Outsole of footwear

Abstract

An outsole for footwear having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, a heel region, a medial side, and a lateral side. The outsole can include a ground-engaging surface having a plurality of cleats and a plurality of circular ridges including a first set of circular ridges and a second set of circular ridges. The first set of circular ridges can be concentrically aligned about a first epicenter in the forefoot region, and the second set of circular ridges can be concentrically aligned about a second epicenter in the heel region. The plurality of cleats can include a first set of cleats in the forefoot region that can be aligned along the first circular ridges of the first set of circular ridges.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to soles of footwear, and more particularly to outsoles of footwear that include a pattern that can provide all-direction traction and impart different rigidity characteristics.

Background Art

[0002] Many conventional shoes or other footwear generally include an upper and a sole attached to the lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space for receiving a user's foot before the shoe is fixed to the foot, that is, a void or cavity formed by the inner surfaces of the upper and the sole. The sole is attached to the lower surface or boundary of the upper and is located between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole generally provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. In some examples, the sole can include a plurality of components such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole can provide traction to the ground engaging surface of the sole, and the midsole can be attached to the upper surface of the outsole to provide cushioning or additional stability to the sole. For example, the sole can include a specific foaming material that can increase stability at one or more desired positions along the sole, or a foaming material that can reduce the stress or impact energy applied to the foot or leg when the user is running, walking, or performing other movements.

[0003] Regarding athletic shoes, such as soccer cleats, the sole assembly may include an outsole formed from one or more materials to impart durability, abrasion resistance, wear resistance, or traction to the footwear. In some cases, the outsole of an athletic shoe may have characteristics that affect the bending rigidity of the footwear.

[0004] In recent years, the impact of the sole's bending stiffness on the wearer's athletic ability has been investigated, and several studies have shown that shoes with relatively stiff soles can reduce the metabolic cost during running and / or provide spring-like properties that assist running propulsion. In some conventional configurations, athletic shoes can include a stiffening component that can be embedded within the sole to increase the overall bending stiffness of the sole. However, including additional components within the sole assembly can complicate manufacturing and potentially increase the cost to the end user of the shoe. Further studies have also suggested that restricting the flexion of the foot in specific areas, such as the toes, can potentially have an adverse effect on the user's performance.

[0005] The anatomical structure of the foot includes various bones, joints, and movements that are sensitive to the structure and performance of the foot. For example, this sensitivity can be explained as proprioception, also known as the "sixth sense," which includes the perception or awareness of the position and movement of one's own body. It can be advantageous to design footwear that provides comfort and flexibility in specific areas, provides stiffness and rigidity as needed, and enhances human proprioception by adapting to the natural movement and flexion of the foot inside the footwear.

[0006] Athletic shoes have also long been known to include means for improving wear against the ground, and it is well known that specific tread configurations can be configured to provide performance advantages. For example, the soles of shoes for court sports such as basketball are provided with various tread designs to enhance traction to enable quick starts, stops, and turns. For sports such as baseball, football, and soccer that are played on grass or turf, the corresponding athletic shoes often include a plurality of ground-engaging members (e.g., spikes, studs, blades, or cleats) to provide the desired traction and facilitate rapid direction changes.

[0007] The ground-engaging members for athletic shoes can include a wide variety of configurations depending on the cleat or the surface on which the shoes are intended to be used. For example, athletic shoes may be configured for use on hard ground, soft ground, artificial turf, pavement, or indoor courts (e.g., futsal courts). Cleats for hard ground, which are mainly used on natural grasslands and outdoor fields, can include removable cleats or studs designed to provide traction and stability. Cleats for soft ground usually have long studs to improve traction on wet or muddy surfaces, and may further include studs with metal tips and / or removable studs so as to be customizable according to various field conditions. Street cleats and turf shoes usually have rubber outsoles and can include small rubber studs that protrude outward from the outsoles to improve traction.

[0008] Ground-engaging members (e.g., cleats or studs) are often conical, blade-shaped, mountain-shaped, or combinations or variations thereof, and each shape is known to provide certain performance advantages. For example, conical studs can provide all-directional traction to facilitate movement in all directions due to the cylindrical shape of the outer surface. Blade-shaped or mountain-shaped cleats are usually more suitable for assisting traction and acceleration along a specific direction due to the planar configuration of the cleat surface. Additionally, the spatial distribution of the ground-engaging members can affect the performance of the outsole. Moreover, the configuration of the ground-engaging members may be optimized for various purposes, such as improving traction in a specific direction or improving overall responsiveness.

[0009] In view of the above, in many cases, it is desirable for athletic shoes to include an outsole having zones with different bending characteristics. Furthermore, athletic shoes that provide a tread design for improving traction and comfort are also desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] The footwear described in this specification can have various configurations. The footwear may have an upper and an outsole connected to the upper. In some embodiments, the footwear may also include additional components such as a midsole and an insole.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an outsole of a footwear having a toe region, a heel region, an inner side, and an outer side. The outsole may include a ground engaging surface including a plurality of cleats and a plurality of circular ridges including a first set of circular ridges and a second set of circular ridges. The first set of circular ridges may be concentrically aligned around a first epicenter in the toe region, and the second set of circular ridges may be concentrically aligned around a second epicenter in the heel region.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleats may include a first set of cleats in the toe region aligned along a first circular ridge of the first set of circular ridges. The first set of cleats may be integrally formed with the first circular ridge of the first set of circular ridges. The plurality of cleats may include a second set of cleats in the toe region aligned along a second circular ridge of the first set of circular ridges. The second set of cleats may be laterally spaced from the first set of cleats and disposed radially outward.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleats may include a set of heel cleats in the heel region. The heel cleats may be aligned along a circular ridge within the second set of circular ridges.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outsole may include a midfoot region, and the set of first circular ridges may extend through at least one of the toe region, the midfoot region, or the heel region. In some embodiments, the set of second circular ridges may extend through at least one of the midfoot region or the heel region. In some embodiments, the set of first circular ridges may intersect the set of second circular ridges in the midfoot region.

