BR112015022776B1 - shoe articles containing lightweight midsole members with protective elements - Google Patents

Abstract

SOLE STRUCTURES AND FOOTWEAR ITEMS CONTAINING LIGHT-MESH MEMBERS WITH PROTECTIVE ELEMENTS These are sole structures for shoe articles, including sports shoes, which include a relatively soft and lightweight midsole component partially covered by at least one or more components more rigid and / or dense cage guards and / or other protective components.

Description

RELATED ORDER DATA

[001] The present application claims priority for: (a) U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 835,715, entitled “Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Having a Lightweight Midsole Member with Protective Elements” and filed on March 15, 2013; (b) US Patent Application No. 13 / 838,051, entitled “Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Having a Lightweight Midsole Member with Protective Elements” and filed on March 15, 2013, and (c) US Patent Application No. 13 / 837,967 , entitled “Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Having a Lightweight Midsole Member with Protective Elements” and filed on March 15, 2013. Each of these priority orders is incorporated into this for reference purposes in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates to the field of footwear. More specifically, aspects of the present invention relate to sole structures and / or footwear articles (e.g., sports shoes) that include a relatively soft and / or lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by protective components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Conventional sports shoe items include two main elements, namely, a leather and a sole structure. The upper provides a foot cover that securely receives the foot and positions it in relation to the sole structure. In addition, the upper can have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure is attached to a lower leather surface and is usually positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure can provide traction and control potentially dangerous foot movements, such as overpronation. The general aspects and configuration of the upper and sole structure are discussed in more detail below.

[004] The leather forms a gap inside the shoe to receive the foot. The gap has the general shape of the foot, and access to the gap is provided in an ankle opening. Thus, the leather extends over the instep and toes, along the lateral and medial sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A shoelace system is usually incorporated into the upper to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and allow the user to modify certain upper dimensions, in particular the circumference, to accommodate feet of varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the shoelace system to improve the comfort of the shoe (for example, to moderate the pressure applied to the foot by the shoelaces), and the upper part may also include a buttress to limit or control the movement of the heel.

[005] The sole structure generally incorporates multiple layers, conventionally called "insole", "midsole" and "sole". The insole (which can also form a lining for sock) is a thin member located inside the upper part and adjacent to the plantar (lower) surface of the foot to improve the comfort of the footwear, for example, to absorb moisture and provide a feeling of softness and comfort. The midsole, which is traditionally connected to the upper along the entire length of the upper, forms the middle layer of the sole structure and serves a variety of purposes including controlling foot movements and mitigating impact forces. The sole forms the foot contact element of the shoe and is usually made of a durable and wear-resistant material, which includes texture elements or other mechanisms to improve traction.

[006] The main element of a conventional midsole is a polymeric, resilient foam material, such as polyurethane foam or ethyl vinyl acetate (“EVA”) foam, which extends over the entire length of the shoe. The properties of the polymeric foam material in the midsole depend primarily on factors that include the dimensional configuration of the midsole and the specific characteristics of the material selected for the polymeric foam, including the density and / or hardness of the polymeric foam material. Through the variation of these factors throughout the midsole, the relative stiffness, the degree of attenuation of the reaction force of the soil and the energy absorption properties can be changed to meet the specific demands of the activity for which the footwear is intended.

[007] Despite the numerous models and characteristics of footwear available, new models and constructions of footwear continue to be developed and are a welcome advance in technique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] The intention of this summary is to introduce, in a simplified way, some general concepts related to the present invention, described in detail below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify critical or essential aspects of the invention.

[009] Although potentially useful for any desired types or styles of shoes, aspects of the invention may be of particular interest for sole structures used in sports shoe items, including basketball shoes, running shoes, multifunctional training shoes, soccer shoes , sneakers, golf shoes, etc.

[010] The most specific aspects of this invention relate to sole structures for shoe articles that include a first polymeric foam member to support at least one heel and an area of the user's midfoot. An exposed outer edge of this first polymeric foam member includes a wavy structure that, at least in some instances, extends continuously from a central or front area of the medial foot of the first polymeric foam member, around the heel area , and up to a central area of the foot or front of the lateral foot of the first polymeric foam member. Other corrugated structures, for example, including interlaced corrugations, support ribs, etc., can be provided in at least some examples of the present invention. Such wavy structures may include two to eight external wave crests connected by interstitial areas of undulation located between the adjacent external undulation ridges.

[011] The sole structures according to other examples of the present invention can include a polymeric foam member (optionally, a low density, light polymeric foam material, such as a foam material with a density less than 0, 25 g / cm3) to support at least one heel and the central area of a user's foot. An exposed outer edge of this polymeric foam member may include: a first corrugated structure that includes: a first outer wave crest, a second outer wave crest, a third outer wave crest, a first interstitial region located between the first and second external wave crests, and a second interstitial region located between the second and third external wave crests, and a second wavy structure that includes: a fourth external wave crest, a fifth external wave crest, and a third interstitial region located between the fourth and fifth outer wave crests, where the fourth outer wave crest originates in the first interstitial region and the fifth outer wave crest originates in the second interstitial region. The exposed outer edge of the polymeric foam member can additionally include another wavy structure, for example, in which an outer wave crest of that wavy structure originates in the third interstitial region. A corrugated structure may extend around a rear heel area of the sole structure, while another may be located in a central region of the lateral foot of the sole structure. An outer sole component can be attached to a lower surface of the polymeric foam member.

[012] Another sole structure according to some examples of the present invention includes: a first polymeric foam member to support at least one heel area of a user's foot, wherein the first polymeric foam member constitutes an external cover containing : (a) a side wall, (b) a medial side wall, (c) a rear heel wall connecting the medial side wall and the side wall, (d) a bottom wall connecting the medial side wall, the side wall and the rear heel wall, and (e) an open end opposite the rear heel wall, and this first polymeric foam member extends around a rear heel area of the sole structure. A second polymeric foam member has a heel portion received at least partially in a space defined by the outer cover of the first polymeric foam member, wherein a front end of the foot of the second polymeric foam member extends beyond the open end. of the first polymeric foam member. This second polymeric foam member has a density that is less than a density of the first polymeric foam member, and a portion of a lower surface of the second polymeric foam member is exposed in a front area of the lower foot of the shoe article. If desired, one or more protective elements can be attached to the lower surface of the second polymeric foam member in the front area of the lower foot.

[013] Yet another sole structure according to some examples of the present invention will include: (a) a polymeric foam member to support the entire plantar surface of the user's foot, wherein the polymeric foam member includes a foam material with a density of less than 0.25 g / cm3, and (b) a protective member attached to the polymeric foam member to cover at least 80% of a surface area of a lower surface of the polymeric foam member, wherein the protective member constitutes a blanket base surface with a plurality of traction elements extending downwardly from the blanket base surface, and in which the thickness of most of the blanket base surface at locations between the plurality of traction elements is less than 2 mm thick.

[014] Additional aspects of the present invention refer to footwear articles including sole structures of the various types described above attached to a leather. Still other additional aspects of the present invention relate to methods for producing sole structures and / or footwear of the various types described above (and described in more detail below). More specific aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[015] The Summary of the previous Invention, as well as the Detailed Description of the Invention below, will be better understood when considered together with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals refer to the same elements or similar elements in all several views where that reference number appears.

[016] Figs. 1A to 1F illustrate a sole structure according to an example of the present invention;

[017] Figs. 2A to 2F illustrate a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

[018] Figs. 3A to 3B illustrate aspects of a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

[019] Fig. 4 illustrates a heel area of a part of a foam component that can be included in sole structures according to some examples of the present invention;

[020] Fig. 5 illustrates a basketball shoe according to an example of the present invention;

[021] Fig. 6 illustrates a running shoe according to an example of the present invention;

[022] Fig. 7 illustrates a training shoe according to an example of the present invention;

[023] Figs. 8A to 8F illustrate a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

[024] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

[025] Figs. 10A to 10B illustrate aspects of a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

[026] Figs 11A to 11C show several views of a shoe article according to another example of the present invention; and

[027] Figs 12A to 12C show several views of a shoe article according to another example of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[028] In the following description of various examples of shoe structures and components according to the present invention, reference is made to the attached drawings, which form a part of it, and in which, by way of example, several examples are illustrated of structures and environments in which aspects of the invention can be practiced. It should be understood that other structures and environments can be used and that structural and functional modifications can be made to the structures and functions described specifically without departing from the scope of the present invention.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[029] Some aspects of the present invention relate to sole structures and / or footwear articles (for example, sports shoes) that include a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole component covered by at least one cage component (protective ) more rigid and / or dense and / or other protective components. More specific features and aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[030] Aspects of Sole Structures and Footwear according to the Examples of the Present Invention

[031] Some aspects of the present invention relate to sole structures for footwear and footwear articles (or other foot receiving devices) including sports shoes, containing such sole structures. The sole structures for footwear articles according to at least some examples of the present invention can include a first polymeric foam member to support at least one heel and central area of the user's foot. An exposed outer edge of this first polymeric foam member includes a wavy structure that extends continuously from a central or front area of the medial foot of the first polymeric foam member, around the heel area, to a central area of the foot or front of the lateral foot of the first polymeric foam member. This wavy structure may include from two to eight external waving ridges connected by interstitial waving areas located between adjacent external wave ridges.

[032] The sole structures according to at least some examples of the present invention may include external sole components (for example, made of rubber, phylon, phylite, thermoplastic polyurethane, among others) on the lower surface (s) (s) of one or more of the foam protective components and / or the foam midsole component (for example, in one of the exposed spaces). The sole component (s) can offer, for example, hardness, strength, wear resistance and traction (for example, through the provision of texture, locks or other structures to increase traction on the lower surface of the shoe). sole structure). In some illustrative structures in accordance with the present invention, several independent sole components will be provided in several distinct locations around the bottom of the sole structure. Sole components can also be considered a “protective” component for the lightweight midsole component.

[033] If desired, according to at least some examples of the present invention, at least some part of the outer side edges of one or more of the lighter and / or less dense foam midsole material components and / or a protective component denser (optionally formed from a heavier or denser polymeric foam material), may include a corrugated structure (described in more detail below). In addition or as an alternative, if desired, at least some part of the foam midsole component may include a corrugated structure, for example, optionally adjacent to the corrugated structure of the one or more protective components (if they are corrugated). Although any number of individual wave structures is possible in the various components without departing from the present invention, in some instances, in a top-down direction, an individual sole structure can include from 2 to 8 undulations, and in some examples, from 3 to 6 ripples.

[034] The sole structures according to other examples of the present invention can include a polymeric foam member (optionally, a low density, lightweight polymeric foam material, such as a foam material with a density less than 0, 25 g / cm3) to support at least one heel and the central area of a user's foot. An exposed outer edge of this polymeric foam member may include: a first corrugated structure that includes: a first outer wave crest, a second outer wave crest, a third outer wave crest, a first interstitial region located between the first and second external wave crests, and a second interstitial region located between the second and third external wave crests, and a second wavy structure that includes: a fourth external wave crest, a fifth external wave crest, and a third interstitial region located between the fourth and fifth outer wave crests, where the fourth outer wave crest originates in the first interstitial region and the fifth outer wave crest originates in the second interstitial region. The exposed outer edge of the polymeric foam member can additionally include another wavy structure, for example, in which an outer wave crest of that wavy structure originates in the third interstitial region. A corrugated structure may extend around a rear heel area of the sole structure, while another may be located in a central region of the lateral foot of the sole structure. An outer sole component can be attached to a lower surface of the polymeric foam member.

