Sole including support member with multiple arms

Abstract

An article of footwear is provided and includes a sole and a support member on the sole, where the support member has a base member and a plurality of arm members. A first arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a lateral side of the sole, a second arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a medial side of the sole, and a third arm member of the plurality of arm members is between the first arm member and the second arm member. A cross member is attached to ends of the first arm member and the third arm member to form a continuous loop.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCTSOLE INCLUDING SUPPORT MEMBER WITH MULTIPLE ARMSBACKGROUND

[0001] The present application relates generally to footwear, and more particularly, to a sole including a support member for footwear that support a user’s feet while efficiently transferring energy from the user’s legs and feet to optimize running efficiency during walking, jogging and running while reducing fatigue.

[0002] Running involves the transfer of energy between a person’s legs and feet and an underlying surface, such as the ground, contributing to propel a person forward along a trail, a sidewalk, a street or other path. The power a person is able to produce and the speed at which a person is able to move in a forward direction depends on a number of factors. For example, the ability to properly apply forces on a surface affects the energy produced and the rate of speed that the person is able to move. In particular, the propulsion generated by a person’s legs and feet is important while jogging or running. If a person’s feet are not sufficiently supported by their shoes and their feet to do not have a stable push off point, less energy could be transferred from the person’s feet to the ground to propel the person forward.

[0003] Running outdoors, and more specifically, running on trails involves inclines, declines and different terrains and weather conditions. Due to these factors, it is important for a runner to maintain stability and control while running. It is also important for a runner’s feet to be sufficiently supported and cushioned as they encounter different terrains, such as pavement in urban environments and gravel and rocks on trails and more rural environments. Runners may also encounter steep inclines or declines on trails with hills or trails in mountainous areas.Attorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT

[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide footwear that supports a person’s feet during walking, jogging and running that allows for efficient climbing, edging and gripping of underlying surfaces in different terrains to optimize force application and energy transfers while maintaining support, stability and containment to enhance a person’s walking and running efficiency.SUMMARY

[0005] The present article of footwear has a sole and a support member that provide enhanced balance on different types of terrain, and stability and enhanced propulsion to a user’s foot during walking, jogging and running on the different terrain.

[0006] In an embodiment, an article of footwear is provided and includes a sole and a support member in the sole, where the support member has a base member and a plurality of arm members. A first arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a lateral side of the sole, a second arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a medial side of the sole, and a third arm member of the plurality of arm members is between the first arm member and the second arm member. A cross member is attached to ends of the first arm member and the third arm member to form a continuous loop.

[0007] In another embodiment, an article of footwear is provided and includes a support member positioned in a sole, where the support member includes a base member and a plurality of arm members. A first arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a lateral side of the sole, a second arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a medial side of the sole, and a third arm member of the plurality of arm members is between the first arm member and the second arm member. A crossAttorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT member is attached to ends of the first arm member and the third arm member to form a continuous loop.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including the present support member.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a top view of the sole of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 showing the position of the support member on the sole.

[0010] Fig. 3A is a bottom view of the sole of Fig. 2.

[0011] Fig. 3B is a right side view of the sole of Fig. 2

[0012] Fig. 3C is a left side view of the sole of Fig. 2.

[0013] Fig. 4A is a cross-section view of the sole of Fig. 3A taken substantially along line 4A-4A in the direction generally indicated.

[0014] Fig. 4B is a cross-section view of the sole of Fig. 3A taken substantially along line 4B-4B in the direction generally indicated.

[0015] Fig. 4C is a cross-section view of the sole of Fig. 3A taken substantially along line 4C-4C in the direction generally indicated.

[0016] Fig. 4D is a cross-section view of the sole of Fig. 3A taken substantially along line 4D-4D in the direction generally indicated.

[0017] Fig. 4E is a cross-section view of the sole of Fig. 3A taken substantially along line 4E-4E in the direction generally indicated.

[0018] Fig. 4F is a cross-section view of the sole of Fig. 3A taken substantially along line 4F-4F in the direction generally indicated.Attorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT

[0019] Fig. 5A is a top view of an embodiment of the support member.

[0020] Fig. 5B is a bottom view of the support member of Fig. 5A.

[0021] Fig. 5C is a right side view of the support member of Fig. 5A.

[0022] Fig. 5D is a fragmentary right side view of the support member of Fig. 5B.

[0023] Fig. 5E is a fragmentary left side view of the support member of Fig. 5B

[0024] Fig. 5F is a cross-section view of the support member of Fig. 5B taken substantially along line 5F-5F in the direction generally indicated.

[0025] Fig. 5G is a cross-section view of the support member of Fig. 5B taken substantially along line 5G-5G in the direction generally indicated.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a top view of the sole of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 showing another embodiment of the support member.

