Footwear sole with perforations at the front

Abstract

This application relates to a footwear sole plate having a forefoot through-hole. The sole structure (14) for footwear articles (112, 12) may have a sole interlayer (160, 60) system comprising a sole plate (10) having a forefoot region (16) and a midfoot region (18). The sole plate may have a foot-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite to the foot-facing surface. The sole plate may define a through-hole (35) in the forefoot region (16) extending from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface. The through-hole (35) may be closer to the inner edge (32) of the sole plate than to the outer edge (34) of the sole plate. The sole plate may have ridges (40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40) extending longitudinally in the midfoot region (18) and the forefoot region (16). The ridges (40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40) may have crests (44A, 44B, 44C, 44D, 44), at least some of which may extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on April 26, 2019, with application number 201980034611.9 and invention title "Shoe sole plate with through hole at the front of the shoe".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 678,499, filed May 31, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This teaching generally includes sole plates for footwear and sole interlayer systems for footwear. background

[0005] Footwear typically includes a sole structure that is configured to lie beneath the wearer's foot to separate the foot from the ground. The sole structure can generally be configured to provide one or more of cushioning, motion control, and rebound. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0006] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a plan view of the foot-facing surface of a shoe sole with through holes.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a plan view of the ground-facing surface of a shoe sole.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic illustration of the outer side view of the shoe sole.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the inner side view of the sole of a shoe.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic illustration of the front view of the shoe sole.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the rear view of the shoe sole.

[0012] Figure 7 Is Figure 1 The line 7-7 was cut off. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0013] Figure 8 Is Figure 1 The line 8-8 was cut off. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0014] Figure 9 Is Figure 1 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0015] Figure 10 Is Figure 1 The line 10-10 was cut off Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0016] Figure 11 Is Figure 1 The line 11-11 was cut off. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a schematic illustration of an inner side view of a footwear article having a sole structure with a midsole system, the midsole system including... Figure 1 The sole plate, which is shown with hidden lines.

[0018] Figure 13 It is in the first stage of motion. Figure 12 A schematic illustration of the inner side view of footwear.

[0019] Figure 14 It is in the second stage of motion. Figure 12 A schematic illustration of the inner side view of footwear.

[0020] Figure 15 It is in the third stage of movement. Figure 12 A schematic illustration of the inner side view of footwear.

[0021] Figure 16 Is Figure 12 The line 16-16 was cut off Figure 12 A schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of footwear.

[0022] Figure 17 Is when in Figure 14 During the second phase of motion Figure 16 A schematic partial cross-sectional diagram of the forefoot section of a footwear item.

[0023] Figure 18 It has the following characteristics Figure 1 A schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of an alternative footwear for an alternative implementation of the sole plate midsole system.

[0024] describe

[0025] A sole structure for footwear articles includes a sole interlayer system comprising a sole plate. The sole plate may have a forefoot region and a midfoot region, and may have a foot-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite to the foot-facing surface. The sole plate may define through-holes in the forefoot region extending from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface. The through-holes may be closer to the medial edge of the sole plate than to the lateral edge of the sole plate.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the through-hole may have an irregular shape that tapers gradually in width in the forward direction. The through-hole may be configured to be located below the first metatarsal head, the second metatarsal head, and the big toe of the wearer.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the midsole system may further include a first foam layer fixed to the foot-facing surface and covering the through-hole. The midsole system may also include a second foam layer fixed to the ground-facing surface and located below the through-hole. Both the first and second foam layers are elastically deformable under dynamic compressive loads and can return energy when the dynamic compressive load is removed. The first foam layer may compress against the second foam layer at the through-hole under dynamic compressive loads. The first and second foam layers may compress against the sole plate at the exit of the through-hole under dynamic compressive loads. Therefore, elastic deformation and energy absorption may differ at the through-hole compared to the exit of the through-hole. For example, because the foam layer may have a lower compressive stiffness than the sole plate, it may experience greater deformation at the through-hole. The foot supported on the sole structure may experience a softer cushioning feel at the through-hole (i.e., above the through-hole) than at the exit of the through-hole.

[0028] The first and second foam layers can be parts of a single component, such as an integral elastic foam sole interlayer embedded in the sole plate. For example, the first and second elastic foam sole interlayers can be the upper and lower portions of a single elastic foam sole interlayer surrounding the sole plate, and in one embodiment, can be formed by injecting foam around the sole plate. Alternatively, the first and second foam layers can be separate layers with different compressive stiffnesses. The first foam layer can be harder than the second foam layer, or it can be less hard than the second foam layer. The first and second foam layers can be the same material or they can be different materials.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the sole plate may have a greater compressive stiffness than the first foam layer and may have a greater compressive stiffness than the second foam layer. For example, in one or more embodiments, the sole plate may be one of fiber strand-lain composite, carbon fiber composite, thermoplastic elastomer, glass-reinforced nylon, wood, or steel. Therefore, the midsole system can be tuned to provide different energy return at the openings and away from the openings. The dynamic compressive load on the first resilient insole can respond with greater energy absorption at the openings where the first and second foam layers interact with each other than at the openings where the first and second resilient insoles act against the sole plate.