[035] Another illustrative sole structure according to some examples of the present invention includes: a first polymeric foam member to support at least one heel area of a user's foot, wherein the first polymeric foam member constitutes an external cover containing: (a) a side wall, (b) a medial side wall, (c) a rear heel wall connecting the medial side wall and the side wall, (d) a bottom wall connecting the medial side wall, the side wall and the rear heel wall, and (e) an open end opposite the rear heel wall, and this first polymeric foam member extends around a rear heel area of the sole structure. A second polymeric foam member has a heel portion received at least partially in a space defined by the outer cover of the first polymeric foam member, wherein a front end of the foot of the second polymeric foam member extends beyond the open end. of the first polymeric foam member. This second polymeric foam member has a density that is less than a density of the first polymeric foam member, and a portion of a lower surface of the second polymeric foam member is exposed in a front area of the lower foot of the shoe article. If desired, a protective element can be attached to the lower surface of the second polymeric foam member in the front area of the lower foot.

[036] Yet another sole structure according to some examples of the present invention will include: (a) a polymeric foam member to support the entire plantar surface of the user's foot, wherein the polymeric foam member includes a foam material with a density of less than 0.25 g / cm3, and (b) a protective member attached to the polymeric foam member to cover at least 80% of a surface area of a lower surface of the polymeric foam member, wherein the protective member constitutes a blanket base surface with a plurality of traction elements extending downwardly from the blanket base surface, and in which the thickness of most of the blanket base surface at locations between the plurality of traction elements is less than 2 mm thick.

[037] Still other additional aspects of the present invention relate to footwear articles including upper parts (for example, of any desired design, construction or structure, including conventional designs, constructions or structures) attached to sole structures of the various types described above (and described in more detail below).

[038] Additional aspects of the present invention relate to methods of producing footwear or various components thereof. A more specific aspect of the present invention relates to methods for producing sole structures for footwear articles of the various types and constructions described above. Although the various components and parts of the sole structures and footwear articles according to the aspects of the present invention can be produced in conventionally known ways and used in the art, the examples of aspects of the method of the present invention refer to the combination of the structure of soles and / or parts of shoes and the connection of them to each other in ways that produce the various structures described above.

[039] Given the general description of the features, aspects, structures and arrangements according to the invention provided above, a detailed description of examples of sole structures, footwear and specific methods according to the present invention follows.

Detailed Description of Examples of Sole Structures and Footwear Articles in accordance with the Present Invention

[040] Referring to the figures and the following discussion, various sole structures, footwear articles and characteristics thereof according to the present invention are disclosed. The sole and footwear structures represented and discussed are sports shoes, and the concepts revealed in relation to the various aspects of this shoe can be applied to a wide variety of styles of sports shoes, including, but not limited to: walking shoes, tennis shoes, football shoes, american football shoes, basketball shoes, running shoes, multifunctional training shoes, cleats, golf shoes, etc. In addition, at least some concepts and aspects of the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of non-sports shoes, including work boots, sandals, loafers and dress shoes. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the exact embodiments disclosed here, but applies to footwear in general.

[041] Figs. 1A to 1F illustrate several views of an illustrative sole structure 100 for a shoe item that includes at least some aspects and features of the present invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, and as shown in Fig. 1A, parts of a shoe item (and the various component parts thereof) can be identified based on the regions of the foot located on or near the shoe item part when footwear is worn on the correct size foot. For example, as shown in Fig. 1A, an article of footwear and / or a sole structure can be considered to have a “forefoot region” in front of the foot, a “central foot” region in the central area or arch of the foot, and a "heel region" on the back of the foot. The shoe and / or sole structures also include a "side" (the "outside" or "side of the smallest toe") and a "medial side" (the "inside" or "side of the toe") . The frontal region of the foot generally includes parts of the shoe corresponding to the toes and joints that connect the metatarsals to the phalanges. The central region of the foot usually includes parts of the shoe corresponding to the arch area of the foot. The heel region generally corresponds to the back of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. The lateral and medial parts of the shoe extend across the front of the foot, central foot and heel and generally correspond to the opposite sides of the shoe (and can be considered to be separated by a central longitudinal axis). These regions (although separated by dividing lines in Fig. 1A) and sides are not intended to demarcate precise areas of the shoe. Instead, the terms "front of the foot", "central region of the foot", "heel region", "lateral part" and "medial side" are intended to represent general areas of a shoe item and the various components of the shoe to assist in the discussion that follows.

[042] Fig. 1A shows a top view of the sole structure 100, Fig. 1B shows a side view, Fig. 1C shows a medial side view, Fig. 1D shows a bottom view, Fig. 1E shows a rear or heel view, and Fig. 1F shows a view of the front side or the toe. As shown in Figs. 1A to 1F, this illustrative sole structure 100 includes a single midsole component 102 that extends continuously on this particular structure 100 to support a complete plantar surface of a user's foot, i.e., from the rear heel area of sole 100 to the front toe area of the sole 100 and from the side edge to the medial side edge of the sole 100. Although other midsole constructions are possible, according to some examples of the present invention, the midsole component 102 can be a material foam (such as ethyl vinyl acetate foam (“EVA”), polyurethane foam, phylon foam, among others). The upper surface 102a of the midsole component 102 can be contoured, for example, to comfortably support and / or help to position a plantar surface of a user's foot.

[043] In some examples of the present invention, the midsole component 102 will be at least partially made of a foam material with a density of less than 0.25 g / cm3 (and, in some examples, a density of less than 0 , 2 g / cm3, within the range of 0.075 to 0.2 g / cm3, and even within the range of 0.1 to 0.18 g / cm3). If desired, the foam material of a midsole component 102 can include one or more openings defined therein and / or another impact force attenuation component included with it, such as a fluid-filled bladder, a fluid-absorbing member mechanical impact etc. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the entire midsole component 102 will constitute this lightweight foam material (for example, with a density aspect as described above) and will extend to support the entire foot of the user (for example, the surface complete plantar). In illustrative structure 100, as shown in Figs. 1A to 1F, the foam midsole component 102 is illustrated as a separate part of a protective component 104 (for example, or one of more: another denser or more rigid midsole material (for example, polymeric foam material); a sole material; a "cage" or "support member"; etc.) by the junction line 106 (this junction line 106 is provided as an illustrative aid in the drawings to highlight the change in locations between materials 102/104 in these figures). In this illustrated example, the midsole component 102 is generally above the protective component 104 (and can be at least partially contained by the protective component 104). Like other options, the midsole component 102 can be made of multiple component midsole parts (e.g. foam), if desired, and / or the sole structure 100 can include multiple protective component parts 104.

[044] As some even more specific examples, at least part of the midsole component 102 can be made of a foam material as described, for example, in US Patent No. 7,941,938, which is incorporated herein in full by reference . In at least some illustrative sole structures 100 in accordance with the present invention, all, substantially all, or at least some part of the midsole component 102 may include a foam material comprising a reaction product of approximately 10 to approximately 100 parts per hundred parts of hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, from 0 to approximately 40 parts per hundred parts of modified hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, and from 0 to approximately 90 parts per hundred parts of alpha olefin copolymer, and at least least one additive in an adequate amount to form the foam material. This foam material can have a spongy, light feel. The density of the foam material can generally be less than 0.25 g / cm3, less than 0.20 g / cm3, less than 18 g / cm3, less than 0.15 g / cm3, less than 0.12 g / cm3, and, in some examples, approximately 0.10 g / cm3. As examples of value ranges, the density of the light foam can be within the range, for example, 0.05 to 0.25 g / cm3 or within the various value ranges noted above.

[045] Furthermore, according to at least some examples of the present invention, the resilience of the foam material to the midsole component 102 can be greater than 40%, greater than 45%, at least 50%, and in one aspect, from 50 to 70%. The defined compression can be 60% or less, 50% or less, 45% or less, and in some cases, within the range of 20 to 60%. The hardness (Asker C Durometer) of the foam material for this example of midsole component 102 can be, for example, 25 to 50, 25 to 45, 25 to 35 or 35 to 45, for example, depending on the type of footwear . The tensile strength of the foam material 102 can be at least 15 kg / cm2, and usually 15 to 40 kg / cm2. The elongation percentage is 150 to 500, typically greater than 250. The tear strength is 6 to 15 kg / cm, typically greater than 7. In at least some illustrative constructions according to the invention, the foam material of at least some part of the midsole component 102 may have less energy loss and may be lighter than traditional EVA foams. The loss of energy can be less than 30%, and, optionally, within the range of approximately 20% to approximately 30%. As additional examples, if desired, at least some part of the midsole component 102 can be made from the foam materials used in the LUNAR family of shoe products available through NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon.

[046] Although the above paragraphs describe possible properties and aspects of foam materials for midsole components 102 according to some examples of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that midsole component 102 may have other properties, aspects and / or desired combinations of aspects without departing from the present invention. Other light and / or low density foams can also be used. Because of the protective components 104 described in more detail below, the lightweight foam midsole component 102 does not necessarily have sufficient hardness, durability and / or abrasion resistance to directly contact the ground during use (at least not in some locations of contact with the ground with the greatest impact).

[047] The protective component 104 in this illustrative sole structure 100 can be made of any desired materials without departing from the invention. For example, the protective component 104 can be made of conventional sole material, such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), among others. As another example, the protective component 104 can be formed, at least in part, from a support material or polymeric foam cage, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 7,941,938 identified above. Other conventional polymeric foam materials can also be used for the protective component 104.

[048] The foam midsole component 102 and the protective component 104 can be engaged with each other in any desired manner without departing from the invention, including conventional forms known and used in the art (for example, by means of cements or adhesives, through mechanical connectors, etc.). In this illustrated example, the protective component 104 fits within one or more recesses formed on the lower and / or lateral surfaces of the polymeric foam component 102. The recess (s), when present, can be formed during the process of molding (or other forming process) in which the lightweight foam component 102 is formed. Alternatively, the recesses can be produced after the lightweight foam component 102 is formed, for example, by a cutting or crushing action. The protective component 104 may include traction elements or other aspects to engage the ground or other contact surface during use, such as zigzag structures, raised ribs or ridges, recessed grooves, etc., including conventional traction elements as known and used in the art. As additional examples, the bottom surface of the protective component 104 can be formed to include receptacles for receiving removable latches and / or can be formed to include real latch elements extending from the bottom surface thereof.

[049] As additionally illustrated in Fig. 1D, the lower surface of the protective component 104 does not need to completely cover the lower surface of the midsole component 102. Instead, some spaces or holes may be provided in the protective component 104 through which the lower surface of the lightweight foam material 102 is exposed. This aspect can offer several potential advantages. For example, removing part of the protective component 104 can reduce the weight of the sole structure 100. Additionally, as illustrated in Fig. 1D, breaks or gaps in the protective component 104 can be provided along desired lines of flexion of the protective component 104 (for example, elongated cracks or gaps in the forefoot area, as shown in Fig. 1D), thus helping to maintain the overall flexibility (and, optionally, a more natural flexibility) of the entire sole structure 100. The large opening in the protective component 104 in the heel area of this illustrative sole structure 100 it provides a relatively large and soft "protective padding" for the heel, for example, to offer better comfort and sensation when the user's heel hits the ground, for example, when stepping after a step or jump. The person skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, will understand that the openings in the protective component 104 are optional, and when present, can be provided in any desired sizes, shapes and / or numbers without departing from the invention. Preferably, however, areas of high wear on the bottom surface of the sole structure 100 will include some layer of a protective component 104 overlapping the lightweight polymeric midsole component 102 (and more fragile), to help protect the structural integrity of the shoe component. midsole 102.

