US20240023671A1 - Locking mechanism for coupling an upper and sole structure of footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

A footwear article may comprise an upper portion, the upper portion further comprising a sleeve configured to receive a locking member. The footwear article further comprises a sole structure oriented at a bottom of the footwear. The sole structure may comprise a midsole further comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the sleeve and the locking member and an outsole configured for ground contact. The locking member disposed within the peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims the benefit of and priority to French Application Number FR2207514, filed on Jul. 22, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
• The present disclosure generally relates to the field of footwear, and more particularly to articles and methods relating to separable footwear.
BACKGROUND
• Conventional articles of athletic footwear generally include at least two components, namely, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is often secured to the sole structure and forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving a foot.
• The upper and sole structure of most conventional articles of footwear are permanently secured together through adhesive bonding or stitching, for example.
• Accordingly, wear or damage occurring to either the upper or sole structure may require that the entire article of footwear be discarded. In addition, sole structures are generally configured for use during specific activities, particularly with athletic footwear. For example, a sole structure may incorporate pronation control elements that are beneficial for running, stability elements for court-style activities, or relatively soft cushioning for walking. A sole structure that is configured for one athletic activity, such as long-distance running, may not be suitable for use during another athletic activity, such as tennis. Each different type of sole or upper structure, therefore, may require a distinct corresponding component in footwear where the upper and sole structure are permanently secured together.
• In contrast with the conventional article of footwear that includes a traditionally secured upper and sole structure, footwear configurations embodying a detachable upper and sole structure have been proposed. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,857 to Vizy et al. discloses footwear with a permanently attached upper and outsole that includes a separate midsole and heel counter structure, which is removable from the upper. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,385 to Halford and U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,344 to Ching both disclose an outsole structure that is detachable from the remainder of the footwear. As a further example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,023,859 and 5,799,417 to Burke et al. disclose an article of footwear with removable and exchangeable inserts that are positioned between the upper and a lower portion of the sole structure. The inserts protrude through the lower portion of the sole structure to provide a ground-contacting surface.
• However, improvements are needed.
SUMMARY
• A footwear article may comprise a sole structure oriented at the bottom of the footwear and configured for ground contact, an upper portion. The upper portion may be releasably attached to the sole structure via a locking assembly. The locking assembly may comprise a sleeve integrated with the upper portion and a locking member insertable into the sleeve. The sole structure may include a locking channel formed along an external surface of a peripheral edge of the sole structure. The locking channel may be configured to receive the locking assembly.
• A footwear article may comprise: an upper portion, the upper portion further comprising a sleeve configured to receive a locking member; and a sole structure oriented at a bottom of the footwear, the sole structure further comprising: a midsole comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the sleeve and the locking member; and an outsole configured for ground contact, wherein the locking member is configured to be disposed in the sleeve while the sleeve is at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking member within the sleeve and peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The following drawings show generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various examples discussed in the present disclosure. In the drawings:
• FIG.1 is a perspective view of the components of a footwear article in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIG.2 illustrates an example locking channel of the footwear article ofFIG.1.
