shoe sole structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to sole structures for shoes, and more specifically, to shoes having a traction element, and to shoes equipped with a sole structure. [Solution] The footwear 100 having a sole 104 comprises a forefoot portion 108, a heel portion 110, an outer edge 118 extending around the forefoot and heel portions, and a wing 122 extending away from the outer edge. The wing defines a space between the wing of the footwear and the upper 102 and includes a traction element 112 extending from the bottom surface of the wing. In some embodiments, the wing can bend toward the upper from an initial position such that the volume of the space decreases when force is applied to the wing by the ground.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sole structure for shoes, and more particularly, to shoes having traction elements and shoes comprising the sole structure.

Background Art

[0002] When designing soles for shoes used to participate in sports, the use of the feet when participating in those sports may be considered. For example, the ability to quickly decelerate and quickly change direction during a sports competition is faster than when a player decelerates or changes direction slowly, and enables the player to respond to actions (e.g., the ball moving towards or away from the player, a teammate moving away from the player, etc.). Therefore, there is a continuing need for sports shoes designed to improve the ability of players to quickly change direction and quickly decelerate.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first embodiment (I) of the present disclosure comprises an upper and a sole coupled to the upper, the sole comprising a forefoot portion, a heel portion, an outer edge extending at least partially around the forefoot portion and the heel portion, and a wing extending away from the outer edge, the wing defining a space between the wing and the upper and comprising a traction element extending from the bottom surface of the wing, and is directed to footwear.

[0004] In a second embodiment (II), in the footwear of the first embodiment (I), the wing comprises a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the outer edge and the second end being located further from the outer edge than the first end.

[0005] In a third embodiment (III), in the footwear of the second embodiment (II), the first end is positioned closer to the bottom surface of the sole than the second end.

[0006] In the fourth embodiment (IV), the footwear according to any one of embodiments (I) to (III) has a concave shape that curves away from the bottom surface of the sole.

[0007] In the fifth embodiment (V), the footwear of the fourth embodiment (IV) is concave around the longitudinal axis of the wing, the transverse axis of the wing, or a combination thereof.

[0008] In the sixth embodiment (VI), the wing extends from either the forefoot portion or the heel portion of the footwear according to any one of embodiments (I) to (V).

[0009] In the seventh embodiment (VII), the footwear is according to any one of embodiments (I) to (VI), wherein the wing is a first wing, the traction element is a first traction element, the sole further comprises a second wing extending away from the outer edge of the sole, the second wing comprises a second traction element extending from the bottom surface of the second wing, the first wing extends from the forefoot portion, and the second wing extends from the heel portion.

[0010] In the eighth embodiment (VIII), the footwear according to any one of embodiments (I) to (VII) comprises a first part and a second part separated by a gap.

[0011] In the ninth embodiment (IX), the footwear according to any one of embodiments (I) to (VII) further comprises a sole with a cup extending adjacent to the upper toward the bottom surface of the sole, and a wing defining the space between the wing and the cup.

[0012] In the tenth embodiment (X), the cup is located in the forefoot portion of the footwear of the ninth embodiment (IX).

[0013] In the eleventh embodiment (XI), the cup is located in the heel portion of the footwear of the ninth embodiment (IX).

[0014] In the twelfth embodiment (XII), in footwear according to any one of embodiments (IX) to (XI), the wing comprises a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the outer edge, the second end located further from the outer edge than the first end, and the longitudinal distance between the rearmost end of the cup and the second end being 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0015] In the thirteenth embodiment (XIII), footwear according to any one of embodiments (I) to (XII) further comprises a filling component arranged in space.

[0016] In the fourteenth embodiment (XIV), the footwear of the thirteenth embodiment (XIII) includes an elastic material as a filling component.

[0017] In the 15th embodiment (XV), the filling component is attached to the upper in the footwear according to the 13th embodiment (XIII) or the 14th embodiment (XIV).

[0018] In the sixteenth embodiment (XVI), the filling component is attached to the wing in the footwear according to any one of embodiments (XIII) to (XV).

[0019] In the 17th embodiment (XVII), in footwear according to any one of embodiments (XIII) to (XVI), the filling component has a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the wing or upper.

[0020] In the 18th embodiment (XVIII), the wing is made from a material with higher rigidity than the elastic material, in the footwear of the 14th embodiment (XIV).

[0021] In the 19th embodiment (XIX), in footwear according to any one of embodiments (I) to (XVIII), the wing has an initial position relative to the upper, and is configured to bend from the initial position toward the upper such that the volume of space decreases when a force is applied to the wing by the ground.

[0022] In the 20th embodiment (XX), the footwear according to any one of embodiments (I) to (XIX) comprises a cleat as a traction element.

[0023] A 21st embodiment (XXI) of the present disclosure relates to footwear comprising an upper and a sole coupled to the upper, wherein the sole comprises a wing extending away from the sole, the wing having a bottom surface that contacts the bottom surface of the sole at the outer edge of the sole, the wing comprising a traction element that defines a space between the wing and the upper and extends from the bottom surface of the wing, the wing having an initial position relative to the upper, and the wing being configured to bend toward the upper from the initial position when a force is applied to the wing by the ground such that the volume of the space decreases.

[0024] In the 22nd embodiment (XXII), the footwear of the 21st embodiment (XXI) is configured such that the wing returns to its initial position when the force is removed from the wing.

[0025] In the 23rd embodiment (XXIII), the footwear of the 21st embodiment (XXI) or the 22nd embodiment (XXII) further comprises a filling component positioned in space, the filling component configured to limit the bending of the wing from its initial position when a force is applied to the wing by the ground.

[0026] In the 24th embodiment (XXIV), in footwear according to any one of embodiments (XXI) to (XXIII), the wing is attached to the forefoot portion of the sole and extends inward or outward relative to the sole.

[0027] In the 25th embodiment (XV), in footwear according to any one of embodiments (XXI) to (XXIII), the wing is attached to the heel portion of the sole and extends rearward relative to the sole.

[0028] In the 26th embodiment (XVI), in the footwear according to any one of embodiments (XXI) to (XXV), the wing is configured to bend towards the upper from the initial position when the traction element engages with the ground.

[0029] In the 27th embodiment (XVII), in the footwear according to any one of embodiments (XXI) to (XXVI), the traction element includes cleats.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1A] Side and rear views of shoes according to several embodiments respectively. [Figure 1B] Side and rear views of shoes according to several embodiments respectively. [Figure 2A] Side and bottom views of the soles of shoes according to several embodiments respectively. [Figure 2B] Side and bottom views of the soles of shoes according to several embodiments respectively. [Figure 3A] Side and bottom views of the soles of shoes according to several embodiments respectively. [Figure 3B] [[ID=!]]Side and bottom views of the soles of shoes according to several embodiments respectively. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the foot contact angle of shoes according to several embodiments. [Figure 5] Side view of the sole of shoes according to several embodiments. [[ID=3!]]Side view of the sole of shoes according to several embodiments. [Figure 7] Side view of shoes according to several embodiments. [Figure 8A] Cross-sectional view of the sole of shoes cut along line 8-8' of FIG. 7 according to several embodiments. [Figure 8B] Cross-sectional view of the sole of shoes cut along line 8-8' of FIG. 7 according to several embodiments. [Figure 8C] This is a cross-sectional view of a shoe sole cut along line 8-8' in Figure 7, according to several embodiments. [Figure 9] This figure shows the foot contact angle of a shoe according to several embodiments. [Figure 10] This is a side view of a shoe according to several embodiments. [Figure 11] This is a bottom perspective view of the sole of a shoe according to several embodiments. [Figure 12] This is a side perspective view of the sole of a shoe according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Unless there is a clear contradiction or the context explicitly indicates otherwise, the indefinite articles "a," "an," and "the" also include multiple references.

[0032] In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, references such as “First,” “Second,” “Third,” and “Fourth” are not intended to indicate order or that features with earlier numbers are required for features with later numbers. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the use of “First,” “Second,” “Third,” and “Fourth” does not necessarily imply that features such as “First,” “Second,” “Third,” and “Fourth” have different properties or values.

