Patent ID: 8898934
Filing Date: 2014-12-02
Classification: A43B,A43C

Abstract:
1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: a reinforcing plate; the reinforcing plate including a flange portion, the flange portion having a first end portion connected to a central portion of the reinforcing plate and a second end portion extending to an outer peripheral portion of the reinforcing plate; wherein the flange portion is formed by a first flex groove and a second flex groove defined by the reinforcing plate; wherein the first flex groove extends from a first flex groove first end at the central portion in an approximately lateral direction toward a first flex groove second end at a medial side of the reinforcing plate; wherein the second flex groove extends from a second flex groove first end at the central portion in an approximately lateral direction toward a second flex groove second end at the medial side of the reinforcing plate; wherein the second flex groove is disposed farther from a forward edge of the sole structure than the first flex groove; wherein the first flex groove first end is separated from the second flex groove first end at the central portion to define the first end portion of the flange portion and a bending region disposed adjacent to the central portion of the reinforcing plate; wherein the flange portion is narrower at the first end portion and widens toward the second end portion; a cleat member associated with the flange portion; wherein the flange portion corresponds to a ball region of a foot; and wherein the flange portion is capable of bending with the ball region of the foot at the bending region.