[050] As best illustrated by Figs. 1C and 1D, this illustrative sole structure 100 includes an additional element, namely, the support plate 108 provided in the central or medial area of the foot of the sole structure 100. This support plate 108 offers additional support for the arch area of this sole structure 100. In Figs. 1C and 1D, the support plate 108 is illustrated separately from the midsole component 102 and / or the protective component 104 by the junction line 110. This junction line 110 is provided as an illustrative aid in the drawings to highlight the change in locations between support plate 108 and materials 102/104 in these figures. In this illustrated example, the support plate 108 can be at least partially interspersed or layered between the midsole component 102 and the protective component 104 at least in the arch area of the sole structure 100. The support plate 104 can be engaged to one or more of the midsole component 102 and / or the protective component 104 by adhesives or cements, by mechanical connectors and / or by any other desired shape, including conventional shapes known or used in this technique. Support plate 108 can be made of any desired number of parts or parts and / or any desired materials without departing from the invention, including conventional arc support materials and / or parts that are known and used in the art. Some more specific examples of materials include: thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon-based polymeric materials (eg PEBAX), fiber-reinforced polymeric materials, glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric materials, other composite materials, among others.

[051] Figs. 1A to 1F show another aspect that can be included in sole structures 100 according to at least some examples of the present invention. As these figures show, at least some of the outer edges or sides of the midsole foam component 102 and / or the protective component 104 may include a "wavy structure" 120. The term "wavy structure" or "wave structure", as used here, means that the shape of the outer surface of the element has the shape of the outer surface of a ripple, for example, a wave-like structure with a series of wave peaks (the outermost part or crest) and valleys between the wave peaks. In a sole structure, a "wavy structure" does not need to expand and compress in the same way as a conventional wave, but instead the term refers, more generally, to the shape of the outer surface of the structure. In the example of illustrated sole structure 100, the lightweight midsole foam component 102 has a series of 4% undulations 122 (for example, with the appearance of four discs stacked around the rear heel area), and the protective component 104 includes curl 124% (which joins with curl 122% lower than foam component of midsole 102 to complete the lower curl in this sole structure 100). At least some part of the corrugated structure 120 can be provided on the side walls of the midsole component 102 (and its corrugated structure 120) which are raised from the upper surface 102a of the midsole component 102, for example, so that the midsole 102 involves at least partially the user's foot (for example, at least in the heel area). As some more specific examples, the outer cover of the midsole component 102 (with the corrugated structure 120 formed therein) can include a side wall 130, a medial side wall 132, a rear heel wall 134 connecting the medial side wall 132 and the side wall 130, and the upper plantar support surface 102a connecting the medial side wall 132, the side wall 130 and the rear heel wall 134. The upper plantar support surface 102a can form a layer of polymeric foam (optionally with one or more fluid-filled bladders contained therein) extending downwardly from the upper surface 102a, for example, by approximately 10 to 20 mm in the central heel area and / or by approximately 8 to 16 mm in the frontal area of the foot (for example, metatarsal head support). The walls 130, 132 and 134 can extend upwards from the upper surface 102a and can be tapered or of variable height, for example, from 0 to 5 mm in the front area of the foot to 25 to 50 mm (or even more ) in the back area of the heel. At least some parts of the 4% corrugations of the corrugated structure 120 may extend continuously around an external surface of the sidewall 130, the rear wall of the heel 134 and the medial sidewall 132.

[052] The number, size, shape and / or other aspects of the wavy structure 120 can be selected to control the feel of the shoe. Typically, a deeper ripple (ie, a larger dimension from the wave's crest to the bottom of an adjacent valley) will convey a more responsive feel (for example, faster return to the original shape). The size, density and / or hardness of the midsole component (s) 102 and / or the protective component (s) 104 can also be controlled to allow control over the feel of the structure sole 100 for a user's foot. The corrugated structure 120 of this illustrated sole structure example 100 extends continuously and uninterruptedly from a medial front or central area of the foot of the midsole component 102 (see Fig. 1C) to a central or lateral front area of the foot of the midsole component 102 (see Fig. 1D). This specific general wavy structure 120 includes five external wave ridges connected by four interstitial wave areas located between adjacent external wave ridges of the five external wave ridges.

[053] Corrugated structures can take a variety of shapes without departing from the present invention. For example, Figs. 1B, 1C, 1E and 1F show that the walls of the individual undulations have a “staggered” configuration and the outermost crest of each individual undulation constitutes a relatively sharper corner. This is not a requirement. As additional examples, if desired, the side walls of the waves can be flat, straight and / or curved. In addition, the outermost edge or crest of each undulation can be formed as a less acute, smoothly curved, square corner, etc., without departing from the invention. In addition, although the wavy structures may appear similar on the opposite side of the walls 130, 132 and 134 (for example, with the “emptied” wave peaks; for example, see Fig. 9), in this illustrated example, the surfaces interiors of walls 130, 132 and 134 are regular (that is, these waves are solid and not concave).

[054] Furthermore, in this illustrated example, the sole structure 100, in the rear heel area of the midsole component 102, an upper outer wave crest (the uppermost wave crest) is separated vertically from an external wave crest bottom (at the bottom) by a vertical distance of at least 1.5 inches when sole structure 100 is oriented on a horizontal surface. Additionally or as an alternative, in this sole structure 100, in the rear heel area of the midsole component 102, an external central wave crest (the third wave in this example) extends backwards by a greater distance when the sole structure 100 is oriented on the horizontal surface. These aspects can be better seen, for example, in Figs. 1B and 1C.

[055] Furthermore, as best illustrated in Figs. 1B, 1C and 1F, an exposed outer edge of the protective component 104 of this illustrative sole structure 100 includes a corrugated structure 140 that extends around a front toe area of sole structure 100. This illustrative corrugated structure 140 includes three external wave ridges connected by two interstitial wave areas located between adjacent external wave ridges of the three external wave ridges. As shown, the corrugated structure 140 of the protective component 104 of this illustrative sole structure 100 is not continuous with the corrugated structure 120 of the midsole component 102. Instead, the corrugated structure 140 of the protective component 104 is separated from the corrugated structure 120 of the midsole. midsole component 102 for transition areas 142, 144 provided in a frontal area of the lateral foot and in a frontal area of the medial foot, respectively, of the sole structure 100. The transition areas 142 and / or 144 can be made from midsole component 102, protective component 104 and / or other sole component. In addition, transition areas 142 and / or 144 can have any desired structure, including another wavy structure, one or more raised ribs or other supporting components, etc.

[056] The sole structure 100 shown in Figs. 1A to 1F has a wave configuration 120 in which at least some of the individual waves 122, 124 extend continuously and uninterruptedly around the midsole component (s) 102 and / or the component (s) ) protector (s) 104 from its end on the side to its end on the medial side. This is not a requirement. Instead, Figs. 2A to 2F show a similar sole structure 200, containing parts and construction similar to the sole structure 100 of Figs. 1A to 1F, but with a different ripple configuration.

[057] For the sake of brevity, similar parts between Figs. 1A to 1F and in Figs. 2A to 2F will not be described in detail in this specification. Instead, the following discussion will focus on the differences between the structures illustrated in Figs. 2A to 2F compared to those illustrated in Figs. 1A to 1F. As those skilled in the art will understand, the parts not described in detail below with respect to Figs. 2A to 2F can have the same or similar structures and / or the same aspects and / or options or similar to those parts and similar structures described above with respect to Figs. 1A to 1F.

[058] Unlike the wave configuration 120 illustrated in Figs. 1A to 1F, in which at least some of the individual waves 122, 124 extend continuously and uninterruptedly around the midsole component (s) 102 and / or the protective component (s) 104 from its end on the side to its end on the medial side, the wave configuration 220 of Figs. 2A to 2F includes mixed or interlaced. As best seen in Figs. 2B, 2C and 2E, the wave configuration 220a in the rear heel area of this sole structure 200 has a wave configuration similar to the rear heel area of wave configuration 120 in the rear heel area of sole structure 100 of Figs . 1A to 1F (for example, with five external wave crests and four interstitial wave areas). However, as is also best seen from Figs. 2B, 2C and 2E, the wave configuration 220 in this example of sole structure 200 has a different configuration extending along and forward from the lateral heel and medial heel areas. More specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 2B, a new series of waves 220b originates in the heel area within the interstitial areas 250 provided between the upper three waves of the rear wave configuration 220a. The origins of the new waves in the new wave series 220b are illustrated in Fig. 2B at points 252 in interstitial areas 250. From their points of origin 252, the three interstitial waves taper to greater widths and heights in order to form the outermost wave crests on either side of its outermost points 254. In addition, the interstitial waves in the new wave series 220b taper to a size large enough to overcome the wave pattern of rear heel 220a (note , for example, that the rear heel ripples 220a have points of origin 220f at locations within the interstitial areas of the new ripple series 220b). Additionally, although not a requirement, in the example of sole structure 200 illustrated in Fig. 2B, the outer ridges 254 of the new series of ripples 220b taper down in size moving forward from their peak areas to end points 256. Other support structures, including another series of ripple configuration as shown in Fig. 2B, can originate from the interstitial areas between the new configuration of ripples 220b and / or from the outside of the new configuration of ripples 220b (for example, from points 258) and moving forward on the sole structure 200. Thus, at least on the side of the heel illustrated in Fig. 2B, the new series of ripples 220b can constitute a configuration central ripple configuration with a backward ripple configuration extending towards the heel (from points of origin 220f) and a forward ripple configuration extending to the central area of the foot (from points of origin 258).

[059] On the medial side of this sole structure 200, as illustrated in Fig. 2C, another new series of waves 220b originates in the heel area within the interstitial areas 250 provided between the top three waves of the rear ripple configuration 220a. The origins of the new waves in the new wave series 220c are illustrated in Fig. 2C at points 260 in interstitial areas 250. From their points of origin 260, the three interstitial undulations taper to greater widths and heights in order to completely overcome the rear heel wave series 220a (note, for example, that the rear heel ripples 220a have points of origin 220f at locations within the interstitial area of the new wave series 220c).

[060] The configuration of ripples illustrative of Figs. 2A to 2F shows different constructions of interstitial undulations on the medial side versus the lateral side. This is not a requirement. Instead, if desired, the configuration of undulations like that of Fig. 2B can be provided on the medial side and / or a configuration of undulations like that of Fig. 2C can be provided on the side, without departing from the invention.

[061] Fig. 2D further illustrates that this sole structure 200 has a lower surface configured differently in the protective component 204 compared to the lower surface of the protective component 104 of the sole structure 100 (illustrated in Fig. 1D). This leads to a different pattern from the exposed midsole material 102 on the lower surface of the sole structure 200. The junction areas between the protective component 204 and the lightweight midsole material 202 are highlighted in Figs. 2A to 2F along line 206. In addition, the junction areas between a support element of the central part of the foot 208 (for example, similar to the support element 108 of Figs. 1A to 1F) and the lightweight midsole material 202 and / or the protective component 204 are highlighted in Figs. 2A to 2F through line 210. The bottom surface of the protective component 204 also includes traction elements, among others, as well as some aspects described in more detail below with respect to Figs. 10A and 10B.