[0033] The term "comprising" is an open-ended transitional phrase. The list of elements following the transitional phrase "comprising" is a non-exclusive list, and therefore there may be elements other than those specifically listed. The phrase "consisting essentially of" limits the composition of the constituent elements to the specified substance and substances that do not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the constituent elements. The phrase "consisting of" limits the composition of the constituent elements to the specified substance and excludes any substances that are not specified.

[0034] When numerical ranges including upper and lower limits are described herein, unless otherwise specified in specific circumstances, the range is intended to include its endpoints and all integers and fractions within that range. This disclosure or the claims are not intended to be limited to specific values ​​described when defining a range. Furthermore, when a quantity, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as one range, one or more ranges, or a list of upper and lower limits, it will be understood that this specifically discloses all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limits or values ​​and any lower range limits or values, whether such pairs are disclosed separately or not.

[0035] The sole structures according to embodiments of this application are designed to provide the wearer with a variety of advantageous effects. These sole structures can promote optimal athletic performance for wearers participating in sports, such as soccer, and the sole structures are equipped with traction elements. The sole structures are designed to provide the wearer with the ability to brake / decelerate quickly and / or change direction quickly. The ability to decelerate and / or change direction quickly can promote desired athletic performance characteristics. The sole structures according to embodiments of this application are designed to address and / or achieve the following problems, at least in part:

[0036] Sole structures for athletic shoes with traction elements such as cleats, spikes, or studs typically have traction elements positioned perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the ground. Such an arrangement of traction elements requires the sole to be parallel or nearly parallel to the ground so that the traction elements make contact with the ground. Therefore, in order to transfer the maximum force to the ground through the traction elements when changing direction, the wearer's foot must be nearly flat with respect to the ground.

[0037] Some sole structures for athletic shoes have attempted to solve this problem by positioning the traction elements at an angle relative to the ground. Such an arrangement of the traction elements allows the wearer's foot to be tilted relative to the ground, enabling the maximum force to be transmitted to the ground via the traction elements. However, such an arrangement of the traction elements limits the maximum force that can be transmitted to the ground by restricting the angle at which the traction elements can make contact with the ground.

[0038] The sole structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the angle at which the traction elements can contact the ground, enabling faster braking and faster changes of direction compared to traction elements in typical arrangements. For example, the sole structures of the present disclosure may include wings extending from the outer edge of the sole. The wings may include one or more traction elements extending from the bottom surface of the wings. The position of the wings relative to the sole and the position of the traction elements relative to the wings can improve the angle at which the traction elements can contact the ground. The wings may extend outward from the sole, and therefore, when the traction elements of the wings contact the ground, the wings can bend from an initial position to a deformed position to absorb and / or redirect energy, assisting deceleration and / or changes of direction.

[0039] Figures 1A and 1B show side and rear views of the shoe 100 according to several embodiments, respectively. In some embodiments, the shoe 100 can be used for athletic sports such as soccer, American football, baseball, and track and field. The shoe 100 comprises an upper 102 coupled to a sole 104. The upper 102 can cover the top and / or sides of the wearer's foot when the wearer is wearing the shoe 100. In some embodiments, the upper 102 may be provided with laces 106 to secure the shoe 100 to the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the laces 106 can be omitted and replaced with a different structure (e.g., an elastic band) to secure the shoe 100 to the wearer's foot.

[0040] The sole 104 can be bonded to the upper 102 in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be bonded to the upper 102 by means of adhesive, stitching, connectors (e.g., threaded connectors), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be bonded to the upper 102 by directly injecting the sole 104 into the upper 102 (e.g., by injection molding). In some embodiments, the sole 104 and the upper 102 can be additively manufactured, and thus the upper 102 can be directly printed onto the sole. In some embodiments, the sole 104 and the upper 102 can be additively manufactured separately and then joined together (e.g., by adhesive). In some embodiments, the sole 104 can include materials such as rubber (natural or synthetic), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), composites, or any other materials that can provide the functions disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can include one material. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can include a combination of two or more materials. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding, machining, additive manufacturing (3D printing), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the upper 102 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding, machining (e.g., milling, turning, drilling), additive manufacturing, or a combination thereof. In embodiments in which the upper 102 and sole 104 are manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, the sole 104 and upper 102 can be manufactured together in the same additive manufacturing process, or the sole 104 and upper 102 can be manufactured separately and then joined together.

[0041] The sole 104 may include a forefoot portion 108, which is located beneath the wearer's forefoot (for example, the portion of the wearer's foot including the toes). The sole 104 may also include a heel portion 110, which is located beneath the wearer's heel. The sole 104 may also include a midfoot portion 116, which is located beneath all or part of the wearer's midfoot (for example, the portion of the wearer's foot including the arch).

[0042] In some embodiments, the sole 104 may include traction elements 112 extending from the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 may be located in the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 may be located in the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 may be located in both the forefoot portion 108 and the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 may be located in the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 may extend beyond the boundary of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 may extend beyond the boundary of the heel portion 110, the forefoot portion 108, the midfoot portion 116, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 may include traction elements 128 located in the wing 122, wing 322, or arm 1062 as described herein.

[0043] In some embodiments, the forefoot portion 108, heel portion 110, and midfoot portion 116 may comprise two or more separate components joined together. In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may be coupled to the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may be coupled to the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the forefoot portion 108, heel portion 110, and midfoot portion 116 may have a single structure. For example, the forefoot portion 108, heel portion 110, and midfoot portion 116 may be manufactured using injection molding, machining, additive manufacturing, etc., so that the forefoot portion 108, heel portion 110, and midfoot portion 116 can be a single, integrally formed structure. In some embodiments, two or more of the forefoot portion 108, heel portion 110, or midfoot portion 116 may contain the same or different materials.

[0044] In some embodiments, the sole 104 may have an outer edge 118 extending around all or at least part of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the outer edge 118 may include an outer surface 119 and an inner surface 121 (for example, shown in Figure 2A). In some embodiments, the upper 102 may extend from the inner surface 121. In some embodiments, the outer edge 118 may extend around the forefoot portion 108 and the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the outer edge 118 may extend around the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116. In some embodiments, the outer edge 118 may be located between the bottom surface 114 and the top surface 120 of the sole 104.

[0045] In some embodiments, the sole 104 may include a wing 122 extending away from the outer edge 118 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 1A to 6, the wing 122 may extend rearward from the heel portion 110 relative to the sole 104. In such embodiments, the rearward direction is defined by a vector 124 extending from the forefoot portion 108 toward the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 7 and 8A to 8C, the wing 122 may extend outward in an inward or outward direction from the forefoot portion 108 or the midfoot portion 116.

[0046] In some embodiments, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 may be made of the same material. In some embodiments, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 may be separate components (for example, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 may be molded, machined, or additively manufactured as a single, integral part). In some embodiments, the wing 122 may be integrally formed with the heel portion 110 by an injection molding process. Alternatively, the wing 122 may be overmolded onto the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 may be separate components. In such embodiments, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 may be made of the same material or different materials. In embodiments where the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 are separate components, the wing 122 may be joined to the heel portion 110 by, for example, adhesive, welding, threaded connectors, or a combination thereof.

[0047] In some embodiments, the wing 122 may include traction elements 128 extending from the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122. In some embodiments, the wing 122 may include multiple traction elements 128 extending from the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122. In some embodiments, the traction elements 128 may include cleats, spikes, studs, or any other type of traction element that can engage with the ground when in contact with the ground. In some embodiments, the traction elements 128 and the wing 122 may be a single component (for example, the wing 122 and the traction elements 128 may be molded, machined, or additively manufactured as a single integral part). In some embodiments, the wing 122 and the traction elements 128 may be separate components. In such embodiments, the wing 122 and the traction elements 128 may contain the same material or different materials. In embodiments where the wing 122 and the traction elements 128 are separate components, the traction elements 128 may be coupled to the wing 122, for example, by threaded connectors.

