阅读说明：本技术 鞋类 (Footwear with improved lateral stability ) 是由 A·达丁斯基 于 2019-01-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种鞋类,其包含：鞋床,其具有上表面和下表面,所述鞋床具有长度和宽度,所述鞋床具有纵向轴线和横向轴线,所述鞋床限定穿过其中的多个开口；外鞋底,其相对于所述鞋床向下延伸,所述外鞋底支撑所述鞋床的至少一部分；所述外鞋底具有与所述鞋床相对的地面接触表面,其中所述外鞋底限定通道,所述通道从所述地面接触表面延伸到所述鞋床,其中所述多个开口中的至少一个与所述通道连通；和鞋帮,其附接到所述鞋床和所述外鞋底中的至少一个,所述鞋帮在所述鞋床上限定脚容纳开口。(An article of footwear, comprising: a footbed having an upper surface and a lower surface, the footbed having a length and a width, the footbed having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the footbed defining a plurality of openings therethrough; an outsole extending downward relative to the footbed, the outsole supporting at least a portion of the footbed; the outsole having a ground-contacting surface opposite the footbed, wherein the outsole defines a channel extending from the ground-contacting surface to the footbed, wherein at least one of the plurality of openings is in communication with the channel; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening on the footbed.)

1. An article of footwear, comprising:

a footbed having an upper surface and a lower surface, the footbed having a length, a width, and a perimeter; the footbed having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;

wherein the footbed defines at least one opening therethrough;

an outsole extending downward relative to the footbed, the outsole supporting at least a portion of the footbed;

the outsole having a ground-contacting surface opposite the footbed;

wherein the outsole defines a channel extending from the ground-contacting surface to the footbed, and wherein the at least one opening is in communication with the channel; and

an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening on the footbed.

2. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening has an area of 1mm²To about 5cm²。

3. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening has a mesh size of at least 1 and no greater than 10.

4. The footwear of claim 1, wherein a major dimension of the at least one opening is greater than.5 cm.

5. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the footbed includes a screen formed by a longitudinal member and a member defining the at least one opening therebetween.

6. The footwear of claim 5, wherein the longitudinal and transverse members are woven together.

7. The footwear of claim 5, wherein the longitudinal and transverse members are formed of a polymer.

8. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening includes a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first and second openings have different configurations relative to each other.

9. The footwear of claim 1, the outsole being located below the perimeter of the footbed, and wherein the channel is located inboard of the perimeter.

10. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the outsole includes a frame having a truss-like member including first and second legs extending upwardly from a base to support an upper surface of the outsole.

11. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the first leg extends at an angle relative to the base, and wherein the angle increases relative to the base from a forefoot portion of the frame to a heel portion of the frame.

12. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the outsole includes a sidewall that extends upward to form a concave upper surface above that is supported on the frame, wherein a height of the sidewall at a heel portion of the frame is greater than a height of the sidewall at a forefoot portion of the frame.

13. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the outsole includes a bottom surface attached to the base of the frame.

14. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the ground-contacting surface has a bottom surface.

15. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper includes at least one strap attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole.

16. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper includes a y-shaped strap including an end portion that extends downward to contact the footbed at a toe portion thereof, and first and second strap portions that extend laterally outward relative to the end portion and attach to at least one of the footbed and the outsole near the perimeter of the footbed behind the end portion.

17. The footwear of claim 16, wherein the footwear further comprises a toe pad covering a portion of the footbed adjacent the end.

18. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the outsole includes a cushioning layer and a traction layer.

19. An article of footwear, comprising: a footbed defining a plurality of openings, wherein a major dimension of at least one of the plurality of openings is greater than.5 cm; an outer sole in supporting relation relative to the footbed, the outer sole defining a channel in communication with the opening; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening.

20. An article of footwear, comprising: a footbed comprising a layer of polymeric material defining a plurality of openings, wherein a major dimension of at least one of the plurality of openings is greater than.5 cm; the footbed defines a perimeter; an outsole comprising an upper surface and a ground-contacting surface, wherein the ground-contacting surface is spaced apart from the upper surface and located below the footbed; said outsole being in supporting relation relative to said perimeter of said footbed; the outsole defines a channel inboard of the perimeter and below the footbed; wherein the channel opens upwardly to communicate with the plurality of openings and opens outwardly adjacent the ground contacting surface of the outsole; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening.

