and slot connection. More specifically, one of the footwear plate 3218 and the curved shield 3220 includes a slot 3265, and the other of the footwear plate 3218 and the curved shield 3220 includes a tab 3263 configured to be received in the slot 3265 to attach the curved shield 3220 to the footwear plate 3218. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 3265 is located in mounting members 3261, which are disposed at or near the inner edge 33 and the outer edge 35 of the footwear plate 3218 at the inner portion 32 and the outer portion 34, respectively. In some embodiments, the mounting members 3261 may be on an outwardly extending flange, similar to... Figure 45The attachment feature 2749 of the footwear plate 2918. A tab 3263 extends downward from the inner end 3267 and outer end 3269 of the arcuate shield 3220. The tab 3263 engages within the slot 3265 with minimal forward and backward displacement. When the tab 3263 is received within the slot 3265, the arcuate shield 3220 is thus connected to the inner portion 32 and outer portion 34 of the footwear plate. The tab 3263 and the slot 3265 may have a frictional engagement to maintain the connection, or in embodiments where a downward force will be applied to the arcuate shield 3220, this downward force will act by driving the tab 3263 in the direction of the slot 3265 to strengthen rather than weaken the connection between the arcuate shield 3220 and the footwear plate 3218 at the tab 3263 and the slot 3265, in which case a frictional engagement may not be necessary. In other embodiments, the tab 3263 may be disposed on the footwear plate 3218, and the slot 3265 may be disposed at the inner end 3267 and the outer end 3269 of the arcuate shield 3220. In still other embodiments, the selective attachment of the arcuate shield to the footwear plate may be only at one of the inner or outer portions 34 of the footwear plate.

[0219] Figure 50 This is an exploded interior perspective view of an alternative device 3310 for footwear products, which includes a frame 3316. The frame 3316 includes a footwear plate 3318 and a curved shield 3320, which is selectively detachable from the footwear plate 3318 and... Figure 50 The curved shield 3320 is shown as disassembled. Selective attachment of the curved shield 3320 and the footwear plate 3318 is achieved through attachment features including an opening 3371 in the curved shield 3320 and a mounting member 3375 attached to and extending outward from the mounting member 3375 on the footwear plate 3318. These studs 3373 can be aligned with and received within the opening 3371 to hold the curved shield 3320 to the footwear plate 3318. The opening 3371 is close to the inner end 3367 and the outer end 3369 of the curved shield 3320. When the studs 3373 are received within the opening 3371, the curved shield 3320 is thus attached to the inner portion 32 and the outer portion 34 of the footwear plate 3318. The stud 3373 and the opening 3371 may have a friction fit to maintain the connection, and / or after the stud is inserted into the opening 3371, a nut or other end fitting may be secured to the stud 3373. In other embodiments, the stud may alternatively be disposed on and extend outward from the arcuate shield 3220 to be received in openings provided on upwardly extending flanges extending from the inner edge 33 and the outer edge 35 of the footwear plate 3318.

[0220] In some embodiments, for example, using an arcuate shield that extends laterally only partially from the outer portion of the footwear plate to the inner portion or from the inner portion to the outer portion (such as those described herein) Figures 21 to 32 In the case of any of the described arc-shaped shields, the selective attachment of the arc-shaped shield to the footplate may be limited to only one of the inner portion 32 or the outer portion 34 of the footplate. In such an embodiment, Figures 21 to 32 The curved shield of any one of them will be modified to have selective attachment features, such as regarding Figure 49 The tabs or slots discussed or about Figure 50 The openings or studs discussed. Other attachment features can be used to create selective attachment and removal of the curved guard to the footboard, such as using hook-and-loop connections.

[0221] Figure 51 It includes information about Figure 11 An inner perspective view of a footwear article 3214 comprising a footwear upper 240 and a sole structure 12, the footwear article 3214 having... Figure 49 The device is shown, and an arcuate shield 3220 is attached to the footwear plate 3218 and extends from the interior of the foot receiving cavity 46 through an opening 241 in the footwear upper 240 to extend along the outer surface 64 of the forefoot panel 62 of the footwear upper 240. The footwear plate 3218 is configured to extend at least partially along the sole of the wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot. Figure 11 The connector 70 is shown mounted to the upper surface 3260 of the arcuate shield 3220. In alternative embodiments, connector 70A or any other connector described herein may be used instead.

[0222] Figure 52 It includes Figure 6 An inner perspective view of a footwear article 3314 having a footwear upper 40 and a sole structure 112, the footwear article 3314 having Figure 50 The device 3310 shows an arcuate shield 3320 attached to a footwear plate 3318. The footwear plate 3318 is embedded in... Figure 6The midsole 142 of the described sole structure 112 is embedded, for example, between an overlying upper midsole 142A and an underlying lower midsole 142B. Alternatively, the footwear plate 3318 may be embedded within a single midsole. Studs 3373 extend outward from the sidewalls of the sole structure 112 or outward at the medial side 32A and lateral side 34A of the footwear article 3314 through the sides of the footwear upper 40 and through an opening 3371 in the curved shield 3320. The curved shield 3320 extends along the outer surface 64 of the forefoot panel 62 of the footwear upper 40. The footwear plate 3318 is configured to extend at least partially along the sole of the wearer's foot and beneath the sole of the wearer's foot. Figure 11 The connector 70 is shown mounted to the upper surface 3360 of the arcuate shield 3320. In alternative embodiments, connector 70A or any other connector described herein may be used instead.