[0027] Fig. 7A is a top view of the support member of Fig. 6.

[0028] Fig. 7B is a bottom view of the support member of Fig. 7A.

[0029] Fig. 7C is a right side view of the support member of Fig. 7A.

[0030] Fig. 7D is a fragmentary right side view of the support member of Fig. 7B.

[0031] Fig. 7E is a fragmentary left side view of the support member of Fig. 7B

[0032] Fig. 7F is a cross-section view of the support member of Fig. 7B taken substantially along line 7F-7F in the direction generally indicated.

[0033] Fig. 7G is a cross-section view of the support member of Fig. 7B taken substantially along line 7G-7G in the direction generally indicated.Attorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCTDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention includes a support member positioned on or within a sole of an article of footwear where the support member stabilizes and supports a user’s feet during walking, jogging and running while enhancing propulsion. More specifically, the present support member includes a body with multiple arms where a first arm extends along a medial side of the sole, a second arm extends along a lateral side of the sole and a third arm is positioned between the first arm and the second arm to provide support to the midfoot area and the forefoot area of a user’s foot to enhance stability and propulsion during movement.

[0035] Referring now to Figs. 1 , 2, 3A, 3B, 3C and 4A to 4F, an article of footwear 20 includes a sole, generally indicated as 22, where the sole 22 includes a midsole 24 attached to an upper 26, and an outsole 28. The midsole 24 may be an integral, molded component made of a material having a designated hardness value or made with different materials having the same or different hardness values. For example, one or more portions of the midsole 24 may be made with a material having a hardness or hardness value that is greater than a hardness or hardness value in other areas of the midsole to increase the stability and support in designated areas of the midsole. As shown in Fig. 1 , the outsole 28 is attached to a bottom surface 30 of the midsole 24 by an adhesive or by molding, and is made of rubber. The outsole 28 typically includes a plurality of tread members 32 that are configured to grip an underlying surface, such as the ground, during movement. It should be appreciated that the midsole 24 and outsole 28 may be made of any suitable materials or combinations of materials known in the art.

[0036] Referring now to Figs. 2 and 5A to 5G, an embodiment of a support member is shown and generally indicated as 34, where the support member 34 is placed on anAttorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT upper surface 36 of the sole 22 (Fig. 2) such that the support member is between the sole 22 and the upper 26 of the article of footwear 20. In another embodiment, the upper surface 36 of the sole 22 includes a recessed area 38 having shape and depth that corresponds to the shape and thickness of the support member 34. In a further embodiment, the support member 34 is at least partially embedded in, fully embedded in or integrally formed with the sole 22 using a molding process or another suitable process known to those skilled in the art.

[0037] In an embodiment, the support member 34 shown in Figs. 5A to 5G, has a body 36 including a base member 38, a rear end 40, a front end 42 and three arm members 44a, 44b and 44c. A first arm member 44a extends from the base member 38 and along a lateral side 46 of the sole 22. As shown, the first arm member 44a includes an end 48 attached to the base member 38 and positioned in the midfoot area 50 of the sole 22. A first part 52 of the first arm member 44a is substantially straight and extends outwardly at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis LA of the sole 22 toward the lateral side 46 of the sole 22. A second part 54 of the first arm member 44a is attached to the first part 52 and extends inwardly at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis LA of the sole 22. In this way, the first part 52 and the second part 54 of the first arm member 44a forms a V-shape where the point at which the first part 52 and the second part 54 join together is at a lateral edge of the sole 22. The first arm member 44a of the support member 34 thereby supports the lateral side of a user’s foot during movement.

[0038] A second arm member 44b has a first end 56 and an opposing second end 58, where the first end 56 is attached to the base member 38 and the second end 58 is located in the toebox of the forefoot area 60 of the sole 22. As shown, the second armAttorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT member 44b includes a first part 62 that is substantially straight and extends at an angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis LA of the sole 22. A second part 64 is attached to the first part 62 and extends at an angle inwardly toward the longitudinal axis LA. The combination of the first part 62 the second part 64 form a V-shape as shown in Fig. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second arm member 44b does not include any cut outs or notches, but it should be appreciated that the first part and the second part of the second arm member 44b may have one or more notches to adjust the flexibility or bendability of the second arm member.

