Method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear

Abstract

The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Moreover, the present invention teaches a method of making a customized article of footwear, and also a way of doing retail and Internet business.

Claims

I claim:

1. A method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear comprising the steps of:

a) collecting data relating to an individual;

b) Creating from said collected data information and intelligence for making said custom article of footwear for said individual;

c) Providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, and including at least one fastening component;

d) Selecting from the plurality of footwear components sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear having an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis, comprising an upper, a sole, said at least one fastening component, and cushioning means, said cushioning means adapted to be affixed in functional relation by said at least one fastening component said upper and said sole;

e) Providing said information and intelligence further comprising said selections to a physical location at which said custom article of footwear can be made;

f) Removably securing a plurality of said selected sufficient footwear components in functional relation with said at least one fastening component and completing the assembly for making said custom article of footwear; and

g) Causing said custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address.

2. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said data comprising said individual's preferences, and anatomical features and measurements of said individual's a foot.

3. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said information and intelligence comprising said individual's foot length size and foot width size.

4. The method of conducting business including making conducting business including a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said upper comprising at least in part a textile material.

5. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 4, said textile material comprising a three dimensional knit textile material.

6. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 4, said upper being at least partially overmolded.

7. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said upper substantially comprising a molded upper.

8. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said upper being substantially absent of stitching.

9. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear being substantially recyclable.

10. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said upper substantially comprising a biodegradable material.

11. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article, of footwear comprising an insole.

12. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear comprising closure means.

13. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 12, said closure means comprising laces.

14. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 12, said closure means comprising at least one strap.

15. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 12, said closure means comprising hook and pile.

16. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear comprising a heel counter.

17. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 16, said heel counter positioned on the inside of said upper.

18. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 16, said heel counter positioned on the exterior of said upper.

19. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a spring element.

20. The method of conducting business including making and selling custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a foam material.

21. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising an elastomeric material.

22. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a rubber material.

23. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a fluid-filled bladder.

24. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 23, said fluid comprising a gas.

25. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a spring.

26. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 25, said spring being made of a material which is capable of storing and returning at least 70 percent of the mechanical energy imparted thereto when measured using test method ASTM 790.

27. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a dampener.

28. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 25, said spring comprising fiber composite material.

29. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 28, said fiber composite material comprising carbon fiber.

30. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 28, said fiber composite material comprising glass fiber.

31. The method of conducting business including making a d selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 25, said spring comprising a metal material.

32. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 31, said metal material comprising a spring grade metal alloy.

33. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 19, said spring element comprising a superior spring element.

34. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 33, said superior spring element being positioned inside of said upper and extending substantially between said posterior side and said anterior side.

35. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 33, said article of footwear further including, a rearfoot area, and a forefoot area, said superior spring element extending substantially in said rearfoot area and substantially between said posterior side and said anterior side for at least fifty percent of the length of said upper.

36. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 33, said superior spring element further comprising an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element.

37. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 33, said superior spring element further comprising a heel counter.

38. The method of conducting business including making an custom article of footwear according to claim 33, said superior spring element further comprising at least one flex notch.

39. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 33, said superior spring element comprising a plurality of substantially transverse flex notches on at least the lateral side, and at least one longitudinal flex notch on the anterior side of said superior spring element.

40. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 19, said spring element comprising an inferior spring element.

41. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 40, said article of footwear having a superior side, and an inferior side, said inferior spring element extending rearwardly and downwardly from said inferior side.

42. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 41, said inferior spring element extending rearwardly and downwardly from said inferior side forming a V-shape.

43. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 18, said heel counter and said inferior spring element being affixed in functional relation forming a V-shape.

44. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 40, said inferior spring element having an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, longitudinal axis and transverse axis, comprising a symmetrical curved configuration on both said medial side and said lateral side.

45. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 40, said inferior spring element having an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, longitudinal axis and transverse axis, comprising an asymmetical curved configuration on said medial aide relative to said lateral side.

46. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 40, said inferior spring element having an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and a flexural axis, said flexural axis deviated from said transverse axis in the range between 10 and 50 degrees.

47. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 46, wherein posterior of said flexural axis the length of said inferior spring element is greater on said lateral side than on said medial side, and posterior of said flexural axis the ratio of the length of said inferior spring element on said lateral side relative to said medial side is in the range between 1.25 to 2/1.

48. The method of conducting business including making and selling custom article of footwear according to claim 40, said inferior spring element having an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and a flexural axis, said inferior spring element comprising an anterior portion extending between said anterior side of said inferior spring element and an anterior tangent point, a middle portion including an anterior curve extending downwards between said anterior tangent point and a posterior tangent point, and a posterior portion extending upwards between said posterior tangent point and said posterior side of said inferior spring element, wherein said anterior curve comprises a fitted symmetrical radius of curvature between said anterior tangent point and said posterior tangent point.

49. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 40, said inferior spring element comprising a laminated configuration.

50. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 40, said inferior spring element comprising a tapered configuration.

51. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 40, wherein for a men's size 9 article of footwear said inferior spring element comprising a thickness in the range between 3 and 10 mm, a maximum width of at least 70 mm, and a length of at least 120 mm.

52. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 40, said inferior spring element having an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, longitudinal axis, transverse axis, said inferior spring element comprising greater stiffness when loaded on said medial side than on said lateral side.

53. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear comprising a posterior spacer.

54. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sole comprising a mideole.

55. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sole comprising an outsole.

56. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear comprising a cushioning element.

57. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear comprising a stabilizer comprising a middle outsole element.

58. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 33, said article of footwear further comprising an inferior spring element which is removably affixed to said superior spring element, wherein a portion of said upper is secured between said superior spring element and said inferior spring element.

59. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 55, said outsole further comprising an anterior outsole element and a posterior outsole element.

60. The method of conducting business including making and selling custom article of footwear according to claim 59, each of said anterior outsole element and said posterior outsole element comprising a backing portion.

61. The method of conducting business including making selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 60, said backing portion of said anterior outsole element comprising at least one upwardly extending stability element.

62. The method of conducting business including making selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 60, said article of footwear including a superior spring element, said backing, portion of said anterior outiole element comprising at least one male mating structure, and said superior spring element further comprising at least one complementary female mating structure, whereby said at least one male mating structure and said at least one female mating structure are mechanically engaged.

63. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 59, said article of footwear comprising an inferior spring element having an anterior side and a posterior side, said posterior outsole element comprising a pocket, whereby the posterior side of said inferior spring element is inserted into said pocket and said posterior outsole element is thereby at least partially removably affixed in functional relation to said inferior spring element.

64. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 59, said upper having a superior side and inferior side, said anterior outsole element being removably affixed in functional relation to the inferior side of said upper.

65. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said upper having a superior side and an inferior side, said sole comprising an outsole including a plurality of traction members, said upper further comprising a plurality of openings on said inferior side, whereby at least a portion of said outsole is removably affixed in functional relation to said upper and said plurality of traction members substantially project through said plurality of openings on said inferior side of said upper.

66. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said fastening component being removable and comprising male and a female parts.

67. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sufficient footwear components including said upper, closure means, an insole, said cushioning means, said sole, and said at least one fastening component.

68. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sufficient footwear components including said upper, closure means, a heel counter, an insole, said sole further comprising an anterior outsole element and a posterior outsole element, said cushioning means comprising an inferior spring element, and maid at least one fastening component.

69. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said plurality of said selected sufficient footwear components including said upper, a heel counter, said cushioning means comprising an inferior spring element, said sole comprising a posterior outsole element, said upper, said heel counter, said cushioning means comprising an inferior spring element, and said mole being removably secured together in functional relation by said fastening component.

70. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein at least seventy-five percent of said sufficient footwear components including said at least one fastening component are removable and replaceable.

71. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein substantially all of said sufficient footwear components including said at least one fastening component are removable and replaceable.

72. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, substantially all of said plurality of footwear components and including said at least one fastening component being affixed together in functional relation by mechanical means and being removable, replaceable, and substantially recyclable.

73. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein step f is completed in less than five minutes.

74. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein step f is completed in less than one minute.

75. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim wherein step f is completed in less than one working day.

76. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein steps a-g are substantially completed at a retail store.

77. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein said selected sufficient footwear components are provided to an address selected by said individual, and step f is completed by said individual.

78. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein said data collected in step a is provided by said individual from a remote site using electronic means.

79. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein said data collected in step a and said information and intelligence created in step b is stored in a data storage and retrieval system for future use.

80. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear comprising a heel counter positioned inside of said upper.

