Footwear with joined sole structure facilitating access

Abstract

An article of footwear includes a sole structure having a front midsole member and a rear midsole member. A hinge connects the front midsole member to the rear midsole member, and is disposed in a groove defined at the lower portion between the front midsole member and the rear midsole member. The front midsole member and the rear midsole member are pivotable relative to each other between a use position in which the grooves are relatively open and an entry position in which the grooves are relatively closed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 428,370, filed on November 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear, and more particularly to an article of footwear having an articulated sole structure that facilitates entry. Background Art

[0004] Traditionally, placing footwear on the foot typically requires using one or two hands to stretch the ankle opening of the footwear upper and hold the rear portion during foot insertion. The fit of the upper is then adjusted after foot insertion, such as by lacing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary rather than limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 1 is a medial side view of the article of footwear with the sole structure in a use position.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 lateral view of an article of footwear with the sole structure in a use position.

[0008] Figure 3 is in entry position Figure 1 A lateral view of the article of footwear.

[0009] Figure 4 is pivoted further than the entry position Figure 1 A lateral view of an article of footwear in which the lateral reinforcement layer and the raised lateral tab are visible.

[0010] Figure 5 Is in use position Figure 1 A bottom view of the footwear article.

[0011] Figure 6 is in entry position Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a footwear article.

[0012] Figure 7 is a lateral elevational view of an alternative example article of footwear in a use position and showing the footwear upper in phantom.

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A medial view of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A bottom view of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0015] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A top view of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0016] Fig.11 is Fig.10 Intercepted at line II in Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a sole structure of a footwear article.

[0017] Fig.12 is Fig.10 The line II-II in Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a sole structure of a footwear article.

[0018] Fig.13 Shows Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the sole structure of the heel footbed and insole.

[0019] Fig.14 Shows Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the rear midsole component and outsole.

[0020] Fig.15 yes Figure 7 A partial side view of a medial side of a heel footbed of a sole structure for an article of footwear illustrating a medial reinforcement layer including a medial protruding tab.

[0021] Fig.16 yes Figure 7 A partial side view of a lateral side of a heel footbed of a sole structure for an article of footwear illustrating a lateral reinforcement layer including a lateral protruding tab.

[0022] Fig.17 is Fig.10 The line III-III in Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a sole structure of a footwear article.

[0023] Fig.18 is Fig.10 The line IV-IV in Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a sole structure of a footwear article.

[0024] Fig.19 is Fig.10 The line VV in Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a sole structure of a footwear article.

[0025] Fig. 20 is used for Fig.21A top view of the outer reinforcement layer of the heel footbed of the front midsole component is shown.

[0026] Fig.21 Is has Fig. 20 Bottom perspective view and partial view of the heel footbed of the front midsole component with the external reinforcement layer.

[0027] Fig. 22 is used for Fig.23 A top perspective view of a peripheral support member of a rear midsole component.

[0028] Fig.23 It is the inner surface of the rear midsole component that extends along the side wall. Fig. 22 A top perspective view of a peripheral support member of the present invention is shown, and the laterally extending elastic band is shown.

[0029] Fig.24 It is by Fig.25 The cross section indicated by line VI-VI in Fig.21 A cross-sectional view of a heel footbed and an external reinforcement layer, wherein the side protrusions are arranged Fig.23 The peripheral support member is located in a recessed portion of the rear midsole member below the peripheral support member.

[0030] Fig.25 is a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear taken along a longitudinal midline of the article of footwear and including a sole structure and a separate footwear upper shown in phantom, the sole structure including a Fig.21 The heel footbed and the front midsole component of the external reinforcement layer and Fig.23 The rear midsole component and perimeter support. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The footwear disclosed herein can be put on the foot without hands by providing a sole structure having separate front and rear midsole components, the front and rear midsole components defining a groove at the underside of the sole structure, wherein a hinge is disposed in the groove and connects the midsole components. The hinge enables the sole structure to pivot (e.g., articulate) at the groove between a first orientation, referred to as a use position, in which the groove is relatively open, and a second orientation, referred to as an entry position, in which the groove is relatively closed.

[0032] In some examples, separate front and rear upper portions can be secured to the front and rear midsole components. At least a portion of the front and rear upper portions can be further apart from each other in the entry position than in the use position, thereby allowing the foot to more easily enter the front upper portion, and the rear upper portion then automatically closes around the foot when the footwear is returned to the use position under the load of the foot.

[0033] In some embodiments, the article of footwear may be characterized by the absence of a biasing member that extends between and connects the front and rear midsole components, or between and connects the front and rear upper portions, or between and connects the front and rear upper portions, or between and connects the front and rear midsole components, and is configured to retain the sole structure in an entry position and / or a use position. Instead, for example, the outsole may be characterized by at least a predetermined coefficient of friction (e.g., a static coefficient of friction and / or a sliding coefficient of friction of at least a predetermined magnitude) to retain the sole structure in an entry position until loaded by the foot to move to the use position. For example, the material and configuration of the outsole alone may provide at least a predetermined coefficient of friction to maintain the sole structure in an entry position until loaded by the foot to move to a use position, without necessarily primarily including any of an elastic band, biasing plate, or other components to provide a biasing force to urge the sole structure toward an entry position and / or a use position.

[0034] Additionally, in some examples, the front midsole component may include a heel footbed that extends over the groove and covers the rear midsole component in the use position. The footwear article may include a split footwear upper having a front upper portion secured to the front midsole component and a separate rear upper portion secured to the rear midsole component. The rear upper portion may include at least a portion of a heel collar, and the heel collar may be configured to support the heel footbed in the entry position and to elastically deform to allow the heel footbed to move past the heel collar to the use position.

[0035] In an example, the elastic band can be suspended from a portion of the inner surface of the rear midsole component (e.g., the top surface, also referred to as the foot support surface) and extend laterally across a portion of the inner surface of the rear midsole component. For example, the elastic band can be secured to the inner surface at the medial and lateral sidewalls of the rear midsole component. In the entry position, the elastic band can be spaced apart from a portion of the inner surface of the rear midsole component, and the heel footbed can rest on the elastic band. In the use position, the elastic band can be elastically stretched under load to allow the heel footbed to rest on the inner surface of the rear midsole component.

[0036] In one aspect, the side of the heel bed and the inner surface of the rear midsole component may include complementary interlocking features that secure the heel bed in a use position. In some instances, tabs may project at the lateral perimeter of the heel bed, and the rear midsole component may at least partially define a recess at the inner surface of the rear midsole component, with the tabs disposed within the recess to secure the heel bed in the use position until a removal force is applied to the sole structure, as discussed herein. The medial side of the heel bed, the lateral side of the heel bed, or both may include such tabs. In other instances, the lateral perimeter of the heel bed may include a recess, and the rear midsole component may include a tab that projects at the inner surface of the rear midsole component, with the tab disposed within the recess of the heel bed to secure the heel bed in the use position until a removal force is applied to the sole structure, as discussed herein.

[0037] In an example, the sole structure may include a reinforcement layer secured to the lateral perimeter of the heel bed, and the medial and lateral tabs may be integral with the reinforcement layer.

[0038] In another example, a perimeter support may be secured to the rear midsole component, such as at the medial wall at the inner surface of the rear midsole component, and may have an edge disposed adjacent to a recess in the rear midsole component. The wall support may be stiffer than the rear midsole component, and when the sole structure is in the use position, the tabs may be disposed within the recess below the edge of the wall support to secure the heel bed in the use position. In this manner, the more rigid wall support helps to hold the tabs within the recess.

[0039] Through these and / or other aspects described herein, it may be made possible to operate a footwear article without the use of hands.

[0040] When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other features and advantages of the present teachings become apparent from the following detailed description of the manner in which the present teachings are carried out. It should be understood that even though embodiments may be described separately in the following drawings, individual features thereof may be combined in additional embodiments.

[0041] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the views, Figure 1 an example of a footwear article 10 (also referred to herein simply as footwear 10) is shown, which includes a sole structure 12 and a footwear upper 14 (also referred to herein as the upper). As discussed herein, these and other features of the footwear article 10 enable an entry position of the footwear article 10 (such as Figure 3 as shown) that particularly provides for easy, hands-free foot entry into the footwear article 10. Additionally, the footwear article 10 assumes a use position (such as Figure 1), particularly also in a hands-free manner. The article of footwear 10 herein is depicted as a casual shoe or athletic shoe, but the present teachings are not limited thereto and also encompass dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or any other kind of footwear.

