Easily accessible shoe with movably joined sole structure

Abstract

An article of footwear (10) includes a sole structure (112, 12, 412, 612) having a front midsole component (14A, 614A) and a rear midsole component (14A, 14B, 614B). A connection member (116, 16, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616) connects the front midsole member to the rear midsole member. The connecting member (116, 16, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616) defines a groove (17, 217A, 217, 317) between the front midsole member and the rear midsole member at an underside (24) of the sole structure. The front midsole member and the rear midsole member are pivotable relative to each other at a groove (17, 217A, 217, 317) between a use position and an entry position. Opposite surfaces (16A) of the connecting members at the grooves are closer to each other in the entry position than in the use position such that the grooves (17, 217A, 217, 317) are relatively open in the use position and the grooves (17, 217A, 217, 317) are relatively closed in the entry position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 202211397025.0 entitled "Easy-to-enter shoe with movable joint sole structure", filed on December 18, 2019.

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 786,056, filed December 28, 2018, and also to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 923,049, filed October 18, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to a footwear article, and more specifically to an accessible footwear article having a joined sole structure. Background Technology

[0005] Traditionally, placing a shoe on the foot usually requires using one or both hands to stretch the ankle opening of the shoe and hold the back of the shoe while inserting the foot. Then, the fit of the shoe is adjusted after the foot is inserted, for example by tying the shoelaces. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary and not to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 1 This is an outer side view of a footwear item with a sole structure in the use position.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An inside side view of a footwear article with a sole structure in the use position.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An inside side view of a footwear item in the entry position.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the bottom of a footwear item.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial inner side view of the sole structure in its use position.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial inner side view of the sole structure in the entry position.

[0013] Figure 7 It is the heel and footbed edge of the shoe sole structure. Figure 9 The cross-sectional view taken by line 7-7 in the figure.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a footwear item in the entry position.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective and partial view of the heel footbed structure of the shoe sole.

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a footwear item in its use position, showing the protrusion of the upper portion after the heel bed has moved.

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Perspective and partial views of the rear midsole and rear upper portion, with the heel footbed removed.

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The rear midsole and rear upper portion along Figure 11 The perspective cross-sectional view taken from line 12-12, where the heel footbed has been removed.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional view of the rear midsole and rear upper portion, with the heel footbed positioned in the use position.

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 The rear view of the footwear item in its usage position.

[0021] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 The bottom view of the outsole of the shoe sole structure in the use position.

[0022] Figure 16 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the shoe sole structure.

[0023] Figure 17 It is used for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the sole structure of a footwear article, which has a connecting member that is a plate.

[0024] Figure 18 It is used for Figure 1A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connecting member of the sole structure of a footwear item, the connecting member being in the inserted position.

[0025] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A perspective view of the connecting member in its usage position.

[0026] Figure 20 It is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connecting member of the sole structure of a footwear article, the connecting member being in the inserted position.

[0027] Figure 21 It is used for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the sole structure of a footwear article, which has a connecting member that is a plate.

[0028] Figure 22 It is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connecting member of the sole structure of a footwear article, the connecting member being in the inserted position.

[0029] Figure 23 This is an inside side view of an alternative embodiment of a footwear article having a sole structure in the use position.

[0030] Figure 24 From Figure 23 Plan view of the inner side of the elastic bias member removed from footwear items.

[0031] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 Bottom view of footwear items.

[0032] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 The sole structure of the item along the sole structure Figure 25 The cross-sectional view taken by line 26-26 in the figure.

[0033] Figure 27 yes Figure 26 Cross-sectional view of the sole structure plate and the forefoot midsole component.

[0034] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A plan view of the board.

[0035] Figure 29 yes Figure 27 The outer side view of the plate.

[0036] Figure 30 yes Figure 27 Rear view of the board.

[0037] Figure 31 yes Figure 27 A plan view of the front midsole component, in which the hook-and-loop fastener portion is fixed to the inner and outer sidewalls.

[0038] Figure 32 yes Figure 27 Bottom view of the front midsole component.

[0039] Figure 33 yes Figure 27 Rear view of the front midsole component. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The footwear articles disclosed herein can achieve hands-free placement of footwear articles by providing a sole structure having separate forefoot and rearfoot midsole components connected to each other by at least one connecting member defining at least one groove. The connecting member can be, for example, a portion of an outsole with a groove, a grooved plate, and / or a textile component such as a woven sheet.

[0041] The connecting member is specifically used as a hinge or joint at the groove, and the sole structure is pivotable (e.g., articulated) between a first orientation (referred to as the use position where the groove is relatively open) and a second orientation (referred to as the entry position where the groove is relatively closed).

[0042] The opposing surfaces of the connecting members at the groove are closer to each other in the entry position than in the use position, such that the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the separate forefoot and rearfoot upper portions can be attached to the forefoot midsole and rearfoot midsole components.

[0044] At least some portions of the forefoot and heel upper can be further apart from each other in the entry position, allowing the foot to enter the forefoot more easily, while the heel upper automatically closes around the foot when the shoe returns to the use position under the foot's load.

[0045] The shoe can be made bistable in the entry and use position by using a biasing component (such as an elastic band), which helps to enter and remove the shoe without using the hands, and to secure the shoe in the entry and use position.

[0046] These and other aspects described herein make hands-free operation possible.

[0047] In one example, footwear may include a sole structure, which may include a forefoot midsole component and a rearfoot midsole component.

[0048] A connecting member connects the forefoot midsole component to the rearfoot midsole component. The connecting member defines at least one groove between the forefoot midsole component and the rearfoot midsole component on the underside of the sole structure. The forefoot midsole component and the rearfoot midsole component are pivotable relative to each other at the groove between a use position and an entry position. The groove can be relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the connecting member may be an outsole that serves as a liner in the groove for the rear wall of the front midsole component and the front wall of the rear midsole component.

[0050] Specifically, the rear midsole component may be separate from, not directly connected to, and not integral with the forefoot midsole component. Such a midsole component may be referred to as segmented. Similarly, footwear articles may include segmented uppers having a forefoot portion attached to the forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot portion attached to the rear midsole component.

[0051] At least some portions of the forefoot and heel can be spaced further apart in the entry position than in the use position.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, in the use position, the sidewalls of the fore-midsole component and the sidewalls of the rear-midsole component may generally face each other or generally oppose each other above the groove. For example, the rear edge of the sidewall of the fore-midsole component and the front edge of the sidewall of the rear-midsole component may slope forward from the groove in the use position, wherein the sidewall of the rear-midsole component extends partially on the sidewall of the fore-midsole component in front of the groove. This specifically provides an overlapping area between the sidewalls of the rear-midsole component and the sidewalls of the fore-midsole component in the longitudinal direction of the sole structure. In the use position, the sidewall of the fore-midsole component faces the sidewall of the rear-midsole component, particularly in front of the groove.

[0053] In one aspect, the front surface of the sidewall of the rear midsole component may be arranged at an acute angle to the outer surface of the sidewall of the rear midsole component, and / or the rear surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component may be arranged at an obtuse angle to the outer surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component.

[0054] Specifically, the front surface of the sidewall of the rear midsole component faces the rear surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component in the use position. For example, the front surface of the sidewall of the rear midsole component may slope rearward from the outer edge to the inner edge of the front surface, and the rear surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component may slope rearward from the outer edge to the inner edge of the front surface. In such a configuration, any slight separation between the rear edge and the front edge of the sidewall of the front midsole component in the use position will be less noticeable because the obtuse-angled rear surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component will be directly inside any such gap, rather than the gap extending directly through the sidewall as if the front and rear surfaces were perpendicular to the outer surface of the sidewall. Furthermore, any moisture will be discharged outward and downward along the rear surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component in front of the groove.

[0055] In one aspect, the forefoot midsole component includes a heel bed that, particularly in the use position, extends over a groove and covers the rearfoot midsole component; the heel bed is spaced apart from the rearfoot midsole component in the entry position. By extending rearward in this manner, the heel bed serves as a target for aligning the foot above the rearfoot midsole component, allowing the rear upper portion to easily wrap around the back of the heel when the shoe moves to the use position by the weight of the foot.

[0056] In particular, the forefoot midsole component extends in the forefoot, midfoot, and heel areas of the footwear in the use position. For example, the heel footbed may extend in the heel area in the use position. Specifically, the mating features of the midsole components can therefore be provided in front of and behind the grooves, wherein the front edge of the sidewall of the rear midsole component overlaps the rear edge of the sidewall of the forefoot midsole component, and the rearwardly extending heel footbed of the forefoot midsole component covers and locks to the rear midsole component, as described herein.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the sides of the forefoot and rearfoot upper portions may overlap in the use position, providing greater lateral support where they overlap. For example, in embodiments where the forefoot portions of either one or both of the inner and outer sides of the rearfoot upper portion are laterally arranged inside the rearfoot portions of the inner and outer sides of the forefoot upper portion, or laterally arranged outside the rearfoot portions of the inner and outer sides of the forefoot upper portion, the sides may overlap in the lateral direction in the use position.

[0058] Furthermore, the heel footbed may include a body and a plate embedded in or fixed to the body from outside the body. The plate may, in particular, be relatively more rigid than the body. For example, the plate may have a first stiffness, while the body may have a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. A stiffer plate allows for a smoother transition between the entry and use positions, allowing the footbed to be more easily positioned on the rear midsole and within the rear upper portion.

[0059] A stiffer plate reinforces the back of the heel bed, preventing it from twisting around its longitudinal axis and allowing it to move more easily through the back of the upper between the entry and use positions compared to a heel bed without a plate.

[0060] The plate may be located entirely behind the trench in the usage position, or it may extend at least into the trench in the usage position.

[0061] In one or more configurations, the heel footbed may further include an external reinforcing layer located on the rear portion of the body. The external reinforcing layer may define the rear periphery of the heel footbed. The stiffness of the body may be relatively less than that of the external reinforcing layer. For example, the body may have a first stiffness, and the external reinforcing layer may have a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness.

[0062] In particular, the outer surface of the stiffer outer reinforcement layer can also have a lower coefficient of friction than the outer surface of the body, and can make the heel footbed move more easily through the back part of the shoe between the entry position and the use position compared to a heel footbed without an outer reinforcement layer.

[0063] Specifically, the outer reinforcing layer may include at least one tab that projects substantially rearward at its rear periphery. The rear midsole component may include at least one rib that projects forward at the rear portion of the foot-facing surface of the rear midsole component. When the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position, the tab(s) engage with the rib(s), which is positioned below the rib in the use position.

[0064] In one example, the rear midsole component may include at least one body and at least one reinforcing member disposed on the body. The reinforcing member may be relatively stiffer than the body and may include ribs (one or more).

[0065] At least one of the rear midsole components or heel footbed elastically deforms when the tabs (one or more) engage with the ribs (one or more), and elastically returns to a pre-deformed state when the sole structure is in the use position, the ribs (one or more) and the tabs (one or more) locking the sole structure in the use position. A reinforcing member may define at least one recess below the ribs (one or more), and the tabs (one or more) may be at least partially arranged in the recesses (one or more) when the sole structure is in the use position, further securing the heel footbed in the use position.

[0066] The rear upper portion may have a protrusion that projectes forward toward the heel footbed when the front and rear midsole components are in the use position. For example, the protrusion may be shaped to be compliant (e.g., compressible) and may be shaped to fit and protect the wearer's Achilles tendon. Because the protruding tab is made of a relatively stiff material of the outer reinforcement layer, the protruding tab can compress the protrusion to move through it as the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position. The stiffness of the insert plate can also particularly assist in compressing the protrusion in the heel footbed as the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position, allowing the footbed to move through the protrusion.

[0067] Additional or alternative, the rear upper may include an elastic heel strap that stretches to substantially conform to the back of the wearer’s foot to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, footwear articles may include resilient biasing members, such as elastic bands, specifically secured to the inner and outer sidewalls of the forefoot midsole component in front of the groove, and / or secured to the rearfoot midsole component behind the groove.

[0069] In some embodiments, the resilient biasing member is removably secured to the inner sidewall of the front midsole component at a first position by a first fastener, removably secured to the rear midsole component at a second position by a second fastener, and / or removably secured to the outer sidewall of the front midsole component at a third position by a third fastener. For example, a hook-and-loop fastener may be used at one or more of the first, second, and third positions, including a first fastener portion secured to the front midsole component and a second fastener portion secured to the resilient biasing member and releasably secured to the first fastener portion.

[0070] The various components of the sole structure described herein are elastic components, such as elastic biasing members, e.g., elastic bands and outsoles. Elastic components include elastomeric materials. Elastomeric materials can be thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomers. Elastomeric materials can be foamed or non-foamed elastomers. In certain examples, non-foamed elastomers may be used to form one or more elastic components due to their greater tensile strength. Elastomeric materials can be cross-linked rubber materials, such as sulfur- or peroxide-cured rubber materials.

[0071] Elastomer materials include one or more elastic polymers. These elastic polymers may include elastic polyurethane, elastic polyester, elastic polyether, elastic polyamide, elastic polyolefin, or any combination thereof. The one or more elastomeric polymers may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The one or more elastomeric polymers may include polyether-polyurea copolymers.

[0072] The one or more elastomeric polymers may include rubber. Rubber may be natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or a combination of both. Examples of rubber types include butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, polyurethane rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, polyurethane rubber, polynorbornene rubber, methyl methacrylate butadiene styrene (MBS) rubber, styrene-ethylene-butene (SEBS) rubber, silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, and mixtures thereof. Rubber compounds may be virgin materials, re-grinding materials, and mixtures thereof.

[0073] Elastomer materials may (and particularly also) contain one or more additives, which are independently selected from the group consisting of crosslinking agents, plasticizers, release agents, lubricants, antioxidants, flame retardants, dyes, pigments, reinforcing and unreinforcing fillers, fiber reinforcers and light stabilizers.