Technical Field

The present application relates to footwear. More particularly, the present application relates to footwear having a footbed that allows debris to pass through the footbed to reduce the likelihood that the debris will become trapped under the foot of the wearer. More particularly, the present application relates to a footbed in footwear having an opening in communication with a channel in the outsole that allows debris to pass through the footbed and exit the footwear.

Disclosure of Invention

Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to footwear including: a footbed having an upper surface and a lower surface, the footbed having a length and a width, the footbed having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the footbed defining a plurality of openings therethrough; an outsole extending downwardly relative to the footbed, the outsole supporting at least a portion of the footbed; the outsole having a ground-contacting surface opposite the footbed, wherein the outsole defines a channel extending from the ground-contacting surface to the footbed, wherein at least one of the plurality of openings is in communication with the channel; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening on the footbed.

Another example relates to footwear, comprising: a footbed defining a plurality of openings, wherein a major dimension of at least one of the plurality of openings is greater than.5 cm; an outer sole in supporting relation relative to the footbed, the outer sole defining a channel in communication with the opening; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening.

Additional examples relate to footwear including: a footbed comprising a layer of polymeric material defining a plurality of openings, wherein a major dimension of at least one of the plurality of openings is greater than.5 cm; the footbed defines a perimeter; an outsole comprising an upper surface and a ground-contacting surface, wherein the ground-contacting surface is spaced from the upper surface and located below the footbed; the outsole being in supporting relation relative to the perimeter of the footbed; the outsole defining a channel inboard of the perimeter and below the footbed; wherein the channel opens upwardly to communicate with the plurality of openings and the outward opening is adjacent the ground contacting surface of the outsole; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a top view of footwear according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view as seen along line A-A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view as seen along line B-B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view as seen along line C-C of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top view of footwear according to another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of footwear according to yet another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a top perspective view similar to FIG. 6A of footwear according to another example;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of footwear according to yet another example;

FIG. 8 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing details of the footbed according to the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing details of an outsole and upper according to the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of footwear according to further examples of the present disclosure; and

fig. 12 is a perspective view of footwear according to yet further examples of the present disclosure, with an upper removed to show details of a footbed.

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of like components. The figures illustrate various examples discussed in this document generally, but not by way of limitation.

Detailed Description

Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to footwear. Footwear is often custom-made for a variety of activities and environments. One example of footwear that is customized for a particular environment is sandals. Sandals are light weight and breathable in design and are generally suitable for use in warmer environments. In addition, sandals are often designed for activities and locations where water is present, including going to beaches, swimming pools, showers, brooks, streams, and rivers. They may also be worn in aquatic activities including rowing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, drifting, and the like. For this reason, sandals are made of materials that are lightweight and are typically waterproof or water-proof. Sandals often have strong yet flexible footbeds to support the feet. In most cases, the footbed is sturdy to facilitate manufacture and provide a protective layer that covers the sole of the foot. The reduced nature of the upper (often made of one or more straps) allows water to freely flow from the wearer's foot. However, the contour of a firm footbed may allow a small amount of water to be trapped relative to the wearer's foot, thereby creating a squeaking sound and an unpleasant wet sensation under the foot. When wearing sandals or other shoes, debris is attracted to the footbed, often while moving in or near the water. Debris may include a variety of objects including small stones, cobblestones, beach glass, and other materials found in water that may cause discomfort when caught between a wearer's foot and the footbed. To this end, there is a need for a footbed that facilitates drainage from under the foot of the wearer and allows debris to pass through the footbed to reduce the likelihood of binding.

According to one example, a footbed for footwear includes an opening that allows debris and water to pass through the footbed and exit the footwear. Referring to the drawings, an article of footwear is generally indicated by the numeral 100. Various examples of footwear 100 are shown. It should be understood that features from these various examples may be interchanged. Furthermore, the appearance and other decorative features are limited only by the imagination of the designer. As depicted, footbeds having openings that allow debris and liquids to pass through may be implemented in a variety of designs having openings of various shapes, sizes, and configurations. The examples shown are not limiting.