[0030] The sole plate can be adjusted for stiffness, energy absorption, and energy return direction using any or all of the varying thicknesses, non-parallel longitudinally extending ridges, and generally spoon-shaped forefoot portions. In one or more embodiments, the foot-facing surface may be concave in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region, and the ground-facing surface may be convex in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region. In one or more embodiments, the sole plate may also include a heel region and may be a single, integral component. Furthermore, the sole plate may be inclined longitudinally from the heel region to the forefoot region in the midfoot region. The sole plate may be biased into this spoon shape in the forefoot region. During dorsiflexion, the longitudinal bending of the sole plate can store energy released after toe-off, while the sole plate extends at least partially in the direction of forward movement to its initial biased spoon shape.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the foot-facing surface may have ridges extending longitudinally in the midfoot region and the forefoot region. The ground-facing surface may have grooves corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the ridges. The ridges and grooves may be configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at a transverse cross-section through the ridges, or along the length of at least one of the ridges, or both at the transverse cross-section and along the length of at least one of the ridges. The described ridges, grooves, and varying thicknesses allow for adjustment of the sole plate's stiffness and energy absorption for different areas, while allowing for a monolithic, one-piece construction of homogeneous material. The sole plate can function as a stiffness modulator within the sole structure.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the ridges may have crests, and at least some of the crests may extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate. The grooves may also have crests, and at least some of the crests of the grooves may extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. Because the ridges can be non-parallel, the wavelengths at different transverse cross-sections through the sole plate can be different. Generally, ridges with shorter wavelengths are stiffer under compression than ridges with longer wavelengths.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the outermost ridge may be bent in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved outer edge of the sole plate, and the innermost ridge may be bent in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved inner edge of the sole plate.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the ridge may have crests, at least some of which vary in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate, such that the amplitude of the crests of the ridge is greater in areas of the sole plate constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in areas of the sole plate constructed for relatively low compressive loads. For example, at least some of the crests may have a larger amplitude in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the front portion of the forefoot region and also greater than in the midfoot region. The rear portion may be configured to lie below the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joint, thus increasing stiffness and energy absorption capacity in areas of highest load.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the transverse cross-section may be a first transverse cross-section of the sole plate in the midfoot region, and the wavy profile of the sole plate at the first transverse cross-section may include a first set of multiple waves having crests at ridges and troughs between adjacent ridges. In the forefoot region, the wavy profile of the sole plate at a second transverse cross-section may include a second set of multiple waves having crests at ridges and troughs between adjacent ridges. The waves in the first set may each have a first wavelength. The waves in the second set may each have a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength. The outermost ridge may be curved in the longitudinal direction to follow a curved outer edge of the sole plate. The innermost ridge may be curved in the longitudinal direction to follow a curved inner edge of the sole plate.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the sole plate can be an elastic material such that the crests of the ridges decrease in height from a steady-state height to a loaded height under dynamic compressive load, and return to a steady-state height upon removal of the dynamic compressive load. For example, the sole plate can be one of fiber stranded composite materials, carbon fiber composite materials, thermoplastic elastomers, glass-reinforced nylon, wood, or steel. The sole plate can elastically deform to absorb and return energy. Larger areas can absorb more energy than smaller areas. When sandwiched between layers of foam with lower compressive stiffness (such as layers covering the sole plate and an elastic foam midsole layer beneath it), the foam layers can act against the sole plate during elastic deformation, causing the sole plate to act as a modulator of both flexural and compressive stiffness of the sole structure.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the foot-facing surface may have a wavy profile in its transverse cross-section, the wavy profile comprising multiple waves having crests at ridges and troughs between adjacent ridges. The crests at the ridges may align with the crests of the grooves. The thickness of the sole plate in its transverse cross-section may be smaller at the crests of the ridges than between the crests and troughs. The ground-facing surface may be flat between the grooves in its transverse cross-section.

[0038] In this disclosure, the sole structure for footwear articles may include a midsole system comprising a sole plate having a forefoot region and a midfoot region. The sole plate has a foot-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite to the foot-facing surface. The foot-facing surface may be recessed in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region, and the ground-facing surface may be convex in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region. The sole plate may define a through-hole extending from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface in the forefoot region. The through-hole may have an irregular shape that tapers in width in a forward direction and may be closer to the medial edge of the sole plate than to the lateral edge. The midsole system may include a first foam layer fixed to the foot-facing surface and covering the through-hole. The midsole system may also include a second foam layer fixed to the ground-facing surface and located below the through-hole. The first and second foam layers are elastically deformable under dynamic compressive loads and can return energy when the dynamic compressive load is removed. The first foam layer can compress against the second foam layer at the through-hole during dynamic compressive loading. The first and second foam layers can compress against the sole plate at the exit of the through-hole. Therefore, elastic deformation and energy absorption at the through-hole can differ from those at the exit of the through-hole.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the foot-facing surface may have ridges extending longitudinally in the midfoot region and the forefoot region, and the ground-facing surface may have grooves corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the ridges. The ground-facing surface may be flat between the grooves in a transverse cross-section. The ridges and grooves may be configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface may vary at a transverse cross-section through the ridges, or may vary along the length of at least one of the ridges, or may vary both at the transverse cross-section and along the length of the at least one of the ridges.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the ridge may have crests, and at least some of the crests may vary in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate, such that the amplitude may be greater in areas of the sole plate constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in areas of the sole plate constructed for relatively low compressive loads.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the sole plate may have a compressive stiffness greater than that of the first foam layer and greater than that of the second foam layer.

[0042] The above-mentioned features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this teaching will become apparent when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and in the following detailed description of the mode of implementing this teaching.

[0043] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in all views refer to the same parts. Figure 1 It shows items for footwear 12 (such as...) Figure 10 An embodiment of the sole plate 10 of the footwear article 12). More specifically, the sole plate 10 is included in the sole structure 14 of the footwear article 12. The sole structure 14 has a sole interlayer system 15, which includes the sole plate 10 and an elastic foam sole interlayer 60, which includes a first foam layer 60A and a second foam layer 60B. As described herein, the foam layers 60A and 60B interact with the sole plate 10 and interact with each other at strategically positioned through-holes 35 in the sole plate 10 to provide adjusted energy absorption and return, which differs at the through-holes from those exiting the through-holes 35. The sole plate 10 described herein is configured to adjust flexural stiffness during dorsiflexion and to guide returned energy to the foot at least partially in the forward direction when the dynamic compressive load is removed after dorsiflexion during stride. More specifically, the sole plate 10 deforms under dynamic load, thereby storing elastic energy, but elastically returns to the unloaded state when the dynamic load is removed, thereby releasing the stored elastic energy.

