CA2513473C - Footwear with separable upper and sole structure - Google Patents
Footwear with separable upper and sole structure Download PDFInfo
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- CA2513473C CA2513473C CA2513473A CA2513473A CA2513473C CA 2513473 C CA2513473 C CA 2513473C CA 2513473 A CA2513473 A CA 2513473A CA 2513473 A CA2513473 A CA 2513473A CA 2513473 C CA2513473 C CA 2513473C
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- Prior art keywords
- footwear
- foot
- article
- sole
- sole structure
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
- A43B3/244—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the attachment between upper and sole
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/22—Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer
- A43B13/223—Profiled soles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/22—Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer
- A43B13/24—Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer by use of insertions
- A43B13/26—Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer by use of insertions projecting beyond the sole surface
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/28—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by their attachment, also attachment of combined soles and heels
- A43B13/36—Easily-exchangeable soles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
- A43B3/242—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the upper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
- A43B3/246—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the sole
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/1425—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the ball of the foot, i.e. the joint between the first metatarsal and first phalange
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/145—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the toes, i.e. the phalanges
Abstract
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper (20) and a sole structure (30). The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures (24a-24f), and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections (32a-32f) that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member (31) that remains within the upper. A locking system (25, 37, 35a-35f) is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.
Description
FOOTWEAR WITH SEPARABLE UPPER AND SOLE STRUCTURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[011 Field of the Invention [021 The present invention relates to the field of footwear. The invention concerns, more particularly, an article of footwear having a sole structure that is separable from an upper.
Description of Background Art [03] Conventional articles of athletic footwear generally include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void on the interior of the footWear for securely and comfortably receiving a foot.
The upper is generally formed from multiple elements that are stitched and adhesively bonded together to form a comfortable structure for receiving the foot. Conventional athletic footwear may include, for example, an exterior formed of leather and polymer textile materials that are resistant to abrasion and provide the footwear with a particular aesthetic. Foam materials may be located on the interior of the upper to enhance the comfort of the upper, and moisture-wicking textiles may be positioned adjacent the foot to limit the perspiration within the upper.
[04] The sole structure attenuates ground reaction forces and absorbs energy as the footwear contacts the ground, and often incorporates multiple layers that are conventionally referred to as a midsole and an outsole. The midsole forms the middle layer of the sole and serves a variety of purposes that include controlling potentially harmful foot motions, such as over pronation, and shielding the foot from excessive ground reaction forces.
The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable, wear resistant material that includes texturing to improve traction. The sole structure may also include an insole, which is a thin, cushioning member located within the upper and adjacent to a sole of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.
[05] The upper and sole structure of most conventional articles of footwear are permanently secured together through adhesive bonding or stitching, for example.
Accordingly, wear or damage occurring to either the upper or sole structure may require that the entire article of footwear be discarded. In addition, sole structures are generally configured for use during specific activities, particularly with athletic footwear. For example, a sole structure may incorporate pronation control elements that are beneficial for running, stability elements for court-style activities, or relatively soft cushioning for walking. A
sole structure that is configured for one athletic activity, such as long-distance running, may not be suitable for use during another athletic activity, such as tennis.
Each different type of sole structure, therefore, requires a distinct upper in footwear where the upper and sole structure are permanently secured together.
[06] In contrast with the conventional article of footwear that includes a permanently secured upper and sole structure, footwear configurations embodying an upper and detachable sole structure have been proposed. U.S. Patent Number 6,023,857 to Vizy et al.
discloses footwear with a permanently attached upper and outsole that includes a separate midsole and heel counter structure, which is removable from the upper. U.S. Patent Number 5,083,385 to Halford and U.S. Patent number 4,974,344 to Ching both disclose an outsole structure that is detachable from the remainder of the footwear. Finally, U.S.
Patent Numbers 6,023,859 and 5,799,417 to Burke et al. disclose an article of footwear with removable and exchangeable inserts that are positioned between the upper and a lower portion of the sole structure. The inserts protrude through the lower portion of the sole structure to provide a ground-contacting surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming substantially all of a bottom portion of said upper and defining an aperture extending through said connection element, and said connection element being formed of a material that has greater stiffness than a material that forms said side portions; and a sole structure that is securable to said upper and separable from said upper, said sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from said foot-supporting element, said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projection extends through said aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, and at least a portion of said foot-supporting element and said projection are formed of a polymer foam material.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming substantially all of a bottom portion of said upper and defining a plurality of apertures extending through said connection element, and said connection element being formed of a material that is different from a material that forms said side portions; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from said foot-supporting element said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projections extend through said apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, at least a portion of said foot-supporting element and said projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein said connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and said sole structure includes a second portion of said locking system, said first portion being joinable with said second portion to secure said sole structure to said upper, and said first portion being separable from said second portion to separate said sole structure and said upper.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming a bottom portion of said upper and defining a plurality of apertures extending through said connection element;
and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to said foot-supporting element, said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projections extend through said apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, wherein edges of at least a portion of said apertures and indentations in at least a portion of said projections form a locking system, said edges being joinable with said indentations to secure said sole structure to said upper.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising an upper and a sole structure that are separable, said upper defining a void located on an interior of said upper, said void having a shape and a size that accommodates both said sole structure and a foot, and said upper defining a plurality of apertures that extend through a bottom portion of said upper, substantially all of said bottom portion of said upper being formed of a material that is different from a material that forms side portions of said upper, said sole structure having a foot-supporting element positioned on an interior of said upper, and said sole structure having a plurality of projections extending from said foot-supporting element, said projections extending through said apertures to form a 3a ground-engaging surface, wherein said upper includes a first portion of a locking system and said sole structure includes a second portion of said locking system, said first portion being joinable with said second portion to secure said sole structure to said upper, and said first portion being separable from said second portion to separate said sole structure from said upper, and said first portion being edges of said apertures and said second portion being indentations in said sole structure, said edges being receivable by said indentations.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper forming a void within the footwear, the upper defining an ankle opening and a plurality of apertures;
and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned within the void and the projections extend through the apertures, each of the projections having a lower surface positioned opposite the foot-supporting element, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, and the sole structure also having outsole sections secured to the lower surfaces of the projections such that the polymer foam material of the projections forms a portion of an exterior surface of the footwear.
According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper defining a void within the footwear, the upper having an ankle opening and a lower area opposite the ankle opening, the lower area defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent the lower area and the projections extend through the apertures to provide a ground-contacting surface, each of the projections having a lower surface positioned opposite the foot-supporting element and a side surface extending between the foot-supporting element and the lower surface, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material and the sole structure also 3b having outsole sections secured to the lower surfaces of the projections such that the side surfaces of the projections form a portion of an exterior of the footwear, the outsole sections forming the ground-contacting surface.
According to still a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper forming a void within the footwear, the upper defining an ankle opening and a plurality of apertures; a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned within the void and the projections extend through the apertures, and the foot-supporting element and projections being formed from a polymer foam material with outsole elements secured to lower surfaces of the projections; and a mechanical locking system that joins the sole structure to the upper and permits the sole structure to be disconnected and removed from the upper.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing at least one first footwear component and at least two second footwear components, each of the second footwear components having different physical properties, and each of the second footwear components being joinable with the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is an upper and the second footwear components are sole structures, and wherein each of the second footwear components is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the second footwear component; selecting one of the two second footwear components based upon the different physical properties and the preferences of the wearer; and removably-securing the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component, wherein, during the securing, the foot-supporting portion of the selected second footwear component is located within the first footwear component such that the protrusions extend through apertures in the first footwear component, and wherein the securing further includes engaging a locking system by extending edges of the apertures into indentations in the protrusions.
3c According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing at least one first footwear component and at least two second footwear components, each of the second footwear components having different physical properties, and each of the second footwear components being joinable with the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is a sole structure and the second footwear components are uppers, and wherein each of the second footwear components includes apertures extending through a lower surface; determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the second footwear component; selecting one of the two second footwear components based upon the different physical properties and the preferences of the wearer; and removably-securing the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing an upper element, a first sole element, and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the first sole element and the second sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear; selecting one of the sole elements based upon the preference of the wearer and the different physical properties of the sole elements; and securing the selected one of the sole elements and the upper element with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear, wherein the securing includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the selected sole element within the upper element such that the protrusions extend through apertures in the upper element.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing a sole element, a first upper element, and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first 3d upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through its lower surface; determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear; selecting one of the upper elements based upon the preference of the wearer and the different physical properties of the upper elements; and securing the selected one of the upper elements and the sole element with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear, wherein the securing includes locating the sole element within the selected one of the upper elements such that protrusions of the sole element extend through the apertures.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing a first sole element and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the sole elements is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion; providing a first upper element and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof; determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear; selecting one of the sole elements and one of the upper elements based upon the preferred physical properties of the wearer;
and removably-securing the selected one of the sole elements and the selected one of the upper elements with a mechanical fastener to form the article of footwear.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing a first upper element and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof; providing a first sole element and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the first sole element and 3e the second sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion; determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear; selecting one of the upper elements and one of the sole elements based upon the preferred physical properties of the wearer; and securing the selected one of the upper elements and the selected one of the sole elements with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear.
According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of customizing an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing an article of footwear having an upper element and a sole element, the upper element and the sole element being detachably-secured together; determining preferences of the wearer for a physical property of one of the upper element and the sole element; selecting an alternate sole element for the sole element from a plurality of alternate elements, the alternate sole element having the preferred physical property, wherein each of the sole element and the alternate sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion; and interchanging the sole element with the alternate sole element on the upper element, wherein the interchanging includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the alternate sole element within the upper element such that the protrusions of the alternate sole element extend through apertures in the upper element.
According to still a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of customizing an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing an article of footwear having an upper element and a sole element, the upper element and the sole element being detachably-secured together; determining preferences of the wearer for a physical property of one of the upper element and the sole element; selecting an alternate upper element for the upper element from a plurality of alternate upper elements, the alternate upper element having the preferred physical property, wherein each of the upper element and the alternate upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof; and interchanging the upper element with the alternate upper element on the sole element.