Referring to fig. 1, footwear 100 includes a footbed 120 having an upper surface 121 and a lower surface 122. The footbed 120 has a length L and a width W, the footbed 120 corresponding to the longitudinal axis A_loAnd a transverse axis A_la. The footbed 120 defines a perimeter 123 adapted to receive a foot of a wearer. It will be appreciated that the perimeter shape may vary depending on the size of the foot to be accommodated and aesthetic considerations. For example, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a footbed 120 that has a shape that slightly conforms to the shape of the foot, while the figures illustrate11 depict a footbed 520 having a rectangular shape. The depicted example is not limiting.

In general, the footbed 120 is a member that contacts the sole of the foot F of the wearer. In this regard, the footbed may be any suitable member, including thick-walled members and thin-walled members. In the illustrated example, where footwear 100 is a sandal, thin-walled members or membranes are used to provide lighter weight within footwear 100. The footbed 120 may be rigid or flexible. Footbed 120 may be constructed of a variety of materials suitable for footwear, including, but not limited to, natural materials such as leather, wood, cork, sisal, cotton, hemp, lamb's gut fibers, and other natural fibers; a metal; rubber; plastics and other polymeric materials; ceramics and other synthetic materials; and combinations thereof. The materials may be treated or modified to customize properties for use in footbed 120 or other components of footwear 100, including outsole 130 and upper 140 described below. For example, the material may be treated with a hardener, softener, water-repellent or water-repellent coating, or a combination thereof. In other examples, reinforcing elements including, but not limited to, fiber reinforcement, particulate reinforcement, additives, or other materials may be incorporated to improve wear characteristics, toughness, or other characteristics of footwear 100.

The footbed 120 may be formed from a single piece of material, or multiple components may be combined to form the footbed 120. The footbed 120 defines at least one opening 125 therethrough. The opening 125 is configured to allow liquids, such as water and debris, to pass through the footbed 120, i.e., from the upper surface 121 to the lower surface 122, to help evacuate the liquids or debris, thereby reducing the likelihood of it becoming trapped between the wearer's foot and the upper surface 121 of the footbed 120. The shape and number of openings 125 may vary depending on aesthetic or design considerations and is limited only by the imagination of the designer.

In the example depicted in fig. 1-3, the footbed 120 includes a screen 126 that defines a generally rectangular opening 125. The screen 126 may be formed from a series of longitudinal and transverse members, such as threads or fibers, that pass through the sidewalls 133 of the outsole 130, as best shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the mesh 126 may be a molded component that is attached to the outsole 130. The longitudinal and transverse members may be evenly spaced relative to each other or spaced at different differences to form different patterns of openings 125. Referring to fig. 1, the longitudinal and transverse members may form rectangular openings that vary in size and wall configuration throughout the length of footwear 100. In the example shown, the transverse dimension of opening 125 varies with width as a result of the variation in width of the footwear along the longitudinal axis. Considering fig. 1, at the widest forefoot portion of the footwear, the lateral dimension of opening 125 is greater than the longitudinal dimension. In areas where footwear 100 is narrower, such as at the toes, the midfoot, and the heel portion, the transverse dimension of opening 125 is equal to, and in some cases less than, the longitudinal dimension.

The size of the opening may vary depending on considerations of the material to be evacuated from the footbed 120. It is believed that the opening is of a size suitable to allow liquid to escape from the footbed 120. To evacuate debris, the opening can be sized to facilitate evacuation of debris. The opening size may vary based on the type of material, geometry, or configuration of the footbed 120. For example, in examples using a thin-wall geometry around the opening, the thin wall may flex outward under the pressure created by the debris expanding the opening to allow the debris to exit the footwear. Similarly, a flexible material may be selected for the footbed 120 to allow the walls of the opening to stretch to accommodate the passage of debris. In other examples, the geometry of the opening or configuration of the opening may allow the opening to deform to allow debris to pass through. For example, for debris having a larger longitudinal dimension than the opening, the pressure of the debris against the opening may cause the opening to longitudinally expand while laterally compressing, thereby changing its configuration to allow the passage of debris. In these examples, an opening smaller than the debris encountered by the wearer may be suitable for emptying the debris based on the ability of the opening to deform and stretch to allow the debris to pass through. The following description provides examples of different configurations and materials for the footbed 120, and also shows several examples of opening sizes that facilitate the passage of debris through the footbed 120. These examples are not limiting.

