Patent ID: 8782928
Filing Date: 2014-07-22
Classification: A43B,A43C

Abstract:
1. An article of footwear configured for supporting a wearer on a ground surface, the article of footwear comprising: an upper that secures the article of footwear to a wearer; and a sole assembly that is operably coupled to the upper, the sole assembly including an outsole having a base, the outsole also including a plurality of cleats and an elongate rib, the plurality of cleats and the elongate rib each projecting from the base, the elongate rib including a lower surface that is configured to contact the ground surface, the base including a first thick section, a second thick section, and a thin section that is thinner than both the first thick section and the second thick section, the thin section separating the first thick section and the second thick section, the elongate rib extending in a length direction across the first thick section, the thin section, and the second thick section, the outsole further including a groove extending in a depth direction from the lower surface into the elongate rib and toward the base, the groove including a first internal surface and a second internal surface, the first and second internal surfaces moving away from each other as the thin section flexes in a first direction, the first and second internal surfaces abutting each other to limit movement of the thin section in a second direction opposite the first direction.