Sole plate for footwear sole structure

Abstract

To provide an article of footwear having an upper with improved comfort and a better fit, along with a sole having improved cushioning systems or structural properties, such as a sole plate that adds stiffness or spring-like properties.SOLUTION: A sole plate for a sole structure of an article of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe end at a distal end, a midfoot region, and a heel region including a heel end at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate defines an outer edge, and the outer edge includes a first plurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys. The first plurality of peaks and the first plurality of valleys are located on a lateral side of the forefoot region, and the first plurality of peaks and the first plurality of valleys are disposed between a widest section of the sole plate and a toe end of the sole plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to footwear including a sole plate. [Background technology]

[0002] Many conventional shoes or other footwear generally include an upper and a sole attached to the lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes also include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, formed by the interior surfaces of the upper and the sole to accommodate the user's foot before fastening the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to the underside or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is worn. In some cases, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole can provide traction to the bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole can be attached to the inner surface of the outsole and provide cushioning or additional stability to the sole. For example, the sole may include a specific foam material that can increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that can reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when the user is running, walking, or engaging in another activity. The sole may also include additional components, such as a plate, embedded in the sole to increase the overall rigidity of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.

[0003] The upper generally defines an internal cavity that extends upward from the sole and completely or partially encases the foot. In most cases, the upper extends across the instep and toe areas and across their medial and lateral sides. Many footwear articles also include a tongue that extends across the instep area and bridges the gap between the medial and lateral edges of the upper, defining an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be positioned between the medial and lateral sides of the upper under a lacing system to allow adjustment of the shoe's tightness. The tongue may also be operable by the user to allow entry or exit of the foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow the user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having different sizes and shapes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in many cases, footwear having an upper with improved comfort and a better fit is desired, along with a sole with an improved cushioning system or structural characteristics, such as a sole plate that adds stiffness or spring-like properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a sole plate for a sole structure of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe tip at a distal end of the forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region including a heel tip at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate defines an outer edge, and the outer edge includes a first plurality of peaks located on the lateral side of the forefoot region and a first plurality of valleys located on the lateral side of the forefoot region. The first plurality of peaks and the first plurality of valleys are disposed between the widest section of the sole plate and the toe tip of the sole plate.

[0006] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a sole plate for a sole structure of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe tip at a distal end of the forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region including a heel tip at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate defines an outer edge, the outer edge including a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys. At least half of the peaks are located between the lateral widest section and the toe tip, and the peaks located between the lateral widest section and the toe tip define a smaller radius of curvature than peaks not located between the lateral widest section and the toe tip.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a sole plate for a sole structure of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe tip at a distal end of the forefoot region. The sole plate further includes a midfoot region and a heel region having a heel end at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate also includes an outer edge, a curved portion, and a rear portion. The sole plate also includes a plurality of ribs and a plurality of openings. The outer side of the forefoot region of the outer edge includes at least three peaks and at least two valleys.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heel end of the soleplate includes a plurality of heel peaks separated by heel valleys. In some embodiments, the soleplate includes a plurality of ribs. In some embodiments, the soleplate defines a central longitudinal plane extending from the toe end of the soleplate to the heel end of the soleplate, and the plurality of ribs are generally disposed along the direction of the central longitudinal plane. In some embodiments, the soleplate includes a curved portion and a rear portion, the curved portion being a forward curved portion and the rear portion being generally planar. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the soleplate includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys on the lateral side of the forefoot region, and includes more peaks than valleys. In some embodiments, the plurality of valleys on the lateral side of the forefoot region includes two valleys. In some embodiments, the soleplate includes a plurality of openings. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings includes a first opening and a second opening, and the first opening is disposed closer to the toe end of the soleplate than the second opening. In some embodiments, the inner side of the outer edge of the soleplate includes at least one peak and at least one valley.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of valleys of the outer edge is disposed on the lateral side of the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the at least one valley disposed on the lateral side of the forefoot region defines a smaller radius of curvature than valleys not disposed on the lateral side of the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of openings and a plurality of ribs. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs includes a first rib, a second rib, and a third rib. In some embodiments, the first rib and the second rib extend from the forefoot region to the heel region, and the third rib is disposed entirely within the forefoot region.

