Footwear with tunability

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear with a sole structure having at least one adjustable pod configured to adjust at least one of a length and a width of the sole structure.

Description

[0001] field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a footwear with adjustable features.

[0003] background

[0004] Whether due to development, pregnancy, surgery, swelling, or activity (e.g., walking compared to running), the required length and / or width of footwear can change over time and before it "wears out" under other circumstances, to name a few examples. This disclosure attempts to address this need.

[0005] Overview

[0006] Example embodiments of this disclosure include footwear articles comprising a sole structure attached to an upper portion, wherein the sole structure includes an adjustable pod configured to adjust at least one of the length and width of the sole structure, wherein the sole structure includes an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein the dimensions of the sole structure are larger in the open configuration than in the closed configuration.

[0007] According to an example embodiment, the adjustable pod includes a spring and a threaded member extending along an axis passing through the spring, wherein rotation of the threaded member relative to the spring adjusts the dimensions of the sole structure, and wherein the dimensions are along the axis.

[0008] According to an example embodiment, the adjustable pod-shaped component includes a scissor lift and a threaded component extending along an axis passing through the scissor lift, wherein the threaded component adjusts the size of the sole structure relative to the rotation of the scissor lift, and wherein the size is orthogonal to the axis.

[0009] According to an example embodiment, the sole structure includes a plurality of adjustable pods that are assembled to form an adjustable pod skeleton.

[0010] According to an example embodiment, multiple adjustable pods are interconnected by multiple flexible ribs to allow relative movement between the multiple adjustable pods. According to an example embodiment, the perimeter of the adjustable pod skeleton is discontinuous between the multiple adjustable pods to allow relative movement between the multiple adjustable pods.

[0011] According to an example embodiment, the adjustable pod-shaped skeleton is wholly or partially embedded within the sole structure. According to an example embodiment, the sole structure is structurally or constructively configured to allow relative movement between multiple adjustable pod-shaped elements.

[0012] According to an example embodiment, the plurality of adjustable pod-shaped parts include threaded parts. According to an example embodiment, the ends of the threaded parts are accessible via the sidewalls of the sole structure. According to an example embodiment, the footwear article also includes a shoelace with an aglet key configured to engage and rotate with the ends of the threaded parts. Attached Figures

[0013] The accompanying drawings provide a further understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and form part of this specification. In the drawings, only one shoe (left or right) may be shown; however, it should be understood that in such cases, the illustrated shoe may be a mirror image of the other shoe. Throughout the drawings, the use of similar reference numerals is for convenience only and should not be construed as implying that any illustrated embodiment is equivalent. The drawings are for illustration and not limitation.

[0014] Figure 1A and 1B Top and bottom perspective views of an example embodiment of an adjustable pod skeleton including multiple adjustable pods according to the present disclosure are shown, respectively.

[0015] Figure 2A -2C illustrates an example embodiment of an adjustable pod-shaped skeleton according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3A and 3B The open and closed configurations of example embodiments of the adjustable pod-shaped skeleton according to this disclosure are shown respectively.

[0017] Figure 4A , 4B Figures 4C and 4C respectively show a top perspective view, a side perspective view, and a rear perspective view of an example embodiment of an adjustable pod-shaped skeleton embedded within a sole structure according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 An example of a sole structure with multiple adjustable sidewall pods according to the present disclosure is shown. Example

[0019] Detailed Explanation

[0020] This detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. However, it should be understood that other embodiments may also be implemented, and mechanical and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Therefore, this detailed description is for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation.

[0021] For example, unless the context otherwise indicates, the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments described herein. Similarly, references to “an exemplary embodiment,” “multiple exemplary embodiments,” or the like indicate that the described embodiments(s) may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment need not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such references do not necessarily refer to the same(s) embodiments(s). Any reference to the singular includes multiple embodiments, and any reference to the plural includes a single embodiment.

[0022] Any reference to coupling, connection, attachment, etc., may be temporary or permanent, removable or non-removable, non-monomeric or monomeric, partial or wholly, and may be facilitated by one or more of adhesives, stitching, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clips, buttonholes, zippers and other devices known or developed in the art.

[0023] As used herein, the transitional term "comprising," synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, undescribed elements or method steps. The transitional term "consisting of" excludes any elements, steps, or components not specified in the claims. The transitional term "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of the claims to the specified materials or steps, "and those materials or steps that do not substantially affect the essential and novel features of (one or more) the claimed invention."

