Footwear with textured skin layer

Abstract

An article of footwear includes a porous body including a lattice of interconnected cell grids and a first porosity. The article of footwear also includes a skin layer integrally formed on the exterior of the porous body. The skin layer has a second porosity and defines ribs extending outwardly from the porous body. The second porosity is less than the first porosity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The described embodiments generally relate to soles for footwear articles. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to soles for footwear articles that include a porous body formed of a lattice structure and a surface layer located on the exterior of the porous body to provide the article with desired mechanical and / or aesthetic properties. Background Art

[0002] The human foot is a complex and extraordinary body part that is able to withstand and dissipate many impact forces. The natural padding of fat at the heel and forefoot, as well as the flexibility of the arch of the foot, contribute to the shock absorption of the foot. Although the human foot has natural shock absorption and rebound properties, the foot alone cannot effectively overcome the many forces encountered during daily activities. Unless an individual wears shoes that provide the correct shock absorption and support, the pain and fatigue associated with daily activities are more severe and will accelerate the onset. This discomfort of the wearer can reduce the motivation for further activity. Equally important, poorly shock-absorbing footwear can lead to: injuries, such as blisters; damage to muscles, joints and ligaments; and, stress fractures. Uncomfortable footwear can also lead to other diseases, including back pain.

[0003] People often pay attention to the amount of cushioning provided by footwear. This is true for footwear worn for non-competitive activities (e.g., casual walking and competitive activities, such as running), because in the average daily course of an individual's feet and legs experience significant impact forces. When the footwear contacts a surface, considerable forces can act on the footwear, and correspondingly on the wearer's foot. The sole of the footwear serves, in part, to provide cushioning to the wearer's foot and protect it from these forces.

[0004] Proper footwear should be durable, comfortable, and provide other beneficial properties to the individual.Therefore, there is a continuing need for innovations in footwear. Summary of the invention

[0005] The first embodiment (1) of the present application relates to a footwear article. The footwear article may include a porous body including a lattice of interconnected unit cells and a first porosity. The footwear article may also include a surface layer integrally formed on the exterior of the porous body. The surface layer may include a second porosity and define ribs extending outwardly from the porous body. The second porosity may be less than the first porosity.

[0006] In a second embodiment (2) which is further developed from the embodiment (1), the surface layer may be a solid layer without through holes.

[0007] In a third embodiment (3) further to embodiment (2), the porous body may be a lattice of interconnected unit grids. Each unit grid may include a basic geometric shape. The surface layer does not include the interconnected lattice of unit grids including the basic geometric shape.

[0008] In a fourth embodiment (4) further to any one of the embodiments (1) to (3), the height distribution of the ribs may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0009] In a fifth embodiment (5) further to any one of the embodiments (1) to (4), the width distribution of the ribs may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0010] In a sixth embodiment (6) further to any one of embodiments (1) to (5), the ribs may be separated by grooves, each groove having a constant width for at least a majority of the length of the rib.

[0011] In a seventh embodiment (7) which is further developed from the embodiment (6), the ribs may be parallel to each other.

[0012] In an eighth embodiment (8) further to any of embodiments (1)-(7), at least a portion of the outsole of the article may be free of a surface layer, such that the porous body provides a portion of the ground-facing side of the outsole.

[0013] In a ninth embodiment (9) further to any one of embodiments (1) to (8), the area occupied by the surface layer may cover at least 50% of the exterior of the porous body.

[0014] In a tenth embodiment (10) further to any of embodiments (1)-(9), the porous body may define at least a portion of a sole and at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear.

[0015] In an eleventh embodiment (11) further to any one of embodiments (1)-(10), the footwear article may be a sandal including an upper, the upper including at least a portion of the porous body. The surface layer may extend across at least a portion of the upper.

[0016] In a twelfth embodiment (12) further to embodiment (11), the ribs may be separated by grooves comprising respective portions of the skin layer. The area occupied by the skin layer may cover at least 50% of the exterior of the porous body.

[0017] In a thirteenth embodiment (13) further to embodiment (12), the upper may include a lateral side and a medial side. The surface layer may extend across at least a portion of the lateral side and at least a portion of the medial side.

[0018] In a fourteenth embodiment (14) further to embodiment (13), the article may include a sole attached to the upper. The sole may include a second portion of the porous body. The surface layer may extend onto the sole.

[0019] In a fifteenth embodiment (15) further to any of embodiments (1)-(14), the article may include a sole, the sole including at least a portion of the porous body and including an insole side. The surface layer may extend over at least a portion of the insole side.

[0020] The sixteenth embodiment (16) of the present application relates to a sandal. The sandal may include a porous body, the porous body including a lattice of interconnected unit grids. The sandal may also include a sole, the sole including a first portion of the porous body. The sandal may also include an upper, the upper including a second portion of the porous body and connected to the sole. The sandal may also include a plurality of first ribs extending across a portion of the exterior of the sole. The plurality of first ribs may define a plurality of first grooves between adjacent ribs in the plurality of first ribs. The grooves in the plurality of first grooves may be equal in width along at least a portion of their length. The sandal may also include a plurality of second ribs, the plurality of second ribs extending across a portion of the exterior of the upper. The plurality of second ribs may define a plurality of second grooves between adjacent ribs in the plurality of second ribs, and the grooves in the plurality of second grooves may be equal in width along at least a portion of their length.

[0021] In a seventeenth embodiment (17) further to embodiment (16), the sandal may include a surface layer having a lower porosity than the porous body. The sole may include an inner bottom side configured to face the bottom of the wearer's foot when the sandal is worn. The surface layer may extend onto the inner bottom side of the sole.

[0022] In an eighteenth embodiment (18) further to embodiment (17), the plurality of first ribs, the plurality of second ribs, or both may be defined by a surface layer.

[0023] In a nineteenth embodiment (19) further to the embodiment (17) or the embodiment (18), the inner bottom side of the sole may include a recessed portion and a raised periphery. A plurality of first ribs may extend across the recessed portion.

[0024] In a twentieth embodiment (20) further to embodiment (19), a rib in the plurality of first ribs may have a first height defined relative to the plurality of first grooves. The raised periphery may have a second height defined relative to the plurality of first grooves. The second height may be greater than the first height. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1A is a side view of an article of footwear according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Top view of the product.

[0027] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Bottom view of the product.

[0028] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A of footwear products in Figure 1B and 1C A cross section on the sagittal plane 1D-1D' is shown in FIG.

[0029] Figure 1E yes Figure 1A An enlarged portion of the cross section.

[0030] Figure 1F yes Figure 1A A plan view of a portion of the exterior of an article.

[0031] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an article of footwear according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 2B for Figure 2A Side view of the product.

[0033] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A Top view of the product.

[0034] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A Bottom view of the product.

[0035] Figure 2E for Figure 2A Products in Figure 2C and 2D A cross section along the sagittal plane 2E-2E' is shown.

[0036] Figure 2F yes Figure 2E An enlarged portion of the cross section.

[0037] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an article of footwear according to some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Side view of the product.

[0039] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Top view of the product.

[0040] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A Bottom view of the product.

