US20170105472A1

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Publication number: US20170105472A1
Application number: US15/394,119
Authority: US
Inventors: Sang Jeong Lee
Original assignee: Action Sports Equipment Inc
Current assignee: Action Sports Equipment Inc
Priority date: 2015-04-23
Filing date: 2016-12-29
Publication date: 2017-04-20
Also published as: US20160309840A1; US9596906B2

Abstract

The present subject matter is directed to an article of footwear for cycling. The article of footwear includes an upper comprising an opening, a midsole in contact with the upper, and an outsole in contact with the midsole. At least one of the midsole and the outsole comprises a concave portion in at least a midfoot region of the article of footwear. An apex of the concave portion in at least one of the midsole and the outsole is configured to come into contact with a pedal of a bicycle when the concave portion is pressed by a foot against the pedal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/694,605, filed Apr. 23, 2015 in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All disclosures of the document named above is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear and, more particularly, to an article of footwear for active engagement with a platform.

2. Background of the Invention

Many activities are benefited by proper, dedicated footwear. For example, cycling, climbing, running, rowing, and the like, benefit from footwear designed for the particular activities.

FIG. 1 illustrates an article of footwear according to the related art. An article of footwear, for example,shoe10 as shown inFIG. 1, generally includes an upper12, amidsole14, and anoutsole16. Theshoe10 is a common shoe for use with a platform or flat pedal in association with cycling, for example, downhill mountain biking. The upper12, themidsole14, and theoutsole16 may be attached according to various types and methods to define the general shape of theshoe10. Atongue24 is attached to the upper12, and thetongue24 and the upper12 define anopening18 through which a foot is inserted to wear theshoe10. Closures, such as astrap20 or laces22, may be disposed over the tongue to secure and tighten the upper12 about a foot.

As shown inFIG. 1, theoutsole16 has a generally planar shape such that abottom surface17 of theoutsole16, opposite the upper12, has a substantially planar surface. Theoutsole16 may include lugs and/or a tread pattern and maintain the substantially planar shape of thebottom surface17 of theoutsole16. Aside portion19 of theoutsole16 may extend away from thebottom surface17 up a side of themidsole14 and/or the upper12 to provide additional protection from wear. For example, theside portion19 may extend up a front of theshoe10 in a toe area of theshoe10.

Theshoe10 of the related art, as shown inFIG. 1, provides a substantiallyplanar bottom surface17 of theoutsole16 as an area of a contact patch for contact of theoutsole16 with a surface, for example, a bicycle pedal. In order to increase the security of the contact between a shoe and a bicycle pedal, many shoes are provided with an outsole having a softer rubber, which decreases the lifespan of the outsole of the shoe due to the softer rubber wearing faster than a harder, more durable rubber. In many cycling applications, for example, mountain biking, outsoles of shoes are subjected to wear from pedals while riding, concrete and asphalt while walking, and even dirt and rocks while walking on a trail. Meanwhile, as a hardness of a rubber for an outsole is increased for an increased lifespan, a security of contact with, for example, a pedal, is decreased. As such, an outsole of a cycling shoe should be durable while providing sufficient security of contact with a pedal. Moreover, it is difficult for a barefoot to exert a maximum, uniform pressure onto the pedal due to the gap formed between the barefoot and theplanar bottom surface17 of theoutsole16. This also frequently weakens the frictions between the pedal and theplanar bottom surface17 of theoutsole16.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present subject matter is directed to an article of footwear, includes: an upper comprising an opening; a midsole in contact with the upper; and an outsole in contact with the midsole, wherein at least one of the midsole and the outsole comprises a concave portion in at least a midfoot region of the article of footwear.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, at least one of the midsole and the outsole includes a convex portion in at least a toe region of the article of footwear.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, a height of the concave portion is about half of a height of the convex portion, the height of the concave portion and the height of the convex portion being taken with respect to a surface on which the article of footwear is disposed.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, the concave portion is symmetric about an apex of the concave portion.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, the concave portion comprises a first angle closer to a toe region of the article of footwear and a second angle closer to a heel region of the article of footwear, the first angle and the second angle be about the same and being taken with respect to a surface on which the article of footwear is disposed.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, the concave portion comprises a major curve in a lengthwise direction of the article of footwear, the lengthwise direction being a toe to heel direction with respect to the article of footwear.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, the concave portion comprises a major curve in a widthwise direction of the article of footwear, the widthwise direction being perpendicular to a toe to heel direction with respect to the article of footwear.