[0015] In some embodiments, the position of the first epicenter generally corresponds to the position of the wearer's first midfoot joint. In some embodiments, the position of the second epicenter can generally correspond to the position of the wearer's heel.

[0016] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an outsole for a footwear having a toe region. The outsole may include circular ridges concentrically disposed around a first epicenter in the toe region and extending outward therefrom, and at least two of the circular ridges may have a wavy height between a high portion and a low portion. The low portions of at least two circular ridges may be aligned to define a flexion zone.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flexion zone may be configured to correspond to the position of at least one of the wearer's midfoot-phalangeal joints. In some embodiments, the flexion zone may extend through the epicenter from the inner side to the outer side of the outsole. In some embodiments, the epicenter generally corresponds to the position of the wearer's first midfoot joint.

[0018] In some embodiments, the outsole may further include a plurality of cleats disposed within the toe region and outside the flexion zone. The plurality of cleats may be integrally formed with one of the circular ridges.

[0019] In some embodiments, the outsole may include a midfoot region, a heel region, and the circular ridges may be a first plurality of circular ridges. The outsole may further include a second plurality of circular ridges that are concentrically arranged around a second center of the heel region and extend outward therefrom. The first plurality of circular ridges may overlap the second plurality of circular ridges in the midfoot region and define a hardening zone.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second plurality of circular ridges may have a wavy height between a high portion and a low portion. The high portions of the first and second pluralities of circular ridges are located within the hardening zone.

[0021] In some embodiments, the hardening zone generally follows the center of the pressure applied by the user's foot.

[0022] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an outsole for a footwear having a toe region. The outsole may include a plurality of circular ridges and a plurality of cleats that are concentrically arranged in the toe region and extend outward from an epicenter configured to correspond to the position of the wearer's first midfoot joint. The plurality of circular ridges and the plurality of cleats may be configured to facilitate a pivoting motion about the epicenter.

[0023] Other embodiments of the footwear, including the features and advantages of the footwear, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the drawings and the detailed description herein. Accordingly, all such embodiments of the footwear are intended to be included within the detailed description and this summary.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The following description and the accompanying drawings disclose various embodiments or configurations of shoes and sole structures. Embodiments of shoes or outsoles for athletic shoe products such as soccer cleats or football cleats are disclosed, but the concepts related to the shoes or outsoles of the present disclosure may be applicable to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including, for example, running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, walking shoes, and track cleats. The concepts of shoes or outsoles may also be applicable to footwear not considered to be athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels.

[0026] The present disclosure generally relates to footwear and / or specific components of footwear, such as a sole or outsole that can be connected to an upper. The configuration of the sole or outsole may vary significantly in various embodiments so as to include various conventional or non-conventional structures. Generally, when the footwear is worn, the sole extends between the upper and the ground. In different embodiments, the sole may include different components. For example, the sole can include an outsole, a midsole, and / or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. Thus, the footwear can comprise an outsole and any combination of one of the upper, midsole, insole, outsole plate, ground engaging member, support insert, and any combination of one of the structural accessories known in the prior art.

[0027] Generally, the upper can be any type of upper. In particular, the upper can have any design, shape, size, and / or color. For example, in an embodiment where the footwear is soccer shoes, the upper may be a low-top upper. In an embodiment where the footwear is football shoes, the upper may be a high-top upper shaped to provide high support to the ankle.

[0028] The upper may include a knit component, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a natural material (e.g., leather or its synthetic variants), a mesh, suede, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing materials. The knit component may be made by knitting of yarns, woven fabric by weaving of yarns, and non-woven fabric by manufacture of a single non-woven web. The knitted fabric includes fabrics formed by knitting operations such as warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, and / or other suitable knitting operations. The knitted fabric may have, for example, a flat knitting structure, a mesh knitting structure, and / or a rib knitting structure. Examples of woven fabrics include, but are not limited to, fabrics formed by any of a number of weaving patterns such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobby weave, jacquard weave, double weave, and / or double cloth weave. Examples of non-woven fabrics include, for example, fabrics manufactured by an airlaid method and / or a spunlaid method. The upper may include various materials such as a first yarn, a second yarn, and / or a third yarn, and may have various properties or various visual properties.

[0029] As used herein, the term "about" refers to variations in numerical quantities that may occur through typical measurement and manufacturing procedures for footwear or other products that may include embodiments of the present disclosure; inadvertent errors in these procedures; differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the components used to make a composition or mixture; and variations in numerical quantities that may occur through equivalents. Throughout the present disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of values that are ±5% of the value of the numerical term that they precede.

[0030] As used herein in connection with geometric descriptions, unless otherwise limited or defined, "substantially" indicates correspondence to a particular shape or dimension within the conventional manufacturing tolerances of components formed using components of a similar kind or similar processes. In this regard, for example, "substantially round" or "substantially circular" can indicate a profile that deviates from a circle within acceptable manufacturing tolerances.

[0031] As used herein, the term "ground engaging member" relates to or may be used interchangeably with any facility disposed on a sole or outsole for increasing traction through friction or penetration of the ground, including but not limited to cleats, studs, protrusions, or treads. Generally, the ground engaging member may be configured for football, soccer, baseball, or any kind of activity that requires traction with the ground. In some embodiments of the outsoles described herein, the outsole can include a ground engaging member including cleats or studs. Generally, the ground engaging member can be associated with the sole or outsole structure in any manner. For example, in some embodiments, the ground engaging member may be integrally formed with the sole or outsole, and in some cases, the ground engaging member may be attached to the outsole body.