81. The method of conducting business including making selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear comprising a heel counter positioned outside of said upper.

82. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said at least one fastening component comprising a single mechanical fastener including male and female parts.

83. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 40, said inferior spring element having an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and a flexural axis, said inferior spring element comprising an anterior portion extending between said anterior side of said inferior spring element and an anterior tangent point, a middle portion including an anterior curve extending downwards between said anterior tangent point and a posterior tangent point, and a posterior portion extending upwards between said posterior tangent point and said posterior side of said inferior spring element.

84. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sufficient footwear components including said upper, said sole, an inferior spring element, and said at least one fastening component.

85. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sufficient footwear components comprising a central processing unit for adjusting the cushioning characteristics provided by said article of footwear.

86. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sufficient footwear components including said upper, closure means, an insole, said cushioning means including a central processing unit for adjusting the cushioning characteristics provided by said article of footwear, said sole, and said at least one fastening component.

87. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a central processing unit for adjusting the cushioning characteristics provided by said article of footwear.

88. A method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear comprising the steps of:

a) Collecting data relating to an individual;

b) Creating from said collected data information and intelligence for making said custom article of footwear for said individual;

c) Providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, and including at least one fastening component;

d) Selecting from the plurality of footwear components sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear having an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis, comprising an upper, sole, said at least one fastening component, and a spring element, said spring element adapted to be affixed in functional relation by said at least one fastening component to said upper and said sole;

e) Providing said information and intelligence further comprising said selections to a physical location at which said custom article of footwear can be made;

f) Removably securing a plurality of said selected sufficient footwear components in functional relation with said at least one fastening component and completing the assembly for making said custom article of footwear; and

g) Causing said Custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address.

89. A method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear comprising the steps of:

a) Collecting data relating to an individual;

b) Creating from said collected data information and intelligence for making said custom article of footwear for said individual;

c) Providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, and including at least one fastening component;

d) Selecting from the plurality of footwear components sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear having an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial aide, a lateral side, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis, comprising an upper including closure means, an insole, a sole, a heel counter, said at least one fastening component, and cushioning means including an inferior spring element, said cushioning means including said inferior spring element adapted to be affixed in functional relation by said at least one fastening component to said upper and said sole;

e) Providing said information and intelligence further comprising said selections to a physical location at which said custom article of footwear can be made;

f) Removably securing a plurality of said selected sufficient footwear components in functional relation with said at least one fastening component and completing the assembly for making said custom article of footwear; and

g) Causing said custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address.

90. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 89, said cushioning means including a central processing unit for adjusting the cushioning characteristics provided by said article of footwear.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention teaches an article of footwear including means for adjusting the length, width, girth, and foot shape. Further, the present invention teaches a customized article of footwear including a spring element, and selectively removable and replaceable components. Moreover, the present invention teaches a novel method of manufacturing articles of footwear, and also, a novel way of doing both retail and Internet business.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element which can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Further, the relative configuration and functional relationship as between the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot areas of the article of footwear can be readily modified and adjusted. Accordingly, the article of footwear can be customized by an individual wearer or specially configured for a select target population in order to optimize desired performance criteria. Moreover, the present invention teaches a novel method of manufacturing an article of footwear, and also, a novel way of doing both retail and Internet business.

Conventional athletic footwear typically include an outsole made of a thermoset rubber compound which is affixed by adhesive to a midsole made of ethylene vinyl acetate or polyurethane foam material which is in turn affixed by adhesive to an upper which is constructed with the use of stitching and adhesives. Because of the difficulty, time, and expense associated with renewing any portion of conventional articles of footwear, the vast majority are generally discarded at the end of their service life. This service life can be characterized as having a short duration when a wearer frequently engages in athletic activity such as distance running or tennis. In tennis, portions of the outsole can be substantially abraded within a few hours, and in distance running the foam midsole can become compacted and degrade by taking a compression set within one hundred miles of use. The resulting deformation of the foam midsole can degrade cushioning and footwear stability, thus contribute to the origin of athletic injuries. Accordingly, many competitive distance runners who routinely cover one hundred miles in a week's time will discard their athletic footwear after logging three hundred miles in order to avoid possible injury.

Even though the service life of conventional athletic footwear is relatively short, the price of athletic footwear has steadily increased over the last three decades, and some models now bear retail prices over one hundred and twenty dollars. However, some of this increase in retail prices has been design and fashion driven as opposed to reflecting actual value added. In any case, conventional athletic footwear remain disposable commodities and few are being recycled. The method of manufacture and disposal of conventional athletic footwear is therefore relatively inefficient and not environmentally friendly. In contrast with conventional athletic footwear, the present invention teaches an article of footwear that includes spring elements which do not take a compression set or similarly degrade, thus the physical and mechanical properties afforded by a preferred article of footwear remain substantially the same over a useful service life which can be several times longer than that of conventional articles of footwear. The present invention teaches an article of footwear which represents an investment, as opposed to a disposable commodity. Like an automobile, the preferred article of footwear includes components which can be easily renewed and replaced, but also components which can be varied and customized, as desired.

Published examples of devices and means for selectively and removably affixing various components of an article of footwear include, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,183,277, 2,200,080, 2,220,534, 2,552,943, 2,588,061, 2,640,283, 2,873,540, 3,012,340, 3,818,617, 3,878,626, 3,906,646, 3,982,336, 4,103,440, 4,107,857, 4,132,016, 4,262,434, 4,267,650, 4,279,083, 4,300,294, 4,317,294, 4,351,120, 4,377,042, 4,535,554, 4,606,139, 4,807,372, 4,887,369, 5,042,175, 5,083,385, 5,317,822, 5,339,544, 5,410,821, 5,533,280, 5,542,198, 5,615,497, 5,628,129, 5,644,857, 5,657,558, 5,661,915, 5,678,327, 5,692,319, 5,729,916, 5,826,352, 5,896,608, 6,151,805, 6,247,249 B1, 6,282,814 B1, 6,324,772 B1, 6,332,281 B1, and application WO 02/13641 A1, all of these patents and patent applications hereby being incorporated by reference herein.

Conventional athletic footwear cannot be substantially customized for use by the consumer or wearer. The physical and mechanical properties of conventional athletic footwear are relatively fixed generic qualities. However, the body weight or mass and characteristic running technique of different individuals having the same footwear size can vary greatly. Often, the stiffness in compression of the foam material used in the midsole of athletic shoes can be too soft for individuals who employ more forceful movements, or who have greater body mass than an average wearer. Accordingly, conventional articles of athletic footwear do not provide optimal performance characteristics for individual wearers.

In contrast, the present invention permits a wearer to customize a preferred article of footwear. For example, the length, width, girth, and configuration of the upper, as provided by various last options, or by two or three dimensional modeling and footwear design equipment including computer software and data storage systems, or by two or three dimensional measurement devices such as scanners, as well as the type of footwear construction and design of the upper can be selected by the consumer or wearer. Further, the physical and mechanical properties of the article of footwear can be selected and changed as desired in order to optimize desired performance characteristics given various performance criteria or environmental conditions. For example, the configuration and geometry of the article of footwear, and the stiffness of the spring elements can be customized, as desired. In addition, the ability to easily remove, renew, and recycle the outsole portions of the preferred article of footwear can render the use of softer materials having enhanced shock and vibration dampening characteristics, but perhaps diminished wear properties, viable from a practical standpoint. Moreover, the outsole portion of the preferred article of footwear can be selected from a variety of options with regards to configuration, materials, and function.

The physical and mechanical properties associated with an article of footwear of the present invention can provide enhanced cushioning, stability, and running economy relative to conventional articles of footwear. The spring to dampening ratio of conventional articles of footwear is commonly in the range between 40-60 percent, whereas the preferred article of footwear can provide a higher spring to dampening ratio, thus greater mechanical efficiency and running economy. The preferred article of footwear can include an anterior spring element that underlies the forefoot area which can store energy during the latter portion of the stance phase and early portion of the propulsive phase of the running cycle, and then release this energy during the latter portion of the propulsive phase, thus facilitating improved running economy. It is believed the resulting improvement in running performance can approximate one second over four hundred meters, or two to three percent.

The preferred article of footwear can provide differential stiffness in the rearfoot area so as to reduce both the rate and magnitude of pronation, or alternately, the rate and magnitude of supination experienced by an individual wearer, thus avoid conditions which can be associated with injury. Likewise, the preferred article of footwear can provide differential stiffness in the midfoot and forefoot areas so as to reduce both the rate and magnitude of inward and/or outward rotation of the foot, thus avoid conditions which can be associated with injury. The preferred spring elements can also provide a stable platform which can prevent or reduce the amount of deformation caused by point loads, thus avoid conditions which can be associated with injury.

