CN105101829B - Include the article of footwear of the footwear sole construction comprising great waves structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Article of footwear includes：Vamp；And footwear sole construction, it is engaged with vamp, wherein, footwear sole construction includes being used at least heel area of foot and the first polymer foam member of sufficient middle region for supporting wearer, wherein, the outward flange of the exposure of first polymer foam member includes great waves structure, the great waves structure is from the footwear middle region of the inner side of first polymer foam member or footwear forward region, continuously extend close to the footwear middle region in the outside of first polymer foam member or footwear forward region, and wherein, the great waves structure includes five great waves ectolophs, five great waves ectolophs are connected by four great waves interstice coverages between the adjacent great waves ectoloph of chi chung outside five great waves.

Description

Article of footwear including a sole structure comprising a billows structure

Related application materials

This application claims priority to: (a) U.S. Patent Application No. 13/835,715, filed March 15, 2013, entitled "Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Having a Lightweight Midsole Member with Protective Elements"; (b) the title U.S. Patent Application No. 13/838,051, filed March 15, 2013, entitled "Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Having a Lightweight Midsole Member with ProtectiveElements"; and (c) entitled "Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Having a Lightweight Midsole Member withProtective Elements" and U.S. Patent Application No. 13/837,967, filed March 15, 2013. Each of these priority applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

field of invention

The present invention relates to the field of footwear. More specifically, aspects of the invention relate to sole structures and/or articles of footwear (eg, athletic footwear) that include a relatively soft and/or lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by a protective component.

background

Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot relative to the sole structure. Additionally, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation to cool the foot and remove perspiration. The sole structure is secured to a lower surface of the upper and is positioned generally between the foot and any contacting surfaces. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure provides traction and controls potentially harmful foot motions, such as excessive pronation. The general features and configuration of the upper and sole structure are discussed in more detail below.

The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The cavity has the general shape of the foot, and access to the cavity is provided at the ankle opening. Thus, the upper extends over the instep and toe regions of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel region of the foot. Lacing systems are often incorporated into the upper to selectively vary the size of the ankle opening and to allow the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper (particularly girth) to accommodate feet having different proportions. Additionally, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (eg, to relieve pressure applied to the foot by the laces), and the upper may also include a heel counter to limit or control heel movement.

The sole structure typically contains multiple layers conventionally referred to as the "insole," "midsole," and "outsole." The insole (which may also constitute the insole) is a thin member positioned within the upper adjacent the plantar (lower) surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort (eg, wick away moisture and provide a soft, comfortable feel). A midsole, traditionally attached to the upper along its entire length, forms the middle layer of the sole structure and serves a variety of purposes including controlling foot motion and attenuating impact forces. The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of the footwear and is often formed of a durable, wear-resistant material that includes texture or other features to improve traction.

The primary element of a conventional midsole is a resilient polymeric foam material, such as polyurethane foam or ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") foam, that extends throughout the length of the footwear. The properties of the polymer foam in the midsole depend primarily on factors including the spatial configuration of the midsole and the specific properties of the material selected for the polymer foam, including the density and/or hardness of the polymer foam. By varying these factors throughout the midsole, the relative stiffness, degree of ground reaction force attenuation, and energy absorption properties can be varied to meet the specific requirements of the activity for which the footwear is intended.

While there are many footwear models and features available, new footwear models and configurations continue to be developed and are welcome developments in the art.

Summary of the invention

This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts related to the invention that are further described below in the Detailed Description in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

While potentially useful with any desired type or style of shoe, aspects of the present invention are useful for use in articles of athletic footwear including basketball shoes, running shoes, cross-training shoes, spikes, tennis shoes, golf shoes, and the like. The sole structure may be of particular interest.

More specific aspects of the invention relate to a sole structure for an article of footwear that includes a first polymeric foam member for supporting at least a heel region and a midfoot region of a wearer's foot. The exposed outer edge of the first polymer foam member includes a billows structure that, in at least some examples, extends from the midfoot or forefoot region of the medial side of the first polymer foam member, around the rear The heel region extends continuously and extends continuously to the midfoot or forefoot region of the lateral side of the first polymer foam member. In at least some examples of this invention, other billows structures may be provided, including, for example, interwoven billows, support ribs, and the like. These billows structures may comprise from two to eight billows ridges connected by billows interstitial regions between adjacent billows ridges.

Sole structures according to other examples of this invention may include a polymer foam member (optionally, a lightweight, low-density polymer foam such as Foams having a density of less than 0.25 g/cm ³ ). The exposed outer edge of the polymer foam member may include:

(a) a first billows structure comprising: a first outer billows ridge, a second outer billows ridge, a third outer billows ridge, a first interstitial region between the first outer billows ridge and the second outer billows ridge, and a second interstitial region between the second outer billows ridge and the third outer billows ridge, and

(b) a second billows structure comprising: a fourth outer billows ridge, a fifth outer billows ridge, and a third interstitial region between the fourth outer billows ridge and the fifth outer billows ridge,

Wherein the fourth outer corrugation ridge originates in the first void region and the fifth outer corrugation ridge originates in the second void region. The exposed outer edge of the polymeric foam member may also include another billows structure, for example, wherein the outer billows ridges of the billows structure originate in the third void region. One billows structure may extend around a rear heel region of the sole structure, while another billows structure may be located at a lateral midfoot region of the sole structure. An outsole component may engage the bottom surface of the polymer foam member.

