Article of footwear with improved stability and balance
US8051583B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B13/14
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The stability and balance offered by an article of footwear is improved by including a rigid layer in an outsole assembly of the article of footwear. The rigid layer may include a material of at least a predefined rigidity. For example, an outsole may be fitted with a carbon fiber plate that maintains the shape and a flatness of the outsole assembly. The rigid layer may be attached to one or more other layers that may be configured for impact force attenuation and comfort. In one or more arrangements, the rigid layer may be sandwiched between two other layers. Alternatively, the rigid layer may be insertable into a layer of the outsole. A channel may cut into a layer of the outsole to distribute weight to an outside portion of the outsole. This distribution of weight to the outside portion of the outsole may improve stability and balance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.