Again, the viability of using relatively soft outsole materials having improved shock and vibration dampening characteristics can enhance cushioning effects. Further, in conventional articles of footwear, the shock and vibration generated during rearfoot impact is commonly transmitted most rapidly to a wearer through that portion of the outsole and midsole which has greatest stiffness, and normally, this is a portion of the sole proximate the heel of the wearer which undergoes the greatest deflection and deformation. However, in the present invention a void space exists beneath the heel of a wearer and the ground engaging portion of the outsole. Some of the shock and vibration generated during the rearfoot impact of an outsole with the ground support surface must then travel a greater distance through the outsole and inferior spring element in order to be transmitted to the superior spring element and a wearer. In addition, in the present invention, a posterior spacer which can serve as a shock and vibration isolator, and also vibration decay time modifiers can be used to decrease the magnitude of the shock and vibration transmitted to the wearer of a preferred article of footwear.

There are many published examples of attempts to introduce functional spring elements into articles of footwear, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 357,062, 1,088,328, 1,107,894, 1,113,266, 1,352,865, 1,370,212, 2,444,865, 2,447,603, 2,456,102, 2,508,318, 3,333,353, 4,429,474, 4,492,046, 4,314,413, 4,486,964, 4,506,460, 4,566,206, 4,771,554, 4,854,057, 4,878,300, 4,942,677, 5,042,175, 5,052,130, 5,060,401, 5,138,776, 5,159,767, 5,203,095, 5,279,051, 5,337,492, 5,343,639, 5,353,523, 5,367,790, 5,381,608, 5,437,110, 5,461,800, 5,528,842, 5,596,819, 5,636,456, 5,647,145, 5,678,327, 5,701,686, 5,729,916, 5,822,886, 5,875,567, 5,937,544, 5,940,994, 6,029,374, 6,195,915, 6,247,249 B1, 6,282,814 B1, 6,327,795, 6,330,757, 6,324,772 B1, French Patent 472,735, Italian Patent 633,409, European Patent Applications EP 0 890 321 A2, EP 1 048 233 A2, EP 1 033 087 A1, EP 1 025 770 A2, and PCT Patent Application WO 98/07341, all of these patents and patent applications hereby being incorporated by reference herein. Relatively few of these attempts have resulted in functional articles of footwear which have met with commercial success. The limitations of some of the prior art has concerned the difficulty of meeting the potentially competing criteria associated with cushioning and footwear stability. In other cases, the manufacturing costs of making prior art articles of footwear including spring elements have proved prohibitive.

The spring element and various other novel structures taught in the present invention can be used in a wide assortment of articles of footwear including but not limited to those used for running, walking, basketball, tennis, volleyball, cross-training, baseball, football, golf, soccer, cycling, sandals, hiking boots, and army boots. The present invention teaches an article of footwear which can provide a wearer with improved cushioning and stability, running economy, and an extended service life while reducing the risks of injury normally associated with footwear degradation. The preferred article of footwear provides a wearer with the ability to customize the fit, but also the physical and mechanical properties and performance of the article of footwear. Moreover, the preferred article of footwear is economical and environmentally friendly to both manufacture and recycle.

The present invention also teaches articles of footwear including means for adjusting the foot shape, length, width, and girth. For example, spring elements, anterior outsole elements, stability elements, and uppers having different configurations, and also alternate positions for selectively affixing various portions of an upper can be used to adjust and customize the fit of an article of footwear for an individual wearer. The upper can also include elastic or elongation means for adjusting the width, girth, and foot shape. The components of the article of footwear possibly including but not limited to the upper, insole, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Further, the relative configuration and functional relationship as between the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot areas of the article of footwear can be readily modified and adjusted. Accordingly, the article of footwear can be configured and customized for a wearer or a select target population in order to optimize performance criteria, as desired.

Moreover, the present invention teaches a novel method of manufacturing articles of footwear, and also, a novel way of doing both retail and Internet business. For example, the anatomical features, configuration, and dimensions of a given wearer's foot and any other special needs, requirements, or preferences can be recorded by direct communication, observation, and measurement in a retail or medical setting, or alternately, by a wearer or other individual within their home or other remote site, and this data can be used to generate information and intelligence relating to the manufacture of a custom article of footwear. Conventional measuring or reproduction means such as rulers, measuring tapes, Brannock devices, two or three dimensional scanners, pressure sensors, infrared thermography, stereolithography, photographs, photocopies, FAX e-mail, cameras, images, tracings, video, television, computers and computer screens, software, data storage and retrieval systems, templates, molds, models, and patterns can be used to help determine and make selections relating to an individual's foot shape, length, width, girth, and the like.

Teachings which have been published or that otherwise constitute public information regarding the conduct of Internet or retail business include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,622 granted to Blinn et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,769 granted to Rose; U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,200 granted to Slotznick; U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,201 granted to Fay; U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,750 B1 granted to Barad et al.; the press release by Nike, Inc. dated Nov. 22, 1999 and the Internet website www.nike.com, and in particular, the section associated with the Nike iD program; the Internet website www.customatix.com; the Internet website www.adidas.com, and in particular, click on "products," then click on "mass customization," and see everything related to the "MI Adidas" initiative; and, the publication in the Oakland Tribune on Dec. 18, 1996 relating to the Internet Mall website, and in particular, the Internet website www.copycaps.com. All the patents recited in this paragraph are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Given the provision of an adequate and ready stock of the various components anticipated for use in making the preferred articles of footwear, and the information and intelligence created from the data relating to an individual wearer or target population, a worker and/or automated system can assemble or manufacture a customized article of footwear within five minutes. In fact, it is possible to assemble a selected and customized article of footwear according to the present invention in less than one minute using a single fastener. This can be accomplished at the point of purchase or service center which can be located in a retail or medical facility, or alternatively, at a remote manufacturing environment. Accordingly, similar to the rapid delivery eyewear service centers and retail stores which presently exist, a consumer can now also be provided with a custom article of footwear within minutes. Alternately, if and when an individual's data is received from a remote site at the Website or other address of a company which practices the present invention, and then transmitted to a manufacturing or assembly center, a custom article of footwear can be made and possibly delivered to an individual's home or other designated address by same day or overnight service, as desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A preferred article of footwear can include an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, an upper, a sole, at least one fastener, and a spring element comprising a superior spring element and an inferior spring element. The superior spring element can extend substantially between the posterior side and the anterior side of the article of footwear and be substantially positioned within the upper in order to secure the upper to the superior spring element. The inferior spring element and the sole can be substantially positioned inferiorly and externally with respect to the upper, and the superior spring element can be affixed in functional relation to the inferior spring element by at least one fastener. The article of footwear can further include an upper having a plurality of openings on the inferior side in the forefoot area. Further, an anterior outsole element including a backing can be at least partially positioned within the upper. However, the substantial portion of the anterior outsole element including the ground engaging portion and a plurality of traction members can project through the openings in the upper, thus the substantial portion of the anterior outsole element can nevertheless be substantially positioned inferiorly and externally relative to the upper. In an alternate embodiment, the article of footwear can further include an upper having a plurality of openings on the inferior side, but also on a portion of the medial side, lateral side, and anterior side in the forefoot area, and the anterior outsole element can then include a backing having an elevated profile and traction members that extend upwards about a portion of the medial side, lateral side, and anterior side of the upper. The article of footwear can further include an insole, a stability element, a sole including an anterior outsole element, a middle outsole element, and a posterior outsole element having a backing, and also closure means such a strap including VELCRO® hook and pile, or a strap including openings and eyelets for receiving conventional shoe laces. A strap can encompass the medial side, lateral side, inferior side, and superior side of the upper, and an alternate embodiment of a strap can also include a portion that encompasses the posterior side of the upper. In any case, a strap can be selectively removable and replaceable. In an alternate embodiment, the upper can be over-lasted, that is, over-sized in order to accommodate a removable and replaceable midsole cushioning element which can be inserted into the forefoot area between the insole and the upper. The insole can include an elevated profile about the medial side, lateral side, anterior side, and posterior side for protecting a wearer's foot from contact with an elevated portion of an anterior outsole element, a stability element, a side support, or a heel counter. The inferior side of the upper can include an opening in the rearfoot area for positioning a removable and replaceable cushioning element such as a fluid-filled bladder or a resilient foam material. The superior side of an insole can include an opening in the rearfoot area for positioning a removable and replaceable cushioning element such as a fluid-filled bladder or a resilient foam material. A fluid-filled bladder can be positioned between the superior spring element or posterior spring element and the inferior spring element.