[0032] The terms "omnidirectional traction" and "directional traction" may be used herein to describe the nature or quality of the traction provided by a ground engaging member. For example, a ground engaging member may be described as providing "omnidirectional traction" when the ground engaging member provides traction to facilitate movement in multiple directions. A ground engaging member may be described as providing "directional traction" when the ground engaging member is suitable for providing traction along one direction or a pair of opposing directions. For example, a ground engaging member that appropriately provides traction in one or both of the forward and rearward directions may be described herein as providing "directional traction". These terms are used to demonstrate exemplary functions of the described outsole structures, but there may be numerous structural differences among various outsole embodiments without departing from the teachings of the present invention, and such structural differences may result in various functions, so a single structure should not necessarily be limited to one or any of these functions.

[0033] As used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for reference convenience in the discussion of a particular figure or example. For example, references to "downward", or other orientations, or "below", or other positions may be used to describe a particular example or the embodiment of a figure, but in all installations or configurations, the same orientation or geometric shape is not necessarily required.

[0034] To describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms do not mean sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer, or section described below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configuration.

[0035] Before describing the outsole according to the present disclosure in detail, reference is made to the skeleton of the human foot 10 shown in FIG. 1. The foot 10 includes a calcaneus 90, a talus 92, a midfoot bone 94, and phalanges 96. The midfoot bone 94 is connected to the toes or phalanges 96 at midfoot-phalangeal joints 98a-98d (or collectively 98).

[0036] During a running activity, when the foot 10 is pushed off the ground, the heel bone 92 and the midfoot bone 94 of the ball of the foot naturally lock and function as a lever arm to propel the leg forward. However, some energy is dissipated by the slight movement that occurs between the heel bone 92 and the midfoot bone 94, thereby creating an inefficient propulsive force.

[0037] The midfoot-phalangeal joints 98 also play an important role in running, jumping, and cutting activities. For example, during various locomotor activities, the peak plantar pressure occurs under the first midfoot-phalangeal joint 98a (also known as the "hallux joint"), and the joints 98a-98e collectively flex the toes and can provide balance and propulsive force to the user while running. Further, the first midfoot-phalangeal joint 98a often functions as a fulcrum about which rotational and pivoting movements of the foot 10 occur.

[0038] In some embodiments, as described in a later part of the present disclosure, the outsole of the footwear can include a surface pattern including a plurality of circular ridges. The surface pattern is configured to increase the bending stiffness of the outsole in a particular region of the outsole while corresponding to an increase in flexibility in other regions. In some embodiments, the structure of the surface pattern increases the bending stiffness of the outsole in a general region corresponding to the user's metatarsal, and the surface pattern provides flexibility in another region of the outsole, for example, to accommodate flexion of the toes. Further, in some embodiments, the surface pattern provides traction with the ground and can facilitate rapid pivoting movements around the first midfoot-phalangeal joint 98a. The outsole of the present disclosure can form the bottom of the footwear such that the outsole is disposed between the user's foot and the ground when the product is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the outsole may comprise one or more body portions.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2-7, the present disclosure provides a footwear 100 (partially shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) including an outsole 102. The outsole 102 includes an outsole body 104 having a toe end portion 106, a heel end portion 108, an upper surface 110 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 7), and a ground engaging surface 112 disposed opposite the upper surface 110. The upper surface 110 can be connected or fixed to another component of the footwear 100, such as an upper or midsole. The ground engaging surface 112 contacts the ground and is configured to provide traction. The ground engaging surface 112 includes a surface pattern 114 including a plurality of circular ridges 116.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, the outsole 102 generally defines a toe region 118, a midfoot region 120, and a heel region 122. The toe region 118 generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that encompasses the phalanges 96 (or toes) of the foot 10 and the metatarsophalangeal joint 98 (also known as the ball of the foot), which is the joint between the toes 96 of the foot 10 and the metatarsal bones 94 (shown in FIG. 1). Referring specifically to the outsole 102 shown in FIG. 4, the midfoot region 120 of the outsole 102 is adjacent and proximate to the toe region 118 and generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that encompasses the arch of the foot 10, including the metatarsal bones 94 and the calcaneus 92 (shown in FIG. 1). The heel region 122 of the outsole 102 is adjacent and proximate to the midfoot region 120 and generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that encompasses the heel or calcaneal bone 90 (shown in FIG. 1), the ankle, and / or the posterior portion of the Achilles tendon. Subsequently, the outsole 102 includes an inner surface 124 and an outer surface 126. In particular, the outer surface 126 corresponds to the outer portion of the footwear 100, and the inner surface 124 corresponds to the inner portion of the footwear 100.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, the toe region 118, the midfoot region 120, the heel region 122, the inner surface 124, and the outer surface 126 are intended to define the boundaries or regions of the footwear 100. To that end, the toe region 118, the midfoot region 120, the heel region 122, the inner surface 124, and the outer surface 126 generally characterize the sections of the footwear 100. Additionally, the outsole 102 can be characterized as having portions within the toe region 118, the midfoot region 120, the heel region 122, the inner surface 124, and / or the outer surface 126.

[0042] Referring to the outsole 102 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the surface pattern 114 of the ground engagement surface 112 is provided over a majority of the outsole body 104 and protrudes outwardly in a direction opposite to the upper surface 110. The surface pattern 114 extends across at least a portion of each of the toe region 118, the midfoot region 120, and the heel region 122. However, in some embodiments, the surface pattern 114 may be provided in at least one of the toe region 118, the midfoot region 120, or the heel region 122.