[0010] In some embodiments, the soleplate further includes a ridge on the medial side of the forefoot region of the outer edge. In some embodiments, the soleplate includes a valley on the medial side of the midfoot region of the outer edge. In some embodiments, the soleplate includes a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings including a first opening and a second opening. In some embodiments, the first opening is disposed closer to the toe end of the soleplate than the second opening. In some embodiments, the soleplate includes a first rib and a second rib. In some embodiments, a first end of the first rib and a first end of the second rib are disposed between the widest section and the toe end. In some embodiments, a second end of the first rib and a second end of the second rib are disposed between the narrowest section and the heel end. In some embodiments, the first opening is disposed between the first rib and the second rib. In some embodiments, the second opening is disposed between the first rib and the second rib. In some embodiments, the soleplate includes a plurality of ribs, at least one rib being disposed primarily in the forefoot region. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a sports shoe including an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sports shoe of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the sole structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken along line 4-4 of FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 6 is a rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 7 is a rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a top isometric view of the plate of the sole structure of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a bottom isometric view of the plate of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a side view of the plate of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the plate of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a top view of the plate of FIG. 8. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following description and accompanying drawings disclose various embodiments or configurations of shoes and sole structures, including sole plates. While shoe or sole structure embodiments are disclosed with respect to athletic shoes, such as running shoes, tennis shoes, and basketball shoes, concepts related to shoe or sole structure embodiments may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including, for example, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats. The shoe or sole structure concepts may also be applied to footwear considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, certain concepts described herein may also be applied to and incorporated into other types of apparel or other athletic equipment, including helmets, padding or protective padding, shin guards, and gloves. Furthermore, certain concepts described herein may be incorporated into cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.

[0013] The term "about," as used herein, refers to variation in a numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for footwear or other products that may include embodiments of the disclosures herein, through inadvertent errors in these procedures, through differences in manufacture, source, or purity of raw materials used to make a composition or mixture or to carry out a method, etc. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of values ​​of ±5% of the numerical value that the term precedes.

[0014] The present disclosure is directed to footwear and / or specific components of footwear, such as uppers, soles or sole structures, and / or sole plates. Uppers may include knitted components, woven fabrics, and / or nonwoven fabrics. Knitted components may be made by knitting yarns, weaving yarns, and nonwoven fabrics by producing a single nonwoven web. Knitted fabrics include fabrics formed by warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, and / or other suitable knitting operations. Knitted fabrics may have, for example, plain knit, mesh knit, and / or rib knit structures. Woven fabrics include fabrics formed by any of a number of weaving configurations, such as, but not limited to, plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weave, and / or double cloth weave. Nonwoven fabrics include, for example, fabrics produced by airlaid and / or spunlaid processes. The upper may comprise different materials, such as first threads, second threads, and / or tertiary threads, which may have different properties or different visual characteristics.

[0015] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of footwear 20 including an upper 22 and a sole structure 24. The upper 22 is attached to the sole structure 24 and defines an internal cavity into which a foot can be inserted. The sole structure 24 is connected to or secured to the upper 22 and extends between a user's foot and the ground when the footwear 20 is worn by a user. The sole structure 24 may include one or more components, which may include a top midsole, a sole plate, a front midsole, a heel midsole, and an outsole. For example, in some embodiments, the sole structure may include an outsole that provides traction for the user and structural integrity to the sole structure, one or more midsoles that provide a cushioning system, and a sole plate that provides additional durability, stability, and propulsion. As discussed further herein, the sole structure 24 of this embodiment of the present invention includes one or more components that provide favorable spring and damping characteristics to the sole structure 24.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 2 , footwear 20 includes an upper 22 configured to be attached to a sole structure 24. Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather) that are joined by bonding or stitching. In some embodiments, upper 22 of footwear 20 is formed from a knit structure or knitted components. In various embodiments, the knitted components may incorporate different types of yarns that can provide different properties to the upper. For example, in some embodiments, one region of upper 22 is formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, while another region of upper 22 is formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, the properties of upper 22 can be varied across upper 22 by selecting specific yarns for different regions of upper 22.