[062] Another example of alternative sole structure 300 according to some examples of the present invention is illustrated in conjunction with Figs. 3A and 3B. As with the other sole structures 100, 200 described above, the sole structure 300 includes a lightweight foam midsole material 302 engaged, for example, by adhesives or cements, with a protective component 304. The protective component 304, which can being made of a polymeric foam and / or more dense or durable sole material, it provides at least a part of the bottom surface of the sole structure 300. The sole structure 300 of Figs. 3A and 3B can generally be similar in structure and function to the sole structure 200 illustrated in Figs. 2A to 2F, although other structures and functions are possible without departing from the invention. For the sake of brevity, similar parts between Figs. 2A to 2F and in Figs. 3A to 3F will not be described in detail in this specification. Instead, the following discussion will focus on the differences between the structures illustrated in Figs. 3A to 3B compared to those illustrated in Figs. 2A to 2F. As those skilled in the art will understand, the parts not described in detail below with respect to Figs. 3A to 3B may have the same or similar structures and / or the same aspects and / or options or similar to those parts and similar structures described above with respect to Figs. 1A to 2F.

[063] In the example of sole structures 100, 200 described above, the ripple structure extended uninterruptedly around the entire heel area of the lightweight midsole components 102, 202. This is not a requirement. Instead, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the rear heel area of this example of a lightweight midsole component 302 includes a cutout or cut area 310 on its upper side. This cutting area 310 can extend for any desired vertical distance in the midsole component 302 without departing from the invention. As illustrated in Fig. 3B, in this example of structure 300, the cutting area 310 extends downwards through at least two (and optionally more) of the individual undulation structures, although other arrangements are possible without departing from the invention. The cutting area 310 can also extend downwards from 25% to 65% of a total vertical height (H) of the sole structure 300 (and / or the midsole component 302) immediately adjacent to the cutting areas 310. Furthermore, although Figs. 3A and 3B show the cutting area 310 only in the midsole component 302, the cutting area 310 could also be provided in the protective component 304, especially for sole structures in which the protective component 304 has a greater presence in the vertical dimension at the location cutting area 310.

[064] The cutting area 310 of this example of sole structure 300 is relatively V-shaped in order to provide an open V-shaped area at the rear edge of the midsole component 302. Other shapes for the cutting area 310 are possible without departing from the present invention, such as a U-shaped, rectangular or square configuration, circular, star-shaped, logo-shaped and / or any other desired configuration. This illustrative cutting area 310 helps to provide flexibility to the general sole structure 300, and in particular to the midsole component 302 in the direction from the lateral side to the medial side. This can provide a more natural movement or sensation as the user begins a walk or other activities, such as running, landing from a jump, among others. Additional additional or alternative cut areas of this type can be provided at other locations around the sole structure 300 (i.e., not limited to the rear heel area). For example, cut areas 310 along the lateral and / or medial sides of the sole structure 300 (for example, in the forefoot area) can help provide and establish flexion lines for the sole structures (optionally, to improve the flexibility of the sole structure 300 to more accurately match or withstand natural flexion tendencies of the foot).

[065] In the cutting area 310 of this example of sole structure 300, the exposed edge of the foam midsole material 302 is covered by an edge element 312, for example, a molded thermoplastic polyurethane member, another plastic member, etc. This edge element 312, formed as a heel cleat, helps to protect the exposed edges of the foam midsole material 302 and helps provide interesting aesthetic or design opportunities. Edge elements 312 of this type also allow the shape of the cutting area 310 to be changed, if desired. The edge elements 312, when present, can be attached to the foam midsole component 302 and / or to another part of the general sole structure 300 and / or shoe structure in any desired manner without departing from the invention. Like some more specific examples, these components can be attached to each other using adhesives or cements, mechanical connectors, among others. Edge member 312 can also be used to affect the flexural or stiffness characteristics of the sole structure 300.

[066] As additionally illustrated in Fig. 3B, some of the various ripple areas of the foam midsole component 302 of this structure 300 have points of origin 360 located at or near the edge of the cut area 310. Although the individual ripples interrupted by cut area 310 may have their points of origin 360 at the edge of cut area 310, in this example of illustrated sole structure 300, the areas of additional undulations located below cut area 310 may also have their points of origin 360 located at rear heel area. Alternatively, if desired, the lower ripple areas could extend continuously around the rear heel area uninterruptedly (although optionally changing in size) without departing from the invention. Other ripple configurations above and / or below the cut area 310 can also be used without departing from the present invention.

[067] Although described above as a "cut out" or "cut" area 312, this area 314 need not be provided in any part of the sole structure 300 by a cutting action. Instead, area 312 could be provided in the desired component (s) of the sole structure 300 in any desired manner without departing from the invention, including through the use of a cutting action, for example, by a laser, knife, blade, die or other cutting system. Alternatively, area 312 could be formed directly on the sole structure component (s) (for example, components 302 and / or 304) during its manufacturing process, such as being molded directly onto the structure of the midsole component foam 302 and / or a protective component 304. Therefore, the term “cutting area”, as used here in this context and / or for that type of component or structure, should be interpreted to include an area of that type of structure , regardless of how the area is provided in the component.

[068] Figs. 3A and 3B also show that, in this illustrative structure 300, some of the areas between the ripples in the rear heel area, adjacent to the cut area 310, have windows 362 that extend completely through the side wall of the midsole component 302. In the example 300 illustrated, windows 362 extend along the edges of the undulations located above and below them (since the undulations taper to their points of origin360), although other forms for windows 362 can be used without departing from the invention. The windows 362 can affect the flexibility of the midsole component 302 in the rear heel area of this example of sole structure 300. More or less windows 362 can be provided in the sole structure 300 without departing from the invention, including more or less windows 362 on either side of the cutting area 310 (including no window 362 on one or both sides).

[069] Window 362 can be provided on the desired component (s) of the sole structure 300 in any desired manner without departing from the intervention, including through the use of a cutting action (for example, by a laser, knife, blade, die or other cutting system), integrally forming windows 362 directly on the sole structure component (s) (for example, components 302 and / or 304) during their manufacturing process ( such as molding windows 362 directly into the structure of the foam midsole component 302 and / or a protective component 304), etc.

[070] Although all sole structures 100, 200, 300 of Figs. 1A to 3B have ripple structures containing three to five individual ripple structures in various areas that are relatively uniform in shape, this is not a requirement. As another example, Fig. 4 illustrates a part of another illustrative sole component 400 in which the ripple structure 402 includes three ripples oriented in the vertical or top-down direction. The view in Fig. 4 shows a side view of this example of undulation structure 402, but a similar structure could be provided, for example, on the medial side of sole component 400 and / or in the rear heel area of sole component 400 This illustrative undulation structure 402 may be provided in a foam midsole component, as illustrated in Fig. 4 (for example, similar to components 102, 202 and / or 302 discussed above), or may be provided in a protective component , such as a polymeric foam protective component and / or components similar to components 104, 204, 304 discussed above in conjunction with Figs. 1A to 3B. Furthermore, although only the heel area of the sole component 400 is illustrated in Fig. 4, those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, would readily be able to understand that a sole component to support the entire plantar surface of the foot of a user (or any other part of it) could be provided, without departing from the present invention.

[071] The ripple structure 402 of Fig. 4 differs from some of the other ripple structures described above with respect to Figs. 1A to 3B as to the shape of the undulations. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the central ripples 402b of this illustrative ripple structure 402 are concave (or expand outward) in both the upward and downward directions. As shown in Fig. 4, the lower valley of the interstitial area 404a between the central undulations 402b and the upper undulations 402a curves in an upward concave direction so that the high point of that curve is in the central lateral heel area. Similarly, the lower valley of the interstitial area 404b between the central undulations 402b and the lower undulations 402a curves in a downward concave direction so that the low point of that curve is in the central lateral heel area. Because of this configuration, the upper ripple 402a is formed to curve in the upward direction with the upper maximum point of that curve located in the central area of the upper ripple 402a in the arrangement shown in Fig. 4. Similarly, the lower ripple 402c is formed so that it curves in the downward direction with the lower minimum point of this curve located in the central area of the lower undulation 402c in the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 4. This gives the general undulating structure 402 somewhat more bulbously compared to at least some of the wavy structures illustrated in Figs. 1A to 3B.

[072] In particular, the corrugated construction 402 has softer side walls (as well as the corrugated structures of Figs 2A-3B) compared to the more protruded side walls in the corrugated structures shown in Figs. 1A- 1F. In addition, the corrugated constructions of Figs. 2A-4 have external ridges of the individual undulations formed as sharp corners. Other structural options for these side walls and / or corners are possible, however, without departing from the present invention.

[073] Figs. 5, 6 and 7 show side views of several different examples of footwear 550, 650 and 750 which include sole structures 500, 600 and 700 according to other examples of the present invention. Fig. 5 illustrates a basketball shoe 650, Fig. 6 illustrates a running shoe 650, and Fig. 7 illustrates a multifunctional training shoe 750. The sole structures 500, 600 and 700 are attached to the upper 552, 652 and 752, respectively, to provide the general footwear structures 550, 650 and 750. Uppers 552, 652 and 752 can be attached to their respective sole structures 500, 600 and 700 in any desired manner without departing from the present invention , including in conventional ways as known and used in this technique. As some more specific examples, the 552, 652 and 752 uppers and the 500, 600 and 700 sole structures can be attached together by adhesives or cement, by mechanical connectors, by stitch or seam and / or by other connection techniques.

[074] When describing in more detail the structures of the shoes 500, 600 and 700 of Figs. 5 to 7, various aspects of the illustrative uppers (including possible aspects of the uppers 552, 652 and 752) will be described. This description includes examples of leather aspects that can be included in shoe structures according to at least some examples of this invention, including examples of leather that can be attached to the Figa sole, 100, 200, 300 and 400 structures. 1A-4. Since the sole structures 500, 600 and 700 of Figs. 5 to 7 generally have similar structures, some differences between these 500, 600 and 700 sole structures will be described together with Figs. 5 to 7. In the following, more detailed aspects of the construction and parts of the sole structures 500, 600 and 700 of Figs. 5 to 7 will be described in more detail in conjunction with Figs. 8A to 8F.

[075] The uppers 552, 652 and 752 for the structures 550, 650 and 750 of the shoe article according to the present invention can constitute constructions of one or multiple component parts that can be attached to each other in any desired way, including in conventional ways as known and used in the footwear technique, including through the use of cements or adhesives, through the use of mechanical connectors, and / or through melting techniques (for example, melting or bonding a hot-applied material, etc.). Non-limiting examples of some construction techniques will be described in more detail below.