[0048] In some embodiments, the wing 122 defines a space 126 between the wing 122 and the upper 102. In some embodiments, the space 126 can be dynamic. For example, when the wing 122 is not in contact with the ground, the space 126 may have a first volume. When the wing 122 is in contact with the ground, the wing 122 can bend relative to the sole 104, and therefore the space 126 may have a second volume smaller than the first volume. The movement of the wing 122 relative to the space 126 will be further described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0049] In some embodiments, the space 126 may be an empty volume. In some embodiments, all or part of the space 126 may be occupied by a filling component, as described herein.

[0050] In some embodiments, the wing 122 may comprise an inner portion 132 and an outer portion 134 separated by a gap 136. In some embodiments, the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 are substantially similar in size (for example, the dimensions of the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 may be within 20 percent of each other, the surface area of ​​the inner portion 132 and the surface area of ​​the outer portion 134 may be within 20 percent of each other, and so on). In some embodiments, the inner portion 132 is larger than the outer portion 134. In some embodiments, the outer portion 134 is larger than the inner portion 132. In some embodiments, the gap 136 may extend over the entire length between the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134, so that the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 are separate components. In some embodiments, the gap 136 may extend over a length less than the entire length between the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134, so that the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 are connected by a bridge 138.

[0051] In some embodiments, the bridge 138, inner portion 132, and outer portion 134 can be a single, integrally formed structure (for example, the bridge 138, inner portion 132, and outer portion 134 can be formed together during the manufacturing process). In some embodiments, the bridge 138 can be a separate component that connects the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 (which can also be a separate component). In embodiments where the bridge 138 is a separate component, the bridge 138 may include properties that can control how the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 can move independently of each other. For example, the bridge 138 may include a flexible material that limits the transmission of motion between the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134, so that when the inner portion 132 moves, the outer portion 134 moves little or no. In some embodiments, the bridge 138 may include a rigid material that allows the transmission of motion between the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134, so that when the inner portion 132 moves, the outer portion 134 also moves.

[0052] In some embodiments, the gap 136 can be at least partially filled with material to control how the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 can move relative to each other. In some embodiments, the material can be flexible to limit the transmission of motion between the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134. In some embodiments, the material can be rigid to allow the transmission of motion between the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134.

[0053] In some embodiments, the wing 122 may comprise more than the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134. For example, the inner portion 132 may be the outermost part on the inside of the shoe 100, and the outer portion 134 may be the outermost part on the outside of the shoe 100. In some embodiments, the wing 122 may comprise one or more additional portions located between the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134, each portion separated from adjacent portions by a gap similar to a gap 136. In some embodiments, these gaps may extend over the entire length between these portions, and each portion is a distinct component. In some embodiments, these gaps may extend over a length less than the entire length between these portions, and these portions are connected by a bridge similar to a bridge 138. In some embodiments, some of these portions may be connected by a bridge similar to a bridge 138, and some of these portions may be distinct components.

[0054] In some embodiments, the sole 104 may include a cup 140 extending away from the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the cup 140 and the sole 104 may be a single, integrally formed component, so that the cup 140 and the sole 104 are seamlessly assimilated together. For example, the cup 140 may extend seamlessly from the outer edge 118. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be adjacent to the upper 102 (for example, the cup 140 may be in contact with the upper 102, or may be separated from the upper 102 by a distance of 10 millimeters (mm) or less and 0.1 mm or more). In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be adjacent to the upper 102 by less than half the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be adjacent to the upper 102 by less than one-third the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be adjacent to the upper 102 by less than one-quarter of the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be adjacent to the upper 102 by less than one-eighth of the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be adjacent to the upper 102 by more than one-eighth of the vertical height of the upper 102 and less than or equal to one-half of the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be adjacent to the upper 102 by more than half of the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be adjacent to the upper 102 across the entire vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be adjacent to the upper 102 across the entire vertical height of the upper 102 and may extend vertically beyond the boundary of the upper 102.

[0055] In some embodiments, the wing 122 defines a space 142 between the wing 122 and the cup 140. In some embodiments, the space 142 can be dynamic. For example, when the wing 122 is not in contact with the ground, the space 142 may have a first volume. When the wing 122 is in contact with the ground, the wing 122 can bend relative to the sole 104, and thus the space 142 may have a second volume smaller than the first volume. The movement of the wing 122 relative to the space 142 will be further described with reference to Figures 5-6. In embodiments that include the space 142, the wing 122 may extend behind the cup 140, below the cup 140, to form the space 142.

[0056] In some embodiments, the space 142 may be an empty volume. In some embodiments, all or part of the space 142 may be occupied by a filling component, as described herein.

[0057] In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be located in the heel portion 110, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be located in the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may be located in both the heel portion 110 and the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may extend continuously around the sole 104 and the upper 102, such that the cup 140 extends from the heel portion 110 to the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the cup 140 may extend continuously around the sole 104 and the upper 102, such that the cup 140 extends around the entire circumference of the sole 104 and the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 is discontinuous and therefore may be located in the heel portion 110 and the forefoot portion 108, but not in the midfoot portion 116. In such embodiments, the cup 140 may include a plurality of discontinuous portions, for example, a first portion located in the heel portion 110 and a second portion located in the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be omitted from the sole 104.

[0058] Figures 2A and 2B show side and bottom views of the sole 104 of the shoe 100 according to several embodiments, respectively. In some embodiments, the wing 122 may include a first end 244 and a second end 246. In some embodiments, the first end 244 may extend from the outer edge 118, and the second end may be located further from the outer edge 118 than the first end 244 in the rearward direction (for example, along vector 124). In some embodiments, the second end 246 may be located further from the transverse axis 248 of the shoe 100 than the first end 244 in a direction perpendicular to the transverse axis 248.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first end 244 can be positioned closer to the base 114 than the second end 246. In some embodiments, the second end 246 can be positioned further from the ground than the first end 244 when the base 114 is in contact with the ground.

[0060] In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance D1 between the rearmost end 241 and the second end 246 of the cup 140 (for example, the distance between the rearmost end 241 and the second end 246 of the cup 140 along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 250 of the shoe 100) can be 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance D1 between the rearmost end 241 and the second end 246 of the cup 140 can be 15 mm or more and 45 mm or less. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance D1 between the rearmost end 241 and the second end 246 of the cup 140 can be 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance D1 between the rearmost end 241 and the second end 246 of the cup 140 can be 10 mm or more or 20 mm or more.

[0061] In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be omitted. In such embodiments, the longitudinal distance D2 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 (for example, the distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 250 of the shoe 100) can be 50 mm or more and 100 mm or less. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be 40 mm or more and 110 mm or less. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be 30 mm or more and 120 mm or less. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be 30 mm or more or 50 mm or more.

[0062] In some embodiments, the vertical height H1 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 (for example, the distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 along an axis parallel to the axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis 248 and the longitudinal axis 250) can be 15 mm or more and 25 mm or less. In some embodiments, the vertical height H1 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less. In some embodiments, the vertical height H1 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be 5 mm or more and 35 mm or less. In some embodiments, the vertical height H1 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be 5 mm or more or 10 mm or more.

[0063] In some embodiments, the wing 122 may have a concave shape that curves away from the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104. For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the wing 122 may have a concave shape that is concave around the transverse axis 249 of the wing 122. In some embodiments, the transverse axis 249 may extend between the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134. In some embodiments, the transverse axis may be parallel to the transverse axis 248. In some embodiments, the transverse axis 249 may be oriented at an angle other than 0 with respect to the transverse axis 248. In some embodiments, the wing 122 may have a concave shape that is concave around the longitudinal axis 250. In some embodiments, the inner portion 132 may have a concave shape around the longitudinal axis 251, and the outer portion 134 may have a concave shape around the longitudinal axis 253. In some embodiments, one or more of the longitudinal axes 251 or 253 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 250. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 251 and the longitudinal axis 253 can be oriented at angles other than 0 with respect to the longitudinal axis 250. In some embodiments, the wing 122 can have a concave shape that is concave around both the longitudinal axis 250 and the transverse axis 249. In some embodiments, the inner portion 132 can have a concave shape that is concave around both the longitudinal axis 251 and the transverse axis 249. In some embodiments, the outer portion 134 can have a concave shape that is concave around both the longitudinal axis 253 and the transverse axis 249. In some embodiments, the wing 122 can extend linearly from the first end 244 to the second end 246. In some embodiments, the wing 122 can extend in an irregular shape from the first end 244 to the second end 246.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122 can contact the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104 at its outer edge 118. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122 and the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104 can be single components (for example, the wing 122 and the sole 104 can be injection molded together so that the bottom surfaces 130 and 114 are the same surface). In some embodiments, the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122 and the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104 can be separate components connected so that the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122 and the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104 are in contact.

