TWI620515B - Multi-component sole structure having an auxetic configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses an article of footwear comprising a sole structure having a midsole assembly and an insole assembly. The midsole assembly includes a hole that is configured in an embossed configuration. The midsole assembly and the insole assembly can have a different density. The midsole assembly and the insole assembly can have a different compressibility.

Description

Multi-component sole structure with bulging configuration [Cross-Reference to Related Applications]

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/030,002, filed on Sep. The manner is incorporated herein. This application is related to copending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. xxx (Attorney Docket No. 51-4273) filed on March 10, 2015, entitled "Midsole Component and Outer Sole Members with Auxetic Structure", which is a U.S. patent. The entire text of the application is incorporated herein by reference. The present application is also related to copending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. xxx (Attorney Docket No. 51-4337), filed on March 10, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. The entire text of the application is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to articles of footwear, and more particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to articles of footwear having an upper and a sole structure.

The article of footwear generally comprises two main components: an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from a variety of materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a space within the footwear to comfortably and securely receive the foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In many footwear items that include sneakers, shoes The bottom structure typically incorporates an insole, a midsole, and an outsole.

In one aspect, a sole structure includes a midsole assembly and an insole assembly. The midsole assembly includes a plurality of apertures disposed in a swell configuration. The midsole assembly is shaped to receive the insole assembly, and one of the midsole components has a first density that is different than a second density of the one of the insole components.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure having a midsole assembly and an insole assembly. The midsole assembly includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface includes a plurality of apertures disposed in a swell configuration. The inner surface includes a central recess that receives one of the insole components. At least one outsole component is attached to the outer surface of the midsole assembly.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the embodiments will be apparent or become apparent from the <RTIgt; All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments and the invention.

10‧‧‧forefoot part

12‧‧‧ midfoot part

14‧‧‧Heel part

15‧‧‧Foot section

16‧‧‧ outside

18‧‧‧ inside

100‧‧‧Shoes

102‧‧‧ vamp

103‧‧‧Sole structure

104‧‧‧下下

107‧‧‧ front end

108‧‧‧ Backend

109‧‧‧Back edge

114‧‧‧ openings

120‧‧‧Insole components

122‧‧‧ midsole components

124‧‧‧ outsole components

125‧‧‧lace

132‧‧‧ inner surface

134‧‧‧ outer surface

136‧‧‧ perimeter wall surface

140‧‧‧下下

142‧‧‧ sidewall section

Around 144‧‧

148‧‧‧Center recess

149‧‧‧ recessed side wall

150‧‧‧ inner surface

152‧‧‧ outer surface

160‧‧‧First outsole parts

162‧‧‧Second outsole parts

164‧‧‧ Third outsole parts

166‧‧‧Four outsole parts

170‧‧‧ inner surface

172‧‧‧ outer surface

200‧‧‧ hole

300‧‧‧ hole

320‧‧‧Sole part

400‧‧‧ area

402‧‧‧ hole

410‧‧‧ Direction

412‧‧‧second direction

602‧‧ ‧ inner peripheral surface

702‧‧‧ lower surface

710‧‧‧through hole

720‧‧‧through hole

730‧‧‧Blind hole

802‧‧‧ initial thickness

804‧‧‧ thickness

806‧‧‧Compressed thickness

910‧‧‧ feet

1000‧‧‧ sole structure

1002‧‧‧Insole components

1004‧‧‧ midsole components

1009‧‧‧Sole structure

1010‧‧‧ Insole components

1012‧‧‧ midsole components

1019‧‧‧Sole structure

1020‧‧‧ Insole components

1022‧‧‧ midsole components

1042‧‧‧ thickness

1050‧‧‧ thickness

1052‧‧‧ thickness

1054‧‧‧ thickness

1058‧‧‧thickness

1060‧‧‧Compressive force

The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather to illustrate the principles of the embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the