[0042] The article of footwear 10 has three general regions: a forefoot region 16, a midfoot region 18, and a heel region 20, which are also the forefoot, midfoot, and heel regions of the sole structure 12 and the footwear upper 14, respectively. The footwear 10 also includes a medial side 22 and a lateral side 24 opposite the medial side 22 (in the middle of the footwear). Figure 2 ).

[0043] The forefoot region 16 generally includes portions of the footwear article 10 corresponding to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones and phalanges of the wearer's foot. The midfoot region 18 generally includes portions of the footwear article 10 corresponding to the arch area of ​​the foot, and the heel region 20 corresponds to the rear portion of the foot, including the calcaneus. A medial side 22 and a lateral side 24 extend through each of the forefoot region 16, the midfoot region 18, and the heel region 20, and correspond to opposite sides of the footwear article 10. The forefoot region 16, the midfoot region 18, the heel region 20, the medial side 22, and the lateral side 24 are not intended to delineate precise areas of the footwear article 10, but are intended to represent general areas of the footwear article 10 to facilitate the following discussion.

[0044] The sole structure 12 includes a midsole 28 having a front midsole component 28A and a separate rear midsole component 28B. The rear midsole component 28B is separate and separate from the front midsole component 28A. In other words, the front midsole component 28A is not specifically formed integrally with, is not integral with, and / or is not directly attached to the rear midsole component 28B. The front midsole component 28A and the rear midsole component 28B together define a groove 30 between the front midsole component 28A and the rear midsole component 28B at the underside 32 of the sole structure 12.

[0045] Footwear upper 14 may be a split footwear upper having a front upper portion 50A and a rear upper portion 50B. Split footwear upper 14 is secured to sole structure 12 to define a foot-receiving cavity 52. ​​More specifically, front upper portion 50A is secured to front midsole component 28A, and separate rear upper portion 50B is secured to rear midsole component 28B. Footwear upper 14 is referred to as a split footwear upper because front upper portion 50A and rear upper portion 50B are separate, discrete upper components that are not directly physically connected to each other.

[0046] Hinge 34 is disposed in recess 30 and connects front midsole member 28A to rear midsole member 28B. Front midsole member 28A and rear midsole member 28B can be in recess 30 in a use position (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2as shown) and entry position (as Figure 3 and Figure 6 The grooves 30 are relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 , the front midsole member 28A includes a first wall 36 defining a front portion of the recess 30. The rear midsole member 28B includes a second wall 38 defining a rear portion of the recess 30. The hinge 34 has a first wall 34A that lines the first wall 36. The hinge 34 has a second wall 34B that is integral with the first wall 34A. The first wall 34A and the second wall 34B define a peak 40 therebetween. The second wall 34B of the hinge 34 lines the second wall 38 of the rear midsole member 28B. When the sole structure 12 moves between the use position and the entry position, the hinge 34 flexes at the peak 40.

[0048] The facing surface of the hinge 34 at the groove 30 (eg, the exposed surface or outer surface of the first wall 34A and the second wall 34B of the hinge 34) is in the entry position (see Figure 3 ) than in the use position (see Figure 2 ) are closer to each other, so that the groove 30 is relatively open in the use position compared to the entry position, and the groove 30 is relatively closed in the entry position compared to the use position. Figure 1 As shown, in the use position, the groove 30 is relatively open and / or the front upper portion 50A and the rear upper portion 50B are adjacent to each other. Figure 3 As shown, the groove 30 is relatively closed and at least a portion of the front upper portion 50A and the rear upper portion 50B are spaced further from each other in the entry position than in the use position, widening the ankle opening 65 compared to the use position to facilitate foot entry.

[0049] The sole structure 12 also includes an outsole 42. In the example shown, the outsole 42 includes three separate components: a front outsole component 42A, a rear outsole component 42B, and a toe area outsole component 42C. Figure 5 The front outsole member 42A and the toe area outsole member 42C are fixed to the bottom surface 44 of the front midsole member 28A (see Figure 2 ). The toe area outsole member 42C is separate from and apart from the front outsole member 42A. The front midsole member 28A spans the gap 46 between the toe area outsole member 42C and the front outsole member 42A (see Figure 5), and may extend at least partially downwardly into gap 46 between toe area outsole component 42C and front outsole component 42A. Rear outsole component 42B is secured to bottom surface 48 of rear midsole component 28B and is separate and distinct from front midsole component 28A. Front outsole component 42A is completely forward of groove 30, and rear outsole component 42B is completely rearward of groove 30.

[0050] Hinge 34 includes a front leg 34C that is integral with first wall 34A and extends forward from first wall 34A below front midsole member 28A. Hinge 34 also includes a rear leg 34D that is integral with second wall 34B and extends rearward from second wall 34B below rear midsole member 28B. Front outsole member 42A is secured to a bottom surface of front leg 34C of hinge 34, and rear outsole member 42B is secured to a bottom surface of rear leg 34D of hinge 34. For example, outsole members 42A, 42B, and 42C may be secured to respective front and rear midsole members 28A, 28B with adhesive, by thermal bonding, or otherwise, and outsole members 42A, 42B are secured to respective front and rear legs 34C, 34D.

[0051] exist Figure 1 , the groove 30 is particularly configured to have a substantially triangular shape in a cross-section taken along the longitudinal length of the footwear article 10. In other examples, the cross-section of the groove 30 can be closer to a semicircular, square, or rectangular. The groove 30 can have any cross-sectional shape that allows the two midsole components 28A, 28B to pivot relative to each other at the groove 30. The peak 40 of the hinge 34 or the top of the groove 30 is particularly configured at the cross-section through the groove 30 to allow the material to flex to open and close the groove 30 while minimizing or reducing stress concentration or fatigue. For example, if the top of the groove 30 and the peak 40 of the hinge 34 extend from the lateral side 24 to the medial side 22 of the sole structure 12, the internal forces generated by the flexure (such as the force on the hinge 34) are dispersed across the width of the sole structure 12, thereby reducing stress concentration. Additionally, if the top of the groove 30 and the peak 40 of the hinge 34 specifically have a relatively rounded rather than a relatively pointed shape (eg, without a sharp apex), internal forces are spread over a larger area of ​​the material, thereby reducing stress concentrations compared to a sharp groove.

[0052] The front midsole component 28A and the rear midsole component 28B may include, for example, an elastomeric foam (such as polyurethane or vinyl acetate foam) to attenuate ground reaction forces (i.e., provide cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. Either or both of the front midsole component 28A and the rear midsole component 28B may incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, conditioners, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or affect the movement of the foot. For example, the heel footbed 43 of the front midsole component 28A discussed herein may include the first plate 198 and the second plate 199 as discussed with respect to the article of footwear 110.

[0053] In the example shown, the foam of the midsole components 28A, 28B may include a foamed polymer material and may be at least partially polyurethane (PU) foam, polyurethane ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and may include heat expanded and molded EVA foam pellets.

[0054] The foamed polymer material includes one or more polymers. One or more polymers may include an elastomer including a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). One or more polymers may include an aliphatic polymer, an aromatic polymer or a mixture thereof. In an example, one or more polymers may include a homopolymer, a copolymer (including a terpolymer) or a mixture thereof. Copolymers may be, for example, random copolymers, block copolymers, alternating copolymers, periodic copolymers or graft copolymers. One or more polymers may include an olefin homopolymer or copolymer or a mixture of an olefin homopolymer and a copolymer. Examples of olefin polymers include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). For example, PE may be a PE homopolymer, such as low-density PE or high-density PE, low molecular weight PE or ultra-high molecular weight PE, linear PE or branched PE, etc. PE may be an ethylene copolymer, such as, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-unsaturated monofatty acid copolymer, etc. In one example, one or more polymers may include polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacetic acid esters, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, etc., including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any mixtures thereof. One or more polymers may include ionomer polymers. Ionomer polymers may be, for example, polycarboxylic acids or derivatives of polycarboxylic acids. Ionomer polymers may be salts of sodium salts, magnesium salts, potassium salts, or another metal ion. Ionomer polymers may be fatty acid-modified ionomer polymers. Examples of ionomer polymers include polystyrene sulfonate and ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers. One or more polymers may include polycarbonate. One or more polymers may include fluorine-containing polymers. One or more polymers may include polysiloxanes. One or more polymers may include vinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. One or more polymers may include polystyrene. The polystyrene may be a styrene copolymer, such as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS), styrene ethylene propylene styrene (SEPS), styrene butadiene styrene (SBS), etc. The one or more polymers may include polyamide (PA). The PA may be PA6, PA 66, PA 11, or a copolymer thereof. The polyester may be an aliphatic polyester homopolymer or copolymer, such as polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxybutyrate, etc. The polyester may be a semi-aromatic copolymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The one or more polymers may include polyethers, such as polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, including copolymers thereof.The one or more polymers may include a polyurethane, including an aromatic polyurethane derived from an aromatic isocyanate such as diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) or toluene diisocyanate (TDI), or an aliphatic polyurethane derived from an aliphatic isocyanate such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) or isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), or a mixture of an aromatic polyurethane and an aliphatic polyurethane.

