Footwear sole structure with articulating plates
US10477918B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B13/223
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An improved sole structure for article of footwear is disclosed herein. The sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole coupled to the midsole. The midsole includes a plurality of grooves disposed both centrally and on the sides of the bottom surface. The outsole includes a plurality of outboard plates, aligned on the sides of the outsole, and a plurality of inboard plates, centrally aligned on the outsole. A plurality of hinges couple the plurality of outboard plates to the plurality of inboard plates such that each of the plates are able to pivot independent of the other plates. The outsole further includes a series of slots and openings aligned with the plurality of grooves of the midsole. The combination of the independent pivotal plates of the outsole, the grooves of the midsole, and flexure of the midsole provide a dynamic and multi-directional flexing sole structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.