[0017] Continuing with reference to FIG. 2 , sole structure 24 includes a first midsole or top midsole 30, a sole plate 32, a second midsole or front midsole 34, a third midsole or heel midsole 36, and an outsole 38. Top midsole 30 is directly connected to and positioned below upper 22, and is directly connected to and positioned above sole plate 32. Sole plate 32 is directly connected to and positioned above each of front midsole 34 and heel midsole 36. Front midsole 34 is positioned lateral and forward and spaced apart from heel midsole 36. Front midsole 34 and heel midsole 36 are also directly connected to and positioned above spaced apart portions of outsole 38. In some embodiments, outsole 38 includes multiple sections or portions spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, front midsole 34 and heel midsole 36 are directly connected to different sections of the outsole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and the heel midsole 36 are individually constructed from a thermoplastic material such as, for example, polyurethane (PU), and / or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or similar types of materials. In other embodiments, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and / or the heel midsole 36 are individually constructed from an EVA-Solid-Sponge ("ESS") material, EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite TM, IGNITE foam), polyurethane, polyether, olefin block copolymer, thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or supercritical foam. In some embodiments, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and / or the heel midsole 36 are a single polymer material. In some embodiments, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and / or the heel midsole 36 are a blend of materials such as EVA copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and / or olefin block copolymer. One example of a PEBA material is PEBAX®.

[0019] In embodiments in which the top midsole 30, front midsole 34, and / or heel midsole 36 are formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may include a microporous or particle foam, such as TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or a mixture thereof, produced using a process carried out in an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or a sufficiently heated / pressurized vessel capable of processing a mixture of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO , N , or a mixture thereof) and a preferably molten material (e.g., TPU, EVA, a polyolefin elastomer, or a mixture thereof). During an exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized vessel, after which the pressure in the vessel is released, resulting in the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly converting to gas to form small pockets within the material, expanding the material into a foam, which is used as the top midsole 30, front midsole 34, and heel midsole 36. In further embodiments, the top midsole 30, front midsole 34, and heel midsole 36 are formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foam process, compression molding techniques, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the top midsole 30, front midsole 34, and / or heel midsole 36 are formed using a process that includes an initial foaming step that uses supercritical gas to foam a material, which is then compression molded or die cut to a specific shape.

[0020] In some embodiments, the soleplate 32 comprises a PU plastic, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. Other thermoplastic elastomers made of block copolymers are also possible. In some embodiments, the soleplate 32 may include carbon fiber, for example.

[0021] In some embodiments, outsole 38 defines the bottom edge or surface of sole structure 24. Additionally, in some embodiments, outsole 38 is the ground-engaging portion or comprises the ground-engaging surface of sole structure 24, opposite its insole (not shown). Outsole 38 is formed from one or more materials to impart durability, resistance to deterioration, wear resistance, or traction to sole structure 24, and outsole 38 of sole structure 24, in some embodiments, can include multiple sections.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , sole structure 24 defines a forefoot region 50, a midfoot region 52, and a heel region 54. Forefoot region 50 generally corresponds to the portion of footwear 20 that encases the portion of the foot, including the toes, ball of the foot, and the joints connecting the metatarsals to the toes or phalanges. Midfoot region 52 is closely adjacent to forefoot region 50 and generally corresponds to the portion of footwear 20 that encases the arch of the foot along with the bridge of the foot. Heel region 54 is closely adjacent to midfoot region 52 and generally corresponds to the portion of footwear 20 that encases the rear of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus, ankle, and / or Achilles tendon.

