US20200128913A1 - Footwear with active gripping outsole - Google Patents

Abstract

A footwear construction is provided including a sole assembly having one or more active gripping pods that collapse upon themselves to grip underfoot surfaces and terrain. The gripping pods can include a generally centrally located actuator lug that engages a ground surface and collapses upward and optionally into the sole assembly, and while so doing, pulls one or more adjacent lug rings toward it along corresponding arcuate paths. The collapse and pull in of the lug rings causes those elements to grip the ground surface with a predetermined force.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to footwear having a sole with treads that grip the ground for improved traction.
• There is a variety of different types of footwear that serve different functions. Some footwear is designed for rigorous outdoor activity. This footwear can include heavy duty structural uppers and outsoles configured to withstand extensive engagement with an outdoor environment. Many times, the outsoles of such footwear are designed to provide extreme traction on natural terrain features, such as soil, rocks and mud.
• Some manufacturers enhance the traction of outsoles by varying tread shape and lug patterns. When an outsole may be used in rugged but soft terrain, it might be designed with deep treads that penetrate into the ground to provide bite. For slightly harder terrain having rocks, an outsole might be designed with shallower but stickier treads spaced in a particular pattern. Yet other outsoles for muddier terrain might be designed with a more open lug pattern to allow the mud to separate from the outsole and not build up on it.
• While there are many different tread types and lug patterns, most are designed to simply penetrate into a terrain feature, like the ground, so that the tread or lug engages more material and is less prone to slip or move due to that enhanced surface area engagement with the terrain feature. While this is helpful, it does not always result in superior traction and prevent unwanted slippage or movement relative to the ground.
• Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the field of outsole traction features to enhance engagement of footwear with terrain features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Footwear is provided including a sole assembly having one or more active gripping pods that collapse upon themselves to grip underfoot surfaces and terrain.
• In one embodiment, the sole assembly can include one or more gripping pods in the forefoot and/or heel regions of the footwear. The gripping pods can be rather large, each spanning at least half the width of the sole from a lateral side to a medial side.
• In another embodiment, a gripping pod of the sole assembly can include a generally centrally located actuator lug that engages a ground surface and collapses upward and optionally into the sole assembly, and while so doing, pulls one or more adjacent lug rings toward it along corresponding arcuate paths. The collapse and pull in of the lug rings causes those elements to grip the ground surface with a predetermined force.
• In another embodiment, the actuator lug can be taller than the lug rings of the gripping pod. With its extra height, the actuator lug can engage the ground surface first to facilitate and/or enable the pod to collapse into itself and/or relative to the remainder of the sole assembly.
• In still another embodiment, the height of the actuator lug can vary, depending on how much gripping action is desired. For example, the actuator lug can be optionally 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm, or other distances, taller than adjacent lug rings.
• In yet another embodiment, the lug rings can be disposed concentrically around all or a portion of the actuator lug. The lug rings can be continuous or interrupted. The lug rings can be different in configuration and number for each gripping pod, depending on the application. The lug rings also can vary in structure, height and location relative to one another and the actuator lug depending on the location along the sole assembly, and/or location in the sole assembly along the heel to toe length.
• In a further embodiment, the gripping pod can include two or more lug rings disposed concentrically about one another and/or the actuator lug. Between a first lug ring and a second more outward positioned lug ring, a groove can be defined. The groove depth can be selected to alter the amount of movement of the lug rings toward the actuator lug and/or one another. A base or bottom of the groove also can be thinned or constructed from a different material than the rings to alter the amount of movement of the rings. For example, the base can be softer or thinner than the rings to facilitate collapse of the rings toward the center of the pod and/or the actuator lug.
• In still a further embodiment, the gripping pod can overlay a collapse compartment. The actuator lug and the one or more lug rings can collapse inward at least partially into the collapse compartment when transitioning from an extended mode to a retracted or gripping mode.
• In yet a further embodiment, the gripping pod can overlay a soft backer. The actuator lug and the one or more lug rings can collapse inward into the soft backer when transitioning from an extended mode to a retracted or gripping mode.
• In even a further embodiment, a first lug ring can be adjacent the actuator lug, separated therefrom by a groove therebetween. The first lug ring can include a lug ring interior edge and interior wall that lays across the groove, opposite an actuator lug outer wall. When the pod converts from an extended mode to a gripping mode, the lug ring interior edge and/or interior wall can move toward the lug outer wall. When this occurs, the distance between these elements decreases from a first distance to a lesser distance. Accordingly, any ground surface material between the ring and the actuator lug is grabbed or gripped between the actuator lug and the lug ring, and in particular, between the lug ring interior edge and/or interior wall and the actuator lug outer wall to improve traction.