• FIG.3 is a back view of a locking channel in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIG.4 illustrates an example midsole and outsole in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIG.5 is a side view of an example midsole and outsole in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIGS.6A-6D illustrate assembly of a footwear article in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIG.7 illustrates an example locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIG.8 illustrates an example locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIGS.9A-9C illustrate an example locking mechanism and method of locking in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIGS.10A-10B illustrate an example locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIGS.11A-11B illustrate an example locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The present disclosure relates to a footwear article that may comprise a plurality of components coupled to one another, and may further comprise a locking assembly for securing an upper to a sole structure. The locking assembly may include a sleeve integrated with the upper portion, a locking member insertable into the sleeve, and a channel disposed about the periphery of the midsole configured to receive the sleeve containing the locking mechanism.
• As an example,FIG.1 is a perspective view of the components of a footwear article in accordance with the present disclosure. The footwear article100 may comprise anupper portion102 and asole structure104. Thesole structure104 may further comprise amidsole106 and anoutsole108. Theupper portion102 may be oriented at the top of the assembled footwear, theoutsole108 may be oriented at the bottom of the assembled footwear and configured for ground contact, and themidsole106 may be disposed between theupper portion102 and theoutsole108. The components of the footwear article100 may be coupled together to form at least a portion of the footwear article100. Theupper portion102 andsole structure104 may be releasably coupled together via a locking assembly, as described herein. The footwear article100 may be assembled with additional components or without all of the listed components present.
• The components of the footwear article100 may be made from the same material or from different materials. The components of the footwear may be made from recycled, recyclable and or bio-based or biodegradable materials. Thesole structure104 may be oriented at the bottom of the footwear article100. Thesole structure104 may comprise amidsole106 configured for coupling with theupper portion102 and anoutsole108 for contacting the ground. Themidsole106 may generally be formed in the shape of a base of an article of footwear. Themidsole106 may be configured to provide cushioning and shock absorption to a wearer. Themidsole106 can be formed from a compressible polymer foam element, for example a polyurethane (PU) foam or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer based materials, rubber, etc., or any suitable material which attenuates ground reaction forces and provides cushioning when compressed between the foot and the ground when walking, running or performing other activities. Themidsole106 may be formed from recycled or recyclable materials (e.g., recycled EVA). Themidsole106 may be formed from one piece of material (e.g., foam block or rubber material).
• FIGS.4-5 illustrate an example midsole and outsole in accordance with the present disclosure. Theoutsole108 may be secured to a lower surface of themidsole106 and may be formed of a wear resistant rubber material (e.g., a bio-based rubber) that is textured to impart traction. Theoutsole108 may be a single piece of material attached generally to an underside of themidsole106, or may be a plurality of outsole components attached to various locations of the underside of themidsole106. In some embodiments, theoutsole108 may comprise a plurality of segments or pads (e.g., rubberizedpads128,130) arranged in a spaced-apart pattern that forms a plurality of channels (e.g.,channels132,134) along the underside of the footwear article100. Theoutsole108 can be attached to themidsole106 by means of an appropriate adhesive. The structure and characteristics of thesole structure104 or any component of thesole structure104 used with theupper portion102 can vary considerably.
• Theupper portion102 of the footwear article100 may at least partially be made from a textile formed from a natural material (e.g., cotton, linen, silk, hemp, leather, etc.), or any suitable synthetic material (e.g., nylon, polyester, etc.). Theupper portion102 may comprise or may be formed from a polymer material (e.g., PET). Other materials may be used.
• As shown in the figures (e.g.,FIGS.1, and6A-6D), theupper portion102 of the footwear article100 may comprise asleeve110. Thesleeve110 may be formed with or attached to other upper portion components (e.g., straps or other conventional upper components). Thesleeve110 may be configured to lay flat, and may expand into an elongate tube. To effect the coupling of theupper portion102 with themidsole106, thesleeve110 may be configured to receive a locking member. The sleeve may comprise one or two open ends (e.g., sleeve ends111,112) to receive the locking member. The sleeve ends111,112 may be reinforced with a durable material (e.g., vinyl, leather, etc.). The durable material may be the same or different from the material used to form other portions of the sleeve.
• Thesleeve110 may be formed in substantially the same shape of at least a portion of the periphery of acorresponding midsole106. In some embodiments, thesleeve110 may be shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of themidsole106 such that it fully corresponds to the periphery of themidsole106. As an example, thesleeve110 may be configured to fully surround theupper portion102 in the general shape of themidsole106. In another example, thesleeve110 may only partially surround the upper portion102 (i.e., may be formed in just a rear, lateral and/or medial side, or front portion of theupper portion102, or some combination thereof). In such an embodiment, thesleeve110 may be shaped to be attached to a portion of the periphery of amidsole106 that is less than the entire length of the periphery.
