Abstract:
An article of footwear including a reflective outsole is disclosed. The article of footwear has an outsole including a reflective device that covers one or several portions of the outsole. The reflective device is composed of a thin and flexible material that does interfere with the natural flexibility of the outsole. The reflective device may extend over a substantial majority of a lower surface of the outsole, including a portion of the outer periphery of the outsole.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to footwear, and in particular the present invention relates to an article of footwear with a reflective outsole. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Attempts to add provisions for illuminating portions of an article of footwear so that it may be seen in the dark have been proposed. The first category of these disclosures makes use of phosphorescent or ‘glow in the dark’ technology. Van Cleef et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,723) discloses a glow in the dark shoe sole. The shoe sole includes phosphorescent polymer containing compositions. Likewise, Saruwatari et al. (JP patent number 6,125,801) discloses a light condensing resin molding that is embedded into a transparent shoe sole. The light condensing resin molding is formed by dispersing phosphors such as florescent pigments or fluorescent dyes. Akira (JP patent number 3,280,901) further discloses a shoe coated in a luminous paint. Luminous paints are paints embedded with phosphorescent compounds that may be activated by visible or ultra-violet light. A drawback of these disclosures is that phosphorescent compounds release captured light slowly, resulting in a dim glow, and a far from instantaneous response to incoming light such as a driver&#39;s headlights. 
         [0005]    Retro-reflective materials reflect incoming light regardless of the angle of incidence. Unlike phosphorescent materials, which emit light slowly, retro-reflective materials emit light almost instantaneously, allowing for a very bright response to incident light. Previous disclosures including retro-reflective materials (often referred to simply as reflective materials) have focused on embedding strips or pieces of a reflective material into an article of footwear. Chiu (U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,156) discloses a reflective shoe having reflective surfaces between a covering layer and an underlying layer. Here, the reflecting layer is disposed along the sides of the outsole. Goldberg et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,782) discloses an article of footwear that includes discreet shaped colored polymeric objects in a transparent or translucent matrix. The polymeric objects preferably include reflective materials. Both the Goldberg and Chiu designs include the drawback of requiring both the incident and reflected light to pass through a secondary medium (which is different from air). This may reduce the intensity of the reflected light in some circumstances, reducing the ability of the reflective material to alert others to the presence on the wearer of the article of footwear. 
         [0006]    Pearson (U.S. Pat. No. 2,607,130) discloses an article of footwear composed of rubber, having light-reflecting areas. The top of the article of footwear comprises a knitted fabric coated on the outside with vulcanized rubber, including a light-reflector mounted on the rubber coating. Lin et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,754,985) also discloses an article of footwear including a reflective alert strip that is fixed to the middle sole. These designs include reflectors that have been attached to the upper of an article of footwear, but do not teach a means of adhering reflective materials to the bottom of the outsole. During walking and running motions, the bottom surface of an article of footwear is often the most exposed portion, as viewed from a driver behind the walker/runner. 
         [0007]    Along these lines, Tomlinson (U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,782) discloses an article of footwear including a shoe instep reflector. In this design, the reflector may be mounted along the bottom surface of the outsole, disposed close to the ground. A primary drawback to this design is the bulky design of the instep reflector. The reflector has a thickness that requires the instep region of the sole to be depressed in a manner that prevents the reflector from dragging against a bottom surface. Haynes (U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,760) discloses an article of footwear with a light reflective means on the upper portion and on the bottom sole portion of the article of footwear. Along the bottom of the sole potion, the light reflective means includes bars of reflective material that have been embedded in the bottom portion of the outsole. This design is also somewhat cumbersome, in that it requires the outsole to be embedded with solid strips of reflecting material. This may reduce the overall flexibility of the outsole. Furthermore, manufacturing this design requires holes to be cut out of the outsole prior to insertion of the reflective strips. In particular, both the Tomlinson and Haynes designs make it very difficult to cover the large portions of the outsole surface. 
         [0008]    There is a need in the art for an outsole including a bottom surface with a large portion that is covered in its entirety with a reflective material. Furthermore, this reflective material should not substantially reduce the flexibility of the outsole. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The invention discloses an article of footwear with a reflective outsole. In one aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear configured to receive a wearer&#39;s foot, comprising: an outsole; the outsole including a lower surface disposed opposite the wearer&#39;s foot; at least one tread element extending away from the lower surface; the lower surface including a first portion; the first portion comprising a majority of a region of the lower surface; and where a reflective device is disposed in the first portion of the lower surface. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the first portion is a forefoot region of the outsole. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, the first portion is a central region of the outsole. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the first portion is a heel region of the outsole. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, the first portion is a forefoot region and a central region of the outsole. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the first portion is a heel region and a central region of the outsole. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the first portion is a combination of a forefoot region, a central region, and a heel region of the midsole. 