[0223] By configuring the curved shield (such as curved shields 3220 and 3320) to be selectively detachable from the footwear plate, the curved shield can be removed when needed, such as when the wearer's planned activity does not require the presence of the curved shield. For example, if any of the connectors described herein (such as connector 70 or 70A operably connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the curved shield) is operably connected to and / or fixed to the frame, and the wearer's planned activity does not involve the use of the connector, removing the curved shield results in a reduction in the overall weight of the footwear.

[0224] Furthermore, the selective attachment and detachment of the curved shields makes it possible to use different curved shields for different activities. For example, a first curved shield with a first connector can be attached to a footwear plate for one or more activities, and a second curved shield with another connector configured for connection to different components can, for example, be attached to a footwear plate for different activities.

[0225] Figure 53 This is an exterior perspective view of footwear product 3414, which is related to... Figure 20The footwear article 914 is identical except that the sole structure 12 is replaced by a sole structure 3412 having a midsole 3442, which defines recesses 3477A and 3477B on its outer surface (e.g., at the outer inner sidewall surface 3483 and outer outer sidewall surface 3485, respectively, located at each of the inner sidewall 3482A and outer sidewall 3482B of the midsole 3442). Recess 3477A may be referred to as a first recess, and recess 3477B may be referred to as a second recess. Recesses 3477A and 3477B each include openings 3481A and 3481B, respectively, located at the outer inner sidewall surface 3483 and outer outer sidewall surface 3485. Openings 3481A and 3481B are smaller than the corresponding recesses 3477A and 3477B. For example, recesses 3477A and 3477B are each shown as part of a cylindrical shape. Additionally, as... Figure 54 As indicated, the insole 3443 is added into the foot receiving cavity 46, thereby covering the footwear plate 18.

[0226] Each recess 3477A, ​​3477B has a corresponding magnet (or magnetic material) 3487A, 3487B housed therein. For example, the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3487A, 3487B are positioned adjacent to the inner surfaces 3479A, 3479B of the recesses 3477A, ​​3477B, respectively. The magnet (or magnetic material) 3487A may be referred to as a first magnet (or first magnetic material), and the magnet 3487B may be referred to as a second magnet (or second magnetic material). The magnets (or magnetic materials) 3487A, 3487B are cylindrical segments configured to be embedded along at least a portion of the inner surfaces 3479A, 3479B, and may be adhered to or otherwise fixed to the inner surfaces 3479A, 3479B. Magnets (or magnetic materials) 3487A and 3487B each have slots 3489A and 3489B that are respectively aligned with the corresponding openings 3481A and 3481B.

[0227] exist Figure 53 and Figure 54In this configuration, magnets (or magnetic materials) 3487A and 3487B thus leave a portion of each of the cylindrical recesses 3477A and 3477B vacant, and thus open the space to receive a magnetic connector, such as another magnet or magnetic material configured to attract the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3487A and 3487B housed in the recesses 3477A and 3477B, through the corresponding openings 3481A and 3481B. Because the openings 3481A and 3481B are smaller than the corresponding recesses 3477A and 3477B, and the insole 3442 can be a slightly flexible foam material, the openings 3481A and 3481B can be stretched during the insertion of another magnet or magnetic material into the recesses 3477A and 3477B through the openings 3481A and 3481B. Once in the recesses 3477A and 3477B, the openings 3481A and 3481B will return to their normal (unstretched) size, allowing the material of the midsole 3442 near the openings 3481A and 3481B to help retain another inserted magnet or magnetic material in the recesses 3477A and 3477B (in addition to the magnetic force used to retain the inserted magnet or magnetic material in the recesses 3477A and 3477B).

[0228] For example, Figure 55 This is an external perspective view of footwear article 3514, which is identical to footwear article 3414 except that the sole structure 3412 is replaced by the same sole structure 3512, and strips 3491A and 3491B are added. Strips 3491A and 3491B each have magnets (or magnetic materials) 3493A and 3493B fixed thereon and received through openings 3481A and 3481B to be respectively disposed in recesses 3477A and 3477B and fixed to magnets or magnetic materials 3487A and 3487B contained in recesses 3477A and 3477B. Figure 57 The cross-sectional view is best shown. Each of the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3493A and 3493B can be fixed within the retainers 3495A and 3495B respectively, which are then attached to the corresponding strips 3491A and 3491B by adhesive, stitching, or other means, as shown. Figure 56 The best illustrations are provided for magnet 3493A, retainer 3495B and strip 3491B. Figure 56 The cross section is along the same Figure 55 The lines in the diagram are cut from the same line, but only strip 3491B, retainer 3495B and magnet (or magnetic material) 3493B are shown.

[0229] The magnets (or magnetic materials) 3493A and 3493B, including retainers 3495A and 3495B respectively, are generally cylindrical and thus shaped to be received in corresponding recesses 3477A and 3477B. Therefore, when the magnets or magnetic materials 3493A and 3493B are received in the recesses 3477A and 3477B, the magnetic connection between the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3487A and 3487B received in the recesses 3477A and 3477B and the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3493A and 3493B fixed to the strips 3491A and 3491B operatively connects the strips 3491A and 3491B to the midsole 3442. Force can be applied to the strips 3491A and 3491B to move the midsole 3442. For example, if recesses 3477A and 3477B are located in the heel area 27 of the midsole 3442 as shown, an upward force applied to any one or both of the straps 3491A and 3491B will cause the footplate 18 to exert an upward force on the wearer's foot from behind the ankle. This force on any one or both of the straps 3491A and 3491B can keep the heel area 27 of the sole structure 3512, including the heel portion 22 of the footplate 18, against the wearer's foot, and when an upward force is applied in front of the ankle at the joint connector 70A, this force can counteract any tendency of the heel portion 22 to move away from the wearer's foot.