[0044] As used herein, the term "plate" (such as sole plate 10) refers to a component of a sole structure having a width greater than its thickness and being positioned generally horizontally when assembled in a footwear article resting on a sole structure on a horizontal ground surface, such that its thickness is generally vertical and its width is generally horizontal. A plate need not be a single component, but rather can be multiple interconnected components. Portions of the plate can be flat, and when molded or otherwise formed, the portions can have a certain amount of curvature and thickness variation to provide a shaped footbed and / or to provide increased thickness for reinforcement in desired areas.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 The sole plate 10 has a forefoot region 16, a midfoot region 18, and a heel region 20, and is therefore referred to as a full-length sole plate 10, and is a single, integral component. Alternatively, in other embodiments within the scope of this teaching, the sole plate 10 may include only the forefoot region 16 and the midfoot region 18, or only the midfoot region 18 and the heel region 20.

[0046] When the size corresponds to the human foot 26 of the sole structure 14 (see...) Figure 13 When supported on the sole structure, the forefoot region 16 generally includes the portion of the sole plate 10 corresponding to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsophalangeal and phalangeal bones of the human foot (which may be interchangeably referred to herein as "metatarsopalatine joints" or "MPJ joints"). The midfoot region 18 generally includes the portion of the sole plate 10 corresponding to the arch region (including the navicular joint) of the foot 26. The heel region 20 generally includes the portion of the sole plate corresponding to the posterior portion (including the calcaneus) of the foot 26. The forefoot region 16, midfoot region 18, and heel region 20 may also be referred to as the forefoot portion, midfoot portion, and heel portion, respectively, and may also be used to refer to... Figure 12 The corresponding areas of the upper 23 and other parts of the footwear article 12 are shown in the figure. The midfoot region 18 is disposed between the forefoot region 16 and the heel region 20, such that the forefoot region 16 is in front of the midfoot region 18 (i.e., the front side), and the heel region is behind the midfoot region 18 (i.e., the rear side).

[0047] The sole plate 10 has Figure 1 The first side 22 shown, also called the foot-facing side 22, includes a foot-facing surface 24. (See figure) Figure 2 As shown, the sole plate 10 also has a second side 28 referred to as the ground-facing side 28, which includes a ground-facing surface 30. When the sole plate 10 is assembled into the footwear article 12 and worn on the foot 26, the foot-facing side 22 is closer to the foot 26 than the ground-facing side 28 (in... Figure 16(Seen in dashed lines). When the sole plate 10 is assembled into the footwear article 12 and worn on the foot 26, the foot-facing side 22 is above the ground-facing side 28. The sole plate 10 also has a curved outer edge 34 and a curved inner edge 32. The sole plate 10 is for the right foot. It should be understood that the sole plate for the left foot is a mirror image of the sole plate 10.

[0048] The sole plate 10 defines a through-hole 35 in the forefoot region 16, extending from the foot-facing surface 24 to the ground-facing surface 30. The through-hole 35 is closer to the inner edge 32 of the sole plate than to the outer edge 34. The through-hole 35 is more located between the inner edge 32 and the longitudinal center line LM than between the outer edge 34 and the longitudinal center line LM. Furthermore, the through-hole has an irregular shape that tapers in width in the forward direction. This irregular shape is defined by a continuous edge 33 of the sole plate 10, which abuts and defines the through-hole 35, including an inner end 39, an outer end 41, a relatively wide rear edge 43, and a narrow top front end 37. The continuous edge 33 is a smooth, curved edge without any corners or angles. The through-hole 35 tapers in width in the forward direction from the inner end 39 and the outer end 41. The anterior end 37 is closer to the medial end 39 than the lateral end 41, causing the through-hole 35 to be asymmetrical. Some bones of the foot 26 are... Figure 2 The instep 10 is shown in dashed lines. The metatarsal heads, partially shown in dashed lines, include the first metatarsal head 26A, the second metatarsal head 26B, the third metatarsal head 26C, the fourth metatarsal head 26D, and the fifth metatarsal head 26E. The big toe is represented by phalanges 26F and 26G. Due to the irregular shape of the through-hole 35, the through-hole 35 is configured to be located below the first metatarsal head 26A, the second metatarsal head 26B, and the big toe 26F and 26G of a typical wearer with foot dimensions related to the foot size of the instep 10 and the footwear article 12, such as those based on population averages.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 The foot-facing surface 24 has ridges 40 extending longitudinally in the midfoot region 18 and the forefoot region 16. The ridges 40 do not extend into the heel region 20. The foot-facing surface 24 is generally flat in the heel region 20, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As best shown in the diagram, the ground-facing surface 30 has grooves 42 extending longitudinally corresponding to the ridges 40. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four ridges 40 and four grooves 42. More specifically, as... Figures 7-9As best shown, four ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D are sequentially arranged between the inner edge 32 and the outer edge 34. Ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D each have crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D extending along the length of the respective ridge. The outermost ridge 40D curves longitudinally to follow the curved outer edge 34, and the innermost ridge 40A curves longitudinally to follow the curved inner edge 32. In other words, ridge 40D curves relative to the longitudinal midline LM to substantially follow the outer edge 34, and ridge 40A curves relative to the longitudinal midline LM to substantially follow the inner edge 32. The longitudinal direction is generally along the longitudinal center line LM of the sole plate 10, and can be a forward direction (i.e., from the mid-shoe region 18 toward the fore-shoe region 16) or a backward direction (i.e., from the fore-shoe region 16 toward the mid-shoe region 18).

[0050] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The foot-facing surface 24 is concave in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate 10 in the forefoot region 16, and the ground-facing surface 30 is convex in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate 10 in the forefoot region 16. The concave surface of the foot-facing surface 24 and the convex surface of the ground-facing surface 30 extend into the midfoot region 18, such that the midfoot region 18 and the forefoot region 16 together form a spoon shape. Furthermore, the sole plate 10 slopes longitudinally from the heel region 20 to the forefoot region 16 in the midfoot region 18. More specifically, as... Figure 12 As shown, when the sole plate 10 is assembled in the sole structure 14 and the sole structure 14 is placed on a horizontal ground surface G, the midfoot region 18 slopes downward from the heel region 20 to the forefoot region 16. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The illustration also shows the concave surface of the foot-facing surface 24 and the convex surface of the ground-facing surface 30 in the forefoot region 16 of the shoe. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The image shows a sole plate 10, with its lowest point resting on a horizontal ground surface G (i.e., before being installed in the sole structure 14). The sole plate 10 slopes downwards from its front edge 36 in the forefoot region 16. In the midfoot region 18, the sole plate 10 slopes downwards relative to the heel region 20, which is flush with the rear edge 38. In this position, the front edge 36 is higher than the rear edge 38.