[0024] Unless the claims explicitly restrict the use of the term "device" and include functional language, no claim restricts the reference to 35U.SC 112(f) or the preceding AIA 35U.SC 112, paragraph 6, etc.

[0025] In describing example embodiments of footwear with adjustability, certain directional terms may be used. For example, terms such as “right,” “left,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “back,” “forward,” “backward,” “rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” and “below” may be used to describe example embodiments of footwear with adjustability. These terms should be given meaning according to the way adjustable footwear is most commonly designed and used, where the adjustable footwear rests on the user’s foot and the user’s foot is positioned or prepared to rest on the underlying surface. Therefore, these directions can be understood relative to the adjustable footwear in this use. Similarly, since adjustable footwear is primarily used as footwear, terms such as "inner," "inward," "outer," "outer," "most inner," "most outer," "inside," and "outer" should be understood with reference to the intended use of adjustable footwear, such that "inner," "inward," "most inner," and "inner" indicate areas relatively closer to the user's foot, and "outer," "outer," "most outer," and "outer" indicate areas relatively further away from the user's foot when adjustable footwear is used for its intended purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the foregoing definitions contradict any individual use of any of the aforementioned terms herein, the term should be understood and read according to the definition given its lifespan and meaning to the specific instance to which it is applied.

[0026] As used herein, "footwear" refers to athletic shoes, casual shoes, dress shoes, formal shoes, high heels, athletic / sports shoes (e.g., tennis shoes, golf shoes, bowling shoes, running shoes, basketball shoes, soccer shoes, ballet shoes, etc.), walking shoes, sandals, flip-flops, boots, or other suitable types of shoes. Additionally, footwear may be sized and constructed for men, women, or children.

[0027] According to an example embodiment, this disclosure provides a footwear article with a sole structure attached to an upper portion, wherein the sole structure includes an adjustable pod configured to adjust at least one of the length and width of the sole structure. In an example embodiment, the sole structure includes an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein dimensions (e.g., length, width, perimeter) of the sole structure are larger in the open configuration than in the closed configuration.

[0028] As used herein, “sole construction” means outsole or a portion thereof, midsole or a portion thereof, insole or a portion thereof, wedge or a portion thereof, or other suitable construction disposed between and / or adjacent to the aforementioned portions of the shoe.

[0029] refer to Figure 1A and 1BExample embodiments of this disclosure include shoes with adjustable (i.e., increasing and / or decreasing) widths. Adjustment can be provided by one or more width-adjustable pods 102 extending wholly or partially between the outer perimeter (or non-perimeter portion) and the inner perimeter (or non-perimeter portion) of the sole portion. Multiple width-adjustable pods 102 (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more) can be spaced along the length of the shoe (e.g., exactly in the forefoot, exactly in the heel, in both the forefoot and heel). Therefore, the adjustable pod skeleton (described below) can be located only in the forefoot, only in the heel, or both in the forefoot and heel.

[0030] Example embodiments of this disclosure include shoes with adjustable (i.e., increasing and / or decreasing) lengths. Adjustment can be provided by one or more length-adjustable pods 104 extending wholly or partially between the front perimeter (or non-perimeter portion) and the rear perimeter (or non-perimeter portion) of the shoe. Multiple length-adjustable pods 104 (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more) can be spaced apart along the width of the shoe. While possible, in example embodiments, the length adjustment is not perpendicular to the width adjustment. Additionally, individual adjustable pods can be oriented at an angle providing simultaneous width and length adjustments, and the orientation angle determines the relative amount of width and length adjustment.

[0031] Additional embodiments of the width-adjustable pod 102 and the length-adjustable pod 104 are referenced. Figure 2A Disclosed. Such embodiments may include an arched portion extending from a rib on one side (as described below) and threadedly connected to the rib on the other side. The arched portion may extend along the width and length of the sole structure to allow for simultaneous adjustment of both width and length.

[0032] Although reference Figure 2B and 2C One or more length-adjustable pod-shaped elements 104 may extend wholly or partially between the front perimeter (or non-perimeter portion) and the rear perimeter (or non-perimeter portion), but adjustment may also be provided by one or more length-adjustable pod-shaped elements 104 extending wholly or partially between the outer perimeter (or non-perimeter portion) and the inner perimeter (or non-perimeter portion) of the shoe. In such embodiments, the length-adjustable pod-shaped element includes one or more expandable wing-shaped elements (e.g., scissor lifters, as described below).

