Footwear with flexible auxetic sole structure
US9681703B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An article of footwear may include a sole structure comprising an outer member and a plurality of ground engaging members, including a first ground engaging member. The ground engaging members extend substantially downward from the outer surface of a sole structure. Ground engaging members, or cleats, may be auxetic structures that can increase their dimensions in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of applied force or tension. The ground engaging members may comprise a series of faces joined along hinge portions that allow ground engaging members to flatten and expand significantly. The first ground engaging member may have a substantially three-pointed star-shaped pyramidal structure. The outer member may have a more elastic material than the material comprising the faces of ground engaging member. The outer member may have an inner surface with apertures that correspond with the ground engaging members of the outer surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.