[0041] Figure 3E yes Figure 3A Products in Figure 3C and 3D A cross section along the sagittal plane 3E-3E' is shown.

[0042] Figure 3F yes Figure 3E An enlarged portion of the cross section.

[0043] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an article of footwear according to some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Side view of the product.

[0045] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A Top view of the product.

[0046] Figure 4D yes Figure 4A Bottom view of the product.

[0047] Figure 4E yes Figure 4A Products in Figure 4C and 4D A cross section along the sagittal plane 4E-4E' is shown.

[0048] Figure 4F yes Figure 4E An enlarged portion of the cross section.

[0049] Figure 4G yes Figure 4E Another enlarged portion of the cross section.

[0050] Figure 5A is a perspective view of an article of footwear according to some embodiments.

[0051] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Side view of the product.

[0052] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A Top view of the product.

[0053] Figure 5D yes Figure 5A Bottom view of the product.

[0054] Figure 5E yes Figure 5A Products in Figure 5C and 5D A cross section along the sagittal plane 5E-5E' is shown.

[0055] Fig. 5F yes Figure 5EAn enlarged portion of the cross section.

[0056] Figure 5G yes Figure 5E Another enlarged portion of the cross section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to be associated with other embodiments to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic, regardless of whether it is explicitly described.

[0058] Footwear articles according to the present disclosure may include a porous body. In some embodiments, the porous body may include a three-dimensional mesh. As used herein, the term "three-dimensional mesh" refers to a three-dimensional structure including interconnected structural members defining a plurality of unit grids. The structural members and the unit grids may be connected at nodes. The unit grids may be arranged in a lattice configuration. For example, the interconnected structural members may be struts that are connected at nodes and define unit grids arranged in a lattice configuration. Exemplary lattice configurations include, but are not limited to, modified basic cubic lattices, modified body-centered cubic lattices, and modified face-centered cubic lattices.

[0059] In some embodiments, part or all of the footwear discussed herein can be formed monolithically, for example, using an additive manufacturing method. In some embodiments, the porous body and the surface layer of the footwear discussed herein can be formed monolithically. In some embodiments, the sole and the upper of the footwear discussed herein can be formed monolithically.

[0060] Part or all of a footwear article including a porous body (e.g., a three-dimensional net) as discussed herein can be manufactured using one or more additive manufacturing methods. The additive manufacturing method can allow the manufacture of a three-dimensional object without the need for a mold. By reducing or eliminating the need for a mold, the additive manufacturing method can reduce the cost of the manufacturer of the product (e.g., a shoe), and in turn reduce the cost to the consumer. The use of additive manufacturing to manufacture the footwear article as a whole can make the assembly of the individual elements of the footwear article unnecessary. Similarly, the additively manufactured footwear article can be manufactured from a single material, which can facilitate easy recycling of the footwear article.

[0061] In addition, since molds may not be required, additive manufacturing methods facilitate customization of the product. Additive manufacturing methods can be utilized to provide customized and affordable footwear to individuals. Exemplary additive manufacturing techniques generally include, for example, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, selective heat sintering, stereolithography, fused deposition modeling, or 3-D printing. Various additive manufacturing techniques related to articles of footwear are described, for example, in US2009 / 0126225, WO 2010 / 126708, US2014 / 0300676, US2014 / 0300675, US2014 / 0299009, US2014 / 0026773, US2014 / 0029030, WO 2014 / 008331, WO 2014 / 015037, US2014 / 0020191, EP2564719, EP 2424398, and US2012 / 0117825. In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing process may include a continuous liquid interface production process. For example, the additive manufacturing process may include a continuous liquid interface production process as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,453,142, which issued on September 27, 2016 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0062] In some embodiments, 3-D printing the porous body may include: 3-D printing the porous body in an intermediate green state, shaping the porous body in the green state, and solidifying the green body in its final shape.

[0063] The technology of producing intermediates by resin by additive manufacturing is known. Suitable technology includes bottom-up and top-down additive manufacturing commonly referred to as photo-curing (stereolithography). These methods are known and described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,236,637 of Hull, U.S. Patent No. 5,391,072 and 5,529,473 of Lawton, U.S. Patent No. 7,438,846 of John, U.S. Patent No. 7,892,474 of Shkolnik, U.S. Patent No. 8,110,135 of El-Siblani, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0292862 of Joyce and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0295212 of Chen et al. The disclosures of these patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0064] In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing step can be performed by one of the families of methods sometimes referred to as continuous liquid interface production (CLIP). CLIP is known and described, for example, in the following documents: U.S. Patent Nos. 9,211,678; 9,205,601; 9,216,546; and others; J. Tumbleston et al., Continuous liquid interface production of 3D Objects, Science 347, 1349-1352 (2015); and R. Janusziewcz et al., Layerless fabrication with continuous liquid interface production, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 113, 11703-11708 (October 18, 2016). Other examples of methods and apparatus for performing specific embodiments of CLIP include, but are not limited to: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2017 / 0129169 (May 11, 2017) to Batchelder et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2016 / 0288376 (October 6, 2016) to Sun and Lichkus; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0360419 (December 17, 2015) to Willis et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2015 / 0331402 (November 19, 2015) to Lin et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2017 / 0129167 (May 11, 2017) to D. Castanon; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2018 / 0243976 (published August 30, 2018) to B. Feller ... M. Panzer and J. Tumbleston 2018 / 0126630 (published on May 10, 2018); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2018 / 0290374 (October 11, 2018) by K. Willis and B. Adzima; PCT Patent Publication No. WO 2015 / 164234 by L. Robeson et al. (see also U.S. Patent Nos. 10,259,171 and 10,434,706); and PCT Patent Publication No. WO 2017 / 210298 by C. Mirkin et al. (see also U.S. Patent No. US2019 / 0160733). The disclosures of these patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0065] Although stereolithography such as CLIP is preferred, it should be understood that other additive manufacturing techniques such as inkjet printing may also be used (see, for example, U.S. Patent 6,259,962 to Gothait and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. US2020 / 0156308 to Ramos et al.).

[0066] In some embodiments, the footwear article may include a porous body and a surface layer on the porous body. The surface layer may define one or more textures (e.g., ribs or studs) on the footwear article in whole or in part. The surface layer may have a smaller porosity than the porous body. The surface layer may be a solid layer. In some embodiments, the surface layer may define ribs extending outward from the porous body. In some embodiments, the porous body may include a three-dimensional mesh. In such embodiments, the three-dimensional mesh may include interconnected structural members defining a plurality of unit grids. The structural members and the unit grids may be connected at nodes. The unit grids may be arranged in a lattice configuration. For example, the interconnected structural members may be columns, which are connected at nodes and define unit grids arranged in a lattice configuration.

[0067] In some embodiments, the footwear article may include an upper and a sole. The upper and the sole may each include a corresponding portion of a porous body. In some embodiments, a rib may be limited to the upper. In some embodiments, a rib may be limited to the sole. In some embodiments, a rib may be limited to the upper and the sole. In some embodiments, the porous body and the surface layer may define the entirety of the upper. In some embodiments, the porous body and the surface layer may define the entirety of the sole. In some embodiments, the porous body may extend continuously from the sole to the upper. In some embodiments, the surface layer may extend continuously from the sole to the upper.