1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of an article of footwear; and FIG. 3 is a bottom view of one embodiment of an article of footwear. Figure 4 is a bottom isometric view of one of the embodiments of a sole assembly, including an enlarged schematic view of one of the sole components; Figure 5 is a bottom isometric view of one of the embodiments of the sole assembly, including An enlarged schematic view of one of the sole components, wherein the portion of the sole assembly is subjected to auxetic expansion; Figure 6 is a schematic isometric view of one embodiment of a sole structure including a midsole assembly and an insole assembly; Figure 7 is a bottom isometric view of one of the embodiments of the sole structure of Figure 6; One of the articles of footwear before insertion of a foot is shown in a side cross-sectional view; FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of one of the articles of footwear when inserted into a foot; and FIG. 10 to FIG. A schematic representation of various material configurations of a midsole assembly and an insole assembly of a midsole assembly.

1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an article of footwear 100. In the exemplary embodiment, article of footwear 100 is in the form of a sports shoe. However, in other embodiments, the pross discussed herein with respect to footwear article 100 can be incorporated into a variety of other footwear including, but not limited to, basketball shoes, hiking shoes, English Football shoes, American football shoes, casual shoes, running shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, baseball shoes and other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments, the preforms discussed herein with respect to article of footwear 100 can be incorporated into a variety of other non-sports related footwear including, but not limited to, slippers, sandals, high heels, and flat bottoms. shoe.

For clarity, the following detailed description discusses features of article of footwear 100 (also referred to simply as article 100). However, it should be appreciated that other embodiments may incorporate a corresponding article of footwear that may share portions (and possibly all) of the features of the article 100 described herein and illustrated in the drawings (eg, when the object 100 is a left In the case of footwear, it can be incorporated into a right footwear item).

Embodiments may be characterized by various directional adjectives and reference portions. These directions and reference portions may facilitate the description of portions of an article of footwear. Furthermore, the directions and reference portions can also be used to describe sub-assemblies of an article of footwear (eg, an insole component, a midsole component, an outsole component, an upper, or any other component orientation and/or portion). .

For the sake of consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed in this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. As used in this detailed description and in the scope of the patent application, the term "longitudinal" "" means a direction extending along one of the lengths of one of the components (eg, an upper or a sole assembly). In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the assembly. Moreover, as used in this detailed description and the scope of the claims, the term "lateral" refers to a direction extending along one of the widths of one of the components. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between one of the inner side and the outer side of one of the components. Moreover, as used in this detailed description and the scope of the claims, the term "vertical" means generally perpendicular to one of the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case where one of the objects is placed flat on a floor, the vertical direction may extend upward from the ground. Further, the term "internal" refers to a portion of the article that is placed closer to one of the interiors of an article or that is placed closer to a foot when the article is worn. Similarly, the term "external" refers to a portion of the article that is placed further away from the interior of an article or further away from the foot. Thus, for example, the inner surface of a component is placed closer to the interior of one of the objects than the outer surface of the component. This detailed description uses such directional adjectives to describe an article and various components of the article (including an upper, a midsole structure, and/or an outsole structure).

Object 100 can be characterized by several different regions or portions. For example, the article 100 can include a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion, and an ankle portion. Furthermore, the components of the article 100 can likewise include corresponding portions. Referring to Figure 1, the article 100 can be divided into a forefoot portion 10, a midfoot portion 12, and a heel portion 14. The forefoot portion 10 can generally be associated with the toes and the joint connecting the tibia to the phalanges. The midfoot portion 12 can be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, the heel portion 14 can be generally associated with a heel that includes a foot of one of the root bones. The article 100 can also include an ankle portion 15 (which can also be referred to as a reverse collar portion). In addition, the article 100 can also include an outer side 16 and an inner side 18. In particular, the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 can be opposite sides of the article 100. Additionally, both the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 can extend through the forefoot portion 10, the midfoot portion 12, the heel portion 14, and the ankle portion 15.

2 depicts an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of an article of footwear 100. 1 through 2 illustrate various components of an article of footwear 100 including an upper 102 and a sole structure 103.