[0023] Footwear 20 also includes a medial side 56 and a lateral side 58. In particular, lateral side 58 corresponds to the outer portion of footwear 20, and medial side 56 corresponds to the inner portion of footwear 20. Thus, left and right footwear 20 have opposite lateral sides 58 and lateral sides 56, such that when a user is wearing footwear 20, medial sides 56 are closest to each other, while lateral sides 58 are defined as the sides farthest from each other during wear. Medial sides 56 and lateral sides 58 abut each other at opposite distal ends of footwear 20.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, the forefoot region 50, midfoot region 52, heel region 54, medial side 56, and lateral side 58 are intended to define boundaries or regions of footwear 20. To that end, forefoot region 50, midfoot region 52, heel region 54, medial side 56, and lateral side 58 generally characterize sections of footwear 20. Furthermore, both upper 22 and sole structure 24 are characterized as having portions within forefoot region 50, midfoot region 52, heel region 54, and on medial side 56 and lateral side 58. Thus, upper 22 and sole structure 24, and / or individual portions of upper 22 and sole structure 24, can include portions disposed within forefoot region 50, midfoot region 52, heel region 54, and on medial side 56 and lateral side 58.

[0025] 3 , in some embodiments, outsole 38 defines a bottom edge or surface of sole structure 24 across heel region 54, midfoot region 52, and forefoot region 50. In some embodiments, outsole 38 is disposed in forefoot region 50 and heel region 54. In some embodiments, sole structure 24 narrows in midfoot region 52 and widens toward forefoot region 50 and heel region 54. A medial longitudinal plane 60 of sole structure 24 is defined as a plane extending longitudinally through the center of sole structure 24.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4 , the sole plate 32 separates the top midsole 30 from each of the front midsole 34 and the heel midsole 36. In some embodiments, the upper 22 includes an underside having a generally curved profile. The top midsole 30 is directly bonded to the underside of the upper 22. Thus, in some embodiments, the top midsole 30 has a generally curved upper side that follows the shape of the underside of the upper 22. The top midsole 30 is generally thicker in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54. As a result, the underside of the top midsole 30 is curved, i.e., not flat. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 follows the curvature of the underside of the top midsole 30. Thus, the sole plate 32 is curved in the forefoot region 50 and midfoot region 52 and generally straight or flat in the heel region 54. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 extends beyond the toe end 62 of the top midsole 30. In some embodiments, the toe tip portion 64 of the front midsole 34 and the toe tip portion 66 of the outsole 38 extend further than the toe tip portion 68 of the sole plate 32. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the toe tip portion 64 of the front midsole 34 and the toe tip portion 66 of the outsole 38 extend in a direction toward the upper 22, i.e., define a protrusion. As shown in FIG. 4 , the toe tip portion 64 of the front midsole 34 surrounds the toe tip portion 68 of the sole plate 32, and the toe tip portion 66 of the outsole 38 at least partially surrounds the toe tip portion 64 of the front midsole 34. A toe end portion 62 of the top midsole 30, a toe end portion 64 of the front midsole 34, a toe end portion 66 of the outsole 38, and a toe end portion 68 of the sole plate 32 are located at distal ends of the forefoot region 50 of the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, the outsole 38, and the sole plate 32, respectively. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 does not extend entirely through the heel region 54 of the sole structure 24.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 5, a rear cross-sectional view of sole structure 24 in the forefoot region 50 is shown. As shown in FIG. 5 along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, sole plate 32 is positioned substantially in a pocket defined in front midsole 34. In some embodiments, sole plate 32 is positioned off-center relative to longitudinal plane 60. To that end, sole plate 32 may be positioned closer to the lateral side 56 than to the medial side 58 of sole structure 24. However, in some embodiments, sole plate 32 may be positioned closer to the medial side 58 than to the lateral side 56. Sole plate 32 includes a generally flat or straight portion and further includes a portion defining one or more ribs 76 that result in a plurality of curved portions 78. Top midsole 30, front midsole 34, and outsole 38 extend uninterrupted from medial side 56 to lateral side 58.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows another rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure 24 in the forefoot region 50. Viewed along line 6-6 in FIG. 3, the top midsole 30 is shown extending from the medial side 56 to the lateral side 58. The sole plate 32 is substantially disposed in a pocket defined within the front midsole 34. While the sole plate 32 includes various flat portions, the sole plate 32 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60 of the sole structure 24. Furthermore, the thickness of the rib 76 of the sole plate 32 shown along line 6-6 in FIG. 3 is greater than the thickness of the rib 76 of the sole plate 32 shown along line 5-5 in FIG. 3. As a result, the curved portion 80 of the rib 76 along line 6-6 has a smaller radius of curvature than the curved portion 78 shown along line 5-5 (see FIG. 5). Furthermore, in FIG. 6, the sole plate 32 is substantially centered within the front midsole 34. The front midsole 34 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60, and the outsole 38 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60. The underside of the top midsole 30 is the bottom-most surface of the sole structure 24 at some point along line 6-6 in FIG.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 7, a rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure 24 in the midfoot region 52 is shown. Viewed along line 7-7 in FIG. 3, the top midsole 30 is shown extending from the medial side 56 to the lateral side 58. The sole plate 32 is substantially disposed within a pocket defined by the front midsole 34. The sole plate 32 further includes a generally planar portion. The thickness of the plurality of ribs 76 of the sole plate 32 along line 7-7 in FIG. 3 is greater than the thickness of the plurality of ribs 76 along line 6-6 and the thickness of the plurality of ribs 76 along line 5-5. As a result, the curved portion 82 defined by the ribs 76 along line 7-7 has a smaller radius of curvature than the curved portion 80 along line 6-6 (see FIG. 6) and the curved portion 78 along line 5-5 (see FIG. 5). Furthermore, the sole plate 32 is substantially centered within the front midsole 34 along line 7-7, the front midsole 34 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60 of the sole structure 24, and the outsole 38 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60 of the sole structure 24. Because the front midsole 34 and the outsole 38 are discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60, the underside of the sole plate 32 is the bottom-most surface of the sole structure 24 along the central longitudinal plane 60 of the sole structure 24.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 8 , the soleplate 32 is shown in detail, including a plurality of ribs 76 and a plurality of openings 90. The ribs 76 continue longitudinally along the soleplate 32 from the forefoot region 50 to the heel region 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 76 do not extend all the way to the toe tip 68 of the soleplate 32 or to the heel end 92 of the soleplate 32. The heel end 92 of the soleplate 32 is defined as the distal end of the soleplate 32 in the heel region 54. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the ribs 76 extend all the way to the toe tip 68 and / or the heel end 92. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 76 extend downward relative to the ground, i.e., as shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 . However, in some embodiments, one or more of the ribs 76 extend upward. In the illustrated embodiment, the soleplate 32 includes a first rib 94 and a second rib 96. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 has more or fewer ribs. In some embodiments, the ribs 76 are different lengths or shapes, the ribs 76 are positioned differently, or the ribs 76 are different sizes.

