Article of Footwear Including a Sole Structure

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63/574,546, filed Apr. 4, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear including sole structures, and more particularly, to sole structures incorporating removable bands.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.

Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. An insole may be located within the upper and adjacent to a plantar (e.g., lower) surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort, and is typically a thin, compressible member.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only 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 imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations. In the discussion that follows, terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and the like, when used in describing a numerical value, denote a variation of +/−10% of that value, unless specified otherwise.

When an element or layer includes a directional and/or spatial term (e.g., top, bottom, medial, lateral, etc.), the directional and/or spatial term is used relative to a user's foot anatomy when the article of footwear is being worn by a user. The user is considered to be standing on a flat, level surface.

The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

Articles of footwear include different types of shoes, sandals, boots, heels, or the like. For the sake of clarity, articles of footwear will be discussed herein as shoes; however, embodiments are not limited solely to shoes. The technology disclosed herein may equally be used to create footwear other than shoes. To alleviate confusion and to provide a more readable disclosure, embodiments simply reference shoes. To that end and to provide a robust disclosure, different component portions of shoes are discussed herein, including uppers, midsoles, and outsoles. One skilled in the art will understand that shoes may include an upper and a sole structure, with the latter comprising an outsole, a midsole, and perhaps an insole.

The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear, such as an article of footwearshown in. The article of footwearis selectively customizable and modular such that a user of the article of footwearmay attach, add, join, remove, replace, and/or swap out different bands of the footwearto accommodate various characteristics, functionalities, aesthetics, designs, or other features to the footwear. The user would also be able to replace the band after normal wear and tear during the life of the article of footwear. As described herein, the footwearis configured and operable to facilitate a selective connection with one or more bands without the use of external equipment, tools, or other ancillary devices.

As shown in, footwearincludes a sole structureand an upperattached to the sole structure. The article of footwearis divided into a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and a heel region. The forefoot regionincludes a toe portionT corresponding to the phalanges of the foot, and a ball portionB corresponding to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The mid-foot regioncorresponds with an arch area of the foot, and the heel regioncorresponds with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The footwearfurther includes an anterior endincluding a forward-most point of the forefoot region, and a posterior endincluding a rearward-most point of the heel region. For ease of discussion, the footwearis discussed with reference to a longitudinal axis-, a medial-lateral axis AML (shown in), and a vertical axis-, where the longitudinal axis-, the medial-lateral axis AML, and the vertical axis-are perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal axis-of the footwearextends along a length of the footwearfrom the anterior endto the posterior end, and generally divides the footwearinto a medial sideand a lateral side(shown in). The medial-lateral axis AML extends from medial sideto lateral side. Accordingly, the medial sideand the lateral siderespectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwearand extend from the anterior endto the posterior end. The vertical axis-extends from a bottom (e.g., ground-contacting portion) of the footwearto a top of the footwear.

Still referring to, the upperincludes interior surfaces that define an interior void configured to receive and secure a foot for support on sole structure. The uppermay be formed from one or more materials that are stitched, adhesively bonded, or otherwise joined together to form the interior void. Suitable materials of the uppermay include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials are configured and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and/or comfort.

In some examples, the upperincludes a strobel (not shown) having a bottom surface opposing the sole structure, and an opposing top surface defining a footbed of the interior void. Stitching or adhesives secure the strobel to the upper. The footbed is contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. Optionally, the uppermay incorporate additional layers such as an insole or sockliner (not shown) that are disposed on the strobel and reside within the interior void of the upperto receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the article of footwear. An ankle openingin the heel regionprovides access to the interior void. For example, the ankle openingreceives a foot to secure the foot within the void and facilitates entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void. In some examples, one or more fastenersextend along the upperto adjust a fit of the interior void around the foot, and to accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The fastenersmay include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, pins, or any other suitable type of fastener. The uppercan include a tongue portionthat extends between the interior void and the fasteners. The upperfurther includes a bandcoupled to one or more pins, as will be described in further detail below.