[0051] As used herein, the transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridge 40 is a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline LM, such as... Figures 7-11 The cross-section. For example... Figures 7-9As best illustrated, at any given transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D, the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D are equidistant from each other. In other words, all adjacent crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D are equidistant. However, because the distance between the outer edge 34 and the inner edge 32 varies along the length of the sole plate 10 (i.e., the sole plate 10 has different widths at different transverse cross-sections), the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate 10.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 On the ground-facing surface 30, there are four grooves 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D sequentially between the inner edge 32 and the outer edge 34. For example... Figure 2 Clearly, grooves 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D do not extend into the heel region 20, and the ground-facing surface 30 is generally flat in the heel region 20. Ridges 40 and grooves 42 extend only into the midfoot region 18 and the forefoot region 16. Grooves 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D each have crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D extending along the length of the respective groove. The outermost groove 42D curves longitudinally to follow a curved outer edge 34, and the innermost groove 42A curves longitudinally to follow a curved inner edge 32. In other words, groove 42D curves relative to the longitudinal centerline LM to generally follow the outer edge 34, and groove 42A curves relative to the longitudinal centerline LM to follow the inner edge 32. Like the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D, at any transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D, the crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D are equidistant from each other (i.e., all adjacent crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D are equidistant), and the crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate 10.

[0053] The crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D of the grooves 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D are aligned with the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D of the ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D. As used herein, the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D are aligned with the crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D because the crests along the length of the ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D lie directly below the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D, such that the line connecting the crests of the corresponding ridges and the crests of the grooves (e.g., the line connecting crests 44A and 46A) is perpendicular to the line along the flat portion of the surface 30 facing the ground in the transverse cross-section. Figure 1-Figure 2 and Figures 5-9 It is evident that the ground-facing surface 30 of the sole plate 10 is flat between the grooves 42 in any lateral cross-section.

[0054] Due to the ridge 40 and the groove 42, the sole plate 10 has a wavy profile at any lateral cross-section passing through the ridge 40. For example, Figure 9 The lateral cross-section is the first lateral cross-section of the sole plate 10 in the midfoot region 18. The foot-facing surface 24 has a wavy profile P1 of the sole plate at the first lateral cross-section. The wavy profile P1 includes a first set of multiple waves W1, W2, W3, W4, which have peaks 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D at ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and troughs 50A, 50B, 50C between corresponding adjacent ridges. Each of the waves W1, W2, W3, W4 has an equal first wavelength L1.

[0055] Figure 7 The transverse cross-section at the location is a second transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridge portion 40 in the forefoot region 16. The wavy profile P2 of the sole plate 10 at the second transverse cross-section includes a second set of multiple waves W1A, W2A, W3A, W4A, which have peaks 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D at the ridge portions 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and troughs 50A, 50B, 50C between corresponding adjacent ridge portions. Each of the waves W1A, W2A, W3A, W4A has an equal second wavelength L2. Due to the larger width of the sole plate 10 at the second transverse cross-section (from the inner edge 32 to the outer edge 34), the second wavelength L2 is greater than the first wavelength L1.

[0056] Figure 8 The image shows a third transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 spanning the ridge portion 40, and this third transverse cross-section is longitudinally positioned at... Figure 9 The first transverse cross section and Figure 7Between the second transverse cross sections. The wavy profile P3 of the sole plate 10 at the third transverse cross section includes a third set of multiple waves W1B, W2B, W3B, W4B, which have peaks 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D at ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and troughs 50A, 50B, 50C between corresponding adjacent ridges. Each of the waves W1B, W2B, W3B, W4B has an equal third wavelength L3. Since the width of the sole plate 10 at the third transverse cross section is greater than the width at the first transverse cross section and greater than the width at the second transverse cross section, the third wavelength L3 is greater than the first wavelength L1 and the second wavelength L2. Generally, increasing the number of ridges 40 over a given width (i.e., decreasing the wavelength) increases the flexural stiffness of the sole plate 10 in the longitudinal direction. The sole plate 10 in the forefoot region 16 Figure 8 The third transverse cross section is more pronounced than in the mid-shoe region 18. Figure 9 It is wider at the first transverse cross section. Because the ridges 40 are not parallel and the wavelengths of the waves are equal at a given transverse cross section, the sole plate 10 has the same number of ridges (four) in the forefoot region 16 and the midfoot region 18.

[0057] In addition to the number of ridges 40, the thickness of the sole plate 10 and the amplitude of the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D affect the flexural stiffness and energy return of the sole plate 10. When referring to crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D herein, reference numeral 44 may be used. The ridges 40 and the grooves 42 are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate 10 from the foot-facing surface 24 to the ground-facing surface 30 varies at a transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridges 40 and varies along the length of at least one of the ridges 40. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown in the transverse cross-section, the thickness T1 of the sole plate 10 at the crest 44 of the ridge 40 (as shown at crest 44D) is less than the thickness T2 of the sole plate 10 at the location between the crest and trough of the ridge. Therefore, the sole plate 10 will tend to elastically deform under compressive load applied to the foot-facing surface 24 starting from the crest 44. For example, the sole plate 10 can be an elastic material, such that the foot-facing surface 24 including the crest 44 of the ridge 40 changes height from [missing information] under dynamic compressive load. Figure 8 The steady-state height, indicated by the solid line, decreases to Figure 8 The load height 24A is shown as a dashed line and returns to the steady-state height when the dynamic compressive load is removed. For example, at the crest 44C, the height decreases from height E1 to height E2. For example, the sole plate 10 can be a fiber stranded composite material, carbon fiber composite material, thermoplastic elastomer, glass-reinforced nylon, wood, steel, or a combination thereof.

