Patent Description:
Articles of footwear typically have at least two major components, an upper that provides the enclosure for receiving the wearer's foot, and a sole secured to the upper that is the primary contact to the ground or playing surface. The footwear may also use some type of fastening system, for example, laces or straps or a combination of both, to secure the footwear around the wearer's foot. The sole may comprise three layers-an inner sole, a midsole and an outer sole. The outer sole is the primary contact to the ground or the playing surface. The outer sole generally carries a tread pattern and/or cleats or spikes or other protuberances that provide the wearer of the footwear with improved traction suitable to the particular athletic, work or recreational activity, or to a particular ground surface. Document <CIT> describes an article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes a base layer and one or more tensile strands. The sole structure includes an auxetic element operable to expand in two orthogonal horizontal directions in response to a tension applied in one of the directions. Each tensile strand has at least one end secured in fixed position relative to a peripheral region of the sole structure. Document <CIT> describes a structured porous metamaterial comprising a three-dimensional matrix of at least one repeating base unit, the matrix formed from an array of at least eight base units, each base unit comprising a platonic solid including at least one shaped void, wherein each base unit has void geometry tailored to provide a porosity of between <NUM> and <NUM>; and provide the metamaterial with a response comprising at least one of a Poisson's ratio of <NUM> to - <NUM> when under tension and compression; or negative linear compression, negative area compression, zero linear compression, or zero area compression behaviour when under pressure.

The present disclosure describes an article according to the features of independent claims <NUM>
In some embodiments, the holes may be arranged in rows extending along the first direction. At least two of the rows may be parallel to each other, and the plurality of holes in said at least two of the rows are aligned with one another. The holes in at least two adjacent ones of the rows may be offset relative to each other. The article may have a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and the plurality of holes are between the first surface and the second surface.

In some embodiments, at each of the plurality of holes, an internal surface of the base component may define a first end surface and a second end surface. The first end surface may be closer to the first surface than to the second surface. The second end surface may be closer to the second surface than to the first surface. Each of the holes may define a central portion disposed between the first end surface and the second end surface. The holes may include a first hole and a second hole adjacent the first hole. The first end surface at the second hole may be closer to the central portion of the first hole than to the second end surface at the first hole. The base component may include a base material, and each of the holes may be entirely surrounded by the base material. The base material may include foam.

In some embodiments, upon application of a compressive force on the base component, the base material may collapse into the holes in a rotating motion. The surfaces of the base component at each of the plurality of holes may be shaped as one-sheeted hyperboloids. Each of the holes may define a central axis. Each of the holes may be symmetrical about the central axis. The base material may collapse into the plurality of holes by rotating about the central axis of each of the plurality of holes.

According to the claimed invention, the surfaces of the base component at each of the plurality of holes are shaped as one-sheeted hyperboloids, and the holes may have different sizes. The base component may include a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion disposed between the heel portion and the forefoot portion, and the sizes of the holes at the heel portion are different from sizes of the plurality of holes at the forefoot portion. The sizes of the plurality of holes continuously decrease from the heel portion to the forefoot portion. The holes include a first hole and a second hole, and each of the first hole and the second hole is shaped as a one-sheeted hyperboloid. The first hole is obliquely angled relative to the second hole. The article may be a sole component for an article of footwear.

In some embodiments, the holes may be arranged in rows extending along the first direction. At least two of the rows may be parallel to each other, and the holes in said at least two of the rows are aligned with one another. The holes in at least two adjacent ones of the rows may be offset relative to each other. The sole component may have a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and the holes may be between the first surface and the second surface. The internal surfaces may define a first end surface and a second end surface of each of the holes. The first end surface may be closer to the first surface than to the second surface. The second end surface may be closer to the second surface than to the first surface. Each of the holes may define a central portion disposed between the first end surface and the second end surface. The holes may include a first hole and a second hole adjacent the first hole. The first end surface of the second hole may be closer to the central portion of the first hole than to the first end surface of the first hole.

In some embodiments, the sole may include a sole material, and each of the holes may be entirely surrounded by the sole material. The sole material may include foam.

