ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING A SOLE PLATE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]Not applicable

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002]Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0003]Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

[0004]The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear including a sole plate.

2. Description of the Background

[0005]Many conventional shoes or other articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to a lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole attaches to a lower surface or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole and may provide cushioning or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. The sole may also include additional components, such as plates, embedded with the sole to increase the overall stiffness of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.

[0006]The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, the upper extends over the instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be disposed below a lacing system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may further be manipulable by a user to permit entry or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes.

[0007]However, in many cases, articles of footwear having uppers with an increased comfort and better fit are desired, along with soles having improved cushioning systems or structural characteristics such as a sole plate to add rigidity or spring-like properties.

SUMMARY

[0008]According to some aspects of the disclosure, a sole plate for a sole structure of an article of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe end at a distal end of the forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region including a heel end at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate defines an outer edge, and the outer edge includes a first plurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys that are located on the lateral side of the forefoot region. The first plurality of peaks and the first plurality of valleys are disposed between the widest section of the sole plate and the toe end of the sole plate.

[0009]According to some aspects of the disclosure, a sole plate for a sole structure of an article of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe end at a distal end of the forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region including a heel end at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate defines an outer edge, and the outer edge includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys. At least half of the plurality of peaks are disposed on the lateral side between the widest section and the toe end, and the peaks that are disposed on the lateral side between the widest section and the toe end define a smaller radius of curvature than the peaks that are not disposed on the lateral side between the widest section and the toe end.

[0010]According to some aspects of the disclosure, a sole plate for a sole structure of an article of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe end at a distal end of the forefoot region. The sole plate further includes a midfoot region and a heel region with a heel end at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate includes an outer edge, a curved portion, and a rear portion. The sole plate also includes a plurality of ribs and a plurality of apertures. The lateral side of the forefoot region of the outer edge includes at least three peaks and at least two valleys.

[0011]In some embodiments, the heel end of the sole plate includes a plurality of heel peaks separated by a heel valley. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of ribs. In some embodiments, the sole plate defines a central longitudinal plane that runs from a toe end of the sole plate to a heel end of the sole plate, and the plurality of ribs are generally disposed along the direction of the central longitudinal plane. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a curved portion and a rear portion, and the curved portion is an anterior curved portion, and the rear portion is generally planar. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the sole plate, which includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys on the lateral side of the forefoot region, includes more peaks than valleys. In some embodiments, the plurality of valleys on the lateral side of the forefoot region includes two valleys. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of apertures. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures includes a first aperture and a second aperture, and the first aperture is disposed closer to a toe end of the sole plate than the second aperture. In some embodiments, the medial side of the outer edge of the sole plate includes at least one peak and at least one valley.

[0012]In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of valleys of the outer edge is disposed on the lateral side of the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the valley or valleys disposed on the lateral side of the forefoot region define a smaller radius of curvature than the valleys that are not disposed on the lateral side of the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of apertures and a plurality of ribs. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs includes a first rib, a second rib, and a third rib. In some embodiments, the first rib and the second rib extend from the forefoot region to the heel region, and the third rib is entirely disposed within the forefoot region.

[0013]In some embodiments, the sole plate further includes a peak on the medial side of the forefoot region of the outer edge. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a valley on the medial side of the midfoot region of the outer edge. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of apertures, and the plurality of apertures include a first aperture and a second aperture. In some embodiments, the first aperture is disposed closer to a toe end of the sole plate than the second aperture. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a first rib and a second rib. In some embodiments, a first end of the first rib and a first end of the second rib is disposed between the widest section and the toe end. In some embodiments, a second end of the first rib and a second end of the second rib is disposed between the narrowest section and the heel end. In some embodiments, the first aperture is disposed between the first rib and the second rib. In some embodiments, the second aperture is disposed between the first rib and the second rib. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of ribs, and at least one rib is primarily disposed within the forefoot region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a sports shoe that includes an upper and a sole structure attached thereto;

[0015]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sports shoe of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

[0018]FIG. 5 is rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a top isometric view of a plate of the sole structure of FIG. 3;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a bottom isometric view of the plate of FIG. 8;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the plate of FIG. 8;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the plate of FIG. 8;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the plate of FIG. 8; and

[0026]FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view taken through line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe and a sole structure including a sole plate. Although embodiments of a shoe or sole structure are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe or the sole structure may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats, for example. Concepts of the shoe or the sole structure may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, particular concepts described herein may also be applied and incorporated in other types of apparel or other athletic equipment, including helmets, padding or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Even further, particular concepts described herein may be incorporated in cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Accordingly, concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.