• Thesleeve110 may be formed from a durable natural or synthetic textile material (leather, cotton, linen, nylon, vinyl, polyester). The material used to form thesleeve110 may the same or different from the material used to form any otherupper portion102 components.
• FIG.1 further illustrates an example locking member of the footwear article ofFIG.1. The lockingmember113 may be a flexible elongate rod configured to be inserted into thesleeve110 of theupper portion102. The lockingmember113 may be formed from extruded, molded or 3D printed from thermoplastic polymer material, composite polymer material, silicon material, or other like material suitable to provide sufficient flexibility and rigidity to the locking mechanism to facilitate insertion of the lockingmember113 into theupper sleeve110 and insertion of the lockingmember113 andupper sleeve110 into a channel of themidsole106. The lockingmember113 may include first and second ends114,116 having corresponding positive and negative shapes. For instance, afirst end114 of the lockingmember113 may be convex and asecond end116 may be concave. In this manner, the first and second ends114,116 may mate when the lockingmember113 is inserted into thesleeve110 andmidsole106 channel. The diameter or the cross-sectional length of the lockingmember113 may be between about 4-5 cm. The shape of the cross-section of the lockingmember113 may be circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, or irregularly shaped.
• Theupper portion102 may be attached to themidsole106 via a locking assembly, as explained herein. The locking assembly may comprise theupper sleeve110, and the lockingmember113. A midsole locking channel may be configured to receive the locking assembly (i.e., theupper sleeve110 and locking member113) when the lockingmember113 is partially or fully inserted into theupper sleeve110.FIGS.1-3 illustrate anexample locking channel118 in accordance with the present disclosure (also referred to herein as a channel). As can be seen inFIGS.1-3, themidsole106 may comprise aperipheral channel118 that runs along the circumference of themidsole106. Thechannel118 may be inset into a peripheral pipe or groove (e.g.,peripheral groove120, as shown inFIGS.1 and5) formed within a surface of themidsole106. Theperipheral groove120 may be formed within an outer surface of a sidewall of themidsole106, or may be formed along a top edge of themidsole106. Theperipheral groove120 may fully or partially circumnavigate themidsole106. As an example, theperipheral groove120 may be formed by forming two separate midsole components, each having one half of the groove formed within a sidewall region, and joining the two midsole components to form acomplete midsole106 having aperipheral groove120 formed within an external surface of the midsole sidewall or a top edge of themidsole106.
• Thechannel118 may be formed separately and attached to themidsole106. In such an embodiment, themidsole106 may be formed with a peripheral groove into which thechannel118 may be inserted. Thechannel118 may be attached to themidsole106 via, for example, an adhesive. Alternatively, thechannel118 can be directly formed with themidsole106, via, for example, a midsole mold having thechannel118 directly integrated into the external surface of the midsole sidewall.
• Thechannel118 may be a partially enclosed or almost fully enclosed pipe or belt that runs substantially about the periphery of the sidewall of themidsole106 as is at least partially set into the peripheral groove. Thechannel118 may a hollow tube. The channel may comprise alongitudinal slit119 be at least partially formed a within the tube. Thelongitudinal slit119 may be configured to expand to receive the locking assembly as the lockingmember113 is fed into thesleeve110 after the locking assembly has been inserted into one or more ends of thechannel118. Thechannel118 may be comprised of a flexible material, but may be substantially rigid to hold the locking assembly against the sidewall of themidsole106 and prevent the slit from expanding after insertion of the locking assembly into thechannel118.
• Thechannel118 may be under sufficient tension to remain in place against the sidewall of themidsole106. Thechannel118 may be at least partially inset into the sidewall of themidsole106.