The article of footwear according to the present subject matter further includes a stiffener disposed in at least the midfoot region of the article of footwear.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, the stiffener comprises a curvature opposite to a curvature of the concave portion.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, the stiffener extends from the midfoot region of the article of footwear to a forefoot region of the article of footwear and comprises at least one hole through which a cleat attachment plate extends to be attachable to a cleat.

The article of footwear according to the present subject matter further includes a cleat attachment plate positionable in at least the concave portion of the article of footwear.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, the outsole comprises a tread pattern in at least the concave portion, the tread pattern actively engaging a surface on which the article of footwear is disposed when a force is applied to the article of footwear.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, the concave portion is formed by differences in thicknesses of at least one of the midsole and the outsole, the differences in thicknesses being taken with respect to at least one of a forefoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear.

In the article of footwear according to the present subject matter, the article of footwear is particularly configured for cycling, and wherein an apex of the concave portion in at least one of the midsole and the outsole is configured to come into contact with a pedal of a bicycle in an active engagement with the pedal.

Another aspect of the present subject matter is directed to a stiffener for an article of footwear, comprising: a forefoot region and a midfoot region, the midfoot region comprising a curvature; and at least one hole through which a cleat attachment plate is extendable to be attachable to a cleat, the at least one hole extending in both the forefoot region and the midfoot region.

Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an article of footwear according to the related art.

FIG. 2 illustrates an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an outsole of an article of footwear according aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a midsole of an article of footwear according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a midsole of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stiffener of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

FIG. 2 illustrates an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 2 illustrates an article of footwear, for example, ashoe100, which includes an upper110, amidsole120, and anoutsole130. The upper110, themidsole120, and theoutsole130 may be attached according to various types and methods to define the general shape of theshoe100. For example, the upper110, themidsole120, and theoutsole130 may be fastened or secured together by stitches, sewing, adhesives, heat welding, and the like. Although the upper110, themidsole120, and theoutsole130 are described herein individually, theshoe100 need not include each of the upper110, themidsole120, and theoutsole130, and one or more of the upper110, themidsole120, and theoutsole130 may be combined to form theshoe100. For example, themidsole120 and theoutsole130 may be integrated. Further, each of the upper110, themidsole120, and theoutsole130 need not be completely present as shown inFIG. 2, but may be only partially present. For example, the upper110 need not be complete as shown inFIG. 2 and may only be partially present.

The upper110 of theshoe100 may include atongue160 connected to the upper110 to define, in combination with the upper110, anopening140 through which a foot is inserted to wear theshoe100. Closure mechanisms, for example, laces150 may be provided to extend between portions of the upper110 over thetongue160 to secure theshoe100 to a foot. Additional or other closure mechanisms may secure theshoe100 to a foot, for example, straps, ratchets, hooks, and the like may be used. Although theopening140 of theshoe100 is shown to be about ankle height, aspects need not be limited thereto such that theopening140 may be lower or higher, for example, the100 may be provided in as a high top style shoe.

The upper110 may be a wrap upper and includes any material appropriate for construction of a shoe upper and may include vents, padding, and the like. For example, the upper110 may include one or more of a natural or synthetic leather, a rubber material, a polymeric material, a polymeric mixture, a polymeric alloy, a laminate, a natural or synthetic textile material, a mesh material, or a combination thereof. The upper110 may include multiple pieces of material sewn, adhered, welded, or the like together.

Themidsole120 includes any material appropriate for construction of a shoe midsole and may include, for example, a leather, a foam, a canvas, a rubber, an elastomer, a polyester, a vinyl, a nylon, a nylon textile, a thermoplastic, a composite, a polymer, a polyurethane foam, a foam rubber, an expanded rubber, a laminate, a polymeric material, a polymeric mixture, a polymeric alloy, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, and the like, and combinations thereof. For example, themidsole120 may be an ethylene copolymer, e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Themidsole120 may include one or more pieces configured together to form themidsole120.

Theoutsole130 includes any material appropriate for construction of a shoe outsole and may include, for example, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, and/or composite mixtures thereof. The rubber for theoutsole130 may be selected for properties such as flexibility and/or durability. Theoutsole130 includes abottom surface132 opposite the upper110 and one ormore side portions134. Aspects need not be limited thereto such that theoutsole130 need not include anyside portions134 or may include a side portion that extends about the entirety of theshoe100. Theside portions134 may extend from thebottom surface132 of theoutsole130 up at least a portion of themidsole120 and may extend to the upper110. Further, theside portions134 need not be limited to sides of theshoe100 but may also be present in the front and back portions of theshoe100.