The inferior spring element can be affixed in functional relation to the superior spring element and can project rearward and downward therefrom forming a V-shape. The superior spring element can further include an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element affixed together in functional relation, and the inferior spring element can be affixed in functional relation to the posterior spring element. The anterior spring element and posterior spring element can be affixed together in an overlapping relationship. The anterior spring element can further include a projection, and the posterior spring element can include a recess for accommodating the anterior spring element. The superior spring element can have a configuration generally corresponding to the bottom net of the last of an article of footwear and can either be generally planar, or curved. At least a portion of the superior spring element can be curved to mate with the anatomy of a wearer. Further, the superior spring element can possibly also include a side stabilizer or a heel counter. An anterior spring element can have a curved shape and incorporate toe spring. The amount of toe spring incorporated in an anterior spring element can be in the range between 0-40 mm, and in particular, in the range between 10-30 mm A substantial portion of the anterior spring element can extend anterior of 50 percent of the length of the upper as measured from the posterior side of the upper, whereas a substantial portion of the inferior spring element can extend within 50 percent of the length of the upper as measured from the posterior side of the upper. A posterior spring element can include a side stabilizer. Further, a superior spring element or posterior spring element can include an integral heel counter.

The inferior spring element can include a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a flexural axis. The flexural axis can be consistent with the transverse axis. An inferior spring element including a flexural axis consistent with the transverse axis can have a symmetrical configuration on both the medial side and lateral side. Alternately, an inferior spring element including a flexural axis consistent with the transverse axis can have an asymmetrical configuration, and can have greater concavity downwards adjacent the transverse axis on the medial side than on the lateral side. Alternately, the inferior spring element can include a flexural axis deviated from the transverse axis in the range between 10-50 degrees. In particular, given an average individual wearer who would be biomechanically characterized as a rearfoot striker, it can be advantageous for the flexural axis to be deviated from the transverse axis in the range between 10-30 degrees in footwear intended for walking or running. Accordingly, the length of the effective lever arm on the medial side of the inferior spring element will be shorter than that on the lateral side, that is, as measured between the posterior side of the inferior spring element and the location of the flexural axis on each respective side. One way of expressing the length differential of the effective lever arms of the inferior spring element on the medial side versus the lateral side is with a ratio. In this regard, it can be advantageous for effecting rearfoot stability that the ratio of the length of the effective lever arms on the lateral side relative to those on the medial side be in the range between 1/1 to 2/1, and in particular, in the range between 1.25/1 to 2/1, and preferably in the range between 1.25/1 to 1.75/1. Further, in a men's size 9 article of footwear, the posteriormost position of the flexural axis on the medial side can be in the range between 1-6 inches from the posterior side of the upper, and in particular, in the range between 2-4 inches from the posterior side of the upper. An inferior spring element including a flexural axis deviated from the transverse axis can have a symmetrical configuration on both the medial side and lateral side. Alternately, an inferior spring element including a flexural axis deviated from the transverse axis can have an asymmetrical configuration, and can have greater concavity downwards adjacent the transverse axis on the medial side than on the lateral side. Whether the flexural axis be consistent with the transverse axis or be deviated therefrom, an inferior spring element having a symmetrical configuration on the medial side and lateral side can include an anterior portion extending between its anterior side and an anterior tangent point, a middle portion including an anterior curve extending between the anterior tangent point and a posterior tangent point, and a posterior portion extending between the posterior tangent point and the posterior side of said inferior spring element. It can be advantageous that the anterior curve be configured to have a symmetrical fitted radius of curvature. Moreover, the posterior portion of the inferior spring element can be inclined, or include a posterior curve.

The inferior spring element can attain maximum separation from the superior spring element at a position anterior of the posterior side of the inferior spring element, and can substantially maintain the maximum separation between that position and the posterior side of the inferior spring element. Alternately, the inferior spring element can attain maximum separation from the superior spring element at a position anterior of the posterior side of the inferior spring element, and the separation can then be decreased between that position and the posterior side of the inferior spring element. The inferior spring element can be concave downwards near the anterior side of the inferior spring element, but can be concave upwards or convex near the posterior side of the inferior spring element. The inferior spring element can be made in a laminate configuration or structure. Further, the inferior spring element can be made in a tapered configuration or structure. An inferior spring element can exhibit less stiffness in compression on the lateral side relative to the medial side, and it can be advantageous for walking and running activity that the differential stiffness be in the range between two-to-three to one.

The spring element can be made of a fiber composite material, and an unidirection carbon fiber composite material including a toughened epoxy can be preferred for use. Alternately, the spring element can be made of a metal material such as spring steel or titanium. The spring element is preferably made of a material having spring characteristics such that the material is capable of storing and returning at least 70 percent of the energy imparted thereto. A preferred fiber composite material, or alternately, a metal material such as spring steel or spring grade titanium is capable of storing and returning at least 90 percent of the energy imparted thereto when their mechanical characteristics are measured using ASTM 790. The spring element can provide deflection in the range between 5-50 mm. For example, deflection approximately in the range between 8-15 mm could be selected by some wearers for a training shoe intended for use in running at a relatively fast pace, a racing flat, or a track spike. Alternately, deflection approximately in the rage between 15-50 mm could be selected by some wearers for a training shoe intended for use in running at a relatively slow pace. The superior spring element can have a thickness in the range between 0.5-10.0 mm. The superior spring element can include an anterior spring element having a thickness in the range between 0.5-2.5 mm, and in particular, in the range between 1.0-1.75 mm. The superior spring element can also include a posterior spring element having a thickness in the range between 1-10 mm. When the superior spring element, or posterior spring element has a three dimensional shape in the rearfoot area including an integral heel counter or side counters, the superior spring element or posterior spring element can have a thickness in the range between 1-5 mm The inferior spring element can have a thickness in the range between 3-10 mm. The spring element can include areas having different thickness, notches, slits, or openings which can serve to produce differential stiffness characteristics when the spring element is loaded. The anterior spring element can include at least one longitudinal notch or slit, and also a plurality of transverse notches or slits on the medial side and lateral side for influencing the flexural modulus and torsional characteristics in a desired manner. It can sometimes be advantageous for the transverse notches or slits on the lateral side to extend for a greater distance relative to those present on the medial side, and also for a pair of opposing notches or slits on the medial side and lateral side to approximately correspond the position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, that is, be positioned between 60-70 percent of the length of the upper as measured from the posterior side. The spring element can include different types, orientations, configurations, and numbers of fiber composite layers in different areas in order to achieve differential stiffness when the spring element is loaded. Accordingly, the flexural modulus or stiffness exhibited by a spring element in the rearfoot area, midfoot area, forefoot area, and also that exhibited about any axis can be engineered, as desired.

The article of footwear can further include a posterior spacer between the superior spring element or posterior spring element and the inferior spring element. Further, an anterior spacer can be used between a superior spring element and an anterior spring element, or alternately between an anterior spring element and an inferior anterior spring element. An anterior spacer or posterior spacer can also possibly be positioned between the anterior spring element and the posterior spring element. An anterior spacer and a posterior spacer can have a wedge or sloped shape. An anterior spacer can have a gently rounded shape near the posterior side. The shape of a posterior spacer and an anterior spacer can be used to modify the configuration and performance of a spring element and that of an associated article of footwear.

In an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear, the superior spring element can extend substantially between the posterior side and anterior side of the upper. Again the superior spring element can consist of a posterior spring element and an anterior spring element configured in an overlapping relationship. The inferior spring element can be affixed in functional relation to the superior spring element or posterior spring element, thus form a spring element having a v-shape in the rearfoot area. Further, an inferior anterior spring element can be positioned and affixed in function relation to an anterior spacer and the superior spring element or anterior spring element, thus forming a spring element having a v-shape in the forefoot area as well. The inferior anterior spring element can include at least one longitudinal notch or slit, and also at least one transverse notch or slit for influencing the flexural and torsional characteristics in a desired manner. Again, as with all the other major components of the article of footwear, the inferior anterior spring element, anterior spacer, and anterior outsole element can be selectively removed and replaced, as desired.

