Patent ID: 6412196
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: A43B,B29D

Abstract:
A contoured platform for use in the construction of an article of footwear, comprising:(a) a contoured inner surface; (b) a contoured outer surface: (c) a metatarsal-phalangeal juncture portion; (d) a phalangeal portion; and (e) an arch portion, wherein the contoured platform is formed of a flexible, non-compressible plastic material extending from at least the arch portion to at least the phalangeal portion, and the contoured outer surface of the contoured platform comprises at least one raised portion that defines a groove extending laterally across the metatarsal-phalangeal juncture portion of the contoured platform providing flexibility to the metatarsal-phalangeal juncture portion, and further wherein the arch portion of the contoured outer surface and the groove extending laterally across the metatarsal-phalangeal juncture portion of the contoured platform are configured to serve as portions of an exterior bottom surface of a sole assembly and an article of footwear.