[0074] In one aspect, the elastic biasing member can be bistable in both the use position and the entry position. In other words, the elastic biasing member can be in a tensioned state when the sole structure is in the entry position and when the sole structure is in the use position. When the elastic biasing member is fixed to both the forefoot and rearfoot midsole components, it can increase the tension when the sole structure is between the use and entry positions.

[0075] Specifically, the resilient biasing member can be positioned such that the longitudinal tension in the resilient biasing member is partially reduced when the shoe is in the use position, and also partially reduced when the shoe is in the entry position. In other words, the resilient biasing member makes the sole structure bistable, biasing it to both the entry and use positions. The applied forces—such as the weight of the foot used to move the shoe from one position to another—will be aided by the biasing of the resilient biasing member, which forces the sole structure back to either the use or entry position, relative to remaining in the intermediate position.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the resilient biasing member is fixed to the inner sidewall of the front midsole component in a first position, to the rear midsole component in a second position, and / or to the outer sidewall of the front midsole component in a third position. The resilient biasing member may not be fixed between the first and second positions, and may not be fixed between the second and third positions. This particularly allows movement of the front and rear midsole components relative to the unfixed portion of the resilient biasing member when hinged between the entry and use positions.

[0077] In one or more configurations, when the sole structure is in the use position, the rear edge of the sidewall of the fore-midsole component may be adjacent to the front edge of the sidewall of the rear-midsole component above the groove. When the sole structure is in the use position, the resilient biasing member may cover both the rear and front edges. In some embodiments, when the sole structure is in the use position, the resilient biasing member may completely cover both the rear and front edges.

[0078] In one example, the sole structure may include an outsole, and the rear midsole component may define a ridge at the final extension of the rear midsole component. The outsole may wrap substantially upward along the rear midsole component and over the ridge. For example, to facilitate hands-free shoe removal, the rear midsole component may project behind the ridge from the rear upper portion, providing a downward-pressing surface for the opposite foot as the wearer's heel lifts from the shoe. As the sole structure hinges at the grooves, this force can specifically cause the sole structure to move into an entry position, with the rear upper portion sliding away from the foot, allowing the foot to disengage from the forefoot portion.

[0079] In particular, the outsole can be made of a stiffer material than the rear midsole components, and by wrapping upwards along the ridge, the outsole reinforces the area around the ridge, increasing its ability to withstand the repetitive forces exerted on the relative foot during shoe removal.

[0080] In another embodiment, the outsole may have a bottom portion fixed to the bottom of the rear midsole component and a rear portion fixed to the rear wall of the rear midsole component. The rear portion may, in particular, be arranged at an obtuse angle relative to the bottom portion. With this configuration, the bottom portion of the outsole can be a ground contact surface that contacts a horizontal ground plane in the use position, and the rear portion of the outsole can be a ground contact surface that has a horizontal ground plane in the entry position. This configuration allows the sole structure to rest only on the front portion of the forefoot midsole component in the entry position and on the rear portion of the outsole on the rear midsole component, wherein the sole structure is hinged upwards at the grooves.

[0081] To increase stability, the sole structure can be specifically configured to rest on three areas of the outsole in a tripod arrangement in the entry position. More specifically, in addition to resting on the front portion of the outsole in front of the raised grooves, the rear portion of the outsole behind the grooves can rest on two areas, which are separated by a recess on the outer surface of the outsole.

[0082] The sole structure may include an outsole having a front bottom portion fixed to the bottom of a front midsole component, a rear bottom portion fixed to the bottom of a rear midsole component, and a rear portion fixed to the rear wall of the rear midsole component.

[0083] At least one of the rear wall of the rear midsole component and the rear portion of the outsole may have a recessed outer surface. Specifically, in the entry position, the sole structure is raised off the horizontal plane at the groove and rests on the front bottom portion and the rear portion of the outsole at the inner and outer sides of the recess, which are spaced apart from the horizontal plane.

[0084] In particular, the connecting members may include textile components, such as textile sheets. For example, the textile component may be a lining for the rear wall of the front midsole component and the front wall of the rear midsole component at the groove.

[0085] More specifically, the connecting member can be attached to the front midsole and rear midsole components to line the rear wall of the front midsole and the front wall of the rear midsole at the groove. Specifically, the connecting member can be pre-formed to define the groove (e.g., when it is separate, the connecting member can be shaped into the groove before being attached to the front and rear midsole components). For example, the connecting member can be part of a single outsole or a component of multiple outsoles. Therefore, the connecting member can comprise the same material as the outsole. Alternatively, the connecting member can be a more rigid material than the outsole, such as a relatively rigid plastic plate.

[0086] In one embodiment, the plate may have a front portion connected to the rear midsole component and a rear portion connected to the rear midsole component. The connecting member may also include a hinge pin that extends laterally relative to the front and rear portions of the plate and hinges the front portion of the plate to the rear portion of the plate.

[0087] In any of the embodiments of the connecting member disclosed herein, the sole structure may further include one or more ribs that are fixed in a groove to the connecting member and extend outward into the groove. For example, a front rib may be fixed in a groove to the front wall of the connecting member, and a rear rib may be fixed in a groove to the rear wall of the connecting member.

[0088] Ribs can be used in particular as buffers or spacers to prevent the walls of the connecting members from contacting each other in the closed position of the groove (e.g., in the entry position of the sole structure), and / or in particular to reinforce the walls of the connecting members.

[0089] In one example, footwear may include a sole structure comprising a forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot midsole component. The rear wall of the forefoot midsole component and the front wall of the rearfoot midsole component may be juxtaposed.

[0090] The sole structure may also include an outsole that connects the fore midsole component to the rear midsole component and is disposed on the rear wall of the fore midsole component and the front wall of the rear midsole component, and defines a groove between the fore midsole component and the rear midsole component on the underside of the sole structure.

[0091] Footwear articles may also include a segmented upper having a forefoot portion fixed to a forefoot midsole and a separate rearfoot portion fixed to a rearfoot midsole. The forefoot and rearfoot midsole components are pivotable relative to each other at grooves (one or more) between a use position and an entry position. The outsole may be lined for both the rear and forefoot walls.

[0092] The forefoot midsole may include a heel footbed that, in the use position, extends at least partially over the groove and covers the rear midsole. Specifically, the rear edge of the sidewall of the forefoot midsole and the front edge of the sidewall of the rear midsole may slope forward over the groove in the use position, and / or the sidewall of the rear midsole may extend partially on the sidewall of the forefoot midsole in front of the groove.

[0093] In one or more configurations, the heel footbed may be spaced apart from the rear upper portion in the entry position, extending rearward and upward from the forefoot midsole component.

[0094] The rear midsole component may protrude to the ridge above the rear wall of the rear midsole component and behind the rear upper portion. The outsole may substantially wrap upward along the ridge of the rear midsole component. The elastic band may be secured to the medial sidewall of the front midsole component at a first position, to the rear midsole component at a second position, and to the lateral sidewall of the front midsole component at a third position, and is not secured between the first and second positions or between the second and third positions.

[0095] A method of manufacturing footwear articles may include providing a front portion, a rear portion, and a lateral groove for a connecting member, the lateral groove extending between and separating the front and rear portions, the footwear articles being such as those disclosed herein. The method may include attaching a fore-midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member, and may further include attaching a rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member, the fore-midsole component being pivotable relative to the rear midsole component at the groove.

[0096] In one example, the method may further include molding the connecting member to form the front portion, the rear portion, and the lateral groove before attaching the front midsole component to the front portion and the rear midsole component to the rear portion. In such an embodiment, attaching the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and attaching the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member may be done by molding the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and molding the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member.

[0097] The method may further include connecting the front portion of the outsole to the front portion of the midsole component in front of the connecting member. The method may also include connecting the rear portion of the outsole to the rear portion of the midsole component behind the connecting member.

[0098] The connecting member can be an outsole or a portion thereof, or it can be a plate made of a material different from and harder than the outsole, and in any case, it can be pre-formed to define a groove. In one aspect of the method, the connecting member can be a textile component, and providing the connecting member can further include connecting a front portion of the outsole to a front portion of the textile component and a rear portion of the outsole to a rear portion of the textile component. The textile component can define a groove. With any of these embodiments of the connecting member, the method can further include securing ribs in the groove to the wall of the connecting member.

[0099] Specifically, the connecting members, front midsole components, and rear midsole components can be attached to each other.

[0100] In particular, the connecting members, the front midsole component and the rear midsole component can be co-molded (e.g., they can be connected to each other as a result of co-molding).

[0101] Specifically, connecting the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and connecting the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member can be achieved by printing the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member. For example, additive printing processes, such as 3D printing, can be used.

[0102] The above-mentioned features and advantages of this teaching, as well as other features and advantages, will readily become apparent from the following detailed description of the model for implementing this teaching, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0103] Referring to the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the drawings, Figure 1 An embodiment of a footwear article 10 (also referred to herein as shoe 10) is shown, comprising a sole structure 12 having a midsole 14 having a fore-midsole component 14A and a rear midsole component 14B, the rear midsole component being separately disposed from and separated from the fore-midsole component 14A. In other words, the fore-midsole component 14A is not integrally formed with, integrated with, and / or directly attached to the rear midsole component 14B. However, both the fore-midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B are attached to at least one connecting member 16, which in the illustrated embodiment is an outsole 16. The connecting member 16 defines at least one groove 17 between the fore-midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B on the underside or ground-jointing side of the sole structure 12, as further described herein.

[0104] exist Figure 1In this design, groove 17 is specifically configured to have a generally triangular shape in a cross-section taken along the longitudinal length of the footwear article 10. In other embodiments, groove 17 may be more semi-circular, square, or rectangular in cross-section. Groove 17 may have any cross-sectional shape that allows the two midsole components 14A, 14B to pivot relative to each other at groove 17. The peak of groove 17, or the top of the cross-section through groove 17, is specifically configured to allow material flexure for opening and closing groove 17 while minimizing or reducing stress concentration or fatigue. For example, if the top of groove 17 specifically extends from the outer side 32 to the inner side 34 of sole structure 12, the internal forces due to flexure diffuse across the entire width of sole structure 12, reducing stress concentration. Additionally, if the top of groove 17 specifically has a relatively rounded rather than relatively pointed shape (e.g., without a pointed apex), the internal forces diffuse over a larger area of ​​the material, reducing stress concentration compared to a pointed groove.

[0105] Footwear article 10 may also include a segmented upper 18 having a forefoot portion 18A and a rearfoot portion 18B. As discussed herein, these and other features of footwear article 10 facilitate the entry position of the shoe (such as...) Figure 3 (As shown) allows for particularly easy, hands-free access to footwear 10. Additionally, the shoe 10 occupies a usable space after the foot enters (especially in a hands-free manner). Figure 1 (As shown). The shoe 10 herein is described as a casual shoe or athletic shoe, but this teaching is not limited to this and also includes dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or any other category of shoes.

[0106] The forefoot midsole component 14A and the rearfoot midsole component 14B are side by side, with the rear wall 20 of the forefoot midsole component 14A and the front wall 22 of the rearfoot midsole component 14B defining the area of ​​the groove 17. The groove 17 is specifically located on the underside 24 of the sole structure 12 and / or between the forefoot midsole component 14A and the rearfoot midsole component 14B.

[0107] The outsole 16 specifically connects the front midsole component 14A to the rear midsole component 14B and / or is disposed on the rear wall 20 of the front midsole component 14A and the front wall 22 of the rear midsole component 14B, and further defines a groove 17. For example, the outsole 16 may be fixed to the front midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B using adhesives, thermal bonding or other means.

[0108] The forefoot midsole component 14A includes at least one flexible groove 15 in the forefoot region 26. The flexible groove 15 is neither as deep nor as wide as the groove 17, and is defined by the forefoot midsole component 14A. As shown, the outsole 16 aligns the front and rear walls of the forefoot midsole component 14A within the flexible groove 15.

[0109] The forefoot portion 18A of the segmented upper 18 is specifically fixed to the forefoot midsole component 14A, and / or the separate rearfoot portion 18B is specifically fixed to the rearfoot midsole component 14B.

[0110] The rear upper portion 18B may include a variety of different materials. For example, the rear upper portion 18B may include an elastic heel strap 19 that stretches to conform to the back of the wearer's foot to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The elastic heel strap 19 may be secured to the base layer 21 of the rear upper portion 18B by stitching or otherwise at the inner and outer ends, and a retaining tab 23 may cross the elastic heel strap 19 to help position it across the rear of the rear upper portion 18B.

[0111] The front midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B are in Figure 1 Usage location and Figure 3 The entry positions are pivotable relative to each other at groove 17. The segmented upper 18 particularly facilitates pivoting of the shoe 10 at groove 17 and / or hands-free entry of the foot. The upper 18 is referred to as segmented because the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B are separate, discrete upper parts that are not physically connected to each other. Thus, they do not interfere with each other when the shoe 10 moves from the entry position to the use position or vice versa. Alternatively, the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B can be single, integral, unsegmented portions of the upper. For example, the upper 18 may include gussets, creases, pleats, relatively elastic portions, etc., which extend as a single integral part of the upper between the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B, connecting the forefoot and rearfoot portions 18B, while still allowing the upper 18 to widen to the entry position at the ankle opening 46.

[0112] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, groove 17 is relatively open and / or the front upper portion 18A and the rear upper portion 18B are adjacent to each other in the use position. Figure 3 As shown, the groove 17 is relatively closed, and at least some portions of the front upper portion 18A and the rear upper portion 18B are spaced further apart from each other in the access position than in the use position.

[0113] The facing surfaces of the connecting member 16 at the groove 17 (e.g., the outer surface 16B of the portion of the outsole 16 on the front wall 22 of the rear midsole member 14B and the outer surface 16A of the rear wall 20 of the front midsole member 14A) in the entry position (see...) Figure 6 ) compared to the location of use (see Figure 2 They are brought closer together, so that groove 17 is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the access position.