[076] Leather 552, 652, 752 can be made of any desired materials and / or combinations of materials without departing from the present invention. For example, leather 552, 652, 752 may include a multi-layer construction, with the multiple layers covering all or some part of the general leather area. In some more specific examples, the upper 552, 652, 752 may include a layer of intermediate mesh covered and / or interspersed in at least some areas by an inner fabric or textile layer (for example, for comfortable contact with the foot) and a outer “skin” layer (for example, made of a thermoplastic polyurethane film, to provide better support in certain areas, to provide resistance to wear or abrasion in certain areas, to provide desired aesthetics, etc.). None of the inner fabric or textile layer, the mesh layer and / or the skin layer need to extend to cover the entire leather surface 552, 652, 752. Instead, the location (s) of the several layers can be selected to control the properties of the leather 552, 652, 752, for example, omitting the skin layer in certain areas to improve breathability, to improve flexibility, to provide an aesthetic appearance ( such as openings in the skin layer to produce a “LOGO” or other design aspect from the underlying mesh material), etc. In addition, as is known in the art, the upper part 552, 652, 752 can define an ankle opening, around which a foam ring or comfort-enhancing fabric can be provided, if desired. The bottom surface of the leather 552, 652, 752 can include a strobel-like member that connects the medial and lateral sides of the leather material (for example, the strobel-like member can be sewn to the medial and lateral side edges of the leather) to thereby close the upper part 552, 652, 752. The sole structure 500, 600, 700 can be attached to the upper 552, 652, 752 at its lower edges and to the strobel, for example, using cements or adhesives, stitches or stitching, connectors mechanical, etc.

[077] The construction of the multilayer upper can be produced in any desired manner without departing from the present invention, including in conventional ways as known and used in the shoe technique. For example, if desired, the skin layer can be made from a “seamless” type material that can be adhered to the underlying mesh layer (or another layer) using a conventionally applied adhesive or material, for example, by the application of heat and / or pressure. As additional examples, if desired, the skin layer can be attached to the underlying mesh layer (or another layer) by cements or adhesives and / or seams. As additional examples, if desired, the leather 552, 652, 752 (or parts thereof) can be constructed by joining several layers of materials using fusion techniques, for example, as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0088282 and US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0088285, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety for reference purposes.

[078] Leather 552, 652, 752 can include other support elements at desired locations, for example, interspersed between the outer skin layer and the underlying mesh layer. For example, a buttress can be provided in the heel area to provide more support for the user's heel. The buttress, when present, may be made of a rigid, thin plastic material, such as PEBAX, TPU or other polymeric material, and may include one or more openings (for example, to control flexibility, breathability, support characteristics ; to reduce weight, etc.). If necessary or desired, additional supports can be provided in other areas of the shoe 550, 650, 750, such as in the front area of the foot or toes (to provide protection and resistance to wear, etc.) in the side area close to the first metatarsal head, etc.

[079] Other potential materials that can be used on uppers 552, 652, 752 according to at least some examples of the present invention include one or more of: synthetic leather, natural leather, fabrics, any combination of these materials and / or any combinations of these materials with any of the other materials described above. As another possible aspect, if desired, at least some part of the leather 552, 652, 752 can be formed by a knitting procedure. Optionally, at least most (or even all) of the leather upper 552, 652, 752 can be formed using knitting procedures, in at least some examples of the present invention. Knitted textile components can be used to provide lightweight, breathable and comfortable leather constructions.

[080] Returning now to Fig. 5, additional details of this example of 550 shoe structure will be described. This illustrative 550 shoe structure is a basketball shoe. Leather 552 can have a construction like any conventional basketball shoe, including constructions made of leather, materials joined by multilayer fusion, or other materials and / or constructions as known and used in the art. The sole structure 500 of this example has a general appearance similar to the structure and sole 100 illustrated in Figs. 1A to 1F as described in detail above, for example, including a series of five stacked undulations extending continuously around the sole structure 500 from the front lateral area of the foot, around the rear heel area, to the area frontal medial side of the foot of the sole structure 500. The five-wave construction of this example of the sole structure 500 is well suited for a basketball shoe, as it creates a somewhat higher heel structure, as is common in basketball shoes modern.

[081] Although similar in appearance to the undulations, however, the sole structure 500 of Fig. 5 differs considerably in its construction from the sole structure 100 of Figs. 1A-1F. Although a detailed description of the construction of this sole structure 500 is saved for the discussion of Figs. 8A to 8F below, at this junction, it is appropriate to say that the exposed rear part 504 of the sole structure 500 constitutes a protective element that retains and contains at least part of the midsole component 502. The rear protective component 504 can be made of materials such as the various protective components 104, 204, 304 described above (for example, including a polymeric foam material with one or more undulation structures formed on its outer wall edge). The front part 502 of the sole structure 500, in this example, constitutes an exposed part of a lightweight foam midsole material 502, which may be similar to the lightweight midsole components 102, 202, 302, as described above (including the same materials or similar). Although the midsole component 502 may still extend to support all or substantially the entire plantar surface of a user's foot, in this example of the illustrated structure 500, at least a part, and optionally most of the lightweight midsole component 502 is contained inside the protective component 504. In this way, at the rear of the shoe frame 550, the protective component 504 acts as a cage or support for the lightweight foam component 502. The foam midsole component 502 extends out the front end (open) of the protective component 504, as will be described in more detail below.

[082] Returning now to Fig. 6, additional details of this 650 shoe structure example will be described. This illustrative 650 shoe structure is a running shoe. Leather 652 can have a construction like that of any conventional running shoe, including constructions made of materials joined by multi-layer fusion, fabrics, knitwear, knitting materials or other materials and / or constructions as known and used in the art. The sole structure 600 of this example has a general appearance similar to that of the sole structure 200 illustrated in Figs. 2A to 2F as described in more detail above, for example, including a series of stacked ripples 610 extending around the rear heel area of the sole structure 600 and an irregular front series of ripples 612 extending forward from from the heel area towards the center of the foot and the front of the foot of the sole structure 600. The front ripple series 612 originates in the interstitial areas between the ripples in the rear heel ripple series 610. The upper ripple in the front series of ripples 612 originates above the upper ripple of the series of ripples in the rear heel 610. The series of ripples 610 in the rear heel ends in the heel area for the central area of the foot, for example, in the interstitial areas between or along the ripples of the 612 front ripple series. Although Fig. 6 shows only the side view, the medial view of this 650 shoe structure can have a similar interstitial ripple configuration.

[083] The sole structure 600 for this example of running shoe 650 is somewhat shorter and of a lower profile than that of the sole structure 200 of Figs. 2A to 2F and the sole structure 500 of Fig. 5. In particular, the sole structure 600 includes three vertically stacked undulations 610 in the rear heel area (instead of the five undulations illustrated in Figs. 2A-2F) and three front undulations stacked 612 staggered from the heel ripples 610. Although not necessary, this reduced number of ripples provides a somewhat lower vertical height in the heel area of the sole structure 600.

[084] Furthermore, like the sole structure 500 of Fig. 5, the exposed rear part 604 of the sole structure 600 constitutes a protective element that retains and contains at least partially a part of a lightweight foam midsole component 602. The rear protective component 604 can be made of materials such as the various protective components 104, 204, 304 described above (for example, including a polymeric foam material with one or more undulation structures formed on its outer wall edge). The front part 602 of the sole structure 600, in this example, constitutes an exposed part of a lightweight foam midsole material 502, which may be similar to the lightweight midsole components 102, 202, 302, as described above (including the same materials or similar). Although midsole component 602 may still extend to support all or substantially the entire plantar surface of a user's foot, in this example of frame 600, at least a portion, and optionally most of the lightweight midsole component 602 is contained within of the protective component 604. In this way, at the rear of the shoe frame 650, the protective component 604 acts as a cage or support for the lightweight foam midsole component 602. The foam midsole component 602 extends out of the end (open) front of the protective component 604, as will be described in more detail below.

[085] With respect to the vertical direction illustrated in Fig. 6 (for example, with the 650 sneakers oriented on a horizontal contact surface), the heel and / or central area of the foot includes interlaced undulations from the series of undulations of the rear heel 610 and the front ripple series 612. In other words, as you move in the vertical direction at least in some parts of the heel and / or mid-foot area of the sole structure 600 (for example, illustrated by the line 614), individual ripple surfaces of the 612 front ripple series located between the individual ripple surfaces of the 610 ripple rear heel series will be found. These stacked and / or interlaced ripple series provide additional support in this heel / center area of the foot and provide satisfactory support for a running shoe sole.

[086] Fig. 7 illustrates a 670 training shoe. The 752 upper can have a construction like any training shoe, including constructions made of materials fused together, fabrics, knitwear, knitting materials or other materials and / or constructions as known and used in the art. The sole structure 700 of this example has a configuration with interstitial undulations, as will be described in more detail below. As with the sole structure 500 of Fig. 5, the exposed rear part 704 of the sole structure 700 constitutes a protective element that retains and contains at least part of a midsole component 702. The rear protective component 704 can be made of materials such as the various protective components 104, 204, 304 described above (for example, including a polymeric foam material with undulation structures formed on its outer wall edge). The front part 702 of the sole structure 700, in this example, constitutes an exposed part of a lightweight foam midsole material 502, which may be similar to the lightweight midsole components 102, 202, 302, as described above (including the same materials or similar). Although the midsole component 702 can still extend to support all or substantially the entire plantar surface of a user's foot, in this example of structure 700, at least a portion, and optionally most of the lightweight midsole component 702 is contained within of the protective component 704. In this way, at the rear of the shoe frame 750, the protective component 704 acts as a cage or support for the lightweight foam midsole component 702. The foam midsole component 702 extends out of the end (open) front of the protective component 704, as will be described in more detail below.

[087] In this example of structure and sole 700, both the rear heel area of the protective component 704 and the front toe area of the midsole foam component 702 include a three-fold structure stacked vertically (with the heel ridges) somewhat deeper than the toe curls). Several different types of support aspects are provided, however, in the central area of the foot to the front area of the foot, at least along the side of the 750 shoe (although similar structures can be provided on the medial side, if desired). Moving in the vertical direction in Fig. 7, a first rib or support element 710 is provided along the bottom of the side side of the sole structure 700 (in the foam midsole component 702, in this example). This first rib or support element 710 is located vertically downwardly from and close to a support area of the fifth metatarsal head of the sole structure 700. A second rib or support element 712 is provided somewhat backwards and upwards from the first rib or support element 710. This second rib or support element 712 bridges the junction between the foam midsole component 702 and the protective component 704 in this example of structure 700 and peaks further in the central region of the foot or arch of the sole structure 700. The second rib or support element 712 may have a larger overall longitudinal dimension from end to end than that of the first rib or support element 710. A third rib or support element 714 it is provided somewhat forward and upward from the first rib or support element 712. At least a major part (and potentially all) of this third ne groove or support element 714 is formed in the foam midsole component 702. The third rib or support element 714 vertically overlaps the first rib or support element 710 and is located vertically downward from and near the support area of the fifth metatarsal head of the sole structure 700. This third rib or support element 714 may have a shorter longitudinal dimension (from end to end) than the first rib or support element 710. A fourth rib or support element 716 it is provided somewhat backwards and upwards from the third rib or support element 714. This fourth rib or support element 716 also bridges the junction between the foam midsole component 702 and the protective component 704, but the most of it is located in the midsole component 702 and in front of the second rib or support element 712. A fifth rib or support element 718 is provided somewhat forward and upward from the fourth rib or support element 716. At least a major part (and potentially all) of this fifth rib or support element 718 is formed in the foam midsole component 702. The fifth rib or support element 718 vertically superimposes the first rib or support element 710 and the third rib or support element 714, and is located close to the support area of the fifth metatarsal head of the sole structure 700. The fifth rib or support element 718 may have a shorter longitudinal dimension than the first rib or support element 710 and / or the third rib or support element 714.