Theshoe100 may further include an insole (not shown) disposed in a cavity between the upper110 and themidsole120 to provide for comfort and support of a foot disposed also in the cavity. The insole may be made of any material appropriate for construction of an insole for a shoe and may be provided separately or integrally with theshoe100.

Remaining inFIG. 2, atoe region180, a forefoot (ball)region182, a midfoot (arch)region184, and aheel region186 are indicated with respect to theshoe100. The upper110 forms a toe box to house toes of a foot disposed in theshoe100 in thetoe region180. Theforefoot region182 is disposed between thetoe region180 and themidfoot region184 and generally corresponds to a portion of a foot disposed in theshoe100 in which the toes join the rest of the foot. In other words, theforefoot region182 corresponds, generally, to a portion of theshoe100 in which the metatarsophalangeal articulations of a foot disposed in theshoe100 are located.

Themidfoot region184 is disposed between theforefoot region182 and theheel region186 and generally corresponds to a portion of theshoe100 in which an arch of a foot disposed in theshoe100 is located. Theheel region186 of theshoe100 is disposed adjacent to themidfoot region184 and at an opposite end of theshoe100 from thetoe region180 in a lengthwise direction of theshoe100. Theopening140 of the upper110 is disposed in theheel region186 of theshoe100.

Thetoe region180 of theshoe100 includes a convex region to curve the bottom of the shoe up from theforefoot region182. Specifically, thebottom surface132 of theoutsole130 includes aconvex portion172 that is generally convex to curve toward the upper110 and away from asurface190 on which theshoe100 is disposed. Theconvex portion172 of thebottom surface132 may be wholly contained within thetoe region180 or may begin in theforefoot region182 and extend into and/or through thetoe region180. Further, the curvature of theconvex portion172 may be constant or may include portions of an increased, increasing, decreased, decreasing curvature, or generally planar portions such that the curvature of theconvex portion172 may be continuous or discontinuous.

Theoutsole130 may include a tread pattern formed or disposed therein or thereon. The tread pattern may include lugs. In theforefoot region182, theoutsole130 may include flex grooves to provide for flexibility of theoutsole130 and also theshoe100. The flex grooves of theoutsole130 may be only a relative thinning of theoutsole130 or may be a complete lack of material of theoutsole130. Further, the flex grooves may extend laterally or lengthwise or along various paths in theoutsole130. And, the flex grooves may extend from an edge of theoutsole130 and may extend to another edge of theoutsole130 such that the outsole may include multiple parts or portions forming theoutsole130. The flex grooves may extend into themidsole120, but aspects need not be limited thereto. The flex grooves may extend into other or cross one or more regions of theshoe100; for example, the flex grooves may extend from thetoe region180 to theheel region186. The number and location of the flex grooves may be determined according to a desired flexibility of theshoe100.

Themidfoot region184 of theshoe100 includes a concave region to curve the bottom of the shoe up between theforefoot region182 and theheel region186. Specifically, thebottom surface132 of theoutsole130 includes aconcave portion170 that is generally concave to curve thebottom surface132 toward the upper110 and away from thesurface190 on which theshoe100 is disposed. Theconcave portion170 of themidfoot region184 may be wholly included in themidfoot region184 or may extend into and/or across other regions. Further, the curvature of theconcave portion170 may be constant or may include portions of an increased, increasing, decreased, decreasing curvature, or generally planar portions such that the curvature of theconcave portion170 may be continuous or discontinuous. Theconcave portion170 may have a major curve in a lengthwise direction of theshoe100, i.e., in a toe to heel direction of theshoe100, and theconcave portion170 may have a minor curve in a widthwise direction of theshoe100 generally perpendicular to the major curve of theconcave portion170. However, aspects need not be limited thereto such that theconcave portion170 may have major and minor curves in directions at angles of, for example, 70 degrees or 45 degrees, and theconcave portion170 may have more than two directions of curvature such that there may be plural minor curves.