[0068] In some embodiments, the sole may include an inner bottom side configured to face the bottom of the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the rib may be defined on the inner bottom side. In some embodiments, the inner bottom side may include a recessed portion and a raised perimeter extending around the recessed portion. In such embodiments, the rib may extend across the recessed portion.

[0069] The grooves may be defined between the ribs on the footwear discussed herein. In some embodiments, each transverse cross-section of the groove may include a minimum defined at a local minimum point of the groove. In some embodiments, at each position along the longitudinal axis defining the toe and heel directions relative to the footwear, the raised perimeter of the insole side may be higher than any groove minimum in the recessed portion at the same position along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, at each position along the longitudinal axis, the raised perimeter may be higher than any rib at the same position along the longitudinal axis.

[0070] Figures 1A-1Care side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of an article of footwear 110 according to some embodiments, and Figure 1D is a cross-section of article of footwear 110. In the illustrated embodiment, article of footwear 110 is a "slipper" type sandal, but the concepts of the present disclosure may be applied to types of footwear other than slippers, such as other types of sandals or footwear other than sandals.

[0071] Go to Figure 1E and 1F , continue to refer to Figures 1A-1D , the article 110 includes a porous body 146 and a surface layer 162 on the porous body. The surface layer 162 may have a porosity smaller than that of the porous body 146. In some embodiments, the surface layer 162 may be a solid layer. In such embodiments, the surface layer 162 may optionally be free of any through holes (i.e., holes extending from the exterior of the article 110 through the surface layer 162 to the porous body 146). In other embodiments, the surface layer 162 may be a material layer without any holes.

[0072] In some embodiments, the porous body 146 may include a first porosity, and the surface layer 162 may include a second porosity that is less than the first porosity. In some embodiments, the second porosity may be at least 5% smaller than the first porosity. In other embodiments, the second porosity may be at least 10% smaller than the first porosity. In other embodiments, the second porosity may be at least 25% smaller than the first porosity. In other embodiments, the second porosity may be at least 50% smaller than the first porosity. In other embodiments, the second porosity may be at least 75% smaller than the first porosity. In other embodiments, the second porosity may be at least 90% smaller than the first porosity. In other embodiments, the second porosity may be at least 95% smaller than the first porosity. In other embodiments, the second porosity may be at least 99% smaller than the first porosity. In other embodiments, the second porosity may be 100% smaller than the first porosity, in which case the second porosity may be zero, and the surface layer 162 may not have pores 144. For example, in embodiments where porous body 146 is a lattice of interconnected cellular grids including base geometries defining pores and skin layer 162 has a porosity that is 100% less than the porosity of porous body 146, skin layer 162 does not include any lattice of interconnected cellular grids including base geometries.

[0073] As used herein, "porosity" refers to the void fraction of a component, which refers to the volumetric amount of void space compared to the total volume of the component under consideration. Thus, for example, the porosity of a cell grid is the volume of void space in the cell grid geometry divided by the total volume of the cell grid. Similarly, as another example, the porosity of a surface layer is the amount of void space in a representative portion of the surface layer divided by the total volume of the representative portion. As a non-limiting example, for a 2 cubic centimeter (cc) portion of a component, a component with 1 cubic centimeter (cc) of void space has a porosity of 50%. A higher porosity means that the component has a larger void fraction.

[0074] Zero is a possible value for "porosity" as used herein and means that for the portion of the component under consideration, the component has zero void space. Thus, when a first component is considered to have a greater porosity than a second component, the second component may have zero void space unless otherwise stated.

[0075] In some embodiments, the porous body 146 can be a three-dimensional net. In such an embodiment, the three-dimensional net may include an interconnected structural member 150 defining a plurality of unit grids. The structural member 150 and the unit grid may be connected at a node 154. In some embodiments, the unit grid may be a unit grid including a basic geometric shape arranged in a lattice configuration. For example, the interconnected structural member 150 may be a column 150 that is connected at a node 154 and defines a unit grid arranged in a lattice configuration. As used herein, "basic geometric structure" refers to the base three-dimensional shape of the unit grid. The basic geometric structure is the three-dimensional shape of the unit grid under an undistorted and unmodified state (e.g., when the unit grid is not deformed by a load, conforms to a specific shape, or is modified as described herein). The basic geometric structure of the unit grid may be, but is not limited to, a dodecahedron (e.g., rhombic), a tetrahedron, an icosahedron, a cube, a cuboid, a prism, or a parallelepiped. In further examples, the underlying geometric shapes may be columns and nodes forming, for example, but not limited to, a dodecahedron (eg, rhombic), tetrahedron, icosahedron, cube, cuboid, prism, or parallelepiped.

[0076] In some embodiments, the pores 144 of the porous body 146 may be cavities defined by a lattice of unit grids. The size of the pores 144 may be defined as the diameter of the largest sphere that can fit in the pores 144. The average pore size may be defined as the average diameter of the sizes of all pores 144 defined by the object. The maximum pore size may be defined as the diameter of the largest sphere that can fit in any pore defined by the object. In some embodiments, the maximum pore size of the surface layer 162 may be smaller than the porous body 146. In some embodiments, the maximum pore size of the surface layer 162 may be smaller than the average pore size of the porous body 146.

[0077] In some embodiments, the skin 162 can cover a majority of the exterior of the porous body 146. As used herein, the exterior of the porous body 146 refers to a volume boundary that contains the porous body 146 without extending into any pores 144 in the porous body 146. In embodiments where the porous body 146 comprises a three-dimensional network of unit grids, the boundary defining the exterior of the porous body 146 does not extend into any voids defined within the underlying geometry of the unit grids. In some embodiments, one or more unit grids may be truncated outside the porous body 146, thereby forming an incomplete instance of the underlying geometry of the adjacent boundary. In such embodiments, the exterior region of the porous body is a surface area of ​​a shape that extends across the surface formed at the truncation of the incomplete underlying geometry without extending into any voids defined within the existing portion of the incomplete underlying geometry.

[0078] In some embodiments, the surface layer 162 may cover at least 50% of the exterior of the porous body 146, at least 60% of the exterior of the porous body 146, at least 75% of the exterior of the porous body 146, at least 90% of the exterior of the porous body 146, at least 95% of the exterior of the porous body 146, at least 99% of the exterior of the porous body 146, or all of the exterior of the porous body 146. The surface layer 162 may extend onto any one or any combination of the outsole side 122 of the sole 114, the insole side 124 of the sole 114, the lateral side 130 of the upper 118, and the medial side 132 of the upper 118. For example, the surface layer 162 may extend across at least a portion of the upper 118. In some such embodiments, the surface layer 162 may extend across at least a portion of the lateral side 130 of the upper 118. In other such embodiments, the surface layer 162 may extend across at least a portion of the medial side 132 of the upper 118. Similarly, the surface layer 162 can extend across at least a portion of the sole 114. In some such embodiments, the surface layer 162 can extend across a portion of the outsole side 122 of the sole 114. In other such embodiments, the surface layer 162 can extend across at least a portion of the insole side 124 of the sole 114.