[0043] Subsequently, the surface pattern 114 of the outsole 102 includes a plurality of circular ridges 116. As used herein, a "circular" ridge refers to a protrusion on the outsole 102 that extends along a curve that is at least partially circular in that it maintains a constant distance from a center point. In some cases, the circular ridges may extend so as to form a complete circle. In some cases, the circular ridges may extend over a range that is less than a complete circle, but the distance from the center point is maintained constant.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the plurality of circular ridges 116 of the surface pattern 114 are configured in a wavy pattern. The plurality of circular ridges 116 includes a first set 128 of circular ridges that are concentrically aligned with and extend outwardly from a first epicenter 130, and a second set 132 of circular ridges that are concentrically aligned with and extend outwardly from a second epicenter 134. The first epicenter 130 is located in the toe region 118, and the second epicenter 134 is located in the heel region 122. However, in other embodiments, the first and second epicenters 130, 134 may be located in different regions.

[0045] The first epicenter 130 is spaced inwardly from the inner surface 124 of the outsole 102 in the toe region 118 such that the first epicenter 130 is proximal to the inner surface 124 and distal to the outer surface 126. The position of the first epicenter 130 generally corresponds to the position of the first metatarsophalangeal joint 98a (shown in FIG. 1).

[0046] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a simplified version of the surface pattern 114 and is provided to more clearly show the surface pattern 114 of the outsole 102. Referring to FIG. 8, a first set of circular ridges 128 or a portion thereof is located in each of the toe region 118, the midfoot region 120, and the heel region 122. Depending on the particular embodiment, the ridges belonging to the first set of circular ridges 128 may extend into any region of the outsole 102. Generally, the ridges of the first set of circular ridges 128 provide all-direction traction to the outsole 102 and can facilitate rotational or pivoting movement of the footwear 100 around the first center 130 (or around the first midfoot-phalangeal joint 98a shown in FIG. 1). Further, any of the plurality of circular ridges 116 can help grip the surface of the ball or can provide dirt-shedding characteristics.

[0047] A second set of circular ridges 132 or a portion thereof is located in each of the midfoot region 120 and the heel region 122. However, in some embodiments, the second set of circular ridges 132 can further extend into the toe region 118 as well. The ridges of the second set of circular ridges 132 can provide all-direction traction to the outsole 102 and can facilitate rotational or pivoting movement of the footwear 100 around the second center 134 (or around the heel bone 90 shown in FIG. 1).

[0048] Each of the raised portions of the first and second sets 128, 132 of circular raised portions has a diameter (or radial width), and the diameter of any one raised portion is proportional to its radial distance from the respective first or second epicenter 130, 134. Thus, the raised portions of the first set 128 of circular raised portions that are disposed relatively close to the first epicenter 130 have a smaller diameter (or radial width) than the raised portions disposed on the outside. Similarly, the raised portions of the second set 132 of circular raised portions that are disposed relatively close to the second epicenter 134 have a smaller diameter (or radial width) than the raised portions disposed on the outside. Generally, the raised portions disposed on the outside surround the raised portions disposed on the inside. Referring to FIG. 4, for example, the first set 128 of circular raised portions includes an inner raised portion 128a and an outer raised portion 128b. The inner raised portion 128a is disposed inside the outer raised portion 128b, the diameter of the inner raised portion 128a is smaller than the diameter of the outer raised portion 128b, and the outer raised portion 128b surrounds the inner raised portion 128a.

[0049] Continuing to refer to FIG. 8, the raised portions of the first set 128 of circular raised portions can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. As shown here, the spaces between adjacent raised portions in the first set 128 of circular raised portions are almost equidistant. However, the outer raised portions of the first set 128 of circular raised portions within the toe region 118 are spaced approximately 1.33 times farther apart than the raised portions closer to the first epicenter 130. The greater spacing of the first set 128 of circular raised portions distal to the first epicenter 130 provides more flexibility, which may be desirable in the region of the footwear 100 that includes the phalanges 96 (shown in FIG. 1), allowing them to move and bend more freely.

[0050] The protrusions of the second set 132 of circular protrusions may also be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The protrusions of the second set 132 proximal to the second epicenter 134 of the heel region 122 are spaced apart by approximately 1.67 times more than the protrusions of the second set 132 distal to the second epicenter 134 of the midfoot region 120. As the spacing decreases, the rigidity of the outsole 102 in the midfoot region 120 increases relative to the rigidity of the outsole 102 in the heel region 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the spacing between the protrusions of the first set 128 of circular protrusions and the spacing between the second set 132 of circular protrusions in the midfoot region 120 may be substantially the same.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, each protrusion of the plurality of circular protrusions 116 includes a base 136 adjacent to the upper surface 110, a pair of opposing side walls 138, a distal edge 140, and a height 142 defined as the straight-line distance extending perpendicularly from the base 136 along the protrusion 116 to the point farthest along the distal edge 140 at any position. In some embodiments, the height 142 can range from about 0.1 mm to about 7.0 mm. The opposing side walls 138 taper inwardly from the base 136 toward the distal edge portion 140 such that each protrusion of the plurality of circular protrusions 116 has a substantially triangular cross-section. The distal edge portion 140 may also be rounded as shown. However, the protrusions of other embodiments may be formed to have other cross-sectional shapes and sizes.

