Skechers USA. has been granted a patent for a footwear design featuring a uniquely molded heel cup that adapts to the user’s foot. The heel cup includes distinct upper, mid, and lower portions, allowing for deformation under load while providing support and returning to its original shape when not in use. GlobalData’s report on Skechers USA gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Skechers USA, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Skechers USA's grant share as of July 2024 was 85%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Footwear with a flexible, molded heel cup design
The patent US12011064B2 describes an innovative article of footwear featuring a uniquely designed heel cup that enhances comfort and fit. The footwear comprises an upper and sole structure, with the upper defining a foot-receiving shoe opening. A key element is the heel cup, which is uniformly molded into three distinct portions: upper, mid, and lower. The design includes a rearward-facing upper concavity and a forward-facing lower concavity, with the latter having a greater amplitude. The upper portion of the heel cup is capable of distorting under the load of a user's foot, allowing it to return to its original configuration once the foot is removed. This dynamic design aims to provide a better fit and support for the heel, with varying thicknesses across the central portions to enhance comfort.
Additionally, the patent outlines features such as a foam component integrated into the heel cup, which compresses during foot insertion and exerts pressure on the ankle for added support. The heel cup's overall vertical cross-sectional shape resembles an "S" wave, with specific portions located at inflection points to facilitate folding and unfolding under load. The footwear may also include an elastic member positioned between the heel cup and the shoe opening, further contributing to its adaptability and comfort. Overall, the claims emphasize a thoughtful approach to footwear design, focusing on the interaction between the heel cup and the user's foot to improve the wearing experience.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