Theconcave portion170 and/or theconvex portion172 may or may not be, or may be partially, preloaded to resist straightening of the respective concavity and convexity of theconcave portion170 and theconvex portion172. For example, theconcave portion170 and/or theconvex portion172 may not be preloaded or may have a low preload, which may help with engagement ofoutsole130 with a pedal as described herein. The preload of theconcave portion170 and/or theconvex portion172 may be provided by changes in material properties or inserts in themidsole120 and/or theoutsole130 of theshoe100.

At least one of theconcave portion170 and theconvex portion172 may be formed by or may comprise a relatively thinner portion of themidsole120 and/or theoutsole130. For example, if thetoe region180 includes theconvex portion172 and themidfoot region184 includes theconcave portion170, themidsole120 and/or theoutsole130 may be relatively thinner in thetoe region180 and themidfoot region184 than in theforefoot region182 and theheel region186. Further, at least one of theconcave portion170 and theconvex portion172 may be wholly formed by theoutsole130 such that a contact portion between themidsole120 and theoutsole130 in an area of the at least one of theconcave portion170 and theconvex portion172 may be generally planar. AlthoughFIG. 2 illustrates theshoe100 including both theconcave portion170 and theconvex portion172, aspects need not be limited thereto such that theshoe100 may include only one of theconcave portion170 and theconvex portion172.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an outsole of an article of footwear according aspects of the invention. Specifically,FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of anoutsole130 of an article of footwear, for example, ashoe100. Abottom surface132 of theoutsole130 includes atread pattern131, which may includelugs133, formed or disposed therein and/or thereon. Thelugs133 may be replaceable and separable from theshoe100. Theoutsole130 includes portions disposed in thetoe region180, theforefoot region182, themidfoot region184, and theheel region186 of theshoe100. Theoutsole130 may include a void135 disposed therein so as to provide sufficient space available for the attachment of a cleat to acleat attachment plate137, which is at least partially exposed viaholes139 in theoutsole130 and/or themidsole120. The cleat may temporarily secure theshoe100 to a pedal. Thevoid135 of theoutsole130 may be an absence of material that exposes themidsole120 or may be a portion of theoutsole130 that is relatively thinner than other portions of theoutsole130. However, aspects need not be limited thereto such that the void135 need not be any thinner and only be lacking at least one of thelugs133 and thetread pattern131. Further, thevoid135 of theoutsole130 may be an absence of material that exposes a protection plate disposed between disposed between theoutsole130 and themidsole120 to protect theoutsole130 and themidsole120 from wear due to contact with a pedal.

Thetoe region180 of theoutsole130 includes theconvex portion172, and themidfoot region184 of theoutsole130 includes theconcave portion170. As shown inFIG. 3, thevoid135 of theoutsole130 extends from a boundary between thetoe region180 and theforefoot region182 into themidfoot region184 so that a cleat attached to thecleat attachment plate137 may be secured at locations in both theforefoot region182 and themidfoot region184. In other words, thevoid135 of theoutsole130, theholes139, and thecleat attachment plate137 may be provided in at least one of thetoe region180, theforefoot region182, themidfoot region184, and theheel region186 of theshoe100. Further, the void135 may extend across an entire one of and into another of thetoe region180, theforefoot region182, themidfoot region184, and theheel region186 of theshoe100. However, the void135 may only extend across a portion of one or more of thetoe region180, theforefoot region182, themidfoot region184, and theheel region186 of theshoe100. A cleat may be secured to thecleat attachment plate137 at a location within theconcave portion170 of themidfoot region184 of the shoe. More specifically, a cleat may be attached to thecleat attachment plate137 in a region of theconcave portion170 closer to thetoe region180 than an apex of theconcave portion170. Such positioning of a cleat may reinforce proper pedal technique when, for example, traversing a log or bunny hopping while the secured cleat is engaged in a pedal. Further, the variability of the locations at which a cleat may be secured may provide a more natural and/or comfortable placement of a cleat.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a midsole of an article of footwear according to aspects of the invention. Specifically,FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of amidsole120 of an article of footwear, for example, ashoe100. A bottom surface122 of themidsole120 is sewn, adhered, heat welded, or the like to theoutsole130, and, as such, is not normally visible in a fully constructedshoe100. The bottom surface122 of themidsole120 is shown here, however, for purposes of illustration.