[0052] In some cases, the circular protrusions within the plurality of circular protrusions 116 can have different heights 142. The variation in the height 142 along the circular protrusion 116 can define a distal edge 140 that fluctuates in a wavy manner between at least one high portion 144 (shown in FIG. 6B) and at least one low portion 146 (shown in FIG. 6A). In some embodiments, the high portion 144 can have a height 142 in the range of about 5 mm to about 7 mm. In some embodiments, the low portion 146 can have a height 142 in the range of about 0 mm to about 3 mm.

[0053] Circular ridges 116 that protrude to different heights 142 can provide different stiffness characteristics to the outsole 102. For example, circular ridges 116 with a height 142 of 7 mm or near it increase the stiffness of the outsole 102, while circular ridges 116 with a height 142 of 0 mm or near it decrease the stiffness of the outsole 102. Further, in embodiments having circular ridges 116 with a wavy distal edge 140, the stiffness of the outsole 102 can be configured to be relatively large or small depending on the height 142 of the circular ridges 116 (described below) in different regions of the outsole 102.

[0054] The high portions 144 are believed to be able to increase the traction and stiffness of the outsole 102 along the curing zone 166 (shown in FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the high portions 144 of the plurality of circular ridges 116 may be structured and distributed to provide increased bending stiffness in the midfoot region 120. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the high portions 144 of the plurality of circular ridges 116 within the midfoot region 120 may be spaced inwardly from the inner surface 124 and the outer surface 126 and may extend along at least a portion of a typical trajectory of the center of pressure provided by the user's foot within the footwear 100 (shown as line 148 in FIG. 18). The increase in the thickness of the outsole 102 at the high portions 144 increases the stiffness of the outsole 102 in the midfoot region 120. Further, the overall alignment of the high portions 144 along the center of pressure 148 provides directional traction to the outsole 102 and assists the user's forward and backward movement. In other embodiments, other configurations and distributions of the high portions 144 are possible.

[0055] Alternatively, the low portion 146 reduces traction in the outsole 102 but can increase flexibility. In some embodiments, the low portion 146 can increase the flexibility of the toe region 118 of the outsole 102 to allow for flexion of the toes 96 (shown in FIG. 1). For example, the aligned low portions 146 of the plurality of circular ridges 116 can further define a flexion zone 150 within the outsole 102 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 8). Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 8, the flexion zone 150 extends laterally and rearwardly (i.e., toward the heel region 122) such that the flexion zone 150 is disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (X-axis, shown in FIG. 8) of the outer sole 102. Preferably, the position and orientation of the flexion zone 150 generally correspond to the position of at least one midfoot-phalangeal joint 98 of the wearer (shown in FIG. 1) to allow the flexion zone 150 to accommodate flexion of the toes 96 (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the flexion zone 150 can extend continuously between the inner side surface 124 and the outer side surface 126. In some embodiments, the flexion zone 150 can be discontinuous and / or can comprise one or more separate flexion zone portions that do not extend completely between the inner side surface 124 and the outer side surface 126. In other embodiments, other configurations and distributions of the low portion 146 are possible. For example, the low portion 146 can be provided adjacent to the cleat 158 (described further below). This can increase the relative height of the cleat 158 with respect to the surrounding region of the ground engaging surface 112 and can increase traction.

[0056] In some embodiments, one or more of the ridges of the first set of circular ridges 128 may intersect one or more of the ridges of the second set of circular ridges 132. The intersection between the first set of circular ridges 128 and the second set of circular ridges 132 can increase the bending stiffness of the outsole at the location of the intersection. The intersecting ridges of the first and second sets of circular ridges 128, 132 can also provide directional traction to assist movement in the medial and lateral directions. For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, the first set of circular ridges 128 includes a first ridge 152, and the second set of circular ridges 132 includes a second ridge 154. The first ridge 152 intersects the second ridge 154 in the midfoot region 120 of the hardening zone 166. The stiffness of the midfoot region 120 is increased by the intersection of the first ridge 152 and the second ridge 154. Optionally, the second set of circular ridges 132 can further include a third ridge 156, such that the first ridge 152 can intersect each of the second and third ridges 154, 156 within the midfoot region 120. In other embodiments, the outsole of the present disclosure may have more or fewer intersecting ridges.

