Article Of Footwear Including Full Length Composite Plate

Abstract

A full length composite plate to be used as part of an outsole assembly in an article of footwear is disclosed. The full length composite plate comprises a composite material that has a certain percent elongation. The full length composite plate can include a heel cup for heel stability and improved traction. The full length composite plate also can include two angled portions along an arch region that provide arch support, as well as two flattened edges along the arch region to minimize or eliminate buckling. The forefoot region can be relatively flatter than the arch and heel regions, and notches are preferably included along a portion of the forefoot to increase flexibility.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A plate for an article of footwear having an upper, the plate comprising:
 a forefoot region;   a heel region; and   an arch region disposed between the forefoot region and the heel region, the forefoot region including a convex surface extending from a first end disposed at a medial side of the plate to a second end disposed at a lateral side of the plate.   
     
     
         22 . The article of footwear of  claim 21 , wherein the plate includes a concave surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate than the convex surface and extending from the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         23 . The article of footwear of  claim 22 , wherein the convex surface and the concave surface extend into the arch region. 
     
     
         24 . The article of footwear of  claim 22 , wherein the convex surface and the concave surface terminate at the arch region. 
     
     
         25 . The article of footwear of  claim 22 , wherein the arch region includes a first rib extending along a longitudinal axis of the plate and a second rib extending along the longitudinal axis of the plate, the second rib being disposed adjacent to the first rib. 
     
     
         26 . The article of footwear of  claim 25 , further comprising a groove disposed between the first rib and the second rib and extending in a direction toward the upper. 
     
     
         27 . The article of footwear of  claim 25 , further comprising a first depression formed by the first rib and facing the upper and a second depression forward by the second rib and facing the upper. 
     
     
         28 . The article of footwear of  claim 21 , wherein the convex surface extends into the arch region. 
     
     
         29 . The article of footwear of  claim 21 , wherein convex surface opposes the upper. 
     
     
         30 . An article of footwear incorporating the plate of  claim 21 . 
     
     
         31 . A plate for an article of footwear having an upper, the plate comprising:
 a forefoot region;   a heel region; and   an arch region disposed between the forefoot region and the heel region, the forefoot region including a concave surface extending from a first end disposed at a medial side of the plate to a second end disposed at a lateral side of the plate.   
     
     
         32 . The article of footwear of  claim 31 , wherein the plate includes a convex surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate than the concave surface and extending from the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         33 . The article of footwear of  claim 32 , wherein the convex surface opposes the upper. 
     
     
         34 . The article of footwear of  claim 32 , wherein the concave surface and the convex surface extend into the arch region. 
     
     
         35 . The article of footwear of  claim 32 , wherein the concave surface and the convex surface terminate at the arch region. 
     
     
         36 . The article of footwear of  claim 32 , wherein the arch region includes a first rib extending along a longitudinal axis of the plate and a second rib extending along the longitudinal axis of the plate, the second rib being disposed adjacent to the first rib. 
     
     
         37 . The article of footwear of  claim 36 , further comprising a groove disposed between the first rib and the second rib and extending in a direction toward the upper. 
     
     
         38 . The article of footwear of  claim 36 , further comprising a first depression formed by the first rib and facing the upper and a second depression forward by the second rib and facing the upper. 
     
     
         39 . The article of footwear of  claim 31 , wherein the concave surface extends into the arch region. 
     
     
         40 . An article of footwear incorporating the plate of  claim 31 .