Footwear with pontoon sole structure

a sole structure and footwear technology, applied in the field of footwear, can solve the problems of reducing the service life of footwear, so as to improve the service life, increase the surface area, and reduce the sinking effect of footwear

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-09-18
DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The above-identified need is met by the present footwear incorporating a sole structure having pontoon members. Specifically, one or more pontoons are provided on an outer periphery of the sole. The pontoons are configured and adapted to pivot or otherwise flex outwardly when the footwear is loaded, and elastically retract back to their original position when the footwear is unloaded. More specifically, when the footwear is loaded by running or landing, one or more of the pontoons flex outwardly to provide an increased surface area with t

Problems solved by technology

Physical activities performed in soft or loose ground conditions such as mud, sand or snow present particular design challenges.
Convent

Method used

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  • Footwear with pontoon sole structure
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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0021]The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear configured to be worn by a user on soft, loose or saturated terrain and / or in amphibious environments. The footwear provides increased surface area to reduce sinking in sand, mud, snow and other loose and / or saturated materials and to provide enhanced traction. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described below by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear having pontoon members and paddle blades. Footwear 10 includes an upper 20 and a sole structure 30. Generally the upper 20 can be any type of upper, including shoes and boots. The upper 20 can be made of natural materials such as leather, synthetic materials, fabrics, such as a lycra / spandex textile stretch sock, or combinations thereof. The sole structure 30 is preferably wider than the upper, especially in the heel region. The sole structure 30 ...

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Abstract

An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure having an outer periphery and one or more pontoons flexibly and resiliently joined to the sole structure. The pontoons are configured to spread laterally when the footwear is loaded to thereby increase the surface area of the sole structure and elastically retract back to an original position when the footwear is unloaded. The increased surface area of the sole reduces sinking of the footwear in soft, loose or saturated ground. Optionally, the sole structure includes paddle blades.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 778,779, filed Mar. 13, 2013.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear, and in particular to footwear having a sole structure with pontoons. The footwear of the invention has particular applicability in soft ground, mud, sand and amphibious environments in the outdoor recreation and military fields.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]Footwear having conventional soles made of resiliently compressible materials is well known in the art. Footwear in general and sole structures in particular has been designed for performance in particular intended environments, i.e., the floor / ground / terrain and other conditions wherein the footwear will be used. Sole structures designed for outdoor activities, such as running, walking, biking and the like, must be durable and provide sufficient support to handle impact forces generated by a wearer during the physic...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A43B13/18
CPCA43B13/181A43B5/002A43B5/06A43B13/141A43B13/184A43B13/223A43B13/26A43C15/06
Inventor JENKINS, STUARTPULLI, KYLE R.
Owner DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION
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