Cushioning elements such as fluid-filed bladders or foam materials can be formed or affixed to the backing portion of the anterior outsole element, and also to the backing portion of the posterior outsole element. Alternately, a cushioning element can include a web portion, backing portion, or flange, and the cushioning element can be inserted into a pocket in the anterior outsole element or the posterior outsole element and a substantial portion of the cushioning element can then project through an opening in the backing portion of the respective outsole element. Accordingly, the cushioning element can be affixed in position, but the cushioning element can nevertheless be selectively removable and replaceable. Again, a fluid-filled bladder can be positioned between the superior spring element or posterior spring element and the inferior spring element. Further, a fluid-filled bladder can also be positioned on the inferior side of the inferior spring element. In addition, a fluid-filled bladder positioned between the superior spring element or posterior spring element and the inferior spring element including at least one chamber can be in fluid communication with another chamber or fluid filled bladder positioned on the inferior side of the inferior spring element. Fluid-filled bladders including valves that can also serve as a motion control device can be used. Moreover, fluid-filled bladders that form part of a larger dynamically-controlled cushioning system can be used. Such an article of footwear can include at least one fluid-filled bladder including a plurality of chambers, a control system possibly including a CPU, a pressure detector, and a regulator for modulating the level of fluid communication between different fluid-filled bladders or chambers.

The sole can consist of a single component, or alternately can consist of a two part component including an anterior outsole element and a posterior outsole element, or alternately can consist of a three part component including an anterior outsole element, a middle outsole element, and a posterior outsole element. The anterior outsole element can be affixed in functional relation to the superior spring element, or anterior spring element. The anterior outsole element can include an undercut portion for mating with openings in the upper, thus providing a snap fit with the upper. The posterior outsole element and the middle outsole element can be affixed to the inferior spring element, and thereby be affixed in functional relation to the superior spring element. The sole can include a midsole and an outsole, or merely an outsole. The sole can also include an outsole having a backing, a tread or ground engaging surface, traction members, a rocker configuration, and lines of flexion, whether in partial or complete combination. The sole can include a bicycle cleat, or traction members suitable for use on natural or artificial turf The anterior outsole element can have a generally planar configuration, or alternately, a three dimensional wrap configuration. The anterior outsole element can be made in different length sizes, width sizes, and last or foot shapes, as desired. The backing portion of the anterior outsole element can include an elevated profile and thereby substantially define the shape of the upper in the forefoot area. Further, the backing portion of the anterior outsole element can be molded and cut to a desired length, width, girth and footshape, as desired. The backing portion of an anterior spring element can be substantially positioned in the forefoot area, or alternately, can substantially extend full length A gasket can be used to seal the junction between the anterior outsole element and the upper. The sole can further include a cushioning element such as a fluid-filled bladder, or a foam material. A cushioning element can be affixed in functional relation to the backing portion of an outsole element. Alternately, a cushioning element can include a web portion, backing portion, or flange, and the cushioning element can be inserted into a pocket in the outsole element and a substantial portion of the cushioning element can project through a opening in the backing portion of the outsole element. Accordingly, the cushioning element can be affixed in position, but the cushioning element can nevertheless be selectively removable and replaceable. A middle outsole element can be made of at least one fluid-filled bladder, or alternately be made of a resilient foam material. In a bottom plan view, a middle outsole element can have a generally triangular shape. A cushioning element can be positioned on the medial side in order to create a differential cushioning and stability effect. In an alternate embodiment, the sole can be affixed in functional relation to the exterior of the upper. The anterior outsole element can include male mating structures for mating with female mating structures on the superior spring element. Again, the sole can be selectively removable and replaceable, and can be made with a multiplicity of alternate configurations and materials which are particularly suitable for use given specific environmental conditions and performance tasks.

The upper can further include a sleeve for affixing at least a portion of the superior spring element in function relation thereto. The upper can be substantially made using a single piece of textile material that can be cut by an automatic cutting machine, and stitched using an automatic three dimensional sewing machine. Alternately, the upper can be substantially made of a molded plastic material. Alternately, the upper can be substantially made of a three-dimensional woven textile material.

The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, superior spring element possibly including an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element, inferior spring element, sole including an anterior outsole element and a posterior outsole element having a backing, and at least one fastener can be selectively removable and replaceable. A fastener can include a male part and a female part, and can further include a geometric shape such as a square, triangular, pentagon, hexagon, or other shape which can substantially prevent the rotation of various components of a spring element relative to one another. A fastener can include locking means such as a plastic material whereby the male part and female part cannot be accidentally loosened.

The article of footwear can further include a spring guard for protecting the posterior aspect of the mating portions of the superior spring element or posterior spring element and the inferior spring element. The article of footwear can further include a vibration decay time modifier. The vibration decay time modifiers can include a head and a stem The head of the vibration decay time modifiers can be dimensioned and configured for vibration substantially free of contact with the base of the posterior spacer or spring element in directions which substantially encompass a 360 degree arc and normal to the longitudinal axis of the stem.

In an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear, the spring element can consist of a superior spring element which can include an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element affixed together in functional relation, but not include an inferior spring element projecting rearward and downward therefrom. In an alternate embodiment, the anterior spring element can include a medial anterior spring element and a lateral anterior spring element that are removably affixed in functional relation to the posterior spring element. In an alternate embodiment, the anterior spring element and inferior spring element can consist of a single component, or alternately, can be affixed together in functional relation, and the posterior spring element can be affixed in functional relation thereto. An alternate article of footwear can have an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, a superior side, an inferior side, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a plurality of fasteners. The upper can include a plurality of alternate openings on the inferior side at a plurality of different positions, and the alternate openings can be offset by a distance corresponding to a change in one standard width size and configured for receiving the plurality of fasteners. Spring elements can be made in different configurations for accommodating different length sizes, width sizes, and also different last or foot shapes. A spring element can have a plurality of openings, or alternately, can have notches or slits for accommodating a plurality of fasteners, and the spring element can be positioned within the upper. The upper can then be removably affixed in functional relation to the spring element by the plurality of fasteners, as desired.

An article of footwear can have an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, a superior side, an inferior side, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis. The article of footwear can include an upper including a plurality of openings on the inferior side, an insole, a fastener, and a sole including an anterior outsole element and a posterior outsole element. The anterior outsole element can be positioned in functional relation within the upper and can include a plurality of traction members. The traction members can substantially project through the openings on the inferior side of the upper. The article of footwear can include a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element, and the superior spring element can extend substantially between the posterior side and the anterior side of the article of footwear and be substantially positioned in functional relation within the upper to secure the upper to the superior spring element. The inferior spring element can be substantially positioned inferiorly and externally with respect to the upper. The posterior outsole element can be affixed in function relation to the inferior spring element and the superior spring element by a fastener. The upper, insole, superior spring element, inferior spring element, anterior outsole element, posterior outsole element, and fastener can be selectively removable and replaceable. The article of footwear can further include a stability element, a sole including an anterior outsole element, a middle outsole element, and a posterior outsole element having a backing, a midsole cushioning element such as a fluid-filled bladder or a resilient foam material, and closure means such a strap including VELCRO® hook and pile, or a strap including openings and eyelets for receiving conventional shoe laces.

The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear comprising the steps of:

a) Collecting data relating to an individual's preferences and the anatomical features and measurements of said individual's foot;

b) Creating information and intelligence for making said article of footwear for said individual;

c) Providing said information and intelligence to a physical location at which said article of footwear can be made;

d) Selecting a foot length size;

e) Selecting a three dimensional foot shape including width and girth dimensions;

f) Selecting a plurality of footwear components including an upper including closure means, an insole, a spring element, at least one mechanical fastener, and a sole which can be selectively removed and replaced using mechanical engagement means including said at least one mechanical fastener; and,

g) Removably securing said plurality of footwear components including said upper including closure means, said insole, said spring element, said at least one mechanical fastener, and said sole in functional relation with said mechanical engagement means including said at least one mechanical fastener, and completing the assembly and making of said article of footwear.

The present invention also teaches a method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear comprising the steps of:

a) Collecting data relating to an individual's preferences and the anatomical features and measurements of said individual's foot;

b) Creating information and intelligence for making said article of footwear for said individual;

c) Providing said information and intelligence to a physical location at which said article of footwear can be made;

d) Providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of each footwear component, said footwear components comprising footwear uppers, footwear spring elements, at least one mechanical fastener, and footwear soles which are capable of being assembled to form said custom article of footwear using said at least one mechanical fastener, and each of the components being selectively interchangeable and being removable and replaceable;

e) Selecting a plurality of footwear components from the provided sources including at least an upper, a spring element, at least one mechanical fastener, and a sole which can be selectively removed and replaced;

f) Removably securing said plurality of footwear components including said upper, said spring element, and said sole in functional relation with said at least one selected mechanical fastener, thereby making said custom article of footwear; and,

g) Causing said custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address.