[0039] A third arm member 44c is positioned between the first arm member 44a and the second arm member 44b, where the third arm member 44c is spaced from the second arm member 44b. In the illustrated embodiment, the third arm member 44c includes a first part 66 that is attached to the base member 38 and extends at an angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis LA of the sole 22. The third arm member 44c also includes a second part 68 that is attached to the first part 66, where the second part 68 extends at an angle inwardly toward the longitudinal axis LA of the sole 22. In this embodiment, the angles of the first part 66 and the second part 68 of the third arm member 44c relative to the longitudinal axis LA are the same as the angles of the first part 52 and the second part 54 of the second arm member 44b relative to the longitudinal axis LA. In another embodiment, the angles of the first part 66 and the second part 68 of the third arm member 44c relative to the longitudinal axis LA are different from the angles of the first part 52 and the second part 54 of the second arm member 44b relative to the longitudinal axis LA. In a further embodiment, the angles of the first part 66 and / or the second part 68 of the third arm member 44c relative to the longitudinal axis LA may beAttorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT the same as or different from the angles of the first part 52 and / or the second part 54 of the second arm member 44b relative to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0040] As shown in Figs. 2 and 5A, a cross member 70 has a first end 72 that is attached to the third arm member 44c, and an opposing second end 74 that is attached to the first arm member 44a. The cross member 70 is substantially straight and extends at an angle 10 to 30 degrees relative to a horizontal line, from the third arm member 44c to the first arm member 44a. In another embodiment, the cross member 70 has a convex curvature. In an further embodiment, the cross member 70 has a concave curvature. It should be appreciated that the cross member 70 may be straight or have any suitable curvature. In this embodiment, the combination of the first arm member 44a, the cross member 70 and the third arm member 44c forms a loop 76 defining a central through- hole 78. It should be appreciated that the first arm member 44a, the cross member 70 and the third arm member 44c may have any suitable width and correspondingly, the central through-hole 78 may have any suitable width or diameter. In an embodiment, the widths of the first arm member 44a, the cross member 70 and the third arm member 44c are the same. In another embodiment, the widths of at least two of the first arm member 44a, the cross member 70 and the third arm member 44c are different. It should be appreciated that the widths of the first arm member 44a, the cross member 70 and the third arm member 44c may vary along the first arm member 44a, the cross member 70 and the third arm member 44c.

[0041] The support member 34 shown in Figs. 2 and 5A to 5C is a support plate that is preferably made of a composite material, where the base member 38, the first arm member 44a, the second arm member 44b, the third arm member 44c and the crossAttorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT member 70 are integrally formed together by a molding process or another suitable manufacturing process. The support member 34 may also be made with a metal, a carbon-fiber based material or any suitable material or combination of materials. In this embodiment, the first arm member 44a, the second arm member 44b, the third arm member 44c and the cross member 70 each have the same thickness. In another embodiment, one or more of the first arm member 44a, the second arm member 44b, the third arm member 44c and the cross member 70 of the support member 34 have different thicknesses. In this way, the thickness of the support member 34 may be adjusted to provide different levels of stability, support and propulsion to different areas of a user’s foot.

[0042] Similar to varying the thicknesses of the support member 34, the materials that are used to make the support member 34 may be different to provide different levels of support and stability to the different areas of a user’s foot. For example, in an embodiment, the first arm member 44a of the support member 34 is made of a first composite material and the second and third arm members 44b and 44c of the support member 34 are made with a second, different composite material. It should be appreciated that the entire support member 34 may be made with the same material or one or more of the parts of the support member 34 may be made with different materials.

[0043] Referring to Figs. 3B, 3C, 5D and 5E, exposed portions 80 (Fig. 3B) of the first arm member 34 are exposed (visible on the exterior of the sole and / or article of footwear) and extend along a portion of the lateral side 46 of the sole 22. Similarly, exposed portions 82 (Fig. 3C) of the second arm member 44b are exposed and extend along a portion of the medial side 84 of the sole 22. In this embodiment, the exposedAttorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT portions 80 and 82 of the first and second arm members 44a and 44b extend upwardly (toward the upper surface of the sole) along the sole 22. In another embodiment, the exposed portions 80 and 82 of the first and second arm members 44a and 44b extend downwardly (toward the bottom surface of the sole) along the sole 22. In a further embodiment, the exposed portions 80 and 82 of the first and second arm members 44a and 44b extend in different directions along the sole 22. In use, the exposed portions 80 and 82 of the first arm member 44a and the second arm member 44b extend along the midsole 24 (or sole 22) to help to hold and stabilize the material or materials forming the midsole 24, and also provide additional support and lateral stability to a user’s foot on the lateral side 46 and the medial side 84 and of the sole 22.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 3A, another exposed portion 86 of the support member 34 is exposed and visible on the bottom surface of the sole 22, and more specifically, on the bottom surface 88 of the outsole 28. It should be appreciated a portion of the support member 34 or the entire support member 34 may be exposed and visible on the bottom surface 88 of the outsole 28. In the above embodiments, a portion or all of the support member 34 may be exposed (visible) or the support member 34 may be enclosed or embedded within the sole and not exposed (visible) on the exterior of the sole and / or article of footwear.