In some embodiments, upon application of a compressive force on the sole component, the sole material may collapse into the plurality of holes in a rotating motion. Each of the holes may define a central axis and may be symmetrical about the central axis. The sole material may collapse into the holes by rotating about the central axis of each of the holes. The holes may have different sizes. The sole component may include a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion disposed between the heel portion and the forefoot portion. The sizes of the holes at the heel portion may be different from sizes of the plurality of holes at the forefoot portion. The sizes of the holes may continuously decrease from the heel portion to the forefoot portion. The holes may include a first hole and a second hole, and the first hole may be obliquely angled relative to the second hole.

<FIG> is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment, article of footwear <NUM> has the form of an athletic shoe. However, in other embodiments, the provisions discussed herein for article of footwear <NUM> could be incorporated into various other kinds of footwear including, but not limited to: basketball shoes, hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments, the provisions discussed herein for article of footwear <NUM> could be incorporated into various other kinds of non-sports related footwear, including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, boots, high-heeled footwear, and loafers.

For purposes of clarity, the following detailed description discusses the features of article of footwear <NUM>, also referred to simply as article <NUM>. However, it will be understood that other embodiments may incorporate a corresponding article of footwear (e.g., a right article of footwear when article <NUM> is a left article of footwear) that may share some, and possibly all, of the features of article <NUM> described herein and shown in the figures.

The embodiments may be characterized by various directional adjectives and reference portions. These directions and reference portions may facilitate in describing the portions of an article of footwear. Moreover, these directions and reference portions may also be used in describing sub-components of an article of footwear (e.g., directions and/or portions of an inner sole component, a midsole component, an outer sole component, an upper or any other components).

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term "longitudinal" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a length of a component (e.g., an upper or sole component). In some cases, the longitudinal direction LG may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the component. Also, the term "lateral" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. In other words, the lateral direction LT may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of a component. Furthermore, the term "vertical" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to the lateral direction LT and the longitudinal direction LG. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction V may extend from the ground surface upward. The vertical direction V is perpendicular to the lateral direction LT and the longitudinal direction LG. The lateral direction LT is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LG. Additionally, the term "inner" refers to a portion of an article disposed closer to an interior of an article, or closer to a foot when the article is worn. Likewise, the term "outer" refers to a portion of an article disposed further from the interior of the article or from the foot. Thus, for example, the inner surface of a component is disposed closer to an interior of the article than the outer surface of the component. This detailed description makes use of these directional adjectives in describing an article and various components of the article, including an upper, a midsole structure and/or an outer sole structure.

The article <NUM> may be characterized by a number of different regions or portions. For example, the article <NUM> could include a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion and an ankle portion. Moreover, components of article <NUM> could likewise comprise corresponding portions. Referring to <FIG>, the article <NUM> may be divided into an article forefoot portion <NUM>, an article midfoot portion <NUM> and an article heel portion <NUM>. The article forefoot portion <NUM> may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. The article midfoot portion <NUM> may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, the article heel portion <NUM> may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. The article <NUM> may also include an ankle portion <NUM> (which may also be referred to as a cuff portion). In addition, the article <NUM> may include an article lateral side <NUM> and an article medial side <NUM>. In particular, the article lateral side <NUM> and the article medial side <NUM> may be opposing sides of the article <NUM>. Furthermore, both the article lateral side <NUM> and the article medial side <NUM> may extend through the article forefoot portion <NUM>, the article midfoot portion <NUM>, the article heel portion <NUM>, and ankle portion <NUM>.

In the depicted embodiment, the article <NUM> includes an upper <NUM> and a sole <NUM> coupled to the upper <NUM>. The sole <NUM> includes a base component <NUM>. The base component <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a sole component. Although the drawings show the article <NUM> as an article of footwear, it is contemplated that the article <NUM> may be other kinds of article, such as an article of clothing. Thus, the article <NUM> does not necessarily include an upper and a sole. Rather, the article <NUM> may simply include the base component <NUM>.

Generally, the upper <NUM> may be any type of upper. In particular, the upper <NUM> may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where the article <NUM> is a basketball shoe, upper <NUM> could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where the article <NUM> is a running shoe, the upper <NUM> could be a low top upper.