Referring to, the sole structureincludes a midsoleand an outsole. The midsoleis coupled to the upper, and the outsoleis coupled to the midsole. The midsoleincludes the band, a groove, and the one or more pins. Pinsare spaced apart along the vertical axis-. In other examples, the pinscould be spaced apart along the horizontal axis-. Pinsextend outward and away from the surface of groove. The midsoleextends from an anterior enddisposed in the forefoot regionto a posterior enddisposed in the heel region. The midsoleincludes a first (outer) surface. The first surfaceis an exterior-facing surface of the groove. The grooveis sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to receive a corresponding portion (e.g., the band) of the midsole.

The midsoleincludes a first (upper) railextending continuously about a circumference of the midsole. The midsolefurther includes a second (lower) railextending continuously about a circumference of the midsole. Each of the first railand the second railextends from the posterior endof the midsoleto the anterior endof the midsole. Each of the first railand the second railmay be angled and/or have a ramped configuration from the anterior endto the posterior end. Either or both of the first railand the second railmay be configured to facilitate selective removal of the bandfrom the midsole, as described further herein.

The railincludes a flange. The flangeextends a distance that is outward from first surface. In an example, the flangeextends circumferentially around the midsole. In other examples, the flangemay have various other suitable shapes or sizes. The railmay be configured to elastically deform (upward relative to axis-) and return to its starting state so that a pulling force is applied to the rail. This deformation may occur, for example, during removal of the bandfrom the grooveas described in detail herein, or during installation of the bandinto groove. Similarly, the railincludes a flange. The flangeextends a distance that is outward from first surface. In an example, the flangeextends circumferentially around the midsole. In other examples, the flangemay have various other suitable shapes or sizes. The railmay be similarly configured to elastically deform (downward related to axis-) and return to its starting state so that a pulling force is applied to the rail. This deformation may occur, for example, during removal of the bandfrom the grooveas described in detail herein. In some examples, the railmay be configured to be substantially rigid so as to only allow removal of the bandvia the rail. In some example, the railmay be configured to be substantially rigid so as to only allow removal of the bandvia the rail

The grooveslopes downward relative to the horizontal axis-from the heel regionto the mid-foot region. The grooveslopes upward from the mid-foot regionto the forefoot region. The railbounds a top portion of the groove. The railbounds a bottom portion of the groove. An anterior end of the groove, positioned adjacent to the anterior end, is disposed in a first plane. A posterior end of the groove, positioned adjacent to the posterior end, is disposed in a second plane. The second plane is disposed offset from the first plane relative to the axis-. For example, the second plane is disposed below the first plane. As another example, the second plane is disposed above the first plane. As yet another example, the second plane is disposed even with the first plane.

Still referring to, the bandincludes a radial outer surfaceand a radial inner surface(shown in). The outer surfaceof the bandforms a portion of an outer surface of the midsolewhen the bandis coupled within the groove. The outer surfaceand the railsandform a continuous flush outer surface of the midsole(shown in). The inner surfaceof the bandis received by the groove, as will be described in greater detail below. The outer surfaceand the inner surfaceextend continuously about a circumference of the sole structure. The first surfaceis configured to define a support surface of the midsole. The first surfaceforms a portion of a boundary of the groove. The grooveof the midsoleis configured to receive the band, as shown in. The bandmay be removed from the grooveas needed, as will be described in further detail below. That is, bandis positioned on the article of footwearin such a way that the bandmay be removed from the article of footwearand replaced by, for example, another band. Referring to, the bandincludes one or more openings, a first (upper) edge, a second (lower) edge, a body, a first end, a second end, a medial segment, and a lateral segment. The bodyof the bandextends from the first endto the second end. The bandfurther includes a posterior region, a central region, and an anterior region. The posterior regionis disposed adjacent the first end. The anterior regionis disposed adjacent the second end. The central regionis disposed between the posterior regionand the anterior region. The bandis configured in a relaxed configuration (e.g., when the bandis at rest and not applied to the article of footwear, shown in), a stretched or taut configuration (e.g., when the bandis being stretched by a user for placement on or removal from the article of footwear, shown in), and an engaged configuration (e.g., when the bandis engaged within the grooveof the article of footwear, shown in). The bandthus has a resting state of the relaxed configuration, and will attempt to revert to the resting configuration after being stretched to, for example, the stretched configuration. The bandis a fully circumferentially-enclosed band.