[0230] Figure 58 This is an inner perspective view of footwear article 3614, which includes device 3610, which includes... Figure 3 The footwear plate 118 (which has an arc-shaped shield 120) and the footwear plate 118, such as Figure 59 As best shown. The footwear article 3614 includes a sole structure 3612, which includes a forefoot midsole component 3642A and a rearfoot midsole component 3642B. The forefoot outsole component 3644A is fixed to the forefoot midsole component 3642A, and the rearfoot outsole component 3644B is fixed to the rearfoot midsole component 3642B.

[0231] The footwear article 3614 also includes a footwear upper 3640, which includes a forefoot upper part 3640A fixed to a forefoot midsole part 3642A and a rearfoot upper part 3640B fixed to a rearfoot midsole part 3642B. The forefoot upper part 3640A and the rearfoot upper part 3640B together define a foot receiving cavity 46. Figure 58In the image, the front midsole component 3642A and the rear midsole component 3642B are shown in a use position, wherein the rear portion of the front midsole component 3642A and the front portion of the rear midsole component 3642B define a groove 3615 between them. As used herein, the "use" position is the position of the midsole when worn on the foot during walking or similar activities. The front midsole component 3642A and the rear midsole component 3642B can be pivoted at a pivot axis 3617 extending laterally across the midfoot area 28 of the sole structure 3612. Figure 58 The location of use and Figure 60 The shown entry positions are pivoted relative to each other. Pivot axis 3617 typically extends at the top of groove 3615. In the entry position, sole structure 3612 is raised at pivot axis 3717, where groove 3615 is relatively closed compared to the use position. In the entry position, sole structure 3612 is positioned on ground plane G at the front portion 3612A (e.g., at or near the front portion of the front outsole member 3644A) and the rear portion 3612B (e.g., at or near the rear portion of the rear outsole member 3644B).

[0232] The footwear upper 3640 can be referred to as a separate footwear upper 3640 because the forefoot upper component 3640A is separated from the rearfoot upper component 3640B and can move relative to the rearfoot upper component 3640B when the sole structure 3612 is in an entry position that facilitates foot entry. Figure 60 As shown.

[0233] The footwear plate 118 has a rear edge 118A positioned above the forefoot midsole component 3442A and in front of the pivot axis 3617. The footwear plate 118 thus extends at least partially along the forefoot midsole component 3442A. In the illustrated example, the footwear plate 118 extends in both the forefoot area 30 and the midfoot area 28 of the sole structure 3612. In another embodiment, the rear edge 118A may be further forward than shown, such that the footwear plate 118 extends only in the forefoot area 30. In either case, the rear edge 118A is in front of the pivot axis 3617. Alternatively, a separate plate may be provided extending behind the pivot axis 3617 above the rear midsole component 3642B and connected to the footwear plate 118 via a hinge mechanism, such that this plate pivots together with the forefoot midsole component 3642A and the rear midsole component 3642B between a use position and an entry position.

[0234] Optionally, a connector (such as connector 70A) may be attached to the forefoot upper component 3640A, and / or any of the attachment features described herein may be added to the footwear plate 118, in which case the downward force applied to the connector and / or attachment feature should cause the footwear article 3614 to wrap around... Figure 6The ankle pivot axis A is rotated forward (e.g., plantar flexion). With the foot within the foot receiving cavity 3646, the sole structure 3612 will remain in the use position even with such an external force applied. In one example, the outer frame may be operatively attached to a connector and / or attachment features to provide external forces that assist plantar flexion.

[0235] Figure 61 This is an exterior perspective view of footwear article 3714 in its use position. Footwear article 3714 includes... Figure 17 The device 810 has Figure 14 The connector 70A is a joint. Similar to footwear article 3614, footwear article 3714 has a mating sole structure 3712, which includes a forefoot midsole component 3742A and a rearfoot midsole component 3742B. The forefoot outsole component 3744A is located below at least a portion of the forefoot midsole component 3742A, and the rearfoot outsole component 3744B is located below at least a portion of the rearfoot midsole component 3742B. The forefoot midsole component 3742A and the rearfoot midsole component 3742B can be positioned at a lateral pivot axis 3717. Figure 61 The usage location shown is the same as Figure 62 The entry positions shown pivot relative to each other.

[0236] In the use position, the rear portion of the forefoot midsole component 3742A and the front portion of the rearfoot midsole component 3742B define a recess 3715 therebetween. A connector 3719, which may be an outsole component, is fitted along the recess 3715. A pivot axis 3717 generally extends laterally across the midfoot area 28 of the sole structure 3712 at the top of the recess 3715. In the entry position, the sole structure 3712 is raised at the pivot axis 3717, where the recess 3715 is relatively closed compared to the use position. In the use position, the sole structure 3712 is positioned at the forefoot portion 3712A (e.g., at or near the front portion of the forefoot outsole component 3744A) and the rearfoot portion 3712B (e.g., at or near the rear portion of the rearfoot outsole component 3744B).

[0237] Footwear article 3714 also includes a footwear upper 3740, which includes a forefoot upper 3740A fixed to a forefoot midsole component 3742A and a rearfoot upper 3740B fixed to a rearfoot midsole component 3742B. The forefoot upper 3740A and the rearfoot upper 3740B together define a foot receiving cavity 46. The footwear upper 3740 may be referred to as a separate footwear upper 3740 because the forefoot upper 3740A is spaced apart from the rearfoot upper 3740B and is movable relative to the rearfoot upper 3740B when the sole structure 3712 is in an access position that facilitates access to the foot receiving cavity 46, such as... Figure 62 As shown.