[0055] The foamable polymer material may be a chemical foamable polymer material that is foamed using a chemical foaming agent that forms a gas when heated. For example, the chemical foaming agent may be an azo compound such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate or an isocyanate. Alternatively or additionally, the foamable polymer material may be a physical foamable polymer material that is foamed using a physical foaming agent that changes phase from a liquid or supercritical fluid to a gas due to changes in temperature and / or pressure.

[0056] Optionally, in addition to one or more polymers, the polymer material may also include one or more fillers, such as glass fiber, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, modified or natural clay, modified or unmodified synthetic clay, talc, etc. Similarly, the polymer material may also optionally include one or more colorants, such as pigments or dyes. Other optional components of the polymer material include processing aids, ultraviolet light absorbers, etc.

[0057] The foamed polymer material can be a cross-linked foamed polymer material, i.e. a foamed material in which covalent cross-links are present between at least a portion of one or more polymers. The cross-linked foamed polymer material can be formed by including a cross-linking agent in the polymer material for forming the foam. The cross-linking agent can be a cross-linking agent based on peroxides, such as dicumyl peroxide. Alternatively, the foamed polymer material can be an uncross-linked foamed polymer material with thermoplastic properties. The foamed polymer material can be an elastomeric foamed material.

[0058] The front midsole member 28A extends in the forefoot region 16 and the midfoot region 18 and / or specifically includes a heel footbed 43 extending in the heel region 20 (see, e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6). Thus, in particular, front midsole member 28A is a full-length midsole member. In other examples, heel footbed 43 may not be present, or there may be a footbed portion extending rearwardly over recess 30 that does not fully extend over heel region 20. Heel footbed 43 extends over recess 30 and covers rear midsole member 28B in the use position, and is spaced apart from rear midsole member 28B in the entry position. In the use position, heel footbed 43 covers and contacts portion 45 of inner surface 72 of rear midsole member 28B on the medial side of rear upper portion 50B, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 10 and discussed herein with respect to corresponding components of article of footwear 110. Portion 45 is also referred to as the top surface and / or foot-facing surface and / or foot-supporting surface and / or top-facing surface of rear midsole component 28B.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, heel footbed 43 extends the entire width of foot-receiving cavity 52 between the medial and lateral sides of rear upper portion 50B discussed herein. In other examples, heel footbed 43 need not extend the entire width.

[0060] In particular, heel footbed 43 is an integral part of front midsole component 28A. In other words, front midsole component 28A including heel footbed 43 can be a one-piece component, such as formed by injection molding or other means. In contrast, in particular, rear midsole component 28B is not a full-length midsole component because it extends in heel region 20, but not in forefoot region 16, and / or only slightly, if at all, in midfoot region 18. Rear midsole component 28B in particular extends primarily behind groove 30 and primarily in heel region 20.

[0061] The article of footwear 10 is characterized by the absence of a biasing member that is configured to maintain the sole structure 12 in one of the use position or the entry position (e.g., in a bistable arrangement). For example, the footwear upper 14 and the sole structure 12 are characterized by the absence of (e.g., not including) a biasing member extending between the front upper portion 50A and the rear upper portion 50B, or between the front midsole component 28A and the rear midsole component 28B, or between the front upper portion 50A and the rear midsole component 28B, or between the rear upper portion 50B and the front midsole component 28A, etc. Thus, no belts, strips, biasing plates, etc. are added to the article of footwear 10 to bias the article of footwear 10 into the use position and / or the entry position. Instead, the outsole 42 is characterized by at least a predetermined coefficient of friction (e.g., a predetermined coefficient of static friction and / or a predetermined coefficient of sliding friction) to maintain the sole structure 12 in the entry position. In other words, the material and configuration of the outsole 42 are such that when in the use position, the outsole 42 is biased to maintain the sole structure 12 in the entry position. Figure 3The contact of outsole 42 with ground surface GS when in the entry position provides sufficient force to resist relative movement of outsole components 42A, 42B, and / or 42C, such as sliding of sole structure 12 on ground surface GS, and prevent footwear article 10 from moving into the use position without the load of the entering foot. Fig.23 and Fig.25 The elastic band of the depicted elastic band 302 may be used to help maintain the article of footwear 10 in the entered position.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, in the entry position, a portion of the rear outsole member 42B and a portion of the front outsole member 42A and / or the toe area outsole member 42C rest on the ground surface GS. By selecting the material of the outsole 42 to provide at least a predetermined coefficient of friction (e.g., a predetermined static coefficient of friction and / or a predetermined sliding coefficient of friction) on various selected materials of the ground surface GS (such as typical floor surfaces, concrete, etc.) according to ASTM standardized tests, no biasing member is required to maintain the footwear article in the entry position.

[0063] In an example, the outsole 42 may be formed of a material that may generally include natural or synthetic rubber or other suitable durable material. The one or more materials used for the outsole 42 may be selected to provide a desired combination of durability, flexibility, and at least the predetermined coefficient of friction discussed herein. Synthetic rubbers that may be used include polybutadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) copolymer rubber, and styrene butadiene rubber.

[0064] refer to Figure 5 Outsole members 42A, 42B and 42C each include a plurality of spaced apart tread elements 58. Figure 5 Only some of the tread elements 58 are indicated by reference numerals. Alternatively, none, only one or two of the outsole components 42A, 42B and 42C may include such tread elements 58. The tread elements 58 extend from the medial edge 59A of the sole structure 12 to the lateral edge 59B in each of the forefoot region 16, the midfoot region 18 and the heel region 20. The tread elements 58 extend downward and define a portion of the ground engaging surface 61 of the sole structure 12. The tread elements 58 ensure sufficient contact with the ground surface GS even in the case of an uneven ground surface. Additionally, the tread elements 58 have sufficient compliance to increase friction relative to the ground surface GS compared to a ground engaging surface without the tread elements 58.

[0065] Optionally, the interference between rear upper portion 50B and heel footbed 43 further enhances the ability to maintain article of footwear 10 in the entered position without the load of the entering foot. Figure 6In the entry position, the rear upper portion 50B is shown to include a heel collar 60. The heel collar 60 of the rear upper portion 50B, together with the medial front collar portion 62A and the lateral front collar portion 62B of the front upper portion 50A, defines an ankle opening 65, which is in the entry position (see Figure 3 ) than in the use position (see Figure 2 The medial portion 60A of the heel collar 60 and the lateral portion 60B of the heel collar 60 are spaced sufficiently close to each other and include sufficient compliant cushioning so that the medial portion 60A and the lateral portion 60B of the heel collar 60 support the heel footbed 43 in the entry position (without the load of an entering foot) and elastically deform to allow the heel footbed 43 to move past the heel collar 60 to the use position under the load of an entering foot.

[0066] The rear upper portion 50B and the front upper portion 50A may include any one or more of several different materials. For example, the rear upper portion 50B and the front upper portion 50A may include leather, fabric, polymer, cotton, foam, composite materials, etc., or a combination of these. The rear upper portion 50B and the front upper portion 50A may be a polymer material capable of providing elasticity, and may be a braided construction, a knitted (e.g., warp knitted) construction, or a woven construction.

[0067] Figure 4 An article of footwear is shown in which the sole structure 12 is larger than Figure 3 The entry position is further articulated (e.g., the groove 30 is larger than Figure 3 further closed in the middle), thereby exposing Figure 3 For example, the walls 34A, 34B of the hinge 34 will eventually contact to provide a stop (e.g., the groove 30 is completely closed to prevent further rotation or pivotal movement toward each other), but the outer surfaces of the first wall 34A and the second wall 34B in the groove 30 do not necessarily need to be in contact. Figure 3 The entry position contact.