[0065] Figures 3A and 3B show side and bottom views of the shoe sole 304 according to several embodiments, respectively. In some embodiments, the sole 304 can be coupled to the shoe 100 in place of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the sole 304 can be identical to the sole 104, except for the differences described herein.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sole 304 may include a wing 322. The wing 322 may be similar to the wing 122, but the wing 322 does not have gaps such as the gap 136 defined by the portion of the wing 122. For example, the wing 322 may have first and second ends separated by a longitudinal distance D1 and / or vertical height H1 as described herein.

[0067] In some embodiments, a shoe 100 equipped with wings, such as wings 122 or 322, can provide the wearer with the ability to decelerate (i.e., brake) faster than if the wearer were wearing a shoe without wings. Each of the wings, 122 and 322, allows the wearer to orient the shoe 100 at a greater angle relative to the ground when attempting to decelerate compared to a shoe without wings 122 or 322.

[0068] Figure 4 shows the foot contact angle A of the shoe according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe may be shoe 100. As shown, shoe 100 may have a wing 322. In some embodiments, shoe 100 may have a wing 122, and therefore in the following description, wing 322 may be replaced with wing 122. It should be understood that in any embodiment described herein, wing 322 may be replaced with wing 122, and vice versa.

[0069] Angle A can also be called the “angle of attack” and can be the angle between the shoe 100 and the ground 452. When the wearer is trying to decelerate during movement, the wearer can increase angle A in an attempt to engage the traction element (e.g., the traction element 112 shown in Figures 1A and 1B) with the ground 452 in order to decelerate. When wearing conventional shoes (e.g., shoes without wings 122 or 322), if angle A is greater than a first threshold angle T1 (e.g., a first maximum angle of attack), the traction element will not engage with the ground 452, and the wearer may slip or fall instead of decelerating as intended.

[0070] When wearing the shoe 100, the wing 322 allows the wearer to increase angle A to a second threshold angle T2 (e.g., a second maximum angle of attack) greater than a first threshold angle T1. The wing 322 may include a traction element 128, which can engage with the ground 452 at a larger angle of attack than the traction element of a conventional shoe, thereby allowing the wearer to decelerate faster than when wearing a conventional shoe. Furthermore, the shape of the wing 322 may allow the traction element 128 to remain engaged with the ground 452 for a longer period of time while braking than the traction element of a conventional shoe. For example, in an embodiment where the wing 322 has a concave shape, the wearer can continue to increase the angle of attack after the traction element 128 has engaged with the ground 452, thereby engaging the traction element 128 with the ground 452 to decelerate even faster. In addition, in embodiments where the wing 322 has a concave shape, the concave shape of the wing 322 allows for a smoother transition when in contact with the ground 452 compared to shoes without the wing 322. For example, when the wing 322 has a concave shape that is concave around the transverse axis 249, the wing 322 allows for a smoother transition when the shoe 100 is tilted relative to the ground 452 around the transverse axis 249. As another example, when the wing 322 has a concave shape that is concave around the longitudinal axis 250, the wing 322 allows for a smoother transition when the shoe 100 is tilted relative to the ground 452 around the longitudinal axis 250. As yet another example, when the wing 322 has a concave shape that is concave around both the transverse axis 249 and the longitudinal axis 250, the wing 322 can enable a smoother transition when the shoe 100 is tilted relative to the ground 452 around both the transverse axis 249 and the longitudinal axis 250.

[0071] In some embodiments, the wing 322 can bend relative to the sole 104 while braking is applied. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the wing 322 may have an initial position relative to the upper 102 (shown by a solid line). When the traction element 128 of the wing 322 engages with the ground 452, the ground 452 applies a force F to the wing 322. In response to the force F, the wing 322 may be configured to bend from the initial position toward the upper 102 to a deformed position (shown by a dotted line). In the deformed position, the wing 322 is closer to the upper 102 (closer to the cup 140 in embodiments with the cup 140) than when the wing 322 is in the initial position. Thus, when the force F is applied to the wing 322 by the ground 452, the volume of space 126 (the volume of space 142 in embodiments with the cup 140) decreases. When the force F is removed from the wing 322 (for example, when the traction element 128 is detached from the ground 452), the wing 322 is configured to return to its initial position. In some embodiments, moving from the initial position to the deformed position can absorb at least some of the energy associated with the contact between the wing 322 and the ground 452, thereby assisting the wearer's ability to decelerate.

[0072] As described with reference to Figures 1A to 2B, the wing 322 may comprise an inner portion 132 and an outer portion 134. Since the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 can be separated by a gap 136, they can bend separately and independently of each other when the wing 322 is in contact with the ground 452. In some embodiments, the wearer can tilt the shoe 100 when attempting to decelerate, and thus can apply a first portion of force F to, for example, the inner portion 132 and a second portion of force F to the outer portion 134. In some embodiments, the first portion of force F and the second portion of force F may be the same. In some embodiments, the first portion of force F and the second portion of force F may be different. In embodiments where the first portion of force F is greater than the second portion of force F, the inner portion 132 can bend more toward the upper 102 than the outer portion 134, and thus the inner portion 132 is closer to the upper 102 than the outer portion 134. In embodiments where the first portion of force F is smaller than the second portion of force F, the outer portion 134 can bend more toward the upper 102 than the inner portion 132, and therefore the outer portion 134 is closer to the upper 102 than the inner portion 132.

[0073] In some embodiments, the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 may have the same shape. In some embodiments, the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 may have different shapes. For example, the outer portion 134 may have a shape that corresponds to external movement, and the inner portion 132 may have a shape that corresponds to internal movement. In some embodiments, the shapes of the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 can be selected by the wearer based on the desired performance of the shoe 100.

[0074] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness of the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 can be the same. In some embodiments, the bending stiffness of the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 can be different. For example, the relative thickness of the material of the inner portion 132 or the outer portion 134 can be different to give the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 different bending stiffness. In some embodiments, the outer portion 134 can be made thicker than the inner portion 132 so that the bending stiffness of the outer portion 134 is greater than that of the inner portion 132. In some embodiments, the inner portion 132 can be made thicker than the outer portion 134 so that the bending stiffness of the inner portion 132 is greater than that of the outer portion 134. In some embodiments, the bending stiffness of the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134 can be selected by the wearer based on the desired performance of the shoe.

[0075] In some embodiments, one or more traction elements 128 on the inner portion 132 may be the same as one or more traction elements 128 on the outer portion 134. In some embodiments, the traction elements 128 on the inner portion 132 may be different from the traction elements 128 on the outer portion 134. For example, one or more traction elements 128 on the inner portion 132 may have different lengths, sizes, shapes, relative positions, etc., compared to one or more traction elements 128 on the outer portion 134. In some embodiments, one or more traction elements 128 on the inner portion 132 and one or more traction elements 128 on the outer portion 134 may be selected by the wearer based on the desired performance of the shoe.

[0076] In embodiments where the wing 322 has an additional portion between the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 134, each of these portions may have different characteristics based on desired performance. Thus, in some embodiments, the shoe 100 may have a wing having three or more portions, each portion may have different characteristics based on desired performance characteristics.