Themidsole120 includes portions disposed in thetoe region180, theforefoot region182, themidfoot region184, and theheel region186 of theshoe100. Themidsole120 includes a void123 disposed therein to accommodate at least a portion of a cleat attachment system (not shown). Thevoid123 of themidsole120 may correspond in location to thevoid135 of theoutsole130 as shown inFIG. 3 such that thevoid123 of themidsole120 and thevoid135 of theoutsole130 align to provide sufficient space available for the cleat attachment system and the attachment of a cleat thereto. Thevoid123 of themidsole120 may be of a sufficient depth so that a most distal portion of an attached cleat does not extend beyond thebottom surface132 of theoutsole130. Such a depth of the void123 will prevent wear of the attached cleat when walking in theshoe100 on an even surface.

As shown inFIG. 4, thevoid123 of themidsole120 extends from a boundary between thetoe region180 and theforefoot region182 into themidfoot region184 so that a cleat attached to thecleat attachment plate137 may be secured at locations in both theforefoot region182 and themidfoot region184. Similar to thevoid135 of theoutsole130 described with respect toFIG. 3, thevoid123 of themidsole120 may be provided in at least one of thetoe region180, theforefoot region182, themidfoot region184, and theheel region186 of theshoe100. Further, the void123 may extend across an entire one of and into another of thetoe region180, theforefoot region182, themidfoot region184, and theheel region186 of theshoe100. However, the void123 may only extend across a portion of one or more of thetoe region180, theforefoot region182, themidfoot region184, and theheel region186 of theshoe100.

Also as shown inFIG. 4, themidsole120 includesholes125 to provide for an adjusted or adjustable strength and/or flexibility of the midsole. For example, theholes125 may not include any material, i.e., the portions of themidsole120 corresponding to theholes125 are removed, such that flexibility of themidsole120 in the regions about theholes125 is increased in flexibility with respect to a complete midsole with no empty holes. At least some of theholes125 may be filled with, for example, a material having a higher density than a density of themidsole120 to increase strength and/or decrease flexibility of themidsole120 in the area of theholes125. Further, theholes125 may be selectively filled or empty so as to provide a desired strength and/or flexibility of themidsole120.

InFIG. 4, theholes125 are provided in a portion of theconcave portion170 in themidsole120 of themidfoot region184 of theshoe100. In other words, theholes125 may be disposed a region of theconcave portion170 closer to thetoe region180 than an apex of theconcave portion170. However, aspects need not be limited thereto such that the strength and/or flexibility of themidsole120 may be tuned by placing holes, filled or unfilled, throughout themidsole120, for example, in the convex portion in themidsole120 of thetoe region180 of theshoe100, in theforefoot region182, or theheel region186.

Portions of the bottom surface122 of themidsole120 may be exposed through flex grooves in theoutsole130. Further, the bottom surface122 of themidsole120 may include grooves therein such that flex grooves in theoutsole130 may correspond to or align with grooves in the bottom surface122 of themidsole120. Areas in which a groove is formed or disposed in themidsole120 may be relatively thinner than other areas of themidsole120 to increase or modify flexibility of themidsole120 and of theshoe100.

FIG. 5 illustrates an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 5 illustrates an article of footwear, for example, ashoe200, which includes an upper210, amidsole220, and anoutsole230. Features of theshoe200 are similar to those described with respect to theshoe100, and discussion of such features may be omitted. Theoutsole230 includes a bottom surface232 opposite the upper210 and one or more side portions234, and theoutsole230 may include one or more portions disposed on themidsole220.

As shown inFIG. 5, atoe region280, a forefoot (ball)region282, a midfoot (arch)region284, and aheel region286 are indicated with respect to theshoe200. Theshoe200 includes aconcave portion270 and a convex portion272. Specifically, the bottom surface232 of theoutsole230 includes the convex portion272 that is generally convex to curve toward the upper210 and away from asurface290 on which theshoe200 is disposed. The convex portion272 of the bottom surface232 may be wholly contained within thetoe region280. Further, the curvature of the convex portion272 may be constant or may include portions of an increased, increasing, decreased, decreasing curvature, or generally planar portions such that the curvature of the convex portion272 may be continuous or discontinuous.

Remaining inFIG. 5, the bottom surface232 of theoutsole230 includes theconcave portion270 that is generally concave to curve the bottom surface232 toward the upper210 and away from thesurface290 on which theshoe200 is disposed. Theconcave portion270 extends at least from theforefoot region282 through themidfoot region284 and into theheel region286. Theconcave portion270 may begin its curvature in thetoe region280 and extend through theforefoot region282 and themidfoot region284 and into theheel region286. Further, the curvature of theconcave portion270 may be constant or may include portions of an increased, increasing, decreased, decreasing curvature, or generally planar portions such that the curvature of theconcave portion170 may be continuous or discontinuous.