         [0016]    In another aspect, the reflective device covers the entire first portion except the tread element. 
         [0017]    In another aspect, the reflective device is flexible. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, the reflective device includes a base layer. 
         [0019]    In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear configured to receive a wearer&#39;s foot, comprising: an outsole; a reflective device attached to the outsole; the reflective device being composed of a flexible material; and where the reflective device covers a first portion of an outer surface of the outsole. 
         [0020]    In another aspect, the reflective material includes a base layer. 
         [0021]    In another aspect, the first portion is a forefoot portion. 
         [0022]    In another aspect, the first portion is a heel portion. 
         [0023]    In another aspect, the first portion is a forefoot and heel portion. 
         [0024]    In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear configured to receive a wearer&#39;s foot, comprising: an outsole; a reflective device associated with the outsole; and where the reflective device is disposed along a portion of an outer periphery of the outsole. 
         [0025]    In another aspect, outer periphery is disposed along a forefoot region of the outsole. 
         [0026]    In another aspect, the outer periphery is disposed along a heel region of the outsole. 
         [0027]    In another aspect, the outer periphery is disposed along a forefoot region and a heel region. 
         [0028]    In another aspect, the reflective device is disposed along an outer periphery of the outsole. 
         [0029]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear as seen from behind; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a close up of a preferred embodiment outsole of an article of footwear; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear including three regions; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear with a reflective device applied to one or more regions; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear with a reflective device applied to one or more regions; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear with a reflective device applied to one or more regions; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear with a reflective device applied to one or more regions; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear with a reflective device applied to one or more regions; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear with a reflective device applied to one or more regions; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear with a reflective device applied to one or more regions; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an outsole of an article of footwear with a reflective device applied to one or more regions, including the periphery of these regions. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]      FIG. 1  is a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear  100  in the form of an athletic shoe. For clarity, the following detailed description discusses a preferred embodiment, however, it should be kept in mind that the present invention could also take the form of any other kind of footwear including, for example, skates, boots, ski boots, snowboarding boots, cycling shoes, formal shoes, slippers, sandals, flip-flops or any other kind of footwear. That is, the properties of the reflective outsole disclosed throughout this specification and in the claims may be applied to any article of footwear. 
         [0044]    In a preferred embodiment, article of footwear  100  includes upper  102  and outsole  104 . Upper  102  is preferably configured to receive a wearer&#39;s foot. Preferably, upper  102  is associated with outsole  104 , and in some embodiments, upper  102  is attached to outsole  104 . Upper  102  may be attached to outsole  104  by a variety of different methods, including, but not limited to, stitching, glue, staples, as well as other methods. In some embodiments, such as sandals or flip-flops, upper  102  may be very simple and include one or more straps. 
         [0045]    In a preferred embodiment, outsole  104  includes a first side and a second side  120 . The first side of outsole  104  is preferably enclosed within upper  104 . In some embodiments, the first side of outsole  104  may be configured to contact a wearer&#39;s foot. In other embodiments, the first side of outsole  104  may be configured to contact a midsole, an insole, or another type of liner. In a preferred embodiment, second side  120  of outsole  104  is configured to contact the ground. In particular, second side  120  of outsole  104  is preferably disposed along the outside of article of footwear  100  along the bottom. 
         [0046]    Outsole  104  is preferably constructed from a lightweight and flexible material. However, outsole  104  may be constructed from any material or a combination of several materials. Some examples of material from which outsole  104  may be constructed include rubber, plastic, fabric, and metal. This list is not meant to be exhaustive as outsole  104  may also be constructed from other materials as well. 
         [0047]    In this embodiment, article of footwear  100  includes a shock absorbing system  180  disposed proximate to a heel region  110  of outsole  104 . Preferably, shock absorbing system  180  helps reduce stresses to a wearer&#39;s foot during walking and/or running. Large tread elements  185  may be disposed along heel region  110  of outsole  104 , proximate to shock absorbing system  180 . Outsole  104  further includes indents  190 , disposed along a central region  108  of outsole  104 . Shock absorbing system  180 , large tread elements  185 , and indents  190  are included in this embodiment as additional aesthetic and performance features and need not be included in every embodiment of an article of footwear with a reflective outsole. 
         [0048]    The orientation of  FIG. 1  is intended to demonstrate a typical position of the article of footwear during a walking or running motion. In particular, during a running or walking motion, the outsole of the article of footwear will be displayed to someone viewing the wearer from behind. This situation may occur when a motor vehicle approaches from behind. At night the driver may not be aware of the runner&#39;s presence. 