[0077] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to absorb additional energy from the contact between the ground 452 and the wing 322. In such embodiments, energy can be absorbed by using additional material placed between the wing 322 and the upper 102.

[0078] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the shoe 100 may include a filling component 554 located in space 142. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may be located in space 126 and space 142. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may not be located in space 142 but may be located in space 126.

[0079] In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can fill at least a portion of the space 142. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can fill the entire space 142. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can fill at least a portion of the space 126. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can fill the entire space 126. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can cover the entire upper surface 656 of the wing 322. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can cover a portion of the upper surface 656. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can be coupled to the upper 102, the wing 322, the cup 140, or a combination thereof.

[0080] In embodiments where the filling component 554 can fill an entire space (e.g., space 142, space 126, etc.), the filling component 554 can absorb the energy applied to the wing 322 by the ground 452 when the wing 322 is in contact with the ground 452. In embodiments where the filling component 554 can fill a portion of a space (e.g., space 142, space 126, etc.), a gap 555 can be defined between the filling component 554 and one or more of the wing 322, cup 140, or upper 102. In some embodiments, the presence of the gap 555 can allow the wing 322 to bend in stages. In a first stage, the wing 322 can bend freely during contact between the wing 322 and the ground 452 until the gap 555 closes and the filling component comes into contact with the wing 322 and one or more of the cup 140 or upper 102. In the second stage, the filling components absorb energy during contact between the wing 322 and the ground 452, thereby limiting the bending of the wing 322.

[0081] In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may include an elastic material. For example, the filling component 554 may be formed from a material that allows the filling component 554 to deform under load and return to its original configuration (e.g., the configuration before the load was applied) after the load is removed (e.g., elastic deformation). In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, foam, gel, or any other type of material exhibiting the properties described herein. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may include a lattice structure consisting of interconnected unit cells. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may be a rate-dependent material (e.g., a non-Newtonian material) which can have different properties depending on the rate at which it is compressed.

[0082] In embodiments where the filling component 554 can include a foaming material, the filling component 554 can include a polymer foam such as polyurethane (PU) foam. More specifically, in some embodiments, the filling component 554 can include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foam, polyamide (PA) foam, polyester block amide (PEBA) foam, thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (TPEE) foam, or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can include a particulate foaming material. More specifically, in some embodiments, the filling component 554 can include foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), foamed polyamide (ePA), and foamed polyether block amide (ePEBA), foamed polylactic acid (ePLA), and foamed polyethylene terephthalate (ePET), foamed polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT), or foamed thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (eTPEE). In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can include a supercritical foam. In some embodiments, supercritical foams can be formed when a polymer is combined with a supercritical fluid, such as CO2 or N2, but is not limited to that. The polymer is placed with the supercritical fluid in a high-pressure chamber or autoclave. This fluid reaches its supercritical point under specific temperature and pressure conditions and then acts as both a gas and a liquid. Polymers that can be used in supercritical foams, but are not limited to that, may include, for example, EVA and / or TPU.

[0083] In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may include a lattice structure that can be made from an additive manufacturing process. Examples of additive manufacturing processes that can be used to make the filling component 554 include at least one of the following: 3D printing, micromolten droplet method, powder bed method, stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), continuous liquid interface fabrication (CLIP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), digital photopolymerization (DLP), multi-jet modeling (MJM), polyjet method, film transfer (FTI), electron beam melting (EBM), electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM), or cutting rapid prototyping (SRP).

[0084] In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may have a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the wing 322. For example, the filling component 554 may include a surface 556 adjacent to the wing 322, and the surface 556 may have a contour that follows the corresponding contour of the wing 322. More specifically, one or more dimensions of the surface 556 (e.g., length, width, height, etc.) may be within 20 percent of the corresponding dimensions of the wing 322.

[0085] In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may have a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the cup 140. For example, the filling component 554 may include a surface 558 adjacent to the cup 140, and the surface 558 may have a contour that follows the corresponding contour of the cup 140. More specifically, one or more dimensions of the surface 558 (e.g., length, width, height, etc.) may be within 20 percent of the corresponding dimensions of the cup 140.

[0086] In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may have a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the upper 102. For example, the filling component 554 may include a surface adjacent to the upper 102, and this surface may have a contour that follows the corresponding contour of the upper 102. In certain examples, one or more dimensions of this surface (e.g., length, width, height, etc.) may be within 20 percent of the corresponding dimensions of the upper 102.

[0087] In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may have a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of each of the upper 102, cup 140, and wing 322. For example, the filling component 554 may include surfaces adjacent to the upper 102, cup 140, and wing 322, and these surfaces may have a contour that follows the corresponding contours of the upper 102, cup 140, and wing 322. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may have a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of at least two of the upper 102, cup 140, or wing 322. For example, the filling component 554 may include surfaces adjacent to at least two of the upper 102, cup 140, and wing 322, and these surfaces may have a contour that follows the corresponding contours of at least two of the upper 102, cup 140, and wing 322.

[0088] In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may have a cup shape. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the filling component 554 may comprise a first portion 1268 and a second portion 1270. In such embodiments, the first portion 1268 may be located within the heel portion 110 of the sole 104, between the bottom surface of the upper 102 and the top surface 120 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may be formed as part of the upper 102, so that the upper 102 and the filling component 554 become a single, integrally formed component. The first portion 1268 may act as a cushion and / or absorb energy transmitted between the sole 104 and the upper 102. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 may extend further beyond at least a portion of the midfoot portion 116 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 may extend further beyond at least a portion of the forefoot portion 108 of the sole 104.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 may extend over the wing (for example, the first portion 1268 may extend over the upper surface 656 of the wing 122 or wing 322). In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 may extend continuously over the heel portion 110, the midfoot portion 116, the forefoot portion 108, and the wing 122. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 may extend discontinuously over one or more of the heel portion 110, the midfoot portion 116, the forefoot portion 108, and the wing 122 (for example, the first portion 1268 may comprise multiple discontinuous portions extending over one or more of the heel portion 110, the midfoot portion 116, the forefoot portion 108, and the wing 122).

[0090] The second portion 1270 extends from the first portion 1268 away from the top surface 120 and / or upper surface 656, and together with the first portion 1268, can form a cup-shaped cavity 1272. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 and the second portion 1270 can constitute a single, integrally formed structure. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 and the second portion 1270 can constitute separate structures, which are joined together, for example, by adhesive.

[0091] The second portion 1270 can at least partially cover a portion of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a portion of the second portion 1270 can cover up to the entire vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a portion of the second portion 1270 can cover up to three-quarters of the vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a portion of the second portion 1270 can cover up to half of the vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a portion of the second portion 1270 can cover up to one-quarter of the vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a portion of the second portion 1270 can cover more than one-quarter of the vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102 and up to the entire vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102.

[0092] In some embodiments, the cup-shaped filling component 554 may be present on the sole 104 even if the cup 140 is not present. In some embodiments, the cup-shaped filling component 554 may be present in addition to the cup 140 on the sole 104. For example, in some embodiments, the cup 140 may be located between the upper 102 and the filling component 554. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 may be located between the cup 140 and the upper 102.

[0093] In embodiments comprising the filling component 554, the filling component 554 can absorb at least a portion of the energy applied to the wing 322 by the ground 452. For example, the filling component 554 can be configured to compress between the wing 322 and one or both of the cup 140 and the upper 102. In such embodiments, the filling component 554 can limit the bending of the wing 322 from its initial position when a force F is applied by the ground 452.

[0094] In some embodiments, the wing 322 may be made of a material with higher stiffness than the elastic material used to make the filling component 554. In some embodiments, the wing 322 may be made of a material with the same stiffness as the elastic material used to make the filling component 554. In some embodiments, the wing 322 may be made of a material with lower stiffness than the elastic material used to make the filling component 554.

