CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 15/646,925, filed July 11, 2017, the contents of this application being incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Various athletic sports require specialized footwear. For example, one sport may demand performance of certain types of foot movements that are uncommon to other sports. Furthermore, different sports are performed on different play surfaces; e.g., grass field, turf field, rubberized track, and indoor and outdoor court surfaces. A bottom surface of a shoe may have a specialized tread to accommodate a particular desired type of foot movement for that sport or to engage a particular type of play surface. The variability in treads has led to specialized footwear for various sports.

[0004] As a result of the variability in footwear for various sports, the expense to purchase a pair of athletic shoes for each sport in which an individual wants to participate is great and renders affordability difficult. Lack of affordability is even more significant for children because of foot growth, requiring more frequent shoe purchases than for adults. However, utilizing footwear that is not adapted for the sport in which an individual participates can put that individual at a disadvantage with respect to other players wearing specialized footwear, and even at an increased risk for injury. SUMMARY

[0005] An article of footwear is provided. In one aspect, the article of footwear comprises a shoe with an upper having a first layer extending from a toe portion to a heel portion, a base secured to the upper and having a bottom surface defined by an outer edge, the bottom surface comprising a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. At least one strap extends from the base. A removable sole is formed to correspond in shape with the bottom surface of the base and has at least one aperture. The at least one strap is insertable through the at least one aperture.

[0006] In a further aspect, a sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a surface having a perimeter, an edge defining the perimeter, and at least one aperture extending through the surface of the sole structure. The sole structure is removably attachable to the article of footwear via a strap from the article of footwear extending through the at least one aperture.

[0007] In yet a further aspect, a method is provided. The method comprises providing a shoe having an attachment section and at least one strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to an exterior surface of the shoe, and providing a sole having at least one aperture. The method further comprises inserting the at least one strap through the at least one aperture and attaching the second end of the at least one strap to the attachment section.

[0008] These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure la depicts an example article of footwear, a shoe, having an interchangeable sole, according to an example embodiment.

[0010] Figure lb depicts a top view of the shoe of Figure la, according to an example embodiment.

[0011] Figure lc depicts a rear view of the shoe of Figure la, according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure Id depicts a side view of the shoe of Figure la, according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure le depicts a cross-sectional view taken from cross-section A-A in Figure Id, according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure If depicts an example affixation of a sole to the shoe of Figure la, according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure lg depicts a side view of the affixation of the sole to the shoe of Figure If, according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figures 2a-d depict a football cleat sole, according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figures 3a-d depict a baseball cleat sole, according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figures 4a-d depict a soccer cleat sole, according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figures 5a-d depict a basketball sole, according to an example embodiment.

[0020] Figures 6a-d depict a track and field sole, according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Figures 7a-d depict a running sole, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Example athletic shoes and interchangeable soles are described herein. Any example embodiment or feature described herein is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed apparatuses and methods can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[0023] Furthermore, the particular arrangements shown in the Figures should not be viewed as limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments may include more or less of each element shown in a given Figure. Further, some of the illustrated elements may be combined or omitted. Yet further, an example embodiment may include elements that are not illustrated in the Figures.

1. Overview

[0024] Example embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an article of footwear and to removable and interchangeable soles for an article of footwear. In some example embodiments, the article of footwear is an athletic shoe and each of the interchangeable soles comprises a tread tailored for use in a particular sport. Advantageously, a user need purchase only one pair of footwear and may then customize the footwear via the interchangeable soles to enable participation in a variety of sports. It is desirable for the interchangeable sole to provide for easy user installation and subsequent non-destructive removal from the article of footwear while remaining securely in place when attached to the footwear. It is also desirable to provide an easy to manufacture interchangeable sole structure.

[0025] The interchangeable sole for an article of footwear discussed herein provides an efficient system for interchanging a sole with a shoe base that securely attaches the sole to the base of the article of footwear.

[0026] To assist and clarify subsequent description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless context indicates otherwise, the following apply throughout this specification, including the claims. "Shoe" and "article of footwear" are used interchangeably to refer to an article intended for wear on a human foot. A shoe may or may not enclose the entire foot of a wearer. For example, a shoe upper may include openings that expose portions of a wearer's foot. The "interior" of a shoe refers to a space occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. An interior side or surface refers to a side or surface that is oriented toward the shoe interior. An exterior side or surface refers to a side or surface that is oriented away from the shoe interior.