In general, upper 102 can be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 It can have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments in which the article 100 is a basketball shoe, the upper 102 can be a high-top upper that is shaped to provide high support for an ankle. In embodiments in which the article 100 is a running shoe, the upper 102 can be a low upper.

In some embodiments, upper 102 includes an opening 114 that provides access to a lumen of the foot into upper 102. In some embodiments, upper 102 may also include a tongue (not shown) that provides cushioning and support across the instep of the foot. Some embodiments may include fastening preforms including, but not limited to, laces, cables, straps, buttons, zippers, and any other preforms known in the art for fastening articles. In some embodiments, a lace 125 can be applied at one of the fastening regions of the upper 102.

Some embodiments may include an upper extending below the foot to provide 360 degree coverage at some areas of the foot. However, other embodiments need not include an upper that extends below the foot. In other embodiments, for example, an upper may have a lower perimeter that engages a sole structure and/or insole.

An upper may be formed by a variety of different manufacturing techniques that result in various upper structures. For example, in some embodiments, an upper may have a braided configuration, a woven (eg, warp-knitted) configuration, or some other woven construction. In an exemplary embodiment, upper 102 may be a woven upper.

In some embodiments, the sole structure 103 can be configured to provide traction of the article 100. In addition to providing traction, the sole structure 103 can also attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other walking activities. The configuration of sole structure 103 can vary significantly in various embodiments to encompass a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of the sole structure 103 can be configured in accordance with one or more types of ground on which the sole structure 103 can be used. Examples of flooring include, but are not limited to, natural turf, synthetic turf, mud, hardwood flooring, and other surfaces.

The sole structure 103 is secured to the upper 102, and when the article 100 is worn, the sole structure 103 extends between the foot and the ground. In various embodiments, sole structure 103 can include different components. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the sole structure 103 can include an insole assembly 120, a midsole assembly 122, and a plurality of outsole members 124. In some cases, one or more of these components may be selected.

Referring now to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the insole assembly 120 can be configured as an inner layer of a midsole. For example, as will be discussed in further detail below, the insole assembly 120 can be integrated or received into one of the midsole assemblies 122. However, in other embodiments, the insole assembly 120 can function as an inner bottom layer and/or a strobel layer. Thus, in at least some embodiments, the insole component 120 can be joined (eg, stitched or glued) to the lower portion 104 of the upper 102 to secure the sole structure 103 to the upper 102.

The insole assembly 120 can have an inner surface 132 and an outer surface 134. The inner surface 132 can be oriented generally toward the upper 102. The outer surface 134 can be oriented generally toward the midsole assembly 122. Additionally, a perimeter sidewall surface 136 can extend between the inner surface 132 and the outer surface 134.

The midsole assembly 122 can be configured to provide cushioning, shock absorption, energy return, support, and possibly other provisions. To this end, the midsole assembly 122 can have a geometry that provides the structure and support of the article 100. In particular, it can be seen that the midsole assembly 122 has a lower portion 140 and a side wall portion 142. The sidewall portion 142 can extend around the entire perimeter 144 of the midsole assembly 122. As seen in Figure 1, the side wall portion 142 can partially wrap the side of the article 100 to provide increased support along the sole of the foot.

The midsole assembly 122 can further include an inner surface 150 and an outer surface 152. The inner surface 150 can be oriented generally toward the upper 102 and the outer surface 152 can be oriented outward. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, midsole assembly 122 includes a central recess 148 disposed in inner surface 150. The central recess 148 can be generally sized and configured to receive the insole assembly 120.

In some embodiments, the midsole assembly 122 can include a plurality of apertures 200, etc., etc. A small portion can extend through the entire thickness of the midsole assembly 122. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, portions of the plurality of apertures 200 are visible within the central recess 148.

In various embodiments, the midsole assembly 122 can generally incorporate various preforms associated with the midsole. For example, in one embodiment, a midsole assembly may be formed from one of the polymeric foam materials that weakens (ie, provides cushioning) ground reaction during walking, running, and other walking activities. In various embodiments, the midsole assembly can also include, for example, a fluid-filled cavity, sheet, regulator, or other component that further weakens the force, improves stability, or affects the motion of the foot.