The size of the openings 125 may be considered in view of their major size, area, or mesh value. For example, the opening 125 may have a major dimension of at least.5 cm to facilitate passage of debris. In another example, the area of the opening 125 may be larger thanAbout 1mm²To properly evacuate debris. According to other examples, the area of the opening 125 is about 1mm²To about 5cm². According to yet another example, the area of the opening 125 is about 2mm²To about 40mm². Alternatively, the opening size may be configured based on a mesh count suitable to allow debris to pass through. For example, a mesh size of about 1 to about 10 may be suitable for passing particles having a major dimension of about 10mm to about 2mm through the openings 125.

In the example depicted in fig. 1-3, the opening 125 has an area of about 4mm²To about 8mm². Referring to fig. 3-4, footwear 100 is shown with an alternative footbed 220. In this example, a footbed 220, which will be described more fully below, has a range from 2mm²To about 40mm²Various sizes of openings.

Referring to fig. 6A-6B, another example of a footbed 320 is shown having an area of about 4mm²To about 25mm²Is provided. In this example, the openings 325 are in a grid-like pattern, and only the openings at the edges of the pattern have a reduced area due to the shape of the footbed. The opening 325 under the center region of the footbed is typically about 25mm in area²5mm × 5mm square opening.

Figures 7-10 illustrate yet another example having a footbed 420 with openings 425 (best shown in figure 9) formed by rectangular cells of longitudinally and laterally extending fibers defining an area of about 25mm²Of regular-sized openings 425.

Another example is depicted in FIG. 11, which has a footbed 520 formed of a fiber mesh defining square openings between longitudinal fibers and transverse fibers, in this example, the openings 525 are about 4mm × 4mm and are about 16mm in area²。

Yet another example is shown in fig. 12, where footbed 620 is formed from webbing. In this example, the area of the opening 625 is about 4mm²To about 20mm². According to examples herein, not all openings within the footbed 120 need be configured to remove debris, as smaller openings are useful in draining liquids such as water. May comprise an implementationThe openings provided in the example for removing debris are smaller openings to facilitate drainage of liquids or for aesthetic purposes. The shape and configuration of the opening 125 may vary according to the imagination of the designer for aesthetic purposes. As depicted in the examples, various sized openings may be used to aid in the aesthetics of the footbed. Also, many opening shapes may be used, including but not limited to regular polygons, irregular polygons, recognizable non-polygonal shapes such as clover, hearts, stars, letters, numbers, words, etc., and amorphous shapes. The shape within a single footbed may vary. The examples shown are not limiting.

Referring to fig. 1-3, footwear 100 may also include an outsole 130 that extends downward relative to footbed 120. The outsole 130 supports at least a portion of the footbed. As shown, the outsole 130 may be located near or at the perimeter 123 of the footbed 120. The outsole 130 serves as an upper surface 131 that may contact at least a portion of the footbed 120 to support the footbed 120. As shown, the lower surface of outsole 130 may be ground contacting surface 132. In this example, the outsole 130 is attached to at least a portion of the footbed 120. As shown, the outsole 130 and footbed may be attached by at least one of adhesives, welds, adhesives, fasteners, stitching, or perforations. In the example shown in fig. 1-3, the footbed 120 and outsole 130 are attached to the sidewall by passing the lateral and longitudinal members through the sidewall at the perimeter 123 of the footbed 120. In other examples, the lower surface of footbed 120 and the upper surface of outsole 130 are attached to one another by adhesives, welds, or cohesives.

As depicted in the attached figures, the outsole may have a variety of shapes and configurations limited only by the imagination of the designer. The examples depicted herein are not limiting. Referring to fig. 1-3, the outsole 130 may include a frame 134 that supports the perimeter 123 of the footbed 120 and defines a central opening or channel 135. As shown, the frame 134 may include cross members 136 that connect opposite sides of the frame 134 that extend through the channel 135. The frame 134 may be made of a single unitary member or a plurality of members. In this example, the cross member 136 crosses the frame 134 at the arch portion of the footbed 120, thereby dividing the tunnel 135 into a forefoot portion 135A and a heel portion 135B.