At least one of theconcave portion270 and the convex portion272 may be formed by or may comprise a relatively thinner portion of themidsole220 and/or theoutsole230. For example, if the convex portion272 is completely in thetoe region280 and theconcave portion270 extends from thetoe region280 through theforefoot region282 and themidfoot region284 and into theheel region286, themidsole220 and/or theoutsole230 may be relatively thinner in theconvex portion270 of thetoe region280 and theconcave portion270 of thetoe region280, theforefoot region282, themidfoot region284, and theheel region286 than other portions of thetoe region280 and theheel region286. If the convex portion272 is in thetoe region280 and begins in theforefoot region282, and theconcave portion270 extends from theforefoot region282 through themidfoot region284 and into theheel region286, themidsole220 and/or theoutsole230 may be relatively thinner in theconvex portion270 of thetoe region280 and theconcave portion270 of theforefoot region282, themidfoot region284, and theheel region286 than other portions of theforefoot region282 and theheel region286.

Theconcave portion270 and/or the convex portion272 may or may not be, or may be partially, preloaded to resist straightening of the respective concavity and convexity of theconcave portion270 and the convex portion272. For example, theconcave portion270 and/or the convex portion272 may not be preloaded or may have a low preload, which may help with engagement ofoutsole230 with a pedal as described herein. The preload of theconcave portion170 and/or theconvex portion172 may be provided by changes in material properties or inserts in themidsole220 and/or theoutsole230 of theshoe200.

AlthoughFIG. 5 illustrates theshoe200 including both theconcave portion270 and the convex portion272, aspects need not be limited thereto such that theshoe200 may include only one of theconcave portion270 and the convex portion272.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a midsole of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.FIG. 6 illustrates amidsole320 of an article of footwear, for example, a shoe. Themidsole320 may be made, formed, or constructed by any of the methods and from any of the materials described herein but aspects are not limited thereto. Further, themidsole320 may be used in any of the shoes described herein and may include features of other midsoles described herein, but aspects are not limited thereto. For example, themidsole320 may include a concave portion and/or a convex portion as described herein.

Themidsole320 includes abottom surface322 and atop surface324. An upper may be attached, secured, or integrated with thetop surface324 of themidsole320. An outsole may be attached, secured, or integrated with thebottom surface322 of themidsole320. Themidsole320 may include a concave portion and/or a convex portion similar to respective concave portions and convex portions described herein. However, aspects need not be limited thereto such that themidsole320 may be attached or adhered to an outsole having a concave portion and/or a convex portion similar to as described herein, or themidsole320 may combine with an outsole to form a concave portion and/or a convex portion similar to as described herein.

As shown inFIG. 6, atoe region380, a forefoot (ball)region382, a midfoot (arch)region384, and aheel region386 are indicated with respect to themidsole320.

Themidsole320 includes astiffener330 disposed therein. Thestiffener330 may be a shank and may be made of any material appropriate for making a shank, for example, steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and the like. Thestiffener330 is disposed in astiffener support332. As shown inFIG. 6, edges of thestiffener330 are disposed in thestiffener support332. Thestiffener support332 is disposed about an entirety of a periphery of thestiffener330 but aspects are not limited thereto such that thestiffener support332 may include two portions disposed only at opposite ends of thestiffener330 or thestiffener support332 may only be provided at sides of thestiffener330. Thestiffener support332 may be formed of any material suitable forstiffener support332 and may include a leather, a foam, a canvas, a rubber, an elastomer, a polyester, a vinyl, a nylon, a nylon textile, a thermoplastic, a composite, a polymer, a polyurethane foam, a foam rubber, an expanded rubber, a laminate, a polymeric material, a polymeric mixture, a polymeric alloy, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, and the like, and/or composite mixtures thereof.

Thestiffener330 and thestiffener support332 may be disposed in a void in themidsole320. The void may be disposed in themidfoot region384 of the midsole such that thestiffener330 is disposed in themidfoot region384. Thestiffener support332 may be disposed wholly or partially in themidfoot region384 or adjacent regions. Further thestiffener330 and thestiffener support332 may extend into and/or throughout thetoe region380, theforefoot region382, themidfoot region384, and theheel region386, and/or may be combined with other features disclosed herein. For example, thestiffener support332 may be separate from or integral with themidsole320, and thestiffener support332 may be made of the same material as themidsole320. Although made of a same material, properties of thestiffener support332 may be different from those of themidsole320; for example, thestiffener support332 may be of a higher density than themidsole320.