[0028]The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values ±5% of the numeric value that the term precedes.

[0029]The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear and/or specific components of the article of footwear, such as an upper, a sole or sole structure, and/or a sole plate. The upper may comprise a knitted component, a woven textile, and/or a non-woven textile. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarn, the woven textile by weaving of yarn, and the non-woven textile by manufacture of a unitary non-woven web. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by way of warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, and/or other suitable knitting operations. The knit textile may have a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, and/or a rib knit structure, for example. Woven textiles include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by way of any of the numerous weave forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weaves, and/or double cloth weaves, for example. Non-woven textiles include textiles made by air-laid and/or spun-laid methods, for example. The upper may comprise a variety of materials, such as a first yarn, a second yarn, and/or a third yarn, which may have varying properties or varying visual characteristics.

[0030]Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 20 including an upper 22 and a sole structure 24. The upper 22 is attached to the sole structure 24 and together define an interior cavity into which a foot may be inserted. The sole structure 24 is connected or secured to the upper 22 and extends between a foot of a user and the ground when the article of footwear 20 is worn by the user. The sole structure 24 may include one or more components, which may include a top midsole, a sole plate, a front midsole, a heel midsole, and an outsole. For example, in some embodiments, a sole structure may include an outsole that provides structural integrity to the sole structure, along with providing traction for a user, one or more midsoles that provides a cushioning system, and a sole plate that provides additional durability, stability, and propulsion. As will be further discussed herein, the sole structure 24 of the present embodiment of the invention includes one or more components that provide the sole structure 24 with preferable spring and damping properties.

[0031]Referring to FIG. 2, the article of footwear 20 includes the upper 22 that is configured for attachment to the sole structure 24. Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather) that are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In some embodiments, the upper 22 of the article of footwear 20 is formed from a knitted structure or knitted components. In various embodiments, a knitted component may incorporate various types of yarn that may provide different properties to an upper. For example, in some embodiments, one area of the upper 22 is formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of the upper 22 is formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, properties of the upper 22 may vary throughout the upper 22 by selecting specific yarns for different areas of the upper 22.

[0032]Still referring to FIG. 2, the sole structure 24 includes a first or top midsole 30, a sole plate 32, a second or front midsole 34, a third or heel midsole 36, and an outsole 38. The top midsole 30 is directly coupled to and disposed below the upper 22, and is further directly coupled to and disposed on top of the sole plate 32. The sole plate 32 is directly coupled to and disposed on top of each of the front midsole 34 and the heel midsole 36. The front midsole 34 is disposed laterally forward and spaced from the heel midsole 36. The front midsole 34 and the heel midsole 36 are also each directly coupled to and disposed on top of spaced portions of the outsole 38. In some embodiments, the outsole 38 includes a plurality of sections or portions that are spaced from one another. In some embodiments, the front midsole 34 and the heel midsole 36 are directly coupled to different sections of the outsole.

[0033]In some embodiments, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and the heel midsole 36 are individually constructed from a thermoplastic material, such as polyurethane (PU), for example, and/or an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or a similar type of material. In other embodiments, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and/or the heel midsole 36 are an EVA-Solid-Sponge (“ESS”) material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam), polyurethane, polyether, an olefin block copolymer, a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. In some embodiments, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and/or the heel midsole 36 are a single polymeric material. In some embodiments, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and/or the heel midsole 36 are a blend of materials, such as an EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and/or an olefin block copolymer. One example of a PEBA material is PEBAX®.

[0034]In embodiments where the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and/or the heel midsole 36 are formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may comprise micropore foams or particle foams, such as a TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or mixtures thereof, manufactured using a process that is performed within an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container that can process the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO₂, N₂, or mixtures thereof) with a material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof) that is preferably molten. During an exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas to form small pockets within the material and cause the material to expand into a foam, which is used as the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and the heel midsole 36. In further embodiments, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and the heel midsole 36 are formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, a compression molding technique, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and/or the heel midsole 36 are formed using a process that involves an initial foaming step in which supercritical gas is used to foam a material and then compression molded or die cut to a particular shape.