3f According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture; and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material, and wherein the projection includes an outsole element secured to its lower surface to provide a ground-contacting surface of the projection.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture; and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, wherein the first portion of the locking system is a first tubular structure and the second portion of the locking system is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with the first tubular structure, and wherein the locking system includes an element that extends through the first tubular structure and the second tubular structure to secure the upper to the sole structure.
3g According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the plurality of projections include outsole sections secured to their lower surfaces to provide ground-contacting surfaces of the projections, wherein the connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure includes a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being joinable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, and the first portion being separable from the second portion to separate the sole structure and the upper.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure includes a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being joinable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, and the first portion being separable from the second portion to separate the sole structure 3h and the upper, wherein the first portion of the locking system is a first tubular structure and the second portion of the locking system is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with the first tubular structure, and wherein the locking system includes an element that extends through the first tubular structure and the second tubular structure to secure the upper to the sole structure.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures, wherein the plurality of projections include outsole sections secured to their lower surfaces to provide ground-contacting surfaces of the projections, wherein edges of at least a portion of the apertures and indentations in at least a portion of the projections form a locking system, the edges being joinable with the indentations to secure the sole structure to the upper.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture; and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material.
3i According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, wherein edges of at least a portion of the apertures and indentations in at least a portion of the projections form a locking system, the edges being joinable with the indentations to secure the sole structure to the upper.
According to still a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture; and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, wherein the first portion is an indentation in an edge of the aperture and the second portion is a protrusion defined in the projection, the protrusion being receivable by the indentation.
[07] In one embodiment there is provided an article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes an ankle opening and a pair of side portions extending downward from the ankle opening. The upper also 3j includes a connection element located opposite the ankle opening and extending between the side portions. The connection element forms a bottom portion of the upper and defines an aperture. The sole structure includes a foot-supporting element and a projection connected to said foot-supporting element. The sole structure is insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface.
[08] The footwear configuration described above provides separability between the upper and the sole structure. That is, the upper and sole structure may be separated into two discrete components of the footwear. During use, however, the upper and sole structure are intended to remain securely connected. In order to enhance the connection between the upper and sole structure, a locking system may be incorporated into the footwear. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking system includes an indentation in the projection that receives an edge of the aperture, thereby effectively securing the upper to the sole structure. The indentation may be positioned, for example, adjacent the foot-supporting element.
[09] The footwear may also include additional features, including an outsole section and a textile liner. The sole structure may include a polymer foam, particularly in the projection. The outsole section, which may be formed of a rubber material, may be 3k positioned on a lower surface of the projection to enhance the abrasion-resistance and durability of the sole structure. Similarly, the foot-supporting element may be formed of a polymer foam material. In order to enhance the comfort of the sole structure, a textile liner may be secured to the upper surface of the foot-supporting member.
[10] To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of embodiments of the invention, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[11] The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[121 Figure I is a lateral elevational view of an article of footwear having a separable upper and sole structure.
1131 Figure 2 is an exploded elevational view of the footwear.
[141 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a bottom and medial side of the footwear.
1151 Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the footwear.
[16] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the footwear, as defined by line 5-5 in Figure 1.
[17] Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the footwear.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[011 Field of the Invention [021 The present invention relates to the field of footwear. The invention concerns, more particularly, an article of footwear having a sole structure that is separable from an upper.
Description of Background Art [03] Conventional articles of athletic footwear generally include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void on the interior of the footWear for securely and comfortably receiving a foot.
The upper is generally formed from multiple elements that are stitched and adhesively bonded together to form a comfortable structure for receiving the foot. Conventional athletic footwear may include, for example, an exterior formed of leather and polymer textile materials that are resistant to abrasion and provide the footwear with a particular aesthetic. Foam materials may be located on the interior of the upper to enhance the comfort of the upper, and moisture-wicking textiles may be positioned adjacent the foot to limit the perspiration within the upper.
[04] The sole structure attenuates ground reaction forces and absorbs energy as the footwear contacts the ground, and often incorporates multiple layers that are conventionally referred to as a midsole and an outsole. The midsole forms the middle layer of the sole and serves a variety of purposes that include controlling potentially harmful foot motions, such as over pronation, and shielding the foot from excessive ground reaction forces.
The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable, wear resistant material that includes texturing to improve traction. The sole structure may also include an insole, which is a thin, cushioning member located within the upper and adjacent to a sole of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.
[05] The upper and sole structure of most conventional articles of footwear are permanently secured together through adhesive bonding or stitching, for example.
Accordingly, wear or damage occurring to either the upper or sole structure may require that the entire article of footwear be discarded. In addition, sole structures are generally configured for use during specific activities, particularly with athletic footwear. For example, a sole structure may incorporate pronation control elements that are beneficial for running, stability elements for court-style activities, or relatively soft cushioning for walking. A
sole structure that is configured for one athletic activity, such as long-distance running, may not be suitable for use during another athletic activity, such as tennis.
Each different type of sole structure, therefore, requires a distinct upper in footwear where the upper and sole structure are permanently secured together.
[06] In contrast with the conventional article of footwear that includes a permanently secured upper and sole structure, footwear configurations embodying an upper and detachable sole structure have been proposed. U.S. Patent Number 6,023,857 to Vizy et al.
discloses footwear with a permanently attached upper and outsole that includes a separate midsole and heel counter structure, which is removable from the upper. U.S. Patent Number 5,083,385 to Halford and U.S. Patent number 4,974,344 to Ching both disclose an outsole structure that is detachable from the remainder of the footwear. Finally, U.S.
Patent Numbers 6,023,859 and 5,799,417 to Burke et al. disclose an article of footwear with removable and exchangeable inserts that are positioned between the upper and a lower portion of the sole structure. The inserts protrude through the lower portion of the sole structure to provide a ground-contacting surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming substantially all of a bottom portion of said upper and defining an aperture extending through said connection element, and said connection element being formed of a material that has greater stiffness than a material that forms said side portions; and a sole structure that is securable to said upper and separable from said upper, said sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from said foot-supporting element, said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projection extends through said aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, and at least a portion of said foot-supporting element and said projection are formed of a polymer foam material.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming substantially all of a bottom portion of said upper and defining a plurality of apertures extending through said connection element, and said connection element being formed of a material that is different from a material that forms said side portions; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from said foot-supporting element said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projections extend through said apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, at least a portion of said foot-supporting element and said projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein said connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and said sole structure includes a second portion of said locking system, said first portion being joinable with said second portion to secure said sole structure to said upper, and said first portion being separable from said second portion to separate said sole structure and said upper.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming a bottom portion of said upper and defining a plurality of apertures extending through said connection element;
and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to said foot-supporting element, said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projections extend through said apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, wherein edges of at least a portion of said apertures and indentations in at least a portion of said projections form a locking system, said edges being joinable with said indentations to secure said sole structure to said upper.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising an upper and a sole structure that are separable, said upper defining a void located on an interior of said upper, said void having a shape and a size that accommodates both said sole structure and a foot, and said upper defining a plurality of apertures that extend through a bottom portion of said upper, substantially all of said bottom portion of said upper being formed of a material that is different from a material that forms side portions of said upper, said sole structure having a foot-supporting element positioned on an interior of said upper, and said sole structure having a plurality of projections extending from said foot-supporting element, said projections extending through said apertures to form a 3a ground-engaging surface, wherein said upper includes a first portion of a locking system and said sole structure includes a second portion of said locking system, said first portion being joinable with said second portion to secure said sole structure to said upper, and said first portion being separable from said second portion to separate said sole structure from said upper, and said first portion being edges of said apertures and said second portion being indentations in said sole structure, said edges being receivable by said indentations.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper forming a void within the footwear, the upper defining an ankle opening and a plurality of apertures;
and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned within the void and the projections extend through the apertures, each of the projections having a lower surface positioned opposite the foot-supporting element, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, and the sole structure also having outsole sections secured to the lower surfaces of the projections such that the polymer foam material of the projections forms a portion of an exterior surface of the footwear.
According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper defining a void within the footwear, the upper having an ankle opening and a lower area opposite the ankle opening, the lower area defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent the lower area and the projections extend through the apertures to provide a ground-contacting surface, each of the projections having a lower surface positioned opposite the foot-supporting element and a side surface extending between the foot-supporting element and the lower surface, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material and the sole structure also 3b having outsole sections secured to the lower surfaces of the projections such that the side surfaces of the projections form a portion of an exterior of the footwear, the outsole sections forming the ground-contacting surface.
According to still a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising: an upper forming a void within the footwear, the upper defining an ankle opening and a plurality of apertures; a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned within the void and the projections extend through the apertures, and the foot-supporting element and projections being formed from a polymer foam material with outsole elements secured to lower surfaces of the projections; and a mechanical locking system that joins the sole structure to the upper and permits the sole structure to be disconnected and removed from the upper.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing at least one first footwear component and at least two second footwear components, each of the second footwear components having different physical properties, and each of the second footwear components being joinable with the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is an upper and the second footwear components are sole structures, and wherein each of the second footwear components is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the second footwear component; selecting one of the two second footwear components based upon the different physical properties and the preferences of the wearer; and removably-securing the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component, wherein, during the securing, the foot-supporting portion of the selected second footwear component is located within the first footwear component such that the protrusions extend through apertures in the first footwear component, and wherein the securing further includes engaging a locking system by extending edges of the apertures into indentations in the protrusions.
3c According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing at least one first footwear component and at least two second footwear components, each of the second footwear components having different physical properties, and each of the second footwear components being joinable with the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is a sole structure and the second footwear components are uppers, and wherein each of the second footwear components includes apertures extending through a lower surface; determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the second footwear component; selecting one of the two second footwear components based upon the different physical properties and the preferences of the wearer; and removably-securing the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing an upper element, a first sole element, and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the first sole element and the second sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear; selecting one of the sole elements based upon the preference of the wearer and the different physical properties of the sole elements; and securing the selected one of the sole elements and the upper element with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear, wherein the securing includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the selected sole element within the upper element such that the protrusions extend through apertures in the upper element.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing a sole element, a first upper element, and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first 3d upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through its lower surface; determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear; selecting one of the upper elements based upon the preference of the wearer and the different physical properties of the upper elements; and securing the selected one of the upper elements and the sole element with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear, wherein the securing includes locating the sole element within the selected one of the upper elements such that protrusions of the sole element extend through the apertures.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing a first sole element and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the sole elements is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion; providing a first upper element and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof; determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear; selecting one of the sole elements and one of the upper elements based upon the preferred physical properties of the wearer;
and removably-securing the selected one of the sole elements and the selected one of the upper elements with a mechanical fastener to form the article of footwear.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing a first upper element and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof; providing a first sole element and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the first sole element and 3e the second sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion; determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear; selecting one of the upper elements and one of the sole elements based upon the preferred physical properties of the wearer; and securing the selected one of the upper elements and the selected one of the sole elements with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear.