         [0049]    For this reason, article of footwear  100  preferably includes provisions for improving the visibility of article  100  in low light conditions. In one embodiment, a reflective device is associated with article  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, a reflective device is associated with the outsole of article  100 . Preferably, reflective device  115  is disposed along forefoot region  106  of outsole  104 . Reflective device  115  is preferably constructed of a retro-reflective material. 
         [0050]    At night, an illumination source, including headlights of a motor vehicle, would illuminate reflective device  115  as outsole  104  is exposed during walking or running, alerting the driver to the runner&#39;s presence along the roadside. Although reflective device  115  is positioned to enhance visibility from the rear, it is also possible to view reflective device  115  from other directions. For example, if a person is running towards an oncoming motor vehicle, the driver may still see reflective device  115  illuminated along outsole  104  as the wearer&#39;s feet are raised upwards during forward strides and heel kicks. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a preferred embodiment of second side  120  of outsole  104  preferably includes tread elements  112 . In the exemplary embodiment, tread elements  112  comprise a cylindrical shape. However, tread elements  112  may comprise any shape. Furthermore, tread elements  112  may be constructed from any material. In a preferred embodiment, tread elements  112  may be constructed of rubber. In this embodiment, tread elements  112  are disposed along forefoot region  106  of outsole  104 . In other embodiments, tread elements  112  may be disposed along central region  108  and/or heel region  110 . In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between tread elements may be one to two times the size of the diameter of the tread elements, though this diameter may vary among tread elements. 
         [0052]    In a preferred embodiment, outsole  104  includes lower surface  122 . Lower surface  122  generally defines a lower reference surface, and preferably, tread elements  112  extend away from lower surface  122 . In some embodiments, lower surface  122  of outsole  104  includes a first portion  130 . In a preferred embodiment, first portion  130  is a forefoot region. That is, first portion  130  is preferably associated with forefoot region  106  of outsole  104 . In other embodiments, first portion  130  may be a central region or a heel region. In these embodiments, first portion  132  may be associated with central region  108  and/or heel region  110  of outsole  104 . 
         [0053]    In the exemplary embodiment, first portion  130  of lower surface  122  may be configured to receive reflective device  115 . Reflective device  115  is preferably a thin and flexible material with retro-reflective properties. Reflective device  115  is preferably configured to cover the entirety of first portion  130  of lower surface  122  with the exception of substantially small areas surrounding tread elements  112 . In the exemplary embodiment, first portion  130  comprises a majority of lower surface  122 . 
         [0054]    Tread elements  112  are preferably disposed through holes  170  in reflective device  115 . As previously mentioned, tread elements  112  extend away from lower surface  122 . As a result, lower surface  122  of outsole  104  may have limited contact with the ground during the use of article of footwear  100 . This may result in less wear on reflective device  115 . 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, reflective device  115  may include one or more large holes  175 . Large holes  175  are distinct from holes  170  because large holes  175  are large enough to accommodate multiple tread elements. Large holes  175  are included primarily for aesthetic purposes in this embodiment. Large holes  175  need not be included as part of reflective device  115  in other embodiments. 
         [0056]    Preferably, outsole  104  may include peripheral treads  160 . Peripheral tread elements  160  are distinguished from tread elements  112  in that peripheral tread elements  160  are flat on one side, rather than completely round. Peripheral tread elements are preferably disposed along a second outer periphery  165  of forefoot region  106 . Because peripheral tread elements  160  are raised with respect to lower surface  122  and reflective device  115 , peripheral tread elements  160  may help to prevent reflective device  115  from contacting the ground. This is particularly the case along a first outer periphery  135 . 
         [0057]    Preferred embodiments of the construction of reflective device  115  can be seen in  FIG. 3 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , a preferred embodiment of reflective device  115  preferably includes two layers. A first side  302  of a base layer  304  of reflective device  115  is preferably configured to contact lower surface  122  of outsole  104 . A second side  306  of base layer  304  of reflective device  115  is preferably configured to contact a first side  308  of a reflecting layer  310  of reflective device  115 . Here, a first tread element  320  and a second tread element  322  are seen to extend from lower surface  122  of outsole  104 . Furthermore, first tread element  320  and second tread element  322  extend through a first hole  330  and a second hole  332  of reflective device  115 . 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, base layer  304  of reflective device  115  may be a fabric or cloth material. In some embodiments, base layer  304  may be constructed from a non-woven synthetic material. Examples of such materials include Woven, Tricot, PET film, napping cloth such as Nylex, as well as other materials. Preferably, base layer  304  is constructed from a durable and flexible material. Reflecting layer  310  is preferably composed of a reflective film. Different types of reflective film include sublimated reflective film and colored reflective film. Typically, reflective films include a glass beading structure that creates the desired reflectivity property. 