• In yet still another embodiment, the lug ring interior edge and/or interior wall move toward the lug outer wall during part of a gait cycle and/or impact of the sole assembly with a ground surface. The interior edge and/or the interior wall can follow an arcuate path toward the actuator lug and optionally the interior wall. When this occurs, the interior edge of the lug ring can raise above or be at an equal level with the lowermost surface of the actuator lug, which contacts the ground surface. The interior edge also can travel on the arcuate path toward the interior wall such that part of the lowermost surface of the lug ring at the interior edge is no longer at the same horizontal level as the lowermost surface of the actuator lug.
• In yet another, further embodiment, the sole assembly can include a gripping pod with an actuator lug and a surrounding lug ring. The gripping pod can be configured to collapse upward into the remainder of the sole assembly. The lug ring can be continuous and can completely surround an outer periphery of the actuator lug. When the gripping pod engages a generally flat or planar surface, the collapse of the pod can produce a negative pressure so that the pod is suctioned to the surface.
• The footwear of the current embodiments provides a sole assembly with exceptional traction. Where the gripping pods include the actuator lug and lug rings, those lugs can operate in concert to grab an underlying ground surface. This can provide reactive and dynamic traction to the sole assembly and footwear, thus enabling the wearer to have confidence in their footing. Where the lug ring is continuous, and the gripping pod produces suction upon its collapse, the sole assembly can provide improved traction on wet or slippery surfaces, particularly where those surfaces are flat or planar.
• These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.
• Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a side view of footwear of a current embodiment illustrating a gripping sole assembly;
• FIG. 2 is a section view of the footwear illustrating multiple gripping pods of the sole assembly;
• FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the sole assembly;
• FIG. 4 is a section view of a gripping pod in an extended mode;
• FIG. 5 is a section view of the gripping pod in a retracted or gripping mode;
• FIG. 6 is a section view of a gripping pod in an extended mode of a sole assembly of an alternative embodiment;
• FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the sole assembly of an alternative embodiment; and
• FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the sole assembly according to an alternative embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
• A current embodiment of the footwear is illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, and generally designated10. In these embodiments, the improved article of footwear includes a sole construction configured to enhance engagement of footwear with terrain features and provide improved traction.
• Although the current embodiments are illustrated in the context of a winter boot or water resistant shoe, they may be incorporated into any type or style of footwear, including performance shoes, hiking shoes, trail shoes and boots, hiking boots, work boots, all-terrain shoes, barefoot running shoes, athletic shoes, running shoes, sneakers, conventional tennis shoes, walking shoes, multisport footwear, casual shoes, dress shoes or any other type of footwear or footwear components. Generally, the shoe is well suited for wet or slippery surfaces, including where those surfaces are flat or planar. For example, the shoe and the lugs described herein can operate in concert to grab an underlying ground surface. This can provide reactive and dynamic traction to the sole assembly and footwear, thus enabling the wearer to have confidence in their footing, including on a wet or otherwise slippery surface.
• It also should be noted that directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. Further, the terms “medial,” “lateral” and “longitudinal” are used in the manner commonly used in connection with footwear. For example, when used in referring to a side of the shoe, the term “medial” refers to the inward side (that is, the side facing the other shoe) and “lateral” refers to the outward side. When used in referring to a direction, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to a direction generally extending along the length of the shoe between toe and heel, and the term “lateral direction” refers to a direction generally extending across the width of the shoe between the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation. Further, as used herein, the term “arch region” (or arch or midfoot) refers generally to the portion of the footwear or sole assembly corresponding to the arch or midfoot of the wearer's foot; the term “forefoot region” (or forefoot) refers generally to the portion of the footwear forward of the arch region corresponding to the forefoot (for example, including the ball and the toes) of a wearer's foot; and the term “heel region” (or heel) refers generally to that portion of the footwear rearward of the arch region corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot. Theforefoot region22, arch region ormid-foot region24, andheel region26 generally are identified inFIG. 2. However, it is to be understood that delineation of these regions may vary depending upon the configuration of the sole assembly and/or footwear.