[0238] The forefoot midsole component 3742A includes an integral heel footbed 3742C that covers the rearfoot midsole component 3742B in a use position and is spaced apart from the rearfoot midsole component 3742B in an access position. For example, such an integral heel footbed is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,185,125 to Blanche et al., issued November 30, 2021 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In such embodiments, devices with a frame (which includes a footwear plate extending behind a lateral pivot axis 3717) can be implemented, such as device 810 with a frame 816 having a footwear plate 18 including a heel portion 22. Figure 62 In the diagram, the heel portion 22 of the footwear plate 18 is shown having an insole 3743 disposed above the upper surface of the footwear plate 18. In both the use position and the entry position, the heel bed 3742C and the footwear plate 18 extend behind the pivot axis 3717. Because the heel bed 3742C moves together with and is an essential part of the forefoot midsole component 3742A, configuring the footwear plate 18 to extend behind the pivot axis 3717 and above the rear footwear component 3742B will not interfere with pivoting at the pivot axis 3717.

[0239] The connector 70A is fixed to the outer surface 3764 at the forefoot upper 3740A on the front panel 3762. A downward force applied to the connector 70A should cause the footwear 3714 to... Figure 6 The pivot axis A of the wearer's ankle is rotated forward (e.g., plantar flexion). With the foot within the foot receiving cavity 46, the sole structure 3712 will remain in the use position even with such an external force applied. In one example, the outer frame may be operatively attached to the connector 70A to provide an external force assisting plantar flexion. Any other connector and / or attachment features disclosed herein may alternatively be used with the footwear article 3714.

[0240] Figure 63 This is an outer perspective view of footwear article 3814, which is identical to footwear article 3714 and is shown in the use position, but also includes recesses 3877A and 3877B located at each of the inner sidewall 3893 and outer sidewall 3895 in the heel portion 22 of heel footbed 3742C on the outer inner surface 3883 and outer outer surface 3885. Figure 64 Is Figure 63 The line 64-64 was cut off. Figure 63Cross-sectional view of heel footbed 3742C.

[0241] Recess 3877A may be referred to as the first recess, and recess 3877B may be referred to as the second recess. Recesses 3877A and 3877B open at the outer inner surface 3883 and the outer outer surface 3885, respectively defining openings 3881A and 3881B that are laterally outward and downward oriented along the lower edge of the heel footbed 3742C. Recesses 3877A and 3877B are each shown as part of a cylindrical shape.

[0242] Each recess 3877A, 3877B has a magnet (or magnetic material) 3887A, 3887B housed therein, for example, positioned adjacent to the inner surfaces 3879A, 3879B of the recess 3877A, 3877B, respectively. The magnet (or magnetic material) 3887A may be referred to as a first magnet (or first magnetic material), and the magnet 3887B may be referred to as a second magnet (or second magnetic material). The magnets (or magnetic materials) 3887A, 3887B are cylindrical segments configured to be embedded along at least a portion of the inner surfaces 3879A, 3879B, and may be adhered to or otherwise fixed to the inner surfaces 3879A, 3879B. Each magnet (or magnetic material) 3887A, 3887B has a slot 3891A, 3891B aligned with a corresponding opening 3881A, 3881B.

[0243] exist Figure 64 In this case, the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3887A and 3887B thus leave a portion of the cylindrical recesses 3877A and 3877B empty, and thus open the space to receive a magnetic connector, such as another magnet or magnetic material configured to attract the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3887A and 3887B housed in the recesses 3877A and 3877B, through the corresponding openings 3881A and 3881B.

[0244] Figure 65 This is an external perspective view of footwear article 3914, which is identical to footwear article 3814 except that the sole structure 3712 is replaced by the same sole structure 3912, and straps 3991A and 3991B are added. Straps 3991A and 3991B are respectively fixed thereon and received through openings 3881A and 3881B to be respectively disposed in recesses 3877A and 3877B. Figure 64 The openings 3881A, 3881B and the recesses 3877A, 3877B shown in the best embodiment are fixed to the magnets or magnetic materials 3887A, 3887B contained in the recesses 3877A, 3877B, such as magnets (or magnetic materials) 3993A, 3993B. Figure 66The cross-sectional view is best shown. Each of the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3993A and 3993B is shown as being fixed within retainers 3995A and 3995B, respectively, which are then attached to the corresponding strips 3991A and 3991B by adhesive, stitching, or other means, similar to Figure 56 The retainer 3495B and the strip 3491B.

[0245] The magnets 3993A and 3993B (or magnetic materials), which include retainers 3995A and 3995B respectively, are generally cylindrical and are thus shaped to be received in the corresponding recesses 3877A and 3877B. Therefore, when the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3993A and 3993B are received in the recesses 3877A and 3877B, the magnetic connection between the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3887A and 3887B received in the recesses 3877A and 3877B and the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3993A and 3993B fixed to the strips 3991A and 3991B operatively connects the strips 3991A and 3991B to the heel footbed 3742C.

[0246] like Figure 66 As shown, when the sole structure 3912 is in the use position, the strips 3991A and 3991B are at least partially disposed between the inner side of the heel footbed 3742C and the inner side of the rear footwear upper 3740B. Specifically, strip 3991A is located between the inner inner side 3741A of the rear footwear upper 3740B and the inner surface 3883 of the heel footbed 3742C, and strip 3991B is located between the outer inner side 3741B of the rear footwear upper 3740B and the outer outer surface 3885 of the heel footbed 3742C.