[0058] The ability and degree of elastic deformation of the sole plate 10 are also adjusted by changing the thickness of the sole plate 10 along the length of the ridge 40 and by changing the amplitude of the crest 44 along the length of the ridge 40. Figures 7-11 A comparison of the transverse cross sections shows that the outsole plate 10 has the highest amplitude at the crest 44 at the ridge 40 (e.g., in...). Figure 8 The thinnest part (i.e., with the smallest thickness) is in the middle, and as the amplitude decreases, the sole plate 10 gradually thickens at the crest 44, as... Figure 7 and Figure 9 This can be seen from the text.

[0059] The ability and extent of elastic deformation of the sole plate 10 are adjusted by varying the thickness of the sole plate 10 along the length of the ridge 40 and by varying the amplitude of the crest 44 along the length of the ridge 40. When referring herein to crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D, reference numeral 46 may be used. The amplitude of crest 46 is greater in regions of the sole plate 10 constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in regions of the sole plate 10 constructed for relatively low compressive loads. For example, reference... Figure 1 At least some of the crests 46 may be present in the rear portion 16A of the forefoot region 16 (e.g., including...). Figure 8 (at the transverse cross-section) than in the forefoot portion 16B of the shoe's forefoot region (e.g., including...) Figure 7 (at the transverse cross-section) larger and than in the mid-shoe region (e.g., including...) Figure 9 The larger amplitude of crest 46 (at its transverse cross-section) enables greater energy absorption under sufficient dynamic load because more elastic deformation occurs as the height of crest 46 varies more between its steady-state height and load height. In an embodiment of the sole plate 10, the amplitude of crest 44 is consistent at any given transverse cross-section. In other words, each of crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D has a larger amplitude at its transverse cross-section. Figure 7 The cross-section has the same amplitude, in Figure 8 It has the same amplitude at the cross-section (however different) Figure 7 (the range at the point), and in Figure 9 It has the same amplitude at the cross-section (however different) Figure 7 and Figure 8 (range at the location).

[0060] refer to Figure 12The sole structure 14 includes an elastic foam midsole layer 60. The sole structure 14 also includes discrete outsole elements 62, or alternatively, may include a monolithic outsole. The midsole layer 60 includes a first foam layer 60A fixed to a foot-facing surface 24 and a second foam layer 60B fixed to a ground-facing surface 30. The first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B are separate components with different compressive stiffnesses. The first foam layer 60A may be stiffer than or less stiff than the second foam layer 60B. The first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B may be the same material composition with different densities to provide different compressive stiffnesses, or they may be different materials.

[0061] Alternatively, such as Figure 18 As shown, the alternative footwear article 112 has a sole interlayer 160, which includes a first foam layer 160A and a second foam layer 160B, which are portions of a single component (i.e., a single, integral, one-piece elastic foam sole interlayer 160). Layers 160A and 160B of the first and second elastic foam sole interlayers are the upper and lower portions of the single elastic foam sole interlayer 160 surrounding the sole plate 10, and in one embodiment, can be formed by injecting foam around the sole plate. The first and second foam layers 160A and 160B are made of the same material and have the same compressive stiffness.

[0062] A first foam layer 160A covers the through-hole 35. A second foam layer 160B lies below the through-hole 35. The first foam layer 160A and the second foam layer 160B elastically deform under dynamic compressive loads, for example... Figure 17 As shown in the figure, and upon removal of the dynamic compressive load, they return energy, thus returning to their steady-state shape, as Figure 15 As shown in the diagram. Under dynamic compressive load, the first foam layer 60A compresses against the second foam layer 60B at the through-hole 35. For example, as... Figure 17As shown, the bottom surface 51 of the first foam layer 60A contacts the top surface 53 of the second foam layer 60B at the through-hole 35, causing the first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B to compress and abut against each other at the through-hole 35. Away from the through-hole 35 (i.e., where the lower surface 51 of the first elastic foam layer 60A is fixed to the foot-facing surface 24, and where the upper surface 53 of the second foam layer 60B is fixed to the ground-facing surface 30), the first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B compress and abut against the sole plate 10 under dynamic compressive load. The elastic deformation and energy absorption of each of the first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B are therefore different at the through-hole 35 than away from it. For example, foam layers 60A, 60B may experience greater deformation at the through-hole 35 than away from it because the foam layers may have less compressive stiffness than the sole plate. The foot, supported by the sole structure 14, experiences a softer cushioning sensation at the perforation 35 (i.e., above the perforation) than it does away from the perforation. Therefore, the first metatarsal head 26A, the second metatarsal head 26B, and the phalanges 26F and 26G of the big toe experience greater cushioning.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the sole plate 10 has a greater compressive stiffness than the first foam layer 60A and a greater compressive stiffness than the second foam layer 60B. For example, in one or more embodiments, the sole plate 10 is one of fiber stranded composite material, carbon fiber composite material, thermoplastic elastomer, glass-reinforced nylon, wood, or steel. Therefore, the sole interlayer system 15 is adjusted to provide a different energy return at the through-holes than at the exit through-holes. The dynamic compressive load on the first elastic foam layer 60A responds with greater energy absorption at the through-holes 35 where the first elastic foam layers 60A and 60B interact with each other than at the exit through-holes 35 where the first elastic foam layers 60A and 60B act against and are in contact with the sole plate 10.

[0064] like Figure 17 As indicated, the foam sole interlayer 60 compresses between the foot 26 and the ground G under dynamic compressive load, acting against both the foot-facing surface 24 and the ground-facing surface 30 of the harder sole plate 10. The first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B elastically deform under the dynamic compressive load. The dynamic compressive load is illustrated by distributed loads F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5, which have different magnitudes indicated by the length of the arrows. The first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B return energy when the dynamic compressive load is removed. Under dynamic load, the first foam layer 60A compresses against the foot-facing surface 24, and the second foam layer compresses against the ground-facing surface 30.