[0033] refer to Figure 3A and 3BWhether it is the width-adjustable pod 102 or the length-adjustable pod 104, the adjustable pod includes a threaded engagement between a threaded member 106 (e.g., a screw or bolt, which may be rigid or constructed to be elastically deformable) and a female member 108 corresponding to the threaded member 106. In other embodiments, the adjustable pod may include ratchet teeth, clamps, cables, elastic elements, or other engagement elements between a first position and a second position. In this regard, footwear with fine-tuning as disclosed herein can have an unlimited number of adjustments, rather than a predetermined, limited number of adjustments.

[0034] According to an example embodiment, the adjustable pod 102 / 104 may include an adjustable pod skirt 126 configured such that the forces acting on the adjustable pod 102 / 104 are equally distributed across a portion of the sole structure.

[0035] According to an example embodiment, the width-adjustable pod 102 (or length-adjustable pod 104) may include a spring 112 and a threaded member 106 extending along an axis passing through the spring 112. In such an embodiment, rotation of the threaded member 106 relative to a female member 108 coupled to the spring 112 can adjust the dimensions of the sole structure along or parallel to the axis of the threaded member 106. The spring 112 may be constructed of one or more leaf springs, wave springs, coil springs, or any spring known in the art or developed thereafter. Alternatively, the spring 112 may be constructed of a block of material configured to be elastically deformable.

[0036] According to the example embodiment, and temporarily referring to the past... Figure 2B and 2C The length-adjustable pod 104 (or width-adjustable pod 102) may include a scissor lifter 116 and a threaded member 106 extending along an axis passing through the scissor lifter 116. In such an embodiment, rotation of the threaded member 106 relative to the female member 108 coupled to the scissor lifter 116 can adjust the dimensions of the sole structure orthogonal to the axis of the threaded member 106.

[0037] Adjustable pods may include one or more visual, tactile, or auditory adjustment indicators (e.g., a click sound every 2 mm or for each corresponding 2 mm mark).

[0038] Now let's go back to... Figure 3A and 3B According to the example embodiment, multiple width-adjustable pods 102 and / or length-adjustable pods 104 can be (e.g., interconnected) assembled to form an adjustable pod skeleton 122. For example, the multiple adjustable pods can be interconnected and / or can be an integral structure.

[0039] According to an example embodiment, a plurality of adjustable pods 102 / 104 are interconnected by, and / or interconnected with, and / or together with the plurality of flexible ribs 124 are an integral structure (e.g., formed by a single mold), the plurality of flexible ribs 124 being configured to allow relative movement between the plurality of adjustable pods 102 / 104. Ribs 124 may include one or more holes or gaps 128 extending through ribs 124, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or more. Ribs 124 may be coplanar only with the lower surface of the adjustable pods 102 / 104, or only with the upper surface of the adjustable pods 102 / 104, or both with the lower and upper surfaces of the adjustable pods 102 / 104. Ribs 124 may be constructed of a material having less rigidity than the material of adjacent adjustable pods 102 / 104. In other words, rib 124 can be configured to be more deformable than the adjacent adjustable pod 102 / 104.

[0040] According to the example embodiment, the perimeter of the adjustable pod skeleton 122 (e.g., defined by a plurality of adjustable pod skirts) is discontinuous between the plurality of adjustable pods 102 / 104 to allow relative movement between the plurality of adjustable pods 102 / 104. That is, according to the example embodiment, the adjustable pods 102 / 104 extend further from the center point than the ribs 124.

[0041] Each of the width-adjustable pod 102, the length-adjustable pod 104, and the adjustable pod skeleton 122 can be rigid or semi-rigid (e.g., thus flexibly adapting to regular foot movements). Such materials may include one or more of nylon, acetal homopolymer / polyoxymethylene, aluminum, graphite, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC-ET), polypropylene, acrylic resin, rubber, titanium, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate. Such materials may also include shape memory materials.

