Climate configurable sole and shoe

• US 20040221482A1
• Filed: 06/17/2004
• Published: 11/11/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Adidas International Marketing BV (Adidas AG)
• Original Assignee: Adidas International Marketing BV (Adidas AG)
• Inventors: Manz, Gerd Rainer, Berger, Christoph
• Granted Patent: US 7,487,602 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 36/3B
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 13/12 Soles with several layers of different materials
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 13/16 Pieced soles with several layers of different material A43B13/12
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 13/186 Differential cushioning region, e.g. cushioning located under the ball of the foot resilient heel not included in the sole A43B21/26; resilient supports for the heel of the foot A43B21/32
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 7/08 with air-holes, with or without closures

Abstract

Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.

Claims

1. A sole for an article of footwear, the sole comprising:

an insole layer defining a plurality of first openings, wherein a substantial portion of the plurality of first openings are interconnected;

a support layer defining a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings; and

an outsole layer defining at least one third opening that at least partly overlaps the plurality of second openings.

2-21. -21. (Cancelled)

22. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper; and

a sole, the sole comprising;

an insole layer defining a plurality of first openings, wherein a substantial portion of the plurality of first openings are interconnected;

a support layer defining a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings; and

an outsole layer defining at least one third opening that at least partly overlaps the plurality of second openings.

23-29. -29. (Cancelled)