[0068] To help maintain the article of footwear 10 in the use position, Figure 4 The sole structure 12 is shown to include a lateral tab 64 that protrudes at the lateral perimeter 66 of the heel footbed 43. In the example shown, the sole structure 12 includes a lateral reinforcement layer 68 secured at the lateral perimeter 66 of the heel footbed 43, and the lateral tab 64 is an integral part of the lateral reinforcement layer 68. The lateral reinforcement layer 68 and the integral lateral tab 64 are stiffer than the heel footbed 43. Although not shown, the heel footbed 43 may include a medial perimeter 69 secured to the heel footbed 43 (see FIG. Figure 6 ) and an inner tab as an integral part of the inner reinforcement layer, as in relation to Fig.12The footwear article 110 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 6 lateral reinforcing layer 68 and integral lateral tab 64 are covered by rear upper portion 50B in the entry position.

[0069] The lateral reinforcement layer 68 may be secured to the body 70 of the heel footbed 43, such as with an adhesive, or may be coated on the body 70, or otherwise applied to define a portion of the lateral perimeter 66 of the heel footbed 43. In one example, the lateral reinforcement layer 68 is molded separately from the body 70 and then adhered to the body 70. In another example, the foam used to form the body 70 may be processed, such as by temperature-controlled curing, so that the lateral reinforcement layer 68 is an integral outer skin of the body 70 that is denser than the remaining interior portion of the body 70 that it covers.

[0070] The body 70 may have a relatively lower hardness than the outer reinforcing layer 68 and the integral outer tab 64. For example, the body 70 may have a first hardness, and the outer reinforcing layer 68 and the integral outer tab 64 may have a second hardness greater than the first hardness. For example, the body 70 may be an elastomeric foam, as discussed, and the outer reinforcing layer 68 and the integral outer tab 64 may be a semi-rigid or rigid plastic (such as a thermoplastic), a composite material, nylon, a polyether block amide (such as available from Arkema, Inc. of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania USA) ), glass fiber reinforced polyamide, rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (with or without glass fiber).

[0071] Because the protruding lateral tab 64 has the harder material of the lateral reinforcement layer 68, the lateral tab 64 moves through the softer, compressible portions of the rear upper portion 50B and the rear midsole component 28B by compressing these portions under the load of the incoming foot, and then interlocks with the rear midsole component 28B in the use position. Specifically, the rear midsole component 28B includes an inner surface 72 (at Figure 2 Indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1 ), the inner surface 72 has an outer recess in the outer side of the inner surface, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 10. When sole structure 12 is moved to the use position, lateral tab 64 is disposed in the lateral recess to secure heel footbed 43 in the use position. More specifically, lateral tab 64 in the lateral recess and / or a similar medial tab in the medial recess interlocks heel footbed 43 to rear midsole component 28B to help maintain article of footwear 10 in the use position.

[0072] To remove the article of footwear 10 in a hands-free manner, the wearer's other foot can be placed on the outer flange 76 of the rear midsole component 28B. The outer flange 76 can have a reinforcing cover 78 that is a relatively hard plastic, similar to the material of the lateral tab 64. By pushing down on the cover 78 with the wearer's other foot to depress the outer flange 76, the rear midsole component 28B is pushed relative to the Figure 1 The in-use position of the shoe structure 12 is pivoted downward and rearward, thereby pushing the sole structure 12 to hinge into the entry position; moving the groove 30 to the relatively closed position; and providing sufficient force to move the lateral tab 64 and any corresponding medial tab out of the lateral recess and any corresponding medial recess to release the heel footbed 43, which moves to the heel footbed 43 when the front midsole component 28A pivots about the groove 30 relative to the rear midsole component 28B. Figure 3 The friction of the outsole 42 on the ground surface GS is overcome to allow this articulation.

[0073] The rear midsole component 28B may also include a forwardly projecting clip (such as the clip 182 discussed with respect to the article of footwear 110) that covers the rearward extension of the heel footbed 43 in the use position to further help retain the heel footbed 43 in the use position. When the sole structure 12 is moved from the use position to the entry position, the forwardly projecting clip flexibly contacts the rearward extension of the heel footbed 43. The clip may also be referred to as a lip.

[0074] Figures 7 and 8 An article of footwear 110 is shown which is similar in all respects to article of footwear 10, except that rear midsole component 128B of article of footwear 110 is more tapered in shape at the rear than rear midsole component 28B and includes bottom recess 129 (see FIG. Fig. 9 ), the reinforcing cover 178 extends further around the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 on the outer flange 176 in the heel area 20 than the reinforcing cover 78 of the footwear article 10 (e.g. Fig.10 ), and the outer sole members 142A, 142B, 142C corresponding to the outer sole members 42A, 42B and 42C, respectively, have slightly different layouts of the tread elements 158, such as Fig. 9 Rear outsole member 142B includes hole 144 at bottom recess 129. Front outsole member 142A is located under front leg 34C of hinge 34, and rear outsole member 142B is located under rear leg 34D.

[0075] exist Fig.11In the cross-sectional view of hinge 34 shown, it is apparent that hinge 34 includes a front ridge 35A at the intersection of first wall 34A and front leg 34C, and a rear ridge 35B at the intersection of second wall 34B and rear leg 34D. Ridges 35A, 35B extend downwardly and serve as alignment features for securing front and rear outsole members 142A, 142B to front and rear legs 34C, 34D. Front outsole member 142A abuts front ridge 35A, and rear outsole member 142B abuts rear ridge 35B to properly align outsole members 142A, 142B with hinge 34.

[0076] Similar to article of footwear 10, article of footwear 110 is also characterized by the absence of a biasing member that is configured to maintain sole structure 112 in one of the use position or the entry position (e.g., in a bistable arrangement). For example, footwear upper 14 and sole structure 112 are characterized by the absence of a biasing member extending between front upper portion 50A and rear upper portion 50B, or between front midsole component 128A and rear midsole component 128B, or between front upper portion 50A and rear midsole component 128B, or between rear upper portion 50B and front midsole component 128A. Thus, no belts, strips, biasing plates, etc. are included to bias article of footwear 110 into the use position and / or the entry position. Instead, outsole 142 is characterized by at least a predetermined coefficient of friction (e.g., static friction or sliding friction) to maintain sole structure 112 in the entry position. In other words, the material and configuration of outsole 142 are such that when in the entry position (similar to Figure 3 The contact of outsole 142 with ground surface GS when the footwear article 10 is in the entry position (in the entry position of the footwear article 10) provides sufficient force to resist relative movement of outsole components 142A, 142B and / or 142C, such as sliding of sole structure 112 on ground surface GS, and prevents footwear article 110 from moving to the use position without the load of the entering foot.

[0077] In the entry position, the outsole 142 rests on a portion of the rear outsole member 142B and a portion of the front outsole member 142A and / or the toe area outsole member 142C. By selecting the material of the outsole 142 to provide at least a predetermined coefficient of friction (e.g., static or sliding friction) on various selected materials of the ground surface GS (such as typical floor surfaces, concrete, etc.) according to ASTM standardized tests, no biasing member is required to maintain the footwear article 110 in the entry position.

[0078] In an example, the outsole 142 can be formed of a material that can generally include natural or synthetic rubber or other suitable durable materials. One or more materials for the outsole 142 can be selected to provide a desired combination of durability, flexibility, and at least the predetermined friction coefficient discussed herein. Synthetic rubbers that can be used include polybutadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) copolymer rubber, and styrene butadiene rubber.

[0079] Reference again Fig. 9 The outsole members 142A, 142B, 142C each include a plurality of spaced apart tread elements 158. Fig. 9 Only some of the tread elements 158 are indicated with reference numerals. Tread elements 158 extend from medial edge 159A to lateral edge 159B of sole structure 112 in each of forefoot region 16, midfoot region 18, and heel region 20. Tread elements 158 extend downwardly and define a portion of ground engaging surface 161 of sole structure 112. Tread elements 158 ensure contact with the ground even in the case of uneven ground surfaces. Figure 8 Additionally, tread elements 158 have sufficient compliance to increase friction relative to the smoother ground engaging surface that would occur if tread elements 158 were not present.

[0080] Similar to the sole structure 12 of the article of footwear 10, the sole structure 112 of the article of footwear 110 includes a midsole 128 having a front midsole component 128A and a separate rear midsole component 128B. The rear midsole component 128B is separate and separate from the front midsole component 128A. In other words, the front midsole component 128A is not specifically formed integrally with the rear midsole component 128B, is not integral with the rear midsole component 128B, and / or is not directly attached to the rear midsole component 128B. The front midsole component 28A and the rear midsole component 28B together define a recess 30 between the front midsole component 128A and the rear midsole component 128B at the underside 32 of the sole structure 112. The hinge 34 is disposed in the recess 30 as described with respect to the article of footwear 10.