[0247] Stripes 3991A and 3991B are also disposed between the inner side of the rear footwear upper 3740B and the outer side of the front footwear upper 3740A, wherein they overlap at the inner side 32A and the outer side 34A in use. Specifically, stripe 3991A is located between the inner inner side 3741A of the rear footwear upper 3740B and the inner outer side surface 3995 of the front footwear upper 3740A, and stripe 3991B is located between the inner outer side 3741B of the rear footwear upper 3740B and the outer outer side surface 3997 of the front footwear upper 3740A. When the sole structure 3912 is in the use position, this helps to further secure the strips 3991A, 3991B and the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3993A, 3993B attached to the strips 3991A, 3991B to the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3887A, 3887B housed in the recesses 3877A, 3877B.

[0248] Additionally, the downward and outward orientation of openings 3881A and 3881B further helps to slightly trap the strips 3991A and 3991B, as well as the magnets (or magnetic materials) 3993A and 3993B attached to the strips 3991A and 3991B, under at least a portion of the heel footbed 3742C, which will help to further secure their position when the wearer's weight is on the heel footbed 3742C.

[0249] An upward force applied to any one or both of the straps 3991A and 3991B will exert an upward force on the heel bed 3742C and the footwear plate 18 attached thereto towards the wearer's foot from behind the ankle. This force on any one or both of the straps 3991A and 3991B can keep the heel section 27 of the sole structure 3912, including the footwear plate 18 and the heel bed 3742C, against the wearer's foot, and when an upward force is applied at the joint connector 70A in front of the ankle, this force can counteract any tendency of the heel section 22 to move away from the wearer's foot.

[0250] The following terms provide example configurations of footwear products disclosed herein.

[0251] Clause 1. An apparatus for footwear articles, comprising: a frame including: a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of a wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot; and an arcuate shield integral with the footwear plate and configured to extend laterally from the footwear plate at least partially above an upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0252] Clause 2. The device according to Clause 1, wherein the arcuate shield and the footwear plate are integral single-piece structures.

[0253] Clause 3. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the frame comprises a carbon fiber composite material.

[0254] Clause 4. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the frame has a compressive stiffness of a predetermined value or within a predetermined value range.

[0255] Clause 5. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the frame has sufficient rigidity to prevent the arcuate shield from bending relative to the footwear plate when a force not greater than a predetermined force is received on the arcuate shield.

[0256] Clause 6. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6 further comprises: a connector operatively connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the arcuate shield.

[0257] Clause 7. The device according to Clause 6, wherein the arcuate shield is configured to extend along the inner surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper, and the connector comprises fabric fixed to the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper.

[0258] Clause 8. The apparatus according to Clause 7, wherein the fabric is configured to pivot relative to the outer surface of the footwear upper about at least two vertical axes.

[0259] Clause 9. The apparatus according to Clause 7, wherein the connector further includes a magnet or magnetic material operably secured to the fabric.

[0260] Clause 10. The apparatus according to Clause 6, wherein the connector is configured to function as part of a ball joint.

[0261] Clause 11. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the arcuate shroud extends over the forefoot portion of the footwear plate.

[0262] Clause 12. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the footwear plate is configured to extend only in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear article.

[0263] Clause 13. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the footwear plate is configured to extend only in the forefoot and midfoot areas of the footwear article.

[0264] Clause 14. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the footwear plate is configured to extend in the forefoot area, midfoot area and heel area of ​​the footwear article.

[0265] Clause 15. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the arcuate shroud extends laterally over the footwear plate from the outer portion of the footwear plate to the inner portion of the footwear plate.

[0266] Clause 16. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein the arcuate shield has a front edge and a rear edge, and the front edge is closer to the upper surface of the footwear plate than the rear edge, such that the upper surface of the arcuate shield has a downward and forward angle from the rear edge to the front edge.

[0267] Clause 17. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the joint connector is positioned in front of the ankle opening of the footwear article to transmit external forces to the frame to enhance plantar flexion of the wearer's foot.

[0268] Clause 18. The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17, wherein the connector is positioned on a portion of the arcuate shield above the upper portion of the wearer's foot for operative connection to the outer frame.

[0269] Clause 19. A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: a frame, the frame including: a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of a wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot; and an arcuate shield integral with the footwear plate and configured to extend laterally from the footwear plate at least partially over an upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0270] Clause 20. The sole structure according to Clause 19 further includes: a midsole; and wherein the footwear plate extends at least partially over the midsole.

[0271] Clause 21. The sole structure as described in Clause 19 combined with the frame as described in any one of Clauses 2 to 18.

[0272] Clause 22. A footwear article comprising: a frame, the frame including: a footboard configured to extend at least partially along the sole of a wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot; and an arcuate shield integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over an upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0273] Clause 23. Footwear articles according to Clause 22 further include: footwear uppers; wherein the curved shroud extends along the inner surface of the forefoot section of the footwear upper.

[0274] Clause 24. The footwear article according to Clause 23 further includes: a connector operatively connected to and / or secured to the outer surface of the front panel of the footwear upper.

[0275] Clause 25. Footwear articles according to Clause 24, wherein the joint connector comprises fabric that is fixed to the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper.

[0276] Clause 26. Footwear articles comprising the frame combination as described in Clause 22 with any one of Clauses 2 to 18 and / or the sole structure combination as described in any one of Clauses 19 to 20.

[0277] Clause 27. An apparatus for footwear articles, comprising: a frame including: a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of a wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot; and an arcuate shield integral with the footwear plate and configured to extend laterally from an inner portion of the footwear plate to an outer portion of the footwear plate above at least a portion of the upper part of the wearer's foot; wherein the front edge of the arcuate shield at the inner portion of the footwear plate is further forward or further rearward than the front edge of the arcuate shield at the outer portion of the footwear plate, such that the front edge of the arcuate shield is obliquely shifted rearward or forward from the inner portion of the footwear plate to the outer portion of the footwear plate, respectively.