• Thechannel118 may terminate at a heel portion of themidsole106. The heel portion ofmidsole106 may include agap122 between twoendpoints124,126 of thegroove120 and/or thechannel118. Thegap122 may provide one or more entry points (e.g., entry points124,126) for inserting thesleeve110 and lockingmember113 into thechannel118. Thegap122 may be about 5 mm-1 cm wide. The entry point or entry points may enable the lockingmember113 andupper sleeve110 to be inserted into the channel118 (i.e., at first and second entry points124,126). To this end, the inside and outside diameters of thechannel118 at the entry points120,122 may be greater than the inside and outside diameters of the remaining length of thechannel118. For instance, the inside diameter of the substantial portion of the length of thechannel118 may be about 5-6 mm, and the outside diameter may be about 8 mm, and the inside diameter of thechannel118 at the entry points124,126 may be about 8 mm, and the outside diameter of thechannel118 at the entry points124,126 may be about 11 mm. The inside and outside diameters may taper from greater to smaller as the distance between an entry point and the remainingchannel118 increases (i.e., until the point where the channel begins to curve around the heel just before the medial and lateral sides of the midsole). For instance, about 1-2 cm of the channel may be wider at the heel portion of the midsole than the remaining length of the channel. The inside diameter of thechannel118 may also be greater than the diameter of the locking assembly when the lockingmember113 is inserted into thesleeve110, so as to fully accommodate the locking assembly and, optionally, any adhesive used to further secure the locking assembly within thechannel118.
• The locking assembly (i.e., the lockingmember113 at least partially inserted into the sleeve110) may then be used to couple the upper and thesole structure104 via thechannel118. Upon insertion of the locking assembly into thechannel118, the locking assembly may optionally be adhered to themidsole106 via an adhesive.
• FIGS.6A-6D illustrate a method of assembling the footwear article100 in accordance with the present disclosure.FIG.6A shows a locking assembly (e.g., a lockingmember113 inserted into asleeve110 of an upper portion) that couples theupper portion102 to thesole structure104 of the footwear article. The lockingmember113 may be partially inserted into asleeve110 of theupper portion102, as shown by the directional arrows. To assemble the footwear article100, theflexible locking member113 may be partially inserted into thesleeve110 of theupper portion102, and thesleeve110 containing the partially insertedflexible locking member113 may be inserted into a peripheral groove of themidsole106. A first end of thesleeve110 and lockingmember113 assembly may be inserted into a first entry point of themidsole106channel118. A second end of thesleeve110 and lockingmember113 assembly may be inserted into a second entry point of themidsole106channel118. First and second entry points may be located at the heel portion of themidsole106.
• Thereafter, as is shown inFIG.6B-6C, sufficient force may be applied to continue inserting theflexible locking member113 into thesleeve110 while continuing to engage thesleeve110 and rod with the peripheral groove of the midsole106 (as shown by the directional arrows inFIG.6B). The groove may hold thesleeve110 and rod under tension. InFIG.6D, the lockingmember113 andsleeve110 are fully inserted into thechannel118, and end portions of the lockingmember113 may be joined to complete the coupling of theupper portion102 and thesole structure104 of the footwear article100. The first and second ends of the lockingmember113 may be joined at a toe portion of the footwear article when the lockingmember113 andsleeve110 are fully inserted into thechannel118.
• Additional embodiments of a footwear article are shown inFIGS.7-11B.FIG.7 illustrates an embodiment comprising a hooking lock mechanism. As shown inFIG.7, a receivingportion702 of a locking mechanism is embedded between two components of the footwear article (e.g., a midsole and an outsole, two midsole segments, etc.). The firstlocking mechanism portion702 may be a rigid channel formed from any suitable materials as described herein. The first locking mechanism portion may be configured to span the perimeter of the footwear articles portions between which the lockingmechanism receiving portion702 is secured. The lockingmechanism receiving portion702 may be thermoformed when forming the surrounding footwear article components or may be formed separately and attached to the footwear article components. The hooking lock mechanism may further comprise anengagement apparatus704 attached to or formed with an upper portion (e.g.,upper portion102 of the footwear article100). Theengagement apparatus704 may be configured to secure at least a portion of the upper to the midsole/outsole portion of the footwear article. For example, upper material may extend downward toward the midsole/outsole of the footwear article and theengagement apparatus704 further extends downward. The lockingmechanism receiving portion702 can then receive theengagement apparatus704 to secure the upper to the midsole/outsole of the footwear article. Theengagement apparatus704 may be continuous or may be formed at intervals along the perimeter of the upper. Likewise, the lockingmechanism receiving portion702 could be configured to receive theengagement apparatus704 continuously or at intervals as determined by the lockingmechanism receiving portion702.
