18606321. SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR simplified abstract (Nike, Inc.)
Contents
SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Matthew Chua of Beaverton OR (US)
Madeline P. Hoffert of Portland OR (US)
Oliver Mclachlan of Beaverton OR (US)
SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18606321 titled 'SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
The abstract describes a sole structure for an article of footwear that includes two annular groups of traction elements arranged along concentric zones, with directional traction elements arranged in a specific rotational direction.
- The sole structure includes a first annular group of traction elements along a first annular zone and a second annular group along a second annular zone.
- Both annular groups consist of directional traction elements arranged in a specific rotational direction around a common rotation zone.
- An omnidirectional traction element may be included in the first annular group at a location with low alignment between different torsional movements.
- The directional traction elements may be unidirectional or bidirectional at locations with moderate to high alignment between different torsional movements.
Potential Applications: - Athletic footwear for enhanced grip and stability during various activities. - Work boots for improved traction on different surfaces. - Casual shoes for better performance in slippery conditions.
Problems Solved: - Lack of sufficient traction in traditional footwear designs. - Limited stability and grip on uneven or slippery surfaces. - Inadequate support for different torsional movements during use.
Benefits: - Increased safety and stability for the wearer. - Enhanced performance in various environments and conditions. - Improved durability and longevity of the footwear.
Commercial Applications: The technology can be applied to various types of footwear, including sports shoes, work boots, and casual footwear, catering to a wide range of consumers. The market implications include increased demand for high-performance footwear with advanced traction features.
Questions about the technology: 1. How does the directional traction elements improve the performance of the footwear? 2. What materials are typically used for the traction elements in such sole structures?
Frequently Updated Research: Ongoing research may focus on optimizing the design and materials used in the traction elements to further enhance the performance and durability of the footwear. Studies may also explore the impact of these sole structures on reducing the risk of slips and falls in different settings.
Original Abstract Submitted
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first annular group of traction elements arranged along a first annular zone and a second annular group of traction elements arranged along a second annular zone concentric with the first annular group. The first and second annular groups of traction elements include a plurality of directional traction elements arranged in a first rotational direction about a common rotation zone. Optionally, the first annular group of traction elements may include an omnidirectional traction element arranged at a location associated with a relatively low degree of alignment between radii of rotation corresponding to different torsional movements of the sole structure during use. The directional traction elements may include unidirectional traction elements or bidirectional traction elements at locations associated with moderate to high degrees of alignment between radii of rotation corresponding to the different torsional movements.