[0114] Specifically, in the entry position, when the groove 17 is relatively closed, the sole structure 12 rests only on the front portion 16E and the rear portion 16D of the outsole 16, as... Figure 3 As shown, and / or the outer surface 16A of the outsole 16 on the rear wall 20 of the front midsole component 14A contacts the outer surface 16B of the outer surface 16B on the front wall 22 of the rear midsole component 14B, or is at least closer to the outer surface 16B than in the use position.

[0115] Outer surfaces 16A and 16B can make contact at the entry position (see...) Figure 6 The grooves 17 are provided to provide a stop (e.g., to prevent further rotation or pivoting movement toward each other), but the outer surfaces 16A, 16B are not necessarily in contact in the entry position. When the heel footbed 38 covers and contacts the rear midsole component 14B, the grooves 17 are relatively open, as discussed herein.

[0116] Outsole 16 can be Figure 5 The open position has a groove 17 pre-formed in it. In other words, the outsole 16 can be molded together with the groove(s) 17. The front midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B can be molded, trimmed, or otherwise manufactured to have Figure 1-5 The shape shown may be molded into a single part and then cut into two separate parts. The front midsole part 14A and the rear midsole part 14B are then attached to the outsole 16 via pre-formed grooves (one or more) 17.

[0117] refer to Figure 1 The footwear 10 has three main areas: a forefoot area 26, a midfoot area 28, and a heel area 30, which are also the forefoot, midfoot, and heel areas of the sole structure 12 and the upper 18, respectively. The shoe 10 also includes a lateral side 32 and a medial side 34 opposite to the lateral side 32 (in... Figure 2 (Best shown in the diagram). The forefoot region 26 generally includes the portion of the footwear 10 corresponding to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals and phalanges of the wearer's foot. The midfoot region 28 generally includes the portion of the footwear 10 corresponding to the arch region of the foot, and / or the heel region 30 corresponds to the posterior portion of the foot, including the calcaneus. The lateral and medial sides 34 extend through each of the forefoot region 26, the midfoot region 28, and the heel region 30, and correspond to opposite sides of the footwear 10. The forefoot region 26, the midfoot region 28, the heel region 30, the lateral side 32, and the medial side 34 are not intended to define precise areas of the shoe 10, but rather to represent general areas of the shoe 10 to aid in the following discussion.

[0118] The forefoot midsole component 14A may include a body 36A, and the rear midsole component 14B may include a separate body 36B. The bodies 36A and 36B may, for example, include an elastic foam, such as polyurethane or ethyl vinyl ester foam, to reduce ground reaction forces (i.e., provide cushioning) when the device is compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other activities. In other configurations, one or both of the forefoot midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, decelerators, or other elements that further reduce forces, enhance stability, or influence foot movement.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiments, the foam of the buffer layer (e.g., bodies 36A, 36B) may include a foam polymer material and may be at least partially polyurethane (PU) foam, polyurethane ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and may include thermally expanded and molded EVA foam particles.

[0120] Foamed polymer materials include one or more polymers. These polymers may include elastomers, including thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures thereof. In one example, the polymers may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures thereof. For example, copolymers may be random copolymers, block copolymers, alternating copolymers, periodic copolymers, or graft copolymers. The polymers may include olefin homopolymers, copolymers, or mixtures of olefin homopolymers and copolymers. Examples of olefin polymers include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). For example, PE may be PE homopolymers, 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 ethylene copolymers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated monofatty acid copolymers, etc. The one or more polymers may include polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, etc.; including their derivatives, copolymers, and any mixtures thereof. The 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, magnesium, potassium, or another metal ion. Ionomer polymers may be fatty acid-modified ionomer polymers. Examples of ionomers include polystyrene sulfonates and ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers. The one or more polymers may include polycarbonates. The one or more polymers may include fluoropolymers. The one or more polymers may include polysiloxanes. The one or more polymers may include vinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. The one or more polymers may include polystyrene. Polystyrene may be styrene copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS), styrene ethylene propylene propylene styrene (SEPS), styrene butadiene styrene (SBS), etc. The one or more polymers may include polyamides (PA). PA may be PA6, PA66, PA11, or copolymers 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 polyurethanes, including aromatic polyurethanes derived from aromatic isocyanates (such as diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) or toluene diisocyanate (TDI)), or aliphatic polyurethanes derived from aliphatic isocyanates (such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) or isocyanate diisocyanate (IPDI)), or mixtures of aromatic polyurethanes and aliphatic polyurethanes.

[0121] Foamed polymer materials can be chemically foamed polymer materials, which are foamed using chemical blowing agents that form a gas upon heating. For example, chemical blowing agents can be azo compounds such as hexamethylenetetramine, sodium bicarbonate, or isocyanates. Alternatively or additionally, foamed polymer materials can be physically foamed polymer materials, which are foamed using physical blowing agents that change phase from liquid or supercritical fluid to gas due to changes in temperature and / or pressure.

[0122] Optionally, in addition to the one or more polymers mentioned above, the polymeric 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 polymeric material may optionally further include one or more colorants, such as pigments or dyes. Other optional components of the polymeric material include processing aids, ultraviolet absorbers, etc.

[0123] The foam polymer material can be a cross-linked foam polymer material, that is, a foam material in which covalent cross-linking bonds exist between at least a portion of the one or more polymers. A cross-linked foam polymer material can be formed by including a cross-linking agent in the polymer material used to form the foam. The cross-linking agent can be a peroxide-based cross-linking agent, such as dicumyl peroxide. Alternatively, the foam polymer material can be an uncross-linked foam polymer material that is thermoplastic. The foam polymer material can be an elastic foam material.

[0124] The forefoot midsole component 14A extends in the forefoot region 26 and the midfoot region 28, and / or particularly includes a heel footbed 38 extending in the heel region 30 (see, for example, see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 Therefore, the forefoot midsole component 14A is specifically a full-length midsole component. In other embodiments, the heel footbed 38 may be absent, or there may be a footbed portion extending rearward over the groove 17 that does not fully extend into the heel area 30. Figure 10 As shown, the heel footbed 38 extends the entire width between the inner side 18B1 and the outer side 18B2 of the rear upper portion 18B. In other embodiments, the heel footbed 38 does not need to extend the entire width.

[0125] The heel footbed 38 is specifically an integral part of the forefoot midsole component 14A. In other words, the forefoot midsole component 14A, including the heel footbed 38, can be a single component, for example, formed by injection molding or other means. Conversely, the rear midsole component 14B is not specifically a full-length midsole component, as it extends in the heel region but not in the forefoot region 26, and / or only slightly in the midfoot region 28, or not at all. The rear midsole component 14B extends primarily behind the groove 17 in the heel region 30 and includes sidewalls extending anteriorly to the groove 17, as discussed further herein.

[0126] As shown in the figure, the groove 17 is located at the boundary between the heel region 30 and the midfoot region 28, such that in the use position, a portion of the sidewall extending forward from the groove 17 can be in the midfoot region 28, while the midsole component 14B is mainly in the heel region 30.

[0127] The front and rear midsole components 14A and 14B can selectively pivot relative to each other at the groove 17. For example, Figure 1 The shoe 10 is shown in its first orientation (also known as the use position). Figure 3 The shoe 10 is shown in the second orientation (also known as the entry position). The groove 17 is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation.

[0128] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the shoe 10 is in the use position, the groove 17 is relatively open, wherein the outer surface 16A of the portion of the outsole 16 on the rear wall 20 of the fore-midsole component 14A is spaced apart from and does not contact the outer surface 16B of the portion of the outsole 16 on the front wall 22 of the rear midsole component 14B.

[0129] When the shoe is 10 Figure 3 When in the entry position, the groove 17 is relatively closed because the outer surface 16A of the portion of the outsole 16 on the rear wall 20 of the front midsole component 14A is substantially in contact with, or at least closer to, the outer surface 16B of the portion of the outsole 16 on the front wall 22 of the rear midsole component 14B than it is in the use position.

[0130] like Figure 2 As shown, in the position of use, the fore midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B are substantially coplanar in a plane that is parallel to the plane indicated by the dashed line representing the ground surface GS, and together form the footbed.

[0131] exist Figure 3In the entry position, a portion of the sole structure 12 is specifically raised from the ground surface GS at the groove 17 relative to the use position, such that the rear midsole component 14B is inclined from the rear end 42 of the rear midsole component 14B toward the closed groove, and the front midsole component 14A is inclined from the front end 44 of the front midsole component 14A toward the closed groove 17.

[0132] The forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B specifically define an ankle opening 46 that leads to a foot receiving chamber 40, during use of the shoe 10, whereby the wearer's foot is supported on the sole structure 12 and secured within the upper 18. In the use position, the size of the ankle opening 46 is determined by the positions of the distal edges 48A of the forefoot portion 18A and 48B of the rearfoot portion 18B.

[0133] exist Figure 3 In the entry position, at least some portions of the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B are separated from each other, opening the ankle opening 46 wider than in the use position, allowing easier access to the foot receiving chamber 40 from the rear. More specifically, the distal edges 48A of the forefoot portion 18A and the distal edges 48B of the rearfoot portion 18B defining the ankle opening 46 are further separated from each other.

[0134] Specifically, since the forefoot portion 18A is tilted in the entry position and the rearfoot portion 18B is positioned below the entry angle of the forefoot portion 18A, the foot can slide forward into the foot receiving chamber 40 at the forefoot portion 18A, with the toes entering in a downward and forward trajectory, using the heel footbed 38 as a guide, and in particular, there is no need to stretch, open, shift, or otherwise displace any part of the shoe 10.

[0135] When the foot is inserted into the forefoot portion 18A and the weight is placed on the forefoot midsole portion 14A, the forefoot midsole portion 14A is forced to return to the use position, and the rear midsole portion 14B also returns to the use position, so that the rearfoot portion 18B substantially surrounds the rear portion of the foot, capturing the foot within the foot receiving chamber 40.

[0136] As in Figure 2 As clearly shown, the front and rear heel edges 48A and 48B are configured to extend relatively high in the front and rear of the ankle region when the foot is inserted into the foot receiving chamber 40. Constructing the upper portions 18A and 18B in this way to wrap high around the ankle helps prevent foot retraction when the sole structure 12 is not in the entry position. The use of a relatively stiff material in the upper portions 18A and 18B near the ankle opening 46 particularly helps prevent foot retraction in addition to when the sole structure 12 is in the entry position.

[0137] like Figure 10As best shown, in the position of use, the heel footbed 38 extends over the groove 17 and / or covers the rear midsole component 14B.

[0138] The heel footbed 38 is specifically an integral part of the forefoot midsole component 14A, located on the inner side of the sidewalls 60, 66 of the forefoot upper portion 18A and / or extending rearward beyond the sidewalls 60, 66. Figure 3 In the entry position, the heel footbed 38 is specifically spaced apart from the rear upper portion 18B, extending rearward and upward from the front portion of the forefoot midsole component 14A. By extending rearward in this manner, the heel footbed 38 is exposed and serves as a target for aligning the foot above the rear midsole component 14B, allowing the rear upper portion 18B to easily wrap around the rear of the heel when the shoe 10 moves to the use position by the weight of the foot.

[0139] Additionally, when the sole structure 12 is in the engaged position, such as Figure 3 As shown, the upper edge of the heel vamp portion 18B and the heel footbed 38 can be approximately the same height, which helps prevent users from accidentally inserting their feet between the heel footbed 38 and the heel vamp portion 18B.

[0140] At least one resilient biasing member 50 is located along the outer side 32 of the footwear article 10. Figure 1 ), inner side 34 ( Figure 2 ) and / or extend around the rear periphery 52 of the rear midsole component 14B. The elastic biasing member 50 can be any elastically stretchable material, such as rubber or elastic nylon. The elastic biasing member 50 is shown as a flat elastic band, but may alternatively be constructed as a circular cord or other form.

[0141] Specifically, the elastic biasing member 50 is fixed to the front midsole component 14A in front of the groove 17 at both the outer side 32 and the inner side 34, and is also fixed to the rear midsole component 14B. More specifically, the elastic biasing member 50 is... Figure 2 The first position 51 shown is fixed to the inner sidewall 60 of the front midsole component 14A. The first position 51 can be specifically positioned along... Figure 2 The inner sidewall 60 extends from point 50A to point 50B.

[0142] The inner sidewall 60 extends from the outer bottom 16 to the upper edge 62, as shown. Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line, it is covered by the elastic bias member 50 in the usage position of the shoe 10.

[0143] The elastic biasing member 50 is particularly in Figure 2 The second position 53, as best shown, is fixed to the rear midsole component 14B. The second position 53 can extend substantially along the rear portion 64 of the rear midsole component 14B from point 50C to point 50D, as... Figure 14 As shown.

[0144] The elastic biasing member 50 (also) is particularly in Figure 1 The third position 55 is fixed to the outer sidewall 66 of the front midsole component 14A. The third position 55 can be along... Figure 1 The outer sidewall 66 extends from point 50e to point 50F.

[0145] The outer sidewall 66 extends from the outer bottom 16 to the upper edge 69, as shown. Figure 1 As shown by the dashed lines, the upper edge 69 is covered by the resilient biasing member 50 in the use position of the shoe 10. Specifically, the resilient biasing member 50 can cover the lower limit of the forefoot upper portion 18A and the lower limit of the rearfoot upper portion 18B in the use position. The resilient biasing member 50 can be unfixed between the first position 51 and the second position 53 and / or between the second position 53 and the third position 55. When hinged between the entry position and the use position, this allows the forefoot midsole component 14A and the rearfoot midsole component 14B to move relative to the unfixed portion of the resilient biasing member 50. Figure 1 and 2 and Figure 3 and 4 A comparison reveals that, for example, the elastic bias member 50 is not fixed between the first position 51 and the second position 53, and is also not fixed between the second position 53 and the third position 55.