• FIG.8 illustrates a footwear article comprising an alternative locking assembly. In this embodiment, an upper portion (e.g., upper portion102) may be attached to a footwear component or components (e.g., a midsole or an outsole) via a locking assembly comprising a lockingmember802 formed as part of the footwear component or components (e.g., a midsole or outsole) or formed between two footwear components (e.g., between a midsole and an outsole or between two midsole components). Lockingmember802 may be similar to lockingmember113, in that lockingmember802 may be a flexible elongate rod. The lockingmember802 may be formed from extruded, molded or 3D printed from thermoplastic polymer material, composite polymer material, silicon material, or other like material suitable to provide sufficient flexibility and rigidity to the locking member to facilitate receiving anengagement mechanism804. Theengagement mechanism804 may be formed with or attached to an upper portion of the footwear article. The upper portion may be secured to the midsole/outsole portion of the footwear article by sliding or snapping theengagement mechanism804 around or over the lockingmember802.
• FIGS.9A-9C illustrate a footwear article comprising an alternative locking assembly. The locking assembly may be used alone or in combination with any of the described embodiments and footwear components. As shown inFIGS.9A-9C, a receivingportion902 of a locking mechanism is embedded between two components of the footwear article (e.g., a midsole and an outsole, two midsole segments, etc.). The firstlocking mechanism portion902 may be a rigid channel formed from any suitable materials as described herein. The firstlocking mechanism portion902 may be configured to span the perimeter of the footwear articles portions between which the lockingmechanism receiving portion902 is secured. The lockingmechanism receiving portion902 may be thermoformed when forming the surrounding footwear article components or may be formed separately and attached to the footwear article components. The locking assembly may further comprise an engagement apparatus. The lock mechanism may further comprise anengagement apparatus904 attached to or formed with an upper portion (e.g.,upper portion102 of the footwear article100). Theengagement apparatus904 may be configured to secure at least a portion of the upper to the midsole/outsole portion of the footwear article. For example, upper material may extend downward toward the midsole/outsole of the footwear article and theengagement apparatus904 further extends downward. The lockingmechanism receiving portion902 can then receive theengagement apparatus904 to secure the upper to the midsole/outsole of the footwear article. The lockingmechanism receiving portion902 may comprise a lip or hook for securing theengagement apparatus904 after the engagement apparatus has been inserted into the receivingportion902. Likewise, theengagement apparatus904 may comprise a lip or hook configured to engage with the hook or lip of the securing theengagement apparatus904 after the engagement apparatus has been inserted into the receivingportion902.FIGS.9A-9C illustrate the progression of theengagement apparatus904 being inserted into and secured by the receivingportion902.FIG.9A illustrates the lockingmechanism receiving portion902 and theengagement apparatus904 prior to engagement.FIG.9B illustrates an initial insertion of theengagement apparatus904 into the receivingportion902.FIG.9C illustrates theengagement apparatus904 further inserted into the receivingportion902 and engaging, via the receiving portion hook or lip, with the hook or lip of the lockingmechanism receiving portion902. Theengagement apparatus904 may be tilted or otherwise positions such that it can engage with the lockingmechanism receiving portion902 and secure the upper portion to the midsole/outsole. Theengagement apparatus904 may be continuous or may be formed at intervals along the perimeter of the upper. Likewise, the lockingmechanism receiving portion902 could be configured to receive theengagement apparatus904 continuously or at intervals as determined by the lockingmechanism receiving portion902.
• FIGS.10A-10B illustrate an additional embodiment of a locking assembly for a footwear article. In this embodiment, a midsole or outsole of a footwear article (e.g.,midsole106 oroutsole108 of footwear article100) may include a groove ornarrow channel1010 into which a sleeve of an upper portion (e.g.,sleeve110 of footwear article100) may be inserted. As can be seen inFIG.10A, a groove or channel may extend diagonally from an interior portion of a midsole/outsole (e.g., interior base or sidewall) to an exterior sidewall portion of the midsole/outsole at, for example,intervals1012 along the perimeter of the midsole/outsole.FIG.10B illustrates a side view of the footwear article including the locking assembly with grooves or channels formed at intervals. A locking member (e.g., locking member113) may be inserted into an opening formed along a bottom edge of the sleeve (e.g., as described herein with respect to sleeve110) to secure the upper portion to the midsole/outsole.
• FIGS.11A-11B illustrate an additional embodiment of a locking assembly for a footwear article. The locking assembly may be configured to engage with a midsole/outsole as described herein to secure an upper portion to the midsole/outsole. The locking assembly may comprise atensioning mechanism1110 configured to encircle the midsole/outsole after an upper portion has been placed over the midsole/outsole. The midsole/outsole may further comprise achannel1112 or groove into which the tensioning mechanism may be inserted for additional engagement and securing of the upper portion to the midsole/outsole. As shown inFIG.11A, the tensioning mechanism may be a band, formed, for example, from elastic or other durable tensioning material. As shown inFIG.11B, the tensioning mechanism may be a hookingmechanism1114 formed with an aperture into which a tensioning band may be inserted. The midsole/outsole may then be configured to receive the tensioning mechanism to secure the upper portion to the midsole/outsole.
