Footwear Sole Herringbone Traction Pattern Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional athletic footwear lacks optimal traction and flexibility in various directions, particularly in herringbone type contact surface portions, which can lead to reduced performance in activities requiring multidirectional movements.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates herringbone type traction element structures oriented in different directions on the sole surface, with specific peak orientations to enhance traction and flexibility, and includes strap portions and flap members for improved fit and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional single-direction herringbone traction patterns are used, then manufacturing is simple, but traction in multiple directions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction in multiple directionsVSAvoidherringbone pattern arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different herringbone pattern orientations to different regions of the sole structure. Specifically, the forefoot area has herringbone patterns oriented in one direction while the heel area has patterns oriented in a different direction. This local differentiation provides optimized traction for the specific movement patterns of each foot region without requiring complete redesign of the entire sole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sole structure is divided into multiple contact surface portions (forefoot, heel, midfoot) with independently optimized herringbone patterns. This segmentation allows each portion to provide traction in the direction most beneficial for its specific function, thereby achieving multidirectional traction capability across the entire sole while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing for each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If herringbone patterns are added to enhance traction, then grip is improved, but flexibility may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetractionVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The herringbone traction patterns are formed as surface features on the sole structure rather than as rigid additions. The patterns are integrated into the sole's material matrix, allowing the sole to maintain its inherent flexibility and ability to conform to the foot and ground surface while providing enhanced traction through the patterned geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3250069B1Sole structures that include portions with different herringbone traction pattern arrangements

Publication Date: 2020.06.10 NIKE INNOVATE CV

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AI summary

Uppers for articles of footwear (or foot-covering members for other foot-receiving devices) include: (a) an upper member including medial and lateral side portions, each side portion including at least one pair of slots spaced in a top-to-bottom direction and (b) a first strap portion that extends between and through each of the medial slots and the lateral slots such that the first strap portion is exposed between the pair of medial slots and between the pair of lateral slots and such that the first strap portion extends across the instep opening. One, two, or more other "strap portions" may be provided, e.g., that extend between additional pairs of medial and lateral slots and across the instep opening. A shoe lace may be provided to extend through and between areas defined by the strap portions and the pairs of medial and lateral slots.