[0027] Shoe elements may be described based on regions and/or anatomical structures of a human foot wearing that shoe, and by assuming that the interior of the shoe generally conforms to and is otherwise properly sized for the wearing foot. A forefoot region of a foot includes the phalanges, as well as the heads and bodies of the metatarsals. A forefoot element of a shoe is an element having one or more portions located over, under, to the lateral or medial side of, or in front of a wearer's forefoot when the shoe is worn. A midfoot region of a foot includes the cuboid, navicular, cuneiforms, and bases of the metatarsals. A midfoot element of a shoe is an element having one or more portions located over, under, to the lateral or medial side of a wearer' s midfoot when the shoe is worn. A heel region of a foot includes the talus and/or the medial side of, and/or behind a wearer' s heel when the shoe is worn. The heel element of a shoe is an element having one or more portions located over, under, to the lateral or medial side of a wearer' s heel when the shoe is worn. The forefront region may overlap with the midfoot region, and the midfoot region may overlap with the heel region.

[0028] Unless indicated otherwise, a longitudinal axis refers to a horizontal heel-toe axis along the center of the foot that is roughly parallel to the second metatarsal and second phalanges. A transverse axis refers to a horizontal axis across the foot that is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis.

2. Example Article of Footwear

[0029] Figure la depicts an example article of footwear, a shoe 100, having an interchangeable sole 150, according to an example embodiment. As shown in Figure la, the shoe 100 may be an athletic shoe configured for use with various sports, including but not limited to football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and track and field, including long-distance and short-distance (e.g., sprinting) running. The shoe 100 is configured for wear on a left foot, and is part of a pair that includes a shoe (not shown) that is a mirror image of shoe 100 and is configured for wear on a right foot.

[0030] The shoe 100 comprises an upper 120 attached to a base structure 130. The upper 120 includes a shell formed to receive a foot within an interior chamber 140 of shoe 100, with an interior bottom surface forming a footbed. In one example embodiment, the upper 120 comprises a mesh layer allowing a foot within interior chamber 140 to breathe. The mesh layer may be made of ethylene vinyl acetate, for example. The base structure 130 may be made of a hard plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (FIDPE) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, in some example embodiments. The upper 120 comprises an attachment section (shown in Figure If) configured to receive or mate with a corresponding strap 152.

[0031] In one example embodiment, the base structure 130 is formed via an injection molding process. In some example embodiments, a soft layer such as a foam layer may be formed along the top surface of the hard plastic layer of the base structure 130 to serve as a footbed, providing cushioning for a wearer's foot. The foam layer may comprise a memory foam pad, which molds to the foot of the wearer to ensure both a tight fit with the shoe and prevent discomfort. The base structure 130 may be affixed to the upper 120 via an adhesive.

[0032] The at least one strap 152 serves to provide a secure connection between the sole 150 and the base 130. Each strap 152 has two ends, a first end 154 (shown in Figures lf- lg) that is affixed to or is made integral with the shoe 100, and a second end 156. The second end 156 is a free end and may comprise an attachment section, such as a hook and loop attachment structure, (e.g., Velcro®), an adhesive, or a snap element, for example. Other attachment mechanisms may also be envisioned. A corresponding attachment section, such as a hook and loop attachment structure, an adhesive, or a snap element, is located on the shoe 100. In operation, the attachment section on the second end 156 affixes to the attachment section of the shoe 100.

[0033] Figure lb depicts a top view of the shoe 100 of Figure la, according to an example embodiment. The embodiment of Figure lb shows four straps 152, with two straps 152 on the left side and two straps 152 on the right side of the shoe 100. However, other embodiments may comprise more or less straps 152 extending from either side of a shoe. In one example embodiment, straps 152 may be affixed to and extend from a surface of the base structure 130, such as a bottom surface of the base structure 130, for example. In another embodiment, straps 152 may extend from an exterior surface or wall of the base structure 130.

[0034] Figure l c depicts a rear view of the shoe 100 of Figure la, according to an example embodiment. In Figure lc, the heel element of the shoe 100 is shown.

[0035] Figure Id depicts a side view of the shoe 100 of Figure la, according to an example embodiment. As shown in Figure Id, the straps 152 may comprise differing lengths to accommodate affixation to attachment sections positioned at varying locations of the shoe 100. For example, in Figure Id, the strap 152 toward or within the heel element of the shoe 100 is shown to be longer than the strap 152 that is attached toward or within the forefoot element of the shoe 100. The shorter strap 152 accommodates the decrease in shoe 100 height toward or within the forefront element of the shoe 100.