[0081] Article of footwear 110 includes a split footwear upper 14 having a front upper portion 50A and a rear upper portion 50B as described with respect to article of footwear 10, wherein front upper portion 50A is secured to front midsole member 128A and a separate rear upper portion 50B is secured to rear midsole member 128B.

[0082] exist Fig.11, heel footbed 43 is shown extending over recess 30, covering rear midsole component 128B, and resting on portion 45 of interior surface 72 of rear midsole component 128B in the use position. Clip 182 projects forwardly from interior surface 72 of rear midsole component 128B and covers rearward extension 184 of heel footbed 43 when sole structure 112 is in the use position, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 When the sole structure 112 is moved from the entry position (similar to Figure 3 Move to the position of Fig.11 The clip 182 flexibly contacts the rear extension 184 of the heel footbed 43 when in the use position and when moving from the use position to the entry position.

[0083] exist Fig.11 , the clip 182 is an integral part of the cover 178, and at least a portion of the cover 178 is positioned behind the clip 182 along the outer flange 176. Fig.11 As shown, the integral cover 178 and the integral clip 182 are moved downwardly in a forward direction from the foot contacting surface 192 of the cover 178, which is contacted by the wearer's other foot, to force the sole structure 112 to the entry position. At least in part because the clip 182 is integral with the cover 178, depressing the outer flange 176 and the cover 178 thereon with the other foot causes the clip 182 to move away from the rear extension 184 of the heel footbed 43, thereby allowing the heel footbed 43 to move upwardly relative to the clip 182 when the sole structure 112 is articulated to the entry position.

[0084] Similar to article of footwear 10, the interference between heel collar 60 of rear upper portion 50B and heel footbed 43 further enhances the ability to maintain article of footwear 110 in an entered position without the loading of an entering foot.

[0085] Fig.11 An insole 190 is shown covering the front midsole component 128A, including covering the heel footbed 43. Additionally, the front midsole component 128A is shown having an upwardly facing recess 194 in which a fluid-filled bladder 196 is housed to provide cushioning in the metatarsal portion of the forefoot region 16.

[0086] The sole structure 112 includes a first plate 198 disposed on or in the heel footbed 43 and extending above the groove 30 in the use position, and a second plate 199 disposed on or in the heel footbed 43, such as Fig.11198. Second plate 199 is disposed closer to bottom surface 200 of heel footbed 43 than first plate 198, and first plate 198 is disposed closer to top surface 202 of heel footbed 43 than second plate 199. In the particular example shown, first plate 198 is disposed at top surface 202 of heel footbed 43, and second plate 199 is disposed at bottom surface 200 of heel footbed 43. Alternatively, either or both of plates 198, 199 may be further embedded in the heel footbed rather than exposed at either of surfaces 200, 202.

[0087] The plates 198, 199 can be relatively more rigid than the front midsole component 128A (e.g., than the foam body 170 of the heel footbed 43 of the front midsole component 128A). For example, the first plate 198 can have a first stiffness, while the front midsole component 128A (including the body 170 of the heel footbed 43) can have a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness. Similarly, the stiffness of the second plate 199 can be greater than the second stiffness of the front midsole component 128A (including the body 170 of the heel footbed 43). The more rigid plates 198, 199 can enable a smoother transition between the entry position and the use position, thereby allowing the heel footbed 43 to be more easily seated on the rear midsole component 128B and within the rear upper portion 50B.

[0088] The more rigid plates 198, 199 can stiffen the heel footbed 43, which can prevent the heel footbed 43 from twisting about the longitudinal axis of the heel footbed 43, enable the heel footbed 43 to move more easily through the rear upper portion 50B and the clip 182, and, as discussed herein, allow the attached side tabs 64, 210 to move more easily into and out of the medial recess 214 and the lateral recess 212, respectively, to move the sole structure 112 between an entry position and a use position under a foot load on the heel footbed 43 or under a foot removal force on the covering 178 of the flange 176, as compared to a heel footbed without either of the plates 198, 199.

[0089] like Fig.11As shown, the rear extension 204 of the first plate 198 is disposed behind the front extension 206 of the second plate 199 along the length of the heel footbed 43, so that the first plate 198 and the second plate 199 partially overlap (e.g., in the vertical direction of the sole structure 112). In other words, a portion of the first plate 198 is stacked above a portion of the second plate 199, wherein a portion of the rear midsole component 128B is located between a portion of the first plate 198 and a portion of the second plate 199. The first plate 198 spans the entire recess 30 front to back in the use position, and the front extension 206 of the second plate 199 is partially disposed above the recess 30 in the use position. Both the first plate 198 and the second plate 199 at least partially cover the rear midsole component 128B in the use position. The rear extension 208 of the second plate 199 is disposed about Figures 12 to 16 The front of the medial tab 210 and the lateral tab 64 are shown and discussed.

[0090] refer to Fig.12 , heel footbed 43 includes a lateral tab 64 that projects at a lateral periphery 66 of heel footbed 43 and is integrally formed with a lateral reinforcement layer 68 as an integral part of lateral reinforcement layer 68. Lateral reinforcement layer 68 also extends partially under heel footbed 43. Fig.13 and Fig.15 Outer tabs 64 and outer reinforcement layers 68 are also shown.

[0091] Fig.12 Also shown is the heel footbed 43, which includes a medial reinforcing layer 209 secured at the medial periphery 69 of the heel footbed 43 and a medial tab 210 that is an integral part of the medial reinforcing layer 209 and projects outwardly at the medial periphery 69. Similar to the lateral reinforcing layer 68 and the lateral tab 64, the medial reinforcing layer 209 and the medial tab 210 are stiffer than the heel footbed 43.

[0092] Fig.12 The inner surface 72 of the rear midsole member 128B is shown to have a lateral recess 212 in the lateral side of the inner surface 72 and a medial recess 214 in the medial side of the inner surface 72. The recesses 212, 214 are Fig.1422 and located at the medial sidewalls 73A, 73B of the rear midsole component 128B. When the sole structure 112 is moved to the use position, the lateral tab 64 is disposed in the lateral recess 212 to secure the heel footbed 43 in the use position. Similarly, when the sole structure 112 is moved to the use position, the medial tab 210 is disposed in the medial recess 214 to further secure the heel footbed 43 in the use position. More specifically, the lateral tab 64 in the lateral recess 212 and the similar medial tab 210 in the medial recess 214 interlock the heel footbed 43 to the rear midsole component 28B at both the medial side 22 and the lateral side 24 to help maintain the article of footwear 110 in the use position.

[0093] Fig.17 is Fig.10 1 and 190 , with the toe area outsole member 142C at the gap 46 .

[0094] Fig.18 is Fig.10 1 and 12. Another cross-sectional view of the sole structure 112 of the article of footwear 110 is taken at line IV-IV in FIG. 1 and illustrates the bladder 196 in the recess 194 of the front midsole component 128A, with the insole 190 covering the bladder 196.

[0095] Fig.19 is Fig.10 198 . Another cross-sectional view of the sole structure 112 of the article of footwear 110 at the peak 40 of the hinge 34 is taken at line VV in .

[0096] Figure 20 to Figure 25 An alternative article of footwear 310 is shown (see Fig.25 ) and sole structure 312. The various components of article of footwear 310 and sole structure 312 are similar in many respects to articles of footwear 10 and 110 and sole structures 12 and 112. Like components are indicated with like reference numerals.

[0097] Fig. 20 is used for Fig.21 128A of the front midsole member 128A shown in the top view of the outer reinforcement layer 268 of the heel footbed 43, and is used to replace Fig.12 The separate reinforcement layers 68 and 209 are shown in FIG.

[0098] The outer reinforcement layer 268 may be secured to the body 70 of the heel footbed 43, such as with an adhesive, or may be coated on the body 70, or otherwise applied to define a portion of the lateral perimeter 66 of the heel footbed 43, a portion of the medial perimeter 69 of the heel footbed 43, and a portion of the rear perimeter of the heel footbed 43. In one example, the outer reinforcement layer 268 is molded separately from the body 70 and then adhered to the body 70. In another example, the foam used to form the body 70 may be processed, such as by temperature-controlled curing, so that the outer reinforcement layer 268 is an integral outer skin of the body 70 that is denser than the remaining interior portion of the body 70 that it covers.

[0099] The outer reinforcement layer 268 has an inner side tab 311 and an outer side tab 364. The inner side tab 311 and the outer side tab 364 are longer than the side tabs 210 and 64 of the sole structure 12 (e.g., Fig.25 The increased length may better keep the heel footbed 43 interlocked with the rear midsole component 128B in the in-use position.