[0035]In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 comprises a PU plastic, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, for example. Other thermoplastic elastomers consisting of block copolymers are also possible. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 can include carbon fiber, for example.

[0036]In some embodiments, the outsole 38 defines a bottom end or surface of the sole structure 24. Further, in some embodiments, the outsole 38 is a ground-engaging portion or includes a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure 24 and is opposite of an insole (not pictured) thereof. The outsole 38 is formed from one or more materials to impart durability, wear-resistance, abrasion resistance, or traction to the sole structure 24, and the outsole 38 of the sole structure 24 can include a plurality of sections in some embodiments.

[0037]As shown in FIG. 3, the sole structure 24 defines a forefoot region 50, a midfoot region 52, and a heel region 54. The forefoot region 50 generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 20 that encase portions of the foot that include the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region 52 is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region 50, and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 20 that encase the arch of foot, along with the bridge of the foot. The heel region 54 is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region 52 and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 20 that encase rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, and/or the Achilles tendon.

[0038]The article of footwear 20 also includes a medial side 56 and a lateral side 58. In particular, the lateral side 58 corresponds to an outside portion of the article of footwear 20 and the medial side 56 corresponds to an inside portion of the article of footwear 20. As such, left and right articles of footwear 20 have opposing lateral sides 58 and medial sides 56, such that the medial sides 56 are closest to one another when a user is wearing the articles of footwear 20, while the lateral sides 58 are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while being worn. The medial side 56 and the lateral side 58 adjoin one another at opposing, distal ends of the article of footwear 20.

[0039]Unless otherwise specified, the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, the medial side 56, and the lateral side 58 are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear 20. To that end, the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, the medial side 56, and the lateral side 58 generally characterize sections of the article of footwear 20. Further, both the upper 22 and the sole structure 24 are characterized as having portions within the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, and on the medial side 56 and the lateral side 58. Therefore, the upper 22 and the sole structure 24, and/or individual portions of the upper 22 and the sole structure 24, can include portions thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, and on the medial side 56 and the lateral side 58.

[0040]Still referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the outsole 38 defines a bottom end or surface of the sole structure 24 across the heel region 54, the midfoot region 52, and the forefoot region 50. In some embodiments, the outsole 38 is disposed in the forefoot region 50 and in the heel region 54. In some embodiments, the sole structure 24 narrows in the midfoot region 52, and widens toward the forefoot region 50 and the heel region 54. A central longitudinal plane 60 of the sole structure 24 is defined as a plane that runs longitudinally through the center of the sole structure 24.

[0041]As shown in FIG. 4, the sole plate 32 separates the top midsole 30 from each of the front midsole 34 and the heel midsole 36. In some embodiments, the upper 22 includes an underside with a generally curved profile. The top midsole 30 is directly coupled to the underside of the upper 22. As such, in some embodiments, the top midsole 30 has a generally curved upper side that follows the shape of the underside of the upper 22. The top midsole 30 is generally thicker in the forefoot region 50 than in the heel region 54. As a result, the underside of the top midsole 30 is curved, i.e., not flat. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 follows the curvature of the underside of the top midsole 30. As such, the sole plate 32 is curved in the forefoot region 50 and the midfoot region 52, and is generally straight or flat in the heel region 54. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 extends past a toe end 62 of the top midsole 30. In some embodiments, a toe end 64 of the front midsole 34 and a toe end 66 of the outsole 38 extend farther than a toe end 68 of the sole plate 32. Further, in some embodiments, the toe end 64 of the front midsole 34 and the toe end 66 of the outsole 38 extend in a direction toward the upper 22, i.e., defining a nub. As shown in FIG. 4, the toe end 64 of the front midsole 34 surrounds the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32, and the toe end 66 of the outsole 38 at least partially surrounds the toe end 64 of the front midsole 34. The toe end 62 of the top midsole 30, the toe end 64 of the front midsole 34, the toc end 66 of the outsole 38, and the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32 are located at a distal end of the forefoot region 50 of the top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, the outsole 38 and the sole plate 32 respectively. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 does not extend through the entire heel region 54 of the sole structure 24.