According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of customizing an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing an article of footwear having an upper element and a sole element, the upper element and the sole element being detachably-secured together; determining preferences of the wearer for a physical property of one of the upper element and the sole element; selecting an alternate sole element for the sole element from a plurality of alternate elements, the alternate sole element having the preferred physical property, wherein each of the sole element and the alternate sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion; and interchanging the sole element with the alternate sole element on the upper element, wherein the interchanging includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the alternate sole element within the upper element such that the protrusions of the alternate sole element extend through apertures in the upper element.
According to still a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of customizing an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of: providing an article of footwear having an upper element and a sole element, the upper element and the sole element being detachably-secured together; determining preferences of the wearer for a physical property of one of the upper element and the sole element; selecting an alternate upper element for the upper element from a plurality of alternate upper elements, the alternate upper element having the preferred physical property, wherein each of the upper element and the alternate upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof; and interchanging the upper element with the alternate upper element on the sole element.
3f According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture; and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material, and wherein the projection includes an outsole element secured to its lower surface to provide a ground-contacting surface of the projection.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture; and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, wherein the first portion of the locking system is a first tubular structure and the second portion of the locking system is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with the first tubular structure, and wherein the locking system includes an element that extends through the first tubular structure and the second tubular structure to secure the upper to the sole structure.
3g According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the plurality of projections include outsole sections secured to their lower surfaces to provide ground-contacting surfaces of the projections, wherein the connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure includes a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being joinable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, and the first portion being separable from the second portion to separate the sole structure and the upper.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure includes a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being joinable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, and the first portion being separable from the second portion to separate the sole structure 3h and the upper, wherein the first portion of the locking system is a first tubular structure and the second portion of the locking system is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with the first tubular structure, and wherein the locking system includes an element that extends through the first tubular structure and the second tubular structure to secure the upper to the sole structure.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures, wherein the plurality of projections include outsole sections secured to their lower surfaces to provide ground-contacting surfaces of the projections, wherein edges of at least a portion of the apertures and indentations in at least a portion of the projections form a locking system, the edges being joinable with the indentations to secure the sole structure to the upper.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture; and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material.
3i According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, wherein edges of at least a portion of the apertures and indentations in at least a portion of the projections form a locking system, the edges being joinable with the indentations to secure the sole structure to the upper.
According to still a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture; and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, wherein the first portion is an indentation in an edge of the aperture and the second portion is a protrusion defined in the projection, the protrusion being receivable by the indentation.
[07] In one embodiment there is provided an article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes an ankle opening and a pair of side portions extending downward from the ankle opening. The upper also 3j includes a connection element located opposite the ankle opening and extending between the side portions. The connection element forms a bottom portion of the upper and defines an aperture. The sole structure includes a foot-supporting element and a projection connected to said foot-supporting element. The sole structure is insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface.
[08] The footwear configuration described above provides separability between the upper and the sole structure. That is, the upper and sole structure may be separated into two discrete components of the footwear. During use, however, the upper and sole structure are intended to remain securely connected. In order to enhance the connection between the upper and sole structure, a locking system may be incorporated into the footwear. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking system includes an indentation in the projection that receives an edge of the aperture, thereby effectively securing the upper to the sole structure. The indentation may be positioned, for example, adjacent the foot-supporting element.
[09] The footwear may also include additional features, including an outsole section and a textile liner. The sole structure may include a polymer foam, particularly in the projection. The outsole section, which may be formed of a rubber material, may be 3k positioned on a lower surface of the projection to enhance the abrasion-resistance and durability of the sole structure. Similarly, the foot-supporting element may be formed of a polymer foam material. In order to enhance the comfort of the sole structure, a textile liner may be secured to the upper surface of the foot-supporting member.
[10] To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of embodiments of the invention, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[11] The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[121 Figure I is a lateral elevational view of an article of footwear having a separable upper and sole structure.
1131 Figure 2 is an exploded elevational view of the footwear.
[141 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a bottom and medial side of the footwear.
1151 Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the footwear.
[16] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the footwear, as defined by line 5-5 in Figure 1.
[17] Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the footwear.
[18] Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the sole structure.
[19] Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the upper.
[20] Figure 9 is a lateral elevational view of the article of footwear with an alternate locking system.
[21] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the footwear with the alternate locking system, as defined by line 10-10 in Figure 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[22] The following discussion and accompanying Figures 1-8 disclose an article of footwear having an upper 20 and a sole structure 30 in accordance with the present invention.
In contrast with conventional articles of footwear that have a permanently-attached upper and sole structure, upper 20 and sole structure 30 are separable. This structure provides a plurality of advantages over the conventional, non-separable footwear. For example, upper 20 and sole structure 30 may be separately cleansed in a manner that best suits the respective materials forming each component. If one of upper 20 and sole structure 30 becomes worn or otherwise damaged, the damaged component may be replaced without the necessity of replacing the undamaged component. Furthermore, upper 20 and sole structure 30 may be interchanged with alternate uppers or sole structures to suit a particular activity or a preference of an individual.
[23] For purposes of reference in the following discussion, footwear 10 is divided into a heel portion 11, a midfoot portion 12, and a forefoot portion 13, as defined in Figure 1. Heel portion 11 generally corresponds with the area of footwear 10 that receives the heel and ankle of the individual, midfoot portion 12 generally corresponds with the area of footwear 10 that receives the arch, and forefoot portion 13 generally corresponds with the area of footwear 10 that receives the toes. Portions 11-13 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear 10. Rather, portions 11-13 are intended to encompass general areas of footwear 10 to aid in the following discussion.
[24] Upper 20 incorporates a plurality of elements that are stitched or otherwise connected to form a comfortable structure for receiving the foot. Each element may include an individual material or selected textile, foam, leather, and polymer materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together. The textile materials, for example may include a mesh cloth that provides enhanced air-permeability and moisture-wicking properties.
The foam materials may be a lightweight thermoset foam that conforms to the shape of the foot and enhances the comfort of footwear 10. Finally, the leather and polymer materials may be positioned in high-wear portions of upper 20, or in portions of upper 20 that require additional stretch-resistance or support. Accordingly, upper 20 may be manufactured from generally conventional materials.
[25] The various elements forming upper 20 define a lateral side 21a, an opposite medial side 21b, an ankle opening 22, and a connecting element 23. Lateral side 21a and medial side 2 lb generally cover the sides, heel, and instep portion of the foot and may include laces or another tightening system for tightening upper 20 around the foot and securing the foot within footwear 10. Lateral side 21a and medial side 21b define ankle opening 22 and extend downward from ankle opening 22 to join with connecting element 23.
Ankle opening 22 provides access to a void within upper 20 that accommodates both sole structure 30 and the foot. Upper 20 is, therefore, configured to receive sole structure 30 and the foot through ankle opening 22. Lateral side 21a, medial side 21b, and anlde opening 22 have, therefore, a generally conventional configuration. In contrast with a conventional upper, however, upper 20 includes connecting element 23, which is secured to lateral side 21a and medial side 21b and extends across a bottom of upper 20 to form a lower surface of upper 20.
[26] Connecting element 23 is secured to a lower portion of lateral side 21a and medial side 21b to form a lower surface of upper 20. A variety of attachment techniques may be utilized for securing connecting element 23 to lateral side 21a and medial side 2 lb, including stitching, adhesive bonding, thermobonding, or a combination of stitching and bonding, for example. Connecting element 23 extends onto a toe area of lateral side 21a and medial side 21b in forefoot portion 13. This configuration limits forward movement of the foot relative to footwear 10. Connecting element 23 may also extend upward on the lateral side, on the medial side, or in heel portion 11.
[27] Connecting element 23 may be a single element, as depicted in Figure 5 and 8, or a plurality of elements that are joined together. The primary purpose of connecting element 23 is to form a plurality of apertures 24a-24g in a lower surface of upper 20.
Suitable materials for connecting element 23 include a plurality of flexible and mildly stretchable polymers, including polyether block amide, thermoplastic polyurethane, or a variety of rubber or elastomeric materials. A combination of materials may also be utilized. For example, a majority of connecting element 23 may be formed from a textile or leather material, and a polymer may be secured to the textile or leather around each of apertures 24a-24g.
[20] Sole structure 30 is separable from upper 20 by disengaging sole structure 30 from upper 20 and drawing sole structure 30 through ankle opening 22, thereby removing sole structure 30 from the void formed within upper 20. The primary elements of sole structure 30 are a foot-supporting element 31 and a plurality of projections 32a-32g.
Foot-supporting element 31 extends from heel portion 11 to forefoot portion 13 and provides an upper surface for contacting and supporting the foot. The upper surface of foot-supporting element 31 may be contoured to include a depression in heel portion 11 for seating the heel; an arch in midfoot portion 12 for supporting the arch;
and an area in forefoot portion 13 for, supporting forward portions of the foot, including the toes.
Peripheral areas of foot-supporting element 31 may be raised to form a general depression in the upper surface of foot-supporting member 31, thereby providing an area for securely receiving the foot. In order to enhance the comfort of sole structure 30, a textile liner 33 may be attached, through adhesive bonding for example, to the upper surface of foot-supporting element 31.
[29] A lower surface of foot-supporting element 31 contacts connecting element 23 when sole structure 30 is received by the void within upper 20. In addition, projections 32a-32g extend through apertures 24a-24g, respectively, and extend downward from upper 20 to form a ground-contacting portion of footwear 10. Each projection 32a-32g includes one of a plurality of outsole sections 34a-34g that impart a durable and abrasion-resistant lower surface to projections 32a-32g. Suitable materials for outsole sections 34a-34g include any of the various rubber materials that are conventionally utilized in footwear outsoles, including blown rubber, carbon rubber or a combination of blown and carbon rubbers.