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of the sole structure 103. As seen in Figures 2 through 3, the plurality of outsole members 124 include four different outsole members. Specifically, the sole structure 103 includes a first outsole member 160, a second outsole member 162, a third outsole member 164, and a fourth outsole member 166. Although the exemplary embodiment includes four different outsole components, other embodiments may include any other number of outsole components. In another embodiment, for example, there may be only a single outsole component. In yet another embodiment, only two outsole members can be used. In yet another embodiment, only three outsole members can be used. In other embodiments, five or more outsole members may be used.

In general, an outsole member can be configured as a ground contacting member. In some embodiments, an outsole component can include properties associated with the outsole, such as durability, wear resistance, and increased traction. In other embodiments, an outsole component can include properties associated with a midsole that includes cushioning, strength, and support. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of outsole members 124 can be configured to enhance the traction with a ground and maintain wear resistance such as an outsole member.

In various embodiments, the position of one or more outsole members can vary. In some embodiments, one or more outsole members can be disposed in a forefoot portion of one of the sole structures. In other embodiments, one or more outsole members can be disposed in a foot portion of one of the sole structures. In other embodiments, one or more outsole members can be placed on one of the sole structures Follow the section. In an exemplary embodiment, the first outsole member 160 and the second outsole member 162 can be disposed in the forefoot portion 10 of the sole structure 103. More specifically, the first outsole member 160 can be disposed on the inner side 18 of the forefoot portion 10 and the second outsole member 162 can be disposed on the outer side 16 of the forefoot portion 10. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, the third outsole member 164 and the fourth outsole member 166 can be disposed in the heel portion 14 of the sole structure 103. More specifically, the third outsole member 164 can be disposed on the outer side 16 and the fourth outsole member 166 can be disposed on the inner side 18. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first outsole member 160 and the second outsole member 162 are spaced apart from each other in the center of the forefoot portion 10, while the third outsole member 164 and the fourth outsole member 166 are in the center of the heel portion 14. They are spaced apart from each other. This exemplary configuration provides an outsole component at various areas of increased ground contact during various medial and lateral cuts to enhance traction during such movements.

The size of the various outsole components can vary. In the exemplary embodiment, first outsole member 160 can be the largest outsole member of a plurality of outsole members 124. Moreover, the second outsole member 162 can be substantially smaller than the first outsole member 160, thereby providing traction on the inside 18 of the sole structure 103 greater than the traction on the outside 16 of the forefoot portion 10. At the heel portion 14, both the third outsole member 164 and the fourth outsole member 166 are widest toward the rear edge 109 along one of the sole structures 103 and are slightly tapered toward the midfoot portion 12.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the first outsole member 160 has an inner surface 170 and an outer surface 172. The inner surface 170 can be generally disposed to abut the midsole assembly 122. The outer surface 172 can face outward and can be a ground contacting surface. For clarity, only the inner and outer surfaces of the first outsole member 160 are indicated in FIGS. 2 through 3, however, it should be understood that the remaining outsole members may also include corresponding inner surfaces having similar orientations relative to the midsole assembly 122. And the outer surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insole assembly 120 can be disposed within the central recess 148 of the midsole assembly 122. More specifically, the insole component 120 outer surface 134 can be oriented toward the inner surface 150 of the midsole assembly 122 and in contact with the inner surface 150 of the midsole assembly 122. In addition, in one In some cases, the peripheral sidewall surface 136 may also contact the inner surface 150 along an inner recess sidewall 149. Additionally, a plurality of outsole members 124 can be placed against the outer surface 152 of the midsole assembly 122. For example, the inner surface 170 of the first outsole member 160 can face the outer surface 152 of the midsole assembly 122 and contact the outer surface 152 of the midsole assembly 122. In some embodiments, when the midsole assembly 122 and the insole assembly 120 are assembled, the midsole assembly 122 and the insole assembly 120 can form a composite midsole assembly or a two-layer midsole assembly.

