Footwear with pontoon sole structure

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new type of footwear with a special sole structure called pontoons. These pontoons are located on the outer edge of the footwear and can move outward when the footwear is walked or run on a hard surface. This increases the surface area in contact with the ground, providing better stability and support. The pontoons automatically retract back to their original position when the footwear is unloaded. The footwear can also have additional paddle blades for better traction and control in sand, mud, and snow. These features make the footwear adaptable to a variety of ground surfaces and provide both stability and versatility.

Problems solved by technology

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

Conventional footwear can sink into soft ground, lose traction, and fail to provide proper adequate support and stability in these conditions.

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