In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> includes an ankle opening <NUM> that provides entry for the foot into an interior cavity of the upper <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> may also include a tongue (not shown) that provides cushioning and support across the instep of the foot. Some embodiments may include fastening provisions, including, but not limited to: laces, cables, straps, buttons, zippers as well as any other provisions known in the art for fastening articles. In some embodiments, a lace <NUM> may be applied at a fastening region of upper <NUM>.

Some embodiments may include uppers that extend beneath the foot, thereby providing <NUM>-degree coverage at some regions of the foot. However, other embodiments need not include uppers that extend beneath the foot. In other embodiments, for example, an upper could have a lower periphery joined with a sole structure and/or sock liner.

An upper could be formed from a variety of different manufacturing techniques resulting in various kinds of upper structures. For example, in some embodiments, an upper could have a braided construction, a knitted (e.g., warp-knitted) construction or some other woven construction. In an exemplary embodiment, upper <NUM> may be a knitted upper.

In some embodiments, the sole <NUM> may be configured to provide traction for the article <NUM>. In addition to providing traction, the sole <NUM> may attenuate ground reaction forces FR when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of the sole <NUM> may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the sole <NUM> can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole <NUM> may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, hardwood flooring, as well as other surfaces.

The sole <NUM> is secured to the upper <NUM> and extends between the foot and the ground when the article <NUM> is worn. In different embodiments, the sole <NUM> may include different components. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the sole <NUM> includes at least the base component <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the base component <NUM> includes a base forefoot portion <NUM>, a base heel portion <NUM>, and a base midfoot portion <NUM> disposed between the base heel portion <NUM> and the base forefoot portion <NUM>. The base component <NUM> defines an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM> opposite the inner surface <NUM>. The thickness T of the base component <NUM> is defined from the inner surface <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> along the vertical direction V. In the depicted embodiment, the thickness of the base component <NUM> continuously decreases from the base heel portion <NUM> toward the base forefoot portion <NUM> to enhance comfort for a user when the article <NUM> is used as an article of footwear.

The base component <NUM> defines a plurality of holes <NUM> arranged in an auxetic configuration. Structures with an auxetic configuration have a negative Poisson's ratio, such that when they are under tension in a first direction FD, their dimensions increase both in the first direction FD and in a second direction SD orthogonal or perpendicular to the first direction FD. Also, when structures with an auxetic configuration are under compression in the first direction FD, their dimensions decrease both in the first direction FD and in the second direction SD orthogonal or perpendicular to the first direction FD. The holes <NUM> provide the base component <NUM> with an auxetic configuration to facilitate expansion and/or adaptability of a base component <NUM> during dynamic motions. In the depicted embodiments, the base component <NUM> have at least one surface defining at least one of the holes <NUM>. The surface <NUM> at least partially defining the hole <NUM> is shaped as a one-sheeted hyperboloid to provide the base component <NUM> with the auxetic configuration. The one-sheeted hyperboloid shape allows the material forming the base component <NUM> to compress in a rotating motion about at least one of the holes <NUM>, thereby increasingly densifying the base component <NUM> in response to a compressive force F. As a result, the base component <NUM> provides an enhanced support to a user when the base component <NUM> is subjected to a compressive force F.

In the depicted embodiment, the base component <NUM> includes a plurality of surfaces <NUM> each defining one of the holes <NUM>. The surfaces <NUM> may be inner surfaces entirely disposed within between the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the base component <NUM> in order to facilitate expansion and/or adaptability of a base component <NUM> during dynamic motions without compromising comfort to the user. In particular, each of the holes <NUM> has a height H, and the height H of the holes <NUM> may always be less than the thickness T of the base component <NUM> to facilitate expansion and/or adaptability of a base component <NUM> during dynamic motions. The surfaces <NUM> of the base component <NUM> at each of the holes <NUM> are shaped as one-sheeted hyperboloids (e.g., one-sheeted circular hyperboloids and/or one-sheeted elliptical hyperboloids). The holes <NUM> may be arranged in rows extending along a first direction FD (e.g., the longitudinal direction LG). One row of holes <NUM> may be spaced apart from the other rows of holes <NUM> along a second direction SD (e.g., the lateral direction LT). In the depicted embodiment, the base component <NUM> may include a first row <NUM>, a second row <NUM>, and a third row <NUM> of holes <NUM> each extending along the longitudinal direction LG. At least two of the rows of holes <NUM> are parallel to each other. For instance, the first row <NUM>, the second row <NUM>, and the third row <NUM> of holes <NUM> may be parallel to one another. Notably, the first row <NUM>, the second row <NUM>, and the third row <NUM> of holes <NUM> do not necessarily extend along the entire length of the base component <NUM>. The holes <NUM> in at least two of the rows (e.g., first row <NUM> and third row <NUM>), may be aligned with one another along the longitudinal direction LG, while another row of holes <NUM> (e.g., second row <NUM>) may be longitudinally offset relative to the other rows (e.g., first row <NUM> and third row <NUM>).