[0042] refer to Figure 4A , 4BIn accordance with example embodiments, and 4C, each of the width-adjustable pod 102, length-adjustable pod 104, and adjustable pod skeleton 122 may be wholly or partially embedded within or otherwise located within, or otherwise coupled to, the sole structure 110 of the footwear article 100. In this regard, and according to example embodiments, the sole structure is structurally (e.g., configured to have one or more holes or gaps) or constructively (e.g., configured to be elastically deformable) to allow relative movement between the plurality of adjustable pods, as described below. In some embodiments, the sole structure is selectively coupled to the tensioner skeleton at different points to accommodate the transfer of dimensional changes from individual adjustable pods to dimensional changes in the sole structure.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sole structure includes a perimeter channel around the perimeter of the adjustable pod skeleton to accommodate size changes of the individual adjustable pods.

[0044] Additionally, the width-adjustable pod 102 and / or length-adjustable pod 104 may include enlarged portions for securing the width-adjustable pod 102 and / or length-adjustable pod 104 in the sole structure 110.

[0045] According to the example embodiment, and continuing to refer to Figure 4C The adjustable pod-shaped component may include a threaded component 106, the end of which can be accessed through the sidewall of the sole structure 110. According to an example embodiment, the article of footwear 100 also includes a lace 118 having a metal clamp 120 (e.g., a hexagonal clamp, a star clamp, or a clamp with a unique shape), the clamp 120 being configured to engage and rotate with the end of the threaded component 106. In this regard, the metal clamp 120 may be made of a metal or polymer having sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape after repeated use with torque applied to the end of the threaded component 106. While the illustrated embodiment envisions the end of the threaded component 106 being accessible through the sidewall of the sole structure, the end of the threaded component 106 may also be accessible through the upper or lower surface of the sole structure.

[0046] refer to Figure 5 The sole structure 110 of the shoe may include a plurality of sidewall adjustable pods 114 to provide length and / or width adjustability of the shoe. For example, the sidewall adjustable pods 114 may be rotatably coupled to the periphery of the sole structure 110 at or near the center of the sidewall adjustable pods 114, such that movement of the foot can actuate them outward above the center of the sidewall adjustable pods 114 to accommodate the foot. In an example embodiment, the sidewall adjustable pods 114 are biased inward above their center.

[0047] Footwear products as described herein may have an opening mechanism (e.g., Figure 3A ), the shoe in the open construction is different from that in the closed construction (e.g., Figure 3B It has a larger perimeter, length and / or width.

[0048] Footwear products as described herein may have a closed construction (e.g., Figure 3B Shoes in closed constructions are more durable than those in open constructions (e.g., Figure 3B It has a smaller perimeter, length and / or width.

[0049] In some embodiments, the spaces between the adjustable pod-shaped skeleton components are entirely holes or gaps, while in other embodiments, the spaces between the adjustable pod-shaped skeleton components are formed by padding materials or structures, such as a low-density material, air bladder, spring, or one or more ribs (e.g., organized in a grid or honeycomb pattern and / or an auxetic pattern) defining the spaces between the adjustable pod-shaped skeleton components. The padding materials or structures may at least partially make the shoe more inclined towards an open construction than a closed construction, or alternatively, make the shoe more inclined towards a closed construction than an open construction.

[0050] In this respect, in some embodiments the shoe is biased towards an open construction, while in other embodiments the shoe is biased towards a closed construction. In still other embodiments, the shoe is bistable (i.e., it exists in both an open and closed construction).

[0051] In some embodiments, the fixing in the open and closed configurations and / or the transition between the open and closed configurations can be gradual and facilitated by conveyors, ratchet mechanisms (e.g., zipper tie-type mechanisms), solenoids (e.g., extending through the sole structure beyond the rear of the shoe), strips with hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., which in some embodiments have quick-release elements around all or part of the sole structure. For example, a strip can be fastened through holes in the perimeter of the sole structure. In other embodiments, the fixing in the open and closed configurations and / or the transition between the open and closed configurations is facilitated by air bladders. In still other embodiments, the fixing in the open and closed configurations and / or the transition between the open and closed configurations is facilitated by solenoids, etc., extending through one or more spaces between adjustable pod-shaped skeleton components, which can also be driven by, for example, a cam system including eccentric wheels. In yet another embodiment, fixation in the open and closed configurations and / or transitions between the open and closed configurations are facilitated by an eccentric wedge element positioned in one or more holes that, upon rotation, cause the hole(s) to transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration, or alternatively from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Furthermore, shoes according to this disclosure may include one or more visual, tactile, or auditory adjustment indicators (e.g., a click sound every 2 mm or for each 2 mm corresponding mark). In conjunction with exemplary embodiments, the sole structure may have a surrounding cushioning element surrounding the entire periphery of a portion of the sole structure, the cushioning element having one or more folds, pleats, or baffles, or overlapping or nested portions to accommodate the length and / or width adjustability of the shoe.