In various embodiments, upper 102 and sole structure 103 can be joined in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, upper 102 can be joined to insole assembly 120, for example, using an adhesive or by stitching. In other embodiments, upper 102 may be joined to midsole assembly 122, for example, along sidewall portion 142. In other embodiments, upper 102 can engage both insole component 120 and midsole component 122. Further, any of the methods known in the art for joining a sole assembly to an upper, including various capping techniques and specifications (e.g., plaque, ferrule, etc.) can be used to join the components.

In various embodiments, the attachment configuration of the various components of article 100 can vary. For example, in some embodiments, the insole assembly 120 can be coupled or otherwise attached to the midsole assembly 122. This bonding or attachment can be accomplished using any known method for incorporating components of the article of footwear, including, but not limited to, adhesives, films, tapes, cotton fibers, stitching, or other methods. In some other embodiments, it is contemplated that the insole assembly 120 may not be bonded or attached to the midsole assembly 122, but may be free to float. In at least some embodiments, the insole assembly 120 can have a friction fit with one of the central recesses 148 of the midsole assembly 122.

As such, the outsole member 124 can be joined or otherwise attached to the midsole assembly 122. This bonding or attachment can be accomplished using any known method for incorporating components of the article of footwear, including, but not limited to, adhesives, films, tapes, cotton fibers, stitching, or other methods.

It is contemplated that in at least some embodiments, both or both of the insole component 120, the midsole component 122, and/or the outsole component 124 can be formed and/or combined together during a molding process. on. For example, in some embodiments, the insole assembly 120 can be molded into the central recess 148 after the midsole assembly 122 is formed.

Embodiments may include preforms to facilitate expansion and/or adaptability of a sole structure during dynamic motion. In some embodiments, a sole structure can be configured to have an auxetic preform. In particular, one or more components of the sole structure are capable of undergoing an inflating motion (eg, expansion and/or contraction).

As shown in Figures 1 through 5 and as will be described in further detail below, sole structure 103 has an auxetic structure or configuration. A sole structure including an auxetic structure is described in the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/030,002, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire content The entire disclosure of this U.S. Patent Application is incorporated herein by reference.

As described in the auxetic structure application, the auxetic material has a Poisson's ratio such that when the material is pulled in a first direction, its dimensions are along the first direction and orthogonal or perpendicular. Both of the first direction and the second direction increase. This property of an auxetic material is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

As seen in FIG. 3, the sole structure 103 can include a plurality of holes 300. As used herein, the term "hole" refers to any hollow or recessed area in an assembly. In some cases, a hole can be a through hole, wherein the hole extends between two opposing surfaces of a component. In other cases, a hole may be a blind hole, wherein the hole may not extend through the entire thickness of the component and thus may be open only on one side. Again, as discussed in further detail below, a component can utilize a combination of one of a via and a blind via. In addition, in some cases, the term "hole" may be used interchangeably with "hole" or "recess".

The sole structure 103 can be further associated with a plurality of discrete sole portions 320 in an area containing one or more apertures. In particular, sole portion 320 includes a portion of sole structure 103 that extends between a plurality of apertures 300. It can also be seen that a plurality of holes 300 extend over the sole Part between 320. Thus, it will be appreciated that each aperture may be surrounded by a plurality of sole portions such that the boundaries of the apertures may be defined by the edges of the sole portion. This arrangement between the hole (or hole) and the sole portion is discussed in further detail in the auxetic structure application.

As seen in FIG. 3, a plurality of holes 300 can extend through a substantial portion of the midsole assembly 122. In some embodiments, a plurality of holes 300 can extend through the midfoot component 122, the midfoot portion 12, and the heel portion 14. In other embodiments, a plurality of apertures 300 may not extend through each of the portions.

A plurality of apertures 300 can also extend through the plurality of outsole members 124. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the first outsole member 160, the second outsole member 162, the third outsole member 164, and the fourth outsole member 166 includes two or more apertures. However, in other embodiments, one or more outsole members may not include any holes.