[0278] Clause 28. The device according to Clause 27, wherein the rear edge of the arcuate shield is obliquely moved rearward or forward from the inner portion of the footwear plate to the outer portion of the footwear plate, respectively.

[0279] Clause 29. The device according to Clause 27, wherein the front edge of the arcuate shield at the inner portion of the footwear plate is located at one of the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion of the footwear plate, and the front edge of the arcuate shield at the outer portion of the footwear plate is located at the other of the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion of the footwear plate.

[0280] Clause 30. The apparatus pursuant to Clause 27 and further pursuant to any one of Clauses 2 to 19.

[0281] Clause 31. A sole structure comprising the means according to any one of Clauses 27 to 30.

[0282] Clause 32. A footwear article combined with any of the devices pursuant to Clauses 27 to 30 and / or combined with the sole structure described in Clause 31.

[0283] Clause 33. An apparatus for footwear articles, comprising: a frame including: a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of a wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot; and an arcuate shield integral with the footwear plate and configured to extend laterally from the footwear plate at least partially above an upper portion of the wearer's foot from one of an inner or outer portion of the footwear plate to an end disposed above an upper surface of the footwear plate.

[0284] Clause 34. The device according to Clause 33, wherein the arcuate shield extends from the inner side and / or inner edge of the footwear plate and does not extend to the outer side and / or outer edge of the footwear plate.

[0285] Clause 35. The device according to Clause 33, wherein the arcuate shield extends from the outer side and / or outer edge of the footwear plate and does not extend to the inner side and / or inner edge of the footwear plate.

[0286] Clause 36. The device according to any one of Clauses 33 to 35 further comprises: a connector operatively connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the arcuate shield.

[0287] Clause 37. The device according to any one of Clauses 33 to 36, wherein the arcuate shield extends partially over the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper.

[0288] Clause 38. The apparatus pursuant to Clause 33 and further pursuant to any one of Clauses 2 to 19.

[0289] Clause 39. A sole structure comprising the means according to any one of Clauses 33 to 37.

[0290] Clause 40. A footwear article combined with the device according to any one of Clauses 33 to 37 and / or combined with the sole structure according to Clause 38.

[0291] Clause 41. An apparatus for footwear articles, comprising: a frame including: a footboard configured to extend at least partially along the sole of a wearer's foot; a first arcuate shield integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over an upper portion of the wearer's foot; and a second arcuate shield integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over an upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0292] Clause 42. The device according to Clause 41, wherein the first arcuate shield is disposed at least partially above the forefoot portion of the footwear plate in front of the second arcuate shield.

[0293] Clause 43. The device according to Clause 42, wherein the second arcuate shield is at least partially disposed over the midfoot portion of the footwear plate.

[0294] Clause 44. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 41 to 43 further comprises: a first connector operatively connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the first arcuate shield; and a second connector operatively connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the second arcuate shield.

[0295] Clause 45. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 41 to 43, wherein the frame further comprises a bridging member that integrally connects the first arcuate shield and the second arcuate shield; and the apparatus further comprises a connector operatively connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the bridging member.

[0296] Clause 46. The apparatus pursuant to Clause 41 and further pursuant to any one of Clauses 2 to 19.

[0297] Clause 47. A sole structure comprising the means according to any one of Clauses 41 to 46.

[0298] Clause 48. A footwear article combined with any of the devices pursuant to Clauses 41 to 46 and / or combined with the sole structure described in Clause 47.

[0299] Clause 49. A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: a frame including a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of a wearer's foot; a connector operatively connected to and / or secured to the frame; and a midsole; wherein the midsole includes a forefoot midsole component and a rearfoot midsole component, the forefoot midsole component and the rearfoot midsole component being pivotable relative to each other between a use position and an entry position at a pivot axis extending laterally across the midfoot area of ​​the sole structure, wherein the sole structure is lifted at the pivot axis in the entry position; and wherein the footwear plate extends at least partially along the forefoot midsole component.

[0300] Clause 50. The sole structure according to Clause 49, wherein the footwear plate extends only in the forefoot area of ​​the sole structure and / or only in front of the pivot axis.

[0301] Clause 51. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 49 to 50, wherein the forefoot midsole component includes a heel footbed that covers the rear footbed in the use position and is spaced apart from the rear footbed in the entry position; and wherein the footwear plate extends further along the heel footbed behind the pivot axis.

[0302] Clause 52. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 49 to 51 includes the device according to any one of Clauses 2 to 11 and 15 to 18.

[0303] Clause 53. A footwear article combined with a sole structure according to any one of Clauses 49 to 52.

[0304] Clause 54. An apparatus for footwear articles, comprising: a frame including a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of a wearer's foot; wherein the footwear plate includes a matrix structure defining a plurality of open units; and a connector operatively connected to and / or secured to the frame.

[0305] Clause 55. The device according to Clause 54, wherein the frame includes an arcuate shield integral with the footwear plate and configured to extend from the footwear plate at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot.

[0306] Clause 56. The apparatus according to Clause 55, wherein the connector is operatively connected to the upper surface of the arcuate shield.

[0307] Clause 57. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 54 to 56, wherein at least some of the units are polygonal.

[0308] Clause 58. The apparatus according to Clause 57, wherein at least some of the units are hexagonal.

[0309] Clause 59. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 54 to 58, wherein the height of the footwear plate, the thickness of the footwear plate between adjacent open units in the open unit, and / or the shape of the open unit are configured to provide a predetermined stiffness distribution of the footwear plate.

[0310] Clause 60. The apparatus pursuant to Clause 54 and further pursuant to any one of Clauses 2 to 19.

[0311] Clause 61. A sole structure comprising the device according to any one of Clauses 54 to 60.