[0031] Continuing with reference to FIG. 8 , a first opening 98 of the plurality of openings 90 is disposed partially within the forefoot region 50 and partially within the midfoot region 52. The first opening 98 has at least three inflection points and defines a generally rounded edge. The first opening 98 tapers at the forward end of the first opening 98 moving in a heel-to-toe direction. A second opening 100 of the plurality of openings 90 is disposed generally within the midfoot region 52 and the heel region 54. The second opening 100 is irregularly shaped and includes at least four inflection points. In some embodiments, the first opening 98 and the second opening 100 are the same shape, are in different positions, or are different sizes. In some embodiments, more or fewer openings are present. The openings 90 are advantageous in allowing the medial side 56 and the lateral side 58 of the sole plate 32 to flex independently of each other.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 9 , the ribs 76 of the soleplate 32 include a third rib 102 disposed along the underside lateral side 58 of the soleplate 32. The third rib 102 continues longitudinally along a portion of the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50 of the soleplate 32. The third rib 102 has a slightly curved shape, with a concave portion near the toe end 68 of the soleplate 32 and a convex portion near the heel end 92 of the soleplate 32. The third rib 102 generally follows the contour of the edge of the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50 of the soleplate 32. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 extends downwardly. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 extends downwardly the same distance as the first rib 94 and the second rib 96. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 extends downwardly a different distance than the first rib 94 and the second rib 96. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 is not included in the sole plate 32 .