[088] Therefore, the first rib or support element 710, the second rib or support element 712, the third rib or support element 714, the fourth rib or support element 716 and the fifth rib or support element 718 produce a discontinuity in the ripple structures between the ripple structures in the rear heel protective component 702 and the front foam midsole component 702. These ribs or support elements 710, 712, 714, 716 and / or 718 provide additional support for the central foot and / or frontal foot areas of this 700 sole structure, for example, in the area near the fifth metatarsal head of the user's foot. This provides additional support for the user during training activities, such as pushing the outside of the foot out, for example, when making a sharp turn or cutting action.

[089] Although other specific structures are possible, in this illustrated example, the rib or supporting elements 710, 712, 714, 716, 718 are formed as raised pyramidal structures that extend outwardly from the side surface of the sole structure 700 The ribs or support elements 710, 712, 714, 716, 718 can be oriented somewhat like the interlaced undulation structures that are illustrated in several other figures described above. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the ribs or support elements 712 and 716 originate in interstitial areas between the ribs or support elements 710, 714 and 718. The ribs or support elements 710, 712, 714, 716 .718 can also originate in the interstitial areas between the undulations located in front of and / or behind the rib or supporting element. In particular, the peaks extending outward from the ribs or support elements 712, 716 and 718 substantially align in a direction from top to front back down. In addition, the peaks extending outward from the ribs or support elements 710, 714 and 718 substantially align in a vertical direction from top to bottom.

[090] The support rib or element structures of Fig. 7 are merely examples of structures for providing lateral and / or medial side support (and / or for altering or controlling the support aspects of the sole 700). Other support change configurations, including different number of ribs, different rib configurations, different rib shapes and / or different relative orientation of the ribs with respect to each other can be used without departing from the invention. In addition, if desired, simple gaps between adjacent ripple structures could be provided, for example, to alter the support or feel in the gaps. Gaps can include actual spacing in the foam material or flat foam material between the undulation structures.

[091] An example of construction of the sole structures 500, 600 and 700 of Figs. 5 to 7 is described in more detail in conjunction with Figs. 8A to 8F. Figure 8A shows a bottom perspective view of an illustrative sole structure 800 including a rear protective component 804 and a foam midsole component 802 extending forward and out of the free end of protective component 804. Figure 8A shows the protective component 804 and the foam component 802 joined together, but before being fixed to each other, for example, with the use of adhesives or cements. Fig. 8B shows bottom views of these two parts separated from each other, and Fig. 8C shows top views of these two parts separated from each other. As can be seen from these figures, the protective component 804 acts as a cage or support that contains the back of the foam midsole component 802. The foam midsole component 802 has an upper support surface 802a to support all or substantially the entire plantar surface of a user's foot (although, if desired, protective component 804 may also provide a surface to directly support at least some part of a plantar surface of a user's foot). In addition to extending the free, front end of the protective component 804, the foam midsole component 802 is exposed through a heel opening 806 defined on the lower surface of the protective component 804. Providing this lower opening 806 can both decrease the weight how much to allow to control and to alter the flexibility characteristics of the structure of general sole 800.

[092] In this example of structure 800, the foam midsole component 802 can be made of any desired foam material (or combinations of foam materials) without departing from the present invention, including foam materials of the types described above together with components 102, 202, 302. Optionally, if desired, the foam midsole component 802 may include one or more fluid-filled bladders, mechanical impact absorbing structures and / or other structures to provide built-in impact force attenuation or included in it. In this illustrated example, however, the foam midsole component 802 constitutes a single solid piece of foam material, preferably one of the light and / or less dense foam materials described above.

[093] The protective component 804 of this illustrative sole structure 800 may also constitute a polymeric foam material, including conventional polymeric foam materials as known and used as midsole materials in the shoe technique. As some more specific examples, the protective component 804 can be made of polyurethane foam, ethyl vinyl acetate (“EVA”) foams, phylon or other midsole foams or known materials. In some examples of structures according to the present invention, the polymeric foam material used for the protective component 804 will be a heavier, denser and / or more durable foam material (for example, more resistant to wear, more resistant to abrasion, etc.), than the foam material used in the 802 foam midsole component.

[094] As further illustrated in Figs. 8A-8C, the polymeric foam material of the protective component 804 may include undulation structures formed around at least parts of its perimeter edge. More specifically, Figs. 8A-8C show that the protective component 804 can constitute an external cover including the undulation structure (as in Figs. 5 to 7), in which the external cover includes: a side wall 804; a medial side wall 804b; a rear heel wall 804c connecting the medial side wall 804b and the side wall 804a; and a lower wall 804d connecting the medial side wall 804b, the side wall 804a and the rear heel wall 804c. In at least some examples of the present invention, the ripple structure of the polymeric foam material of the protective component 804 will extend continuously around an outer surface of at least a part of the side wall 804a, of the rear heel wall 804c and at least a part of the wall on the medial side 804b. The ripple structure of the polymeric foam material of the protective component 804 may also include interlaced ripples, ribs or supporting elements, vertical ribs, gaps and / or any of the other ripple structures, aspects and / or options described above.

[095] Figs. 8A to 8C additionally show that at least a heel portion of the foam midsole component 802 is received in a defined space between the side wall 804a, the medial side wall 804b, the rear heel wall 804c, and the wall lower part 804d of protective component 804. A front end of the foot of the foam midsole component 802 extends beyond a front end of the side wall 804a and an end of the wall of the medial side 804b in this illustrative structure 800. This front end of the foot of the foam midsole component 802 can be at least partially exposed in the finished sole structure 800.

[096] As described above at least with respect to Fig. 7, both the outer side edge surface of the protective component 804 and the outer side edge surface of the foam midsole component 802 may include undulation structures. For example, the ripple structure of the protective component 804 can extend (continuously or discontinuously (for example, due to interlaced ripples, other supports and / or other aspects)) around a heel to medial side of the lateral side to rear of the sole structure. In addition or as an alternative, the foam midsole component 802 may include a ripple structure that extends around a front toe area of the sole structure 800. In this specific illustrated example, the ripple structure of the midsole component Foam 802 includes three external ripple ridges connected by two interstitial ripple areas.

[097] When both 802 and 804 components have ripple structures, the ripple structure of the 802 foam midsole component may or may not extend continuously with the ripple structure of the protective component 804. These ripple structures can be interrupted, for example, by support ribs or other elements, by interstitial undulations, by gaps in the sole structure, by flat foam material, by plastic supports or external composites, by transition areas, among others, without departing from the invention . Such "interruptions" in the undulation structures can be provided at any desired locations, such as in a front area of the side foot of the sole structure and in a front area of the medial foot of the sole structure (for example, to provide locations that support a more natural flexion of movement), in a frontal area of the lateral surface of the sole structure (for example, to provide additional support for cutting or turning actions) and / or in other desired locations (for example, to provide support and / or desired flexibility, including natural movement flexibility characteristics).

[098] The bottom surfaces of one or both of the foam midsole component 802 and / or the protective component 804 may be provided with additional components. For example, for at least some parts of the sole structure 800 that will come into contact with the soil in use, abrasion-resistant or wear-resistant material can be applied to at least parts of the bottom surfaces of these components, in order to improve aspects of wear resistance and durability. Fig. 8D illustrates illustrative sole components 820 that can be applied to the lower surface of protective component 804, optionally in receptacles 822 formed (for example, molded or cut) in the heel area of protective component 804. Fig. 8E illustrates illustrative sole components 824 that can be applied to the bottom surface of the foam midsole component 802, optionally in receptacles or other formed areas (for example, molded or cut) in the front area of the foot (area 826) of the midsole component foam 804. Fig. 8F illustrates these parts and how they fit together. These sole components 820 and 824 can be made of any desired sole material (or combinations of sole materials) without departing from the present invention, including rubbers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, among others. In addition or as an alternative, one or more of the sole components 820, 824 may constitute shim structures or receptacles for receiving removable shim structures.

[099] Fig. 9 provides an exploded view of another example of sole structure 900 according to some examples of the present invention. In this sole structure 900, a lightweight foam midsole component 902 (for example, of the types described above) includes a support surface 902a to support all or substantially the entire plantar surface of a user's foot. A protective foam component 904 (optionally including any desired type of ripple structures) extends around at least the sides of the midsole component 902 and acts as a cage or support for that part of the foam midsole component 902 that it contains (from the central area of the front or lateral foot, around the rear heel area, to the central area of the foot or front of the medial foot, in this example). A plurality of sole protector components 906a, 906b, 906c and 906d are provided to protect various areas of the bottom of the foam midsole component 902 (and / or the bottom of the protective component 904 if the protective component 904 is exposed in the bottom outer surface of the sole structure 900). In this illustrated example, the sole component 906a protects one side of the heel of the foam midsole component 902 (and / or the protective component 904), the sole component 906b protects a rear heel area of the foam midsole component 902 ( and / or the protective component 904), and the sole component 906c protects the other heel side of the foam midsole component 902 (and / or the protective component 904). A relatively large sole protector component 906 in the front of the foot covers most, if not all of the front foot area of the bottom of the foam midsole component 902 (and / or the protective component 904). These various components can be attached to each other in any desirable manner, for example, by cements or adhesives, by mechanical connectors, or in any other way, as is known and used in the art. These components can be made, for example, from any of the materials described above for the corresponding parts. In addition, any of the individual components illustrated or described above in Fig. 9 can be made of one or more separate parts without departing from the invention.

[0100] Although Figs. 5 to 9 illustrate sole structures in which the lightweight midsole component is at least partially covered by a protective component in the heel and / or central areas of the foot (and extending outward to be exposed in the forefoot area of the structure sole), other configurations are possible without departing from the invention. For example, if desired, exposed parts of the lightweight midsole and protective component could essentially "roll over" the ends in the structures of Figs. 5 to 9 so that the lightweight midsole component is covered by the protective component in the front of the foot and / or the center of the foot (and extends outward to be exposed in the heel area of the sole structure). Changes in the sizes, shapes and / or areas of junction between the lightweight midsole component and the protective component can also be varied to a large extent without departing from the invention.

[0101] Figs. 10A and 10B show additional aspects that can be included in the sole structures according to at least some examples of the present invention. Fig. 10A shows the bottom surface 1002a of a lightweight midsole component 1002, as described in detail above. The lower surface 1002a of this illustrative lightweight midsole component 1002 includes a plurality of outstretched or "bulbous" areas at various locations of the midsole component 1002. A bulbous area 1004a is provided in the rear heel area of the midsole component 1002 and provides additional impact attenuation force and / or a soft, comfortable feel, for example, when the user lands from a step or jump. Additional bulbous areas are provided in the forefoot areas of the sole structure 1000. More specifically, a bulbous area 1004b is provided, for example, under the fifth metatarsal head region on the side of the midsole component 1002. A third bulbous region 1004c it is located slightly forward and medial with respect to a center of the bulbous area 1004b (for example, on the lateral side located under the first metatarsal head support area of the sole (ie, under the metatarsal head area of the toe) foot)). A fourth bulbous region 1004d is located in front of the third bulbous region 1004c (for example, on the lateral side located under the adjacent thumb and / or finger).