[0146] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the resilient biasing member 50 specifically covers only the upper limits of the sidewalls 60 and 66, and / or only the upper limit of the rear portion 64. In the illustrated embodiment, in the usage position, the resilient biasing member 50 covers the rear edge 66A of the outer sidewall 66 of the front midsole component 14A and the front edge 63A of the outer sidewall 63 of the rear midsole component, and / or the rear edge 60A of the inner sidewall 60 of the front midsole component 14A and the front edge 61A of the inner sidewall 61 of the rear midsole component 14B.

[0147] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the resilient biasing member 50 completely covers the rear edge 66A, front edge 63A, rear edge 60A, and front edge 61A. By covering the adjacent edges 66A, 63A at the outer side 32 and the adjacent edges 60A, 61A at the inner side 34, the biasing member 50 acts as a barrier, preventing dust, debris, and moisture from entering between the front midsole components 14A, 14B at the edges.

[0148] The resilient biasing member 50 is specifically lengthened such that it is in a tensioned state in the use position so that the forefoot portion 18A and the rearfoot portion 18B abut against each other in the groove 17 during wear. The length of the resilient biasing member 50 is such that when the shoe 10 is in a tensioned state... Figure 3 It is also in a tensioned state when it is in the entry position so as to keep the shoe 10 in the entry position, ready for the foot to enter.

[0149] Specifically, as the shoe 10 moves from the entry position to the use position or vice versa, the tension of the elastic biasing member 50 is particularly increased as its length is stretched, making the shoe 10 bistable in both the use and entry positions. In this configuration, the longitudinal tensile force in the elastic biasing member 50 is partially reduced when the shoe is in the use or entry position. In other words, the elastic biasing member 50 specifically makes the sole structure 12 bistable, biasing it towards both the entry and use positions. The applied force—such as the weight of the foot used to move the shoe 10 from one position to another—is assisted by the biasing of the elastic biasing member 50 to maintain it in one or the other of the two positions, rather than in an intermediate position between the use and entry positions.

[0150] A force must be applied to stretch the elastic bias member 50 to specifically overcome the internal bias of the elastic bias member 50 in order to transition from the entry position to the use position, or vice versa. In particular, the magnitude of the force required to move the sole structure 12 from the entry position to the use position is determined in part by the weight of the footwear article 10, the friction of the foot moving against the shoe 10 upon insertion, and / or the friction between the outsole 16 and the ground (e.g., at a horizontal ground plane GS).

[0151] Specifically, when the shoe 10 is in the entry position, the force can be applied by the entry foot receiving in the foot receiving chamber 40 of the forefoot portion 18A, and the increased force required to stretch the elastic bias member 50 is provided by the wearer's foot, which loads the shoe 10 (e.g., places weight on the forefoot midsole portion 14A, including the heel footbed 38), so that the elastic bias member 50 is stretched during the transition from the entry position to the use position.

[0152] refer to Figure 2The rear midsole component 14B specifically defines a ridge 68 at its final extension. Specifically, as the bottom portion 72A slopes upward and outward and the top portion 72B slopes downward and outward, the ridge 68 is defined between the bottom portion 72A and the top portion 72B of the rear wall 72 of the rear midsole component 14B, where it meets the bottom portion 72A. The outsole 16 wraps upward from the bottom wall 70 of the rear midsole component 14B, then along the bottom portion 72A of the rear wall 72, and / or wraps over the ridge 68 to the top portion 72B of the rear wall 72.

[0153] To facilitate the removal of the shoe 10 without the need for hand handling, in the use position, the rear midsole component 14B specifically protrudes from behind the rear upper portion 18B to the ridge 68, using the top portion 72B of the rear wall 72 as an angled surface, which the opposite foot can press down on when the heel is raised. This causes the sole structure 12 to hinge at the groove 17 and move to the entry position, while the rear upper portion 18B moves downward and away from the heel, allowing the foot to exit from the foot receiving chamber 40 of the front upper portion 18A without the need for hand handling.

[0154] The outsole 16 may be a material harder than the rear midsole component 14B, such as natural or synthetic rubber or a rubber-containing compound, having a harder hardness than the body 36B of the rear midsole component 14B. Alternatively, the outsole 16 may be natural or synthetic leather or another material. The hardness may be measured according to any suitable scale (e.g., Shore A or Shore D scale) used for measuring the hardness of foams and rubber, and according to any relevant durometer testing method.

[0155] Specifically, by wrapping around the ridge 68, the outsole 16 reinforces the area surrounding the ridge 68, increasing its ability to withstand the repetitive forces exerted on the foot during the removal of the shoe 10. Fatigue life and environmental testing can be used to select suitable materials for the outsole 16. The ability of the outsole 16 to integrate with the midsole components 14A and 14B can also be considered when selecting materials for the outsole 16.

[0156] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rear edges 60A, 66A of the respective sidewalls 60, 66 of the front midsole component 14A and the front edges 61A, 63A of the respective inner and outer sidewalls 61, 63 of the rear midsole component 14B are shown to be substantially forward-sloping above the groove 17 in the use position. This causes the sidewalls 61, 63 of the rear midsole component 14B to extend partially onto the sidewalls 60, 66 of the front midsole component 14A in front of the groove 17.

[0157] Therefore, the fitting features of the midsole components 14A and 14B are specifically provided in front of and behind the groove 17: the sidewalls 61 and 63 of the rear midsole component 14B cover the sidewalls 60 and 66 of the front midsole component 14A in front of the groove, and the rearwardly extending heel footbed 38 of the front midsole component 14A covers the rear midsole component 14B behind the groove 17.

[0158] Figure 4 The bottom of the outsole is shown, including a rear portion 16D that serves as part of the ground contact surface in the entry position. The groove 17 is shown as substantially closed, and the midsole components 14A, 14B have been moved from the use position relative to the unsecured portion of the resilient bias member 50. The second and third secured positions 53 and 55 of the resilient bias member 50 are... Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0159] The bottom portion 16C of the outsole 16 is a ground contact surface having a horizontal ground plane GS in the use position, and / or the rear portion 16D of the outsole 16 is a ground contact surface having a horizontal ground plane GS in the entry position. Due to inherent manufacturing tolerances in molding foam midsoles or polymer outsoles, it is difficult to ensure that the outer surface of the outsole will be perfectly flat when attached to the midsole. In the entry position of this embodiment, the convex outsole at the rear of the sole structure can create instability in the entry position (e.g., it can cause the sole structure to tilt laterally). Therefore, instead of attempting a flat design, the outer surface of the rear portion 16D specifically has a recess 73, and / or the outsole 16 is spaced apart from the horizontal ground at the recess 73 in the entry position, such that the ground contact surface of the rear portion 16D specifically includes an inner region 75A on the inner side of the recess 73 and / or an outer region 75B on the outer side of the recess 73.

[0160] Specifically, in addition to the front region 75C of the front portion 16E of the outsole 16 forming the ground contact surface in the entry position (see... Figure 3 Apart from these two separated areas, Figure 4 The recess 73 is indicated by shading and / or forms a tripod arrangement to stabilize the sole structure 12 in the entry position. The recess 73 specifically ensures that the contact area in the rear portion is close to the medial and lateral sides, rather than only in a portion of the middle, as may occur with a convex outsole in the rear portion 16D. The recess 73 may be molded into the rear portion 16D, and / or may be caused by a recess in the rear midsole component 14B to which the rear portion 16D is secured and aligned.

[0161] refer to Figure 5The bottom portion 16C of the outsole 16 is specifically fixed to the bottom wall 70 of the rear midsole component 14B, and / or the rear portion 16D of the outsole 16 is specifically fixed to the rear wall 72 of the rear midsole component 14B. The rear portion 16D is set at an obtuse angle A1 relative to the bottom portion 16C.

[0162] Specifically, the angle A from the ground plane GS to the rear portion 16D of the outsole 16 can be equal to or approximately equal to the angle A between the outer surfaces 16A and 16B of the outsole portion of the lining open groove 17. With this configuration, the bottom portion 16C of the outsole 16 has a ground contact surface with a horizontal ground plane GS in the use position, and / or the rear portion 16D of the outsole 16 has a ground contact surface with a horizontal ground plane GS in the entry position. This configuration specifically allows the sole structure 12 to rest on the front portion 16E of the outsole 16 only on the forefoot midsole component 14A and on the rear portion 16D of the outsole 16 only on the rearfoot midsole component 14B (at the medial region 75A and lateral region 75B) in the entry position, wherein the sole structure 12 is hinged upwards at the groove 17, as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0163] exist Figure 5 In the middle section, the elastic biasing member 50 is not shown, which makes it easier to show the inclination of the inner sidewalls 60, 61 of the front midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B in the use position. In the use position, the inner sidewall 60 of the front midsole component 14A and the inner sidewall 61 of the rear midsole component 14B are shown facing each other above and in front of the groove 17.

[0164] Specifically, in the position of use, the rear edge 60A of the inner sidewall 60 and the front edge 61A of the inner sidewall 61 slope forward from the groove 17. Due to this slope, the inner sidewall 61 of the rear midsole component 14B extends partially onto the sidewall 60 of the front midsole component 14A in front of the groove 17. This specifically provides an overlapping area between the inner sidewall 61 of the rear midsole component 14B and the inner sidewall 60 of the front midsole component 14A along the longitudinal direction of the sole structure 12. Figure 1 The same applies to the outer sidewalls 63 and 66 shown. In particular, the outer sidewall 63 of the rear midsole component 14B also has an area that overlaps with the outer sidewall 66 of the front midsole component 14A.

[0165] Figure 6 A partial view of the sole structure 12 in the entry position is shown. The sole structure 12 rests on the rear portion 16D of the outsole 16 (at the medial region 75A and the lateral region 75B, in...). Figure 4(Best shown in the diagram). The groove 17 shown is fully closed, and surfaces 16A and 16B are substantially in contact with each other. In some configurations, the groove 17 may be partially closed in the entry position, but not fully closed. Specifically, the rear surface 60B of the sidewall 60 of the front midsole component 14A is exposed in the entry position, as shown regarding... Figure 8 Further discussion is needed.

[0166] The heel footbed 38 is shown extending above the rear midsole component 14B. Figure 6 In this context, the heel footbed 38 specifically includes a portion of the body 36A of the forefoot midsole component 14A, which extends rearward to form the heel footbed 38. As shown by the flared opening of the heel footbed 38, the thickness of the heel footbed 38 is particularly increased in the rearward direction. Figure 1 Additional cushioning is provided in the heel area 30. A pad 74 of cloth or other material can be attached to the top surface of the body 36A. The pad 74 serves as the contact surface for the foot.

[0167] Specifically, plate 76 is embedded in body 36A. Plate 76 can be a material such as plastic, nylon, carbon fiber, or composite material, which is relatively more rigid than body 36A. In other words, plate 76 can specifically have a first stiffness, while body 36A can have a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. For example, the first stiffness can be the bending stiffness of body 36A, and the second stiffness can be the bending stiffness of plate 76. The more rigid plate 76 stiffens the heel footbed 38, which allows it to move more easily through the inner surface of the rear upper portion 18B when transitioning between the entry and use positions (compared to a heel footbed without plate 76). Fatigue life and environmental testing can be used to select a suitable material for plate 76. The ability of plate 76 to bond to body 36A can also be considered when selecting the material for plate 76.

[0168] like Figure 10 As shown, when the shoe 10 is in the use position, the plate 76 is in the heel region 30 and completely behind the groove 17. Alternatively, the plate 76 may extend at least into the groove 17 (e.g., into the groove 17, or further forward than the groove 17), for example, into the midfoot region 28 or the forefoot region 26.

[0169] The heel footbed 38 specifically includes a reinforcing layer 78, particularly an external reinforcing layer 78, on the rear portion of the body 36A. The external reinforcing layer 78 may be fixed to the body 36A, for example, by adhesive, or may be applied to the body 36A, or otherwise applied, to define the rear periphery P of the heel footbed 38.

[0170] In one example, the outer reinforcing layer 78 is molded separately from the body 36A and then adhered to the body 36A. In another example, the foam used to form the body 36A can be treated, for example, by temperature-controlled curing, so that the outer reinforcing layer is an integral outer skin of the body 36A, which is denser than the remaining internal portion of the body 36A it covers.

[0171] refer to Figure 7 The outer reinforcing layer 78 is from the inside ( Figure 6 ) to the outside ( Figure 9 ) extends around the rear 79 of the body 36A, and / or extends forward below the bottom 80 of the body 36A ( Figure 7 ). Figure 7 Showing the heel footbed 38 Figure 9 The cross-sectional view is taken from line 7-7. The hardness of the body 36A can be relatively lower than that of the outer reinforcing layer 78. For example, the body 36A can have a first hardness, and the outer reinforcing layer 78 can have a second hardness greater than the first hardness.

[0172] The stiffer outer reinforcement layer 78 can also have a lower coefficient of friction than the body 36A, which makes the heel bed 38 move more easily through the rear upper portion 18B between the entry and use positions compared to the heel bed 38 without the outer reinforcement layer 78.

[0173] When moving between the entry and use positions, the outer reinforcement layer 78 specifically protects the heel footbed 38 from abrasion as it engages with the rear upper portion 18B. For example, the body 36A may be an elastomeric foam as discussed, and the outer reinforcement layer 78 may be a semi-rigid or rigid plastic (such as thermoplastic), composite material, nylon, polyether block amide (such as PEBAX® purchased from King Prussia Arkema, Pennsylvania, USA), glass fiber reinforced polyamide, or rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (with or without glass fiber).