[30] With the primary exceptions of liner 33 and outsole sections 34a-34g, sole structure 30 is formed of a polymer foam material that provides cushioning as footwear 10 contacts the ground. More specifically, sole structure 30 acts to attenuate ground reaction forces and absorb energy as sole structure 30 is compressed between the foot and the ground. This may occur, for example, during activities that involve walking or running.
Suitable materials for sole structure 30 are, therefore, any of the conventional polymer foams that are utilized in the midsoles of athletic footwear, such as ethylvinylacetate and polyurethane foam. Sole structure 30 may also incorporate a fluid-filled bladder in heel portion 11 or along the entire length of foot-supporting element 31 in order to provide additional cushioning, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Numbers 4,183,156;
4,219,945;
4,906,502; and 5,083,361 to Marion F. Rudy, and U.S. Patent Numbers 5,993,585 and 6,119,371 to David A. Goodwin et al.
1311 Projections 32a-32g may have a variety of shapes within the scope of the present invention, including circular, elliptical, triangular, hexagonal, square, or any other geometrical or non-geometrical shape. As depicted in Figure 7, projections 32a-32g each have different non-geometrical shapes and are distributed throughout footwear 10. More specifically, projections 32a-3213 are positioned in forefoot portion 13, projections 32c-32e are positioned in midfoot portion 12, and projections 32f-32g are positioned in heel portion 11. Similarly, projections 32a, 32c, 32e, and 32f are positioned on a lateral side of footwear 10, and projections 32b, 32d, and 32g are positioned on a medial side of footwear 10.
[32] When sole structure 30 is properly positioned within upper 20, projections 32a-32g extend downward and through apertures 24a-24g, respectively. The shapes of projections 32a-32g generally correspond with the shapes of apertures 24a-24g to provide a secure connection between connecting element 23 and sole structure 30. The secure connection ensures, for example, that sole structure 30 remains properly positioned relative to upper 20 during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. The secure connection also ensures that dirt, stones, twigs and other debris do not enter upper 20 through apertures 24a-24g. In order to enhance the secure connection, apertures 24a-24g may be formed to have an area that is slightly smaller than the area of projections 32a-32g.
Apertures 24a-24g may stretch, therefore, when receiving projections 32a-32g.
Furthermore, projections 32a-32g may each define one of an indentation 35a-35g that extends at least partially around projections 32a-32g. Indentations 35a-35g may be utilized to receive the edges of apertures 24a-24g, thereby forming a locking system that securely connects sole structure 30 to upper 20. The area of engagement between apertures 24a-24g and projections 32a-32g, which includes indentation 35a-35g, may have approximately the same area as apertures 24a-24g, or a slightly greater area to ensure a secure connection.
[33] The edges of apertures 24a-24g and indentations 35a-35g form the locking system that securely connects sole structure 30 to upper 20. A secure connection is generally formed when the edges of apertures 24a-24g extend into indentations 35a-35g. The connection may be enhanced, however, when the shape of the edges of apertures 24a-24g generally correspond with the shape of indentations 35a-35g. As depicted in Figure 5, therefore, the edges of apertures 24f and 24g have a shape that corresponds with and engages the surfaces of indentations 35f and 35g. That is, the edges of apertures 24f and 24g have a generally convex shape that engages a generally concave shape formed by the surfaces of indentations 35f and 35g. In further embodiments, apertures 24a-24g and indentations 35a-35g may be structured to form other corresponding shapes. In addition, the indentations may be formed in the edges of apertures 24a-24g and projections 32a-32g may form protrusions that mate with the indentation in the edges of apertures 24a-24g.
[34] Indentations 35a-35g may extend entirely around each of projection 32a-32g. As depicted in the figures, however, indentations 35a-35g extend only partially around each of projections 32a-32g. More specifically, indentations 35a-35g are located only on portions of projections 32a-32g that face outward from footwear 10. With respect to projection 32c, for example, indentation 35c is positioned on the lateral side of projection 32c and extends at least partially onto front and rear portions of projection 32c.
Indentation 350 is not located, however, on the medial side of projection 32c.
[35] Indentations 35a-35g receive the edges of apertures 24a-24g to form a locking system that securely connects sole structure 30 to upper 20. As discussed above, the edges of apertures 24a-24g extend into indentations 35a-35g, and the shape of the edges of apertures 24a-24g generally correspond with the shape of indentations 35a-35g.
In portions of apertures 24a-24g that do not extend into indentations 35a-35g, the edge of apertures 24a-24g may have a rounded configuration, as depicted in Figure 5, in order to increase the surface area of contact between connecting element 23 and sole structure 30.
[36] The locking system described above provides an example of a mechanical locking system that is suitable for footwear 10. The use of an aperture edge and indentation is not the only type of mechanical locking system that may be utilized to form a secure connection between sole structure 30 and upper 20. As depicted in Figures 9 and 10, for example, upper 20 may include a series of tubular structures 25 that extend around connection element 23, and sole structure 30 may include a series of corresponding tubular structures 36 that align with tubular structures 25 of upper 20 and fit between tubular structures 25.
Various pins 37, for example, could be placed through tubular structures 25 and 36 to secure upper 20 and sole structure 30 together. Accordingly, upper 20 and sole structure 30 have corresponding tubular structures 25 and 36 that are similar to the configuration of a hinge, with pins 37 serving the purpose of the pin in the hinge structure.
[37] The structure of footwear 10 described above provides a variety of advantages over conventional footwear, wherein the sole is permanently attached to the upper.
During running, for example, some individuals may prefer a sole structure that limits the degree to which the foot pronates upon contact with the ground. The same individual, however, may prefer a sole structure that exhibits a high degree of stability during court-style activities, such as basketball or tennis. Rather than purchase multiple pairs of upper-sole structure combinations that are permanently secured together, the individual may acquire a single upper 20 and multiple sole structures 30, each sole structure 30 being suitable for different activities. The individual may then select one of the multiple sole structures 30 for use with upper 20. Similarly, the individual may acquire multiple uppers 20 for use with a single sole structure 30.
[38] Upper 20 and sole structure 30 are formed from different materials.
Whereas a large portion of upper 20 includes textiles, sole structure 30 is primarily formed from polymer foam and rubber. Upper 20 and sole structure 30 may benefit, therefore, from cleansing techniques that are specifically suited to their respective materials.
Accordingly, upper 20 may be separated from sole structure 30 and each may be cleansed in an appropriate manner.
[39] Outsole sections 34a-34g are formed of a rubber material to provide durable, ground-contacting elements of footwear 10. Although outsole sections 34a-34g are abrasion-resistant, significant use of footwear 10 may eventually wear through portions of outsole sections 34a-34g. Rather than dispose of footwear 10, sole structure 30 may be properly recycled and replaced with an alternate sole structure 30, thus extending the lifespan of footwear 10. Similar considerations apply to upper 20.
[40] From an aesthetic viewpoint, the interchangeability of upper 20 and sole structure 30 also provides the individual with the ability to customize the appearance of footwear 10. For example, footwear 10 may be purchased to have an upper 20 and sole structure 30 with substantially similar colors. By interchanging upper 20 with an alternate upper 20, the color combination of footwear 10 may be customized to the preferences of the individual.
Support for a particular athletic team, for example, may also be demonstrated by selecting upper 20 and sole structure 30 combinations that reflect the colors of the athletic team.
[41] The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention.
One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
[19] Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the upper.
[20] Figure 9 is a lateral elevational view of the article of footwear with an alternate locking system.
[21] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the footwear with the alternate locking system, as defined by line 10-10 in Figure 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[22] The following discussion and accompanying Figures 1-8 disclose an article of footwear having an upper 20 and a sole structure 30 in accordance with the present invention.
In contrast with conventional articles of footwear that have a permanently-attached upper and sole structure, upper 20 and sole structure 30 are separable. This structure provides a plurality of advantages over the conventional, non-separable footwear. For example, upper 20 and sole structure 30 may be separately cleansed in a manner that best suits the respective materials forming each component. If one of upper 20 and sole structure 30 becomes worn or otherwise damaged, the damaged component may be replaced without the necessity of replacing the undamaged component. Furthermore, upper 20 and sole structure 30 may be interchanged with alternate uppers or sole structures to suit a particular activity or a preference of an individual.
[23] For purposes of reference in the following discussion, footwear 10 is divided into a heel portion 11, a midfoot portion 12, and a forefoot portion 13, as defined in Figure 1. Heel portion 11 generally corresponds with the area of footwear 10 that receives the heel and ankle of the individual, midfoot portion 12 generally corresponds with the area of footwear 10 that receives the arch, and forefoot portion 13 generally corresponds with the area of footwear 10 that receives the toes. Portions 11-13 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear 10. Rather, portions 11-13 are intended to encompass general areas of footwear 10 to aid in the following discussion.
[24] Upper 20 incorporates a plurality of elements that are stitched or otherwise connected to form a comfortable structure for receiving the foot. Each element may include an individual material or selected textile, foam, leather, and polymer materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together. The textile materials, for example may include a mesh cloth that provides enhanced air-permeability and moisture-wicking properties.
The foam materials may be a lightweight thermoset foam that conforms to the shape of the foot and enhances the comfort of footwear 10. Finally, the leather and polymer materials may be positioned in high-wear portions of upper 20, or in portions of upper 20 that require additional stretch-resistance or support. Accordingly, upper 20 may be manufactured from generally conventional materials.
[25] The various elements forming upper 20 define a lateral side 21a, an opposite medial side 21b, an ankle opening 22, and a connecting element 23. Lateral side 21a and medial side 2 lb generally cover the sides, heel, and instep portion of the foot and may include laces or another tightening system for tightening upper 20 around the foot and securing the foot within footwear 10. Lateral side 21a and medial side 21b define ankle opening 22 and extend downward from ankle opening 22 to join with connecting element 23.