In various embodiments, the geometry of one or more of the holes can vary. Examples of different geometries that can be used in a swellable sole structure are disclosed in the auxetic structure application. Moreover, embodiments may also utilize any other geometric shape, such as a sole portion having a parallelogram geometry or other polygonal geometry disposed in a pattern to provide a sole having an auxetic structure. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of holes 300 has a Samsung geometry that includes three arms or points extending from a common center.

The geometry of one or more sole portions may also vary. Examples of different geometries that can be used in a swellable sole structure are disclosed in the auxetic structure application. It will be appreciated that the geometry of a sole portion can be determined from the geometry of the holes in an bulging pattern, and vice versa. In an exemplary embodiment, each sole portion has a generally triangular geometry.

The plurality of apertures 300 can be disposed on the sole structure 103 in a swell or swell configuration. In other words, the plurality of apertures 300 can allow the midsole assembly 122 and/or the outsole member 124 to be placed on the components in one of a swell motion, such as expansion or contraction. An example of auxetic expansion caused by the swell configuration of a plurality of holes 300 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. First, in Figure 4, the sole structure 103 is in a non-tensioned state. In this state, multiple holes 300 has an untensioned area. For purposes of illustration, only one region 400 of the midsole assembly 122 is shown, wherein the region 400 includes a subset of the apertures 402.

When a tensile force (as shown in Figure 5) is applied across the sole structure 103 in an exemplary linear direction 410 (e.g., a longitudinal direction), the sole structure 103 undergoes swell expansion. That is, the sole structure 103 expands in a direction 410 and a second direction 412 that is perpendicular to the direction 410. As seen in FIG. 5, as the size of the aperture 402 increases, the representative region 400 expands simultaneously in both direction 410 and direction 412.

Embodiments may include preforms for a two-layer midsole structure. In some embodiments, a midsole assembly can be configured to mate with or otherwise engage an insole assembly such that the two components form a single midsole structure or other similar sole structure. Again, the two layers can be configured to have different properties, such as different densities, different degrees of compression, and possibly other material properties.

As previously discussed and as shown in FIG. 2, the insole assembly 120 can be configured to fit within the central recess 148 of the midsole assembly 122. In particular, the central recess 148 is sized to fit the insole assembly 120. Further, in some embodiments, the central recess 148 can extend along the entire length of the sole structure 103, i.e., from the front end 107 of one of the sole structures 103 to one of the rear ends 108 of the sole structure 103 (see Figure 6).

6 depicts an isometric view of a sole structure 103 having an insole assembly 120 assembled with a midsole assembly 122, including an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the two components. As seen in Figure 6, the insole assembly 120 fits snugly within the central recess 148 (see Figure 2). In particular, the mating is configured such that the outer surface 134 of the insole assembly 120 rests against the inner surface 150 of the midsole assembly 122 and the peripheral sidewall surface 136 of the insole assembly 120 is disposed to fit snugly within the midsole assembly 122 Concave sidewall 149.

As seen in FIG. 6, the inner surface 150 of the midsole assembly 122 includes an inner peripheral surface 602 that forms the inner surface of the sidewall portion 142 of the midsole assembly 122. In at least some embodiments, the insole assembly 120 can be flush with a surface of the midsole assembly 122. In an exemplary implementation In one example, the inner surface 132 of the insole assembly 120 can be flush or substantially flush with the inner peripheral surface 602 of the midsole assembly 122. This flush configuration provides an overall feel of the insole assembly 120 and the midsole assembly 122 against one of the feet (which can be separated by a sock and/or additional pad). Of course, in other embodiments, the inner surface 132 can be raised above the inner peripheral surface 602. In other embodiments, the inner surface can be recessed below the inner peripheral surface 602.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom isometric view of one of the sole structures 103 including an enlarged view of one of a plurality of apertures in the midsole assembly 122. Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, the insole assembly 120 can be at least partially exposed to a lower surface 702 of the sole structure 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of apertures 200 can include a set of through holes 710 that extend through the entire thickness of the midsole assembly 122 (ie, extending between the outer surface 152 and the inner surface 150). That is, the apertures in the set of through holes 710 are open to the central recess 148 on the inner surface 150. The result of this configuration is that portions of the insole assembly 120 can be seen through the set of through holes 710.