[0079] The article 110 may include ribs 134 extending outwardly from the porous body 146. The ribs 134 may extend along the exterior of the article 110. The ribs 134 may include a portion of the skin layer 162. In some embodiments, the ribs 134 may be completely defined by the skin layer 162, such that the skin layer 162 includes the ribs 134. In other embodiments, the ribs 134 may be partially defined by the skin layer 162 and partially defined by the porous body 146, such that the ribs 134 include a portion of the skin layer 162 and a portion of the porous body 146.

[0080] Ribs 134 may include various shapes and features as described herein. In some embodiments, ribs 134 may include features of ribs 234 described herein. In some embodiments, ribs 134 may include features of ribs 334 described herein. In some embodiments, ribs 134 may include features of ribs 434 described herein.

[0081] Some ribs 134 may extend across multiple surfaces by wrapping around the outer contour of the article 110. For example, some ribs 134 may extend to both the sole 114 and the upper 118. Figure 1A As particularly shown, some of these ribs 134 may extend from the outsole side 122 of the sole 114 to the lateral side 130 of the upper 118. Figure 1E As particularly shown, other such ribs 134 may extend from the inner bottom side 124 of the sole 114 to the inner side 132 of the upper 118. Some of the ribs 134 extending from the inner bottom side 124 of the sole 114 to the inner side 132 of the upper 118 may surround a portion of the interior space 126. Other ribs 134 may extend from the outer bottom side 122 to the inner bottom side 124, thereby surrounding the sole 114, such as Figure 1B and 1C The ribs 134 surrounding the sole 114 may extend across the raised perimeter 178 of the inner sole side 124 .

[0082] In some embodiments, a plurality of first ribs 134 may extend across a portion of the exterior of the sole 114, wherein the plurality of first ribs 134 define a plurality of first grooves 158 between adjacent ones of the plurality of first ribs 134. The grooves 158 in the plurality of first grooves 158 may be equal in width along at least a portion of their length. In some embodiments, a plurality of second ribs 134 may extend across a portion of the exterior of the upper 118, wherein the plurality of second ribs 134 define a plurality of second grooves 158 between adjacent ones of the plurality of second ribs 134. The grooves 158 in the plurality of second grooves 158 may be equal in width along at least a portion of their length.

[0083] Grooves 158 are defined between ribs 134. While ribs 134 are localized raised portions of the exterior of article 110, grooves 158 are localized depressions between adjacent ribs on the exterior of article 110. Thus, an alternating pattern of ribs 134 and grooves 158 may be defined on any surface of article 110 across which ribs 134 extend. The depth of grooves 158 is the same as the height 166 of the ribs 134 adjacent to those grooves 158. Height 166 may vary at different locations on article 110, but may be maintained within a range of, for example, from 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0084] like Figure 1E and1F As specifically shown, the width 168 of a groove 158 at a given location is the distance between the peaks of two ribs 134 (between which the groove is defined), measured perpendicular to a tangent line 160 to the centerline 172 of the groove 158 at that location. The width of a rib 134 is similarly the distance between the centerlines 172 of two adjacent grooves 158, measured perpendicular to a line tangent to the centerline of the rib 134 at that location. The widths of the grooves 158 and ribs 134 may vary at different locations on the article 110. In some embodiments, the widths of the ribs 134 and grooves 158 on the article 110 may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm. In other embodiments, some or all of the grooves 158 may have a constant width 168 along at least a majority of their respective lengths.

[0085] In some embodiments, the cover layer 162 can be absent from portions of the exterior of the porous body 146, such that the porous body 146 provides a portion of the exterior of the article 110. In some such embodiments, the cover layer 162 can define an opening that extends through the cover layer 162 to expose the porous body 146. In some embodiments where the cover layer 162 defines an opening, the opening can be defined in the groove 158. In some embodiments, the cover layer 162 is absent from portions of the exterior of the porous body 146, which can define a portion of the ground-facing side of the sole 114.

[0086] Each rib 134 has an interior volume 164 defined outwardly from the lowest point adjacent the groove 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior volume 164 of each rib 134 is filled with the material forming the skin 162, such that the skin 162 includes the ribs 134 (e.g., Figure 3F In other embodiments, the porous body 146 may extend into the interior volume 164 such that each rib 134 includes a portion of the surface layer 162 and a portion of the porous body 146 (e.g., Figure 2F shown).

[0087] Again specific reference Figures 1A-1D, the article 110 includes a sole 114 and an upper 118. The interior space 126 of the article 110 is defined between the sole 114 and the upper for accommodating the foot 170 of the wearer. The sole 114 may be defined by a porous body 146 and a surface layer 162. The upper 118 may be defined by a porous body 146 and a surface layer 162. In some embodiments, the sole 114 and the upper 118 may be defined by different portions of the same porous body 146 and the surface layer 162, so that the sole 114 and the upper 118 are integral. In such an embodiment, the sole 114 and the upper 118 each include a corresponding portion of the porous body 146. That is, the sole 114 may include a first portion of the porous body 146, and the upper may include a second portion of the porous body 146. In addition, the porous body 146 may define a portion of the sole 114. Similarly, the porous body 146 may define a portion of the upper 118.

[0088] The sole 114 includes an outsole side 122 and an insole side 124. The outsole side 122 faces away from the upper 118. When the article 110 is worn, the outsole side 122 also faces the ground, such as Figure 1D In the illustrated embodiment, the outsole side 122 may be configured such that when the article 110 is Figure 1D The shoe 110 is shown as being worn to engage the ground, but in other embodiments, the article 110 can be provided with additional sole components for attaching to the outsole side 122 and engaging the ground. In some embodiments, the ribs 134 can extend across the outsole side 122 to promote traction between the sole 114 and the ground.

[0089] Insole side 124 faces upper 118 and thus defines a boundary of interior space 126. Insole side 124 of the illustrated embodiment may contact the bottom of a wearer's foot 170 or sole when article 110 is worn, for example, Figure 1D As shown, although in other embodiments the article 110 may be provided with an insole insert disposed between the insole side 124 and the wearer's foot 170 .

[0090] In some embodiments, the ribs 134 may extend across the insole side 124. In such embodiments, the ribs 134 may create an uneven pressure distribution on the bottom or sole of the wearer's foot 170. In particular, the wearer's foot 170 experiences the greatest pressure where it contacts the ribs 134. In the contact area between most individual ribs 134 and the wearer's foot 170, the greatest pressure on the wearer's foot 170 will be at the apex of the rib 134, meaning the highest point of the rib 134 and farthest from the bottom of the adjacent groove 158. In contrast, the wearer's foot 170 may experience relatively little or no pressure from the sole 114 where the foot 170 extends across the groove 158.

[0091] The above-described uneven distribution of pressure generated between the insole side 124 of the sole 114 and the wearer's foot 170 by the ribs 134 extending across the insole 124 can have a therapeutic effect on the wearer's foot 170. In particular, the uneven pressure distribution generated by the ribs 134 can have a massaging effect on the sole of the wearer's foot 170. The area of ​​relatively high pressure between the ribs 134 and the wearer's foot 170 can act as a pressure point and thereby relieve any one or any combination of tension, pain, and fatigue in the muscles of the foot 170, particularly, but not limited to, the plantar muscles. This massaging effect can also stimulate blood flow to the foot, particularly, but not limited to, the plantar muscles, which can facilitate the wearer's recovery from activities that tax the foot muscles, such as sports activities.

