Sole structures and articles of footwear having conformable heel counter structures
US12302986B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2023 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B23/08
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a foot support component and/or heel counter structure that includes openings, voids, and/or grooves around the heel area. These openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel counter structure more conformable, lightweight, and/or flexible. The openings, voids, or grooves may allow the heel or heel counter structure to conform better to the heel/foot of a user, providing and an “adaptive” response, adapting differently to different heels. The openings, voids, or grooves may be customized within the heel counter component based on the shape of the foot and/or heel of the user. Additionally or alternatively, these openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel construction better to conform to the wearer's heel and better to contain and move with the wearer's heel, e.g., during use and to improve flexion, comfort, and fit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.