[0100] The body 70 may have a relatively lower hardness than the outer reinforcement layer 268 and the integral outer tab 64. For example, the body 70 may have a first hardness, and the outer reinforcement layer 268, the integral inner tab 311, and the integral outer tab 364 may have a second hardness greater than the first hardness. For example, the body 70 may be an elastomeric foam, as discussed, and the outer reinforcement layer 268, the integral inner tab 311, and the integral outer tab 364 may be a semi-rigid or rigid plastic (such as a thermoplastic), a composite material, nylon, a polyether block amide (such as available from Arkema, Inc., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA) ), glass fiber reinforced polyamide, rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (with or without glass fiber).

[0101] The outer reinforcement layer 268 defines a through hole 269 that is positioned to align with the bottom recess 129 in the rear midsole member 128B when in the use position to maintain a resilient heel cushion. The outer reinforcement layer 268 also defines an integral and upwardly projecting flange 271 having an upper surface 273 that is configured to align with the bottom recess 129 in the rear midsole member 128B when in the use position to maintain a resilient heel cushion. Fig.23 The lower surface 284 of the integral clip 282 of the peripheral support member 283 of the rear midsole member 128B is in contact. Fig.25The forward and downward slope of the integrated clip 282 assists the flange 271 in sliding over the flexible integrated clip 282 when the sole structure is moved into the use position, and the contact surfaces 273, 284 assist the integrated clip 282 in retaining the flange 271 (and the outer reinforcement layer 268 and rear midsole component 128B connected thereto) under the clip 282 once the rear midsole component 128B moves past the integrated clip 282 during foot entry.

[0102] Peripheral support member 283 may also be referred to as a wall support member, an inner wall support member, or a peripheral wall support member, and is stiffer than rear midsole member 128B. For example, as described, rear midsole member 128B may be any of the materials described with respect to rear midsole member 28B, such as foam, while peripheral support member 283 may be Or any material described with respect to outer reinforcement layer 268 .

[0103] The perimeter support 283 extends around the inner surface 72 from the medial side 22 at the medial medial sidewall 73A to the lateral side 24 at the lateral medial sidewall 73B, and extends around the rear portion of the inner surface 72 of the rear midsole component 128B. The perimeter support 283 extends downwardly at the inner surface 72 at the sidewalls 73A, 73B and has an edge 285 that is disposed adjacent to the recesses 212, 214 to further define the recesses 212, 214. As shown, the edge 285 is the bottom edge or lower edge of the perimeter support 283 at the recesses 212, 214 and establishes the top boundary of the recesses 212, 214 in which the tabs 364, 311 may be disposed. The tabs 364, 311 are interlocking features that are complementary to the recesses 212, 214 and the perimeter support 283.

[0104] Therefore, the peripheral support member 283 is used to limit the rear midsole member 128B ( Fig.14 214, thereby reducing the possibility of the side tabs 364 and 311 coming out of the recesses 212, 214. The perimeter support 283 is shaped to be nested and fixed to the side walls 73A, 73B at the inner surface 72 of the rear midsole component 128B, wherein the lower medial edge 285 is disposed adjacent to the medial recess 214 to further define the medial recess 214, and the lower lateral edge 287 is disposed adjacent to the lateral recess 212 to further define the lateral recess 212. Therefore, when the sole structure 312 is moved to the use position, the tabs 364, 311 are disposed in the corresponding recesses 212, 214 below the edges 285, 287 of the perimeter support 283 to fix the heel footbed 43 in the use position.

[0105] The perimeter support 283 extends to the front flanges 287, 289 of the side walls 73A, 73B of the rear midsole component 128B and follows the slope of the front flanges 287, 289. Additionally, the perimeter support 283 includes an integral foot portion 293, 295 that contacts and can be secured to the foot-facing portion 45 of the inner surface 72 of the rear midsole component 128B. By following the front edges 287, 289 of the side walls 73A, 73B and further extending along the foot-facing portion 45 of the inner surface 72, the perimeter support 283 reduces any twisting or bending of the rear midsole component. The perimeter support 283 also has an integral cover 378 similar to the cover 178, and the wearer's other foot can be pressed down on the cover 378 at the outer flange 176 of the rear midsole component 128B to enable the heel footbed 43 and the outer reinforcement layer 268 to move past the clip 282 when returning to the entry position.

[0106] Fig.24 When the side tabs 364, 311 are arranged Fig.23 When the edges 285, 287 of the peripheral support member 283 are in the recesses 212, 214 of the rear midsole member 128B below the edges 285, 287 of the peripheral support member 283, Fig.21 The line VI-VI in Figure 20 to Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the heel footbed 43 and the external reinforcement layer 268.

[0107] Fig.23 Also shown is a laterally extending elastic band 302 secured at the side walls 73A, 73B and slightly spaced apart (e.g., spaced above) the inner surface 72 of the rear midsole member 128B (e.g., above the foot-facing portion 45 of the inner surface 72). In other words, when the rear midsole member 128B is not supporting the foot, the elastic band 302 is spaced apart and extends above the foot-facing portion 45 with a gap therebetween (e.g., the elastic band 302 does not contact and rest on the foot-facing portion 45). The elastic band 302 is positioned above the inner surface 72 of the rear midsole member 128B. Fig.23 In the state shown, it is sufficiently taut so that it can serve as a rest support to hold the heel shoe bed 43 in the entered position, for example Figure 3 In other words, when sole structure 312 is in the entered position, the bottom of heel footbed 43 may rest on and be supported by elastic band 302 .

[0108] During foot entry, as sole structure 312 moves into the use position, elastic band 302 elastically stretches and moves through heel footbed 43 against foot-facing portion 45 of inner surface 72 of rear midsole component 128B, as shown in FIG. Fig.25as shown. The tabs 364, 311 located in the recesses 212, 214 respectively and the integral clip 282 on the flange 271 are interlocked to hold the rear midsole member 128B in Fig.25 the use position. The biasing of the elastic band 302 to Fig.23 the position will not overcome these features and will not cause the sole structure 312 to return to the entry position.

[0109] Fig.25 is a cross-sectional view of a footwear article 310 including a separate footwear upper 14, where the front upper portion 50A and the rear upper portion 50B are shown in dashed lines. The sole structure 312 includes a front midsole member 128A having Fig.21 a heel bed 43 and an outer reinforcement layer 268, and Fig.23 a rear midsole member 128B and a peripheral support 283. In Fig.25 the close-up view shown at 25A in, it is clear that the integral clip 282 has a slightly downward slope in the forward direction on its upper surface 275, which contacts the outer reinforcement layer 268 when the sole structure 312 moves to the use position. This allows the outer reinforcement layer 268 to slide easily past the clip 282 to the use position. The lower surface 284 of the clip 282 is configured to engage the upper surface 273 of the flange 271. For example, they may each have relatively flat or inclined surfaces configured to contact. The contact surfaces 273, 284 help hold the outer reinforcement layer 268 and the heel bed 43 under the clip 282 in the use position.

[0110] Accordingly, the footwear articles 10, 110, and 310 disclosed herein provide easy entry for foot insertion and foot removal without the use of any straps or other biasing members to hold the sole structure 12, 112 in the use position or the entry position. The footwear article 310 utilizes a laterally extending elastic band 302 to help support the heel bed 43 in the entry position, but does not include a strap or other biasing member extending between the front upper portion 50A and the rear upper portion 50B, or between the front midsole member 128A and the rear midsole member 128B, or between the front upper portion 50A and the rear midsole member 128B, or between the rear upper portion 50B and the front midsole member 128A to move the sole structure 312 to the entry position or the use position.

[0111] The following clauses provide example configurations of the footwear articles disclosed herein.

[0112] Item 1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure comprising: a front midsole component and a separate rear midsole component, the front midsole component and the rear midsole component together defining a recess between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component at an underside of the sole structure; and a hinge, the hinge being disposed in the recess and connecting the front midsole component to the rear midsole component; wherein: the front midsole component and the rear midsole component are capable of pivoting relative to each other at the recess between a use position and an entry position, wherein the recess is relatively open in the use position, and and is relatively closed in the entry position; the front midsole component includes a heel footbed, which extends above the groove and covers the rear midsole component in the use position and is spaced apart from the rear midsole component in the entry position; and the rear midsole component includes an inner surface, the inner surface having a recess in one side of the inner surface; the sole structure also includes a tab protruding at the side periphery of the heel footbed; and wherein when the sole structure is moved to the use position, the tab is arranged in the recess to fix the heel footbed in the use position.