[0092] In some embodiments, the raised perimeter 178 can be defined on the inner bottom side 124 of the sole 114. In such embodiments, the raised perimeter 178 can define a recessed portion of the inner bottom side 124 surrounded by the raised perimeter (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 1B 106). A height 174 of the raised perimeter 178 is defined at each longitudinal position along the sole 114 relative to a theoretical plane defined on the bottom of the outsole side 122. The theoretical plane 106 is defined such that it is aligned with a plane on which the article 110 may rest with the outsole side 122 facing downward. The longitudinal axis 108 includes a forward direction and a rearward direction defined relative to the article 110 such that the toe end 112 is the forward-most point of the article 110 and the heel end 116 is the rearward-most point of the article 110.

[0093] In some embodiments, the height of the raised perimeter 178 may be in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm, 10 mm to 15 mm, 15 mm to 20 mm, or 20 mm to 25 mm.

[0094] Each transverse cross-section of the groove 158 may include a minimum defined at a local minimum point 182 of the groove 158, which may be aligned with the centerline 172. In some embodiments, at each location along the longitudinal axis 108, the raised perimeter 178 may be higher than any groove minimum in the recessed portion at the same location along the longitudinal axis 108. In such embodiments, the recessed portion of the inner bottom side 124 may be an area bounded by the raised perimeter 178, the area including the grooves 158 extending below the raised perimeter 178 and the ribs 134 defining these grooves 158. In some embodiments, at each location along the longitudinal axis 108, the raised perimeter 178 may be higher than any portion of any rib 134 at the same location along the longitudinal axis 108. In such embodiments, the recessed portion of the inner bottom side 124 may be an area bounded by the raised perimeter 178 that does not extend to the height of the raised perimeter 178. In embodiments where the raised perimeter 178 is taller than the rib 134 , the rib 134 may have a first height defined relative to the groove 158 while the raised perimeter 178 has a second height defined relative to the groove 158 that is greater than the first height.

[0095] In some embodiments, the ribs 134 on the outsole side 122 and the insole side 124 of the sole 114 may extend transversely to the longitudinal axis 108. The orientation of the ribs 134 on the outsole side 122 and the insole side 124 of the sole 114 transverse to the longitudinal axis 108 may facilitate flexing of the sole 114 in a manner that cooperates with the rolling of the wearer's foot 170 in a stride (i.e., flexing about a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108).

[0096] In some embodiments, most or all of the ribs 134 on the outer sole side 122 and the inner sole side 124 of the sole 114 extend on respective trajectories defining an angle that deviates from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108 by less than or equal to 15 degrees, for which purpose the respective trajectories of the ribs 134 are defined by a straight line extending from the foot-most lateral end of the rib 134 to the foot-most medial end of the rib 134. In some embodiments, most or all of the ribs 134 on the outer sole side 122 and the inner sole side 124 of the sole 114 extend along a majority of their lengths by less than or equal to 15 degrees from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108, wherein the extension direction of each rib 134 along its length at a given location is defined by a line tangent to the rib 134 at that location. In some embodiments, most or all of the ribs 134 on the outsole side 122 and the insole side 124 of the sole 114 extend less than or equal to 15 degrees from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108 along its entire length, wherein the direction of extension of each rib 134 along its length at a given location is defined by a line tangent to the rib 134 at that location. In general, the closer the ribs 134 on the outsole side 122 and the insole side 124 are to perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108, the less the sole 114 will generally resist bending in a manner complementary to the wearer's stride as described above, and the more the sole 114 will resist bending about the longitudinal axis 108. Thus, the ribs 134 on the outsole side 122 and the insole side 124 that extend perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108 can promote flexibility of the sole 114, which contributes to a comfortable walking experience while providing lateral-medial foot support.

[0097] The upper 118 includes a lateral side 130 and a medial side 132. The medial side 132 is the underside of the upper 118 that faces the sole 114 and the interior space 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 134 extend through the medial side 132 and are thus able to contact the wearer's foot 170 when the article 110 is worn. Thus, the ribs 134 on the medial side 132 can be used to massage the top side of the wearer's foot 170 when the article 110 is worn. In some embodiments, the medial side 132 of the upper 118 may be free of ribs 134.

[0098] Lateral side 130 is an upper side of upper 118 facing away from sole 114 and interior space 126. In the illustrated embodiment, ribs 134 extend across lateral side 130. In some embodiments, lateral side 130 may be free of ribs 134.

[0099] Figure 2A-4G It is shown that usually according to the above Figures 1A-1F Therefore, except where otherwise specified or shown, the above description of the footwear Figures 1A-1F All the details described are for Figure 2A-4G The same applies to the embodiments of Figures 1A-1F All variations of the embodiments are also applicable to Figure 2A-4G Similarly, the features and possible variations shown or described below may be applied alone or in any combination to Figures 1A-1F In addition, the features and potential variations shown or described below may be applied to other embodiments described below. Figure 1A-4G In the embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals represent the same elements, and the difference in the first digit of each reference numeral represents the embodiment represented by the reference numeral. For example, reference numerals 110, 210, 310 and 410 represent Figures 1A-1F , 2A-2F, 3A-3F and 4A-4G. In another example, numerals 126, 226, 326 and 426 all indicate interior spaces that can accommodate the wearer's foot.

[0100] Figures 2A-2F An article 210 having ribs 234 of different curvatures is shown. Similar to that described with respect to the previous embodiment, a longitudinal axis 208 including a forward direction and a rearward direction is defined relative to the article 210, such that the toe end 212 is the forward-most point of the article 210 and the heel end 216 is the rearward-most point of the article 210, as shown in FIG. Figure 2E Although the ribs 234 of the illustrated embodiment are curved, in some embodiments, most of the ribs on the outer bottom side 222 and the inner bottom side 224 may extend for a majority of the length of the rib 234 in a direction at least 45 degrees away from the longitudinal axis 208. In other embodiments, each of the ribs 234 on the outer bottom side 222 and the inner bottom side 224 may extend for a majority of the length of the rib 234 in a direction at least 45 degrees away from the longitudinal axis 208.

[0101] The ribs 234 can extend across the sole 214 and the upper 218. In addition, the ribs 234 can extend across the outsole side 222 and the insole side 224 of the sole 214. Similarly, the ribs 234 can extend across the lateral side 230 and the medial side 232 of the upper 218.

[0102] Some ribs 234 may extend across multiple surfaces by surrounding the outer contour of the article 210. For example, some ribs 234 extend to both the sole 214 and the upper 218. Figure 2A and 2B As particularly shown, some of these ribs 234 may extend from the outsole side 222 of the sole 214 to the lateral side 230 of the upper 218. Figure 2EAs particularly shown, other such ribs 234 extend from the inner bottom side 224 of the sole 214 to the inner side 232 of the upper 218. Some of the ribs 234 extending from the inner bottom side 224 of the sole 214 to the inner side 232 of the upper 218 may surround a portion of the interior space 226. Other ribs 234 may extend from the outer bottom side 222 to the inner bottom side 224, thereby surrounding the sole 214, such as Figure 2B and 2C The ribs 234 surrounding the sole 214 may extend across the raised perimeter 278 of the inner sole side 224 .