[0057] The outsole 102 can also include ground engaging members or cleats on the ground engaging surface 112. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8, the cleats include a set of cleats (visible) indicated by a letter (e.g., "a", "b", "c", "d", or "e") that indicates the set to which the cleat is associated. Unless a particular set of cleats or an individual cleat is specifically described, the cleats are described below using only their common number "158". A similar numbering scheme is provided for any of the components of the cleat 158. Similar to the plurality of ridges 116, the cleat 158 projects outwardly in a direction opposite the upper surface 110, but extends beyond the distal edge 140 of the plurality of circular ridges 116. The cleat 158 can provide additional traction with the ground. The cleat 158 has a base 160 adjacent to the upper surface 110, a distal edge 162 opposite the base 160, and a height 164 defined as the straight-line distance extending perpendicularly from the base 160 to the farthest point of the distal edge 162. In some embodiments, at least one of the cleats 158 may be integrally formed with at least one of the plurality of circular ridges 116. In these embodiments, the distal edge 162 of the cleat 158 becomes part of the wavy distal edge 140 of each circular ridge 116. In some embodiments, the cleat 158 can be disposed along at least one of the plurality of circular ridges 116. In some embodiments, the distal edge 162 of the cleat 158 can be aligned with the distal edge 140 of the circular ridge 116 on which the cleat 158 is disposed. In some embodiments, the base 160 of the cleat 158 can extend across the plurality of ridges of the plurality of circular ridges 116. In some embodiments, the cleat 158 can be removably attached to the outsole 102.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the cleats 158 may include a first set of cleats 158a, a second set of cleats 158b, a third set of cleats 158c, toe cleats 158d, and a set of heel cleats 158e. However, other embodiments may include more or fewer sets of cleats. The first, second, and third sets of cleats 158a, 158b, 158c, and the toe cleats 158d are radially distributed around a first epicenter 130 within the toe region 118, and the set of heel cleats 158e is radially distributed around a second epicenter 134 within the heel region 122. It is contemplated that the first, second, and third sets of cleats 158a, 158b, 158c, the toe cleats 158d, and the set of heel cleats 158e may be distributed to reduce rotational friction with the ground during a turning motion. For example, the first, second, and third sets of cleats 158a, 158b, 158c, and the toe cleats 158d may be arranged such that their respective distal edges 162a, 162b, 162c, 162d are aligned with the respective distal edges 140 of the associated ridges of a plurality of circular ridges 116 within the toe region 118. During a turning motion centered about the first epicenter 130, the first, second, and third sets of cleats 158a, 158b, 158c are firmly implanted in the ground, with the leading cleat cutting a path in the ground and the remaining cleats following the path cut by the leading cleat, thereby reducing the friction between the ground and the subsequent cleats and the friction between the cleats 158 as a whole. In some embodiments, not all of the cleats 158 shown in the toe region 118 need to be present, thereby further reducing rotational friction. For example, refer to another embodiment of an outsole 302 in FIG. 14. This does not include an equivalent of the first set of cleats 158a in the toe region, but includes equivalents of the second set of cleats 158b, the third set of cleats 158c, and the toe cleats 158d in the toe region.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 4, the first set of cleats 158a is shown laterally spaced from the first epicenter 130 of the cleats in the first set of cleats 158a by a first radial distance D1 defined as the distance from the first epicenter 130 to the distal edge 162a. The second set of cleats 158b is laterally spaced from the first epicenter 130 by a second radial distance D2 defined as the distance from the first epicenter 130 to the distal edge 162b in the second set of cleats 158b. The third set of cleats 158c is laterally spaced from the first epicenter 130 by a third radial distance D3 defined as the distance from the first epicenter 130 to the distal edge 162c in the third set of cleats 158c. The toe cleat 158d is laterally spaced from the first epicenter 130 by a fourth radial distance D4 defined as the distance from the first epicenter 130 of the toe cleat 158d to the distal edge 162d. The second radial distance D2 is greater than the first radial distance D1, whereby the second set of cleats 158b is disposed radially outward of the first set of cleats 158a. The third radial distance D3 is greater than the first and second radial distances D1, D2, whereby the third set of cleats 158c is disposed radially outward of the first and second sets of cleats 158a, 158b. The fourth radial distance D4 is greater than the first, second, and third radial distances D1, D2, D3, whereby the toe cleat 158d is disposed radially outward of the first, second, and third sets of cleats 158a, 158b, 158c. In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth radial distances D1, D2, D3 may be provided as a percentage of a toe tip radial distance D5 defined as the distance from the first epicenter 130 of the outsole 102 to the toe tip 106. For example, in some embodiments, the first radial distance D1 can be about 10% of the toe tip radial distance D5. In some embodiments, the second radial distance D2 can be about 30% of the toe tip radial distance D5.In some embodiments, the third radial distance D3 can be about 60% of the toe tip radial distance D5. In some embodiments, the fourth radial distance D4 can be about 75% of the toe tip radial distance D5.

[0060] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the heel cleat set 158e is laterally spaced from the second centroid 134 of the cleats in the heel cleat set 158e by only the heel cleat radial distance D6, which is defined as the distance from the second centroid 134 to the distal edge 162e. In some embodiments, the heel cleat radial distance D6 may be provided as a percentage of the heel tip radial distance D7, which is defined as the distance from the second centroid 134 to the heel tip 108. For example, in some embodiments, the heel cleat radial distance D6 can be about 75% of the heel tip radial distance D7.

[0061] Continuing with the cleat 158 and referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the heights 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d of the first, second, and third cleat sets 158a, 158b, 158c and the toe cleat 158d can be in the range of about 10 mm to about 12 mm. It is contemplated that the heights 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d may be different from each other. For example, the first cleat set 158a may have a height 164a that is less than or greater than at least one of the height 164b of the second cleat set 158b, the height 164c of the third cleat set 158c, or the height 164d of the toe cleat 158d. In other embodiments, other variations of the heights 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d are contemplated. Further, in some embodiments, the height 164e of the rear cleat set 158e may be about 14 mm.

[0062] Regarding the materials used to form the outsole 102, one or more materials may be used in the footwear 100 to impart durability, abrasion resistance, wear resistance, or traction. In some embodiments, the outsole 102 may include a polyurethane (PU) plastic such as, for example, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. Other thermoplastic elastomers consisting of block copolymers are also contemplated. In other embodiments, the outsole 102 can include, for example, carbon fiber or high-density wood. In some embodiments, the outsole 102 may be individually constructed from a thermoplastic material such as, for example, PU, and / or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), their copolymers, or similar types of materials. In other embodiments, the outsole 102 may be an EVA-Solid-Sponge (“ESS”) material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam LiteTM, IGNITE foam), polyurethane, polyether, olefin block copolymer, a thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. In some embodiments, the outsole 102 may be a single polymer material or a blend of materials such as an EVA copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and / or olefin block copolymer. An example of a PEBA material is the PEBAX® plastic material. In some cases, the outsole body 104, the plurality of circular ridges 116, and the cleat 158 of the outsole 102 can be formed from substantially the same material. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of circular ridges 116 or the cleat 158 may be substantially separate from the outsole body 104.