• With reference toFIG. 2, the footwear10 can include asole assembly14. Thesole assembly14 includes a lowermost or ground contacting surface which itself may include multiple lugs, treads, spikes, cleats and/or other features designed to enhance traction between the footwear10 and in underlying surface. Thesole assembly14 can include one or more different components, such as anoutsole30, amidsole16, and/or an insole or footbed (not shown). However, more or fewer elements of thesole assembly14 can be included in some embodiments. For example, some embodiments can exclude the footbed, while other embodiments can include only the footbed and an outsole. Thesole assembly14 can include EVA foam with a cushioning top portion and a firmer, wear resistant bottom portion. The components of thesole assembly14 may individually and/or collectively provide the article of footwear10 with a number of attributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility, stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, and/or other attributes. Generally, regardless of which components are present, thesole assembly14 can form the bottommost portion of the footwear10. Thesole assembly14 includes a side-to-side width W and a heel-to-toe longitudinal length L, illustrated inFIG. 3.
• The footwear10 can include a textile upper12 and thesole assembly14. The upper12 can be formed from a variety of material elements joined together to cover at least a portion of the wearer's foot. The material elements can be selected based on the intended uses of the article of footwear10, and can include synthetic textiles, mesh textiles, polymers or leather, for example. The upper12 is generally constructed to not impede the flexibility of thesole assembly14, and can include stretchable or elastic material elements. For example, the material elements can include Lycra, Neoprene or Spandex. The upper12 can include one or more closure elements, including for example shoelaces or hook and loop fasteners. The upper12 additionally includes an upper opening for receiving the wearer's foot and a lower periphery for attachment to thesole assembly14.
• The footbed can be positioned within the void defined by the upper and is generally non-stretchable and lightweight and is joined to the upper to provide a void for receipt of the wearer's foot. The footbed can be constructed from a sheet of material, such as foam, EVA, PU, latex, gel or other materials, and by virtue of its compressibility, provide cushioning, and may also conform to the foot in order to provide comfort, support, and stability. The lower peripheral allowance or edge of the upper12 can be stitched, cemented, or otherwise fastened to the footbed around the perimeter of the footbed. Thesole assembly14 can be combined with any other type or style of upper construction capable of being suitably joined with theoutsole30, for example a Strobel construction. The joining of the sole assembly/outsole and the upper can be accomplished using adhesives, cement, injection molding, pour molding or any other technique used to join an upper and sole.
• Themidsole16 can be positioned below the footbed, and can be constructed from a material having a density that is generally less dense than the density of theoutsole30; for example, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), latex, foam, a gel or other materials. Generally the density of themidsole16 is such that it compresses relatively easily to provide cushion to the wearer's foot, for example, the heel. The midsole material can have a durometer, optionally about 30 Asker C to about 65 Asker C, further optionally about 42 Asker C to about 48 Asker C, and even further optionally about 45 Asker C or about 43 Asker C. In general, harder materials have more wear resistance, but they are also less flexible. Conversely, softer materials possess less wear resistance, but are more flexible.
• Theoutsole30 can be joined to the upper12 and disposed below themidsole16. Theoutsole30 includes anupper surface32 and alowermost surface34. Theoutsole30 can include multiple lugs and/or treads that extend downward, as described below. The lugs and treads can be arranged as desired, and not necessarily in a repeating pattern. The lugs and treads can include one or more geometric shapes. Theoutsole30 can be constructed from one or more materials, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU), nylon, polymer blends, wear resistant polymers, elastomers and/or other materials. Other materials, such as fiber-reinforced polymers can be used, which can include epoxy, polyethylene or thermosetting plastic reinforced with carbon, glass and/or aramid fibers for enhanced protection. The outsole material can have a durometer, optionally about 40 Shore A to about 70 Shore A, further optionally about 68 Shore A to 72 Shore A.
• As shown inFIG. 2, thesole assembly14 can include one or more firstgripping pods40 having a firstcentral axis42 and afirst actuator lug44 generally aligned with, and optionally centered on, the firstcentral axis42. The firstgripping pod40 can be interspersed amongst treads and other lugs and can be integrally formed with theoutsole30. Theoutsole30 can be of a preselected thickness, selected to provide the desired flexibility between individual lugs, treads, regions and/or portions of the outsole20. Theactuator lug44 can be constructed from a material having a selected durometer and a coefficient of static friction.
• Referring toFIGS. 2-4, thefirst actuator lug44 can include an actuator lugground contacting surface46 defining aperiphery48 and an exterioractuator lug wall50 that extends upwardly from the actuator lugground contacting surface46. While thefirst actuator lug44 is shown as being ovate in shape, it should be understood that the lug can include one or more geometric shapes. The height of theactuator lug44 can vary, depending on how much gripping action is desired. Further, the actuator lugground contacting surface46 transitions to the exterioractuator lug wall50 generally at theperiphery48 and may include a chamfer, rounded corner, or the like at that interface or transition.