[0042]Referring now to FIG. 5, a rear cross-sectional view is shown of the sole structure 24 in the forefoot region 50. As shown in FIG. 5, which is taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, the sole plate 32 is disposed substantially in a pocket that is defined within the front midsole 34. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 is disposed off-center with respect to the longitudinal plane 60. To that end, the sole plate 32 may be positioned closer to the lateral side 56 than the medial side 58 of the sole structure 24. However, in some embodiments, the sole plate 32 may be positioned closer to the medial side 58 than the lateral side 56. The sole plate 32 includes portions that are generally flat or straight, and further includes portions that define one or more ribs 76 that result in a plurality of curved portions 78. The top midsole 30, the front midsole 34, and the outsole 38 extend uninterrupted from the medial side 56 to the lateral side 58.

[0043]FIG. 6 illustrates another rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure 24 in the forefoot region 50. Taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3, the top midsole 30 is shown extending from the medial side 56 to the lateral side 58. The sole plate 32 is disposed substantially in the pocket defined within the front midsole 34. The sole plate 32 includes the various flat portions; however, the sole plate 32 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60 of the sole structure 24. Further, a thickness of the ribs 76 of the sole plate 32 shown along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 is thicker than a thickness of the ribs 76 of the sole plate 32 shown along line 5-5 of FIG. 3. As a result, curved sections 80 of the ribs 76 along line 6-6 have a smaller radius of curvature than the curved portions 78 shown along line 5-5 (see FIG. 5). Still further, in FIG. 6 the sole plate 32 is substantially centered within the front midsole 34. The front midsole 34 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60, and the outsole 38 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60. The underside of the top midsole 30 is the bottom-most surface of the sole structure 24 at some points along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

[0044]Referring now to FIG. 7, a rear cross-sectional view of the sole structure 24 is shown in the midfoot region 52. Taken Along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3, the top midsole 30 is shown extending from the medial side 56 to the lateral side 58. The sole plate 32 is substantially disposed within the pocket defined by the front midsole 34. The sole plate 32 further includes portions that are generally planar. A thickness of the plurality of ribs 76 of the sole plate 32 along line 7-7 of FIG. 3 is thicker than the thickness of the plurality of ribs 76 along line 6-6 and the thickness of the plurality of ribs 76 along line 5-5. As a result, curved sections 82 defined by the ribs 76 along line 7-7 have a smaller radius of curvature than the curved sections 80 along line 6-6 (see FIG. 6) and the curved portions 78 along line 5-5 (see FIG. 5). Further, the sole plate 32 is substantially centered within the front midsole 34 along line 7-7, the front midsole 34 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60 of the sole structure 24, and the outsole 38 is discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60 of the sole structure 24. Since the front midsole 34 and the outsole 38 are discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane 60, the underside of the sole plate 32 is the bottom-most surface of the sole structure 24 along the central longitudinal plane 60 of the sole structure 24.

[0045]With reference to FIG. 8, the sole plate 32 is shown in detail, which includes the plurality of ribs 76 and a plurality of apertures 90. The ribs 76 run longitudinally along the sole plate 32 from the forefoot region 50 to the heel region 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 76 do not extend entirely to the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32 or to a heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. The heel end 92 of the sole plate 32 is defined as the distal end of the sole plate 32 in the heel region 54. However, in some embodiments, the one or more of the ribs 76 extend entirely to the toe end 68 and/or to the heel end 92. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 76 extend downward with respect to a ground surface, i.e., as shown in FIGS. 5-7. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the ribs 76 extend upward. In the illustrated embodiments, the sole plate 32 includes a first rib 94 and a second rib 96. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 has more or fewer ribs. In some embodiments, the ribs 76 are different in length or shape, the ribs 76 are placed differently, or the ribs 76 are sized differently.

[0046]Still referring to FIG. 8, a first aperture 98 of the plurality of apertures 90 is disposed partially in the forefoot region 50 and partially in the midfoot region 52. The first aperture 98 defines an edge that is generally rounded, with at least three inflection points. The first aperture 98 tapers moving in heel-to-toe direction at a forward end of the first aperture 98. A second aperture 100 of the plurality of apertures 90 is generally disposed within the midfoot region 52 and the heel region 54. The second aperture 100 is irregularly shaped, and includes at least four inflection points. In some embodiments, the first aperture 98 and the second aperture 100 are the same shape, are positioned differently, or are sized differently. In some embodiments, there are more or fewer apertures. The apertures 90 are advantageous to allow the medial side 56 and lateral side 58 of the sole plate 32 to flex independent of one another.