Ankle opening 22 provides access to a void within upper 20 that accommodates both sole structure 30 and the foot. Upper 20 is, therefore, configured to receive sole structure 30 and the foot through ankle opening 22. Lateral side 21a, medial side 21b, and anlde opening 22 have, therefore, a generally conventional configuration. In contrast with a conventional upper, however, upper 20 includes connecting element 23, which is secured to lateral side 21a and medial side 21b and extends across a bottom of upper 20 to form a lower surface of upper 20.
[26] Connecting element 23 is secured to a lower portion of lateral side 21a and medial side 21b to form a lower surface of upper 20. A variety of attachment techniques may be utilized for securing connecting element 23 to lateral side 21a and medial side 2 lb, including stitching, adhesive bonding, thermobonding, or a combination of stitching and bonding, for example. Connecting element 23 extends onto a toe area of lateral side 21a and medial side 21b in forefoot portion 13. This configuration limits forward movement of the foot relative to footwear 10. Connecting element 23 may also extend upward on the lateral side, on the medial side, or in heel portion 11.
[27] Connecting element 23 may be a single element, as depicted in Figure 5 and 8, or a plurality of elements that are joined together. The primary purpose of connecting element 23 is to form a plurality of apertures 24a-24g in a lower surface of upper 20.
Suitable materials for connecting element 23 include a plurality of flexible and mildly stretchable polymers, including polyether block amide, thermoplastic polyurethane, or a variety of rubber or elastomeric materials. A combination of materials may also be utilized. For example, a majority of connecting element 23 may be formed from a textile or leather material, and a polymer may be secured to the textile or leather around each of apertures 24a-24g.
[20] Sole structure 30 is separable from upper 20 by disengaging sole structure 30 from upper 20 and drawing sole structure 30 through ankle opening 22, thereby removing sole structure 30 from the void formed within upper 20. The primary elements of sole structure 30 are a foot-supporting element 31 and a plurality of projections 32a-32g.
Foot-supporting element 31 extends from heel portion 11 to forefoot portion 13 and provides an upper surface for contacting and supporting the foot. The upper surface of foot-supporting element 31 may be contoured to include a depression in heel portion 11 for seating the heel; an arch in midfoot portion 12 for supporting the arch;
and an area in forefoot portion 13 for, supporting forward portions of the foot, including the toes.
Peripheral areas of foot-supporting element 31 may be raised to form a general depression in the upper surface of foot-supporting member 31, thereby providing an area for securely receiving the foot. In order to enhance the comfort of sole structure 30, a textile liner 33 may be attached, through adhesive bonding for example, to the upper surface of foot-supporting element 31.
[29] A lower surface of foot-supporting element 31 contacts connecting element 23 when sole structure 30 is received by the void within upper 20. In addition, projections 32a-32g extend through apertures 24a-24g, respectively, and extend downward from upper 20 to form a ground-contacting portion of footwear 10. Each projection 32a-32g includes one of a plurality of outsole sections 34a-34g that impart a durable and abrasion-resistant lower surface to projections 32a-32g. Suitable materials for outsole sections 34a-34g include any of the various rubber materials that are conventionally utilized in footwear outsoles, including blown rubber, carbon rubber or a combination of blown and carbon rubbers.
[30] With the primary exceptions of liner 33 and outsole sections 34a-34g, sole structure 30 is formed of a polymer foam material that provides cushioning as footwear 10 contacts the ground. More specifically, sole structure 30 acts to attenuate ground reaction forces and absorb energy as sole structure 30 is compressed between the foot and the ground. This may occur, for example, during activities that involve walking or running.
Suitable materials for sole structure 30 are, therefore, any of the conventional polymer foams that are utilized in the midsoles of athletic footwear, such as ethylvinylacetate and polyurethane foam. Sole structure 30 may also incorporate a fluid-filled bladder in heel portion 11 or along the entire length of foot-supporting element 31 in order to provide additional cushioning, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Numbers 4,183,156;
4,219,945;
4,906,502; and 5,083,361 to Marion F. Rudy, and U.S. Patent Numbers 5,993,585 and 6,119,371 to David A. Goodwin et al.
1311 Projections 32a-32g may have a variety of shapes within the scope of the present invention, including circular, elliptical, triangular, hexagonal, square, or any other geometrical or non-geometrical shape. As depicted in Figure 7, projections 32a-32g each have different non-geometrical shapes and are distributed throughout footwear 10. More specifically, projections 32a-3213 are positioned in forefoot portion 13, projections 32c-32e are positioned in midfoot portion 12, and projections 32f-32g are positioned in heel portion 11. Similarly, projections 32a, 32c, 32e, and 32f are positioned on a lateral side of footwear 10, and projections 32b, 32d, and 32g are positioned on a medial side of footwear 10.
[32] When sole structure 30 is properly positioned within upper 20, projections 32a-32g extend downward and through apertures 24a-24g, respectively. The shapes of projections 32a-32g generally correspond with the shapes of apertures 24a-24g to provide a secure connection between connecting element 23 and sole structure 30. The secure connection ensures, for example, that sole structure 30 remains properly positioned relative to upper 20 during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. The secure connection also ensures that dirt, stones, twigs and other debris do not enter upper 20 through apertures 24a-24g. In order to enhance the secure connection, apertures 24a-24g may be formed to have an area that is slightly smaller than the area of projections 32a-32g.
Apertures 24a-24g may stretch, therefore, when receiving projections 32a-32g.
Furthermore, projections 32a-32g may each define one of an indentation 35a-35g that extends at least partially around projections 32a-32g. Indentations 35a-35g may be utilized to receive the edges of apertures 24a-24g, thereby forming a locking system that securely connects sole structure 30 to upper 20. The area of engagement between apertures 24a-24g and projections 32a-32g, which includes indentation 35a-35g, may have approximately the same area as apertures 24a-24g, or a slightly greater area to ensure a secure connection.
[33] The edges of apertures 24a-24g and indentations 35a-35g form the locking system that securely connects sole structure 30 to upper 20. A secure connection is generally formed when the edges of apertures 24a-24g extend into indentations 35a-35g. The connection may be enhanced, however, when the shape of the edges of apertures 24a-24g generally correspond with the shape of indentations 35a-35g. As depicted in Figure 5, therefore, the edges of apertures 24f and 24g have a shape that corresponds with and engages the surfaces of indentations 35f and 35g. That is, the edges of apertures 24f and 24g have a generally convex shape that engages a generally concave shape formed by the surfaces of indentations 35f and 35g. In further embodiments, apertures 24a-24g and indentations 35a-35g may be structured to form other corresponding shapes. In addition, the indentations may be formed in the edges of apertures 24a-24g and projections 32a-32g may form protrusions that mate with the indentation in the edges of apertures 24a-24g.
[34] Indentations 35a-35g may extend entirely around each of projection 32a-32g. As depicted in the figures, however, indentations 35a-35g extend only partially around each of projections 32a-32g. More specifically, indentations 35a-35g are located only on portions of projections 32a-32g that face outward from footwear 10. With respect to projection 32c, for example, indentation 35c is positioned on the lateral side of projection 32c and extends at least partially onto front and rear portions of projection 32c.
Indentation 350 is not located, however, on the medial side of projection 32c.
[35] Indentations 35a-35g receive the edges of apertures 24a-24g to form a locking system that securely connects sole structure 30 to upper 20. As discussed above, the edges of apertures 24a-24g extend into indentations 35a-35g, and the shape of the edges of apertures 24a-24g generally correspond with the shape of indentations 35a-35g.
In portions of apertures 24a-24g that do not extend into indentations 35a-35g, the edge of apertures 24a-24g may have a rounded configuration, as depicted in Figure 5, in order to increase the surface area of contact between connecting element 23 and sole structure 30.
[36] The locking system described above provides an example of a mechanical locking system that is suitable for footwear 10. The use of an aperture edge and indentation is not the only type of mechanical locking system that may be utilized to form a secure connection between sole structure 30 and upper 20. As depicted in Figures 9 and 10, for example, upper 20 may include a series of tubular structures 25 that extend around connection element 23, and sole structure 30 may include a series of corresponding tubular structures 36 that align with tubular structures 25 of upper 20 and fit between tubular structures 25.
Various pins 37, for example, could be placed through tubular structures 25 and 36 to secure upper 20 and sole structure 30 together. Accordingly, upper 20 and sole structure 30 have corresponding tubular structures 25 and 36 that are similar to the configuration of a hinge, with pins 37 serving the purpose of the pin in the hinge structure.
[37] The structure of footwear 10 described above provides a variety of advantages over conventional footwear, wherein the sole is permanently attached to the upper.
During running, for example, some individuals may prefer a sole structure that limits the degree to which the foot pronates upon contact with the ground. The same individual, however, may prefer a sole structure that exhibits a high degree of stability during court-style activities, such as basketball or tennis. Rather than purchase multiple pairs of upper-sole structure combinations that are permanently secured together, the individual may acquire a single upper 20 and multiple sole structures 30, each sole structure 30 being suitable for different activities. The individual may then select one of the multiple sole structures 30 for use with upper 20. Similarly, the individual may acquire multiple uppers 20 for use with a single sole structure 30.
[38] Upper 20 and sole structure 30 are formed from different materials.
Whereas a large portion of upper 20 includes textiles, sole structure 30 is primarily formed from polymer foam and rubber. Upper 20 and sole structure 30 may benefit, therefore, from cleansing techniques that are specifically suited to their respective materials.
Accordingly, upper 20 may be separated from sole structure 30 and each may be cleansed in an appropriate manner.
[39] Outsole sections 34a-34g are formed of a rubber material to provide durable, ground-contacting elements of footwear 10. Although outsole sections 34a-34g are abrasion-resistant, significant use of footwear 10 may eventually wear through portions of outsole sections 34a-34g. Rather than dispose of footwear 10, sole structure 30 may be properly recycled and replaced with an alternate sole structure 30, thus extending the lifespan of footwear 10. Similar considerations apply to upper 20.
[40] From an aesthetic viewpoint, the interchangeability of upper 20 and sole structure 30 also provides the individual with the ability to customize the appearance of footwear 10. For example, footwear 10 may be purchased to have an upper 20 and sole structure 30 with substantially similar colors. By interchanging upper 20 with an alternate upper 20, the color combination of footwear 10 may be customized to the preferences of the individual.
Support for a particular athletic team, for example, may also be demonstrated by selecting upper 20 and sole structure 30 combinations that reflect the colors of the athletic team.