[0102] Bulbous areas 1004a-1004d in this example of structure 1002 are arranged to provide additional attenuation of impact force and / or a soft, comfortable feeling under the user's foot during certain activities, such as running (or walking) , landing from a step or jump, starting a jump, etc. During a typical step cycle, a runner lands a step toward the heel side of the foot. The bulbous area 1004a is provided in the rear heel area of this midsole component 1002 to provide additional impact force attenuation and / or a soft, comfortable feel at this time of heel impact. As the step continues, the foot rolls forward and the edge of the side of the sole comes into contact with the ground. The bulbous area 1004a is provided in the side side area (under the smallest toe) of that midsole component 1002 to provide additional impact force attenuation and / or a soft, comfortable feel at this point in the step cycle. As the foot continues to roll forward, it also begins to roll inward, towards the medial side, and eventually the runner pushes out of the ground using the first metatarsal head area and / or the big toe ( and possibly the adjacent finger). Bulbous areas 1004c and 1004d are provided in the area on the front side of the medial foot (below the foot eminence and / or the toe area) of this midsole component 1002 to provide additional impact force attenuation and / or a soft feel, comfortable in those moments in the step cycle.

[0103] Fig. 10B shows an illustration of the lower surface 1000a of sole structure 1000 which incorporates a midsole component 1002 of the type described above with respect to Fig. 10A included therein. As illustrated in this figure, the lower part of the sole structure 1000 includes traction elements and / or other aspects that are located under the bulbous areas 1004a-1004d (for example, formed as part of a protective component of the thin blanket type, as will be described in more detail below). The bulbous nature of the sole structure 1000 at the various locations and the foam material above those locations help to provide good attenuation of impact force in the bulbous areas 1004a-1004d. Additionally or as an alternative, if the foam material of the midsole component 1002 is sufficiently responsive, at least some of these bulbous areas 1004a-1004d can provide energy to return to the foot (for example, applying a foot lift force to the plantar surface of the foot). user as the impact force is decreased (as the foot rises to the next step) and the foam midsole component 1002 returns to its original shape).

[0104] Although four distinct bulbous areas are described and separated in the manner described above with respect to Fig. 10A, this is not a requirement. Instead, any desired pattern of bulbous areas, including more or less bulbous areas, can be provided in a midsole component without departing from the present invention. The sole structures according to the examples of the present invention can include any number of bulbous areas, including no bulbous areas; one, two or more bulbous areas (arranged in any desired manner). The bulbous area (s) can be arranged to provide attenuation of impact force, a feeling of softness and / or return energy, in any desired locations, optionally depending on the use to be made. the footwear is intended for. Bulbous areas of these types are also visible at the bottom of the sole structures illustrated in Figs. 2B-2F, 3A, 3B and 7, and can be included in any desired sole structure.

[0105] Figs. 11A to 11C show another illustrative basketball shoe 1150 that includes a sole structure 1100 according to at least some examples of the present invention. Fig. 11A is a side view of the 1150 shoe, Fig. 11B is a medial side view of the 1150 shoe, and Fig. 11C is a rear heel view of the 1150 shoe. This 1150 shoe includes a leather upper 1152 containing a type of multi-layered and melted bonded leather construction, although other constructions can be used without departing from the present invention. Leather 1152 is attached to a sole structure 1100 which includes aspects according to at least some examples of the present invention. Leather 1152 can be attached to the sole structure 1100 in any desired manner without departing from the invention, including in conventional ways as known and used in the art. As some more specific examples, the upper 1152 and the sole structure 1100 can be attached to each other, for example, by cements or adhesives, by mechanical connectors, by stitches or stitching, among others.

[0106] The sole structure 1100 of this illustrated example includes three main component parts. The first part constitutes a lightweight (and low density) midsole component 1102, for example, of the various types described above. This foam midsole component 1102 can extend to support all or substantially the entire plantar surface of a user's foot. Parts of the midsole component 1102 are exposed on the outer surface of the shoe structure 1150 at various locations in this illustrated example, including: (a) along the side edge, at least in the central area of the foot (see Fig. 11A) ; (b) in a frontal area of the fingers (optionally, at least on the side; see Fig. 11A); (c) along all or substantially the entire medial lateral border (see Fig. 11B); and (d) in a part of the upper back heel area on the medial side (see Fig. 11C). This 1102 foam midsole component provides a soft and comfortable feel to the user's foot, as generally described above with respect to the other lightweight foam midsole structures.

[0107] The second part of this illustrative sole structure 1100 is a protective component 1104 that contains at least partially the foam midsole component 1102. The protective component 1104 of this illustrated example constitutes a protective component of the polymeric foam type which can have a construction denser or heavier foam material than the foam material of the lightweight foam midsole component 1102. In this illustrated example, a portion of the protective component 1104 extends from a central side and / or heel area of the sole 1100, around the rear heel area of the sole structure 1100 and above to a sole structure of the medial heel area 1100. As best illustrated in Fig. 11C, the foam midsole component 1102 extends outward behind the protective component 1104 and is exposed on the outer surface of the shoe 1150 in the rear heel area of this 1100 sole structure. Another part of the protective component 1104 it is provided in the front area of the lateral foot of the 1150, as illustrated in Fig. 11A. This front part of the side foot of the protective component 1104 may be integrally formed with the protective component portion 1104 in the rear heel area as a unitary, one-piece construction, or it may be a separate part. Another part of the protective component 1104 of this example is provided in the extreme front toe area of the sole structure 1100, extending around the front toe area from the medial side to the side. This front part of the side foot of the front finger of the protective component 1104 can be integrally formed with one or more of the other protective component parts 1104 described above (as a unitary, one-piece construction) or it can be a separate part.

[0108] The third part of this example of sole structure 1100 is an outer sole element 1106, which can also function as a protective element, which is engaged with the underside of the midsole foam component 1102 and / or one or more of the protective components 1104. The outer sole element 1106 of this illustrative sole 1100 structure covers a large part of the bottom surface of the 1150 shoe. It may include traction elements, such as grooves, ridges, protuberances, zigzag patterns and / or other elements increase in traction. One or more sole protrusions, such as protrusion 1108, can cover and directly come into contact with a bulbous area of the lower surface of the foam midsole component 1102 (such as the bulbous areas described above in conjunction with Fig. 10A to provide a soft contact area of the sole structure 1100. As also illustrated in Fig. 11B, this illustrative sole component 1106 includes a defined opening therethrough in which a lower surface of the midsole member 1102 is exposed.

[0109] The sole element 1106 can be made of a thin, highly flexible material, which can have a base surface thickness (that is, a thickness of its layer surface or base blanket at locations that are not through a protrusion, a raised rib, a traction element or the like) of less than 3 mm, and in some instances, a base thickness of less than 2 mm, less than 1.5 mm, or even less than 1 mm, in some examples. This thin and flexible sole element 1106 can be formed of synthetic rubber with a hardness and other properties similar to those of synthetic rubber compounds conventionally used for shoe soles. This thin-soled blanket structure allows the sole element 1106 to flex significantly between Adjacent protuberances 1108 and / or other structural components. In some sole structures, parts of the sole element 1106 may be formed of a rubber compound that is more rigid and more durable than other parts of the sole element 1106. The rubber of greater durability could be used, for example, in an impact block located within the heel region and / or on the undersides of the projections located in certain other high-pressure regions that typically wear out more quickly.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 11A, the protective component 1104 of this example of sole structure 1100 has a wavy structure (with three external wave crests) that looks similar, at least in some respects, to the wavy structure described above in together with Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 11A, the central undulation of the protective element 1104 that extends around the heel area ends between the wave ridges of a two-wave structure provided in the foam midsole component 1102 in the central area of the lateral foot (at termination point 1110). A part of another front corrugated structure for the frontal protective component of the side foot 1104 originates in the interstitial area between the two wave ridges of the foam midsole component 1102 at point 1112. The corrugated structure of the foam midsole component 1102 originates in interstitial areas between the corrugations of the protective elements 1104 located in front of and behind the corrugated structure of the foam midsole component 1102 (see points 1114).

[0111] As shown in Fig. 11C, the three ripple structure on the side of the protective component 1104 is reduced to a two ripple structure on the lower medial heel side of the protective component 1104. As the foam midsole component 1102 emerges from behind the protective component 1104 in the rear heel area, the foam midsole component 1102 forms a two-wave structure that overlaps the two-wave structure of the protective component 1104 on the medial side of the sole structure 1100. Therefore, in this example of sole structure 1100, the wavy structure extending around the heel transforms from a three-wave structure on one side to a four-wave structure on the other side. On the medial side of the sole structure 1100, as shown in Fig. 11B, the ripple structure of the protective component 1104 ends at the low medial heel region of the sole structure 1100. The ripple structure of the foam midsole component 1102 extends further forward, and the upper outer crest of this wavy structure extends forward in a slightly wavy or curved manner. A shallow, independent corrugated structure extends around the front toe area along the side edge of the protective component 1104 and / or the exposed foam midsole component 1102, as shown in Figs. 11A and 11B.

[0112] Although several of the illustrative sole structures described above include: (a) a foam midsole component, for example, made of a lightweight foam material, and (b) another polymeric foam material as a protective element, optionally made of a heavier and denser polymeric foam material, it is not a requirement that a sole structure according to the present invention has two different polymeric foam materials. Instead, as described above with respect, for example, to Figs. 1A-2F, if desired, a protective component in the form of a sole component can be provided in at least part of a lower part of a lightweight, less dense foam midsole component without the need for another polymeric foam protective component on the sole structure. Figs. 12A to 12C illustrate another example of sole structure 1200 in which a lightweight and less dense foam midsole component 1202 (for example, of the types described above) is protected on at least parts of its underside with a sole component 1206, without the inclusion of another polymeric foam protective material at any other location in the 1200 sole structure.

[0113] Fig. 12A shows a side view, Fig. 12B shows a view from the medial side, and Fig. 12C shows a bottom view of this illustrative sole structure 1200 and the shoe item 1250 according to this example of invention. This example of footwear item 1250 is a running shoe, and includes a 1252 upper made of, for example, any of the various materials described above. As some more specific examples, the leather 1252 can be made, at least in part, from a textile material, such as a knitted material, a knitted material, among others. Leather 1252 can be attached to sole structure 1200 in any conventional manner, for example, using adhesives or cements.

[0114] Although it is not necessary to have any corrugated structure, the side surface 1202a of the lightweight midsole component 1202 of this illustrative structure 1200 does in fact include several corrugated structures, although the general corrugated structure of this sole 1200 differs in some respects from the various other structures wavy lines described above. As shown in Fig. 12A, the heel area of this illustrative midsole component 1202 includes a three-layer corrugated structure 1210 extending from the surrounding back heel area to the side side of the shoe 1250. A double-corrugated structure layer 1212 is provided in the central foot area of that midsole component 1202, and the two-layer corrugated structure 1212 is separated from the rear three-layer corrugated structure 1210 by a segment 1214 of the flat polymeric foam material (a part of the component lightweight midsole 1202) to thereby provide a gap in the wavy structures on the side of the shoe 1200. The series of two-layer undulations of the central part of the foot 1212 ends in the central area of the foot / forefoot of the sole structure. 1200. Another 1216 flat segment of polymeric material (a part of the lightweight midsole component 1202) produces a gap between the series of two-layer undulations in the center part 1 foot 1212 and a single curl 1218 (or raised rib structure) that extends around the toe area of the tennis shoe 1250.