In the relaxed configuration, the second edgeof the bandis curved such that an anterior portion of the second edgeis positioned higher than a posterior portion of the second edge, relative to the axis-. As an example, the second edgehas a curvature that corresponds with a curvature of the rail, and the first edgehas a curvature that corresponds with a curvature of the rail. Because of these preset curvatures in the bandin the relaxed configuration, the band will more easily fit into the groove. Using the pre-set curvatures reduces the incidence of bulging of the band away from the groove during installation.

The medial segmentincludes a first concavity in the central region(when viewed from a medial and exterior vantage point relative to). The lateral segmentincludes a second concavity in the central region(when viewed from a lateral and exterior vantage point relative to). The central regionis bowed inward via the first concavity and the second concavity such that interior portions of the bandin the central regionare disposed nearer one another than are interior portions of the posterior regionand the anterior region. In other words, the central regionis a concave portion of the band. The bowed nature of the central regionensures the bandremains disposed within the grooveat an area corresponding to an arch of a user of the article of footwear.

The curve of the bandand its respective concavities cause the bandto be pulled taut against the groove. This problem may be more evident when the bandis not pre-curved, since the bandwould not fit snugly within the groove. Such a band would urge away from the grooveduring use of the footwear. The curvature of the bandhelps prevent the bandfrom releasing from the groovewithout the user effecting the removal. Additionally, the concavities of the bandallow the bandto follow the profile of the grooveas it is positioned in the mid-foot region. The mid-foot regionof an article of footwearis often bowed to accommodate the shape of a user's foot. The bandwould be taut across the mid-foot region(shown in) and would not effectively fit within the groovewithout the concavities of the band. The pinscouple with the one or more openings disposed within the curvature of the bandto further effect the securement of the bandwithin the groove.

In an example, the one or more openings includes four openings. The bandincludes a first openingand a second openingdisposed on the lateral segment. The bandincludes a third openingand a fourth openingdisposed on the medial segment. The first openingis positioned adjacent the first edge. The second openingis positioned adjacent the second edge. The first openingis positioned vertically above the second opening, relative to the axis-. The third openingis positioned adjacent the first edge. The fourth openingis positioned adjacent the second edge. The third openingis positioned vertically above the fourth opening, relative to the axis-. In some examples, the bandincludes two openings, one opening on the medial segmentand another opening on the lateral segment. The bandmay include any number of openings corresponding to the number of pins. Other examples and configurations of the openings of the bandare described in further detail below. The first openingand the second openingmay be circular in shape. The first openingand the second openingmay have any other shape (e.g., diamond, triangular, square, etc.) suitable for coupling with the one or more pinsof the groove. The one or more openings of the bandallow the bandto be removed from the grooveand also provide for better fit when the bandis coupled to the groove.

The openingsandmay be positioned centrally on the band, relative to the axis-. The openingsandmay be positioned anywhere along the bandso as to reduce the chance for the bandto bow away from groovewhen coupled to the groove.

Referring to, the one or more pinsare disposed within the groove. The one or more pinsinclude a base, and one or more pin bodies, one or more pin heads. The basemay be permanently affixed to the midsole. In some embodiments, the basemay be removably disposed within the midsole. The basemay be ovular in shape. The basemay have any other shape (e.g., square, rectangular, circular, etc.) suitable for serving as a base for the pin heads.