[0113] Clause 2. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein: the sole structure further comprises a reinforcement layer secured at the lateral perimeter of the heel footbed; and the reinforcement layer is stiffer than the heel footbed and comprises the tab.

[0114] Clause 3. The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein: the side of the inner surface of the rear midsole component is the lateral side; the recess is a lateral recess; the side perimeter of the heel footbed is the lateral perimeter; and the tab is a lateral tab.

[0115] Item 4. An article of footwear according to Item 3, wherein: the rear midsole component further includes a medial recess along the inner side of the inner surface; the heel footbed includes a medial tab protruding at the medial periphery of the heel footbed; and when the sole structure is moved to the use position, the medial tab is disposed in the medial recess to further secure the heel footbed in the use position.

[0116] Clause 5. The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein: the side of the inner surface of the rear midsole component is the medial side; the recess is a medial recess; the side perimeter of the heel footbed is the medial perimeter; and the tab is a medial tab.

[0117] Clause 6. An article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein: a clip protrudes forward from the inner surface of the rear midsole component; when the sole structure is in the use position, the clip covers the rear extension of the heel footbed; and when the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position and from the use position to the entry position, the clip flexibly contacts the rear extension of the heel footbed.

[0118] Clause 7. The article of footwear of Clause 6, wherein the rear extension of the rear midsole component defines an external flange positioned rearward of the clip, such that depressing the external flange moves the clip away from the rear extension of the heel footbed.

[0119] Clause 8. The article of footwear of Clause 7, further comprising: a covering disposed on the outer flange; wherein the covering is integral with the clip.

[0120] Item 9. The footwear article according to any one of Items 1 to 8, wherein the sole structure further includes: a first plate, which is arranged on the heel footbed or in the heel footbed and extends above the groove in the use position; and a second plate, which is arranged on the heel footbed or in the heel footbed, the second plate is arranged closer to the bottom surface of the heel footbed than the first plate, and the first plate is arranged closer to the top surface of the heel footbed than the second plate.

[0121] Clause 10. The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the rear extension of the first plate is disposed rearwardly of the front extension of the second plate along the length of the heel footbed such that the first plate and the second plate partially overlap.

[0122] Clause 11. The article of footwear of Clause 10, wherein the first plate is disposed at the top surface of the heel footbed and the second plate is disposed at the bottom surface of the heel footbed.

[0123] Clause 12. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 10 to 11, wherein the front extension of the second plate is disposed partially over the groove in the use position.

[0124] Clause 13. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 10 to 12, wherein the first plate and the second plate both at least partially cover the rear midsole component in the use position.

[0125] Clause 14. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 10 to 13, wherein the rear extension of the second plate is disposed forwardly of the tab.

[0126] Clause 15. An article of footwear as described in any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein: the front midsole component includes a first wall defining a front portion of the groove; the rear midsole component includes a second wall defining a rear portion of the groove; and the hinge is lined on the first wall and the second wall and defines a peak between the first wall and the second wall, and when the sole structure moves between the use position and the entry position, the hinge flexes at the peak.

[0127] Clause 16. The article of footwear of Clause 15, wherein: the hinge includes a front leg extending forwardly from the first wall; and the hinge includes a rear leg extending rearwardly from the second wall.

[0128] Clause 17. The article of footwear of Clause 16, wherein the sole structure further comprises an outsole secured to a bottom surface of the front midsole component and a bottom surface of the rear midsole component.

[0129] Clause 18. The article of footwear according to Clause 17, wherein the outsole comprises: a front outsole component, the front outsole component being fixed to the bottom surface of the front midsole component and the front leg of the hinge; and a rear outsole component, the rear outsole component being separate from and apart from the front outsole component; wherein the rear outsole component is fixed to the bottom surface of the rear midsole component and the rear leg of the hinge.

[0130] Clause 19. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, further comprising: a separate footwear upper, the separate footwear upper being fixed to the sole structure to define a foot-accommodating cavity; wherein the separate footwear upper includes a front upper portion fixed to the front midsole component and a separate rear upper portion fixed to the rear midsole component; and wherein the sole structure is characterized in that there is no biasing member extending between the front upper portion and the rear upper portion, and there is no biasing member extending between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component, and there is no biasing member extending between the front upper portion and the rear midsole component, and there is no biasing member extending between the rear upper portion and the front midsole component.

[0131] Clause 20. The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein: the rear upper portion includes at least a portion of a heel collar; and the heel collar is configured to support the heel footbed in the entry position and to elastically deform to allow the heel footbed to move past the heel collar to the use position.

[0132] Clause 21. An article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 1 to 20, wherein: the sole structure further comprises an outsole, the outsole being fixed to the bottom surface of the front midsole component and the bottom surface of the rear midsole component; and the outsole is characterized by at least a predetermined coefficient of friction to maintain the sole structure in the entry position.

[0133] Item 22. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure including: a front midsole component and a separate rear midsole component, the front midsole component and the rear midsole component together defining a groove between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component at the lower side of the sole structure; and a hinge, the hinge being arranged in the groove and connecting the front midsole component to the rear midsole component; wherein the front midsole component and the rear midsole component are capable of pivoting relative to each other at the groove between a use position and an entry position, wherein the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position; and wherein the footwear article is characterized in that there is no biasing member, the biasing member being configured to maintain the sole structure in the use position or the entry position.

[0134] Clause 23. The footwear article according to Clause 22 further includes: a split footwear upper, the split footwear upper being fixed to the sole structure to define a foot-receiving cavity, the split footwear upper comprising a front upper portion fixed to the front midsole component and a separate rear upper portion fixed to the rear midsole component; wherein the footwear article is characterized in that there is no biasing member extending between the front upper portion and the rear upper portion, and there is no biasing member extending between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component, and there is no biasing member extending between the front upper portion and the rear midsole component, and there is no biasing member extending between the rear upper portion and the front midsole component.

[0135] Clause 24. The footwear article according to any one of clauses 22 to 23, wherein the sole structure further comprises: an outsole fixed to the bottom surface of the front midsole component and the bottom surface of the rear midsole component; wherein the outsole is characterized by at least a predetermined coefficient of friction to maintain the sole structure in the entry position.

[0136] Clause 25. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 22 to 24, further comprising: a separate footwear upper, the separate footwear upper being fixed to the sole structure to define a foot-accommodating cavity, the separate footwear upper comprising a front upper portion fixed to the front midsole component and a separate rear upper portion fixed to the rear midsole component; wherein: the rear upper portion comprises at least a portion of a heel collar; the front midsole component comprises a heel footbed, the heel footbed extending above the groove and covering the rear midsole component in the use position, and being spaced apart from the rear midsole component in the entry position; and the heel collar being configured to support the heel footbed in the entry position and to elastically deform to allow the heel footbed to move past the heel collar to reach the use position.

[0137] Item 26. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure comprising: a front midsole component and a separate rear midsole component, the front midsole component and the rear midsole component together defining a groove between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component at the lower side of the sole structure; and a hinge, the hinge being disposed in the groove and connecting the front midsole component to the rear midsole component; wherein: the front midsole component and the rear midsole component are capable of pivoting relative to each other at the groove between a use position and an entry position, wherein the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position; the front midsole component includes a heel footbed, the heel footbed extending above the groove and covering the rear midsole component in the use position and being spaced apart from the rear midsole component in the entry position; the rear midsole component includes an inner surface; and a side of the heel footbed and the inner surface of the rear midsole component include complementary interlocking features, the complementary interlocking features securing the heel footbed in the use position.

[0138] "Articles of footwear," "articles of footwear manufacture," and "footwear" may be considered to be machines and articles of manufacture. Assembled, ready-to-wear articles of footwear (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and individual components of articles of footwear (such as midsoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready-to-wear articles of footwear are considered herein and are alternatively referred to in the singular or plural as "articles of footwear."

[0139] "A", "an", "the", "at least one" and "one or more" can be used interchangeably to indicate that there is at least one of the items. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, there may be multiple such items. Unless otherwise clearly or explicitly indicated in the context (including the appended claims), all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., amounts or conditions) in this specification should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases, regardless of whether "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "Approximately" indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (close to exact in value; close to or quite close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, "about" as used herein at least indicates the changes that can be caused by ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, the disclosure of a range should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within the range and the range further divided.