The void in which at least thestiffener330 is disposed may be absent of material except for thestiffener330 and thestiffener support332 or may include material that is the same as or different from themidsole320. For example, the void may include a lower density and/or more flexible material than themidsole320 to allow for easier movement and reaction of thestiffener330.

Thestiffener330, as shown inFIG. 6, is illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape. Thestiffener330 may be curved in a direction opposite to a curvature of the concave portion370 of themidsole320. The curvature of thestiffener330 allows for thestiffener330 to dampen vibrations and/or impacts on thebottom surface322 of themidsole320. Thestiffener330 may be preloaded in a direction opposite to a preload, if any, or a concavity of the concave portion370.

Although shown and described as being within themidsole320, aspects need not be limited thereto such that thestiffener330 andstiffener support332 may be disposed between themidsole320 and an outsole attached thereto. For example, a contact portion between themidsole320 and an outsole may be generally planar in an area in which thestiffener330 and thestiffener support332 are disposed. In such case, a concave portion may be formed by differences in thickness in the outsole, and thestiffener330 may have a curvature opposite to the curvature of the concave portion of the outsole.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stiffener of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention.FIG. 7 illustrates amidsole stiffener430 of an article of footwear, for example, a shoe. Similar to as described elsewhere herein, thestiffener430 may be disposed at least partially in at least a partial void in a midsole and/or may be disposed between the midsole and an outer.

Atoe region480, a forefoot (ball)region482, a midfoot (arch)region484, and aheel region486 are indicated with respect to thestiffener430. As shown inFIG. 7, thestiffener430 may extend from inside thetoe region480 and through theforefoot region482 and themidfoot region484. Thestiffener430 may extend into theheel region486. Thestiffener430 may extend from a front edge of theforefoot region482 to a back edge of themidfoot region484. In at least themidfoot region484, thestiffener430 may have a curvature that is opposite to a curvature of a concave portion of a shoe of which thestiffener430 is a portion similar to as described with respect toFIG. 6.

Thestiffener430 includesholes435 through which at least a portion of acleat attachment plate437 or a portion of a cleat (not shown) extends so as to secure the cleat to thecleat attachment plate437. Theholes435 may extend in both theforefoot region482 and themidfoot region484. Theholes435 may extend into the midfoot region484 a sufficient length so that the attached cleat may be located within a concave portion of the shoe.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 8 illustrates an article of footwear, for example, ashoe500, which includes an upper510, amidsole520, and anoutsole530. Theoutsole530 of theshoe500 includes atread pattern531 disposed on a or formed integrally with abottom surface532 of theoutsole530. Thetread pattern531 may include lugs. Thetread pattern531 interacts with surfaces on which theshoe500 is placed and generates traction forces.