[41] The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention.
One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (168)
1. An article of footwear comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming substantially all of a bottom portion of said upper and defining an aperture extending through said connection element, and said connection element being formed of a material that has greater stiffness than a material that forms said side portions; and a sole structure that is securable to said upper and separable from said upper, said sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from said foot-supporting element, said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projection extends through said aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, and at least a portion of said foot-supporting element and said projection are formed of a polymer foam material.
an upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming substantially all of a bottom portion of said upper and defining an aperture extending through said connection element, and said connection element being formed of a material that has greater stiffness than a material that forms said side portions; and a sole structure that is securable to said upper and separable from said upper, said sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from said foot-supporting element, said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projection extends through said aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, and at least a portion of said foot-supporting element and said projection are formed of a polymer foam material.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and said sole structure forms a second portion of said locking system, said first portion being joinable with said second portion to secure said sole structure to said upper.
3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the locking system is a mechanical locking system.
4. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein said first portion is an edge of said aperture and said second portion is an indentation on said sole structure, said edge being receivable by said indentation.
5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein said indentation extends at least partially around said projection.
6. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein said indentation is located on a portion of said projection facing away from said footwear.
7. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein said indentation is positioned at least partially around said projection and adjacent to said foot-supporting member.
8. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein said edge and said indentation have corresponding shapes.
9. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein said edge forms a convex surface and said indentation forms a concave surface.
10. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein said first portion is a first tubular structure and said second portion is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with said first tubular structure, and said locking system includes an element that extends through said first tubular structure and said second tubular structure to secure said upper to said sole structure.
11. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said upper includes a plurality of said aperture, and said sole structure includes a plurality of said projection.
12. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein an outsole section is secured to a lower surface of said projection.
13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of said foot-supporting element is contoured.
14. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of a periphery of an upper surface of said foot-supporting element is raised in relation to a central area of said upper surface of said foot-supporting element.
15. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a heel portion of an upper surface of said foot-supporting element includes a depression for receiving a heel of a foot.
16. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a textile is secured to an upper surface of said foot-supporting element.
17. An article of footwear comprising:
upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming substantially all of a bottom portion of said upper and defining a plurality of apertures extending through said connection element, and said connection element being formed of a material that is different from a material that forms said side portions; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from said foot-supporting element said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projections extend through said apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, at least a portion of said foot-supporting element and said projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein said connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and said sole structure includes a second portion of said locking system, said first portion being joinable with said second portion to secure said sole structure to said upper, and said first portion being separable from said second portion to separate said sole structure and said upper.
upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming substantially all of a bottom portion of said upper and defining a plurality of apertures extending through said connection element, and said connection element being formed of a material that is different from a material that forms said side portions; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from said foot-supporting element said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projections extend through said apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, at least a portion of said foot-supporting element and said projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein said connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and said sole structure includes a second portion of said locking system, said first portion being joinable with said second portion to secure said sole structure to said upper, and said first portion being separable from said second portion to separate said sole structure and said upper.
18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the locking system is mechanical.
19. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein said first portion is edges of said apertures and said second portion is indentations in said sole structure, said edges being receivable by said indentations.
20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein said indentations extend at least partially around said projections.
21. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein said indentations are positioned at least partially around said projections and adjacent to said foot-supporting member.
22. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein said indentations are located on portions of said projections facing away from said footwear.
23. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein said edges and said indentations have corresponding shapes.
24. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein said edges form convex surfaces and said indentations forms concave surfaces.
25. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein outsole sections are secured to lower surfaces of said projections.
26. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein an upper surface of said foot-supporting element is contoured.
27. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of a periphery of an upper surface of said foot-supporting element is raised in relation to a central area of said upper surface of said foot-supporting element.
28. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein a heel portion of an upper surface of said foot-supporting element includes a depression for receiving a heel of a foot.
29. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein a textile is secured to an upper surface of said foot-supporting element.
30. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein said first portion is a first tubular structure and said second portion is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with said first tubular structure, and said locking system includes an element that extends through said first tubular structure and said second tubular structure to secure said upper to said sole structure.
31. An article of footwear comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming a bottom portion of said upper and defining a plurality of apertures extending through said connection element; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to said foot-supporting element, said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projections extend through said apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, wherein edges of at least a portion of said apertures and indentations in at least a portion of said projections form a locking system, said edges being joinable with said indentations to secure said sole structure to said upper.
an upper having an ankle opening, a pair of side portions extending downward from said ankle opening, and a connection element located opposite said ankle opening and extending between said side portions, said connection element forming a bottom portion of said upper and defining a plurality of apertures extending through said connection element; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to said foot-supporting element, said sole structure being insertable through said ankle opening such that said foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of said connection element and said projections extend through said apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, wherein edges of at least a portion of said apertures and indentations in at least a portion of said projections form a locking system, said edges being joinable with said indentations to secure said sole structure to said upper.
32. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein said indentations extend at least partially around said projections.
33. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein said indentations are positioned at least partially around said at least a portion of said projections and adjacent to said foot-supporting member.
34. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein said edges and said indentations have corresponding shapes.
35. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein said edges form convex surfaces and said indentations forms concave surfaces.
36. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein at least a portion of said foot-supporting element and said projections are formed of a polymer foam material.
37. The article of footwear of claim 36, wherein outsole sections are secured to lower surfaces of said projections.
38. The article of footwear of claim 31, where an upper surface of said foot-supporting element is contoured.
39. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein at least a portion of a periphery of an upper surface of said foot-supporting element is raised in relation to a central area of said upper surface of said foot-supporting element.
40. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein a heel portion of an upper surface of said foot-supporting element includes a depression for receiving a heel of a foot.
41. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein a textile is secured to an upper surface of said foot-supporting element.
42. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein said indentations are located on portions of said projections facing away from said footwear.
43. An article of footwear comprising an upper and a sole structure that are separable, said upper defining a void located on an interior of said upper, said void having a shape and a size that accommodates both said sole structure and a foot, and said upper defining a plurality of apertures that extend through a bottom portion of said upper, substantially all of said bottom portion of said upper being formed of a material that is different from a material that forms side portions of said upper, said sole structure having a foot-supporting element positioned on an interior of said upper, and said sole structure having a plurality of projections extending from said foot-supporting element, said projections extending through said apertures to form a ground-engaging surface, wherein said upper includes a first portion of a locking system and said sole structure includes a second portion of said locking system, said first portion being joinable with said second portion to secure said sole structure to said upper, and said first portion being separable from said second portion to separate said sole structure from said upper, and said first portion being edges of said apertures and said second portion being indentations in said sole structure, said edges being receivable by said indentations.
44. The article of footwear of claim 43, wherein the locking system is mechanical.
45. The article of footwear of claim 43, wherein said indentations extend at least partially around said projections.
46. The article of footwear of claim 43, wherein said indentations are positioned at least partially around said projections and adjacent to said foot-supporting member.
47. The article of footwear of claim 43, wherein said indentations are located on portions of said projections facing away from said footwear.
48. The article of footwear of claim 43, wherein said edges and said indentations have corresponding shapes.
49. The article of footwear of claim 43, wherein said edges form convex surfaces and said indentations forms concave surfaces.
50. An article of footwear comprising:
an upper forming a void within the footwear, the upper defining an ankle opening and a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned within the void and the projections extend through the apertures, each of the projections having a lower surface positioned opposite the foot-supporting element, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, and the sole structure also having outsole sections secured to the lower surfaces of the projections such that the polymer foam material of the projections forms a portion of an exterior surface of the footwear.
an upper forming a void within the footwear, the upper defining an ankle opening and a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned within the void and the projections extend through the apertures, each of the projections having a lower surface positioned opposite the foot-supporting element, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, and the sole structure also having outsole sections secured to the lower surfaces of the projections such that the polymer foam material of the projections forms a portion of an exterior surface of the footwear.
51. The article of footwear recited in claim 50, wherein the projections extend downward to form ground-contacting portions of the footwear.
52. The article of footwear recited in claim 50, wherein at least one of the projections forms an indentation extending into the sole structure, and the upper extends into the indentation.
53. The article of footwear recited in claim 52, wherein the indentation is positioned at least partially around the at least one of the projections and adjacent to the foot-supporting element.
54. An article of footwear comprising:
an upper defining a void within the footwear, the upper having an ankle opening and a lower area opposite the ankle opening, the lower area defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent the lower area and the projections extend through the apertures to provide a ground-contacting surface, each of the projections having a lower surface positioned opposite the foot-supporting element and a side surface extending between the foot-supporting element and the lower surface, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material and the sole structure also having outsole sections secured to the lower surfaces of the projections such that the side surfaces of the projections form a portion of an exterior of the footwear, the outsole sections forming the ground-contacting surface.
an upper defining a void within the footwear, the upper having an ankle opening and a lower area opposite the ankle opening, the lower area defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent the lower area and the projections extend through the apertures to provide a ground-contacting surface, each of the projections having a lower surface positioned opposite the foot-supporting element and a side surface extending between the foot-supporting element and the lower surface, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material and the sole structure also having outsole sections secured to the lower surfaces of the projections such that the side surfaces of the projections form a portion of an exterior of the footwear, the outsole sections forming the ground-contacting surface.
55. The article of footwear recited in claim 54, wherein at least one of the projections forms an indentation extending into the sole structure, and the upper extends into the indentation.
56. The article of footwear recited in claim 55, wherein the indentation is positioned at least partially around the at least one of the projections and adjacent to the foot-supporting element.
57. An article of footwear comprising:
an upper forming a void within the footwear, the upper defining an ankle opening and a plurality of apertures;
a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned within the void and the projections extend through the apertures, and the foot-supporting element and projections being formed from a polymer foam material with outsole elements secured to lower surfaces of the projections;
and a mechanical locking system that joins the sole structure to the upper and permits the sole structure to be disconnected and removed from the upper.
an upper forming a void within the footwear, the upper defining an ankle opening and a plurality of apertures;
a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending outward from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned within the void and the projections extend through the apertures, and the foot-supporting element and projections being formed from a polymer foam material with outsole elements secured to lower surfaces of the projections;
and a mechanical locking system that joins the sole structure to the upper and permits the sole structure to be disconnected and removed from the upper.