• As shown inFIGS. 3-8, the firstgripping pod40 can include at least onefirst lug ring52 that surrounds or encircles thefirst actuator lug44 and is disposed radially outward from the exterioractuator lug wall50. Thefirst lug ring52 can include a lug ringinterior edge54 and a lug ringinterior wall56 that face generally toward the exterioractuator lug wall50. Thefirst lug ring52 lowermost surface defines a lug ringground contacting surface58. The lug ringinterior edge54 is defined at the intersection of the lug ringinterior wall56 and the lug ringground contacting surface58. The lug ringinterior edge54 extends around the periphery of thefirst lug ring52, and while the lug ringinterior edge54 is show as being substantially a right-angle corner, the lug ringinterior edge54 can include a rounded corner or chamfer, both of which can be considered a corner herein, along with an actual right-angle corner where two surfaces intersect at 90° to one another. Thefirst lug ring52 can follow the shape of theactuator lug44, generally surrounding the exterioractuator lug wall50. Optionally, thelug ring52 can be disposed around all or a portion of theactuator lug44.
• Theactuator lug44 can be “taller” than thelug ring52. The actuator lugground contacting surface46 extends a first distance D1 below the lug ringground contacting surface58 when the sole assembly is placed on a surface, such as a horizontal surface. Put another way, the first distance D1 can be, and can include, at least 1 mm. In one example, theactuator lug44 can be taller than the adjacent lug ringground contacting surface58 by the distance D1. This distance can be optionally at least 1.0 mm, further optionally 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm, inclusive, further optionally 1.0 mm to 8.0 mm, inclusive, yet further optionally, 1.0 mm to 12.0 mm, inclusive. In addition, the lug ringinterior edge54 and the exterioractuator lug wall50 are separated a distance D3.
• This distance D3 can be optionally at least 1.0 mm, further optionally 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm, inclusive, further optionally 1.0 mm to 8.0 mm, inclusive, yet further optionally, 1.0 mm to 12.0 mm, inclusive. The firstgripping pod40 can include afirst collapse compartment60. Thefirst collapse compartment60 can be a substantially open space defined in thesole assembly14 and disposed above thefirst actuator lug44 and thefirst lug ring52. Thecollapse compartment60 can have a substantially similar peripheral shape as thefirst actuator lug44 andfirst lug ring52, however, other shapes are also contemplated. Optionally, a backer, such as asoft material62 can be included within thecollapse compartment60, the purpose of which will be discussed below. The material62 can be a material having a density that is generally less dense than the density of the outsole20; for example, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), latex, a gel or other materials. Generally, the density of the material62 can be such that it compresses relatively easily. The material62 can be sized and shaped so as to leave a gap between alower surface62A thereof and theupper surface32 of theoutsole30. This gap can be optionally 0.1 mm to 10 mm, inclusive, further optionally, 1 mm to 6 mm, inclusive.
• Deferring toFIGS. 3-4, agroove64 can be defined between thefirst actuator lug44 and the surroundingfirst lug ring52. Thegroove64 can extend upward, toward themidsole16, and can follow the peripheral shape of the exterioractuator lug wall50. Thegroove64 surrounding thefirst actuator lug44 provides localized flexibility to theoutsole30 so that theactuator lug44 can more readily move upward toward thecollapse compartment60, as described below. Thegroove64 depth can be selected to alter the amount of movement of thelug ring52 toward theactuator lug44 and/or one another. Thebase64A or uppermost portion of thegroove64 also can be thinned or constructed from a different material than thelug ring52 to alter the amount of movement of thelug ring52. For example, thebase64A can be softer or thinner than thelug ring52 to facilitate collapse of thering52 toward thecentral axis42 of the gripping pod and/or theactuator lug44, as described below. The transition of thegroove64 to the lug ringinterior edge54 can include a chamfer, rounded corner, or the like.
• Thesole assembly14 also can include one or more secondgripping pods70 similar to the firstgripping pod40 described above. A secondgripping pod70 can include asecond actuator lug74 aligned with and/or centered on a secondcentral axis72 and asecond lug ring82 surrounding thesecond actuator lug74. The secondgripping pod70 also includes asecond collapse compartment90 defined by thesole assembly14 above thesecond actuator lug74 andsecond lug ring82. Additionally, asoft material62 can be included within thesecond collapse compartment90.
• As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3, the secondgripping pod70 and the firstgripping pod40 can be distal from one another. The firstgripping pod40 is shown located in theheel region26 of the footwear10, and the secondgripping pod70 is shown located in theforefoot region22 of the footwear10. According to one example, the grippingpods40,70 can extend across a majority of the side-to-side width W of thesole assembly14 in their respective locations. While the illustrated example shows two firstgripping pods40 and three secondgripping pods70, more or fewer of either pod is contemplated herein, as well as other arrangements of the pods. Optionally, grippingpods40,70 can include different configurations and different numbers of lug rings52,82, depending on the application. The lug rings52,82 also can vary in structure, height, and location relative to one another and theactuator lug44,74 depending on the location along thesole assembly14, and/or location in thesole assembly14 along the heel-to-toe longitudinal length L.