[0033] 10 , the soleplate 32 includes a curved portion 104 and a rear portion 106. The rear portion 106 is relatively flat or straight. The curved portion 104 is a forward curved portion and includes one or more radii of curvature. The toe end 68 of the soleplate 32 curves upward, and an apex 108 of the curved portion 104 is located in the forefoot region 50. The midfoot region 52 includes a transition point 110. The transition point 110 defines the point where the soleplate 32 transitions from the curved portion 104 to the rear portion 106. In some embodiments, the soleplate 32 has a uniform thickness.

[0034] Turning to FIG. 11 , a bottom view of the sole plate 32 is shown. The sole plate 32 generally widens in the forefoot region 50, narrows in the midfoot region 52, and remains generally consistent along its length in the heel region 54. A first reference axis 111 defines the widest section of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the first reference axis 111 is located in the forefoot region 50. A second reference axis 112 defines the narrowest section of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the second reference axis 112 is located in the midfoot region 52.

[0035] 11 , the soleplate 32 defines an outer edge 113. The outer edge 113 of the soleplate 32 in the forefoot region 50 on the lateral side 58 is curved. More specifically, the outer edge 113 of the soleplate 32 in the forefoot region 50 on the lateral side 58 defines a plurality of peaks 114 and a plurality of valleys 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer edge 113 defines three peaks and two valleys on the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50, although in some embodiments, more or fewer peaks and valleys are present. A first peak 118 of the plurality of peaks 114 is located at the toe end 68 of the soleplate 32. A second peak 120 of the plurality of peaks 114 is located on the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50. A first valley 122 separates the first peak 118 and the second peak 120. The first valley 122 defines a first radius of curvature. The third peak 126 is located on the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50. The third peak 126 is further from the toe tip 68 than the second peak 120. A second valley 128 separates the second peak 120 and the third peak 126. The second valley 128 defines a second radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is smaller than the first radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is the same as the first radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is greater than the first radius of curvature. The first peak 118, the second peak 120, the third peak 126, the first valley 122, and the second valley 128 are located on the outer side 58 of the sole plate 32 between the toe tip 68 of the sole plate 32 and the first reference axis 111, i.e., the first peak 118, the second peak 120, the third peak 126, the first valley 122, and the second valley 128 are located on the outer side 58 of the sole plate 32 between the toe tip 68 of the sole plate 32 and the widest section of the sole plate 32.

[0036] With further reference to the lateral side 58 of the sole plate 32, as shown in FIG. 11 , the outer edge 113 of the sole plate 32 curves toward the medial longitudinal plane 60 generally between the third crest 126 and the midfoot region 52. Thus, the sole plate 32 narrows between the forefoot region 50 and the midfoot region 52. The outer edge 113 is generally straight through the midfoot region 52 and the heel region 54. At the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32, the outer edge 113 defines a first heel crest 136 and a second heel crest 138. The first heel crest 136 is on the lateral side 58 of the sole plate 32. The second heel crest 138 is on the medial side 56 of the sole plate 32. A first heel valley 140 separates the first heel crest 136 and the second heel crest 138. The first heel valley 140 defines a radius of curvature for the heel. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature for the heel is greater than the first and second radii of curvature for the first valley 122 and the second valley 128, respectively. The outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 of the sole plate 32 is generally straight through the heel region 54. The outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 of the sole plate 32 generally curves toward the medial longitudinal plane 60 of the midfoot region 52. Thus, the sole plate 32 narrows in the midfoot region 52. The outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 of the sole plate 32 curves away from the medial longitudinal plane 60 between the midfoot region 52 and the forefoot region 50 on the medial side 56.