Theshoe500 may be placed on or contact a pedal600 to operate, for example, a bicycle. Thepedal600 may be a platform pedal and may include a tread pattern as well and may include, for example, pins610 that extend away from atop surface615 and abottom surface620 of thepedal600. Thepins610 and thetop surface615 of the pedal600 interact with thetread pattern531 and thebottom surface532 of theoutsole530 in aconcave portion570 of theshoe500 when theshoe500 is pressed upon thepedal600. Thepins610 includeforward sides611 disposed on a toe-side of thepedal600 andrear sides612 disposed on a rear-side of thepedal600.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 9 illustrates an article of footwear, for example, theshoe500 in active engagement with thepedal600. Theshoe500 is pressed upon thepedal600 by the weight of and/or force generated by a rider of the bicycle according to a force Fs. The force Fs, through the flexibility of themidsole520 and theoutsole530, is translated into a first pedal force Fp1 and a second pedal force Fp2, which are directed in opposing directions. The first pedal force Fp1 and the second pedal force Fp2 extend in opposite directions about an apex of theconcave portion570 of theshoe500 such that portions of thetread pattern531 of theoutsole530 are pressed againstforward sides611 andrear sides612 of thepins610. For example, in a toe-side portion of theconcave portion570 of theshoe500, the toe-side portions of thetread pattern531 are forced via the first pedal force Fp1 in a toe-sided direction to press againstrear sides612 of thepins610, and, in a heel-side portion of theconcave portion570 of theshoe500, the heel-side portions of thetread531 are forced via the second pedal force Fp2 in a heel-sided direction to press againstforward sides611 of thepins610. The pressing of the toe-side and heel-side portions of thetread pattern531 against therear sides612 andfront sides611 of the pins provide for a secure active engagement of theshoe500 with thepedal600. Further, althoughFIG. 9 may show thetread pattern531 completely interlocking with thefront side611 and therear sides612 of thepins610, aspects need not be limited thereto such that fewer treads of thetread patter531 may be included or interacting with thepins610.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear, for example, ashoe700, which includes an upper710, amidsole720, and anoutsole730. The cross-section is taken in a widthwise direction with toe to heel being considered a lengthwise direction of theshoe700. The cross-section as shown inFIG. 10 may be taken in a toe region, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, or heel region of theshoe700. Theshoe700 also includes a concave portion771. The concave portion771 is curved in the widthwise direction; for example, from an inner side of theshoe700 to an outer side of theshoe700. The concave portion771 is similar to the previously-described concave portions but differs from the previously-described concave portions in that concave portion771 is curved in the widthwise of theshoe700 direction whereas the previously-described concave portions are curved in a lengthwise direction of the shoes. The concave portion771 may provide similar benefits of increased securing of engagement of theshoe700 with a pedal in that the force of the pressing of theshoe700 against the pedal will translate the force into sideways forces for engagement of atread pattern731 and abottom surface732 with pins of the pedal.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 11 illustrates an article of footwear, for example, ashoe800, which includes an upper810, amidsole820, and anoutsole830. A bottom surface832 of theoutsole830 includes aconcave portion870 and aconvex portion872. Although described as being included in theoutsole830, aspects are not limited thereto such that theconcave portion870 and theconvex portion872 may be included in theoutsole830 and/or themidsole820. Theconcave portion870 may have afirst curvature875 that begins at a first distance D1 from an end of a toe T of theshoe800. The first distance d1 may be about 3.5 cm to about 4.1 cm from the end of the toe T. Thefirst curvature875 may be adjacent to a flex point in theoutsole830, and the flex point of theoutsole830 may be closer to the toe T than thefirst curvature870. Theconcave portion870 may have asecond curvature877 that begins at a second distance D2 from an end of the toe T of theshoe800. The second distance D2 may be about 13.5 cm to about 14.1 cm from the end of the toe T. In other words, theconcave portion870 of theshoe800 may extend from about 3.5 cm to about 4.1 cm from the end of the toe T to about 13.5 cm to about 14.1 cm from the end of the toe T.

Thefirst curvature875 may form a first angle θ1 with asurface890 on which theshoe800 is disposed. The first angle θ1 may be about 5 to about 10 degrees. The second curvature87 may form a second angle θ2 with thesurface890 on which theshoe800 is disposed. The first angle θ2 may be about 5 to about 10 degrees. Further, theconcave portion870 may have a first height H1 above thesurface890 on which the shoe is disposed. The first height H1 of theconcave portion870 may be about 5 mm to about 9 mm. Theconvex portion872 may extend to a second height H2 above the surface on which theshoe800 is disposed. The second height H2 may be about 11 mm to about 17 mm. The first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be the same. Theconcave portion870 may be symmetric about theapex879 of theconcave portion870. The second height H2 may be about twice the first height H1.

Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in this embodiment without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper comprising an opening;

a midsole in contact with the upper; and

an outsole in contact with the midsole,

wherein at least one of the midsole and the outsole comprises a concave portion in at least a midfoot region of the article of footwear.

2. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the midsole and the outsole comprises a convex portion in at least a toe region of the article of footwear.

3. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, wherein the concave portion is symmetric about an apex of the concave portion.

4. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, wherein the concave portion comprises a first angle closer to a toe region of the article of footwear and a second angle closer to a heel region of the article of footwear, the first angle and the second angle be about the same and being taken with respect to a surface on which the article of footwear is disposed.

5. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a stiffener disposed in at least the midfoot region of the article of footwear.

6. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, wherein the concave portion is formed by differences in thicknesses of at least one of the midsole and the outsole, the differences in thicknesses being taken with respect to at least one of a forefoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear.

7. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, wherein the article of footwear is particularly configured for cycling, and wherein an apex of the concave portion in at least one of the midsole and the outsole is configured to come into contact with a pedal of a bicycle in an active engagement with the pedal.