[0174] The outer reinforcing layer 78 specifically includes at least one tab 82 that protrudes substantially rearward at the rear periphery P. Because the protruding tab 82 is made of a harder material of the outer reinforcing layer 78, the tab 82 can compress and move past the softer compressible portion of the rear upper portion 18B and / or interlock with the rear midsole component 14B, as further discussed herein. The tab 82 is shown as the final extension of the heel footbed 38, and the outer reinforcing layer 78 is shown as extending below the body 36A and establishing the rear periphery P of the heel footbed 38.

[0175] Figure 8This is a perspective and partial view of the footwear article 10 in the access position, having an advantageous position above, looking down and rearward at the inside 34 of the shoe 10. The front surface 61B of the sidewall 61 of the rear midsole component 14B specifically faces the rear surface 60B of the sidewall 60 of the front midsole component 14A in the use position. The front surface 61B specifically angles rearward from its outer edge 61A (also referred to as the front edge 61A) to its inner edge 61D.

[0176] The rear surface 60B of the sidewall 60 of the front midsole component 14A is angled rearward from the outer edge 60A (also referred to as the front edge 60A) of the rear surface 60B to the inner edge 60D of the rear surface 60B. The angle C between the outer surface 61C of the sidewall 61 of the rear midsole component 14B and the front surface 61B of the sidewall 61 is acute. The angle B between the outer surface 60C of the sidewall 60 of the front midsole component 14A and the rear surface 60B of the sidewall 60 is obtuse. Angles B and C can be supplementary angles. In other words, the sum of angles B and C can be 180 degrees. This allows the front surface 61B and the rear surface 60B to extend together and allows the side surfaces 60C, 61C to be flush with each other at the closed groove 17 in the use position. In this configuration, in the usage position, any small gap between the rear edge 60A and the front edge 61A will be less noticeable because the obtuse-angled rear surface 60B will lie directly inside any gap between the outer surfaces 60C and 61C, rather than a gap extending perpendicular to the outer surfaces 60C and 61C as the front surface 61B and rear surface 60B are orthogonal to the outer surfaces 60C and 61C. Furthermore, in the usage position, edges 60A and 61A, as well as edges 63A and 66A, extend forward of the groove 17, and any water or other liquid that may accidentally move inwards towards the edges will tend to drain outwards and downwards along a similar surface on the rear surface 60B in front of the groove 17 and along the outer surface 32.

[0177] Figure 9 This is a partial perspective view of the heel footbed 38, viewed from a favorable position at the rear and outer sides. Figure 9 An outer reinforcing layer 78 is shown that defines the rear periphery P of the heel footbed 38, wherein a tab 82 defines the final extension.

[0178] Figure 10This is a partial perspective view of a footwear article 10 in its use position, viewed from an advantageous position above, looking down and rearward at the inner side 34 of the shoe 10. The sides 18A1, 18A2 of the front upper portion 18A and the sides 18B1, 18B2 of the rear upper portion 18B overlap particularly in the use position. For example, because the front ends of the inner and outer sides 18B1, 18B2 of the rear upper portion 18B are positioned outwardly at the rear ends of the inner and outer sides 18A1, 18A2 of the front upper portion 18A, the sides overlap in the lateral direction in the use position. Alternatively, the shoe 10 can be configured such that the front ends of the inner and outer sides of the rear upper portion 18B are positioned inwardly at the rear ends of the inner and outer sides of the front upper portion 18A. The upper 18 thus has increased thickness, wherein the sides of the front upper portion 18A and the rear upper portion 18B overlap in the heel region 30. The increased thickness can provide lateral stability to the heel area 30 of the upper 18 in the usage position.

[0179] The heel footbed 38's rear perimeter P is surrounded by the rear upper portion 18B, and in Figure 10 The position shown covers the rear midsole component 14B. The lateral width of the heel footbed 38 is less than the width of the space between the sides 18A1 and 18A2 of the rear upper portion 18B. In the position of use, the heel footbed 38 is located within the foot receiving chamber 40 formed by the upper portions 18A and 18B.

[0180] The rear upper 18B includes at least one compliant protrusion 88 that, when the footwear article 10 is in the use position, projects forward into the foot receiving chamber 40 above the heel footbed 38. The protrusion 88 may be, for example, a bulge of foam padding below the rear edge 48B at the inner periphery of the rear upper portion 18B. The protrusion 88 specifically provides sufficient flexibility to allow the heel footbed 38 to move through the protrusion 88 when moved to the entry position, and to allow the rear upper portion 18B to be comfortably secured to the ankle of varying circumferences. For example, the protrusion 88 may be shaped to accommodate and protect the Achilles tendon. Additionally, an elastic heel strap 19 stretches to accommodate the wearer's heel and biases the protrusion 88 forward toward the foot to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

[0181] Because the protruding tab 82 is made of a relatively rigid material of the outer reinforcing layer 78, the tab 82 can compress the protrusion 88 when the rear of the heel bed 38 moves from the entry position to the use position or from the use position to the entry position along the bidirectional arrow 90 indicating the direction of movement. The rigidity of the embedded plate 76 also particularly prevents the torsion of the heel bed 38, further compressing the compliant protrusion 88 when the sole structure 12 moves from the entry position to the use position, allowing the heel bed 38 to move through the protrusion 88.

[0182] refer to Figure 11 The rear midsole component 14B includes at least one reinforcing member 91, which is specifically arranged on the body 36B. More specifically, the reinforcing member 91 is adhered or otherwise secured to the body 36B such that the reinforcing member 91 is at least partially exposed on the foot-facing surface 92 of the body 36B. The reinforcing member 91 is particularly rigid than the body 36B. For example, the body 36B may be an elastomeric foam as discussed, and the reinforcing member 91 may be a plastic (such as thermoplastic), composite material, nylon, polyether block amide (such as PEBAX® purchased from King Prussia Arkema, Pennsylvania, USA), glass fiber reinforced polyamide, or rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (with or without glass fiber).

[0183] The reinforcing member 91 includes at least one rib 93 that protrudes forward at the rear portion of the surface 92 facing the foot. The protrusion of the rib 93... Figure 12 As best shown in the diagram, the rib 93 protrudes into the foot receiving chamber 40 on the bottom portion of the surface 92 facing the foot. In another embodiment, the body 36B may define at least one rib.

[0184] like Figure 12 Ideally, the reinforcing member 91 also defines a recess 94 below the rib 93 and / or includes a lower portion 95 extending forward along the foot-facing surface 92. In other embodiments, the reinforcing member 91 may consist only of the rib 93. The recess 94 may be located, in particular, at an opening defined by the reinforcing member 91. Due to its protruding construction at the rib 93, the tabs 82 of the outer reinforcing layer 78 engage with the rib 93 when the sole structure 12 moves from the entry position to the use position and when the sole structure 12 moves from the use position to the entry position.

[0185] The rearward extension of the tab 82 and the forward protrusion of the rib 93 cause the relatively soft body 36A and / or the relatively soft body 36B of the rear midsole component 14B at the heel footbed 38 to elastically deform along the longitudinal direction of the shoe 10, allowing the tab 82 to move along the outer surface of the rib 93 and move above the rib 93. The embedded plate 76 particularly helps to prevent twisting or buckling of the heel footbed 38 during deformation. Once the tab 82 has moved past the rib 93, the bodies 36A and / or 36B elastically recover from elastic deformation by springing back to a pre-deformed state (e.g., the corresponding shape before deformation caused by the engagement of the tab 82 with the housing 82), but this may differ from the position when the sole structure 12 is in the in-place position due to any deformation caused by the weight of the wearer's foot. The engagement of the tab 82 and the rib 93 is therefore specifically a snap-fit ​​or interlocking feature.

[0186] Deformation and recovery can specifically provide the wearer with auditory and / or sensory signals that the sole structure 12 has completed its movement to the use position. When the tab 82 interferes with and moves through the rib 93, the relatively rigid material of the rib 93 and tab 82 can provide an audible clicking sound, serving as a signal that the sole structure 12 has fully moved to the use position. Additionally or alternatively, the movement of the body 36A or 36B during deformation and elastic rebound can be felt by the wearer through contact with the foot on top of the body 36A, 36B, serving as a sensory signal indicating that the sole structure has completed its movement to the use position.

[0187] When the weight of the foot is applied, the bottom 80 of the body 36A rests on the foot-facing surface 92. Without applied force, the tab 82 will not move from above (e.g., from the entry position to the use position) or below (e.g., from the use position to the entry position) through the rib 93. The tab 82 and rib 93 together act as a lock to hold the heel footbed 38 in the use position. When the sole structure 12 is in the use position, the tab 82 can be arranged in the recess 94, as... Figure 13 Displayed optimally.

[0188] Therefore, the rear periphery P of the heel footbed 38 is specifically surrounded by the rear upper portion 18B, and the heel footbed 38 covers the rear midsole component 14B in the use position. In the use position, the engagement of the heel footbed 38 of the forefoot midsole component 14A with the rear midsole component 14B particularly helps to stabilize the sole structure 12 in the use position. The compliant protrusion 88 particularly helps to further stabilize the segmented upper 18 in the use position because it provides at least some resistance to movement of the heel footbed 38 through the compliant protrusion 88 away from the foot receiving chamber 40.

[0189] Figure 14 The outsole 16 is shown, which wraps along the rear midsole part 14B and over the ridge 68. The recess 73 is... Figure 12-15 The center is clearly visible. The elastic heel strap 19 is shown extending from the outer side 32 to the inner side 34 across the rear of the rear upper portion 18B. The elastic biasing member 50 is shown fixed to the rear midsole portion 14B at a second position 53.

[0190] Figure 15A connecting member 16 (outsole 16) is shown, comprising a bottom portion 16C that serves specifically as a ground contact surface in the use position, and / or a rear portion 16D and a front portion 16E that serve specifically as a ground contact surface in the entry position. Specifically, the outsole 16 is shown as a single piece extending from the forefoot region 26 to the heel region 30 and from the outer side 32 to the inner side 3. In other embodiments, the outsole may be a plurality of discrete components comprising components that extend longitudinally and laterally and are aligned on the groove 17. In other embodiments, the connecting member 16 may extend only a portion of the width of the groove (e.g., only a portion from the inner to the outer side of the midsole components 14A, 14B), without needing to extend longitudinally beyond the groove 17. However, when the connecting member extends longitudinally beyond the groove 17 and extends substantially laterally across the width of the sole structure at the groove 17, such as the outsole 16 shown, the torsion of the fore midsole component 14A relative to the rear midsole component 14B can be minimized during the movement of the sole structure 12 between the entry position and the use position.

[0191] In particular, the groove 17 is shown as asymmetrical because the outer surface 16A of the outer bottom 16 that lines the front wall of the groove 17 is slightly wider in the longitudinal direction than the rear outer surface 16B of the outer bottom 16 that lines the rear wall of the groove 17.

[0192] Figure 16 Show Figure 1 An exploded view of the sole structure 12. The outsole 16 may be pre-formed by injection molding, compression molding, or other means to include grooves 17. In one example, after the outsole 16 is formed, the bottom of the fore-midsole component 14A is attached to the upper surface 16F of the outsole 16 in front of the groove 17 (e.g., including the fore portion 16E) and at the front half of the groove 17, such that the outsole 16 is aligned with the rear wall 20 of the fore-midsole component 14A at the groove 17. The bottom of the rear midsole component 14B is attached to the upper surface 16G of the outsole 16 behind the groove 17 (e.g., including the rear portion 16D of the outsole 16), such that the outsole 16 is aligned with the front wall 22 of the rear midsole component 14B at the groove 17. The fore-midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B may be attached to the outsole 16 in this manner by adhesive.

[0193] Alternatively, components of the sole structure 12 can be insert-molded, specifically by inserting an outsole 16 with pre-formed grooves 17 into a mold and injecting foam or other material into the mold, to simultaneously form the fore-midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B, and attaching them to the outsole 16. In another example, the fore-midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B can be additionally attached to the outsole 16 via the pre-formed grooves 17, for example by 3-D printing the fore-midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B onto the upper surfaces 16F, 16G of the outsole 16.

[0194] Figure 17 Alternative embodiments of the sole structure 112 within the scope of this teaching are shown. The sole structure 112 includes a connecting member 116, which may be referred to as plate 116 and / or may be pre-molded with groove 17. In some embodiments, plate 116 may be made of the same material as the forefoot portion 16I and the rearfoot portion 16J of the outsole 16 and may be considered part of the outsole 16. In other embodiments, plate 116 may be a rigid or semi-rigid plastic, such as thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0195] Specifically, plate 116 is connected to the rear wall 20 of the front midsole component 14A, the bottom of the front midsole component 14A in front of the rear wall 20, the front wall 22 of the rear midsole component 14B, and / or the bottom of the rear midsole component 14B located behind the front wall 22. Therefore, plate 116 specifically provides a lining for the rear wall 20 and the front wall 22 at the groove 17. Plate 116 has one or more notches 117 on its inner and / or outer sides above the groove 17, near the peak 119 of plate 116, to specifically reduce stress concentration on the inner and outer sides of the peak 119. The notches 117 may be smaller than shown, or plate 116 may not have notches 117.

[0196] Specifically, one or more ribs 121A, 121B may be secured in the groove 17 to the walls(one or more) 116C, 116D of the plate 116. Ribs 121A, 121B may particularly serve as reinforcing members and / or cushioning or spacers in the groove 17. For example, ribs 121A, 121B may extend slightly outward from the walls 116C, 116D into the groove 17 such that ribs 121A, 121B, rather than the walls 116C, 116D, contact each other in the engaged position (e.g., when the groove 17 is closed). Ribs 121A, 121B do not extend across the top of the groove 17 between the walls 116C, 116D so as not to increase resistance to pivoting of the sole structure 12 in the groove 17.

[0197] The front midsole component 14A is specifically connected to the front portion 16J of the outsole 16 at the upper surface 16F of the outsole 16 in front of the connecting member 116.

