Foot support components for articles of footwear including multiple flexible projections at the ground-facing surface
US12102174B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2020 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43C15/162
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Foot support components for footwear include a sole member made from one or more parts and including a base surface. A plurality of medial side primary traction elements (e.g., soccer cleats) and a plurality of lateral side primary traction elements (e.g., soccer cleats) extend in a direction away from the base surface. A central space is defined between interior extents (e.g., interior-most surfaces) of the plurality of medial and lateral side primary traction elements, and this central space may be free of primary traction elements (e.g., free of cleats). A projection field comprising a plurality of projections is located at least partially in the central space. These projections can readily bend under the weight of the user and help provide better “feel” for a ball, e.g., by transmitting force from the ball to the wearer's foot and providing audible feedback when contacting the ball.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.