[0047]Referring now to FIG. 9, the ribs 76 of the sole plate 32 includes a third rib 102 disposed along the lateral side 58 of the underside of the sole plate 32. The third rib 102 runs longitudinally along a portion of the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50 of the sole plate 32. The third rib 102 is slightly curved in shape, having a concave portion closer to the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32, and a convex portion closer to the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. The third rib 102 generally follows the contour of the edge of the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 extends downward. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 extends downward by the same distance that the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 extend downward. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 extends downward a different distance than the first rib 94 and the second rib 96. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 is not included on the sole plate 32.

[0048]Referring now to FIG. 10, the sole plate 32 includes a curved portion 104 and a rear portion 106. The rear portion 106 is relatively flat or straight. The curved portion 104 is an anterior curved portion and includes one or more radii of curvature. The toe end 68 of the sole plate 32 curves upwards, and a vertex 108 of the curved portion 104 is disposed in the forefoot region 50. The midfoot region 52 includes a transition point 110. The transition point 110 defines the point at which the sole plate 32 transitions from the curved portion 104 to the rear portion 106. In some embodiments, the sole plate 32 has a uniform thickness.

[0049]Turning to FIG. 11, a bottom elevational view of the sole plate 32 is shown. The sole plate 32 generally widens in the forefoot region 50, narrows in the midfoot region 52, and remains a generally consistent along portions within the heel region 54. A first reference axis 111 defines the widest section of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the first reference axis 111 is disposed within the forefoot region 50. A second reference axis 112 defines the narrowest section of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the second reference axis 112 is disposed within the midfoot region 52.

[0050]Still referring to FIG. 11, the sole plate 32 defines an outer edge 113. The outer edge 113 of the sole plate 32 in the forefoot region 50 on the lateral side 58 is curved. More specifically, the outer edge 113 of the sole plate 32 in the forefoot region 50 on the lateral side 58 defines a plurality of peaks 114 and a plurality of valleys 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer edge 113 defines three peaks and two valleys on the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50, but in some embodiments, there are more or fewer peaks and valleys. A first peak 118 of the plurality of peaks 114 is located at the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32. A second peak 120 of the plurality of peaks 114 is located on the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50. A first valley 122 separates the first peak 118 and the second peak 120. The first valley 122 defines a first radius of curvature. A third peak 126 is located on the lateral side 58 of the forefoot region 50. The third peak 126 is farther from the toe end 68 than the second peak 120. A second valley 128 separates the second peak 120 and the third peak 126. The second valley 128 defines a second radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is smaller than the first radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is the same as the first radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is larger than the first radius of curvature. The first peak 118, second peak 120, third peak 126, first valley 122, and second valley 128 are disposed on the lateral side 58 of the sole plate 32 between the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32 and the first reference axis 111, i.e., the first peak 118, second peak 120, third peak 126, first valley 122, and second valley 128 are disposed on the lateral side 58 of the sole plate 32 between the toc end 68 of the sole plate 32 and the widest section of the sole plate 32.

[0051]Still referring to the lateral side 58 of the sole plate 32 as shown in FIG. 11, the outer edge 113 of the sole plate 32 generally curves toward the central longitudinal plane 60 between the third peak 126 and the midfoot region 52. As such, the sole plate 32 narrows between the forefoot region 50 and the midfoot region 52. The outer edge 113 is generally straight through the midfoot region 52 and the heel region 54. At the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32, the outer edge 113 defines a first heel peak 136 and a second heel peak 138. The first heel peak 136 is on the lateral side 58 of the sole plate 32. The second heel peak 138 is on the medial side 56 of the sole plate 32. A first heel valley 140 separates the first heel peak 136 and the second heel peak 138. The first heel valley 140 defines a heel radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the heel radius of curvature is larger than the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature of the first valley 122 and the second valley 128 respectively. The outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 of the sole plate 32 is generally straight through the heel region 54. The outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 of the sole plate 32 generally curves toward the central longitudinal plane 60 in the midfoot region 52. As such, the sole plate 32 narrows in the midfoot region 52. The outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 of the sole plate 32 curves away from the central longitudinal plane 60 in between the midfoot region 52 and the forefoot region 50 on the medial side 56.