[0052] To accommodate adjustments to the length and / or width of the sole structure, the upper portion attached to the sole structure may be constructed of an expandable material (e.g., woven, stretched, or elastic material) and / or include overlapping or folding panels. Additionally, the connection from the upper portion to the sole structure may not be located in the space between the adjustable pod-shaped skeleton components (regardless of whether it includes padding materials or structures as described herein). For example, adhesive may be selectively applied to the sole structure and only around the space between the adjustable pod-shaped skeleton components (i.e., without covering the space between the adjustable pod-shaped skeleton components). For example, the insole of a shoe according to this disclosure may include one or more features to accommodate the adjustability of the shoe's length and / or width, such as one or more expandable / collapseable perforations, gussets, gores, overlapping or folding panels, etc. Additionally, the sole structure may be covered with a hardened material to provide protection against objects extending through the perforations and / or to provide comfort relative to the perforations.

[0053] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are intended to cover any modifications and variations of this disclosure that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0054] Numerous features and advantages, including various alternatives, and details of the structure and function of the apparatus and / or method have been set forth in the preceding description. This disclosure is intended to be illustrative only and not exhaustive. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made, particularly in terms of structure, materials, elements, components, shapes, dimensions, and component arrangements, including combinations within the principles of the invention, extending to the full scope indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms expressed in the appended claims. These various modifications are also intended to be included herein to the extent that they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article of footwear, characterized by, The article of footwear includes: a sole structure coupled to the upper, wherein the sole structure includes an adjustability pod configured to adjust at least one of a length and a width of the sole structure, wherein the sole structure includes an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein a size of the sole structure is larger in the open configuration than in the closed configuration; wherein the sole structure includes a plurality of adjustability pods that collectively form an adjustability pod skeleton; and wherein the plurality of adjustability pods are interconnected by a plurality of flexible ribs to allow relative movement between the plurality of adjustability pods.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, characterized in that the adjustability pod includes a spring and a threaded member extending along an axis through the spring, wherein rotation of the threaded member relative to the spring adjusts the size of the sole structure, and wherein the size is along the axis.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1, characterized in that the adjustability pod includes a scissors lift and a threaded member extending along an axis through the scissors lift, wherein rotation of the threaded member relative to the scissors lift adjusts the size of the sole structure, and wherein the size is orthogonal to the axis.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein, a perimeter of the adjustability pod skeleton is discontinuous between the plurality of adjustability pods to allow relative movement between the plurality of adjustability pods.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein, the adjustability pod skeleton is wholly or partially embedded within the sole structure.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein, the sole structure is structurally or compositionally configured to allow relative movement between the plurality of adjustability pods.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein, the adjustability pod includes a threaded member.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein, the threaded member is configured to be elastically deformable.

9. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein, an end of the threaded member is accessible through a sidewall of the sole structure.

10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein, a lace having a clevis key configured to engage and rotate the end of the threaded member is also included.

11. An article of footwear, characterized by The article of footwear includes: a sole structure coupled to the upper, a plurality of adjustability pods, wherein each of the plurality of adjustability pods is configured to adjust at least one of a length and a width of the sole structure, wherein the plurality of adjustability pods are interconnected by a plurality of flexible ribs to form an adjustability pod skeleton, and wherein the adjustability pod skeleton is embedded within the sole structure.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein, the adjustability pod includes a threaded member.

13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein, the threaded member is configured to be elastically deformable.

14. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein, an end of the threaded member is accessible through a sidewall of the sole structure.

15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein, a lace having a clevis key configured to engage and rotate the end of the threaded member is also included.

16. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein, at least one of the plurality of adjustability pods is configured to adjust both the length and the width of the sole structure.

17. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein, at least one of the plurality of flexible ribs includes a hole or void extending therethrough.

18. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein, the plurality of flexible ribs are configured to be more deformable than the plurality of adjustability pods.

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