[0036] Figure le depicts a cross-sectional view 160 taken from cross-section A- A of Figure Id. The cross-section A-A is taken from the sole 150, and the hatch marks in Figure le represent where the cross-section A-A is in relation to the side view of Figure Id. The sole 150 may be formed using an injection molding process, in one example embodiment. The sole 150 comprises a surface 158 conforming in shape to correspond with a bottom surface of the base 130. Through the surface 158 of the sole 150 is formed at least one slit (shown in example sole embodiments of Figures 2c, 3c, 4c, 5d, 6c, and 7d). In one embodiment, the at least one slit comprises an aperture that extends through the surface. Each slit is positioned at a location along the sole 150 to receive a strap 152 second end 156 therethrough when the sole 150 is positioned to conform with the shape of and mate with the base structure 130.

[0037] Figure If depicts an example affixation of a sole 150 to the shoe 100 of Figure la, according to an example embodiment. As shown in Figures lf-g, the sole 150 includes a top surface 153, a bottom surface 155, and an edge 170. The edge 170 has an interior surface 172 and an exterior surface 174 and defines a perimeter of the shoe 100. Additional attachment elements may be present along portions of or the entire base structure 130, which then mate with portions of or the entire interior surface 172 of the edge 170 when the sole 150 is pressed into or otherwise mated with the base structure 130. Such an additional attachment reinforces affixation of the sole 150 with the shoe 100.

[0038] In operation, to attach the sole 150 to the shoe 100, the top surface 153 is first positioned to conform with the shape of the bottom surface 135 of the base 130. To properly align the sole 150 to the base 130 of the shoe 100, the edge 170 may be aligned to the perimeter of the base 130 such that the straps 152 are positioned over the slits extending through the sole 150. The straps 152 may then be inserted through the slits while the sole 150 is raised in the direction shown by arrows 180, until the base 130 abuts the top surface 153 of the sole 150.

[0039] To secure the sole 150 to the base 130, the second ends 156 of the straps 152 may be pulled upwards around the exterior surface 174 of the sole edge 170, to a generally folded position, until the attachment section on the second end 156 mates with an attachment section 112 on the side of the shoe 100.

[0040] Figure lg depicts a side view of the shoe 100 of Figure If, according to an example embodiment. The bottom surface of the sole 150 may comprise a tread specific to an application for a particular sport. Example sole geometries and tread configurations are depicted in Figures 2a-7d, described in further detail below.

[0041] Figures 2a-d depict a football cleat sole 200, according to an example embodiment. The sole 200 may be the same as or similar to the sole 150 of Figure la, and may be removably attachable to a shoe such as shoe 100. Apertures 252 are shown in Figure 2c. In the example embodiment of Figure 2c, the apertures 252 comprise a slit shape. Cleats 260 are shown extending from a bottom surface 255 of the sole 200.

[0042] Figures 3a-d depict a baseball cleat sole 300, according to an example embodiment. The sole 300 may be the same as or similar to the sole 150 and removably attachable to a shoe such as shoe 100. The sole 300 may be made as a single component. Cleats 360 are shown extending from a bottom surface 355 of the sole 300.

[0043] Figures 4a-d depict a soccer cleat sole 400, according to an example embodiment. The sole 400 may be the same as or similar to the sole 150 and removably attachable to a shoe such as shoe 100. The sole 400 may be made as a single component. Cleats 460 are shown extending from a bottom surface 455 of the sole 400.

[0044] Figures 5a-d depict a basketball sole 500, according to an example embodiment. The sole 500 may be the same as or similar to the sole 150 and removably attachable to a shoe such as shoe 100. The sole 500 may be made as two components: a hard plastic that attaches to the base of the shoe 100, and a softer rubber portion beneath the hard plastic. The softer rubber portion is designed to prevent injury to the wearer. An injection molding process may be used to generate the hard plastic portion, and the softer rubber portion may be generated using injection molding as well. The two pieces may be affixed to one another using an adhesive, for example.

[0045] Figures 6a-d depict a track and field sole 600, according to an example embodiment. The sole 600 may be the same as or similar to the sole 150 and removably attachable to a shoe such as shoe 100. The sole 600 may be made as a single component.

[0046] Figures 7a-d depict a running sole 700, according to an example embodiment. The sole 700 may be the same as or similar to the sole 150 and removably attachable to a shoe such as shoe 100. The sole 700 may be made as a single component.

[0047] It should be understood that variations on the illustrated athletic shoe are possible. For example, the athletic shoe may take on various sizes and/or shapes, and be constructed from various materials, depending upon the implementation.

3. Conclusion [0048] The above detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed athletic shoe, and methods with reference to the accompanying figures. While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.