Referring to fig. 1A-1C, upper surface 131 of outsole 130 may be slightly concave, extending upward at its outer edges to form sidewalls 133. In this example, frame 134 includes an upper platform that forms upper surface 131 of outsole 130. The upper platform is spaced from the lower platform or base 137 by at least one truss-like member 138. In this example, the truss-like member 138 includes a first leg 138A and a second leg 138B that extend outwardly as they extend downwardly from the upper surface 131. As shown in fig. 1B and 1C, the frame 134 may include additional truss supports 139 extending from the first leg 138A to the second leg 138B. The first and second legs of the truss-like member 138 may be supported on a base 137.

1A-1C and 3, the height h of the outsole 130 may be along the longitudinal axis A_loAnd (4) changing. In this example, the height (h) of the outsole at the heel portion_C) Greater than the height h at the forefoot portion_A. In the example shown, the cross-section of the frame 134 varies accordingly as the height varies. The change in cross-section is more pronounced in truss-like member 138, where the angle of inclination of at least the second leg 138B changes from the forefoot portion to the heel portion. In this example, the angle of the second leg 138B relative to the base 137 increases from the forefoot portion to the heel portion. In this example, a slight increase in the angle of the first leg 138A relative to the base 137 from the forefoot portion to the heel portion also exists. In this example, such height variations result in a change in the cross-section of the truss-like member 138. The cross-section of the frame and truss-like members may also vary in view of the upper surface 131 of outsole 130. The concavity may be varied to increase or decrease the height of the sidewall 133, as shown. For example, the sidewall 133 is lower at the forefoot portion, while the concavity of the upper surface 131 is shallower (fig. 1A). At the arch portion (fig. 1B), the sidewalls 133 extend upward to a greater extent than the forefoot portion, thereby creating a cross-section with greater concavity. The heel portion (fig. 1C) may have greater concavity due to the higher side walls than the forefoot and arch portions. However, these examples are not limiting as the sidewall height and concavity may vary in other ways or remain constant along the longitudinal axis. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, upper surface 131 may also vary from side to side of the outsole, thereby creating further variations in the concavity of upper surface 131 and the cross-section of frame 134.

As shown, the outsole includes a ground-contacting surface 132 opposite the footbed 120, which may be integrally formed with or attached to the frame 134. In this example, the ground-contacting surface 132 is attached to a base 137 of the frame 134. The ground-contacting surface 132 may be constructed of a different material than the frame 134. To provide greater traction, the ground-contacting surface 132 may be made of a softer material to improve fit, a material having a suitable coefficient of friction, or the ground surface may contain additional traction elements integrally formed with or attached to the ground-contacting surface to improve traction or provide other desired characteristics. For example, the ground contacting surface 132 may comprise a rubber layer having a bottom surface T molded thereon. Bottom surface T may have any shape or pattern and include a front surface, such as ribs, nubs, or other protrusions extending outward from outsole 130 to engage a support surface. Alternatively, the bottom surface T may comprise a negative surface, i.e. an inwardly extending surface, such as a groove, recess or channel.

The outsole 130 defines at least one channel 135 (fig. 2), wherein the channel 135 extends from the footbed 120 and opens to the exterior of the footwear 100. At least one of the plurality of openings 125 in the footbed 120 is in communication with the channel 135. In this manner, liquids and debris passing through openings 125 in communication with channels 135 may exit footwear 100 via channels 135. In the example shown, channel 135 opens at the exterior of footwear 100, adjacent to ground-contacting surface 132 of outsole 130. It should be appreciated that the channel 135 may be formed to open to the exterior of the footwear at another location (e.g., at a side of the outsole 130).

The footwear 100 may also include an upper 140 attached to at least one of the footbed 120 and the outsole 130, the upper 140 defining a foot-receiving opening 145 above the footbed 120. Generally, at least a portion of upper 140 covers a foot F of a wearer to support footwear 100 on foot F. As discussed above, upper 140 may have a variety of shapes and configurations. Several examples are provided in the drawings, but these examples are not limiting. Referring to fig. 1-3 and 4-5, the upper 140 includes a y-shaped strap 142 having an end 144 attached to at least one of the footbed 120 or the outsole 130. The end 144 is configured to pass between the first and second toes of the wearer's foot when worn. The strap 142 also includes portions 146, 147 that extend laterally outward relative to the ends and attach to at least one of the footbed and the outsole near the perimeter 123 of the footbed 120. When worn, the portions 146, 147 wrap around the sides of the foot F. In the example shown, the portions 146, 147 extend rearwardly as they extend laterally outward from the end 144 to cover the foot behind the toes. Portions 146, 147 are attached to outsole 130 at its sidewalls 133 near center C of footwear 100.