[0198] The rear midsole component 14B is specifically attached to the rear portion 16J of the outsole 16 behind the plate 116 at the upper surface 16G of the outsole 16.

[0199] Similar to the description of the sole structure 12, the fore midsole component 14A and / or the rear midsole component 14B can be attached to the outsole 16 in this manner by bonding (e.g., with an adhesive) or by insert molding, co-molding and / or additive 3-D printing.

[0200] Plate 116 and outsole portions 16J and 16I can be specifically configured to mate with each other. For example, the rear edge 16K of outsole portion 16J can be shaped to follow and / or abut against the front edge 116A of plate 116 from the inner side 34 to the outer side 32 of sole structure 112. Similarly, the front edge 16L of outsole portion 16I can be shaped to follow and / or abut against the rear edge 116B of plate 116 from the inner side 34 to the outer side 32.

[0201] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear edge 16K of the front portion 16J of the outsole 16 slightly overlaps with the front edge 116A of the plate 116, and the front edge 16L of the rear portion 16I of the outsole 16 slightly overlaps with the rear edge 116B of the plate 116, so that the edges 116A and 116B of the plate 116 are respectively arranged between the outsole 16 and the midsole components 14A and 14B.

[0202] Figure 18 An alternative embodiment of a connecting member 216 that can be connected to the front midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B is shown. The connecting member 216 may in particular be a plate 116 that mates with the outsole component, and / or may be more rigid than the outsole component, may be made of a different material than the outsole component, or may be made of the same material as the outsole component. Alternatively, the connecting member 216 may be sized as a single piece of the outsole.

[0203] The connecting member 216 specifically includes at least one pre-formed transverse groove 217, which specifically extends from the inner side 34 to the outer side 32 of the connecting member 216. The groove 217 is specifically a composite groove, rather than a simple groove. Figure 1 A single inverted V-shape in the middle.

[0204] Specifically, the composite groove 217 is pre-formed with a central transverse groove 217A, which forms an inverted V at the bottom side 216A of the plate 216. In particular, the composite groove 217 is pre-formed with a front transverse groove 217B on the top side 216B of the plate 216, which extends transversely from the central transverse groove 217A forward and parallel to it from the inner side 34 to the outer side 32. The composite groove 217 is pre-formed with a rear transverse groove 217C, which extends transversely from the central transverse groove 217A backward and parallel to it from the inner side 34 to the outer side 32.

[0205] Specifically, a peak 217D is formed to extend laterally over the central transverse groove 217A and / or between the front transverse groove 217B and the rear transverse groove 217C. Figure 18 In the indicated usage position, the groove 217A is relatively open, making the peak 217D relatively flat.

[0206] Specifically, in Figure 19 In the shown entry position, groove 217A is relatively closed, and the peaks protrude relatively between grooves 217B and 217C. In the use position, grooves 217B and 217C together form a relatively U-shaped channel, and in the entry position, they together form a corrugated W-shaped channel.

[0207] Figure 20 An embodiment of a connecting member 316 pre-formed with at least one groove 317 is shown. The connecting member 316 is particularly thin at the circular peak 319 of the groove 317 to reduce the bending stiffness of the connecting member 316 at the groove 317. For example, the connecting member 316 has a relatively thin wall portion 319A at the circular peak 319, which is integrally formed with and transitions to a relatively thick wall portion 319B, located in front of and behind the relatively thin wall portion 319A. Because the relatively thin wall portion 319A is circular at the peak 319, internal forces are dispersed rather than concentrated during bending.

[0208] Figure 21 An alternative embodiment of the sole structure 412 with a connecting member 416 is shown, which is in particular a relatively thin, flexible textile component, such as a textile sheet. The front portion 16J of the outsole 16 is connected to the front portion 416A of the textile component 416, for example by means of adhesive bonding, by sewing, or by thermal bonding.

[0209] The rear portion 16I of the outsole 16 is specifically connected to the rear portion 416B of the textile component 416, for example by means of adhesive bonding, by sewing, or by thermal bonding. The rear central portion 416C of the textile component 416 is specifically fixed to the front wall 22, and the bottom of the rear midsole component 14A is fixed to the upper surface 16G of the rear portion 16I.

[0210] The rear portion 416B of the textile component 416 can be sandwiched between the rear midsole component 14B and the rear outsole portion 16I. The front central portion 416D of the textile component 416 is specifically connected to the rear wall 20 of the front midsole component 14A. The front portion 416B of the textile component 416 can be sandwiched between the front midsole component 14A and the outsole portion 16J. Therefore, the connecting member 416 serves as a lining for the rear wall 20 and the front wall 22.

[0211] In the position of use, the rear wall 20 and the front wall 22 are specifically arranged side by side and form an inverted V shape, such as... Figure 1 As shown, however, the back wall 20 and front wall 22 are lined by textile component 416, which defines the groove 17, instead of the outsole 16.

[0212] Similar to the description of the sole structure 12, the fore midsole component 14A and the rear midsole component 14B can be attached to the outsole 16 by bonding (e.g., with an adhesive) or by insert molding, co-molding, or additive 3-D printing.

[0213] Figure 22 Another embodiment of the connecting member is shown. The connecting member 516 includes a front portion 516A and a rear portion 516B. The front portion 516A and the rear portion 516B may in particular be relatively rigid or semi-rigid plastics, which may be used as an outsole or may mate with an outsole component and may be made of a different material than the outsole.

[0214] The front portion 516A specifically has a first set of spaced-apart hinges 517A. The rear portion 516B specifically has a second set of spaced-apart hinges 517B and a hollow column 519, the hinges 517B being configured to engage with the spaced-apart hinges 517A to define a pivot axis 518, a pivot pin 520 extending through the hollow column 519 to pivotally connect the front portion 516A to the rear portion 516B. The connecting member 516 can be secured to the midsole components 14A, 14B by adhesive, co-molding, insert molding, or otherwise. For example, the front portion 516A can be molded together with or inserted into the front midsole component 14A, specifically such that the pivot axis 518 is at the top of the rear wall 20 and extends laterally along the rear wall 20. The rear portion 516B can be molded together with the rear midsole component 14B or inserted into the top surface, specifically such that the pivot axis 518 is at the top of the front wall 22 and extends laterally along the front wall 22.

[0215] Figure 23 This is an inside side view of an alternative embodiment of a footwear article 610 having a sole structure 612 in a use position. Footwear article 610 has many identical parts that have the same features and functions described relative to footwear article 10. The same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts, and their description is not repeated. In footwear article 610, a resilient biasing member 650 is removably secured to the sole structure 612, particularly via a hook-and-loop fastener 657.

[0216] Specifically, each fastener 657 includes a first fastener component 657A and a second fastener component 657B, as described herein. Figure 23 , 24 As stated in 31. (Regarding...) Figure 26-30 The plate 676 is specifically fixed externally to the heel footbed 638 of the forefoot midsole component 614A, rather than embedded therein.

[0217] Therefore, footwear article 610 includes a sole structure 612 having a forefoot midsole component 614A and a rearfoot midsole component 614B. The forefoot midsole components 614A and 614B are constructed as described with respect to the forefoot midsole components 14A and 14B, respectively. A connecting member (e.g., outsole 616) specifically connects the forefoot midsole component 614A to the rearfoot midsole component 614B, and specifically defines at least one groove 17 between the forefoot midsole components 614A and 614B on the underside of the sole structure 612. The forefoot midsole components 614A and 614B are positioned in use (…). Figure 23 ) and enter position (with Figure 3 The corresponding surfaces 16A and 16B of the connecting members 616 in the groove 17 are pivotable relative to each other, such that the opposing surfaces 16A and 16B of the connecting members 616 in the groove 17 are closer to each other in the in-entry position than in the use position, wherein the groove 17 is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the in-entry position.

[0218] Specifically, the rear portion of the outsole 616, which is attached to the rear midsole component 614B, has a recess 73, which forms ground contact surfaces, particularly at the inner region 75A on the inner side of the recess 73 and the outer region 75B on the outer side of the recess 73. When the sole structure 612 is in the engaged position, the recess 73 rises from the ground plane to provide stability, such as relative to... Figure 4 The recess 73 is described.

[0219] Like the sole structure 12, when the sole structure 612 is in the engaged position, the sole structure 612 is specifically rested on the laterally spaced areas 75A, 75B and the front area 75C of the front portion of the outsole 616. The areas 75A, 75B and 75C are specifically spaced apart by a tripod arrangement.

[0220] Specifically, the rear wall 20 of the forefoot midsole component 614A and the front wall 22 of the rearfoot midsole component 614B are juxtaposed. The outsole 616 connects the forefoot midsole component 614A to the rearfoot midsole component 614B and is disposed on the rear wall 20 of the forefoot midsole component 614A and the front wall 22 of the rearfoot midsole component 614B, and / or defines a groove (one or more) 17 between the forefoot midsole components 614A and the rearfoot midsole component 614B on the underside of the sole structure 612. The segmented upper 18 includes a forefoot upper portion 18A fixed to the forefoot midsole component 614A and a separate rearfoot upper portion 18B fixed to the rearfoot midsole component 614B.

[0221] although Figure 23 Only the inner side 34 of shoe 610 is shown, as per the description. Figure 1 and 2As described in the midsole components 14A and 14B, the rear edges 60A and 66A of the respective sidewalls 60 and 66 of the front midsole component 614A and the front edges 61A and 63A of the respective sidewalls 61 and 63 of the rear midsole component 614B are inclined forward above the groove 17 in the use position. This causes the sidewalls 61 and 63 of the rear midsole component 614B to extend partially onto the sidewalls 60 and 66 of the front midsole component 614A in front of the groove 17.

[0222] Specifically, one or more mating features of the midsole components 614A and 614B are provided in front of and behind the groove 17: the sidewalls 61 and 63 of the rear midsole component 614B cover the sidewalls 60 and 66 of the front midsole component 614A in front of the groove 17, and / or the rearwardly extending heel footbed 638 of the front midsole component 614A covers the rear midsole component 614B behind the groove 17.

[0223] Footwear article 610 can be manufactured by a method comprising: providing at least one groove 17 for a connecting member 616, the groove extending substantially laterally between and separating a forward extension and a rear extension of the connecting member 616. The method may include connecting a front midsole component 614A to the connecting member 616 anterior to the groove 17, and connecting a rear midsole component 614B to the connecting member 616 rearward from the groove 17, wherein the front midsole component 614A is pivotable relative to the rear midsole component 614B at the groove(s) 17.

[0224] Figure 24 From Figure 23 A plan view of the inner side of the resilient bias member 650 removed from the footwear item 610. Each hook and loop fastener 657 includes a first fastener component 657A, which is secured to the inner side of the resilient bias member 650, for example by stitch 659 or alternatively by adhesive or thermal bonding.

[0225] Each hook-and-loop fastener 657 includes a second fastener component 657B, which is secured to the outer surface of the front midsole component or the rear midsole component 614A, 614B, such as Figure 26 , 31 As shown in Figure 32, such as by adhesive, stitching or thermal bonding.

[0226] The second fastener component 657B is specifically to be secured to the forefoot midsole component 614 and the rearfoot midsole component 614B at the first, second, and / or third positions 51, 53, and 55 as described with respect to the footwear article 10. The first fastener component 657A is configured to be releasably secured to the second fastener component 657B such that the resilient biasing member 650 is releasably secured to the forefoot midsole component 614A and the rearfoot midsole component 614B at the first, second, and / or third positions 51, 53, and 55, and / or not secured to the midsole components 614A and 614B between the first position 51 and the second position 53 and / or between the third position 55 and the second position 53.

[0227] For example, the first fastener component 657A may be a material comprising multiple hooks, the second fastener component 657B may be a material comprising multiple rings configured to engage with the hooks, or one or both of fastener components 657A and 657B may comprise hooks and rings. Suitable material with hooks and rings for the hook-and-loop fastener 657 is available from 3M Corporation, located at the 3M Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, under the trade name VELCRO™.

[0228] The first fastener 657 at the first position 51 specifically includes Figure 31 The second fastener component 657B is shown at the first position 51 in the middle, and / or at the first position 51 in the middle. Figure 24 The first fastener component 657A is shown on the right side.

[0229] exist Figure 26 The second fastener 657 at the second position 53 specifically includes a second fastener component 657B, which is secured to the rear wall of the rear midsole component 614B, and / or includes... Figure 24 The first fastener component 657A is shown at the middle of the elastic bias member 650. The third fastener 657 at the third position 55 specifically includes Figure 31 The second fastener component 657B is shown at the third position 55 in the diagram, and / or at the third position 55 in the diagram. Figure 24 The first fastener component 657A is shown on the left side.

[0230] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 Bottom view of footwear item 610. Figure 25 It is evident that the outsole 616 is, in particular, a multi-piece outsole, and / or particularly includes a gap 615 between the pieces, which creates an X-pattern below the front midsole component 614A and / or the rear midsole component 614B, such that the front midsole component 614A and / or the rear midsole component 614B are respectively exposed from below in the gap. A portion of the external fixing plate 676 discussed herein is also exposed from below.

[0231] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 The sole structure 612 along Figure 25 The cross-sectional view taken by line 26-26 in the figure. Figure 27 This is only a cross-sectional view of the front midsole component 614A and plate 676. Figure 28 This is the plan view of board 676. Figure 29 This is a side view of plate 676. Figure 30 This is the rear view of board 676.

[0232] As in Figure 26 and 27 As can be seen, plate 676 specifically includes an integral rear reinforcement portion 678 on the rear of the body 36A to define the rear periphery P of the heel footbed 638. Plate 676 can be specifically fixed to the bottom and rear of the body 36A of the heel footbed 638, such as by adhesive.