[0037] Thus, the outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 defines a medial valley 148 within the midfoot region 52. In some embodiments, the medial valley 148 is located entirely between the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32 and the first reference axis 111. In some embodiments, the medial valley 148 is located between the first reference axis 111 and the second reference axis 112. In some embodiments, the medial valley 148 is located on the second reference axis 112. Additionally, the sole plate 32 widens between the midfoot region 52 and the forefoot region 50. Within the forefoot region 50, the outer edge 113 switches from curving away from the medial longitudinal plane 60 to curving toward the medial longitudinal plane 60. Thus, the outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 defines a medial crest 150. The medial crest 150 is located substantially in the forefoot region 50. In some embodiments, the medial crest 150 is located on the first reference axis 111. In some embodiments, the inner ridge 150 is located between the toe tip 68 of the sole plate 32 and the first reference axis 111 .

[0038] As shown in FIG. 11 , the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 are shown extending from the forefoot region 50, through the midfoot region 52, and into the heel region 54. In some embodiments, the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 do not extend completely to the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32. The first rib 94 and the second rib 96 extend at one end to a point between the first reference axis 111 and the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32. The first rib 94 and the second rib 96 extend at the other end to a point between the second reference axis 112 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. The first rib 94 and the second rib 96 do not extend completely to the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. The third rib 102 is shown primarily in the forefoot region 50. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 is located entirely between the first reference axis 111 and the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 follows the shape of the outer edge 113 of the sole plate 32. More specifically, the third rib 102 follows the first radius of curvature of the first valley 122 and the second radius of curvature of the second valley 128.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 11 , the first opening 98 is located substantially within the forefoot region 50 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, a majority of the first opening 98 is located between the first reference axis 111 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the first opening 98 is located completely between the first reference axis 111 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, a minor section of the first opening is located between the first reference axis 111 and the second reference axis 112. The second opening 100 is located within the midfoot region 52 and the heel region 54. In some embodiments, the second opening 100 is located completely between the first reference axis 111 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, a majority of the second opening 100 is located between the second reference axis 112 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate. In some embodiments, the first opening 98 is disposed between the first rib 94 and the second rib 96. In some embodiments, the second opening 100 is disposed between the first rib 94 and the second rib 96. In some embodiments, the first opening 98 and the second opening 100 are disposed substantially forward of the aft-most point 154 of the first rib 94, where forward is defined as closer to the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the first opening 98 and the second opening 100 are disposed substantially forward of the aft-most point 156 of the second rib 96. In some embodiments, the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 are generally curved. In some embodiments, the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 are generally straight. In some embodiments, the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 are disposed differently relative to the first opening 98 and the second opening 100.

[0040] Turning to Figure 12, a top view of the sole plate 32 is shown. As in Figure 11, the outer edge 113, first rib 94, second rib 96, third rib 102, first opening 98, and second opening 100 in the sole plate 32 are shown.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 13 , the sole plate 32 defines a generally flat surface and several curvatures that align with the first rib 94, the second rib 96, and the third rib 102. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 extends along a first reference plane 158 that is disposed at an angle relative to the plane of the sole plate 32. The plane of the sole plate 32 extends along a second reference plane 160. In some embodiments, the angle 162 between the first reference plane 158 and the second reference plane 160 is between 5 and 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 162 is between 6 and 45 degrees, or between 7 and 35 degrees, or between 8 and 25 degrees, or between 9 and 20 degrees, or between 10 and 15 degrees, or between 11 and 14 degrees, or between 11 and 12 degrees, or between 12 and 13 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 162 is about 12 degrees.

[0042] Any of the embodiments described herein can be modified to include any of the structures or methods disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Furthermore, the disclosure is not limited to the types of footwear specifically shown. Furthermore, the footwear aspects of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to function with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment.

[0043] As previously mentioned, while the present invention has been described above with reference to particular embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and deviations from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims appended hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated herein by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated herein by reference. Various features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0044] Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.

Claims

1. A sole plate for the sole structure of footwear, The forefoot region includes the toe tip at the distal end of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region includes the heel tip at the distal end of the heel region, Inside and outside, The outer edge and, The widest section and, The narrowest section and It has multiple ribs, The outer edge includes a plurality of first peaks and a plurality of first valleys located on the outer side of the forefoot region, The first plurality of peaks and the first plurality of valleys are arranged between the widest section of the sole plate and the toe portion of the sole plate. The central longitudinal surface extends from the toe end of the sole plate to the heel end of the sole plate, Each of the multiple ribs defines a curved portion, and the curved portion is configured to extend downward along the central longitudinal plane. The curved portion is a sole plate located in the forefoot region, spaced at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the sole plate.