[0045] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7A to 7G, another embodiment of the support member is shown and generally indicated as 90, where the first arm member 92 of the support member 90 includes one or more notches 94. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 6, 7A and 7B, the first arm member 92 includes a plurality of notches 94a, 94b and 94c formed on an inner edge 96 of the first arm member 92. The notches 94a, 94b and 94cAttorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT extend from the inner edge 96 toward the outer edge 98 of the first arm member 92. The notches 94a, 94b and 94c reduce the amount of material at designated locations on the first arm member 92 to enable the first arm member to be more flexible or bendable at the locations of the notches. In this embodiment, the notches 94a, 94b and 94c may be any suitable size and shape and enable the support member 90 to flex or bend more at the notches 94a, 94b and 94c than at other parts of the first arm member 92. In the illustrated embodiment, a first notch 94a is located at or near the front end 100 of the first arm member 92, a second notch 94b is located at or near the point 102 where the first part 104 and the second part 106 of the first arm member 92 are attached together, and a third notch 94c is located at a point 108 between the base member 110 (rear end of the first arm member) and the second notch 94b. It should be appreciated that the first arm member 92 may include one notch 94 or a plurality of notches 94 and that the notch or notches may be at any location or locations along the first arm member. In another embodiment, one or more of the notches 94 are formed in the outer edge 98 of the first arm member 92. In a further embodiment, the first arm member 92 includes a plurality of notches 94 where one or more of the notches 94 are formed on the inner edge 96 and one or more of the notches 94 are formed on the outer edge 98 of the first arm member 92. It should be appreciated that one or more notches 94 may be formed in the first arm member 92, the second arm member 112, the third arm member 114 and / or the cross member 116 to adjust the flexibility at different locations along the first arm member, the second arm member, the third arm member and / or the cross member.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 1 to 5E, during movement, the continuous loop 76 formed by the first arm member 44a, the third arm member 44c and the cross member 70, isAttorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT positioned in the forefoot area 60 of the sole 22 and provides support to the central area and lateral side of a user’s foot. Similarly, the second arm member 44b extends along the medial side 84 of the sole 22 and into the toebox to provide support to the medial side 84 and medial most toe of the user’s foot. The space between the second arm member 44b and the third arm member 44c enables the second arm member 44b to flex or bend independently of the third arm member 44c and more specifically, the continuous loop 76. In this way, different levels of support and stability may be provided by the support member 34 to the lateral and medial sides of a user’s foot based on the positioning of the user’s foot during movement such as whether the user’s foot pronates or supinates during movement. In addition, the continuous loop 76 of the support member 34 provides propulsion to the user’s foot during movement as the continuous loop 76 flexes or bends relative to the base member 38, which is at least partially located in the midfoot area 50 of the sole 22.

[0047] While particular embodiments of the present sole and support member are shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . An article of footwear comprising: a sole; and a support member at least partially in said sole, said support member including a base member and a plurality of arm members, wherein a first arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a lateral side of the sole, a second arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a medial side of the sole, and a third arm member of the plurality of arm members is between the first arm member and the second arm member, and a cross member attached to ends of the first arm member and the third arm member to form a continuous loop.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein said first arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein said second arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.Attorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein said third arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein said second arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein said third arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein said support member has a front end and a rear end and is curved from said rear end to said front end.

8. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein said second arm member is spaced from said first arm member.Attorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT9. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein said second arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole, wherein said third arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole, and wherein said first parts and said second parts of said second arm member and said third arm member form angles relative to the longitudinal axis, and said angles of said first parts and said second parts of said second arm member and said third arm ember are the same.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein said first arm member includes a plurality of notches on an inner edge of said first arm member.11 . The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first arm member, said second arm member and said third arm member includes a plurality of notches.

12. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein a portion of said first arm member extends along a lateral side of said sole.

13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein a portion of said second arm member extends along a lateral side of said sole.Attorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT14. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein a portion of said second arm member extends along a lateral side of said sole.

15. An article of footwear comprising: a support member at least partially in a sole, wherein said support member includes a base member and a plurality of arm members, wherein a first arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a lateral side of the sole, a second arm member of the plurality of arm members extends along a medial side of the sole, and a third arm member of the plurality of arm members is between the first arm member and the second arm member, and a cross member attached to ends of the first arm member and the third arm member to form a continuous loop.

16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein said first arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.

17. The article offootwear of claim 16, wherein said second arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.Attorney Docket No. 0525.157765PCT18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein said third arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.

19. The article offootwear of claim 15, wherein said second arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.

20. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein said third arm member includes a first part and a second part that are attached together, said first part extending away from a longitudinal axis of said sole and said second part extending toward said longitudinal axis of said sole.

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