[0233] The rear reinforcing portion 678 extends from the inside to the outside around the rear portion 79 of the body 36A and extends forward below the bottom 80 of the body 36A. In particular, the hardness of the body 36A can be relatively less than that of the plate 676. For example, the body 36A can have a first hardness, and the plate 676 including the rear reinforcing portion 678 can have a second hardness greater than the first hardness.

[0234] Specifically, by attaching the plate 676 to the bottom of the body 36A rather than embedding it into the body 36A, more of the softer material of the body 36A is located between the foot and the plate 676. The stiffer heel reinforcement 678 can also have a lower coefficient of friction than the body 36A, which allows the heel bed 38 to move more easily through the heel counter portion 18B between the entry and use positions compared to a heel bed 38 without the heel reinforcement 678. The heel reinforcement 678 can be any material described with respect to the outer reinforcement layer 78.

[0235] The rear reinforcement portion 678 also includes at least one tab 682 that protrudes rearward at the rear periphery P. Because the protruding tab 682 is made of the harder material of the rear reinforcement portion 678, the tab 682 can compress and move past the softer compressible portion of the rear upper portion 18B and interlock with the rear midsole component 614B, which specifically includes a rib 693 and a recess below the rib 693.

[0236] Specifically, when the sole structure 612 moves from the entry position to the use position and when it moves from the use position to the entry position, the tab 682 of the rear reinforcement 678 engages with the rib 693. The rearward extension of the tab 682 and the forward protrusion of the rib 693 cause the relatively soft body 36A at the heel footbed 638 and / or the relatively soft body 36B of the rear midsole component 614B to elastically deform along the longitudinal direction of the shoe 610, specifically to allow the tab 682 to move along the outer surface of the rib 693 and to move above the rib 693. The plate 676 particularly helps to prevent twisting or buckling of the heel footbed 638 during deformation. Once the tab 682 has moved past the rib 693, the bodies 36A and / or 36B elastically recover from elastic deformation by springing back to their pre-deformed state.

[0237] Figure 31 yes Figure 27 The plan view of the front midsole component 614A shows that the second fastener component 657B is fixed to the inner sidewall 60 and the outer sidewall 66 of the front midsole component 614A. Figure 32 This is a bottom view of the front midsole component 614A, showing the grooved plate 17. Figure 33 yes Figure 27 Rear view of the forefoot midsole component 614A. As noted, the forefoot midsole component 614A is a one-piece construction including the heel footbed 638.

[0238] The following terms provide example constructions of the footwear items disclosed herein.

[0239] Clause 1: A footwear article comprising: a sole structure including: a forefoot midsole component and a rearfoot midsole component; and a connecting member connecting the forefoot midsole component to the rearfoot midsole component and defining a groove between the forefoot midsole component and the rearfoot midsole component at a lower side of the sole structure; wherein the forefoot midsole component and the rearfoot midsole component are pivotable relative to each other at the groove between a use position and an entry position; and wherein the opposing surfaces of the connecting member at the groove are closer to each other in the entry position than in the use position, such that the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position.

[0240] Clause 2: Footwear articles according to Clause 1, wherein, in the position of use, the sidewalls of the fore midsole component and the sidewalls of the rear midsole component face each other above the groove.

[0241] Clause 3: Footwear articles according to Clause 2, wherein, in the use position, the rear edge of the sidewall of the fore-midsole component and the front edge of the sidewall of the rear-midsole component slope forward from the groove, wherein the sidewall of the rear-midsole component extends partially on the sidewall of the fore-midsole component in front of the groove.

[0242] Clause 4: Footwear articles according to Clause 2 or 3, wherein the front surface of the sidewall of the rear midsole component is arranged at an acute angle to the outer surface of the sidewall of the rear midsole component; and the rear surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component is arranged at an obtuse angle to the outer surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component.

[0243] Clause 5: Footwear articles according to Clause 4, wherein, in the position of use, the front surface of the sidewall of the rear midsole component faces the rear surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component.

[0244] Clause 6: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 2-5, wherein: the front surface of the sidewall of the rear midsole component slopes rearward from the outer edge of the front surface to the inner edge of the front surface; and the rear surface of the sidewall of the front midsole component slopes rearward from the outer edge of the front surface to the inner edge of the front surface.

[0245] Clause 7: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein: the forefoot midsole component includes a heel footbed that extends over a groove and covers the rear midsole component in the use position; and / or the heel footbed is spaced apart from the rear midsole component in the entry position.

[0246] Clause 8: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the forefoot and midsole components extend in the forefoot, midfoot, and heel regions of the footwear article in the use position.

[0247] Clause 9: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein: the heel footbed includes a body and a plate embedded in or externally fixed to the body; and / or the plate is relatively more rigid than the body.

[0248] Clause 10: Footwear articles according to Clause 9, wherein, in the use position, the plate is completely behind the groove.

[0249] Clause 11: Footwear articles according to Clause 9, wherein, in the use position, the plate extends at least to the groove.

[0250] Clause 12: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-11, wherein: the forefoot midsole component includes a heel footbed that extends over a groove and covers the rear footbed component in the use position; the heel footbed includes a body and an external reinforcement layer on the rear of the body that defines the rear periphery of the heel footbed; and the body has a first hardness, and the external reinforcement layer has a second hardness greater than the first hardness.

[0251] Clause 13: The footwear article according to Clause 12 further includes: a rear upper portion secured to a rear midsole component; wherein the outer reinforcement layer includes a tab projecting rearward at the rear periphery; and / or wherein the rear upper portion has a protrusion that, when the front midsole component and the rear midsole component are in the use position, protrudes forward in the direction of the heel footbed; and wherein, when the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position, the tab compresses the protrusion.

[0252] Clause 14: The footwear article according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: the rear midsole component includes a rib projecting forward at the rear portion of the foot-facing surface of the rear midsole component; and / or wherein the outer reinforcement layer includes a tab projecting rearward at the rear periphery; and / or wherein the tab engages with the rib when the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position, the tab being disposed below the rib in the use position.

[0253] Clause 15: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-14, wherein: the rear midsole component includes a body and a reinforcing member disposed on the body; the reinforcing member is relatively stiffer than the body; and / or the reinforcing member includes ribs.

[0254] Clause 16: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-15, wherein at least one of the rear midsole component or heel footbed elastically deforms when the tab engages with the rib, and elastically returns to the pre-deformed state when the sole structure is in the use position, the rib and tab locking the sole structure in the use position.

[0255] Clause 17: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-16, wherein the reinforcing member defines a recess below the rib, and the tab is arranged in the recess when the sole structure is in the use position.

[0256] Clause 18: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-17, wherein: the sole structure includes an outsole; and the rear midsole component defines a ridge at the last extension of the rear midsole component; and the outsole wraps around the rear midsole component in the direction above the ridge.

[0257] Clause 19: The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1-18 further comprises: an elastic biasing member fixed to the inner sidewall of the fore-midsole and the outer sidewall of the fore-midsole in front of the groove, and fixed to the rear midsole in rear of the groove; and wherein the elastic biasing member is bistable in the use position and the access position.

[0258] Clause 20: Footwear articles according to Clause 19, wherein: the elastic biasing member is fixed to the inner sidewall of the fore midsole component at a first position, fixed to the rear midsole component at a second position, and fixed to the outer sidewall of the fore midsole component at a third position; and the elastic biasing member is not fixed between the first and second positions and between the second and third positions.

[0259] Clause 21: Footwear articles according to Clause 20, wherein the resilient biasing member is removably secured to the inner sidewall of the fore midsole component at a first position by a first fastener, removably secured to the rear midsole component at a second position by a second fastener, and / or removably secured to the outer sidewall of the fore midsole component at a third position by a third fastener.

[0260] Clause 22: Footwear articles according to Clause 20 or 21, wherein: when the sole structure is in the use position, the rear edge of the sidewall of the fore midsole component is adjacent to the front edge of the sidewall of the rear midsole component above the groove; and when the sole structure is in the use position, the resilient biasing member covers the rear edge and the front edge.

[0261] Clause 23: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-22, wherein: the connecting member is an outsole; and the outsole has a bottom portion fixed to the bottom of the rear midsole component and a rear portion fixed to the rear wall of the rear midsole component; and / or the bottom portion of the outsole is a ground contact surface having a horizontal plane in the use position, and / or the rear portion of the outsole is a ground contact surface having a horizontal plane in the entry position.

[0262] Clause 24: Footwear articles pursuant to Clause 23, wherein the rear portion of the outsole is an outer surface having a recess, and / or the outsole, in the access position, is spaced apart from the horizontal ground plane at the recess, such that the ground contact surface of the rear portion of the outsole includes an inner region at the inner side of the recess and an outer region at the outer side of the recess.

[0263] Clause 25: Footwear articles as described in any one of Clauses 1-22, wherein the sole structure further comprises an outsole having a front bottom portion fixed to the bottom of a front midsole component, a rear bottom portion fixed to the bottom of a rear midsole component, and a rear portion having a rear wall fixed to the rear midsole component; at least one of the rear wall of the rear midsole component and the rear portion of the outsole has an outer surface with a recess; and in the in-place position, the sole structure is raised off the horizontal ground plane at a groove and rests on the front bottom portion and the rear bottom portion of the outsole at the inside and outside of the recess, the recess being spaced apart from the horizontal ground plane.

[0264] Clause 26: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-22, wherein the connecting member includes an outsole that defines the groove and lining the rear wall of the fore-midsole component and the front wall of the rear midsole component at the groove.

[0265] Clause 27: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-26, wherein the connecting member comprises a textile component.

[0266] Clause 28: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-27, wherein the connecting member includes a plate that defines the groove and secures at the groove to the rear wall of the fore-midsole and the front wall of the rear-midsole.

[0267] Clause 29: Footwear items as described in Clause 28 also include:

[0268] Ribs, which are fixed to the wall of the connecting member in the groove and extend outward into the groove.

[0269] Clause 30: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-29, wherein the connecting member includes a front portion connected to a fore-midsole component and a rear portion connected to a rear-midsole component, and the connecting member further includes a hinge pin that extends laterally relative to the front portion and the rear portion of the connecting member and hinges the front portion of the connecting member to the rear portion of the connecting member.

[0270] Clause 31: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-30 further include: a segmented upper comprising a forefoot portion attached to a forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot portion attached to a rearfoot midsole component; wherein at least some portions of the forefoot portion and the rearfoot portion are spaced further apart from each other in the access position than in the use position.

[0271] Clause 32: Footwear articles as described in Clause 31, wherein the rear upper portion includes an elastic heel strap.

[0272] Clause 33: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 1-32, wherein the rear midsole component is separate from, not directly connected to, and not integral with the forefoot midsole component.

[0273] Clause 34: A method of manufacturing footwear articles, the method comprising: providing a front portion, a rear portion, and a groove extending laterally between and separating the front and rear portions for a connecting member; attaching a front midsole member to the front portion of the connecting member; and attaching a rear midsole member to the rear portion of the connecting member, the front midsole member being pivotable relative to the rear midsole member at the groove.

[0274] Clause 35: The method according to Clause 34 further comprises: molding the connecting member to form the front portion, the rear portion, and the groove before connecting the front midsole component to the front portion and the rear midsole component to the rear portion.

[0275] Clause 36: The method according to Clause 35, wherein connecting the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and connecting the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member is done by molding the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and molding the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member.

[0276] Clause 37: The method according to Clause 35 further includes: connecting the front portion of the outsole to the front portion of the midsole in front of the connecting member; and connecting the rear portion of the outsole to the rear portion of the midsole behind the connecting member.

[0277] Clause 38: The method according to any one of Clauses 34-37, wherein the connecting member is an outsole.

[0278] Clause 39: The method according to any one of Clauses 34-37, wherein the connecting member is a textile component, and the method further comprises: connecting a front portion of the outsole to a front portion of the textile component; and connecting a rear portion of the outsole to a rear portion of the textile component.

[0279] Clause 40: The method described under any one of Clauses 34-39 further includes securing the rib in the groove to the wall of the connecting member.

[0280] Clause 41: The method described in any of Clauses 34-40, wherein the connecting member, the front midsole component, and the rear midsole component are co-molded.

[0281] Clause 42: The method according to any one of Clauses 34-41, wherein connecting the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and connecting the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member is done by printing the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and printing the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member.

[0282] Clause 45: A footwear article comprising: a sole structure including a forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot midsole component; wherein the rear wall of the forefoot midsole component and the front wall of the rearfoot midsole component are juxtaposed; and an outsole connecting the forefoot midsole component to the rearfoot midsole component and disposed on the rear wall of the forefoot midsole component and the front wall of the rearfoot midsole component, and defining a groove between the forefoot midsole component and the rearfoot midsole component at a lower side of the sole structure; and a segmented upper including a forefoot upper portion fixed to the forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot upper portion fixed to the rearfoot midsole component; wherein the forefoot upper portion and the rearfoot upper portion are pivotable relative to each other at the groove between a use position and an entry position.

[0283] Clause 46: Footwear articles as described in Clause 45, wherein the outsole is lined with the back wall and the fore wall.

[0284] Clause 47: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 45-46, wherein the forefoot midsole component includes a heel footbed that extends over a groove and covers the rear midsole component in the use position; and wherein the rear edge of the sidewall of the forefoot midsole component and the front edge of the sidewall of the rear midsole component slope forward over the groove in the use position, and the sidewall of the rear midsole component extends partially over the sidewall of the forefoot midsole component in front of the groove.

[0285] Clause 48: Footwear articles as described in Clause 47, wherein the heel footbed is spaced apart from the rear upper portion in the entry position and extends rearward and upward from the fore-midsole component.

[0286] Clause 49: Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 45-48, wherein: the rear midsole component protrudes to a ridge above the rear wall of the rear midsole component and behind the rear upper portion; and the outsole wraps around the rear midsole component in the direction above the ridge.