The one or more pin bodiesextend outwardly from the base. The one or more pin headsextend outwardly from the one or more pin bodies. In an example, the one or more pin bodies include a first pin bodyand a second pin body. The first pin bodyis positioned vertically above the second pin body, relative to the axis-. In an example, the one or more pin headsinclude a first pin headand a second pin head. The first pin headis positioned vertically above the second pin head, relative to the axis-. The one or more pin headsare circular in shape. The one or more pin headsmay have any shape (e.g., diamond, rectangular, square, etc.) suitable for coupling to the plurality of openings of the band. For illustration purposes, only the first pin headand second pin headare shown on the medial side. The one or more pinsmay similarly be disposed on the lateral sideand may include a base, a third pin body, a fourth pin body, a third pin head, and a fourth pin head which are similarly formed as the base, first pin body, second pin body, first pin head, and second pin head. The one or more pinsmay be formed of a material that is different than a material of the midsole. In some examples, the one or more pinsmay be comprised of the same material as the material of the midsole. In some other examples, the one or more pin headsmay be formed of different materials than the material of the one or more pin bodiesand the base. The materials of the pinsmay be comprised of a plastic, rubber, metal, or any other suitable material.

As shown in, the first pin headextends through the first openingto secure the bandto the groove. The second pin headextends through the second openingto secure the bandto the groove. When the bandis coupled within the groove, the first pin headand the second pin headextend outward from the outer surfaceof the band. The bandis coupled to the midsolewithin the groovevia the pinsand openingsandconnection.

depicts an alternate orientation of the pins. The pinsmay be arranged in a horizontal configuration as opposed to the vertical configuration of FIG.. The horizontal configuration of the pinsis relative to the axis-. The vertical configuration of the pinsis relative to the axis-. The pinsinclude a first pin head, a second pin head, and a base. The first pin headis disposed adjacent the posterior end. The second pin headis disposed nearer the anterior endthan the first pin head. The baseis disposed within the groovesimilar to the base, except the baseis disposed in a horizontal orientation.

depicts an alternate orientation of the openings. The openings,,, andmay be arranged in a horizontal configuration as opposed to the vertical configuration of. The openings,,, andmate with the pinsto couple to the article of footwear in a similar manner as shown in described with respect to.

depicts a bottom view of the article of footwearwhere the bowed nature of the central regionis better depicted. The outsoleincludes a ground-facing surface. The ground-facing surface is configured to engage a ground surface when worn by a wearer of the article of footwear. The midsoleincludes a concave portion disposed on the lateral side. The midsoleincludes a concave portion on the medial side. The concave portion on the medial side corresponds to an arch of a user of the article of footwear.

depicts the bandin an untaut configuration without the use of the pins. Without the pins, the bandis not secured within the groove, and the medial segmentand the lateral segmentare not aligned with the contours of the midsole. In other words, the concave portion of the midsoleon each of the medial side and the lateral side prevent the bandfrom being taut within the groovewithout the use of the pinsto secure the band.

depict an alternate design of the band. The bandmay include a texture element. The texture elementmay be disposed on an outer surface of the body, and may form a circumferentially-extending rib.

depicts an alternate embodiment of the article of footwearin which the bandincludes two openings (although only one openingis shown for clarity purposes) and two pins (although only one pinis shown for clarity purposes). The openingand pinare mated in a similar manner as described in.

depicts an alternate embodiment of the article of footwearin which the band includes twelve openings (although only six openings,,,,, andare shown for clarity purposes) and twelve pins (although only six pins,,,,, andare shown for clarity purposes). The openings,,,,, andand pins,,,,, andare mated in a similar manner as described in.

depicts an alternate embodiment of the article of footwearin which the band includes alternate shaped openingsand, and alternate shaped pinsand. The openingsandpinsandare substantially diamond shaped. The openingsandand pinsandare mated in a similar manner as described in.

depicts an alternate embodiment of the sole structureincluding a first railwith an extended flange. The extended flangeextends over the grooveand provides additional locking of the bandwithin the groove.

depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate sole structure. In this example, a sole structureis compositely formed such that one or more pieces are separately formed and then adhered or otherwise attached together. A railis adhered to a support section. The railincludes a flange. The flangeextends downward toward a second rail. The flangeextends further toward the second railthan flangeextends toward the second rail. The flangehelps to further secure the band(not shown for illustration purposes) within the groove. The railand support sectionare adhered at a connecting region. The railand the support sectionare adhered via stitching, gluing, cementing, or any other suitable means for connecting portions of footwear together. The support sectionmay include a foam, rubber, or the like. The railmay include a foam, rubber, or the like. The flangemay be formed of the same material of the railor may include a material that is different than the material of the rail. The flangeis comprised of a material suitable for securing the bandwithin the groovewhile still allowing for a user to readily pull on the flangeto insert the band. The adhering of the railand support sectionafter separately manufacturing each part may reduce manufacturing complications.

The sole structureas described above allows for the bandto be selectively removed and/or replaced within the footwear. Bandmay be constructed using various techniques that allow for creation of desired features, such as firmness, density, impact attenuation, shape, configuration, size, contour, color, etc. The midsoleincludes a first material that may include a rubber or other flexible material. The bandincludes a second material that may be different from the first material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE), a rubber, or other durable material. In some examples, the first material may have a flexibility that is less than the flexibility of the second material.

Other alternatives of the bandare envisioned. For example, the bandmay include any other type of design suitable for providing a desired form of cushioning, aesthetic, or engagement with the midsole. Additionally, one or more other surfaces of the bandmay include various other designs, configurations, and/or arrangements without departing from a scope of this disclosure. As described above, the footwearmay be configured and operable to facilitate customization by providing a modular design in which one or more bandmay be selectively coupled and decoupled from the midsole. Accordingly, outsoles with varying aesthetic designs, structural configurations, or features, and/or material compositions may be assembled to the footwearwithout the use of equipment, tools, or other ancillary devices. By providing such modular capabilities, a user of the footwearmay replace the bandfor various purposes, such as due to extensive wear and tear, stylistic or aesthetic purposes, or functional characteristics.

It is also contemplated that other alternative embodiments could be envisioned. Instead of a single piece construction of the midsole, the midsolecould be compositely formed and the rail could be affixed to the midsole(as shown and described in). In other embodiments, one or more of the midsoleand/or the bandmay include toothed features or mechanisms for assembling the sole structurein lieu of the pinsand the openingsand. In this instance, each of the midsoleand the bandmay include complimentary toothed features that are configured to mesh and/or mate with one another, thereby coupling the midsoleand the bandto one another. In other embodiments, a rod may be disposed within the midsole extending from the medial sideto the lateral side.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of our technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

The following clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an article of footwear and sole structure described above.

Clause 1. An article of footwear comprising: a lateral side and a medial side opposite the lateral side; an upper; a sole structure coupled to the upper, wherein the sole structure comprises: a midsole including a radial outer surface, wherein the midsole includes a groove extending circumferentially around the radial outer surface; a first pin head disposed within the groove and extending away from the groove on the lateral side; and a second pin head disposed within the groove and extending away from the groove on the medial side; a band removably disposed within the groove, the band including a first opening configured to receive the first pin head, and a second opening configured to receive the second pin head.

Clause 2. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the radial outer surface of the midsole and the band form a continuous, flush outer surface of the article of footwear.

Clause 3. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the sole structure further includes: a third pin head adjacent to the first pin head on the lateral side; and a fourth pin head adjacent to the second pin head on the medial side.

Clause 4. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the first pin head is disposed in a concave portion of the lateral side, and the second pin head is disposed in a concave portion of the medial side.

Clause 5. The article of footwear of Clause 4, wherein the concave portion of the lateral side is disposed in a midfoot of the article of footwear, and wherein the concave portion of the medial side is disposed in the midfoot of the article of footwear.