[0065] Figure 12The illustration shows a footwear item in a stationary position under a steady-state load applied by the foot 26. Figure 12 It can also represent the middle position of the footwear 12 during stride, wherein the sole structure 14 is laid flat on the ground G. Figures 13-15 Footwear item 12 is shown in the progressive first, second and third movement phases during a stride. Figure 13 The first phase of movement shown is the start of a stride, in which at least a portion of the heel region 20 and midfoot region 18 of the sole structure 14 is lifted off the ground G and the forefoot region 16 contacts the ground G. Figure 14 The second phase of movement shows the further lifting of the midfoot region 18 of the sole structure 14 from the ground surface G and the contact of the forefoot region 16 with the ground G. Finally, Figure 15 This illustrates footwear item 12 being completely lifted off the ground G, as may happen during running. During a stride, the sole plate 10 moves along its length (e.g., along...). Figure 1 The longitudinal midline (LM) of the shoe is shown to be bent. Progressive bending occurs in the forefoot region 16, approximately below the metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot 26, as the foot 26 is dorsiflexed and the increased load is placed in the forefoot region 16 due to the wearer's weight shifting to the forefoot. The perforations 35 reduce the longitudinal bending stiffness of the sole plate 10 in the forefoot region 16 compared to a sole plate of the same thickness but without perforations.

[0066] exist Figure 16 The spoon shape of the sole plate 10, best shown in the diagram (including a concave, foot-facing surface 24 and a convex, ground-facing surface 30 in the forefoot region 16), helps to promote forward rolling of the foot 26. This occurs when the foot 26 disengages from the sole structure 14. Figure 15 When the ground G in the shoe sole plate 10 is lifted, the compressive force above the neutral axis of the shoe sole plate 10 to the surface 24 facing the foot and the tension below the neutral axis to the surface 30 facing the ground are released, thereby causing the shoe sole plate 10 to return to its original position. Figure 15 The unloading orientation shown in the diagram, apart from being lifted from the ground, is consistent with... Figure 12 The same applies to the previous one. As the wearer bends the sole plate 10, the internal compressive forces and tensions in the sole plate 10 are released as the sole plate 10 straightens, which generates a net force F in the forward direction, at least partially.

[0067] Therefore, as discussed herein, by varying the thickness of the sole plate 10, the amplitude of the crest of the ridge, and by adjusting the sole plate 10 in a spoon shape, all of these contribute to energy absorption during dynamic compression and longitudinal flexion, as well as energy return during the subsequent forward stride.

[0068] The following clauses provide example constructions for the sole structure of footwear articles disclosed herein.

[0069] Clause 1. A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: a sole interlayer system, the sole interlayer system including: a sole plate having a forefoot region and a midfoot region; wherein the sole plate has a foot-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite to the foot-facing surface; wherein the sole plate defines a through-hole extending from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface in the forefoot region; and wherein the through-hole is closer to an inner edge of the sole plate than to an outer edge of the sole plate.

[0070] Clause 2. The sole structure according to Clause 1, wherein the through-hole has an irregular shape, the irregular shape being tapered in width in the forward direction.

[0071] Clause 3. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-2, wherein the through-hole is configured to be located under the first and second metatarsal heads and the big toe of the wearer.

[0072] Clause 4. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein the sole interlayer system further comprises: a first foam layer, the first foam layer being fixed to the foot-facing surface and covering the through-hole; a second foam layer, the second foam layer being fixed to the ground-facing surface and located below the through-hole; wherein the first foam layer and the second foam layer elastically deform under a dynamic compressive load and return energy upon removal of the dynamic compressive load; wherein the first foam layer is compressed against the second foam layer at the through-hole under the dynamic compressive load; and wherein the first foam layer and the second foam layer are compressed against the sole plate at the exit of the through-hole under the dynamic compressive load.

[0073] Clause 5. The sole structure according to Clause 4, wherein the sole plate has a compressive stiffness greater than that of the first foam layer and greater than that of the second foam layer.

[0074] Clause 6. The sole structure as described in Clause 5, wherein the sole plate is one of fiber stranded composite material, carbon fiber composite material, thermoplastic elastomer, glass-reinforced nylon, wood or steel.

[0075] Clause 7. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein: the foot-facing surface is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region; and the ground-facing surface is convex in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region.

[0076] Clause 8. The sole structure according to Clause 7, wherein: the sole plate further includes a heel region; and the sole plate is inclined in the longitudinal direction from the heel region to the forefoot region in the midfoot region.

[0077] Clause 9. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein: the foot-facing surface has ridges extending longitudinally in the midfoot region and the forefoot region; the ground-facing surface has grooves corresponding to the longitudinally extending ridges; and the ridges and the grooves are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at a transverse cross-section of the sole plate through the ridges, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both at the transverse cross-section of the sole plate through the ridges and along the length of at least one of the ridges.

[0078] Clause 10. The sole structure according to Clause 9, wherein: the ridge has crests, at least some of the crests extending non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate; and the groove has crests, at least some of the crests of the groove extending non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0079] Clause 11. The sole structure according to Clause 10, wherein: the outermost one of the ridges bends in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved outer edge of the sole plate; and the innermost one of the ridges bends in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved inner edge of the sole plate.

[0080] Clause 12. The sole structure according to Clause 9, wherein the ridge has crests, at least some of which vary in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate such that the amplitude is greater in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively low compressive loads.

[0081] Clause 13. The sole structure according to Clause 12, wherein at least some of the crests have a larger amplitude in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the front portion of the forefoot region and greater than in the midfoot region.

[0082] Clause 14. The sole structure according to Clause 9, wherein the ridge has crests and the sole plate is an elastic material, such that the crests of the ridge decrease in height from a steady-state height to a load height under dynamic compressive load, and return to the steady-state height when the dynamic compressive load is removed.

[0083] Clause 15. The sole structure according to Clause 9, wherein: the foot-facing surface has a wavy profile in the transverse cross-section, the wavy profile comprising a plurality of waves, the plurality of waves having crests at ridges and troughs between respective adjacent ridges in the ridges; the crests at the ridges align with the crests of the grooves; and the ground-facing surface is flat in the transverse cross-section between the grooves.