The physical location can be a retail store and the assembly of the article of footwear can be completed within thirty minutes. Preferably, the assembly of the article of footwear can be completed within five minutes, and even in less than one minute. Alternately, the physical location can be a medical facility. Alternately, the physical location can be a manufacturing center for making the article of footwear, or a distribution center, and the data relating to the individual's preferences and the anatomical features and measurements of the individual's foot can be transmitted from a remote site, and the article of footwear can be caused to be delivered from the manufacturing center or the distribution center to a designated address. The data can be transmitted electronically by means including but not limited to the Internet, telephone and Fax. In the continental United States, and possibly within many other host countries in which the novel method of making an article of footwear and conducting business would be practiced, an article of footwear can be caused to be delivered to a designated,address within a selected number of working days. For example, the article of footwear can sometimes be delivered the same day, or the next day, or otherwise within a different selected number of working days, as desired.

The ability to easily customize and adapt the preferred article of footwear in a desired manner can render the present invention suitable for use in running, walking, basketball, tennis, volleyball, cross-training, baseball, football, golf, soccer, cycling, sandals, skating, hiking boots, and army boots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a medial side view of an article of footwear including a spring element according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1, with parts broken away.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional lateral side view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1, with parts broken away.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a spring element in the article of footwear shown in FIG. 2, with the upper shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a two part spring element in the article of footwear shown in FIG. 2, with the upper shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a two part spring element in an article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 2, but having a relatively more curve lasted upper shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 3, with the outsole elements being removed to reveal the anterior spring element, posterior spring element and inferior spring element.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 9, with the outsole elements being removed to reveal an anterior spring element, a posterior spring element, an inferior spring element having an alternate configuration, and also a possible position of a rocker sole configuration.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 1, with parts broken away, but having a forefoot area without toe spring.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 11, with parts broken away, but having a forefoot area including an outsole, foam midsole, and upper affixed together with an adhesive.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 12, with parts broken away, but having a forefoot area including a detachable outsole and foam midsole.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 4, with parts broken away, further including a spring guard, and also a rocker sole configuration.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 4, with parts broken away, having a upper including a sleeve for accommodating a lasting board or spring element.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 4, with parts broken away, having fewer layers underlying the superior spring element.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 4, with parts broken away, having a upper affixed to a spring element.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 17, further including a posterior spacer including a spring guard.

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 18, further including a vibration decay time modifier.

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 19, further including a spring guard including a plurality of vibration decay time modifiers.

FIG. 21 is a medial side view of an alternate article of footwear similar to that shown in FIG. 4, but having various components affixed together with the use of adhesives.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of an alternate article of footwear similar to that shown in FIG. 3, having a spring element configured for accommodating a bicycle or skate cleat.

FIG. 23 is a medial side view of an alternate article of footwear generally similar to that shown in FIG. 17, but including a spring element which extends about the heel to form an integral heel counter, and about the lateral side of the forefoot to form a side support, with the outsole and inferior spring element removed, and including track spike elements.

FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of the anterior spacer included in the article of footwear shown in FIG. 8, taken along line 24-24.

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of an alternate anterior spacer generally similar to that shown in FIG. 8, but having a wedge shape, taken along a line consistent with line 24—24.

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the posterior spacer included in the article of footwear shown in FIG. 9, taken along line 26—26.

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of an alternate posterior spacer generally similar to that shown in FIG. 9, but having a wedge shape, taken along a line consistent with line 26—26.

FIG. 28 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear having an alternate spring element with parts broken away.

FIG. 29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear having a spring element, and a selectively removable sole.

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the inferior side of the upper of an article of footwear showing an anterior spring element having a plurality of openings.

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the inferior side of the upper of an article of footwear showing a plurality of adjacent openings at different positions.

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the inferior side of the upper of an article of footwear showing reinforcement material about a plurality of adjacent openings at different positions.

FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the inferior side of the upper of an article of footwear showing a plurality of adjacent openings at different positions.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the inferior side of the upper of an article of footwear showing reinforcement material about and between a plurality of openings.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the inferior side of an anterior spring element having a plurality of openings at different positions for being affixed in function relation to an upper and outsole.

FIG. 36 is a top view of the superior side of a spring element including an anterior spring element including a longitudinal slit, and posterior spring element.

FIG. 37 is a top view of the superior side of a spring element including an anterior spring element consisting of two separate parts, a medial anterior spring element and a lateral anterior spring element.

FIG. 38 is a transverse and exploded cross-sectional view of an article of footwear showing a lasting board or spring element having male mechanical engagement means affixed thereto, and also an upper, insole, sole, and female mechanical engagement means.

FIG. 39 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an article of footwear showing an insole overlapping the medial side and lateral side of a spring element.

FIG. 40 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an article of footwear showing an portion of the sole overlapping the medial side and lateral side of a spring element.

FIG. 41 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an article of footwear showing a separate lasting board and a spring element, and also an upper, insole, and outsole.

FIG. 42 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an article of footwear showing a sole affixed directly to an upper, and also a spring element.

FIG. 43 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an article of footwear showing a sole affixed directly to an upper, and also a spring element located within a recess.

FIG. 44 is a medial side view of a sandal including a spring element.

FIG. 45 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear having outsole portions affixed directly to the superior spring element in the forefoot area.

FIG. 46 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear having outsole portions affixed directly to the superior spring element in the forefoot area, and further including a supplemental posterior spring element in the rearfoot area.

FIG. 47 is a bottom view of the alternate article of footwear shown in FIG. 45 having outsole portions affixed directly to the superior spring element in the forefoot area.

FIG. 48 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear having outsole portions affixed directly to an anterior spring element in the forefoot area.

FIG. 49 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear having outsole portions affixed directly to an anterior spring element in the forefoot area that is affixed to an anterior spacer and a superior spring element.

FIG. 50 is an exploded side view of a spring element including a superior spring element having an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element, superior and inferior posterior spacers, a fastener, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 51 is an exploded side view of a spring element including a superior spring element having an anterior spring element and a posterior spring element, superior and inferior posterior spacers, a fastener, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 52 is an exploded side view of a spring element including a superior spring element having an anterior spring element including a side support, a posterior spring element including a heel counter, superior and inferior posterior spacers, a fastener, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 53 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having an asymmetrical shape.

FIG. 54 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having an asymmetrical shape.

FIG. 55 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical shape.

FIG. 56 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical shape and showing an alternate mounting position.

FIG. 57 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical shape and showing an alternate mounting position.

FIG. 58 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical shape and showing an alternate mounting angle.

FIG. 59 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical shape and showing an alternate mounting angle.

FIG. 60 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical shape and showing an alternate medial mounting position.

FIG. 61 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical shape and showing an alternate lateral mounting position.

FIG. 62 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical shape and showing an alternate more anterior mounting position.

FIG. 63 is a bottom plan view of a spring element for use in an article of footwear having a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical shape and showing an alternate more posterior mounting position

FIG. 64 is a top plan view of a superior spring element having a surface including affixing means.

FIG. 65 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a notch and slit.

FIG. 66 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element consisting of two separate portions.

FIG. 67 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a notch and slit.

FIG. 68 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having two notches.

FIG. 69 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a slit.

FIG. 70 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having an opening.

FIG. 71 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having an opening.

FIG. 72 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having an opening.

FIG. 73 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal a midsole cushioning element and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 74 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal a midsole cushioning element and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 75 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal a midsole cushioning element and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 76 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal a midsole cushioning element and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 77 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal a column shaped midsole cushioning element and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 78 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal two column shaped midsole cushioning elements and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 79 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior the flexural axis in order to reveal three column shaped midsole cushioning elements and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 80 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal six column shaped midsole cushioning elements and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 81 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal five column shaped midsole cushioning elements and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 82 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal a midsole cushioning element including an opening and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 83 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal an inferior spring element having convex peak and concave valley portions extending longitudinally on the medial side.

FIG. 84 is a cross-sectional view along line 84—84 of the inferior spring element shown in FIG. 83 having convex peak and concave valley portions.

FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 84 of an alternate inferior spring element having a medial extension.

FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 84 of an alternate inferior spring element having a medial extension.

FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 84 of an alternate inferior spring element having a medial extension.

FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 84 of an alternate inferior spring element having concave peaks and convex valleys on the superior side.

FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 84 of an alternate inferior spring element having greater thickness on the medial side.