• The grippingpods40,70 also can include multiple channels or voids66,96 that are upwardly recessed into the lug ringground contacting surface58,88 and extend through the lug ringinterior edge54,84. For example, thevoids66,96 extend radially away from the actuator lugs44,74 and can be spaced, evenly or unevenly, around the lug rings52,82. The lug ringground contacting surface58,88 and the lug ringinterior edge54,84 can therefore be interrupted by thevoids66,96 such that the lug ringground contacting surface58,88 is discontinuous. Thevoids66,96 can provide localized flex in the surrounding areas. Thevoids66,96 can be linear, curved, angled, segmented, circular, and/or polygonal in cross-section.
• When the article of footwear10 is worn, the shape of theoutsole30 can change when the wearer exerts pressure on the shoe as a result of the wearer's weight and contact with the ground surface. More particularly, the firstgripping pod40 and the secondgripping pod70 are each configured to move between an extended mode, illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 4, and a retracted or gripping mode, illustrated inFIG. 5. In the extended mode, the grippingpod40,70 is not under a compressive force due to a wearer's weight. In the gripping mode, the grippingpod40,70 is under the compressive force due to the wearer's weight. It should be understood that the grippingpods40,70 are independent and can be in the extended or gripping mode regardless of which mode the other pod is in. In some cases, for example, when all the pods are engaging the ground surface, the gripping pods can all be in the same mode.
• Referring toFIGS. 4-5, in the gripping mode, the grippingpods40,70 at least partially collapse in upon themselves and/or up into the sole assembly to grip underfoot surfaces and terrain. Referring to the firstgripping pod40, when the footwear10 is worn and initially contacts the ground to bear the weight of the wearer, thefirst actuator lug44 engages the ground surface before thefirst lug ring52 and moves upward, at least partially, into and/or toward thefirst collapse compartment60 in thesole assembly14. The upward movement of thefirst actuator lug44 pulls theadjacent lug ring52 toward it. The inward collapse of thefirst actuator lug44 and pull in of thefirst lug ring52 causes those elements to move toward the firstcentral axis42 of the firstgripping pod40 and grip the ground surface therebelow with a predetermined force. The density of thematerial62 within thecollapse compartment60 can be selected to provide a sufficient amount of compression to allow the firstgripping pod40 to collapse as desired. Theactuator lug44 and thelug ring52 collapse inward into thesofter foam material62 when transitioning from the extended mode to the gripping mode.
• Optionally, the secondgripping pod70 collapses in the same manner as the firstgripping pod40. Thesecond actuator lug74 and thesecond lug ring82 collapse at least partially into thesecond collapse compartment90, with thesecond lug ring82 moving toward the secondcentral axis72 of the secondgripping pod70. In this manner, a portion of thesecond lug ring82 moves away from the firstcentral axis42 of the firstgripping pod40, while a second portion of thesecond lug ring82 moves toward the firstcentral axis42 of the firstgripping pod40.
• During the wearer's gait cycle and transition between the extended mode and the gripping mode, the lug ringinterior edge54,84 travels toward the exterioractuator lug wall50,80, optionally following a substantially curvilinear or arcuate path AP, illustrated inFIG. 4. When this occurs, theinterior edge54,84 of thelug ring52,82 can raise above theground contacting surface46,76 of theactuator lug44,74, as shown inFIG. 5. The lug ringinterior edge54,84 also can travel on the arcuate path AP toward theinterior wall56,86 such that part of theground contacting surface58,88 of thelug ring52,82 is no longer at the same horizontal level as the actuatorground contacting surface46,86. In contrast, the actuator lugs44,74 travel along a substantially linear path upward toward respective collapse compartments60,90 during the transition to the gripping mode from the extended mode.
• In the extended mode, the actuator lugground contacting surface46,86 can be disposed the first distance D1 (seeFIG. 4) below the lug ringground contacting surface58,88. During transition to the gripping mode, the actuator lugground contacting surface46,86 retracts upward relative to the lug ringground contacting surface46,86. In gripping mode, the actuator lugground contacting surface46,86 can be disposed a second distance D2 (seeFIG. 5) below the lug ringground contacting surface58,88. The second distance D2 can be less than the first distance D1. As an example, the first distance D1 can be at least 1 mm, inclusive, and the second distance D2 is therefore less than 1 mm.
• Additionally, in the extended mode, the lug ringinterior wall56,86 can be disposed at a first angle A1 (seeFIG. 4) relative to a vertical plane. During transition to the gripping mode, the lug ringinterior wall56,86 is pulled and/or tilts toward theactuator lug44,74 indicated by the arrows inFIG. 4. Once in gripping mode, the lug ringinterior wall56,86 can be disposed at a second angle A2 (seeFIG. 5) relative to the vertical plane. The second angle A2 can be at least 2 degrees greater than the first angle A1. The first angle A1, as illustrated inFIG. 4, appears substantially vertical; however, angles other than vertical are contemplated herein. For example, the first angle A1 can optionally be positive or negative about 20° relative to the vertical plane, and further optionally positive or negative about 30°, 45°, or 60° relative to the vertical plane.