• Theoutsole108 may be made from rubber, plastic/polymer and/or foam materials (e.g., EVA, PU, TPR). Theoutsole108 may comprise a foam portion coupled to a rubber base. The materials may be recycled, recyclable and/or bio-based or biodegradable. Other materials may be used.
• The footwear article100 may further comprise other components. As an example, the footwear article100 may include an insole between themidsole106 and theoutsole108. The insole may be made from a bio-based foam, a recyclable foam or other cushioned or supportive materials).
• The footwear article100 may further comprise laces. The laces may be made from plastic such as recycled or recyclable polymers. The laces may comprise or may be formed from cotton such as organic cotton or regenerative cotton. Other materials may be used.
• The components of the footwear article100 may further comprise a plurality of segments made from the recyclable and/or biodegradable materials. As an example, theupper portion102 may comprise a plurality of separable segments made from the same type of material or different types of materials. The materials may be recyclable or bio-degradable.
• The present disclosure comprises at least the following aspects:
• Aspect 1: A footwear article comprising: an upper portion, the upper portion further comprising asleeve110 configured to receive a lockingmember113; and asole structure104 oriented at a bottom of the footwear, thesole structure104 further comprising: amidsole106 comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive thesleeve110 and the lockingmember113; and anoutsole108 configured for ground contact, wherein the locking member is configured to be disposed in the sleeve while the sleeve is at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking member within the sleeve and peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.
• Aspect 2: The footwear article of Aspect 1, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one open end configured to receive the locking member.
• Aspect 3: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-2, wherein the sleeve is configured to lay substantially flat and expand into an elongate tube.
• Aspect 4: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-3, wherein the sleeve is shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of the midsole.
• Aspect 5: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-4, wherein the locking member is a flexible rod.
• Aspect 6: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-5, wherein the locking member includes first and second ends having corresponding positive and negative shapes.
• Aspect 7: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-6, wherein the locking member is formed from extruded, molded or 3D printed from a thermoplastic polymer material, a composite polymer material, or a silicon material.
• Aspect 8: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-7, wherein the midsole further comprises a peripheral groove configured to receive the peripheral channel.
• Aspect 9: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-8, wherein the channel terminates at a heel portion of the midsole.
• Aspect 10: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 1-9, wherein the channel includes endpoints spaced apart at the heel portion of midsole.
• Aspect 11: The footwear article of Aspect 10, wherein the endpoints are entry points for inserting the locking member and sleeve into the channel.
• Aspect 12: The footwear article of Aspect 11, wherein an inside diameter of the channel at the entry points is greater than an inside diameter of a remaining length of the channel.
• Aspect 13: The footwear article of Aspect 10, wherein an outside diameter of the channel at the entry points is greater than an outside diameter of a remaining length of the channel.
• Aspect 14: A method of making the separable footwear article of any of Aspects 1-13.
• Aspect 15: A footwear article comprising: an upper portion comprising a locking assembly; and a sole structure comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to be at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking assembly within the peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.
• Aspect 16: The footwear article of Aspect 15, wherein the locking assembly comprises an upper sleeve and a locking member.
• Aspect 17: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 15-16, wherein the upper sleeve is shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of the sole structure.
• Aspect 18: The footwear article of any one of Aspects 15-17, wherein the locking member is a flexible rod.
• Aspect 19: The footwear article of any of Aspects 17-18, wherein the upper sleeve comprises at least one open end configured to receive the locking member.
• Aspect 20: The footwear article of any of Aspects 15-19, wherein the peripheral channel includes endpoints spaced apart at the heel portion of sole structure, and wherein the endpoints are entry points for inserting the locking assembly into the peripheral channel.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A footwear article comprising:

an upper portion, the upper portion further comprising a sleeve110 configured to receive a locking member113; and

a sole structure104 oriented at a bottom of the footwear, the sole structure104 further comprising:

a midsole106 comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the sleeve110 and the locking member113; and

an outsole108 configured for ground contact, wherein the locking member is configured to be disposed in the sleeve while the sleeve is at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking member within the sleeve and peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.

2. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one open end configured to receive the locking member.

3. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve is configured to lay substantially flat and expand into an elongate tube.

4. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve is shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of the midsole.

5. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the locking member is a flexible rod.

6. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the locking member includes first and second ends having corresponding positive and negative shapes.

7. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the locking member is formed from extruded, molded or 3D printed from a thermoplastic polymer material, a composite polymer material, or a silicon material.

8. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the midsole further comprises a peripheral groove configured to receive the peripheral channel.

9. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the channel terminates at a heel portion of the midsole.

10. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the channel includes endpoints spaced apart at the heel portion of midsole.

11. The footwear article ofclaim 10, wherein the endpoints are entry points for inserting the locking member and sleeve into the channel.

12. The footwear article ofclaim 11, wherein an inside diameter of the channel at the entry points is greater than an inside diameter of a remaining length of the channel.

13. The footwear article ofclaim 12, wherein an outside diameter of the channel at the entry points is greater than an outside diameter of a remaining length of the channel.

14. A method of making the separable footwear article ofclaim 1.

15. A footwear article comprising:

an upper portion comprising a locking assembly; and

a sole structure comprising a peripheral channel configured to receive the locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to be at least partially disposed in the peripheral channel, and wherein the locking assembly within the peripheral channel operates to secure the upper portion to the sole structure.

16. The footwear article ofclaim 15, wherein the locking assembly comprises an upper sleeve and a locking member.

17. The footwear article ofclaim 15, wherein the upper sleeve is shaped to be attached to a peripheral edge of the sole structure.

18. The footwear article ofclaim 15, wherein the locking member is a flexible rod.

19. The footwear article ofclaim 17, wherein the upper sleeve comprises at least one open end configured to receive the locking member.

20. The footwear article ofclaim 15, wherein the peripheral channel includes endpoints spaced apart at the heel portion of sole structure, and wherein the endpoints are entry points for inserting the locking assembly into the peripheral channel.

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