[0084] Clause 16. The sole structure according to Clause 15, wherein: the thickness of the sole plate at the transverse cross section is smaller at the crest of the ridge than between the crest and the trough of the ridge; and the sole plate further includes a heel area and is an integral one-piece component.

[0085] Clause 17. A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: a sole interlayer system, the sole interlayer system including: a sole plate having a forefoot region and a midfoot region; wherein the sole plate has a foot-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite to the foot-facing surface, the foot-facing surface being recessed in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region, and the ground-facing surface being convex in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region; wherein the sole plate defines a through-hole extending in the forefoot region from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface; wherein the through-hole has a width in a forward direction. The shoe has an irregular shape that tapers gradually and is closer to the inner edge of the sole plate than to the outer edge of the sole plate; a first foam layer, which is fixed to the surface facing the foot and covers the through-hole; a second foam layer, which is fixed to the surface facing the ground and is located below the through-hole; wherein the first foam layer and the second foam layer elastically deform under dynamic compressive load and return energy when the dynamic compressive load is removed; wherein the first foam layer is compressed against the second foam layer at the through-hole during dynamic compressive load; and wherein the first foam layer and the second foam layer are compressed against the sole plate at the exit of the through-hole.

[0086] Clause 18. The sole structure according to Clause 17, wherein: the foot-facing surface has ridges extending longitudinally in the midfoot region and the forefoot region; the ground-facing surface has grooves corresponding to the longitudinally extending ridges; the ground-facing surface is flat between the grooves at a transverse cross-section of the sole plate passing through the ridges; and the ridges and the grooves are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at the transverse cross-section of the sole plate, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both at the transverse cross-section of the sole plate and along the length of at least one of the ridges.

[0087] Clause 19. The sole structure according to Clause 18, wherein the ridge has crests, at least some of which vary in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate such that the amplitude is greater in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively low compressive loads.

[0088] Clause 20. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 17-19, wherein the sole plate has a compressive stiffness greater than that of the first foam layer and greater than that of the second foam layer.

[0089] To aid and clarify the subsequent description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims).

[0090] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one of the items. Multiple such items may exist unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, “at least some” in an item means at least two of the items. Unless the context clearly or explicitly indicates otherwise, all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification (including the appended claims) should 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 (somewhat close to the accuracy of the value; about or moderately close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art in this ordinary sense, then “about” as used herein at least indicates variations that may arise from common methods of measuring and using these parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a scope should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that scope and further subdivisions of the scope. All cited references are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0091] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, 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 alternative or alternative steps may be used. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any” is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including “any one” of the referenced items. The term “any” is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any one” of the referenced claims.

[0092] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are used throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0093] As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction in which the length of the extending component is directed. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot region and the heel region. The term "forward" is used to refer to a general direction from the heel region toward the forefoot region, and the term "rearward" is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified by a longitudinal axis and the forward and rearward longitudinal directions along that axis.

[0094] As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "vertical" refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case where the sole structure is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground surface. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to individual components of the sole structure. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a component, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to a vertical direction pointing in the opposite direction to the upward direction and may generally point towards the sole structure or towards the outermost component of the sole structure.

[0095] The term "interior" in footwear (such as shoes) refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The term "inner side" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component oriented toward (or to be toward) the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. The term "outer side" or "exterior" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component oriented away from (or to be away from) the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, the inner side of a component may have other components between that inner side and the interior of the assembled shoe. Similarly, the outer side of a component may have other components between that outer side and the exterior of the assembled shoe. Furthermore, the terms "inward" and "inner" should refer to a direction toward the interior of the component or footwear (such as shoes), and the terms "outward" and "outer" should refer to a direction toward the exterior of the component or footwear (such as shoes). Additionally, the term "proximal" refers to a direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the article as it is worn by the user. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to the relative position of the foot further away from the center of the footwear component or further away from the foot as the foot is inserted into the garment by the wearer. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing largely opposite terms to describe the relative spatial positions of footwear layers.

[0096] 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 further embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of these embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in lieu of any other feature or element in any other embodiment, unless specifically limited thereto. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0097] While several modes of implementation for many aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this teaching pertains will recognize a variety of alternative aspects of implementing this teaching within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all content contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings be construed as an illustration and example of the overall scope of alternative embodiments that will be recognized by a person of ordinary skill, such alternative embodiments as implied by the contained content, structurally and / or functionally equivalent to the contained content, or otherwise apparent based on the contained content, and not limited to those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described.

Claims

1. A sole structure for footwear, comprising: The midsole system includes: Shoe sole; and One-piece foam sole interlayer; in: The sole plate has a surface facing the foot and a surface facing the ground opposite to the surface facing the foot; The sole plate defines a through hole that extends from the surface facing the foot to the surface facing the ground. The one-piece foam sole interlayer extends on the surface facing the foot, on the surface facing the ground, and through the through-hole; The surface facing the foot has ridges extending longitudinally along the sole plate; The surface facing the ground has grooves that extend longitudinally corresponding to the ridge; and The ridge and the groove are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at a transverse cross-section of the sole plate through the ridge, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both at the transverse cross-section of the sole plate through the ridge and along the length of at least one of the ridges.

2. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein: The one-piece foam sole interlayer includes an upper portion fixed to the foot-facing surface and covering the through-hole, and a lower portion fixed to the ground-facing surface and located below the through-hole; The one-piece foam sole interlayer elastically deforms under dynamic compressive load and returns energy when the dynamic compressive load is removed; and The upper portion and the lower portion are compressed and abut against the sole plate at the point where they exit the through hole.

3. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the sole plate has a compressive stiffness greater than that of the one-piece foam sole interlayer.

4. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the one-piece foam sole interlayer surrounds the outer edge of the sole plate and the inner edge of the sole plate.

5. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the one-piece foam sole interlayer surrounds the front edge and the rear edge of the sole plate.

6. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the sole plate is embedded in the one-piece foam sole interlayer.