The base component <NUM> is wholly or partly made of a base material, which may be foam, such as, but not limited to, a thermoplastic polyurethane foam. If the base component <NUM> is part of the sole <NUM>, the base material may be referred to as the sole material. Each of the holes <NUM> is entirely surrounded by the base material to facilitate expansion and/or adaptability of a base component <NUM> during dynamic motions without compromising comfort to the user.

The surfaces <NUM> at least partially defining the holes are each shaped as a one-sheeted hyperboloid to enhance cushioning when the base component <NUM> is subjected to a compressive force F. Upon application of the compressive force F on the base component <NUM>, the base component <NUM> collapses into the holes <NUM> in a rotating motion as indicated by arrows R. As a result, the base component surrounding the holes <NUM> compresses in an auxetic fashion. As such, upon application of the compressive force F, the dimensions of the base component <NUM> decrease both in a first direction FD and in a second direction SD orthogonal or perpendicular to the first direction FD. In other words, wherein the holes <NUM> have an auxetic configuration and are therefore configured, such that when the sole component is compressed in the first direction FD, the base component <NUM> contracts in both the first direction FD and in the second direction SD, which is orthogonal to the first direction FD. Each of the holes <NUM> defines a central axis CX, and each of the plurality of holes <NUM> is symmetrical about the central axis CX to facilitate the auxetic behavior of the base material. Upon application of the compressive force F, the base material collapses into holes <NUM> by rotating about the central axis CX of each of the holes <NUM>.

With specific reference to <FIG>, the surfaces <NUM> of the base component <NUM> at each of the holes <NUM> are shaped as one-sheeted hyperboloids, and the holes <NUM> have different sizes. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the sizes of the holes <NUM> at the base heel portion <NUM> are different from sizes of the holes at the base forefoot portion <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the sizes of the holes <NUM> continuously decrease from the base heel portion <NUM> to the base forefoot portion <NUM> to enhance cushioning for a user with a hard heel strike. As discussed above, the thickness T of the base component T may continuously decrease from the base heel portion <NUM> toward the base forefoot portion <NUM> along the longitudinal direction LG. Likewise, the heights H of the holes <NUM> may continuously decrease from the base heel portion <NUM> toward the base forefoot portion <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the holes <NUM> in at least two adjacent rows (e.g., first row <NUM> and second row <NUM>) may be offset relative to each other along the vertical direction V to provide tailored cushioning taking into account different users strides. As discussed above, the holes <NUM> may be entirely disposed between the inner surface <NUM> (e.g., a first surface) and the outer surface <NUM> (e.g., a second surface). At each of the holes <NUM>, an internal surface <NUM> of the base component <NUM> defines a first end surface <NUM> and a second end surface <NUM> opposite the first end surface <NUM>. The height H of each hole <NUM> may be defined as the distance from the first end surface <NUM> to the second end surface <NUM> along the vertical direction V. The first end surface <NUM> is closer to the inner surface <NUM> (e.g., a first surface) than to the outer surface <NUM> (e.g., a second surface). The second end surface <NUM> is closer to the outer surface <NUM> (e.g., a second surface) than to the inner surface <NUM> (e.g., a first surface). Each of the holes <NUM> defines a central portion <NUM> disposed between the first end surface <NUM> and the second end surface <NUM>. The holes <NUM> includes a first hole 106a and a second hole 106b adjacent the first hole 106a. The first end surface <NUM> at the second hole 106b is closer to the central portion <NUM> of the first hole 106a than to the second end surface <NUM> at the first hole 106a.

