Foot support components for articles of footwear
US11490679B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 2020 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B21/32
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Foot support components include plural foot support members (e.g., arched slats or other support members) forming at least a portion of a footbed for a sole structure/article of footwear. Spacings between individual foot support members enable selective activation of one or more individual members, thereby providing support where needed and enhancing overall comfort without overly stiffening the footbed. When made from sufficiently rigid/resilient materials, the foot support components may apply return energy to the wearer's foot. This may occur, for example, by vertically deflecting (e.g., flattening out) one or more foot support members under applied force, and then the deflected foot support member(s) will spring back to and/or toward its/their original shape when the force sufficiently abates/relaxes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.