[0095] Figure 7 shows a side view of a shoe 700 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe 700 can be used for athletic sports such as soccer, American football, baseball, and track and field. The shoe 700 comprises an upper 702 coupled to a sole 704. The upper 702 can cover the top and / or sides of the wearer's foot when the wearer is wearing the shoe 700. In some embodiments, the upper 702 may be provided with laces to secure the shoe 700 to the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the laces can be omitted and replaced with a different structure (e.g., an elastic band) to secure the shoe 700 to the wearer's foot. The sole 704 can be coupled to the upper 702 in any of the ways described with reference to the sole 104 coupled to the upper 104. The sole 704 may also include any of the materials and / or components described above with reference to the sole 104. For example, the sole 704 may include a traction element 112. The sole 704 may also comprise a forefoot portion 708, a heel portion 710, and a midfoot portion 716, which are similar to the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116, respectively, with the differences described herein. The sole 704 may also comprise an outer edge 718 that can extend around all or at least part of the sole 704, similar to the method described with reference to the outer edge 118 of the sole 104.

[0096] In some embodiments, the sole 704 may include a wing 722 extending outward from the outer edge 718 of the sole 704, either on the outside or inside of the sole 704. In some embodiments, the wing 722 may be coupled to the forefoot portion 708 and extend outward from the forefoot portion 708 relative to the sole 704. In some embodiments, the outward direction may be defined by a vector 758 (for example, shown in Figures 8A-8C) extending away from the longitudinal axis 760. The vector 758 may be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis 760. In some embodiments, the angle between the vector 758 and the longitudinal axis 760 may be between -90 degrees and +90 degrees. Therefore, the wing 722 can extend inward relative to the sole 704 (for example, when vector 758 is oriented at -90 degrees relative to the sole 704), outward relative to the sole (for example, when vector 758 is oriented at +90 degrees relative to the sole 704), or in any direction in between.

[0097] In some embodiments, the sole 704 may comprise a plurality of wings 722 extending from the forefoot portion 708. In some embodiments, the sole 704 may comprise a plurality of wings 722 extending from the outside of the forefoot portion 708. In some embodiments, the sole 704 may comprise a plurality of wings 722 extending from the inside of the forefoot portion 708. In some embodiments, the sole 704 may comprise a plurality of wings 722 extending from the outside of the forefoot portion 708 and a plurality of wings 722 extending from the inside of the forefoot portion 708.

[0098] In some embodiments, the sole 704 may, in addition or otherwise, include one or more wings 722 extending from the heel portion 710 of the sole 704. In some embodiments, the sole 704 may, in addition or otherwise, include one or more wings 722 extending from the midfoot portion 716 of the sole 704.

[0099] In some embodiments, the wing 722 may include a traction element 128. In some embodiments, the wing 722 may include multiple traction elements 128. The above description of the relationship between the wing 122 and the traction elements 128 also applies to the wing 722 and the traction elements 128.

[0100] Figures 8A to 8C show cross-sectional front views of the sole 704 of a shoe 700 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the sole 704 may include a cup 740, as shown, for example, in Figure 8A. The cup 740 is similar to the cup 140 described above with reference to Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 5, and 6, and therefore the description of the cup 140 applies to the cup 740. In some embodiments, the cup 740 may extend around the sole 704 such that the cup 740 is located in the forefoot portion 708. In some embodiments, the cup 740 may extend around the sole 704 such that the cup 740 is located in the forefoot portion 708 and the midfoot portion 716. In some embodiments, the cup 740 may be part of the cup 140.

[0101] In some embodiments, the wing 722 defines a space 726 between the wing 722 and the upper 702. Space 726 is similar to space 126, and therefore the description of space 126 also applies to space 726. In some embodiments, the wing 722 defines a space 742 between the wing 722 and the cup 740. Space 742 is similar to space 142, and therefore the description of space 142 also applies to space 742.

[0102] In some embodiments, the wing 722 may comprise a first end 744 and a second end 746. In some embodiments, the first end 744 may extend from the outer edge 718, and the second end 746 may be located further from the outer edge 718 than the first end 744, for example, in an outward or inward direction (as shown along vector 758).

[0103] In some embodiments, the first end 744 can be positioned closer to the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 than the second end 746. In some embodiments, the second end 746 can be positioned further from the ground than the first end 744 when the bottom surface 114, traction element 128, traction element 112, or a combination thereof is in contact with the ground.

[0104] In some embodiments, the outer distance D3 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 (for example, the distance between the first end 744 and the second end 746 along an axis parallel to vector 758) can be 15 mm or more and 25 mm or less. In some embodiments, the outer distance D3 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less. In some embodiments, the outer distance D3 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be 5 mm or more and 35 mm or less. In some embodiments, the outer distance D3 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be 5 mm or more or 10 mm or more.

[0105] In some embodiments, the vertical height H2 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 (for example, the distance between the first end 744 and the second end 746 along an axis parallel to the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 760 and vector 758) can be 15 mm or more and 25 mm or less. In some embodiments, the vertical height H2 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less. In some embodiments, the vertical height H2 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be 5 mm or more and 35 mm or less.

[0106] In some embodiments, the wing 722 may have a concave shape that curves away from the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704. In some embodiments, the wing 722 may extend linearly away from the first end 744 to the second end 746. In some embodiments, the wing 722 may extend in an irregular shape from the first end 744 to the second end 746.

[0107] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 730 of the wing 722 can contact the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 at its outer edge 718. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 730 of the wing 122 and the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 can be individual components (for example, the wing 722 and the sole 704 can be injection molded together so that the bottom surfaces 730 and 714 are the same surface). In some embodiments, the bottom surface 730 of the wing 722 and the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 can be separate components, which are connected so that the bottom surface 730 of the wing 722 and the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 are in contact.

[0108] In some embodiments, a shoe 700 having one or more wings, such as wings 722, can provide the wearer with the ability to change direction faster than when the wearer is wearing a shoe without wings. The wings 722 allow the shoe 700 to be angled more sharply relative to the ground when the wearer attempts to change direction, compared to a shoe without wings 722.

[0109] Figure 9 shows the foot contact angle B of a shoe in several embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe may be shoe 700. Angle B may also be called the “angle of attack” and may be the angle between shoe 700 and the ground 452. When the wearer is attempting to change direction during exercise, the wearer can increase angle B in an attempt to engage the traction element 128 (shown in Figures 8A to 8C) with the ground 452. When wearing a conventional shoe (for example, a shoe without wings 722), if angle B is greater than a third threshold angle T3 (for example, a third maximum angle of attack), the traction element will not engage with the ground 452, and the wearer may slip or fall instead of changing direction as intended.

[0110] When wearing the shoe 700, the wing 722 allows the wearer to increase angle B to a fourth threshold angle T4 (e.g., a fourth maximum angle of attack) which is greater than a third threshold angle T3. The wing 722 may comprise one or more traction elements 128, which can engage with the ground 452 at a larger angle of attack than the traction elements of a conventional shoe.

[0111] Referring again to Figure 8C, the wing 722 may have an initial position (shown by a dotted line) relative to the upper 702 and / or cup 740. When the traction element 128 of the wing 722 engages with the ground 452, the ground 452 applies a force F to the wing 722. In response to the force F, the wing 722 may be configured to bend from its initial position to a deformed position (shown by a solid line) toward the upper 702 and / or cup 740.

[0112] In the deformed position, the wing 722 can be closer to the upper 702 and / or cup 740 than when the wing 722 is in the initial position. Thus, when a force F is applied to the wing 722 by the ground 452, the volume of space 726 (and, in embodiments including the cup 740, the volume of space 742) decreases. When the force F is removed from the wing 722 (for example, when the traction element 128 is detached from the ground 452), the wing 722 can be configured to return to its initial position. In some embodiments, the wing 722 can absorb and / or store at least some of the energy associated with moving from the initial position to the deformed position. In some embodiments, when the wing 722 moves from the deformed position to the initial position, the stored energy can be transferred from the wing 722 to the ground 452 to help propel the wearer in the desired direction. In such embodiments, the wing 722 can act as a spring supporting the wearer's movement in the desired direction.

[0113] In some embodiments, the wearer can choose to either reduce or increase the effect of the spring action of the wing 722. In such embodiments, additional material can be placed between the wing 722 and the upper 702 to absorb or amplify the spring action of the wing 722.