Referring to fig. 1-3, the footbed 120 is constructed of multiple components. In this example, the footbed 120 includes threads or fibers 126 that fasten through the sidewall 133 of the outsole 130, as best shown in FIG. 3. In this example, the fibers 126 extend laterally and longitudinally to form a grid-like footbed 120 having a plurality of rectangular openings 125. It should be understood that the fibers 126 may be threaded in other directions to provide different patterns of openings 125 in the footbed 120.

Referring to fig. 4-5, an alternative footbed 220 is shown. The footbed 220 is a unitary member having an opening 125 formed therein. For example, footbed 220 may be formed from a sheet of material and stamped or otherwise cut to form apertures therein. Alternatively, footbed 220 may be formed in a mold. In the depicted example, footbed 220 is constructed of a polymeric material, such as EVA, that is formed in a mold having a desired pattern of openings 225 therein. As previously discussed, the mesh, major dimension or area of the openings 225 may vary throughout the footbed as shown. In this example, footbed 225 includes forefoot portion 227 and heel portion 228 that communicate with corresponding regions 135A, 135B of channel 135 defined by outsole 130. As shown, the channel 135 is located inboard of the perimeter 223 of the footbed due to the thickness of the upper surface of the outsole 130. As shown, the size and shape of the opening 225 in the footbed 220 above the channel 135 may vary. In this example, a larger opening 225 is provided in forefoot portion 227 and heel portion 228 to facilitate the passage of debris in these areas. The arch portion 229 of the footbed 220 may have a smaller opening because the close contact between the ball and the heel of the foot F at these portions may cause greater discomfort when such debris is trapped therein.

The outsole of footwear 100 depicted in fig. 4-5 is similar to the outsole shown in fig. 1-3, and like numerals are used to identify like components.

Referring to fig. 6A-6B, additional examples are shown. In fig. 6A and 6B, the footbed 320 generally includes a leather member having a plurality of rectangular openings 325 formed therein.

Referring to fig. 6A, the footbed 320 includes at least one flap 355 extending laterally outward therefrom to facilitate attachment of the upper 340 to the footbed 320. In this example, upper 340 includes a Y-shaped strap 342 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-5. As shown, the side portions 346, 347 can be sewn to corresponding flaps 355 extending from the footbed 320. As a further alternative, strap 342 may include a toe pad 356 extending from end 344 and sewn to footbed 320. In this embodiment, the toe pad 356 may cover an opening in the footbed, or, as shown, the footbed 320 may be solid underneath the toe pad 356.

With further reference to fig. 6A, outsole 330 may be attached to a periphery that, as shown in the previous example, defines an interior channel below opening 325. As an alternative to the foregoing example, outsole 330 omits the truss-like members and only includes a sole layer that is directly attached to footbed 320.

Fig. 6B shows another example similar to fig. 6A. This example has an outsole 330 that contains a solid cushioning layer 360 between the footbed 320 and the bottom surface T. Cushioning layer 360 may be constructed of any material suitable for footwear, including natural materials such as paper-based products, cork, or leather products; polymeric products, such as thermoplastic synthetic resin foams, including but not limited to Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA); thermosetting resin foams including, but not limited to, Polyurethane (PU), rubber foam, butadiene or neoprene. With the addition of cushioning layer 360, outsole 330B in fig. 6B is thicker than outsole 330 in fig. 6A. The example in FIG. 6B includes another type of upper that includes a plurality of straps, generally indicated at 365, that engage the forefoot and heel of the wearer. The strap 365 may extend through a slot 366 in the footbed 320 to attach to the outsole 330B. The strap 365 may include a pair of crossed forefoot straps 367, 368 that define an opening at the forefoot portion of the footbed through which the toes of the foot are received. First heel strap 371 and second heel strap 372 may be provided at the rear of the footbed to define an opening for receiving the heel of foot F. The first heel strap 371 may extend forward of the heel and over the foot, and the second heel strap 372 may extend rearward from the first heel strap 371 and around the rear of the ankle above the heel. As shown, the heel straps 371, 372 may be attached to the forefoot strap by one or more side straps 369.