[0312] Clause 62. A footwear article combined with the device according to any one of Clauses 54 to 60 and / or combined with the sole structure according to Clause 61.

[0313] Clause 63. An apparatus for footwear articles, comprising: a frame including: a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of a wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot; and an arcuate shield selectively attachable to and detachable from the footwear plate, and configured, when attached to the footwear plate, to extend laterally from an inner portion of the footwear plate over an upper portion of the wearer's foot to an outer portion of the footwear plate.

[0314] Clause 64. The device according to Clause 63, wherein the arcuate shield is configured to extend over the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper when attached to the footwear plate.

[0315] Clause 65. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 63 to 64 further comprises: a connector operatively connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the arcuate shield.

[0316] Clause 66. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 63 to 65, wherein one of the footwear plate and the arcuate shield includes a slot, and the other of the footwear plate and the arcuate shield includes a tab configured to be received in the slot to attach the arcuate shield to the footwear plate.

[0317] Clause 67. The apparatus pursuant to Clause 63 and further pursuant to any one of Clauses 3 to 19.

[0318] Clause 68. A sole structure comprising the means according to any one of Clauses 63 to 67.

[0319] Clause 69. A footwear article combined with the device according to any one of Clauses 63 to 67 and / or combined with the sole structure according to Clause 68.

[0320] Clause 70. A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: a frame including a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of a wearer's foot; a connector operatively connected to and / or secured to the frame; a midsole; wherein the footwear plate extends at least partially along the midsole; wherein the midsole defines a recess at a surface of the midsole; and a magnet or magnetic material received in the recess.

[0321] Clause 71. The sole structure according to Clause 70, wherein: the midsole includes a fore midsole component and a rear midsole component, the fore midsole component and the rear midsole component being pivotable relative to each other between a use position and an entry position at a pivot axis extending laterally across the midfoot area of ​​the sole structure, wherein the sole structure is lifted at the pivot axis in the entry position; the fore midsole component includes a heel bed, the heel bed covering the rear midsole component in the use position and spaced apart from the rear midsole component in the entry position; and the surface of the midsole defining the recess therein is the surface of the heel bed.

[0322] Clause 72. A sole structure according to any one of Clauses 70 to 71, wherein: the recess is a first recess, the surface of the midsole includes an inner surface, and the magnet or magnetic material is a first magnet or a first magnetic material; the surface of the midsole includes an outer surface and defines a second recess at least partially at the outer surface; and the sole structure further includes: a second magnet or a second magnetic material received in the second recess.

[0323] Clause 73. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 70 to 72, wherein the recess has a partially cylindrical shape.

[0324] Clause 74. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 70 to 73, wherein the surface of the midsole defining the recess therein is located on the outer sidewall of the midsole.

[0325] Clause 75. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 70 to 74 further includes: a strip; and an additional magnet or magnetic material, said additional magnet or magnetic material being fixed to said strip and configured to attract said magnet or magnetic material received in said recess; wherein said additional magnet or magnetic material being fixed to said strip is shaped to be received in said recess.

[0326] Clause 76. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 70 to 75 includes the device according to any one of Clauses 2 to 19.

[0327] Clause 77. A footwear article combined with a sole structure according to any one of Clauses 70 to 76.

[0328] Clause 78. A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: a frame including a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along and below the sole of a wearer's foot; a connector operatively connected to and / or secured to the frame; a midsole including a forefoot midsole and a rearfoot midsole, the forefoot midsole and the rearfoot midsole pivoting relative to each other between a use position and an entry position at a pivot axis extending laterally across the midfoot region of the sole structure, wherein the sole structure is lifted at the pivot axis in the entry position; wherein the footwear plate extends at least partially along the forefoot midsole; wherein the forefoot midsole includes a heel bed that covers the rearfoot midsole in the use position and is spaced apart from the rearfoot midsole in the entry position; wherein a surface of the heel bed defines a recess; and a magnet or magnetic material received in the recess.

[0329] Clause 79. The sole structure according to Clause 78, wherein: the recess is a first recess, the surface of the heel footbed defining the recess includes an inner surface, and the magnet or magnetic material is a first magnet or a first magnetic material; and the surface of the heel footbed includes an outer surface defining a second recess; the sole structure further includes: a second magnet or a second magnetic material received in the second recess.

[0330] Clause 80. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 78 to 79, wherein the recess has a partially cylindrical shape.

[0331] Clause 81. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 78 to 80 further comprises: a strip; an additional magnet or magnetic material, said additional magnet or magnetic material being fixed to said strip and configured to attract said magnet or magnetic material received in said recess; wherein said additional magnet or magnetic material being fixed to said strip is shaped to be received in said recess.

[0332] Clause 82. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 78 to 81 includes the device according to any one of Clauses 2 to 19.

[0333] Clause 83. A footwear article combined with a sole structure according to any one of Clauses 78 to 82.

[0334] To aid and clarify the description of the various embodiments, a range of terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply throughout the specification (including the claims). Furthermore, all references cited are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0335] "Footwear articles", "footwear manufacturing articles" and "footwear" can be considered as machines and manufactured goods. Before being finally assembled into wearable footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and footwear articles' discrete components (e.g., midsoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) are considered herein and are alternatively referred to in the singular or plural as "footwear articles".

[0336] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one item. Multiple such items may be present unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Unless explicitly or clearly indicated otherwise in the context (including the appended claims), all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification shall be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually precedes the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (close to exact in value; close to or quite close to the value; approximately). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not understood in that ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein at least indicates variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a scope shall be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that scope and further subdivisions of the scope.

[0337] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed where possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used herein, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term "any of..." should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including any one of the referenced items. The term "any of..." should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including any one of the referenced claims.