[0114] For example, as shown in Figures 8B to 8C, the shoe 700 may include a filling component 754 located in space 742. In some embodiments, the filling component 754 may be located in both space 742 and space 726. In some embodiments, the filling component 754 may not be located in space 742 but may be located in space 726.

[0115] In some embodiments, the filling component 754 can fill at least a portion of the space 742. In some embodiments, the filling component 754 can fill the entire space 742. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can fill at least a portion of the space 726. In some embodiments, the filling component 554 can fill the entire space 726. In some embodiments, the filling component 754 can cover a portion of the upper surface 866 of the wing 722. In some embodiments, the filling component 754 can cover the entire upper surface 866 of the wing 722. In some embodiments, the filling component 754 can be coupled to the upper 702, the wing 722, the cup 740, or a combination thereof.

[0116] In some embodiments, the filling component 754 may be similar to the filling component 554. For example, the filling component 754 may include an elastic material similar to that described with reference to the filling component 554. As another example, the filling component 754 may have a lattice structure similar to the filling component 554. In some embodiments, the filling component 754 may include an elastic material configured to absorb at least a portion of the energy applied to the wing 722 by the ground 452 so as to dampen the movement of the wing 722 between the deformed position and the initial position. In some embodiments, the filling component 754 may be configured to absorb most of the energy applied to the wing 722 by the ground 452 (e.g., more than 50%). In some embodiments, the filling component 754 may be configured to absorb almost all of the energy applied to the wing 722 by the ground 452 (e.g., 80% or more). In such embodiments, the spring action of the wing 722 can be reduced compared to embodiments in which no filling component is used. In some embodiments, the filling component 754 may include an elastic material configured to store at least a portion of the energy applied to the wing 722 by the ground 452 so as to amplify the wing's movement between the deformed position and the initial position. In such embodiments, the spring action of the wing 722 can be increased compared to embodiments in which no filling component is used.

[0117] In some embodiments, the filling component 754 may have a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of one or more of the wings 722, upper 702, or cup 740, similar to those described with respect to the filling component 554 and the shoe 100.

[0118] Figure 10 shows a side view of a shoe 1000 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe 1000 can be used for athletic sports such as soccer, American football, baseball, and track and field. The shoe 1000 comprises an upper 1002 coupled to a sole 1004. The upper 1002 can cover the top and / or sides of the wearer's foot when the wearer is wearing the shoe 1000. In some embodiments, the upper 1002 may include laces 1006 to secure the shoe 1000 to the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the laces 1006 can be omitted and replaced with a different structure (e.g., an elastic band) to secure the shoe 1000 to the wearer's foot. The sole 1004 can be coupled to the upper 1002 in any of the ways described with reference to the sole 104 coupled to the upper 1004. In some embodiments, the sole 1004 and the upper 1002 can be a single, integrally formed component. The sole 1004 may also include any of the components and / or materials described above with reference to the sole 104. The sole 1004 may also comprise a forefoot portion 1008, a heel portion 1010, and a midfoot portion 1016, which are similar to the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116, respectively, with the differences described herein. The sole 1004 may also comprise an outer edge 1018 that can extend around all or at least part of the sole 1004, similar to the method described with reference to the outer edge 118 of the sole 104.

[0119] In some embodiments, the sole 1004 may include an arm 1062 extending from the heel portion 1010 and coupled to the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 may be coupled to the upper 1002 only to less than 3 / 4 of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 may be coupled to the upper 1002 only to less than 1 / 2 of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 may be coupled to the upper 1002 only to less than 1 / 4 of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 may be coupled to the upper 1002 only to less than 1 / 8 of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 may be coupled to the upper 1002 only to more than 1 / 8 of the vertical height of the upper 1002 and less than or equal to 3 / 4 of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be connected to the upper 1002, and may extend more than half the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be connected to the upper 1002 across the entire vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be connected to the upper 1002 across the entire vertical height of the upper 1002 and may extend vertically beyond the boundary of the upper 1002.

[0120] In some embodiments, the arm 1062 may include at least two parts, similar to those described with respect to the wing 322. For example, in some embodiments, the arm 1062 may comprise an inner portion and an outer portion, at least partially separated by a gap. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 may comprise an inner portion, an outer portion, and at least one intermediate portion positioned between the inner and outer portions, with adjacent portions at least partially separated by a gap.

[0121] In some embodiments, the arm 1062 may include a traction element 128 extending from the bottom surface 1064 of the arm 1062. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 may include a plurality of traction elements 128 extending from the bottom surface 1064 of the arm 1062. In some embodiments, the traction elements 128 may be oriented normal to the bottom surface 1064. In some embodiments, one or more of the traction elements 128 may be oriented at an angle of 0 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less with respect to the longitudinal axis 1060 of the shoe 1000.

[0122] In some embodiments, the arm 1062 allows the wearer to increase the angle of attack when decelerating compared to conventional shoes without the arm 1062. Similar to those described with reference to wings 122 and 322, the traction element 128 can engage with the ground 452 at a larger angle of attack than the traction element 112 of conventional shoes, thereby allowing the wearer to decelerate faster than when wearing conventional shoes.

[0123] Figure 11 shows bottom perspective views of the sole 1004 of the shoe 1000 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 1130 of the arm 1062 can contact the bottom surface 1014 of the sole 1004 at its outer edge 1018. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 1130 of the arm 1062 and the bottom surface 1014 of the sole 1004 can be single components (for example, the arm 1062 and the sole 1004 can be injection molded together so that the bottom surfaces 1130 and 1014 are the same surface). In some embodiments, the bottom surface 1130 of the arm 1062 and the bottom surface 1014 of the sole 1004 can be separate components connected so that the bottom surface 1130 of the arm 1062 and the bottom surface 1014 of the sole 1004 are in contact.

[0124] In some embodiments, different features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined in a sole for a shoe. For example, in some embodiments, a shoe may have a sole comprising a wing 322 and one or more wings 722. In another example, in some embodiments, the sole may comprise a wing 322 and one or more wings 722 located inside the forefoot portion of the sole. In yet another example, in some embodiments, the sole may comprise a wing 322 and one or more wings 722 located outside the forefoot portion of the sole. In yet another example, in some embodiments, the sole may comprise a wing 322, one or more wings 722 located inside the forefoot portion of the sole, and one or more wings 722 located outside the forefoot portion of the sole. In some embodiments, one or more wings 722 may each comprise a traction element 128, and wing 322 may comprise a traction element 128. In such an embodiment, one of the wings 722 can be designated as the first wing, the traction element 128 attached to the wing 722 can be designated as the first traction element, the wing 322 can be designated as the second wing, and the traction element 128 attached to the wing 322 can be designated as the second traction element.

[0125] In some embodiments, the shoe may comprise a sole comprising a wing 122 and one or more wings 722. In another example, in some embodiments, the sole may comprise a wing 122 and one or more wings 722 located inside the forefoot portion of the sole. In yet another example, in some embodiments, the sole may comprise a wing 122 and one or more wings 722 located outside the forefoot portion of the sole. In yet another example, in some embodiments, the sole may comprise a wing 122 and one or more wings 722 located inside the forefoot portion of the sole, and one or more wings 722 located outside the forefoot portion of the sole. In some embodiments, one or more wings 722 may each comprise a traction element 128, and wing 122 may comprise a traction element 128. In such an embodiment, one of the wings 722 can be designated as the first wing, the traction element 128 attached to the wing 722 can be designated as the first traction element, the wing 122 can be designated as the second wing, and the traction element 128 attached to the wing 122 can be designated as the second traction element.

[0126] In some embodiments, the shoe may comprise a sole comprising an arm 1062 and one or more wings 722. In another example, in some embodiments, the sole may comprise an arm 1062 and one or more wings 722 located inside the forefoot portion of the sole. In yet another example, in some embodiments, the sole may comprise an arm 1062 and one or more wings 722 located outside the forefoot portion of the sole. In yet another example, in some embodiments, the sole may comprise an arm 1062 and one or more wings 722 located inside the forefoot portion of the sole, and one or more wings 722 located outside the forefoot portion of the sole.