[0103] like Figure 2D As shown, in some embodiments, openings 238 may be defined at some locations through the surface layer 262. In such embodiments, the openings 238 enable air to flow into and out of the porous body 246. In some embodiments, the openings 238 can make the article 218 less resistant to compression and enable portions of the article 210 to be compressed without compensatory expansion of other portions of the article 210. In embodiments in which the article 210 is produced by a method involving the use of a flowable substrate, the openings 238 can enable the substrate to be discharged from the porous body 246. Examples of such methods include additive manufacturing processes in which the article 210 is constructed in a bath of a flowable substrate, such as in CLIP, where the flowable substrate is a liquid. In other examples, the flowable substrate can be a powder.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 238 is defined on the outsole side 222 of the sole 214. In other embodiments, the opening 238 can be located at other locations on the article 210, instead of or in addition to the outsole side 222 of the sole 214. In some embodiments, the opening 238 can be omitted entirely. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 238 can be defined in the groove 258, but in other embodiments, the opening 238 can be additionally or alternatively defined elsewhere, such as on the rib 234.

[0105] like Figure 2F As shown, the porous body 246 can extend into the interior volume 264 of the ribs 234. Thus, the ribs 234 of the illustrated embodiment each include a portion of the porous body 246 and a portion of the skin 262. The porous body 246 extends into the interior volume 264 because the height 266 of the ribs 234 exceeds the thickness of the skin 262 at least at the ribs 234. In some embodiments, the height 266 of some ribs 234 can be greater than the thickness of the skin 262 at any point.

[0106] Likewise Figure 2FAs shown, the ribs 234 of the illustrated embodiment may have an arcuate cross-sectional shape. The arcuate cross-sectional shape may define a smooth rounded profile on the outer surface of the article 210. In some embodiments, the ribs 234 at different locations on the article 210 may have different cross-sectional shapes. The grooves 258 of the illustrated embodiment also have an arcuate cross-sectional shape. Similarly, the grooves 258 may have different cross-sectional shapes at different locations on the article 210.

[0107] like Figure 2F As further shown, the porous body 246 can be a mesh formed by a lattice of unit cells. Each unit cell can have a basic geometry of a column 250, so that the lattice is a structure of columns 250 and nodes 254, and the nodes 254 are defined at the locations where the columns 250 intersect. The lattice of the unit cells defines the pores 244.

[0108] Figures 3A-3F An article 310 is shown having ribs 334 and grooves 358 defining flat, parallel walls 356. Figure 3F As shown, for example, rib 334 includes two walls 356, and each groove 358 is present between the two walls 356. Walls 356 form a box-shaped cross-section of rib 334. Compared to some other embodiments presented herein, the box-shaped cross-section of rib 334 provides a relatively large contact area between each rib 334 and the surface on which the wearer of article 310 walks. The larger contact area can improve the traction between outsole side 322 of sole 314 and the surface.

[0109] Some ribs 334 may extend across multiple surfaces by surrounding the outer contour of the article 310. For example, some ribs 334 may extend to both the sole 314 and the upper 318. Figure 3A and 3B As particularly shown, some of these ribs 334 may extend from the outsole side 322 of the sole 314 to the lateral side 330 of the upper 318. Figure 3E As particularly shown, other such ribs 334 may extend from the inner sole side 324 of the sole 314 to the inner side 332 of the upper 318. Some of the ribs 334 extending from the inner sole side 324 of the sole 314 to the inner side 332 of the upper 318 may surround a portion of the interior space 326. Other ribs 334 may extend from the outer sole side 322 to the inner sole side 324 and thereby wrap around the sole 314, such as Figure 3B and 3C The ribs 334 surrounding the sole 314 may extend across the raised perimeter 378 of the inner sole side 324 .

[0110] like Figure 3C and 3DAs shown, the ribs 334 on the sole 314 can extend in a herringbone pattern. In particular, Figure 3C The ribs 334 on the inner sole side 324 are shown to have a herringbone pattern across most of their lateral-medial range. Specifically, most of the ribs 334 on the inner sole side 324 can have a herringbone pattern across most of their lateral-medial range. In addition, the herringbone shape of the ribs 334 on the inner sole side 324 can be confined within the recessed portion defined by the raised perimeter 376. Some of the ribs 334 having a herringbone pattern in the recessed portion may not have a herringbone pattern where they extend across the raised perimeter 376. Similarly, Figure 3D It is shown that the ribs 334 extending across the outsole side 322 can have a herringbone pattern across most of its lateral-medial extent. In some embodiments, most of the ribs 334 on the outsole side 322 can have a herringbone pattern across most of its lateral-medial extent.

[0111] The overall trajectory of a portion of the rib 334 having a herringbone pattern can be measured from one end of the portion of the rib 334 having a herringbone pattern to the other end of the portion of the rib 334 having a herringbone pattern. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rib 334 may not have a herringbone pattern at its intersection with the raised perimeter 376. Therefore, the trajectory of the portion of the rib 334 having a herringbone pattern in the recessed portion of the inner bottom side 324 can be measured from a point on the rib 334 at the edge of the recessed portion. The overall trajectory of each portion of the rib 334 having a herringbone pattern can be less than or equal to 15° deviation from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 308. Similar to what is described with respect to the aforementioned embodiments, a longitudinal axis 308 including a forward direction and a rearward direction is defined relative to the article 310 so that the toe end 312 is the forward-most point of the article 310 and the heel end 316 is the rearward-most point of the article 310, as shown in FIG. Figure 3E shown.

[0112] In some embodiments, the herringbone pattern of ribs 334 on the sole 314 can improve the traction between the sole 314 and certain surfaces. For example, the teeth defined by the herringbone pattern of ribs 334 on the outer sole side 322 can penetrate into the surface on which the wearer walks, thereby providing traction between the surface and the outer sole side 322. The ribs of the herringbone pattern on the inner sole side 324 can similarly engage the wearer's foot. Engaging the wearer's foot in this way can prevent the sole 314 from accidentally sliding, which can reduce the possibility of the wearer tripping or leaving the article 310. When the article 310 is worn in a wet environment, such as in a swimming pool, the traction provided by the herringbone pattern on either side 322, 324 can be particularly useful. When the article 310 is worn in such an environment, the opening 438 can ventilate the porous body 346.

[0113] like Figure 3B and 3C As shown, in some embodiments, ribs 334 may not have a herringbone pattern on upper 318. For example, ribs 334 may not have a herringbone pattern on lateral side 330 of upper 318, which reduces the visibility of the herringbone shape to an observer of article 310. In some embodiments, ribs 334 may also not have a herringbone shape on medial side 332 of upper 318.