With reference to <FIG>, the base component <NUM> may include holes <NUM> that obliquely angled relative to the one another to accommodate particular cushioning needs. For instance, the center axis CX of each hole <NUM> is offset from the vertical direction by an oblique angle θ. As a non-limiting example, the angle oblique angle θ may be <NUM> degrees. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of the holes <NUM> may be oriented horizontally as shown in <FIG> (instead of vertically as shown in <FIG>) in order to enhance the auxetic properties of the base component <NUM> along the longitudinal direction LG and lateral direction LT.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a method of manufacturing the article <NUM> (or simply the base component <NUM>) may include producing a base component <NUM> such that the base component <NUM> includes a foam matrix <NUM> and a plurality of bodies <NUM> embedded in the foam matrix <NUM>. At least some of the bodies <NUM> are shaped as one-sheeted hyperboloids and include a water-soluble material as shown in <FIG>. Next, the base component <NUM> is immersed in water W to dissolve the plurality of bodies <NUM> and define a plurality of holes <NUM> disposed inside the base component <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the base component <NUM> may be produced by three-dimensional printing of the foam matrix <NUM>. To do so, a three-dimensional printing system <NUM> may be used. The three-dimensional printing system includes a <NUM>-D printer <NUM> and a controller <NUM> in communication with the <NUM>-D printer. The controller <NUM> is specifically programmed to produce the base component <NUM> and includes a processor and a non-transitory memory including instructions (e.g., a virtual model of the base component <NUM>) to produce the base component <NUM> with the bodies <NUM> made of a water-soluble material <NUM> and the remainder of the base component <NUM> made of foam. The water-soluble material <NUM> may include material includes polyacrylic acid. The bodies <NUM> may be coupled to each other and may be part of a one-piece cellular structure.

Alternatively, the method of manufacturing the article <NUM> (or simply the base component <NUM>) may include <NUM>-D printing a base component <NUM> such that the base component <NUM> includes a foam matrix <NUM> and a plurality of holes (such as holes <NUM> shown in <FIG>) disposed inside the foam matrix <NUM>. The internal surfaces of the base component <NUM> define at least some of the plurality of holes <NUM> are shaped as one-sheeted hyperboloids.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in other embodiments, the method of manufacturing the article <NUM> (or simply the base component <NUM>) includes injecting a polymeric material PM (<FIG>) into a cavity <NUM> of a mold <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. After injecting the polymeric material PM, at least part of an injection molding tool <NUM> is inserted into the cavity <NUM>. In doing so, the injection molding tool <NUM> is moved toward the cavity <NUM> of the mold <NUM> in the direction indicated by arrow M as shown in <FIG>. The injection molding tool <NUM> includes a plurality of bodies <NUM>. Each of the bodies <NUM> has a surface <NUM> shaped as a one-sheeted hyperboloid. Further, the injection molding tool <NUM> includes a support body <NUM> and a plurality of rods <NUM> coupled to the support body <NUM>. Each of the bodies <NUM> is attached at an end of a respective rod <NUM>. Next, the injection molding tool <NUM> is removed from the cavity <NUM> of the mold <NUM>. In doing so, the injection molding tool <NUM> (along with the bodies <NUM>) is moved away from the polymeric material PM in the direction indicated by arrow A as shown in <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, in other embodiments, the method of manufacturing the article <NUM> (or simply the base component <NUM>) includes placing foam <NUM> (e.g., a solid foam block) on a die <NUM>. Then, a ram <NUM> is moved toward the foam <NUM> until the ram <NUM> passes through the foam <NUM> in order to extrude portions of the foam <NUM>. In doing so, the ram <NUM> is moved toward the foam <NUM> in the direction indicated by arrows D. The ram <NUM> includes a plurality of bodies <NUM> (one shown), and each of the bodies <NUM> has a surface <NUM> shaped as a one-sheeted hyperboloid.