[0052]As such, the outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 defines a medial side valley 148 in the midfoot region 52. In some embodiments, the medial side valley 148 is disposed entirely between the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32 and the first reference axis 111. In some embodiments, the medial side valley 148 is disposed between the first reference axis 111 and the second reference axis 112. In some embodiments, the medial side valley 148 is disposed on the second reference axis 112. Further, the sole plate 32 widens between the midfoot region 52 and the forefoot region 50. Within the forefoot region 50, the outer edge 113 switches from curving away from the central longitudinal plane 60 to curving toward the central longitudinal plane 60. As such, the outer edge 113 of the medial side 56 defines a medial side peak 150. The medial side peak 150 is substantially disposed in the forefoot region 50. In some embodiments, the medial side peak 150 is disposed on the first reference axis 111. In some embodiments, the medial side peak 150 is located between the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32 and the first reference axis 111.

[0053]As shown in FIG. 11, the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 are illustrated extending from the forefoot region 50, through the midfoot region 52, and into the heel region 54. In some embodiments, the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 do not extend entirely to the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32. The first rib 94 and the second rib 96 extend to a point between the first reference axis 111 and the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32 on one end. The first rib 94 and the second rib 96 extend to a point between the second reference axis 112 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32 on the other end. The first rib 94 and the second rib 96 do not extend entirely to the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. The third rib 102 is illustrated primarily in the forefoot region 50. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 is entirely disposed between the first reference axis 111 and the toc end 68 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 follows the shape of the outer edge 113 of the sole plate 32. More specifically, the third rib 102 follows the first radius of curvature of the first valley 122 and the second radius of curvature of the second valley 128.

[0054]As shown in FIG. 11, the first aperture 98 is substantially disposed within the forefoot region 50 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, a majority of the first aperture 98 is disposed between the first reference axis 111 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the first aperture 98 is disposed entirely between the first reference axis 111 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, a section that is not a majority of the first aperture is disposed between the first reference axis 111 and the second reference axis 112. The second aperture 100 is disposed within the midfoot region 52 and the heel region 54. In some embodiments, the second aperture 100 is disposed entirely between the first reference axis 111 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, a majority of the second aperture 100 is disposed between the second reference axis 112 and the heel end 92 of the sole plate. In some embodiments, the first aperture 98 is disposed between the first rib 94 and the second rib 96. In some embodiments, the second aperture 100 is disposed between the first rib 94 and the second rib 96. In some embodiments, the first aperture 98 and the second aperture 100 are disposed substantially forward of a rearmost point 154 of the first rib 94, wherein forward is defined as closer to the toe end 68 of the sole plate 32. In some embodiments, the first aperture 98 and the second aperture 100 are substantially disposed forward of a rearmost point 156 of the second rib 96. In some embodiments, the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 are generally curved. In some embodiments, the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 are generally straight. In some embodiments, the first rib 94 and the second rib 96 are positioned differently relative to the first aperture 98 and the second aperture 100.

[0055]Turning to FIG. 12, a top view of the sole plate 32 is illustrated. Similar to FIG. 11, the outer edge 113, the first rib 94, the second rib 96, the third rib 102, the first aperture 98, and the second aperture 100 of the sole plate 32 are illustrated.

[0056]As shown in FIG. 13, the sole plate 32 defines a generally planar surface and several curves that align with the first rib 94, the second rib 96, and the third rib 102. In some embodiments, the third rib 102 extends along a first reference plane 158, which is disposed at an angle with respect to the planar surface of the sole plate 32. The planar surface of the sole plate 32 extends along a second reference plane 160. In some embodiments, an angle 162 between the first reference plane 158 and the second reference plane 160 is between five degrees and 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 162 is between six degrees and 45 degrees, or between seven degrees and 35 degrees, or between eight degrees and 25 degrees, or between nine degrees and 20 degrees, or between 10 degrees and 15 degrees, or between 11 degrees and 14 degrees, or between 11 degrees and 12 degrees, or between 12 degrees and 13 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 162 is about 12 degrees.

[0057]Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to articles of footwear of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the articles of footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment.

[0058]As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0059]Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.