         [0059]    Preferably, base layer  304  and reflecting layer  310  are attached to one another prior to attaching base layer  304  to outsole  104 . Once reflective device  115 , which is preferably comprised of base layer  304  and reflecting layer  310 , is assembled, the two layers can then be attached to outsole  104 . Prior to attaching reflective device  115  to outsole  104 , reflective device  115  can first be cut to incorporate holes allowing for tread elements. Preferably, reflective device  115  is then added to a mold with rubber for curing. In a preferred embodiment, base layer  304  of reflective device  115  is attached to lower surface  122  during the molding process of outsole  104 . The finished product is a molded rubber outsole attached to reflective device  115  along lower surface  122 . This construction provides a flexible reflective device  115 . This flexibility allows reflective device  115  to be applied to large areas of outsole  104  without adversely affecting flexibility or performance. 
         [0060]    As discussed previously, a reflective device need not be associated with only a forefoot region of an outsole. In some embodiments, the reflective device may be disposed along other portions of the outsole. Referring to  FIG. 4 , which is a preferred embodiment of a schematic outsole  400 , three distinct regions can be observed. Outsole  400  can include a forefoot region  404 , a central region  406 , and a heel region  408 . Outsole  400  further includes three distinct groupings of treads as well as lower surface  402 . In a preferred embodiment, forefoot region  404 , central region  406 , and heel region  408  of outsole  104  are associated with first tread element group  410 , second tread element group  412 , and third tread element group  414  respectively. 
         [0061]      FIG. 4  is intended to be a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a generic outsole configured to be used in an article of footwear. The three regions of outsole  104  are intended as examples of possible divisions of outsole  104 . Other embodiments may include a different number of regions. The size and/or shape of these regions may also vary. Likewise, the three tread element groups are intended to represent examples of possible tread element patterns. In other embodiments, tread elements may be arranged into any desired pattern and/or design. The following figures are intended to demonstrate that a reflective device may be configured to cover any region of the outsole. They are not meant to limit the use of a reflective device to only a combination of the three pre-defined regions. 
         [0062]    The position and size of the reflective device may be varied. The reflective device is preferably disposed along a first portion of lower surface  402 . In a preferred embodiment, first portion  402  may include forefoot region  404 , central region  406 , or heel region  408 . The first portion may also include a combination of forefoot region  404 , central region  406  and heel region  408 . Referring to  FIGS. 5-11 , a preferred embodiment of outsole  400  includes a reflective device disposed along a first portion comprising forefoot region  404 , central region  406 , and/or heel region  408 . All the possible combinations of the location of the first portion including each of the three regions are disclosed below. 
         [0063]    In each of the following figures, a reflective device is disposed along a first portion of lower surface  402  of outsole  400 . The region or regions defining the first portion may be varied. Referring to  FIG. 5 , first portion  500  comprises forefoot region  404 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , first portion  600  comprises central region  406 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , first portion  700  comprises heel region  408 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , first portion  800  comprises forefoot region  404  and central region  406 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , first portion  900  comprises central region  406  and heel region  408 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , first portion  1000  comprises forefoot region  404  and heel region  408 . Finally, referring to  FIG. 11 , first portion  1100  comprises forefoot region  404 , central region  406  and heel region  408 . In these embodiments, a second portion may be any portion other than the first portion. 
         [0064]    As the reflective device disclosed here is preferably constructed with a lightweight backing material, the reflective device may be extended to cover a portion of an outer periphery of an outsole. Referring to  FIG. 12 , outsole  1200  includes a lower surface  1202 . Outsole  1200  also preferably includes a forefoot region  1204  and a heel region  1206 . In a preferred embodiment, outsole  1200  further includes an outer periphery  1250  that can extend to the extreme edges of outsole  1200 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , forefoot region  1204  and heel region  1206  each extend to outer periphery  1250 . 
         [0065]    In this embodiment, a first portion  1210  of lower surface  1202  comprises forefoot region  1204  and heel region  1206 . Preferably, first portion  1210  of lower surface  1202  includes reflective device  1220 . In a preferred embodiment, first portion  1210  of lower surface  1202  is covered by reflective device  1220 . In particular, reflective device  1220  is disposed along at least one portion of outer periphery. In this case, a first portion  1230  and a second portion  1232  of outer periphery disposed along forefoot region  1204  and heel region  1206  respectively.  FIG. 12  is intended only as an example of the way in which a reflective device may be extended to cover a portion of an outer periphery of an outsole. Other embodiments may include a first portion having different regions and including different portions of the outer periphery of the outsole. 
         [0066]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.