[0140] The terms "comprising / including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of 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. When possible, the order of steps, processes and operations can be changed, and additional or alternative steps can be adopted. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term "any of..." should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including "any of" the referenced items. The term "any of..." should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims of the appended claims, including "any of" the referenced claims.

[0141] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upwardly," "downwardly," "top," "bottom," etc. may be used descriptively with respect to the accompanying drawings without implying a limitation on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0142] The term "longitudinal" particularly refers to a direction extending the length of a component. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot region and the heel region of the shoe. The terms "forward" or "front" are particularly used to refer to the general direction from the heel region towards the forefoot region, and the terms "rearward" or "rear" are particularly used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region towards the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified as having a longitudinal axis and a front-to-back longitudinal direction along the axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as the front-to-back direction or axis.

[0143] The term "lateral" refers in particular to a direction extending the width of a component. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the lateral side and the medial side of the shoe. The lateral direction or axis may also be referred to as the lateral direction or axis or the medial direction or axis.

[0144] The term "vertical" particularly refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. For example, in the case where the outsole is flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend upward from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of the sole. The term "upward" or "upwardly" particularly refers to a vertical direction directed toward the top of a component, which may include the instep of the upper, the fastening area and / or the throat. The term "downward" or "downwardly" particularly refers to a vertical direction directed toward the bottom of a component opposite to the upward direction, and may generally be directed toward the bottom of the sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0145] The "interior" of a footwear article (such as a shoe) refers in particular to the portion of the space occupied by the foot of the wearer when the shoe is worn. The "inside" of a component refers in particular to the side or surface of the component oriented toward (or to be oriented toward) the interior of the component or footwear article in the assembled footwear article. The "outside" or "exterior" of a component refers in particular to the side or surface of the component oriented away from (or to be away from) the interior of the shoe in the assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be between the inside of the component and the inside in the assembled footwear article. Similarly, other components may be located between the outside of the component and the space outside the assembled footwear article. In addition, the terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer in particular to the direction toward the inside of a component or footwear article (such as a shoe), and the terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer in particular to the direction toward the outside of a component or footwear article (such as a shoe). In addition, the term "proximal" refers in particular to the direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the user inserts the foot into the footwear article when wearing the footwear article. Likewise, the term "distal" specifically refers to a relative position farther from the center of the footwear component or farther from the foot when the user inserts the foot into the footwear when wearing the footwear. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as generally relative terms that provide descriptions of relative spatial positions.

[0146] Although various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments and implementations within the scope of the embodiments are possible. Unless explicitly limited, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature or element in any other embodiment or replace any other feature or element in any other embodiment. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except in accordance with the attached claims and their equivalents. In addition, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

[0147] Although several modes for implementing aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that will be recognized by a person of ordinary skill, which are implied by the included content, structurally and / or functionally equivalent, or otherwise presented as obvious based on the included content, and are not limited only to those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described.

Claims

1. A footwear product, include: A sole structure, comprising: a front midsole component and a separate rear midsole component, the front midsole component and the rear midsole component together defining a recess therebetween at an underside of the sole structure; and a hinge disposed in the groove and connecting the front midsole member to the rear midsole member; in: The front midsole part and the rear midsole part are pivotable relative to each other in the recess between a use position and an entry position, wherein the recess is relatively open in the use position, and are relatively closed in said entry position; the front midsole member includes a heel footbed extending over the recess and covering the rear midsole member in the use position and spaced apart from the rear midsole member in the entry position; and The rear midsole member includes an inner surface and at least partially defines a recess at the inner surface; The sole structure further includes a tab protruding at a lateral perimeter of the heel footbed; and When the sole structure is moved to the use position, the protrusion is arranged in the recess to fix the heel shoe bed in the use position.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, in: The sole structure further includes a reinforcement layer secured at the lateral perimeter of the heel footbed; and The reinforcement layer is stiffer than the heel footbed and includes the tabs.

3. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in: the recess is a lateral recess at the lateral side of the inner surface, the lateral perimeter of the heel footbed is a lateral perimeter, and the tab is a lateral tab; the rear midsole member at least partially defining a medial recess at a medial side of the inner surface; The sole structure further includes a medial tab projecting at a medial periphery of the heel footbed; and When the sole structure moves to the use position, the medial protrusion is disposed in the medial recess to further fix the heel shoe bed in the use position.

4. The article of footwear according to claim 3, in: The sole structure further includes a reinforcement layer secured at the lateral perimeter of the heel footbed; and The outer tab and the inner tab are integral with the reinforcement layer.

5. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: include: a perimeter support member secured to the rear midsole component and having an edge disposed adjacent the recess to further define the recess; wherein the perimeter support member is stiffer than the rear midsole member; and Wherein when the sole structure is moved to the use position, the tab is disposed in the recess below the edge of the peripheral support member to secure the heel footbed in the use position.

6. The article of footwear according to claim 5, in: a clip protruding forwardly from said inner surface of said rear midsole member; When the sole structure is in the use position, the clip covers a rear extension of the heel footbed; and The clip flexibly contacts the perimeter support when the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position and vice versa.

7. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in: a clip protruding forwardly from said inner surface of said rear midsole member; The clip covers a rear extension of the heel footbed when the sole structure is in the use position.

8. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the rear extension of the rear midsole member defines an external flange positioned rearward of the clip such that depressing the external flange moves the clip away from the rear extension of the heel footbed.

9. The footwear article according to claim 8, further comprising: include: a cover disposed on the outer flange; Wherein the cover is integral with the clip.

10. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the sole structure further comprises: include: a first plate disposed on or in the heel footbed and extending over the recess in the use position; as well as A second plate is disposed on or in the heel footbed, the second plate being disposed closer to a bottom surface of the heel footbed than the first plate, and the first plate being disposed closer to a top surface of the heel footbed than the second plate.

11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the rear extension of the first plate is disposed rearward of the front extension of the second plate along the length of the heel footbed such that the first plate and the second plate partially overlap.

12. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the first plate is disposed at the top surface of the heel footbed and the second plate is disposed at the bottom surface of the heel footbed.

13. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the front extension of the second plate is partially disposed over the groove in the use position.

14. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the first plate and the second plate both at least partially cover the rear midsole member in the use position.

15. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the rear extension of the second plate is disposed forward of the tab.

16. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: include: an elastic band suspended from and extending laterally across a portion of the inner surface of the rear midsole member; wherein in said entered position, said elastic band is spaced apart from said portion of said inner surface of said rear midsole member and said heel footbed rests on said elastic band; and wherein in the use position the elastic band is elastically stretched under load and the heel footbed rests on the inner surface of the rear midsole component.

17. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in: The front midsole member includes a first wall defining a front portion of the recess; The rear midsole member includes a second wall defining a rear portion of the recess; and The hinge lines the first wall and the second wall and defines a peak therebetween, the hinge flexing at the peak when the sole structure moves between the use position and the entry position.

18. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: include: a split footwear upper secured to the sole structure to define a foot-receiving void; wherein the split footwear upper includes a front upper portion secured to the front midsole member and a separate rear upper portion secured to the rear midsole member; and The sole structure is characterized in that there is no biasing member extending between the front upper portion and the rear upper portion and connecting the front upper portion and the rear upper portion, and there is no biasing member extending between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component and connecting the front midsole component and the rear midsole component, and there is no biasing member extending between the front upper portion and the rear midsole component and connecting the front upper portion and the rear midsole component, and there is no biasing member extending between the rear upper portion and the front midsole component and connecting the rear upper portion and the front midsole component.

19. A footwear article, include: A sole structure, comprising: a front midsole component and a separate rear midsole component, the front midsole component and the rear midsole component together defining a recess therebetween at an underside of the sole structure; and a hinge disposed in the groove and connecting the front midsole member to the rear midsole member; in: The front midsole member and the rear midsole member are pivotable relative to each other at the recess between a use position and an entry position, wherein the recess is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position; the front midsole member including a heel footbed extending over the recess and covering the rear midsole member in the use position and spaced apart from the rear midsole member in the entry position; The rear midsole component includes an inner surface; and One side of the heel footbed and the inner surface of the rear midsole component include complementary interlocking features that secure the heel footbed in the use position.

20. The article of footwear according to claim 19, further comprising: include: an elastic band suspended from and extending laterally across a portion of the inner surface of the rear midsole member; wherein in said entered position, said elastic band is spaced apart from said portion of said inner surface of said rear midsole member and said heel footbed rests on said elastic band; and wherein in the use position, the elastic band is stretched under load and the heel footbed further rests on the inner surface of the rear midsole component.

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