58. The article of footwear recited in claim 57, wherein the projections extend downward to form ground-contacting portions of the footwear.
59. The article of footwear recited in claim 57, wherein the locking system is an indentation in at least one of the projections, and the upper extends into the indentation.
60. The article of footwear recited in claim 59, wherein the indentation is positioned at least partially around the at least one of the projections and adjacent to the foot-supporting element.
61. A method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of:
providing at least one first footwear component and at least two second footwear components, each of the second footwear components having different physical properties, and each of the second footwear components being joinable with the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is an upper and the second footwear components are sole structures, and wherein each of the second footwear components is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the second footwear component;
selecting one of the two second footwear components based upon the different physical properties and the preferences of the wearer; and removably-securing the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component, wherein, during the securing, the foot-supporting portion of the selected second footwear component is located within the first footwear component such that the protrusions extend through apertures in the first footwear component, and wherein the securing further includes engaging a locking system by extending edges of the apertures into indentations in the protrusions.
providing at least one first footwear component and at least two second footwear components, each of the second footwear components having different physical properties, and each of the second footwear components being joinable with the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is an upper and the second footwear components are sole structures, and wherein each of the second footwear components is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the second footwear component;
selecting one of the two second footwear components based upon the different physical properties and the preferences of the wearer; and removably-securing the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component, wherein, during the securing, the foot-supporting portion of the selected second footwear component is located within the first footwear component such that the protrusions extend through apertures in the first footwear component, and wherein the securing further includes engaging a locking system by extending edges of the apertures into indentations in the protrusions.
62. The method recited in claim 61, wherein the step of providing includes selecting the second footwear components to have different colors.
63. The method recited in claim 61, wherein the step of providing includes selecting the second footwear components to have different structures.
64. A method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of:
providing at least one first footwear component and at least two second footwear components, each of the second footwear components having different physical properties, and each of the second footwear components being joinable with the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is a sole structure and the second footwear components are uppers, and wherein each of the second footwear components includes apertures extending through a lower surface;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the second footwear component;
selecting one of the two second footwear components based upon the different physical properties and the preferences of the wearer; and removably-securing the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component.
providing at least one first footwear component and at least two second footwear components, each of the second footwear components having different physical properties, and each of the second footwear components being joinable with the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is a sole structure and the second footwear components are uppers, and wherein each of the second footwear components includes apertures extending through a lower surface;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the second footwear component;
selecting one of the two second footwear components based upon the different physical properties and the preferences of the wearer; and removably-securing the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component.
65. The method recited in claim 64, wherein the step of providing includes selecting the second footwear components to have different colors.
66. The method recited in claim 64, wherein the step of removably-securing includes locating the first footwear component within the selected second footwear component such that protrusions of the first footwear component extend through the apertures.
67. The method recited in claim 66, wherein the step of removably-securing further includes engaging a locking system by extending edges of the apertures into indentations in the protrusions.
68. The method recited in claim 64, wherein the step of removably-securing includes joining the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component with a fastener.
69. The method recited in claim 68, wherein the fastener is a mechanical fastener.
70. The method recited in claim 68, wherein the fastener is a non-adhesive fastener.
71. The method recited in claim 68, wherein the fastener includes an indentation in one of the footwear components that receives a portion of the other footwear component to join the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component.
72. The method recited in claim 64, wherein the step of removably-securing includes joining the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component with a locking system.
73. The method recited in claim 72, wherein the locking system includes an indentation in one of the footwear components that receives a portion of the other footwear component to removably-secure the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component.
74. The method recited in claim 72, further including a step of disconnecting the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component, and removably-securing the first footwear component and the other second footwear component with the locking system.
75. The method recited in claim 64, wherein the step of removably-securing includes joining the first footwear component and the selected second footwear component with fastening means.
76. The method recited in claim 64, further including a step of interchanging the selected second footwear component with the other second footwear component.
77. The method recited in claim 64, further including a step of interchanging the first footwear component with a different first footwear component.
78. A method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of:
providing an upper element, a first sole element, and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the first sole element and the second sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear;
selecting one of the sole elements based upon the preference of the wearer and the different physical properties of the sole elements; and securing the selected one of the sole elements and the upper element with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear, wherein the securing includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the selected sole element within the upper element such that the protrusions extend through apertures in the upper element.
providing an upper element, a first sole element, and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the first sole element and the second sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear;
selecting one of the sole elements based upon the preference of the wearer and the different physical properties of the sole elements; and securing the selected one of the sole elements and the upper element with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear, wherein the securing includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the selected sole element within the upper element such that the protrusions extend through apertures in the upper element.
79. The method recited in claim 78, wherein the step of providing includes selecting the first sole element and the second sole element to have different structures.
80. The method recited in claim 78, wherein the fastener is a mechanical fastener.
81. The method recited in claim 78, wherein the fastener is a non-adhesive fastener.
82. The method recited in claim 78, wherein the step of selecting includes choosing the first sole element, and the method further includes a step of interchanging the first sole element with the second sole element.
83. The method recited in claim 78, further including a step of interchanging the upper element with a different upper element.
84. A method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of:
providing a sole element, a first upper element, and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through its lower surface;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear;
selecting one of the upper elements based upon the preference of the wearer and the different physical properties of the upper elements; and securing the selected one of the upper elements and the sole element with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear, wherein the securing includes locating the sole element within the selected one of the upper elements such that protrusions of the sole element extend through the apertures.
providing a sole element, a first upper element, and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through its lower surface;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear;
selecting one of the upper elements based upon the preference of the wearer and the different physical properties of the upper elements; and securing the selected one of the upper elements and the sole element with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear, wherein the securing includes locating the sole element within the selected one of the upper elements such that protrusions of the sole element extend through the apertures.
85. The method recited in claim 84, wherein the step of providing includes selecting the first upper element and the second upper element to have different colors.
86. The method recited in claim 84, wherein the fastener is a mechanical fastener.
87. The method recited in claim 84, wherein the fastener is a non-adhesive fastener.
88. The method recited in claim 84, wherein the step of selecting includes choosing the first upper element, and the method further includes a step of interchanging the first upper element with the second upper element.
89. The method recited in claim 84, further including a step of interchanging the sole element with a different sole element.
90. A method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of:
providing a first sole element and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the sole elements is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
providing a first upper element and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear;
selecting one of the sole elements and one of the upper elements based upon the preferred physical properties of the wearer; and removably-securing the selected one of the sole elements and the selected one of the upper elements with a mechanical fastener to form the article of footwear.
providing a first sole element and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the sole elements is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
providing a first upper element and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear;
selecting one of the sole elements and one of the upper elements based upon the preferred physical properties of the wearer; and removably-securing the selected one of the sole elements and the selected one of the upper elements with a mechanical fastener to form the article of footwear.
91. The method recited in claim 90, wherein the step of providing the first sole element and the second sole element includes selecting the sole elements to have different structures.
92. The method recited in claim 90, wherein the step of providing the first upper element and the second upper element includes selecting the upper elements to have different colors.
93. The method recited in claim 90, wherein the step of removably-securing includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the selected sole element within the selected upper element such that the protrusions extend through the apertures.
94. The method recited in claim 90, wherein the mechanical fastener includes an indentation in the selected sole element that receives a portion of the selected upper element to join the selected sole element and the selected upper element.
95. The method recited in claim 90, further including a step of interchanging the selected sole element with the other sole element.
96. The method recited in claim 90, further including a step of interchanging the selected upper element with the other upper element.
97. A method of assembling an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of:
providing a first upper element and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof;
providing a first sole element and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the first sole element and the second sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear;
selecting one of the upper elements and one of the sole elements based upon the preferred physical properties of the wearer; and securing the selected one of the upper elements and the selected one of the sole elements with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear.
providing a first upper element and a second upper element, the first upper element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second upper element, wherein each of the first upper element and the second upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof;
providing a first sole element and a second sole element, the first sole element having a physical property that is different from a physical property of the second sole element, wherein each of the first sole element and the second sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion;
determining preferences of the wearer for physical properties of the article of footwear;
selecting one of the upper elements and one of the sole elements based upon the preferred physical properties of the wearer; and securing the selected one of the upper elements and the selected one of the sole elements with a detachable fastener to form the article of footwear.
98. The method recited in claim 97, wherein the step of providing the first sole element and the second sole element includes selecting the sole elements to have different structures.
99. The method recited in claim 97, wherein the step of providing the first upper element and the second upper element includes selecting the upper elements to have different colors.
100. The method recited in claim 97, wherein the step of removably-securing includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the selected sole element within the selected upper element such that the protrusions extend through the apertures.
101. The method recited in claim 97, further including a step of interchanging the selected sole element with the other sole element.
102. The method recited in claim 97, further including a step of interchanging the selected upper element with the other upper element.
103. A method of customizing an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of:
providing an article of footwear having an upper element and a sole element, the upper element and the sole element being detachably-secured together;
determining preferences of the wearer for a physical property of one of the upper element and the sole element;
selecting an alternate sole element for the sole element from a plurality of alternate elements, the alternate sole element having the preferred physical property, wherein each of the sole element and the alternate sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion; and interchanging the sole element with the alternate sole element on the upper element, wherein the interchanging includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the alternate sole element within the upper element such that the protrusions of the alternate sole element extend through apertures in the upper element.
providing an article of footwear having an upper element and a sole element, the upper element and the sole element being detachably-secured together;
determining preferences of the wearer for a physical property of one of the upper element and the sole element;
selecting an alternate sole element for the sole element from a plurality of alternate elements, the alternate sole element having the preferred physical property, wherein each of the sole element and the alternate sole element is configured to include a foot-supporting portion and protrusions extending from the foot-supporting portion; and interchanging the sole element with the alternate sole element on the upper element, wherein the interchanging includes locating the foot-supporting portion of the alternate sole element within the upper element such that the protrusions of the alternate sole element extend through apertures in the upper element.
104. The method recited in claim 103, wherein the step of interchanging further includes engaging a locking system by extending edges of the apertures into indentations in the protrusions.
105. The method recited in claim 103, wherein the step of interchanging includes utilizing a fastener to join the upper element with the alternate sole element.