[0063] In an embodiment where the outsole 102 is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam can be produced using a process that takes place in an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated / pressurized container that can process a mixture of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO2, N2, or a mixture thereof) and a material that is preferably melted (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or a mixture thereof), and can include a microcellular foam or a particulate foam such as TPU, EVA, PEBAX® plastic, or a mixture thereof. In one example of the process, a solution of the supercritical fluid and the molten material is pumped into a pressure vessel, and then the pressure within the vessel is released. As a result, the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas, forming small pockets within the material and causing the material to foam, which may be used as the outsole 102. In some embodiments, the outsole 102 may be formed using alternative methods known in the art that include the use of an expansion press, an injection molding machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, compression molding techniques, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the outsole 102 may be formed using a process that includes an initial foaming step of foaming the material using a supercritical gas and then compression molding or die cutting it into a specific shape.

[0064] Figures 9 - 13 illustrate another embodiment of the outsole 202 of the footwear 200 (partially shown in Figures 12 and 13) according to the present disclosure. In many embodiments, the outsole 202 is similar to the outsole 102 described above, and similar numbers in the 200 series are used for the outsole 202. For example, the outsole 202 has a toe end 206, a heel end 208, an upper surface 210, and a ground engaging surface 212. The outsole 202 also generally defines a toe region 218, a midfoot region 220, a heel region 222, an inner side 224, and an outer side 226.

[0065] Furthermore, the ground engaging surface 212 has a surface pattern 214 having a plurality of circular protrusions 216. The plurality of circular protrusions 216 have the same attributes, arrangement, and spacing as the plurality of circular protrusions 116 of the outsole 102 (e.g., each protrusion of the plurality of circular protrusions 216 includes a base 236 adjacent to the upper surface 210, a pair of opposing side walls 238, a distal edge 240, and a height 242 (shown in FIG. 12)), and a set of first circular protrusions 228 that are concentrically aligned with and extend outward from a first epicenter 230 are spaced a distance D5 from the toe end 206, and a set of second circular protrusions 232 that are concentrically aligned with and extend outward from a second epicenter 234 are spaced a distance D7 from the heel end 208. Further, each of the plurality of circular protrusions 216 has a high portion 244 and a low portion 246, and an aligned number of low portions 246 define a flexion zone 250. Furthermore, the ground engaging surface 212 has cleats 258 having the same attributes, arrangement, and spacing as the cleats 158 of the outsole 102 (e.g., each cleat 258 has a cleat base 260, and in the toe region 218, a set of first cleats 258a having a first cleat distal edge 262a and a first cleat height 264a spaced radial distances D1, D2, D3, D4 from the first epicenter 230, a set of second cleats 258b having a second cleat distal edge 262b and a second cleat height 264b, a set of third cleats 258c having a third cleat distal edge 262c and a third cleat height 264c, and a toe cleat 258d having a toe cleat distal edge 262d and a toe cleat height 264d, and in the heel region 222, a heel cleat 258e having a heel cleat distal end 262e and a heel cleat height 264e spaced a radial distance D6 from the second epicenter 234).

[0066] However, in some embodiments, the footwear articles 100, 200 are different from each other. For example, the outsole 202 has an outsole body that includes a first outsole body portion 204a and a second outsole body portion 204b. The first and second outsole body portions 204a, 204b are separated from each other by a space within the midfoot region 220, the first outsole body portion 204a is disposed within the toe region 218, the second outsole body portion 204b is disposed within the heel region 222, and the outsole 202 does not include a structure adjacent within the midfoot region 220. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a set of first ridges 228 is received within the toe region 218 on the first outsole body portion 204a, and a set of second ridges 232 is received within the heel region 222 on the second outsole body portion 204b.

[0067] Continuing, at least one of the first outsole body portion 204a and the second outsole body portion 204b may be a rigid plate formed from one or more of the materials or methods described above with respect to the outsole body 104 to impart durability, abrasion resistance, wear resistance, or traction to the outsole 202.

[0068] FIGS. 14-17 show another embodiment of an outsole 302 of a footwear article 300 according to the present disclosure. In many embodiments, the outsole 302 is similar to the outsole 202 described above, and like numbers in the 200 series are used for the outsole 202. For example, the outsole 302 has a toe end 306, a heel end 308, a top surface 310, and a ground engaging surface 312. The outsole 302 also generally defines a toe region 318, a midfoot region 320, a heel region 322, an inner side 324, and an outer side 326.

[0069] Furthermore, the ground engaging surface 312 has a surface pattern 314 having a plurality of circular protrusions 316. The plurality of circular protrusions 316 have the same attributes, arrangement, and spacing as the plurality of circular protrusions 216 of the outsole 202 (e.g., each protrusion of the plurality of circular protrusions 316 includes a base 336 adjacent to the upper surface 310, a pair of opposing side walls 338, a distal edge 340, and a height 342), are concentrically aligned with a first epicenter 330, and a set of first circular protrusions 328 extending outward therefrom is spaced a distance D5 from the toe tip 306, and a set of second circular protrusions 332 that are concentrically aligned from a second epicenter 334 and extend outward therefrom is spaced a distance D7 from the heel end 308. Further, the outsole 302 has an outsole body including a first outsole body portion 304a and a second outsole body portion 304b separated by the spacing of the midfoot 330. Additionally, each of the plurality of circular protrusions 316 has a high portion 344 and a low portion 346, and the aligned plurality of low portions 346 can define a flexure zone 350, and the second outsole body portion 304 has a heel cleat 358e spaced a radial distance D6 from the second epicenter 334.

