Flex groove sole assembly with biasing structure
US8776400B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B13/182
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly that is operably coupled to the upper. The sole assembly defines a ground engaging surface. The sole assembly also includes a first portion and a second portion that are separated by an opening. The opening is open at the ground engaging surface and extends in a depth direction from the ground engaging surface. The article of footwear also includes a reinforcing tube that is fixedly coupled to at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the sole assembly. The article of footwear further includes a flexible cord including a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. The middle portion extends at least partially through the reinforcing tube and across the opening between the first portion and the second portion. The cord is configured to bias the first portion toward the second portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.