106. The method recited in claim 105, wherein the fastener is a mechanical fastener.
107. The method recited in claim 105, wherein the fastener is a non-adhesive fastener.
108. The method recited in claim 105, wherein the step of interchanging includes utilizing a locking system to join the upper element with the alternate sole element.
109. The method recited in claim 105, wherein the step of interchanging includes utilizing fastening means to join the upper element with the alternate sole element.
110. A method of customizing an article of footwear for a wearer, the method comprising steps of:
providing an article of footwear having an upper element and a sole element, the upper element and the sole element being detachably-secured together;
determining preferences of the wearer for a physical property of one of the upper element and the sole element;
selecting an alternate upper element for the upper element from a plurality of alternate upper elements, the alternate upper element having the preferred physical property, wherein each of the upper element and the alternate upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof; and interchanging the upper element with the alternate upper element on the sole element.
providing an article of footwear having an upper element and a sole element, the upper element and the sole element being detachably-secured together;
determining preferences of the wearer for a physical property of one of the upper element and the sole element;
selecting an alternate upper element for the upper element from a plurality of alternate upper elements, the alternate upper element having the preferred physical property, wherein each of the upper element and the alternate upper element is configured to include apertures extending through a lower surface thereof; and interchanging the upper element with the alternate upper element on the sole element.
111. The method recited in claim 110, wherein the step of interchanging includes locating the sole element within the alternate upper element such that protrusions of the sole element extend through the apertures.
112. The method recited in claim 111, wherein the step of interchanging further includes engaging a locking system by extending edges of the apertures into indentations in the protrusions.
113. The method recited in claim 110, wherein the step of interchanging includes utilizing a fastener to join the sole element with the alternate upper element.
114. The method recited in claim 113, wherein the fastener is a mechanical fastener.
115. The method recited in claim 113, wherein the fastener is a non-adhesive fastener.
116. The method recited in claim 110, wherein the step of interchanging includes utilizing a locking system to join the sole element with the alternate upper element.
117. The method recited in claim 110, wherein the step of interchanging includes utilizing fastening means to join the sole element with the alternate upper element.
118. An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture;
and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material, and wherein the projection includes an outsole element secured to its lower surface to provide a ground-contacting surface of the projection.
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture;
and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material, and wherein the projection includes an outsole element secured to its lower surface to provide a ground-contacting surface of the projection.
119. The article of footwear of claim 118, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper.
120. The article of footwear of claim 119, wherein the locking system is a mechanical locking system.
121. The article of footwear of claim 119, wherein the first portion is an edge of the aperture and the second portion is an indentation defined in the sole structure, the edge being receivable by the indentation.
122. The article of footwear of claim 121, wherein the indentation extends at least partially around the projection.
123. The article of footwear of claim 121, wherein the indentation is positioned at least partially around the projection and adjacent to the foot-supporting element.
124. The article of footwear of claim 121, wherein the edge and the indentation have corresponding shapes.
125. The article of footwear of claim 118, wherein an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is contoured.
126. The article of footwear of claim 118, wherein at least a portion of a periphery of an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is raised in relation to a central area of the upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
127. The article of footwear of claim 118, wherein a heel portion of an upper surface of the foot-supporting element includes a depression for receiving a heel of a foot.
128. The article of footwear of claim 118, wherein a textile is secured to an upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
129. An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture;
and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, wherein the first portion of the locking system is a first tubular structure and the second portion of the locking system is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with the first tubular structure, and wherein the locking system includes an element that extends through the first tubular structure and the second tubular structure to secure the upper to the sole structure.
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture;
and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, wherein the first portion of the locking system is a first tubular structure and the second portion of the locking system is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with the first tubular structure, and wherein the locking system includes an element that extends through the first tubular structure and the second tubular structure to secure the upper to the sole structure.
130. An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the plurality of projections include outsole sections secured to their lower surfaces to provide ground-contacting surfaces of the projections, wherein the connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure includes a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being joinable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, and the first portion being separable from the second portion to separate the sole structure and the upper.
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the plurality of projections include outsole sections secured to their lower surfaces to provide ground-contacting surfaces of the projections, wherein the connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure includes a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being joinable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, and the first portion being separable from the second portion to separate the sole structure and the upper.
131. The article of footwear of claim 130, wherein the locking system is mechanical.
132. The article of footwear of claim 130, wherein the first portion constitutes edges of the apertures and the second portion constitutes indentations in the sole structure, the edges being receivable by the indentations.
133. The article of footwear of claim 132, wherein the indentations extend at least partially around the projections.
134. The article of footwear of claim 132, wherein the indentations are positioned at least partially around the projections and adjacent to the foot-supporting member.
135. The article of footwear of claim 132, wherein the edges and the indentations have corresponding shapes.
136. The article of footwear of claim 130, wherein an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is contoured.
137. The article of footwear of claim 130, wherein at least a portion of a periphery of an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is raised in relation to a central area of the upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
138. The article of footwear of claim 130, wherein a heel portion of an upper surface of the foot-supporting element includes a depression for receiving a heel of a foot.
139. The article of footwear of claim 130, wherein a textile is secured to an upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
140. An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure includes a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being joinable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, and the first portion being separable from the second portion to separate the sole structure and the upper, wherein the first portion of the locking system is a first tubular structure and the second portion of the locking system is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with the first tubular structure, and wherein the locking system includes an element that extends through the first tubular structure and the second tubular structure to secure the upper to the sole structure.
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projections being formed of a polymer foam material, wherein the connection element includes a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure includes a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being joinable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, and the first portion being separable from the second portion to separate the sole structure and the upper, wherein the first portion of the locking system is a first tubular structure and the second portion of the locking system is a second tubular structure that is axially aligned with the first tubular structure, and wherein the locking system includes an element that extends through the first tubular structure and the second tubular structure to secure the upper to the sole structure.
141. An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures, wherein the plurality of projections include outsole sections secured to their lower surfaces to provide ground-contacting surfaces of the projections, wherein edges of at least a portion of the apertures and indentations in at least a portion of the projections form a locking system, the edges being joinable with the indentations to secure the sole structure to the upper.
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures, wherein the plurality of projections include outsole sections secured to their lower surfaces to provide ground-contacting surfaces of the projections, wherein edges of at least a portion of the apertures and indentations in at least a portion of the projections form a locking system, the edges being joinable with the indentations to secure the sole structure to the upper.
142. The article of footwear of claim 141, wherein the indentations extend at least partially around the projections.
143. The article of footwear of claim 141, wherein the indentations are positioned at least partially around the at least a portion of the projections and adjacent to the foot-supporting member.
144. The article of footwear of claim 141, wherein the edges and the indentations have corresponding shapes.
145. The article of footwear of claim 141, wherein an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is contoured.
146. The article of footwear of claim 141, wherein at least a portion of a periphery of an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is raised in relation to a central area of the upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
147. The article of footwear of claim 141, wherein a heel portion of an upper surface of the foot-supporting element includes a depression for receiving a heel of a foot.
148. The article of footwear of claim 141, wherein a textile is secured to an upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
149. An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture;
and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material.
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture;
and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the foot-supporting element and the projection are formed of a polymer foam material.
150. The article of footwear of claim 149, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper.
151. The article of footwear of claim 150, wherein the locking system is a mechanical locking system.
152. The article of footwear of claim 150, wherein the first portion is an edge of the aperture and the second portion is an indentation defined in the sole structure, the edge being receivable by the indentation.
153. The article of footwear of claim 152, wherein the indentation extends partially around the projection.
154. The article of footwear of claim 152, wherein the indentation extends partially around the projection and is located adjacent to the foot-supporting element.
155. The article of footwear of claim 152, wherein the edge and the indentation have corresponding shapes.
156. The article of footwear of claim 149, wherein an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is contoured.
157. The article of footwear of claim 149, wherein at least a portion of a periphery of an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is raised in relation to a central area of the upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
158. The article of footwear of claim 149, wherein a heel portion of an upper surface of the foot-supporting element includes a depression for receiving a heel of a foot.
159. The article of footwear of claim 149, wherein a textile is secured to an upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
160. An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, wherein edges of at least a portion of the apertures and indentations in at least a portion of the projections form a locking system, the edges being joinable with the indentations to secure the sole structure to the upper.
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining a plurality of apertures; and a sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a plurality of projections connected to the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and the projections extend through the apertures to provide ground-contacting surfaces, wherein edges of at least a portion of the apertures and indentations in at least a portion of the projections form a locking system, the edges being joinable with the indentations to secure the sole structure to the upper.
161. The article of footwear of claim 160, wherein the indentations extend partially around the projections.
162. The article of footwear of claim 160, wherein the indentations extend partially around the at least a portion of the projections and are located adjacent to the foot-supporting member.
163. The article of footwear of claim 160, wherein the edges and the indentations have corresponding shapes.
164. The article of footwear of claim 160, wherein an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is contoured.
165. The article of footwear of claim 160, wherein at least a portion of a periphery of an upper surface of the foot-supporting element is raised in relation to a central area of the upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
166. The article of footwear of claim 160, wherein a heel portion of an upper surface of the foot-supporting clement includes a depression for receiving a heel of a foot.
167. The article of footwear of claim 160, wherein a textile is secured to an upper surface of the foot-supporting element.
168. An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture;
and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, wherein the first portion is an indentation in an edge of the aperture and the second portion is a protrusion defined in the projection, the protrusion being receivable by the indentation.
an upper having an ankle opening and a connection element located opposite the ankle opening, the connection element forming at least a portion of a bottom portion of the upper, and the connection element defining an aperture;
and a sole structure that is securable to and separable from the upper, the sole structure having a foot-supporting element and a projection extending from the foot-supporting element, the sole structure being insertable through the ankle opening such that the foot-supporting element is positioned adjacent an upper surface of the connection element and such that the projection extends through the aperture to provide a ground-contacting surface, wherein the connection element forms a first portion of a locking system and the sole structure forms a second portion of the locking system, the first portion being engagable with the second portion to secure the sole structure to the upper, wherein the first portion is an indentation in an edge of the aperture and the second portion is a protrusion defined in the projection, the protrusion being receivable by the indentation.
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