Fig. 7-10 footwear 100 has a footbed 420 according to another example. In this example, the footbed 420 is comprised of a contoured pad that is thicker at the heel and tapers inward toward the toes of the footbed 420. The footbed 420 defines a rectangular opening 425 behind the toe portion of the footbed 420. The opening 425 may be further divided into smaller openings by a screen insert 475 attached to the footbed 420 or molded into the footbed.

In this example, outsole 430 contains a plurality of bottom lugs 480 that are positioned to support footbed 420. For example, outsole 430 may include a pair of heel nubs 481, a pair of arch nubs 482, and a pair of toe nubs 483. In this example, the blocks are laterally spaced from one another to define a channel 435 that extends the entire length of the footbed 420. The upper surface 431 of the block 480 provides support for the footbed 420 and may be attached to the footbed 420 as described in the previous examples. Ground contacting surface 432 may be formed as in the previous embodiments to improve traction and may include a bottom surface T as shown. In this example, the block 480 is located at the perimeter 423 of the footbed to define a channel 435 that communicates with the opening 425. As best shown in fig. 7, a portion of the block 480 may cover a portion of the opening 425. As in other examples, the shape of outsole 430 may be shaped as desired by the designer for aesthetic purposes. Pairs of blocks may also be spaced longitudinally from one another to provide more flex in the areas between the heel and arch and between the arch and toes. As in the previous examples, the upper 440 may be attached to the footbed 420 or the outsole 430. Alternatively, as shown, upper 440 may be integrally formed with outsole 430. In this example, upper 440 includes a plurality of upper members, generally indicated at 490, that extend upwardly from block 480. By way of example, each heel block 481; an arch piece 482; and toe block 483 may correspondingly include heel upper member 491; an arch upper member 492; and a toe upper member 493. The upper 440 may also include a lip 494 formed to extend upwardly from the forward end of the toe block 483.

The upper 440 may also include a heel strap assembly 495 attached to the heel upper member 491 to define an opening for receiving an ankle of a wearer. The heel strap assembly 495 may include a first strap that extends over the foot just forward of the ankle and a second strap that extends rearward from the first strap to pass around the rear of the ankle above the heel. A forefoot strap 496 may be attached to at least one of the arch upper member 492 and the toe upper member 493 to define an opening to receive toes therethrough and to engage an upper portion of the forefoot.

Fig. 11 shows footwear 100 according to another example. In this example, a mesh footbed 520 is provided. The sieve-like footbed defines a plurality of openings 525. The outsole 530 includes a generally vertical wall around the perimeter of the footbed 520. A portion of the wall may extend above the plane of the footbed 520 such that the upper surface 531 of the outsole 530 is above the footbed 520. The walls of outsole 530 define a channel 535 beneath footbed 520 that communicates with opening 525. Debris may fall through the opening into the channel 535. Outsole 530 includes a ground-contacting surface 532 at the lower edge of the walls. In this example, the ground-contacting surface 532 is formed by a bottom surface element 536 attached to the lower edge of the wall. As shown, the bottom element 536 may be divided into heel, arch and toe portions and separated by a first gap and a second gap. Alternatively, a continuous floor element may be used. In this example, the bottom element 536 is located at the periphery of the outsole 530, thereby opening the channel to the atmosphere and allowing debris to reside from the bottom of the footwear 100. It should be appreciated that the thickness of outsole 530 or bottom element 536 may vary to cover or enclose channel 535 below footbed 520.

An upper 540 is attached to at least one of the footbed 520 and the outsole 530. Upper 540 may have any configuration including those shown in the other examples. In the example shown, upper 540 includes a first strap 567 and a second strap 568 attached to the lateral side of outsole 530 and intersecting one another in a generally x-shape to define an opening for receiving a foot of a wearer.

Referring to fig. 12, another example of footwear 100 is shown. This example is similar to the example shown in fig. 11. It has a generally rectangular shape, containing a footbed 620 formed of a plurality of straps 601 in a loosely woven configuration. The fabric W defines openings 625 between the belts. Outsole 630 may have a plurality of slots S near upper surface 631 to facilitate the use of straps to form footbed 620. In this example, slots S are formed evenly spaced around the periphery of outsole 630 to accommodate longitudinal and transverse straps. Outsole 630 may also contain a cushioning layer 602 between upper surface 631 and ground-contacting surface 623. The stiffer bottom surface layer 604 may underlie the cushioning layer 602 and define a ground contact surface 623. As in other examples, the ground-contacting surface may be made of a material or include surface characteristics that improve traction, including but not limited to the bottom surface T shown.