FIG. 90 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element with parts broken away posterior of the flexural axis in order to reveal an inferior spring element having convex and concave portions extending transversely from the medial side.

FIG. 91 is a side view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element including inserts and convex and concave portions.

FIG. 92 is a side view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element including convex and concave portions.

FIG. 93 is a top perspective view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element showing a cross-section taken along line 94—94.

FIG. 94 is a cross-sectional view of the spring element shown in FIG. 93 taken along line 94—94.

FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate spring element taken along a line similar to 94—94 shown in FIG. 93.

FIG. 96 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear including a midsole cushioning element affixed between the superior spring element and the inferior spring element.

FIG. 97 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear including two midsole cushioning elements affixed to the superior spring element.

FIG. 98 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear including three midsole cushioning elements affixed to the inferior spring element.

FIG. 99 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article of footwear including a midsole cushioning element comprising a fluid-filled bladder affixed between the superior spring element and the inferior spring element.

FIG. 100 is a longitudinal cross-sectional medial side view of an alternate article footwear including two midsole cushioning elements consisting of a first fluid-filled bladder affixed between the superior spring element and the inferior spring element in the rearfoot area, and a second fluid-filled bladder affixed between the superior spring element and an inferior anterior spring element in the forefoot area.

FIG. 101 is a perspective exploded view of a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element showing a fastener and a locating pin.

FIG. 102 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element having an insert.

FIG. 103 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element having different fiber composite materials on the medial side than on the lateral side.

FIG. 104 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element having different fiber composite materials on the medial side than on the lateral side.

FIG. 105 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element having different fiber composite material orientations on the medial side than on the lateral side.

FIG. 106 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element having different fiber composite material orientation on the medial side, lateral side, and posterior side, than in the middle portion.

FIG. 107 is a top plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element made of a metal material.

FIG. 108 is a cross-sectional view of the spring element shown in FIG. 107 taken along line 108—108.

FIG. 109 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element made of a metal material.

FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of the spring element shown in FIG. 109 taken along line 110—110.

FIG. 111 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having a symmetrical cantilever shape.

FIG. 112 is a cross-sectional view of the spring element shown in FIG. 111 taken along line 112—112.

FIG. 113 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element having an asymmetrical cantilever shape.

FIG. 114 is a cross-sectional view of the spring element shown in FIG. 113 taken along line 114—114.

FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of the spring element shown in FIG. 74 taken along line 115—115.

FIG. 116 is a cross-sectional view of the spring element shown in FIG. 75 taken along line 116—116.

FIG. 117 is a cross-sectional view of the spring element shown in FIG. 76 taken along line 117—117.

FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate spring element taken along a line similar to 115 shown in FIG. 74.

FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate spring element taken along a line similar to 116 shown in FIG. 75.

FIG. 120 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate spring element taken along a line similar to 117 shown in FIG. 76.

FIG. 121 is a side view of a spring element including a superior spring element including a heel counter and side support, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 122 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 122—122 of the superior spring element shown in FIG. 121.

FIG. 123 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 123—123 of the superior spring element shown in FIG. 121.

FIG. 124 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate spring element taken along a line similar to 122 shown in FIG. 121.

FIG. 125 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate spring element having an arcuate shape taken along a line similar to 122 shown in FIG. 121.

FIG. 126 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, an anterior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 127 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, an anterior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 128 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, an anterior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 129 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, an anterior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 130 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, an anterior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 131 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, an anterior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 132 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element having a U-shape.

FIG. 133 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element having a J-shape.

FIG. 134 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element having a curved shape.

FIG. 135 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 135—135 of the spring element shown in FIG. 134.

FIG. 136 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 135—135 of an alternate spring element having a cantilever shape.

FIG. 137 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element including a concavity in the midfoot area and toe spring in the forefoot area.

FIG. 138 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element, an inferior spring element including a concavity in the midfoot area, but substantially without toe spring in the forefoot area.

FIG. 139 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element including a flexural axis and toe spring in the forefoot area.

FIG. 140 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element, an inferior spring element including a flexural axis in the forefoot area, but substantially without toe spring in the forefoot area.

FIG. 141 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element formed in continuity with an inferior spring element having an elliptical shape near the posterior side.

FIG. 142 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element formed in continuity with an inferior spring element having an upwardly curved shape near the posterior side.

FIG. 143 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element having a downwardly curved shape near the posterior side which is formed in continuity with an inferior spring element.

FIG. 144 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element formed in continuity with an inferior spring element having an elliptical shape near the posterior side and a concavity in the midfoot area.

FIG. 145 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element which is affixed to a posterior spacer and a generally planar inferior spring element.

FIG. 146 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element which is affixed to a posterior spacer and an inferior spring element that is curved upwards at the posterior side.

FIG. 147 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element which is affixed to a posterior spacer and an inferior spring element that is curved downward near its anterior end and curved upwards near the posterior side.

FIG. 148 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element which is affixed to a posterior spacer and an inferior spring element that is arcuate and curved upwards at both ends.

FIG. 149 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element which is affixed to a posterior spacer and an inferior spring element that projects downwards near its anterior end, but is approximately horizontal near the posterior side.

FIG. 150 is a medial side view of a spring element including a superior spring element which is formed in continuity with an inferior spring element that has an elliptical shape near the posterior side, and the inferior spring element is affixed to a posterior spacer and the superior spring element near its anterior end.

FIG. 151 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element showing a line which represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints and also the flexural axis.

FIG. 152 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element showing a line which represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, and a more posterior and parallel flexural axis.

FIG. 153 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element showing a line which represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints and also a more posterior flexural axis that is approximately parallel near the medial side, but which curves away near the lateral side.

FIG. 154 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including a superior spring element and an inferior spring element showing a line which represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints and also a more posterior and arcuate flexural axis.

FIG. 155 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, and also straight last, semi-curved last, and curved last configurations.

FIG. 156 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, and a notch on the lateral side.

FIG. 157 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, and two notches on the lateral side.

FIG. 158 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, two notches on the lateral side, and one notch on the medial side.

FIG. 159 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, a straight last configuration, and two notches on the lateral side.

FIG. 160 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, two notches on the lateral side, and an opening which forms a slit near the lateral side.

FIG. 161 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, a notch on the lateral side, and a notch extending from near the anterior side forming a slit.

FIG. 162 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, two notches on the lateral side, and a notch extending from near the anterior side forming a slit.

FIG. 163 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, a notch on the lateral side, and an opposing notch on the medial side.

FIG. 164 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side, and three opposing notches on the medial side.

FIG. 165 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, a notch on the lateral side, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a slit.

FIG. 166 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, and three notches on the lateral side.

FIG. 167 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side, and one notch on the medial side.

FIG. 168 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side, and two notches on the medial side.

FIG. 169 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side, and two notches on the medial side.

FIG. 170 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, four notches on the lateral side, and one notch on the medial side.

FIG. 171 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, four notches on the lateral side, and two notches on the medial side.

FIG. 172 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, four notches on the lateral side, and three notches on the medial side.

FIG. 173 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, four notches on the lateral side, and four notches on the medial side.

FIG. 174 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, a curved lasted configuration, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 175 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, a semi-curved lasted configuration, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 176 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side, one notch on the medial side, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 177 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side, two notches on the medial side, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 178 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side, three notches on the medial side, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 179 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, two notches on the lateral side, one notch on the medial side, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 180 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, one notch on the lateral side, and two notches extending from the anterior side forming two longitudinal slits.

FIG. 181 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, one notch on the lateral side, and three notches extending from the anterior side forming three longitudinal slits.

FIG. 182 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side, and one notch on the medial side.

FIG. 183 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, four notches on the lateral side, and one notch on the medial side.

FIG. 184 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, and two notches extending from the anterior side forming two longitudinal slits.

FIG. 185 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, and three notches extending from the anterior side forming three longitudinal slits.

FIG. 186 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, a notch on the lateral side, an opposing notch on the medial side, and two notches extending from the anterior side forming two longitudinal slits

FIG. 187 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, two notches on the lateral side, and two opposing notches on the medial side.

FIG. 188 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, one notch on the medial side, an opposing notch on the lateral side, and one notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 189 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, two notches on the medial side, two opposing notches on the lateral side, and one notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 190 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, one notch on the medial side, an opposing notch on the lateral side, and three notches extending from the anterior side forming three longitudinal slits.

FIG. 191 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, four notches on the medial side, four opposing notches on the lateral side, and one notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 192 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a notch on the medial side that extends anteriorly forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 193 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a relatively wide notch on the medial side that extends anteriorly forming a relatively wide longitudinal slit.