[0114] like Figure 3F 334. As shown, the porous body 346 may not extend into the interior volume 364 of the rib 334. Instead, the interior volume 364 of the rib 334 may be occupied by the material of the surface layer 362. In such an embodiment, the surface layer 362 includes the rib 334. In particular, the thickness of the surface layer 362 varies, being greater at the rib 334 and less at the groove 358. Thus, due to the locally greater thickness of the surface layer 362, the rib 334 is relatively rigid, which contributes to the above-mentioned traction friction promoting effect of the rib and resists bending about the longitudinal axis 308. At the same time, due to the locally reduced thickness of the surface layer 362, the groove 358 can remain relatively flexible, which can allow bending about the medial-lateral axis of the foot and thereby promote a comfortable walking experience.

[0115] like Figure 3F As further shown, the porous body 346 can be a mesh formed by a lattice of unit cells. Each unit cell can have a basic geometry of a column 350, such that the mesh is a structure of columns 350 and nodes 354, with the nodes 354 being defined at locations where the columns 350 intersect. The lattice of unit cells defines pores 344.

[0116] Figures 4A-4G An article 410 is shown having ribs 434 of different cross-sectional shapes at different portions of the article 410. Similar to that described with respect to the previous embodiment, a longitudinal axis 408 including a forward direction and a rearward direction is defined relative to the article 410, such that the toe end 412 is the forward-most point of the article 410 and the heel end 416 is the rearward-most point of the article 410, as shown in FIG. Figure 4E Although the ribs 434 of the illustrated embodiment are curved, the ribs 434 on the outer bottom side 422 and the inner bottom side 424 may extend a majority of the length of the rib 434 in a direction that deviates from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 408 by less than or equal to 15 degrees.

[0117] Some ribs 434 may extend across multiple surfaces by surrounding the outer contour of article 410. For example, some ribs 434 may extend to both sole 414 and upper 418. Figure 4A and 4B As particularly shown, some of these ribs 434 may extend from the outsole side 422 of the sole 414 to the lateral side 430 of the upper 418. Figure 4E As particularly shown, other such ribs 434 may extend from the inner bottom side 424 of the sole 414 to the inner side 432 of the upper 418. Some of the ribs 434 extending from the inner bottom side 424 of the sole 414 to the inner side 432 of the upper 418 may surround a portion of the interior space 426. Other ribs 434 may extend from the outer bottom side 422 to the inner bottom side 424, thereby wrapping around the sole 414, such as Figure 4B and 4C The ribs 434 surrounding the sole 414 may extend across the raised perimeter 478 of the inner sole side 424 .

[0118] like Figure 4C and 4D As shown, the ribs 434 can be parallel to each other. The ribs 434 can follow a straight medial-lateral path on the sole 414 and the upper 418. The ribs 434 on the lateral side 430 of the upper 418 can be parallel to the ribs 434 on the medial side 432 of the upper 418. Similarly, the ribs 434 on the inner bottom side 424 of the sole 414 can be parallel to the ribs 434 on the outer bottom side 422 of the sole 414. In addition, some ribs 434 on the upper 418 can be parallel to some ribs 434 on the sole 414. As in other embodiments, the opening 438 can be defined, for example, on the outer bottom side 422 of the sole 414.

[0119] Go to Figure 4F and 4G , the porous body 446 can be a network formed by a lattice of unit grids. Each unit grid can have a basic geometric shape of a column 450, so that the lattice is a structure of columns 450 and nodes 454, and the nodes 454 are defined at the locations where the columns 450 intersect. The lattice of the unit grid defines the holes 444.

[0120] The porous body 446 may extend into the interior volume 464 of the rib 434. Thus, the height 466 of the rib 434 relative to the groove 458 may be greater than the thickness of the skin 462 at the rib 434. In addition, the rib 434 may include a portion of the porous body 446 and a portion of the skin 462.

[0121] Figure 4G Specifically depicting the cross-section of the rib 434 on the outsole side 422 of the sole 414, Figure 4F Cross-sections of ribs at other locations on the article 410 are depicted. Figure 4F The ribs 434 are shown to each have a triangular cross-sectional shape, but the ribs 434 on the outsole side 422 of the sole 414 have flat apexes 435, as shown in FIG. Figure 4GIn some embodiments, a majority of the ribs 434 on the outsole side 422 of the sole 414 have flat apexes 435. In further embodiments, all of the ribs 434 on the outsole side 422 have flat apexes 435. The flat apexes 435 can increase the contact area between the ribs 434 on the outsole side 422 and the surface being walked on, thereby promoting traction between the outsole side 422 and the surface.

[0122] In various embodiments, Figure 4G In contrast to the flat apex cross-sectional shape shown, the ribs 434 may have a substantially flat apex cross-sectional shape at various locations or combinations of locations on the article 410. Figure 4F In some embodiments, at least the ribs 434 on the inner bottom side 424 of the sole 414 have a triangular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, at least the ribs 434 on the upper 418 have a triangular cross-sectional shape. In further embodiments, only the ribs 434 on the outer bottom side 422 of the sole 414 have a flat apex 435.

[0123] Figures 5A-5F It is shown that usually according to the above Figure 1A-4G The footwear article 510 of the described concept, except that the article 510 has studs 534 instead of ribs. Therefore, except where otherwise specified or shown, the above Figure 1A-4G All the details described are for Figures 5A-5F The same applies to the embodiments of Figure 1A-4G All variations of the embodiments are also applicable to Figures 5A-5F In addition, in Figures 5A-5F In the embodiments, the numbers continue to refer to Figure 1A-4G The same elements are represented by the same numbers in the figure, wherein the difference in the first digit of each number indicates which illustrated embodiment the number refers to, for example, the number 510 refers to Figures 5A-5F Footwear as in the manner indicated by the numbers 110, 210, 310 and 410 respectively Figures 1A-1F , 2A-2F, 3A-3F and 4A-4G in the same manner. In another example, 526 indicates an interior space that can accommodate a wearer's foot, similar to the interior spaces 126, 226, 326, 426 of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0124] Similar to that described with respect to the previous embodiment, a longitudinal axis 508 including a forward direction and a rearward direction is defined relative to the article 510, such that the toe end 512 is the forward-most point of the article 510 and the heel end 516 is the rearward-most point of the article 510, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B and 5E shown.

[0125] The studs 534 can be placed along any path along which the ribs 134, 234, 334, 434 of any of the above-described embodiments extend. Thus, the studs 534 can be distributed on the upper 518 and the sole 514. The studs 534 can be located on both the outer bottom side 522 and the inner bottom side 524 of the sole 514. Similarly, the studs 534 can be located on both the outer side 530 and the inner side 532 of the upper 518. Grooves 558 are defined between the studs 534. Openings 538 can be defined in the grooves 558, as shown in the illustrated embodiment or elsewhere in other embodiments.

[0126] In some embodiments, studs 534 on outsole side 522 of sole 514 may have flatter apexes than studs 534 elsewhere on article 510. In such embodiments, at least partially flat apexes 535 of studs 534 on outsole side 522 of sole 514 may promote traction between article 510 and the ground.

[0127] Go to Fig. 5F and 5G , the porous body 546 can be a network formed by a lattice of unit grids. Each unit grid can have a basic geometric shape of a column 550, so that the lattice is a structure of columns 550 and nodes 554, and the nodes 554 are defined at the locations where the columns 550 intersect. The lattice of the unit grid defines the holes 544.