• The lug ringinterior edge54 and the exterioractuator lug wall50 are separated the first distance D3 (seeFIG. 4) in the extended mode. Upon transition to the gripping mode, the lug ringinterior edge54 and the exterioractuator lug wall50 are separated a second distance D4 (seeFIG. 5). The second distance D4 is less than the first distance D3. When the grippingpod40,70 converts from the extended mode to the gripping mode, the lug ringinterior edge54,84 and/orinterior wall56,86 move toward the actuatorlug exterior wall50,80. When this occurs the distance between these elements decreases from the first distance D3 to the lesser distance D4. Accordingly, any ground surface material between thelug ring52,82 and theactuator lug44,74 can be grabbed, gripped, or pinched between theactuator lug44,74 and thelug ring52,82. In particular, the ground surface material is grabbed or gripped between the lug ringinterior edge54,84 and/orinterior wall56,86 and the actuatorlug exterior wall50,80 to improve traction.
• A first alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated inFIG. 6, and generally designated110. This footwear can be similar in structure, function, and operation to the embodiment described above with some exceptions. For example, thisfootwear110 can include abacker162 that substantially fills the collapse compartment160, leaving no gap as described in the embodiment above. Thegripping pod140,170 overlays thesofter foam backer162 to provide an amount of compression. Theactuator lug144,174 and thering lug152,182 can collapse inward into thesoft backer162 when transitioning from the extended mode to the gripping mode. Thefootwear110 also can eliminate the groove of the previous embodiment, to affect the localized flexibility of theoutsole130 as desired. While thebacker162 and eliminated groove can change the response of the footwear, the collapse of thepods140,170 is generally similar as the collapse described above, and the actuator lugs144,174 and lug rings152,182 still compress and pull in as described above.
• An alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated inFIG. 7, and generally designated210. This footwear can be similar in structure, function, and operation to the embodiment described above with some exceptions. Thegripping pod240 can optionally include two or more lug rings252 disposed concentrically about one another. Between a first lug ring252aand a more outward positioned second lug ring252b, a second groove264bcan be defined. The geometry and material of the groove can be selected as described above with respect to the previous embodiment. Additionally, the collapse compartment260 can be larger, so as to be disposed above thefirst actuator lug244, the first lug ring252a, and the second lug ring252b.
• During the transition from the extended mode to the gripping mode, the second lug ring interior wall256bis pulled and/or tilts toward the first lug ring252a, in a similar manner as the lug ring interior wall of the first embodiment. However, the axis of rotation for the second lug ring interior wall256bis different than (separate and spaced from) the axis of rotation for the first lug interior wall256a. That is to say that the second lug ring interior wall256awill not necessarily collapse in at the same angle (A2) as the first lug interior wall256a. Given its distance from the central axis242, the pull from the upward movement of theactuator lug244 can be less than the pull experienced by the first lug ring252a. It should be understood that both lug rings252aand252bcan tilt during the transition from the extended mode to the gripping mode, however. Of course, it should also be understood that, while the description above is relative to the firstgripping pod240 including two lug rings252, the secondgripping post270 also can include multiple lug rings and need not be described in greater detail.
• Another alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated inFIG. 8 and generally designated310. This footwear can be similar in structure, function, and operation to the embodiment described above with some exceptions. For example, thisfootwear310 can eliminate the voids in the lug ringinterior edge354,384 and the lug ringground contacting surface358,388. In this manner, theground contacting surfaces358,388 are continuous.
• Without the voids of the first embodiment, thelug ring352 is continuous and can completely surround an outer periphery of theactuator lug344. When thegripping pod340 engages a generally flat or planar surface, collapse of thepod340 can produce a negative pressure so that thegripping pod340 is essentially, or at least partially, suctioned to the surface therebelow. As such, when thelug ring352 is continuous, thegripping pod340 produces suction upon its collapse, providing improved traction on wet or slippery surfaces, particularly where those surfaces are flat or planar. Of course, the same is true of the secondgripping pod370. It is contemplated that some, but not necessarily all, of the gripping pods be continuous, while others include the voids and are therefore discontinuous.
• The footwear of any of the above embodiments provides a sole assembly with exceptional traction. Where the gripping pods include the actuator lug and lug rings, those lugs can operate in concert to grab an underlying ground surface. This can provide reactive and dynamic traction to the sole assembly and footwear, thus enabling the wearer to have confidence in their footing. Additionally, where the lug ring is continuous, and the gripping pod produces suction upon its collapse, the sole assembly can provide improved traction on wet or slippery surfaces, particularly where those surfaces are flat or planar.
• The various components and features of the embodiments herein, for example, the upper, sole or other footwear portions, can take on a variety of aesthetic forms, shapes and sizes. Although a particular component or feature can have a function, that feature can be expressed in different aesthetic manners to form an artistic design and/or purely ornamental design.
• Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).
• The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