[0115] The unique raised rib on the front of the foot 1218 of this illustrative structure extends from the side, around the front area of the toes, to the medial side of the shoe 1250, as shown in Figs. 12A and 12B. As illustrated in them, the only 1218 undulation ends in the front area of the medial foot. After another brief gap 1220 without any ripple (where a segment of flat polymeric foam 1220 of this midsole component 1202 is provided), a series of two layer 1222 ripples begins and extends backward through the front area of the foot. The lower corrugations of the two-layer corrugation series 1222 end in the central area of the foot, in which another flat segment 1224 of midsole material 1202 is provided. The upper ripple of the series of two layered ripples 1222, however, extends continuously along the upper edge of the midsole component 1202, at the junction between the midsole component 1202 and the upper 1252. After the flat segment 1224, the area of heel ripples 1210 begins on the medial side of the sole structure 1200. In particular, the upper ripples of the series of ripples on the front of the foot 1222 form the upper ripples of the series of rear heel ripples 1210.

[0116] The segments of flat polymeric foam material of the midsole component 1202, for example, the segments 1214, 1216, 1220 and 1224 provide areas that are slightly stiffened in the vertical direction compared to the areas supported by the various corrugated structures. In this illustrative structure 1200, particularly a flat gap segment 1214 is provided in the side heel area of sole structure 1200. This segment 1214 provides additional support for a runner's foot when landing a step during a cycle of running steps. The flat gap segment 1216, also on the side of the sole structure 1200, is located in or near the head area of the fifth metatarsal of the sole structure 1200. In this location, the somewhat stiffened flat segment 1216 provides additional support under the head area of the fifth metatarsal as the foot rolls forward during the continuation of the step cycle. The flat gap segment 1220 is located in the front medial area of the foot or toes of the sole structure 1200 and provides additional support for the user's big toe area, for example, during the impulse phase of the step cycle. The flat gap segment 1224 is provided in the arch area of the tennis 1250 and provides additional arch support for the user.

[0117] The heel ripple structure 1210 of this illustrative sole structure 1200 is interrupted in the area on the side of the medial heel by a series of angularly oriented support ribs 1230. In this illustrated example, the support ribs 1230 are angled in an upper rear to lower front direction. The ribs 1230, however, can be oriented at any desired angle without departing from the invention, including at a vertical angle (90 ° from the horizontal) when the sole 1200 rests on a horizontal surface. As additional examples, ribs 1230 can be oriented at an angle within the range of 25 ° to 90 °, with respect to the horizontal direction (when sole 1200 rests on a horizontal surface). The ribs 1230, when inclined in a different orientation than vertical, can be inclined in the opposite direction to that shown in Fig. 12B, that is, in a direction from lower back to upper front. Not all ribs in a series when more than one rib are present need to extend at the same angle as another rib (although all ribs can be parallel, if desired).

[0118] These ribs 1230 provide additional support for the medial side of the foot during the step cycle, for example, to prevent overpronation during a step cycle. Although other arrangements are possible, in this example of illustrated sole structure 1200, the ribs in area 1230 extend from the upper corrugated element to the lower corrugated element of the rear heel ripple series 1210. In this way, the ribs 1230 extend integrally from the top and bottom wave ridges and the ribs 1230 interrupt the central undulations of the series of three-layer undulations 1210. In addition, although three supporting rib elements 1230 are illustrated in Fig. 12B, one, two or more such rib elements 1230 could be provided as this type of medial heel support without departing from the invention.

[0119] In addition, the ribs 1230 of a series of individual footwear 1250 can have any desired shape without departing from the invention, including a triangular cross-sectional shape, a rounded cross-sectional shape, a flat cross-sectional shape or rectangular, etc. When more than one rib is present in a series of a sole structure 1200, not all the various ribs 1230 of that series have the same identical shape and / or even the same general shapes. Instead, the shapes of the rib elements 1240 can vary to a large extent, even in individual footwear 1250 without departing from the invention.

[0120] Turning now to Fig. 12C, the sole structure 1206 (or protective element) of this example of footwear item 1250 will be described in more detail. The sole element 1206 can be attached to the underside of the midsole foam component 1202, for example, using cements or adhesives. The outer sole element 1206 of this illustrative sole structure 1200 covers a large part of the bottom surface of the sneaker 1250. Although they may include any desired types of traction elements and / or traction element configuration, in this illustrated example, the traction elements they mainly consist of elevated protrusions (or protrusions) 1240 spaced around the bottom of the sole structure 1200 in a generally matrix pattern. If desired, one or more protuberances of the sole 1240, such as protuberance 1240, can cover and come directly into contact with a bulbous area of the lower surface of the foam midsole component 1202 (such as the bulbous areas described above in conjunction with Fig 10A) to provide a soft contact area of the sole structure 1200.

[0121] This sole element 1206 is made of a thin, highly flexible material, which can have a base surface thickness (that is, a thickness of its base layer or blanket surface at locations 1242 between the protrusions 1240) of less than 3 mm, and in some instances, a layer or base mat surface thickness of less than 2 mm, less than 1.5 mm, or even less than 1 mm. Although Fig. 12C shows protrusions 1240 as generally square or rectangular and substantially arranged in rows or columns (such as a matrix), any desired protrusion shapes and / or protrusion and / or spacing arrangements can be provided in a sole structure without departing from the invention. The sole element 1206 of this sole structure example 1202 can also have any of the structures, features or characteristics of similar thin sole components as described in US Patent Application No. 13 / 693,596 filed on December 4, 2012 and entitled “ Article of Footwear, ”this request is incorporated in this text in its entirety for reference purposes.

[0122] This thin and flexible sole element 1206 can be formed as a sheet-like material, for example, synthetic rubber with a hardness and other properties similar to the synthetic rubber compounds conventionally used for shoe soles. This thin sole structure allows the sole element 1206 to be very light and to flex significantly between adjacent protuberances 1242. In some sole structures, parts of the sole element 1206 can be formed from a rubber compound that it is harder and more durable than other parts of sole element 1206, or the blanket area of sole component 1242 can be made somewhat thicker in some areas than others. Longer durability or thicker rubber could be used, for example, in a 1244 impact block area located within the heel region and / or on the undersides of the protrusions located in certain other high pressure regions that typically wear out more. along the side edge of the 1206 sole, etc. Fig. 12C additionally shows that this illustrative thin blanket type 1206 sole structure is perforated in some locations (for example, in the central foot and central foot areas in this example). In addition, as further illustrated, the size of the bulge (e.g., height, cross-sectional dimensions, cross-sectional shapes, etc.) can vary over different areas of the 1206 sole structure.

[0123] The thin-layered soles member 1206 is attached to the polymeric foam member to cover at least 60% of a surface area of a lower surface of the midsole component 1202, and in some instances, at least 80%, at least 90% or even at least 95% of this surface area. At least most of the base surface of the mat (most of the surface area between the traction elements) will have a thickness that is less than 2 mm thick, and in some instances, less than 1.5 mm or even less than 1 mm thick. If desired, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90% or even at least 95% of the mat's base surface (surface area between the traction elements) will have the thickness characteristics noted above.

CONCLUSION

[0124] The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings, with reference to a variety of examples. However, the purpose proposed by the disclosure is to present examples of the various aspects and concepts related to the invention, and not to limit the scope of the invention. Aspects of an illustrative structure can be provided, used and / or interchanged in some of the other structures, even though that specific combination of structures and / or aspects is not described. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the structures described above, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. Footwear article (750) FEATURED for understanding: a leather (752); and a sole structure (800) attached to the upper (752), wherein the sole structure (800) includes a first polymeric foam member (804) to support at least one heel area of a user's foot, wherein the first polymeric foam member (804) includes: a side wall (804a), a medial side wall (804b), a rear heel wall (804c) connecting the medial side wall (804b) and the wall of the side (804a), a bottom wall (804d) connecting the medial side wall (804b), the side wall (804a) and the rear heel wall (804c), where the bottom wall (804d) of the first polymeric foam member (804) includes an opening (806) defined through it, and an open end opposite the rear heel wall (804c), where the first polymeric foam member (804) extends around an area rear heel of the sole structure (800), and in which at least a part of a lower surface of the prim the polymeric foam member (804) is exposed; a second polymeric foam member (802) containing a heel portion received at least partially in a defined space between the side wall (804a), the medial side wall (804b), the rear heel wall (804c), and the lower wall (804d) of the first polymeric foam member (804), wherein a front end of the foot (826) of the second polymeric foam member (802) extends beyond the open end of the first polymeric foam member ( 804), wherein the second polymeric foam member (802) has a density that is less than a density of the first polymeric foam member (804), wherein a part of a lower surface of the second polymeric foam member (802 ) is exposed in a front area of the lower foot of the shoe article (750), and in which the lower surface of the second polymeric foam member (802) is exposed through the opening (806) in the lower wall (804d) of the first member polymeric foam (804); and a protective element (824) engaged with the lower surface of the second polymeric foam member (802) in the front area of the lower foot. 2. Footwear article (750) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the second polymeric foam member (802) includes a foam material having a density of less than 0.25 g / cm3. 3. Footwear article (750) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the protective element (824) includes traction elements attached to the lower surface of the second polymeric foam member (802). 4. Footwear article (750) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the lower surface of the first polymeric foam member (804) includes at least one sole component (820) attached to it. 5. Footwear article (750), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the second polymeric foam member (802) is dimensioned in order to support an entire plantar surface of a user's foot. 6. Footwear article (750), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the upper (752) constitutes a basketball shoe upper, and by the fact that the sole structure (800) includes at least four wavy structures stacked vertically in the heel area. 7. Footwear article (750) according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the at least four vertically stacked corrugated structures are at least partially formed on the side wall (804a), on the medial side wall (804b ) and the rear heel wall (804c) of the first polymeric foam member (804). 8. Footwear article (750), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the upper (752) includes a knitted structure. 9. Footwear article (750) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the sole structure (800) includes a first series of corrugations (610) including at least three corrugated structures stacked vertically in the heel area. 10. Footwear article (750) according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the sole structure (800) includes a second series of undulations (612) including at least two vertically stacked undulated structures located in a central area of the foot of the sole structure (800). 11. Footwear article (750) according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that two of the vertically stacked corrugated structures of the second series of corrugations (612) extend into defined interstitial areas between three of the vertically stacked corrugated structures of the first series of undulations (610). 12. Footwear article (750) according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first series of corrugations (610) and the second series of corrugations (612) include interlaced corrugated structures. 13. Footwear article (750) according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the interlaced wavy structures are located in an area on the side of the lateral heel of the sole structure (800). 14. Footwear article (750) according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the sole structure (800) includes a second series of corrugations (612) including at least three vertically stacked corrugated structures located in a frontal area of the foot of the sole structure (800). 15. Footwear article (750) according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first series of undulations (610) and the second series of undulations (612) are separated by a plurality of support ribs (710- 718). 16. Footwear article (750), according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the plurality of support ribs (710-718) separating the first series of undulations (610) and the second series of undulations (612) includes three vertically oriented rib elements (710, 714, 718). 17. Footwear article (750), according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the three vertically oriented rib elements (710, 714, 718) are located along a support area of the fifth head of the metatarsal of the sole structure (800).

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