FIG. 194 is a top plan view of a spring element showing an oval shaped opening in the forefoot area.

FIG. 195 is a top plan view of a spring element showing an oval shaped opening in the forefoot area, and another oval shaped opening in the rearfoot area.

FIG. 196 is a top plan view of a spring element having an elongated opening extending between the rearfoot area, midfoot area, and forefoot area.

FIG. 197 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side including one in the midfoot area, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 198 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, three notches on the lateral side including one in the midfoot area which extends into the rearfoot area, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 199 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, two notches on the lateral side, a relatively wide notch on the medial side extending into the midfoot area and rearfoot area, and a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 200 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a notch on the lateral side that extends anteriorly forming a longitudinal slit.

FIG. 201 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, two notches on the lateral side, two notches on the medial side, and two notches extending from the anterior side forming two longitudinal slits forming three fingers resembling those of a bird or reptile.

FIG. 202 is a top plan view of a spring element showing a line that represents the approximate position of the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, two notches on the lateral side, two notches on the medial side, and three notches extending from the anterior side forming three longitudinal slits forming four fingers resembling those of a bird or reptile.

FIG. 203 is a top plan view of a spring element including a posterior spring element including a protrusion, a removable lateral anterior spring element and also medial anterior spring element, and fasteners.

FIG. 204 is a top plan view of a spring element including a removable lateral anterior spring element and a fastener.

FIG. 205 is a top plan view of a spring element including a removable medial anterior spring element and a fastener.

FIG. 206 is a top plan view of a spring element including a removable lateral anterior spring element and fasteners.

FIG. 207 is a top plan view of a spring element including a removable lateral anterior spring element, a fastener, and three notches extending from the anterior side forming three longitudinal slits.

FIG. 208 is a top plan view of a spring element including three fingers, three fasteners, and a posterior spring element.

FIG. 209 is a top plan view of a spring element including an anterior spring element having a notch on the lateral side that extends anteriorly forming a longitudinal slit, a fastener, and a posterior spring element.

FIG. 210 is a top plan view of a spring element including an anterior spring element having a notch on the lateral side and two notches which extend from the anterior side forming two longitudinal slits, a fastener, and a posterior spring element that extends into the forefoot area.

FIG. 211 is a top plan view of a spring element including an anterior spring element having two notches on the lateral side, one notch on the medial side, and two notches which extend from the anterior side forming two longitudinal slits, a fastener, and a posterior spring element that extends into the midfoot area.

FIG. 212 is a top plan view of a spring element including an anterior spring element having two notches on the lateral side, one notch on the medial side, and two notches which extend from the anterior side forming two longitudinal slits, a fastener, and a posterior spring element having a different configuration than that shown in FIG. 211.

FIG. 213 is a top plan view of a spring element including an anterior spring element having two notches on the lateral side which extend nearly to the longitudinal axis, a fastener, and a posterior spring element.

FIG. 214 is a top plan view of a spring element including a lateral anterior spring element, a medial anterior spring element, a lateral posterior spring element, a medial posterior spring element, and a bracket.

FIG. 215 is a top plan view of a spring element including a removable anterior spring element including a notch extending from the anterior side forming a longitudinal slit, two fasteners, and a posterior spring element having two notches on the lateral side.

FIG. 216 is a top plan view of a spring element including a removable lateral anterior spring element and medial anterior spring element, two fasteners, and a posterior spring element having a notch on the lateral side.

FIG. 217 is a top plan view of a spring element including a lateral anterior spring element formed as a single part with a medial posterior spring element, a medial anterior spring element formed as a single part with a lateral posterior spring element, and a fastener.

FIG. 218 is a top plan view of a spring element including an anterior spring element, a posterior spring element, and a fastener.

FIG. 219 is a top plan view of a spring element which includes an anterior spring element, an intermediate spring element, a posterior spring element, and two fasteners.

FIG. 220 is a top plan view of a spring element that includes a notch and a plurality of openings.

FIG. 221 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of an article of footwear including a spring element including a superior spring element, an anterior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 222 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 222—222 of the inferior spring element shown in FIG. 221.

FIG. 223 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 222—222 of an alternate inferior spring element.

FIG. 224 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 222—222 of an alternate inferior spring element.

FIG. 225 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 222—222 of an alternate inferior spring element.

FIG. 226 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 222—222 of an alternate inferior spring element.

FIG. 227 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 222—222 of an alternate inferior spring element.

FIG. 228 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 222—222 of an alternate inferior spring element.

FIG. 229 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 222—222 of an alternate inferior spring element.

FIG. 230 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 222—222 of an alternate inferior spring element.

FIG. 231 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 222—222 of an inferior spring element similar to that shown in FIG. 228, but also showing deflection of a traction member.

FIG. 232 is a bottom plan view of a spring element including an inferior spring element including an outsole having traction members.

FIG. 233 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of an alternate article of footwear including a spring element and fluid-filled bladders.

FIG. 234 is a longitudinal cross-sectional lateral side view of the article of footwear and spring element shown in FIG. 45.

FIG. 235 is a longitudinal cross-sectional lateral side view of the article of footwear and spring element shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 236 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a midsole on the medial side, and a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 237 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a midsole on the medial side, and a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 238 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a midsole on the medial side, and a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 239 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a midsole on the medial side, and a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 240 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a midsole on the medial side, and a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 241 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a midsole on the medial side, and a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element.

FIG. 242 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 242—242 shown in FIG. 241.

FIG. 243 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 242—242 shown in FIG. 241 showing an alternate footwear construction relative to that shown in FIG. 242.

FIG. 244 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 242—242 shown in FIG. 241 showing an alternate footwear construction relative to that shown in FIG. 242.

FIG. 245 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line similar to 242—242 shown in FIG. 241 showing an alternate footwear construction relative to that shown in FIG. 242.

FIG. 246 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a midsole on the medial side, a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element including an anterior spring element.

FIG. 247 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element including an anterior spring element.

FIG. 248 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element including an anterior spring element.

FIG. 249 is a longitudinal cross-sectional lateral side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 246 showing an article of footwear including a midsole on the medial side, a spring element including a superior spring element, and an inferior spring element including an anterior spring element.

FIG. 250 is a flow diagram regarding a method of making an article of footwear.

FIG. 251 is a flow diagram having greater detail regarding a method of making an article of footwear.

FIG. 252 is a flow diagram regarding a method of making an article of footwear and way of doing business.

FIG. 253 is a flow diagram having greater detail regarding a method of making an article of footwear and way of doing business.

FIG. 254 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a plurality of openings on the inferior side and a plurality of traction members projecting therethrough.

FIG. 255 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of an article of footwear including a plurality of openings in the quarter and portions of a strap passing therethrough.

FIG. 256 is a side view of an article of footwear with parts broken away including an external removable strap.

FIG. 257 is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 256.

FIG. 258 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a plurality of openings and a plurality of traction members projecting therethrough.

FIG. 259 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a plurality of openings and a plurality of traction members projecting therethrough.

FIG. 260 is a bottom plan view of an article of footwear including a plurality of openings and a plurality of traction members projecting therethrough.

FIG. 261 is a longitudinal cross-sectional exploded side view of an article of footwear including an upper, insole, superior spring element, anterior outsole element, fastener, strap, and inferior spring element including a posterior outsole element.

FIG. 262 is a bottom plan view of an anterior outsole element including traction members and a backing.

FIG. 263 is a bottom plan view of an anterior outsole element including traction members and a backing.

FIG. 264 is a top plan view of an anterior outsole element including traction members and a backing.

FIG. 265 is a top plan view of an anterior outsole element including traction members and a backing.

FIG. 266 is a side cross-sectional view of a spring element having parts broken away and including a hook.

FIG. 267 is a top plan view of a spring element having parts broken away, and including a hook generally similar to that shown in FIG. 266.

FIG. 268 is a top plan view of a spring element having parts broken away, and including an opening and a notch.

FIG. 269 is a side view of a spring element having parts broken away, and including a fastener including a hook.

FIG. 270 is a top plan view of the fastener including a hook shown in FIG. 269.

FIG. 271 is a side view of a spring element having parts broken away, and including a fastener including a hook.

FIG. 272 is a top plan view of the fastener including a hook shown in FIG. 271.

FIG. 273 is a side cross-sectional view of a spring element having parts broken away, and having a fastener including male and female parts affixed thereto.

FIG. 274 is a side cross-sectional view of a spring element having parts broken away, and having a fastener including male and female parts affixed thereto.

FIG. 275 is a side cross-sectional view of a spring element having