[0338] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and not to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0339] The term "longitudinal" specifically refers to the direction in which a component extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot and heel areas. The terms "forward" or "front" are specifically used to refer to the general direction from the heel area toward the forefoot area, and the terms "backward" or "rear" are specifically used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot area toward the heel area. In some cases, a component may be identified by a longitudinal axis and the forward and backward longitudinal directions along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as the front-back direction or axis.

[0340] The term "lateral" specifically refers to the direction of the width of an extending component. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the outer and inner sides of the shoe. The lateral direction or axis can also be referred to as the lateral direction or axis, or the mid-lateral direction or axis.

[0341] The term "vertical" specifically refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the outward and longitudinal directions. For example, when the sole is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to various parts of the sole. The term "upward" or "upwardly" specifically refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a part, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downward" or "downwardly" specifically refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the bottom of a part, opposite to the upward direction, and can generally refer to the bottom of the sole structure of footwear.

[0342] The term "interior" in footwear (such as shoes) specifically refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The term "interior side" in a component specifically refers to the side or surface of a component oriented toward (or to be toward) the interior of the component or footwear in an assembled footwear article. The term "exterior side" or "exterior" in a component specifically refers to the side or surface of a component oriented away from (or to be away from) the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the interior side of a component and the interior of the assembled footwear. Similarly, other components may be located between the exterior side of a component and the exterior of the assembled footwear. Furthermore, the terms "inward" and "inner" specifically refer to a direction toward the interior of a component or footwear (such as shoes), and the terms "outward" and "outer" specifically refer to a direction toward the exterior of a component or footwear (such as shoes). Additionally, the term "proximal" specifically refers to a direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the user inserts their foot into the footwear when wearing it. Similarly, the term "distal" specifically refers to the relative position of the foot, further away from the center of the footwear component or further away from the foot when the user inserts their foot into the footwear. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing generally relative terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0343] While various embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of these embodiments. Unless expressly limited, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in lieu of any other feature or element in any other embodiment. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0344] While several models for implementing various aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this teaching relates will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing this teaching within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be construed as illustrative and exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that will be recognized by those skilled in the art, which are apparent from the inclusion of the content, structural and / or functional equivalence, or otherwise based on the inclusion, and are not limited to only those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described.

Claims

1. An apparatus for footwear products, comprising: The framework includes: A footwear plate, said footwear plate being configured to extend at least partially along the sole of the wearer's foot and beneath the sole of the wearer's foot; and An arc-shaped shield, which is integral with the footboard and configured to extend laterally from the footboard at least partially over the upper portion of the wearer's foot.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the arc-shaped protective cover and the footwear plate are integral single-piece structures.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the frame has sufficient rigidity to prevent the arcuate shield from bending relative to the footwear plate when a force not greater than a predetermined force is received on the arcuate shield.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: A connector operatively connected to and / or fixed to the upper surface of the arcuate shield.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the arcuate shield is configured to extend along the inner surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper, and the connector comprises fabric fixed to the outer surface of the forefoot panel of the footwear upper.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fabric is configured to pivot relative to the outer surface of the footwear upper about at least two vertical axes.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the connector further comprises a magnet or magnetic material operably fixed to the fabric.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the connector is configured as part of a ball joint.

9. The device of claim 4, wherein the connector is positioned in front of the ankle opening of the footwear article to transmit external forces to the frame to enhance plantar flexion of the wearer's foot.

10. The device of claim 4, wherein the connector is positioned on a portion of the arcuate shield above the upper portion of the wearer's foot for operability to connect to the outer frame.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the arcuate shield extends over the forefoot portion of the footwear plate.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the footwear plate is configured to extend only in the forefoot area of ​​the footwear article.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the footwear plate is configured to extend only in the forefoot and midfoot areas of the footwear article.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the footwear plate is configured to extend in the forefoot area, midfoot area and heel area of ​​the footwear article.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the arcuate shroud extends laterally from the outer portion of the footwear plate to the inner portion of the footwear plate.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the arcuate shield has a front edge and a rear edge, and the front edge is closer to the upper surface of the footwear plate than the rear edge, such that the upper surface of the arcuate shield has a downward and forward tilt angle from the rear edge to the front edge.

17. A sole structure for footwear products, comprising: A frame, the frame including a footwear plate configured to extend at least partially along the sole of the wearer's foot and below the sole of the wearer's foot; A connector operatively connected to and / or secured to the frame; The midsole includes a front midsole component and a rear midsole component, the front midsole component and the rear midsole component being pivotable relative to each other between a use position and an entry position at a pivot axis extending laterally across the midfoot area of ​​the sole structure, wherein the sole structure is lifted at the pivot axis in the entry position; The footwear plate extends at least partially along the forefoot midsole component; The forefoot midsole includes a heel footbed that covers the rear footbed in the use position and is spaced apart from the rear footbed in the access position. The surface of the heel footbed defines a recess; and A magnet or magnetic material housed in the recess.

18. The sole structure according to claim 17, wherein: The recess is a first recess, the surface of the heel footbed defining the recess includes an inner surface, and the magnet or magnetic material is a first magnet or a first magnetic material. and The surface of the heel footbed includes an outer surface defining a second recess; Furthermore, the sole structure also includes: A second magnet or a second magnetic material is housed in the second recess.

19. The sole structure according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the recess has a partially cylindrical shape.

20. The sole structure according to any one of claims 17 to 18, further comprising: strips; as well as An additional magnet or magnetic material is attached to the strip and configured to attract the magnet or magnetic material housed in the recess; The additional magnet or magnetic material fixed to the strip is shaped to be received in the recess.

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