7. The sole structure according to claim 6, wherein: The sole plate includes a forefoot area, a midfoot area, and a heel area; The forefoot region includes the front edge of the sole plate; The heel area includes the rear edge of the sole plate; and The one-piece foam sole interlayer extends in front of the front edge of the sole plate and behind the rear edge of the sole plate.

8. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the through hole is closer to the inner edge of the sole plate than to the outer edge of the sole plate.

9. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the through hole has an irregular shape, the irregular shape gradually tapering in width in the forward direction.

10. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The sole plate has a forefoot area; and The through-hole is configured to be located under the wearer's first and second metatarsal heads and the big toe.

11. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the through hole has a top front end, the top front end being closer to the inner end of the through hole than the outer end of the through hole.

12. The sole structure of claim 11, wherein the through hole gradually tapers in width from the inner end and the outer end in a forward direction and has a rear edge wider than the top front end.

13. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The sole plate has a forefoot area; The surface facing the foot is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region of the shoe; and The ground-facing surface is raised in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region of the shoe.

14. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein: The sole plate also includes a midfoot area and a heel area; and The sole plate is inclined in the longitudinal direction from the heel area to the forefoot area in the mid-shoe region.

15. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The ridge has crests, at least some of which extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate; and The groove has crests, and at least some of the crests of the groove extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate.

16. The sole structure according to claim 15, wherein: The outermost of the ridges bends in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate to follow the curved outer edge of the sole plate; and The innermost one of the ridges bends in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate to follow the curved inner edge of the sole plate.

17. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the ridge has crests, at least some of the crests varying in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate such that the amplitude is greater in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively low compressive loads.

18. The sole structure according to claim 17, wherein: The sole plate includes a forefoot area and a midfoot area; and At least some of the wave peaks have a larger amplitude in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the front portion of the forefoot region and larger than in the middle portion of the shoe.

19. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the ridge has a crest, and the sole plate is an elastic material, such that the crest of the ridge decreases in height from a steady-state height to a load height under dynamic compressive load, and returns to the steady-state height when the dynamic compressive load is removed.

20. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The surface facing the foot has a wavy profile in the transverse cross-section, the wavy profile comprising multiple waves, each wave having a crest at a ridge and a trough between adjacent ridges within the ridge; and The thickness of the sole plate at the transverse cross-section is smaller at the crest of the ridge than between the crest and the trough of the ridge.

21. A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: The midsole system includes: Shoe sole; in: The sole plate has a surface facing the foot and a surface facing the ground opposite to the surface facing the foot; The foot-facing surface has ridges extending longitudinally along the sole plate in the forefoot region and the midfoot region of the sole plate, each of the ridges having a front end in the forefoot region and a rear end in the midfoot region; The surface facing the ground has grooves that extend longitudinally corresponding to the ridge. The sole plate defines a through-hole extending from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface and passing through one of the ridges; and The ridge and the groove are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at a transverse cross-section of the sole plate through the ridge, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both at the transverse cross-section of the sole plate through the ridge and along the length of at least one of the ridges.

22. The sole structure of claim 21, wherein the front end of each of the ridges is located at the front edge of the sole plate.

23. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the sole plate further includes a heel area.

24. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the outermost one of the ridges is curved in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate to follow the curved outer edge of the sole plate.

25. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the innermost one of the ridges is bent in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate to follow the curved inner edge of the sole plate.

26. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein: The ridge-like portion includes a first ridge-like portion, a second ridge-like portion, a third ridge-like portion, and a fourth ridge-like portion arranged sequentially from the inner side of the sole plate to the outer side of the sole plate; and The ridge through which the through hole extends is the first ridge, and the through hole also extends through the second ridge.

27. The sole structure of claim 26, wherein the through hole further extends through the third ridge.

28. The sole structure of claim 26, wherein the through hole does not extend through the fourth ridge.

29. The sole structure of claim 26, wherein the ridge portion comprises only the first ridge portion, the second ridge portion, the third ridge portion, and the fourth ridge portion.

30. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the ridge has crests, and at least some of the crests extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate.

31. The sole structure of claim 30, wherein the crests of the ridge are equidistant from each other at any transverse cross-section of the sole plate passing through the ridge.

32. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the groove has crests, and at least some of the crests extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate.

33. The sole structure of claim 32, wherein the crests of the grooves are equidistant from each other at any lateral cross-section of the sole plate passing through the grooves.

34. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the through hole is closer to the inner edge of the sole plate than to the outer edge of the sole plate.

35. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein: The surface facing the foot is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region of the shoe; and The ground-facing surface is raised in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region of the shoe.

36. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the ridge has crests, at least some of the crests varying in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate such that the amplitude is greater in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively low compressive loads.

37. The sole structure of claim 36, wherein at least some of the crests have a larger amplitude in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the front portion of the forefoot region and greater than in the midfoot region.

38. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the ridge has a crest and the sole plate is an elastic material, such that the crest of the ridge decreases in height from a steady-state height to a load height under dynamic compressive load, and returns to the steady-state height when the dynamic compressive load is removed.

39. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the ground-facing surface is flat in the transverse cross-section between the grooves.

40. A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: The midsole system includes: A sole plate having a forefoot region and a midfoot region; in: The sole plate has a surface facing the foot and a surface facing the ground opposite to the surface facing the foot; The sole plate defines a through hole that extends from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface in the forefoot region of the shoe. The through hole is closer to the inner edge of the sole plate than the outer edge of the sole plate; The through hole has a top front end, which is closer to the inner end of the through hole than the outer end of the through hole. The surface facing the foot has ridges extending longitudinally along the sole plate; The surface facing the ground has grooves that extend longitudinally corresponding to the ridge; and The ridge and the groove are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at a transverse cross-section of the sole plate through the ridge, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both at the transverse cross-section of the sole plate through the ridge and along the length of at least one of the ridges.

41. The sole structure of claim 40, wherein the through hole gradually tapers in width from the inner end and the outer end in a forward direction and has a rear edge wider than the top front end.

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