As shown in FIG. 7, a representative through hole 720 extends through the entire thickness of the midsole assembly 122. Thus, the outer surface 134 of the insole assembly 120 can be seen within the through hole 720, and the outer surface 134 of the insole assembly 120 can be seen in other holes of the set of through holes 710. It should also be appreciated that some of the apertures are not through-holes (i.e., some of the apertures may be blind apertures) such that the insole assembly 120 cannot be seen through such blind apertures. For example, a blind hole 730 can be seen on the midsole assembly 122. As seen in Figure 7, the insole assembly 120 cannot be seen through the blind holes 730.

In at least some embodiments, midsole assembly 122 and insole assembly 120 can have different colors. For example, in an embodiment, the midsole assembly 122 can be green and the insole assembly 120 can be red. This may provide a pleasing effect on the outer surface of one of the sole structures 103 by partially seeing or exposing the insole assembly 120 through some of the apertures in the midsole assembly 122.

In various embodiments, the physical characteristics of the layers or components in a two-layer structure can vary. In some embodiments, an insole component and a midsole component can have similar physical properties. In other embodiments, an insole component and a midsole component can have different physical properties and/or can be made of different materials.

In at least some embodiments, the insole component 120 and the midsole component 122 can have different values of compressibility. As used herein, the term "compressibility" refers to the degree of volumetric compression of an object under a compressive force. In some embodiments, the midsole assembly 122 can compress less than the insole assembly 120. In other embodiments, the midsole assembly 122 can compress more than the insole assembly 120. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, the insole assembly 120 can be compressed more than the midsole assembly 122 such that the insole assembly provides improved cushioning and shaping of one of the legs within the article 100.

8 and 9 illustrate side cross-sectional views of one embodiment of an article 100 including an insole assembly 120 and a midsole assembly 122. If there is no foot in the article 100, the insole assembly 120 and the midsole assembly 122 have an uncompressed configuration, as shown in FIG. In this uncompressed configuration, the insole assembly 120 has a thickness 802 and the midsole assembly 122 has a thickness 804.

When a foot is inserted into the article 100, the user's weight (and additional force or no additional force) can apply a compressive force to the sole structure 103, thereby compressing the insole assembly 120. For example, a foot portion 910 applies a compressive force against the sole structure 103, thereby compressing the insole assembly 120 from an initial thickness 802 to a compressed thickness 806. In contrast, the midsole assembly 122 may be less subject to large thickness variations than the insole assembly 120 may compress less. As seen in Figure 9, the midsole assembly 122 has a substantially constant thickness 804.

In some embodiments, the density of an insole component and a midsole component can vary. In some embodiments, an insole assembly can have a density similar to one of a midsole assembly. In other embodiments, an insole assembly can have a density that is different from one of the midsole components. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8-9, the insole assembly 120 can have a different density than one of the midsole assemblies 122. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the insole assembly 120 can be made of a material that is less dense than the midsole assembly 122. As an example, the midsole assembly 122 can be made of a material comprising a high density foam, and the insole assembly 120 can be made of a material comprising a low density foam. The pair of sole structures 103 provide a dual density configuration wherein the higher density of the midsole assembly 122 provides improved durability on the outside of one of the sole structures 103.

It will be appreciated that in some materials, density and firmness may be correlated such that materials having a lower density may compress less than similar materials having a higher density. However, some materials, such as some foams, may have a density that is independent of their compressibility. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the density and/or compressibility of an insole component can vary.

It will be further appreciated that in some embodiments, the density of one or more outsole members may differ from the density of an insole component or a midsole component. For example, in one embodiment, the outsole member 124 can have a greater density than both the insole assembly 120 and the midsole assembly 122, thereby providing better durability in areas where the traction of the ground is intended to be greatest. Sex.