[0127] While various embodiments have been described herein, these embodiments are presented as examples and not as limitations. Based on the teachings and guidance presented herein, it should be clear that adaptations and modifications are intended to fall within the equivalent meaning and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The elements of the embodiments presented herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive and can be substituted to satisfy various circumstances, as will be understood to those skilled in the art.

[0128] These examples are illustrative, not limiting, of this disclosure. Various other suitable modifications and adaptations of conditions and parameters, which should be obvious to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0129] It should be understood that the terms and technical terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only, not limitation. The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0130] The present invention includes the following embodiments. 1. Upper and, The upper is attached to the sole, and the sole is The forefoot area, The heel part, An outer edge that extends at least partially around the forefoot and heel portions, It comprises wings extending away from the outer edge, the wings defining a space between the wings and the upper, and having traction elements extending from the bottom surface of the wings. footwear. 2. The footwear according to Embodiment 1, wherein the wing comprises a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the outer edge and the second end located further from the outer edge than the first end. 3. The footwear according to Embodiment 2, wherein the first end is positioned closer to the bottom surface of the sole than the second end. 4. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the wing has a concave shape that curves away from the bottom surface of the sole. 5. The footwear according to Embodiment 4, wherein the concave shape is concave around the longitudinal axis of the wing, the transverse axis of the wing, or a combination thereof. 6. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the wing extends from the forefoot portion or the heel portion. 7. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the wing is a first wing, the traction element is a first traction element, the sole further comprises a second wing extending away from the outer edge of the sole, the second wing comprises a second traction element extending from the bottom surface of the second wing, the first wing extends from the forefoot portion, and the second wing extends from the heel portion. 8. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the wing comprises a first part and a second part separated by a gap. 9. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the sole further comprises a cup extending adjacent to the upper toward away from the bottom surface of the sole, and the wing defines a space between the wing and the cup. 10. The footwear according to Embodiment 9, wherein the cup is located in the forefoot area. 11. The footwear according to Embodiment 9, wherein the cup is located on the heel portion. 12. The wing comprises a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the outer edge, and the second end located further from the outer edge than the first end. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 9 to 11, wherein the longitudinal distance between the rearmost end and the second end of the cup is 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less. 13. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising filling components arranged in space. 14. Footwear according to Embodiment 13, wherein the filling component includes an elastic material. 15. Footwear according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the filling component is bonded to the upper. 16. Footwear according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the filling components are coupled to the wings. 17. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 14 to 16, wherein the wing is made of a material having a higher rigidity than the elastic material. 18. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the wing has an initial position relative to the upper, and the wing is configured to bend toward the upper from the initial position such that the volume of space decreases when a force is applied to the wing by the ground. 19. Footwear according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the traction element comprises a cleat. 20. Upper and, The upper is attached to the sole, and the sole is It features wings that extend away from the sole, the wings having a bottom surface that contacts the bottom surface of the sole at the outer edge of the sole, the wings defining a space between the wings and the upper, and having traction elements extending from the bottom surface of the wings. The wing has an initial position relative to the upper, and is configured to bend from its initial position toward the upper such that the volume of space decreases when force is applied to the wing by the ground. footwear. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 100 shoes 102 Upper 104 Sole 106 Shoelaces 108 Forefoot section 110 Heel part 112 Traction element 114 Sole 104 bottom 116 Midfoot area 118 Outer edge 119 Exterior 120 Top surface of sole 104 121 Inner self 122 Wing 124 Vectors 126 Space 128 Traction element 130 Wing 122 bottom 132 Inner part 134 Outer part 136 Gap 138 Bridge 140 cups 142 Space 174 Upper 102 heel end 241 cup 140, the very back end 244 First end 246 Second end 248 horizontal axis 249 Wing 122 horizontal axis 250 Longitudinal axis of shoe 100 251 Longitudinal axis 253 Longitudinal axis 304 Sole 322 Wing 452 Ground 554 Filling components 555 Gap 556 Surface 558 Surface 656 Wing 322 upper view 700 shoes 702 Upper 704 Sole 708 Forefoot section 710 Heel part 714 Sole 704 bottom 716 Midfoot section 718 Outer edge 722 Wing 726 Space 730 Wing 722 bottom 740 cups 742 Space 744 First end 746 Second end 754 Filling components 758 Vectors 760 Longitudinal axis 866 Wing 722 upper view 1000 shoes 1002 Upper 1004 Sole 1006 Shoelaces 1008 Forefoot section 1010 Heel part 1014 Sole 1004 bottom 1016 Midfoot section 1018 Outer edge 1060 Longitudinal axis of shoe 1000 1062 Arm 1064 Bottom of arm 1062 1130 Bottom of arm 1062 1268 Part 1 1270 Part 2 1272 Cavity A. Foot contact angle of the shoe B. Foot contact angle of the shoe The longitudinal distance between the rearmost end 241 and the second end 246 of cup D1 140 Longitudinal distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 of D2 Outer distance between the first end 744 and the second end 746 of D3 F force Vertical height between the first end 244 and the second end 246 of H1 Vertical height between the first end 744 and the second end 746 of H2 T1 First threshold angle T2 second threshold angle T3 Third Threshold Angle T4 fourth threshold angle

Claims

1. The upper and, The upper is coupled to a sole, and the sole is The forefoot area, The heel part, An outer edge that extends at least partially around the forefoot portion and the heel portion, The device comprises a wing extending away from the outer edge, the wing defining a space between the wing and the upper, and a traction element extending from the bottom surface of the wing. footwear.

2. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing comprises a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the outer edge, and the second end located further from the outer edge than the first end.

3. The footwear according to claim 2, wherein the first end is positioned closer to the bottom surface of the sole than the second end.

4. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing has a concave shape that curves away from the bottom surface of the sole.

5. The footwear according to claim 4, wherein the concave shape is concave around the longitudinal axis of the wing, the transverse axis of the wing, or a combination thereof.

6. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing extends from the forefoot portion or the heel portion.

7. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing is a first wing, the traction element is a first traction element, the sole further comprises a second wing extending away from the outer edge of the sole, the second wing comprises a second traction element extending from the bottom surface of the second wing, the first wing extends from the forefoot portion, and the second wing extends from the heel portion.

8. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing comprises a first portion and a second portion separated by a gap.

9. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole further comprises a cup extending adjacent to the upper toward away from the bottom surface of the sole, and the wing defines a space between the wing and the cup.

10. The footwear according to claim 9, wherein the cup is located in the forefoot portion.

11. The footwear according to claim 9, wherein the cup is located on the heel portion.

12. The wing comprises a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the outer edge, and the second end located further from the outer edge than the first end. The footwear according to claim 9, wherein the longitudinal distance between the rearmost end of the cup and the second end is 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

13. The footwear according to claim 1, further comprising a filling component disposed within the aforementioned space.

14. The footwear according to claim 13, wherein the filling component includes an elastic material.

15. The footwear according to claim 13, wherein the filling component is bonded to the upper.

16. The footwear according to claim 13, wherein the filling component is coupled to the wing.

17. The footwear according to claim 14, wherein the wing is made of a material having higher rigidity than the elastic material.

18. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing has an initial position relative to the upper, and the wing is configured to bend toward the upper from the initial position when a force is applied to the wing by the ground, such that the volume of the space decreases.

19. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the traction element comprises a cleat.

20. The upper and, The upper is coupled to a sole, and the sole is The shoe comprises a wing extending away from the sole, the wing having a bottom surface that contacts the bottom surface of the sole at the outer edge of the sole, the wing defining a space between the wing and the upper, and a traction element extending from the bottom surface of the wing. The wing has an initial position relative to the upper, and is configured to bend from the initial position toward the upper such that the volume of the space decreases when a force is applied to the wing by the ground. footwear.

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