Claims (22)

1. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper;

a sole assembly joined with the upper, the sole assembly including a first gripping pod, the first gripping pod comprising:

a first central axis;

a first actuator lug generally aligned with the first central axis, the first actuator lug including an actuator lug ground contacting surface defining a periphery and an exterior actuator lug wall extending upwardly from the actuator lug ground contacting surface; and

a first lug ring that surrounds the first actuator lug and that is disposed radially outward from the exterior actuator lug wall, the first lug ring including a lug ring interior edge and a lug ring interior wall that face generally toward the exterior actuator lug wall, and a lug ring ground contacting surface;

wherein the first gripping pod includes a first collapse compartment defined in the sole assembly above the first actuator lug and the first lug ring;

wherein the first gripping pod is operable in an extended mode when the first gripping pod is not under a compressive force due to a wearer's weight, and in a gripping mode when the first gripping pod is under the compressive force,

wherein in the gripping mode, the first actuator lug and the first lug ring collapse at least partially into the first collapse compartment, with the first lug ring moving toward the first central axis of the first gripping pod in the gripping mode,

wherein the lug ring interior edge is disposed above the ground contacting surface of the first actuator lug such that a part of the lug ring ground contacting surface is above the ground contacting surface of the first actuator lug in the gripping mode,

whereby a ground surface material is grabbed between the lug ring interior wall and the actuator lug exterior wall to improve traction of the footwear relative to the ground surface material.

2. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, comprising:

a second gripping pod distal from the first gripping pod, the second gripping pod comprising:

a second central axis;

a second actuator lug aligned with the second central axis;

a second lug ring that surrounds the second actuator lug;

wherein the second gripping pod includes a second collapse compartment defined in the sole assembly above the second actuator lug and the second lug ring;

wherein the second gripping pod is operable in an extended mode and in a gripping mode,

wherein in the gripping mode, the second actuator lug and the second lug ring collapse at least partially into the second collapse compartment, with the second lug ring moving toward the second central axis of the second gripping pod and with a portion of the second lug ring moving away from the first central axis of the first gripping pod.

3. The article of footwear ofclaim 2,

wherein the first gripping pod is located in a heel region of the footwear,

wherein the second gripping pod is located in a forefoot region of the footwear.

4. The article of footwear ofclaim 3,

wherein the sole assembly includes a side to side width and a longitudinal length,

wherein the first gripping pod extends across a majority of the side to side width,

wherein the second gripping pod extends across a majority of the side to side width.

5. The article of footwear ofclaim 1,

wherein the lug ring interior edge travels toward the exterior actuator lug wall along an arcuate path when transitioning to the gripping mode.

6. The article of footwear ofclaim 1,

wherein the actuator lug ground contacting surface is a first distance below the lug ring ground contacting surface when the first gripping pod is in the extended mode,

wherein the actuator lug ground contacting surface is a second distance below the lug ring ground contacting surface when the first gripping pod is in the gripping mode,

wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.

7. The article of footwear ofclaim 6,

wherein the first distance is at least 1 mm, inclusive, and the second distance is less than 1 mm so that the actuator lug ground contacting surface retracts upward relative to the lug ring ground contacting surface in the gripping mode.

8. The article of footwear ofclaim 1,

wherein the first collapse compartment includes a foam material unit therein sufficient to allow the first gripping pod to collapse.

9. The article of footwear ofclaim 1,

wherein the first actuator lug travels along a substantially linear path toward the first collapse compartment during a transition to the gripping mode from the extended mode,

wherein the lug ring interior edge travels along a curvilinear path toward the actuator lug exterior wall during the transition to the gripping mode from the extended mode.

10. The article of footwear ofclaim 9,

wherein the lug ring interior wall tilts toward the exterior actuator lug wall during the transition from the extended mode to the gripping mode.