[0287] Clause 50: Footwear items as described in any of Clauses 45-49 also include:

[0288] An elastic band is fixed to the inner sidewall of the front midsole component at a first position, to the rear midsole component at a second position, and to the outer sidewall of the front midsole component at a third position, and is not fixed between the first and second positions or between the second and third positions.

[0289] To aid in and clarify the description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply throughout the specification (including the claims). Furthermore, all references cited are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0290] "Footwear articles", "footwear products" and "shoes" can be considered as machines and manufactured goods. Before being finally assembled into a finished product for wearing, assembled footwear articles (such as shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and individual parts of footwear articles (such as midsoles, outsoles, upper parts, etc.) are regarded here and are instead referred to in the singular or plural form as "footwear articles (one or more)".

[0291] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one of the objects. Multiple such objects may exist unless explicitly stated herein. Unless otherwise expressly or clearly stated herein, all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification (including the appended claims) shall be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually precedes the numerical value. “About” indicates that the numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (achieving accuracy of the value in some way; about or reasonably close to the value; close to). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not understood in this ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein refers to variations that can at least be caused by ordinary methods of measuring and using such a parameter. Furthermore, the disclosure of a scope shall be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​and further subdivisions within that scope.

[0292] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, methods, and operations may be changed where feasible, and additional or alternative steps may be used. As used herein, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed articles. The term “any” should be understood to include any feasible combination of the referenced objects, including “any” of the referenced objects. The term “any” should be understood to include any feasible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any” of the referenced claims.

[0293] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used throughout the specific implementation corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings without representing a limitation on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0294] The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction in which a component extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot and heel areas. The terms "forward" or "front" are used to refer to the general direction from the heel area to the forefoot area, and the terms "backward" or "rear" are used to refer to the opposite direction, from the forefoot area towards the heel area. In some cases, a component can be identified by its longitudinal axis and the longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis can also be referred to as the front-back direction or axis.

[0295] The term "lateral" refers to the direction in which the width of an extending component is measured. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the rear and inner sides of the shoe. The lateral direction or axis can also be referred to as the lateral direction or axis, or the mediolateral direction or axis.

[0296] The term "vertical" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case where the shoe is placed flat on the ground, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be used for various parts of the shoe. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to a vertical direction toward the top of a part, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to a vertical direction opposite to the upward direction toward the bottom of a part, and can generally refer to the bottom of the sole structure of footwear.

[0297] The term "interior" in footwear, such as shoes, refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The term "inner side" of a component refers to the side or surface facing (or about to face) the interior of the assembled footwear component or footwear. The term "outer side" or "outer side" of a component refers to the side or surface away from (or about to face) the interior of the assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the inner side of a component and the interior of the assembled footwear. Similarly, other components may be located between the outer side of a component and the space outside the assembled footwear. Furthermore, the terms "inward" and "inner" refer to the direction towards the interior of the footwear or component, while the terms "outward" and "outer" refer to the direction towards the exterior of the footwear or component. Additionally, the term "proximal" refers to the direction closer to the center of the shoe component or closer to the foot when the shoe is worn by the user and the foot is inserted into the footwear. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to the direction further away from the center of the shoe or from the foot when the shoe is worn and the foot is inserted into the footwear. Thus, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing largely opposite terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0298] While various embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of this description. Any feature of any embodiment may be combined with or replaced by any other feature of any other embodiment, unless specifically limited thereto. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0299] Although numerous modes for implementing many aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art relating to these teachings will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing this teaching within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all that is included in the above description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and exemplary, and not limited to those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described, and that the entire range of implied or otherwise apparent alternative embodiments that are structurally and / or functionally equivalent to the included content will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A type of footwear, comprising: The sole structure includes: Front midsole and rear midsole components; and A connecting member that connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component and defines a groove between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component on the underside of the sole structure; The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to each other at the groove between the use position and the entry position; In this case, the relative surfaces of the connecting members at the groove are closer to each other in the entry position than in the use position, so that the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position; The forefoot midsole component includes a heel footbed that extends above the groove and covers the rear footbed component in the use position; The heel bed is spaced apart from the rear upper portion in the entry position. The heel bed includes a body and a plate embedded in or externally fixed to the body; the plate is relatively more rigid than the body. Wherein, the plate is located entirely behind the trench in the use position or the plate extends at least into the trench in the use position.

2. The footwear article as described in claim 1, further comprising: The upper is fixed to the sole structure.

3. The footwear article as described in claim 2, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot upper portion fixed to the forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot upper portion fixed to the rearfoot midsole component; In this case, at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot are spaced further apart in the entry position than in the use position.

4. A type of footwear, comprising: The sole structure includes: Front midsole and rear midsole components; and A connecting member that connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component and defines a groove between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component on the underside of the sole structure; The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to each other at the groove between the use position and the entry position; In this case, the relative surfaces of the connecting members at the groove are closer to each other in the entry position than in the use position, so that the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position; An elastic biasing member is fixed to the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall of the front midsole component in front of the groove, and fixed to the rear midsole component behind the groove. in: The elastic biasing member is bistable in both the use position and the entry position; The elastic biasing member is fixed to the inner sidewall of the front midsole component at a first position, fixed to the rear midsole component at a second position, and fixed to the outer sidewall of the front midsole component at a third position. The elastic biasing member is not fixed between the first and second positions, or between the second and third positions; When the sole structure is in the use position, the rear edge of the sidewall of the forefoot midsole component is adjacent to the front edge of the sidewall of the rearfoot midsole component above the groove; and When the sole structure is in the use position, the elastic biasing member covers the rear edge and the front edge.

5. The footwear article according to claim 4, further comprising: The upper is fixed to the sole structure.

6. The footwear article according to claim 5, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot upper portion fixed to the forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot upper portion fixed to the rearfoot midsole component; as well as In this case, at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot are spaced further apart in the entry position than in the use position.

7. A type of footwear, comprising: The sole structure includes: Front midsole and rear midsole components; and A connecting member that connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component and defines a groove between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component on the underside of the sole structure; The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to each other at the groove between the use position and the entry position; In this case, the relative surfaces of the connecting members at the groove are closer to each other in the entry position than in the use position, so that the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position; The connecting member includes one of the following: Outsole, the outsole defining the groove and lining the rear wall of the front midsole component and the front wall of the rear midsole component at the groove; or Textile components; or A plate defining the groove and fixed at the groove to the rear wall of the front midsole component and the front wall of the rear midsole component, wherein ribs are fixed in the groove to the wall of the connecting member and extend outward into the groove; or A front portion connected to the front midsole component, a rear portion connected to the rear midsole component, and a hinge pin that extends laterally relative to the front and rear portions of the connecting member and hinges the front portion of the connecting member to the rear portion of the connecting member.

8. The footwear article as described in claim 7, wherein, The outsole has a front outsole portion and a rear outsole portion; and The textile component is a textile sheet having: a rear portion sandwiched between and connected to the rear midsole and rear outsole; a front portion sandwiched between and connected to the front midsole and front outsole; a rear central portion fixed to the front wall of the rear midsole; and a front central portion fixed to the rear wall of the front midsole.

9. The footwear article as described in any one of claims 7 to 8, further comprising: The upper is fixed to the sole structure.

10. The footwear article as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot upper portion fixed to the forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot upper portion fixed to the rearfoot midsole component; as well as In this case, at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot are spaced further apart in the entry position than in the use position.

11. A method for manufacturing footwear, the method comprising: The connecting member is provided with a front portion, a rear portion, and a groove that extends laterally between the front and rear portions and separates the front and rear portions. Connect the front midsole components to the front portion of the connecting member; The rear midsole component is connected to the rear portion of the connecting member, and the front midsole component is pivotable relative to the rear midsole component at the groove. The front portion of the outsole is connected to the front midsole component in front of the connecting member; as well as The rear portion of the outsole is connected to the rear midsole component behind the connecting member.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The upper is secured to the forefoot midsole and the rearfoot midsole.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot upper portion fixed to the forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot upper portion fixed to the rearfoot midsole component; as well as In this case, when the current midsole component pivots relative to the rear midsole component at the groove, at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot uppers are spaced further apart from each other.

14. A method for manufacturing footwear, the method comprising: The connecting member is provided with a front portion, a rear portion, and a groove that extends laterally between the front and rear portions and separates the front and rear portions. Connect the front midsole components to the front portion of the connecting member; The rear midsole component is connected to the rear portion of the connecting member, and the front midsole component is pivotable relative to the rear midsole component at the groove. Wherein, the connecting member is a textile component, and the method further includes: The front portion of the outsole is connected to the front portion of the textile component; and The rear portion of the outsole is attached to the rear portion of the textile component.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The upper is secured to the forefoot midsole and the rearfoot midsole.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot upper portion fixed to the forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot upper portion fixed to the rearfoot midsole component; as well as In this case, when the current midsole component pivots relative to the rear midsole component at the groove, at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot uppers are spaced further apart from each other.

17. A method for manufacturing footwear, the method comprising: The connecting member is provided with a front portion, a rear portion, and a groove that extends laterally between the front and rear portions and separates the front and rear portions. Connect the front midsole components to the front portion of the connecting member; The rear midsole component is connected to the rear portion of the connecting member, and the front midsole component is pivotable relative to the rear midsole component at the groove. as well as The ribs are fixed to the wall of the connecting member in the groove.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The upper is secured to the forefoot midsole and the rearfoot midsole.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot upper portion fixed to the forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot upper portion fixed to the rearfoot midsole component; as well as In this case, when the current midsole component pivots relative to the rear midsole component at the groove, at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot uppers are spaced further apart from each other.

20. A method for manufacturing footwear, the method comprising: The connecting member is provided with a front portion, a rear portion, and a groove that extends laterally between the front and rear portions and separates the front and rear portions. Connect the front midsole components to the front portion of the connecting member; The rear midsole component is connected to the rear portion of the connecting member, and the front midsole component is pivotable relative to the rear midsole component at the groove. The process of connecting the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and connecting the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member is achieved by printing the front midsole component to the front portion of the connecting member and printing the rear midsole component to the rear portion of the connecting member.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The upper is secured to the forefoot midsole and the rearfoot midsole.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot upper portion fixed to the forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot upper portion fixed to the rearfoot midsole component; as well as In this case, when the current midsole component pivots relative to the rear midsole component at the groove, at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot uppers are spaced further apart from each other.

23. A type of footwear, comprising: The sole structure includes: Front midsole and rear midsole components; and A connecting member that connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component and defines a groove between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component on the underside of the sole structure; An elastic biasing member is fixed to the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall of the front midsole component in front of the groove, and fixed to the rear midsole component behind the groove. The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to each other at the groove between the use position and the entry position; In this configuration, the relative surfaces of the connecting members at the groove are closer to each other in the entry position than in the use position, so that the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position. Among them, the elastic biasing member is bistable in both the use position and the entry position; and The elastic biasing member is removably fixed to the inner sidewall of the front midsole component at a first position by a first fastener, removably fixed to the rear midsole component at a second position by a second fastener, and removably fixed to the outer sidewall of the front midsole component at a third position by a third fastener. The elastic biasing member is not fixed between the first and second positions or between the second and third positions.

24. The footwear article as described in claim 23, further comprising: The upper is fixed to the sole structure.

25. The footwear article as claimed in claim 24, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot portion fixed to a forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot portion fixed to a rearfoot midsole component; wherein at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot portions are spaced further apart from each other in the entry position than in the use position.

26. A type of footwear, comprising: The sole structure includes: Front midsole and rear midsole components; and A connecting member that connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component and defines a groove between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component on the underside of the sole structure; The connecting member has a relatively thin wall portion defining a circular peak and relatively thick wall portions in front of and behind the relatively thin wall portion. The front midsole and rear midsole components are pivotable relative to each other at the rounded peaks between the use position and the entry position. In this configuration, the relative surfaces of the connecting members at the groove are closer to each other in the entry position than in the use position, so that the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position.

27. The footwear article of claim 26, further comprising: The upper is fixed to the sole structure.

28. The footwear article as claimed in claim 27, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot portion fixed to a forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot portion fixed to a rearfoot midsole component; wherein at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot portions are spaced further apart from each other in the entry position than in the use position.

29. A type of footwear, comprising: The sole structure includes: Front midsole and rear midsole components; and A connecting member that connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component and defines a groove between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component on the underside of the sole structure; The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to each other at the groove between the use position and the entry position; In this configuration, the relative surfaces of the connecting members at the groove are closer to each other in the entry position than in the use position, so that the groove is relatively open in the use position and relatively closed in the entry position. The forefoot midsole includes a heel footbed that extends above the grooves and covers the rear midsole in its place of use; and The deformation and recovery of the sole structure provide the wearer with auditory and / or sensory signals indicating that the sole structure has completed its movement from the entry position to the use position.

30. The footwear article as claimed in claim 29, wherein, When the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position, the rear midsole component interferes with the heel footbed, generating an auditory signal.

31. The footwear article as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein, The rear midsole component includes ribs that protrude from the surface of the rear midsole component facing the foot; The heel footbed includes protruding tabs around its periphery; When the sole structure moves from the entry position to the use position, the tab interferes with the rib, producing an audible clicking sound. In the use position, the tab is positioned below the rib.

32. The footwear article as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein, The heel footbed and the rear midsole component elastically deform when moving from the entry position to the use position, and elastically recover from the elastic deformation when in the use position, providing the wearer with a sensory signal that the sole structure has completed the movement from the entry position to the use position.

33. The footwear article as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 30, further comprising: The upper is fixed to the sole structure.

34. The footwear article as described in claim 33, wherein, The upper is configured as a segmented upper, comprising a forefoot portion fixed to a forefoot midsole component and a separate rearfoot portion fixed to a rearfoot midsole component; wherein at least some portions of the forefoot and rearfoot portions are spaced further apart from each other in the entry position than in the use position.

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