2. The sole plate according to claim 1, wherein the heel end includes a plurality of heel peaks separated by the heel valley.

3. The central longitudinal surface extends from the toe end of the sole plate to the heel end of the sole plate, The sole plate according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of ribs extend in the direction of the central longitudinal surface.

4. It further comprises a curved section and a rear section, The aforementioned array portion is the front array portion, The sole plate according to claim 1, wherein the rear portion is generally flat or straight.

5. The sole plate according to claim 1, wherein the outer edge includes the plurality of peaks and the plurality of valleys on the outside between the widest section and the toe portion, and includes more peaks than valleys.

6. The sole plate according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of valleys include two valleys.

7. The sole plate is the sole plate according to claim 1, wherein the sole plate includes a plurality of openings.

8. The plurality of openings include a first opening and a second opening, The sole plate according to claim 7, wherein the first opening is positioned closer to the toe portion of the sole plate than the second opening.

9. The sole plate according to claim 1, wherein the inner side of the outer edge of the sole plate includes at least one peak and at least one valley.

10. A sole plate for the sole structure of footwear having an outer and inner side, The distal end of the forefoot region includes the toe area, The distal end of the heel region includes the heel region, A metatarsal region extending between the forefoot region and the heel region, It has at least a plurality of ribs positioned in the forefoot region and the midfoot region, The outer edge defines the widest section, the narrowest section, multiple mountains, and multiple valleys. At least half of the aforementioned peak is positioned between the widest section on the outer side of the sole plate and the toe portion, The central longitudinal surface extends from the toe end of the sole plate to the heel end of the sole plate, Each of the multiple ribs defines a curved portion, and the curved portion is configured to extend downward along the central longitudinal plane. The curved portion is a sole plate located in the forefoot region, spaced at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the sole plate.

11. The sole plate according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of valleys of the outer edge is located between the widest section on the outside of the sole plate and the toe portion.

12. The sole plate according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the valleys located between the widest outer section of the sole plate and the toe portion defines a smaller radius of curvature than the valleys not located between the widest outer section of the sole plate and the toe portion.

13. The sole plate according to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of openings and a plurality of ribs.

14. The plurality of ribs include a first rib and a second rib, The sole plate according to claim 13, wherein the first rib and the second rib extend in a predetermined direction from the forefoot region to the heel region and terminate in the heel region.

15. A sole plate for the sole structure of footwear having an inner and outer side, The forefoot region includes the toe tip at the distal end of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region includes the heel tip at the distal end of the heel region. The outer boundary defining the widest and narrowest sections, Multiple ribs, It has multiple openings, The outer edge between the widest section and the toe portion includes at least three peaks and at least two valleys. The lateral contour of the sole plate includes a curved portion and a rear portion, The central longitudinal surface extends from the toe end of the sole plate to the heel end of the sole plate, Each of the multiple ribs defines a curved portion, and the curved portion is configured to extend downward along the central longitudinal plane. The curved portion is a sole plate located in the forefoot region, spaced at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the sole plate.

16. The sole plate according to claim 15, further comprising a ridge on the inner side of the forefoot region of the outer edge.

17. The sole plate according to claim 15, further comprising a valley on the inner side of the midfoot region of the outer edge.

18. The plurality of openings include a first opening and a second opening, The first opening is positioned closer to the toe tip than the second opening. The plurality of ribs include a first rib and a second rib, The first end of the first rib and the first end of the second rib are positioned between the widest section and the toe portion. The second end of the first rib and the second end of the second rib are positioned between the narrowest section and the heel end. The first opening is located between the first rib and the second rib. The sole plate according to claim 15, wherein the second opening is positioned between the first rib and the second rib.

19. The sole plate according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of ribs include at least one rib that is fully positioned within the forefoot region.

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