The outsole 630 is formed to support a perimeter 623 of the footbed 620, and defines a channel 635 inboard of the perimeter 623. As shown, the straps forming footbed 620 may hang down into channel 635. An opening 625 in footbed 620 allows liquids and debris to pass therethrough and exit footwear 100 via passage 635. For simplicity, the upper is not shown in fig. 12. It should be appreciated that in this example, any of the uppers from the earlier examples may be attached to at least one of the footbed 620 and the outsole 630 to define an opening for receiving a wearer's foot and supporting footwear on the foot.

Examples of the invention

Example 1. a footwear, comprising: a footbed having an upper surface and a lower surface, the footbed having a length and a width, the footbed having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the footbed defining a plurality of openings therethrough; an outsole extending downwardly relative to the footbed, the outsole supporting at least a portion of the footbed; the outsole having a ground-contacting surface opposite the footbed, wherein the outsole defines a channel extending from the ground-contacting surface to the footbed, wherein at least one of the plurality of openings is in communication with the channel; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening on the footbed.

Example 2. the footwear of example 1, wherein the at least one opening has an area of 1mm²To about 5cm²。

Example 3. the footwear of example 1, wherein the at least one opening has at least 1 and no greater than 10 cells.

Example 4. the footwear of example 1, wherein a major dimension of the at least one opening is greater than.5 cm.

Example 5. footwear according to example 1, wherein the footbed includes a screen formed of a longitudinal member and a member defining at least one opening therebetween.

Example 6. the footwear of example 5, wherein the longitudinal and transverse members are woven together.

Example 7. the footwear according to example 5, wherein the longitudinal and transverse members are formed of a polymer.

Example 8. the footwear of example 1, wherein the at least one opening includes a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening have different configurations relative to each other.

Example 9. according to the footwear of example 1, the outsole is located below a perimeter of the footbed, and wherein the channel is located inboard of the perimeter.

Example 10. the footwear of example 1, wherein the outsole includes a frame having a truss-like member including a first leg and a second leg extending upward from a base to support an upper surface of the outsole.

Example 11 the footwear of example 10, wherein the first leg extends at an angle relative to the base, and wherein the angle increases relative to the base from a forefoot portion of the frame to a heel portion of the frame.

Example 12. the footwear of example 10, wherein the outsole includes a sidewall that extends upward to form a concave upper surface above that is supported on the frame, wherein a height of the sidewall at a heel portion of the frame is greater than a height of the sidewall at a forefoot portion of the frame.

Example 13. the footwear of example 10, wherein the outsole includes a bottom surface attached to a base of the frame.

Example 14. the footwear of example 1, wherein the ground-contacting surface has a bottom surface.

Example 15. the footwear of example 1, wherein the upper includes at least one strap attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole.

Example 16. the footwear according to example 1, wherein the upper includes a y-shaped strap including an end portion that extends downward to contact the footbed at a toe portion thereof, and first and second strap portions that extend laterally outward relative to the end portion and attach to at least one of the footbed and the outsole near a perimeter of the footbed behind the end portion.

Example 17. the footwear of example 16, wherein the footwear further includes a toe pad covering a portion of the footbed adjacent the end.

Example 18. the footwear of example 1, wherein the outsole includes a cushioning layer and a traction layer.

Example 19. an article of footwear, comprising: a footbed defining a plurality of openings, wherein a major dimension of at least one of the plurality of openings is greater than.5 cm; an outer sole in supporting relation relative to the footbed, the outer sole defining a channel in communication with the opening; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening.

Example 20. an article of footwear, comprising: a footbed comprising a layer of polymeric material defining a plurality of openings, wherein a major dimension of at least one of the plurality of openings is greater than.5 cm; the footbed defines a perimeter; an outsole comprising an upper surface and a ground-contacting surface, wherein the ground-contacting surface is spaced from the upper surface and located below the footbed; the outsole being in supporting relation relative to the perimeter of the footbed; the outsole defining a channel inboard of the perimeter and below the footbed; wherein the channel opens upwardly to communicate with the plurality of openings and the outward opening is adjacent the ground contacting surface of the outsole; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outsole, the upper defining a foot-receiving opening.