[0070] Continuing, at least one of the first outsole body portion 304a and the second outsole body portion 304b may be a rigid plate formed from one or more of the materials or methods described above with respect to the outsole body portions 204a, 204b to impart durability, abrasion resistance, wear resistance, or traction to the outsole 302.

[0071] However, in some embodiments, the footwear articles 200, 300 are different from each other. For example, the circular ridge 316 includes at least one low portion 346 having a height 342 of 0 mm, such that the distal edge 340 of the low portion 346 is at the same height as the base 336 of the circular ridge 316, thereby defining at least one gap 368 therealong. As described above, the gap 368 along the circular ridge 316 can be present in a predetermined region so as to increase the flexibility of the outsole 302 and / or reduce the traction in those regions. For example, it forms a flex zone 350 in alignment with other gaps of adjacent circular ridges 316 and / or is disposed on either side of the cleat 358 to increase the relative height of the cleat 358 with respect to the surrounding region of the ground engaging surface 312 for the reasons described above.

[0072] Furthermore, the ground engaging surface 312 has cleats 358 having attributes, arrangements, and spacing similar to those of the cleats 258 of the outsole 202. However, the cleats 358 do not include an equivalent of the set of first cleats 258a, but include a set of similar second and third cleats 358b, 358c and toe cleats 385d within the toe region 318 spaced a radial distance D2, D3, D4 from the first epicenter 330.

[0073] In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, the specific features and combinations of features presented with respect to the specific embodiments in the above discussion can be utilized in other embodiments and other combinations as needed. Furthermore, any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methods disclosed in relation to other embodiments. Additionally, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically shown types of footwear articles. Furthermore, any of the footwear embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to function with any type of footwear, clothing item, or other athletic equipment.

[0074] As described above, the present invention has been described above in connection with specific embodiments and examples, but the present invention is not necessarily so limited, and numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the claims appended hereto, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. 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. The various features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] In view of the foregoing description, numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this description should be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to practice and use the present invention. Exclusive rights are reserved for all changes within the scope of the appended claims.

[0076] [Cross - References] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 396,912, entitled "Outsole Pattern for Footwear Products," filed on August 9, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference and considered a part of this application.

Claims

1. An outsole of a footwear having a toe region, a midfoot region, a heel region, an inner side surface, and an outer side surface, The outsole has a ground engaging surface having a plurality of cleats and a plurality of circular ridges including a set of first circular ridges and a set of second circular ridges, The set of first circular ridges is concentrically aligned around a first epicenter of the toe region, and the set of second circular ridges is concentrically aligned around a second epicenter of the heel region, The circular ridges of the set of first circular ridges and the set of second circular ridges have a height that varies sinusoidally between a high portion and a low portion, The high portions of the circular ridges of the set of first circular ridges and the set of second circular ridges overlap in the midfoot region, defining a hardened zone, an outsole.

2. The plurality of cleats are aligned along a first circular ridge of the set of first circular ridges and include a first set of cleats within the toe region, the outsole according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The first set of cleats is integrally formed with the first circular ridge of the set of first circular ridges, the outsole according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The plurality of cleats include a second set of cleats within the toe region aligned along a second circular ridge of the set of first circular ridges, the second set of cleats being laterally spaced from the first set of cleats and radially outward of the first set of cleats, the outsole according to claim 2, characterized in that.

5. The plurality of cleats include a set of heel cleats within the heel region, the heel cleats being aligned along a circular ridge within a circular ridge of the set of second circular ridges, the outsole according to claim 1, characterized in that. **Claim 6**: The set of the first circular raised portions extends through at least one of the toe region, the midfoot region, or the heel region, and the outsole according to claim 1 is characterized thereby. **Claim 7**: The set of the second circular raised portions extends through at least one of the midfoot region or the heel region, and the outsole according to claim 1 is characterized thereby. **Claim 8**: The set of the first circular raised portions intersects the set of the second circular raised portions in the midfoot region, and the outsole according to claim 1 is characterized thereby. **Claim 9** The position of the first center of curvature generally corresponds to the position of the first midfoot joint of the wearer, and the outsole according to claim 1 is characterized thereby. **Claim 10** The position of the second center of curvature generally corresponds to the position of the heel of the wearer, and the outsole according to claim 1 is characterized thereby. **Claim 11** An outsole for a footwear having a toe region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, The outsole includes a first plurality of circular raised portions concentrically arranged around the first center of curvature of the toe region and extending outward therefrom, and at least two of the circular raised portions have a height that varies in a wavy manner between a high portion and a low portion. It includes a second plurality of circular raised portions concentrically arranged around the second center of curvature of the heel region and extending outward therefrom. The low portions of at least two of the circular raised portions are aligned to define a flexion zone. The first plurality of circular raised portions overlap the second plurality of circular raised portions in the midfoot region to define a stiffening zone, and the outsole is provided. **Claim 12** The flexion zone is configured to correspond to the position of at least one midfoot-phalangeal joint of the wearer, and the outsole according to claim 11 is characterized thereby. **Claim 13** The outsole according to claim 11, wherein the bending zone extends from the inner side to the outer side of the outsole through the first center.

14. The outsole according to claim 11, wherein the first center generally corresponds to the position of the first midfoot joint of the wearer.

15. The outsole according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of cleats disposed within the toe region and outside the bending zone.

16. The outsole according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of cleats are integrally formed with one of the first plurality of circular ridges.

17. The second plurality of circular ridges have a wavy height between a high portion and a low portion, The outsole according to claim 11, wherein the high portions of the first and second pluralities of circular ridges are located within the hardening zone.

18. The outsole according to claim 11, wherein the hardening zone generally follows the center of the pressure applied by the wearer's foot.

Images