With reference to <FIG>, in other embodiments, the sole <NUM> defines a first group of holes 106x and a second group of holes 106y separated by a transition region <NUM> without holes <NUM>. As discussed above, each of the holes <NUM> is symmetrical about its central axis CX to facilitate the auxetic behavior of the base material. The central axes CX of all the holes <NUM> of the first group of holes 106x are parallel to each other, and the central axes CX of all the holes <NUM> of the second group of holes 106y are parallel to each other. However, the central axes CX of all the holes <NUM> of the first group of holes 106x are obliquely angled relative to the vertical direction and the central axes CX of all the holes <NUM> of the second group of holes 106y. The transition region <NUM> is located between the first group of holes 106x and the second group of holes 106y and may be symmetrical about a transition axis TX to facilitate symmetrical compression of the sole <NUM> about the transition axis TX. Because of its lack of holes <NUM>, the transition region <NUM> acts as a mechanical stop to prevent further collapsing of the base material forming the base component <NUM>. For this reason, when the base component <NUM> is compressed, the transition region <NUM> is more dense than the regions which have the first group of holes 106x and the second group of holes 106y. Accordingly, the base component <NUM> may be tuned by selecting the angle of the central axes CX of the holes <NUM> relative to the vertical direction V and placing the transition region <NUM> at a certain position.

With reference to <FIG>, in other embodiments, the sole <NUM> includes a plurality of vertically stacked layers <NUM> having differently configured base material (e.g., foam). In the depicted embodiment, the central axes CX of all the holes <NUM> in each layer <NUM> are parallel to each other. However, the central axes CX of the holes <NUM> in different layers <NUM> are may be obliquely angled relative to each other to cause the base material in the layers <NUM> to collapse in different directions D1, D2, D3, D3, and D5. For example, the central axes CX of the holes <NUM> in consecutively stacked layers <NUM> are obliquely angled relative to each other, whereas the central axes CS of holes <NUM> in alternating layers <NUM> may be parallel to each other. During operation, when a load L is applied to the sole <NUM>, the base material in the layers <NUM> collapse in different directions D1, D2, D3, D3, and D5 due to the load L and the reaction force FR of the ground surface GS. As a result, the relationship between the load L applied to the sole <NUM> and the displacement of the base material is non-linear. Layers <NUM> close to the application of the load L have larger holes <NUM> than layers <NUM> closer to the ground surface GS in the embodiment shown. Accordingly, the layers <NUM> closer to the load L may experience greater deformation than the layers <NUM> closer to the ground surface GS.

With reference to <FIG>, in other embodiments, the sole <NUM> includes a plurality of stacked layers <NUM> having differently configured base material (e.g., foam). In the depicted embodiment, the holes <NUM> in the different layers <NUM> have different sizes. For instance, while the holes <NUM> in each layer <NUM> have the same size, the holes <NUM> in different layers increase in size in the vertical direction V. As a result, the relationship between the load L applied to the sole <NUM> and the displacement of the base material is non-linear.

Assembled, ready to wear footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), as well as discrete components of footwear articles (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper component, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready to wear footwear articles, are considered and alternatively referred to herein in either the singular or plural as "article(s) of footwear" or "footwear".

As used in the description and the accompanying claims, unless stated otherwise, a value is considered to be "approximately" equal to a stated value if it is neither more than <NUM> percent greater than nor more than <NUM> percent less than the stated value.

The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending along a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of an article of footwear extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear. The term "forward" or "anterior" is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term "rearward" or "posterior" is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.

The term "transverse" refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of an article of footwear extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the article of footwear. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.

The term "vertical" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole structure is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole structure. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

Claim 1:
An article comprising:
a base component (<NUM>) defining a plurality of holes (<NUM>) arranged in an auxetic configuration;
wherein the auxetic configuration is configured such that when the base component (<NUM>) is compressed in a first direction, the base component (<NUM>) contracts in both the first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
wherein a surface of the base component (<NUM>) defining at least one of the plurality of holes (<NUM>) is shaped as a one-sheeted hyperboloid;
wherein the plurality of holes (<NUM>) includes a first hole (106a) and a second hole (106b), each of the first hole (106a) and the second hole (106b) is shaped as a one-sheeted hyperboloid, and the first hole (106a) is obliquely angled relative to the second hole (106b).