10 through 12 illustrate schematic views of several different embodiments of a sole structure utilizing different physical properties for an insole assembly and a midsole assembly. In FIG. 10, a sole structure 1000 includes a midsole assembly 1004 and an insole assembly 1002. In FIG. 11, a sole structure 1009 includes a midsole assembly 1012 and an insole assembly 1010. In FIG. 12, a sole structure 1019 includes a midsole assembly 1022 and an insole assembly 1020. In Figures 10 and 11, midsole assembly 1004 and midsole assembly 1012 can be made of the same material having the same compressibility. However, the insole assembly 1002 can be made of a different material than the insole assembly 1010 that can provide the insole assembly 1002 with a different compressibility than the insole assembly 1010. As seen in Figures 10-11, at a compressive force 1060, the midsole assembly 1004 and the midsole assembly 1012 are not significantly compressed to maintain a consistent thickness 1042 before and after compression. In contrast, both the insole assembly 1002 and the insole assembly 1010 undergo compression. However, the insole assembly 1002 is compressed to a thickness 1050 that is greater than the thickness 1052 of the insole assembly 1010.

Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment in which both a midsole assembly and an insole assembly are subjected to compression. As shown in FIG. 12, the midsole assembly 1022 is made of a material that is different from one of the midsole assembly 1004 or the midsole assembly 1012. When the sole structure 1019 is subjected to a compressive force 1060, both the insole assembly 1020 and the midsole assembly 1022 are compressed to a thickness 1054 and a thickness 1058, respectively. As shown in Figure 12, the insole assembly 1020 undergoes a greater degree of compression than the midsole assembly 1022.

Embodiments may use any method to fabricate a two-component sole structure, such as dual density or Double compressible sole structure. Some embodiments may utilize a single bottom injection method, various other injection molding methods, and/or a blow molding method. Further, in some cases, the insole component and the midsole component can be molded simultaneously, while in other cases, the insole component and the midsole component can be separately molded and glued together.

While the various embodiments have been described, the invention is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive Any feature of any embodiment can be used in combination with or in place of any other feature or element in any other embodiment, unless explicitly limited. Accordingly, the examples are not limited except in the scope of the accompanying claims and their equivalents. In addition, various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (18)

A sole structure comprising: a midsole assembly and an insole assembly; the midsole assembly comprising a plurality of apertures disposed in an embossed configuration; the midsole assembly shaped to receive the insole assembly; wherein the midsole assembly One of the bottom members has a first density different from a second density of the inner bottom member; wherein the midsole assembly includes a recess on an inner surface of one of the inner bottom members; and wherein the plurality of holes are included from the midsole An outer surface of the component extends to at least one aperture of the inner surface of the midsole assembly. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein a portion of the insole component is exposed through the at least one aperture. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein the midsole component has a color different from one of the insole components. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of holes is a blind hole. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the midsole component has a higher density than the one of the insole components. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the midsole assembly is made of a material comprising a high density foam. The sole structure of claim 6, wherein the insole component is made of a material comprising one of the foams. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the insole component is compressible more than the midsole component. An article of footwear comprising: An upper; a sole structure comprising a midsole assembly and an insole assembly; the midsole assembly comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; the outer surface comprising a plurality of apertures disposed in an embossed configuration; The surface includes a central recess that receives one of the insole assemblies; and at least one outsole member is attached to the outer surface of the midsole assembly. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the central recess has a first geometric shape, wherein the inner sole assembly has a second geometric shape and wherein the first geometric shape matches the second geometric shape. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein an inner surface of the inner sole component is partially flush with one of the inner surfaces of the midsole component. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the central recess extends from a front end of the midsole assembly to a rear end of the midsole assembly. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the insole component is compressible more than the midsole component. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the insole component is exposed to the outer surface of the sole structure through at least one aperture in the midsole assembly. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the at least one outsole member has a different density than the one of the insole members. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the at least one outsole member has a different density than the one of the midsole members. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the at least one outsole member is disposed in a recess of the midsole assembly. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the midsole component is thicker than the insole component that is closest to the central recess.