[0128] In some embodiments, the porous body 546 does not extend into the interior volume 564 of the studs 534. In such embodiments, the interior volume 564 of the studs 534 is occupied by the material of the surface layer 562, and the surface layer 562 includes the studs 534. In such embodiments, the thickness of the surface layer 562 varies to be greater at the studs 534 and less at the grooves 558 defined between the studs 534. In such embodiments, due to the local greater thickness of the surface layer 562, the studs 534 are relatively rigid, which can contribute to the traction-promoting and therapeutic effects of the studs 534. At the same time, due to the local lesser thickness of the surface layer 562, the grooves 558 defined between the studs 534 remain relatively flexible, which can allow the wearer's foot to flex, thereby facilitating a comfortable walking experience. In some embodiments, the porous body 546 can extend into the interior volume of the studs 534, as described herein for the ribs. In such an embodiment, the height 566 of the stud 534 relative to the groove 558 is greater than the thickness of the surface layer 562 at the stud 534 .

[0129] Figure 5G The cross section of the stud 534 on the outsole side 522 of the sole 514 is depicted, and Fig. 5F A cross section of a stud 534 elsewhere on the article 510 is depicted. Fig. 5FThe studs 534 shown in FIG. 5 each have a circular cross-sectional shape, and the studs 534 on the outer bottom side 522 of the sole 514 may have a flat top 535, such as Figure 5G In some embodiments, most of the studs 534 on the outsole side 522 of the sole 514 have flat vertices 535. In other embodiments, all of the studs 534 on the outsole side 522 have flat vertices 535. The flat vertices 535 can increase the contact area between the studs 534 on the outsole side 522 and the surface being walked on, thereby promoting traction between the outsole side 522 and the surface.

[0130] In various embodiments, Figure 5G Compared to the flat, flat apex cross-sectional shape shown, stud 534 may have a flat, flat apex cross-sectional shape at various locations or combinations of locations on article 510. Fig. 5F In some embodiments, at least the studs 534 on the inner bottom side 524 of the sole 514 have a triangular cross-sectional shape. In further embodiments, at least the studs 534 on the upper 518 have a triangular cross-sectional shape. In further embodiments, only the studs 534 on the outer bottom side 522 of the sole 514 have a flat vertex 535.

[0131] When a numerical range including an upper limit and a lower limit is quoted herein, unless otherwise specified in a specific case, the range is intended to include its endpoints, and all integers and fractions within the range. When limiting a range, the disclosure or claims are not intended to be limited to the specific values ​​quoted. In addition, when quantity, concentration or other values ​​or parameters are given as a range, one or more ranges, or as a list of upper and lower limits, this should be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed by any pair of any range upper limit or value and any range lower limit or value, regardless of whether such a pair is disclosed separately. Finally, when the term "about" is used to describe the value or endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific values ​​or endpoints mentioned. Regardless of whether the endpoint of a numerical value or range is described as "about", the endpoint of a numerical value or range is intended to include two embodiments: one is modified to "about", and one is not modified to "about".

[0132] As used herein, the term "about" refers to a value within ±10% of the stated value. For example, about 10% may include any percentage between 9% and 11%.

[0133] The terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and "having" are open-ended transitional phrases. The list of elements following the transitional phrases "comprising," "including," "containing," and "having" is a non-exclusive list, such that elements other than those specifically recited in the list may also be present.

[0134] It should be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, rather than the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and therefore, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0135] The above description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the present invention, and others can easily modify and / or adapt various applications of these specific embodiments by applying the knowledge known to those skilled in the art, without excessive experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such changes and variations are intended to be within the meaning and equivalent range of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teachings and guidance provided herein. It is to be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for illustrative rather than limiting purposes, so that the term or wording of this specification is interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the teachings and guidance.

[0136] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A footwear article comprising: a porous body comprising a lattice of interconnected unit cells and a first porosity; as well as a skin integrally formed on an exterior of the porous body, the skin comprising a second porosity and defining ribs extending outwardly from the porous body, The second porosity is smaller than the first porosity.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein The surface layer is a solid layer without through holes.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein: The porous body is a lattice of interconnected unit cells, wherein the unit cells each comprise an underlying geometric shape; as well as The surface layer does not include: an interconnected lattice of the cell grid comprising the base geometric shape.

4. The article according to claim 1, wherein The height of the ribs is distributed in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

5. The article according to claim 1, wherein The width of the ribs is distributed in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

6. The article according to claim 1, wherein The ribs are separated by grooves, and each groove has a constant width for at least a majority of the length of the rib.

7. The article according to claim 6, wherein The ribs are parallel to each other.

8. The article according to claim 1, wherein At least a portion of the outsole of the article lacks the surface layer such that the porous body provides a portion of the ground-facing side of the outsole.

9. The article according to claim 1, wherein The area occupied by the skin layer covers at least 50% of the exterior of the porous body.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein: The porous body defines at least a portion of a sole and at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear.

11. The article according to claim 1, wherein The article of footwear is a sandal comprising an upper comprising at least a portion of the porous body, wherein the surface layer extends across at least a portion of the upper.

12. The article according to claim 11, wherein The ribs are separated by grooves that include respective portions of the skin, and the area occupied by the skin covers at least 50% of the exterior of the porous body.

13. The article according to claim 12, wherein: The upper includes a lateral side and a medial side, and the cover layer extends across at least a portion of the lateral side and at least a portion of the medial side.

14. The article of claim 13, comprising a sole attached to the upper, wherein: The shoe sole includes a second portion of the porous body; and The surface layer extends to the sole.

15. The article of claim 1 comprising a sole comprising at least a portion of the porous body and comprising an insole side, wherein the skin extends across at least a portion of the insole side.

16. A sandal comprising: a porous body comprising a lattice of interconnected cell grids; a shoe sole comprising a first portion of the porous body; an upper including the second portion of the porous body and connected to the sole; a plurality of first ribs extending across a portion of an exterior of the sole, wherein the plurality of first ribs define a plurality of first grooves between adjacent ones of the plurality of first ribs, and the grooves of the plurality of first grooves are equal in width along at least a portion of their length; as well as A plurality of second ribs extend across a portion of an exterior of the upper, wherein the plurality of second ribs define a plurality of second grooves between adjacent ones of the plurality of second ribs, and the grooves of the plurality of second grooves are equal in width along at least a portion of their length.

17. The sandal according to claim 16, comprising a surface layer having a lower porosity than the porous body, the sole comprising an insole side, the insole side being configured to face the sole of the wearer when the sandal is worn, and the surface layer extending to the insole side of the sole.

18. The sandal according to claim 17, wherein: The plurality of first ribs, the plurality of second ribs, or both are defined by the skin.

19. The sandal according to claim 17, wherein: The inner sole side of the sole includes a recessed portion and a raised perimeter; and The plurality of first ribs extend across the recessed portion.

20. The sandal according to claim 19, wherein: The ribs of the plurality of first ribs have a first height defined relative to the plurality of first grooves, the raised perimeter has a second height defined relative to the plurality of first grooves, and the second height is greater than the first height.

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