11. The article of footwear ofclaim 10,

wherein the lug ring interior wall is disposed at a first angle relative to a vertical plane in the extended mode,

wherein the lug ring interior wall is disposed at a second angle relative to a vertical plane in the gripping mode,

wherein the second angle is at least 2 degrees greater than the first angle.

12. The article of footwear ofclaim 1,

wherein the lug ring interior edge and the exterior actuator lug wall are separated by a first distance in the extended mode,

wherein the lug ring interior edge and the exterior actuator lug wall are separated by a second distance in the gripping mode,

wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.

13. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper;

a sole assembly joined with the upper, the sole assembly including a first gripping pod, the first gripping pod comprising:

a first central axis;

a first actuator lug including a ground contacting surface and an exterior actuator lug wall; and

a first lug ring that surrounds the first actuator lug and that is disposed outward from the exterior actuator lug wall, with a groove defined therebetween, the first lug ring including a lug ring interior edge, a lug ring interior wall and a lug ring ground contacting surface;

wherein the first gripping pod is operable in an extended mode when the first gripping pod is not under a compressive force due to a wearer's weight, the lug ring interior wall being parallel to the first central axis in the extended mode, and in a gripping mode when the first gripping pod is under the compressive force,

wherein in the gripping mode, the first actuator lug and the first lug ring collapse at least partially upward into the sole assembly, with the first lug ring moving toward the first central axis of the first gripping pod in the gripping mode,

wherein the lug ring interior wall angles inward toward the first central axis in the gripping mode so that a ground surface material is grabbed between the lug ring interior wall and the actuator lug exterior wall to improve traction of the footwear relative to the ground surface material.

14. The article of footwear ofclaim 13,

a second gripping pod distal from the first gripping pod, the second gripping pod comprising:

a second central axis;

a second actuator lug;

a second lug ring that surrounds the second actuator lug;

wherein the second gripping pod is operable in an extended mode and in a gripping mode,

wherein in the gripping mode, the second actuator lug and the second lug ring move at least partially into the sole assembly, with the second lug ring moving toward the second central axis of the second gripping pod and with a portion of the second lug ring moving away from the first central axis of the first gripping pod.

15. The article of footwear ofclaim 13,

wherein the lug ring interior edge and the lug ring ground contacting surface are interrupted by a plurality of voids such that the lug ring ground contacting surface is discontinuous.

16. The article of footwear ofclaim 15,

wherein the first actuator lug travels along a substantially linear path during a transition to the gripping mode from the extended mode,

wherein the lug ring interior edge travels along a curvilinear path toward the actuator lug exterior wall during the transition to the gripping mode from the extended mode.

17.-18. (canceled)

19. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper;

a sole assembly joined with the upper and including a first gripping pod and a second gripping pod, the first gripping pod comprising:

a first central axis;

a first actuator lug including a ground contacting surface and an exterior actuator lug wall; and

a first lug ring that surrounds the first actuator lug and that is disposed outward from the exterior actuator lug wall, with a groove defined therebetween, the first lug ring including a lug ring interior edge and a lug ring ground contacting surface;

wherein in the gripping mode, the first actuator lug and the first lug ring collapse at least partially upward into the sole assembly, with the first lug ring moving toward the first central axis of the first gripping pod in the gripping mode,

wherein the lug ring interior edge travels toward the exterior actuator lug wall along an arcuate path when transitioning to the gripping mode,

wherein the first actuator lug ground contacting surface is a first distance below the lug ring ground contacting surface when the first gripping pod is in the extended mode,

wherein the first actuator lug ground contacting surface is a second distance below the lug ring ground contacting surface when the first gripping pod is in the gripping mode,

wherein the second distance is less than the first distance,

wherein the lug ring interior edge raises a third distance above the ground contacting surface of the first actuator lug, so the lug ring interior edge is above a horizontal level of the ground contacting surface of the first actuator lug in the gripping mode.

20. (canceled)

21. The article of footwear ofclaim 19,

wherein the lug ring interior edge travels upward in an arcuate path above the first actuator lug ground contacting surface while the first actuator lug ground contacting surface engages a ground surface,

whereby a ground surface material is grabbed between the lug ring interior wall and the actuator lug exterior wall to improve function of the footwear relative to the ground surface material.

22. The article of footwear ofclaim 13,

wherein the lug interior wall is vertical in the extended mode,

wherein the lug interior wall is angled at least 2° toward the central axis in the gripping mode.

23. The article of footwear ofclaim 13,

wherein the lug ring interior edge is disposed above the ground contacting surface of the first actuator lug such that a part of the lug ring ground contacting surface is above the ground contacting surface of the first actuator lug in the gripping mode.

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