Another sole structure according to some examples of this invention includes a first polymer foam member for supporting at least the heel area of a wearer's foot, wherein the first polymer foam member constitutes a shell having: ( a) the lateral side wall, (b) the medial side wall, (c) the rear heel wall connecting the medial side wall and the lateral side wall, (d) the bottom wall connecting the medial side wall, the lateral side wall and the rear heel wall, and (e) the rear The opposite open end of the heel wall, and the first polymer foam member extends around the rear heel region of the sole structure. The second polymer foam member has a heel portion at least partially received in the space defined by the shell of the first polymer foam member, wherein the forefoot end of the second polymer foam member extends beyond the first polymer foam member The open end of the foam member. The second polymeric foam member has a density that is less than that of the first polymeric foam member, and a portion of a bottom surface of the second polymeric foam member is exposed at a bottom forefoot region of the article of footwear. If desired, one or more protective elements may engage the bottom surface of the second polymer foam member in the bottom forefoot region.

Still further sole structures according to some examples of this invention would include: (a) a polymer foam member for supporting the entire plantar surface of the wearer's foot, wherein the polymer foam member comprises A foam material having a density of ³ , and (b) a protective member engaged with the polymeric foam member to cover at least 80% of the surface area of the bottom surface of the polymeric foam member, wherein the protective member constitutes a web base surface (web base surface), wherein the plurality of traction elements extend downwardly from the base surface of the mesh, and wherein a majority of the base surface of the mesh is less than 2 mm thick at locations between the plurality of traction elements.

At least some aspects of the invention provide the following:

1) An article of footwear comprising:

uppers; and

A sole structure engaged with the upper, wherein the sole structure includes a first polymeric foam member for supporting at least a heel region and a midfoot region of a wearer's foot, wherein the first polymeric foam member The exposed outer edge of the polymeric foam member includes a billows structure extending from a midfoot or forefoot region on the medial side of the first polymeric foam member to a shoe near the lateral side of the first polymeric foam member. The mid or forefoot region extends continuously, and wherein the billows structure includes five billows outer ridges formed from adjacent billows outer ridges of the five billows outer ridges The four wave gaps between them are connected.

2) The article of footwear according to item 1), wherein, at the rear heel region of the first polymer foam member when the sole structure is oriented on a horizontal surface, the highest billows outer ridge is aligned with the The lowest billow ridges are vertically separated by a vertical distance of at least 1.5 inches.

3) The article of footwear according to item 1), wherein, at the rear heel region of the first polymer foam member, the central billows outer ridge faces rearwardly when the sole structure is oriented on a horizontal surface Extend the maximum distance.

4) The article of footwear according to item 1), wherein the sole structure supports the entire plantar surface of the wearer's foot.

5) The article of footwear according to item 1), wherein said first polymeric foam member constitutes a shell comprising said billows structure, wherein said shell comprises:

outer wall,

inner wall,

a rear heel wall connecting the medial side wall and the lateral side wall, and

a bottom wall connecting said medial side wall, said lateral side wall and said rear heel wall,

Wherein, the billows structure extends continuously around the outer surfaces of the outer side wall, the rear heel wall and the inner side wall.

6) The article of footwear according to item 5), wherein the sole structure further includes a second polymer foam member having a structure contained within a rim defined by the first polymer foam member. a heel portion in the space between the lateral side wall, the medial side wall, the rear heel wall, and the bottom wall, and wherein the forefoot end of the second polymer foam member extends beyond A front end portion of the outer side wall and a front end portion of the inner side wall.

7) The article of footwear according to item 6), wherein the exposed outer edge of the second polymer foam member includes a billows structure extending around a forward toe region of the sole structure, wherein the second The billows structure of the polymeric foam member includes three billows outer ridges separated from adjacent ones of the three billows outer ridges of the second polymeric foam member The gap between the two waves is connected.

8) The article of footwear according to item 7), wherein the billows structure of the second polymer foam member is not continuous with the billows structure of the first polymer foam member.

9) The article of footwear according to item 7), wherein the billows structure of the second polymer foam member is at a lateral forefoot region of the sole structure and at a medial forefoot region of the sole structure The billows structure of the first polymeric foam member is separated at a portion.

10) The article of footwear according to item 6), wherein a bottom surface of the second polymer foam member is exposed at least at a forefoot portion of the bottom surface of the sole structure.

11) The article of footwear according to item 10), wherein the sole structure further includes a first outsole member engaged with a bottom surface of the second polymer foam member.

12) The article of footwear according to item 11), wherein the sole structure further includes a second outsole member engaged with a bottom surface of the first polymer foam member.

13) The article of footwear according to item 6), wherein the bottom wall of the shell of the first polymer foam member has an opening defined therethrough, and wherein the second The bottom surface of the polymer foam member is exposed through the opening.

14) The article of footwear according to item 1), wherein the sole structure further includes an outsole member engaged with a bottom surface of the first polymer foam member.

15) An article of footwear comprising:

uppers; and

A sole structure engaged with the upper, wherein the sole structure includes a polymer foam member for supporting at least a heel region and a midfoot region of a wearer's foot, wherein the polymer foam member Exposed outer edges include:

a first billows structure comprising: a first outer billows ridge, a second outer billows ridge, a third outer billows ridge, a first interstitial region between said first outer billows ridge and said second outer billows ridge, and a second interstitial region between said second outer billows ridge and said third outer billows ridge, and

a second billows structure comprising: a fourth outer billows ridge, a fifth outer billows ridge, and a third interstitial region between said fourth outer billows ridge and said fifth outer billows ridge,

Wherein the fourth outer billows ridge originates in the first void region and the fifth outer billows ridge originates in the second void region.

16) The article of footwear according to item 15), wherein the first billows structure extends around a rear heel region of the sole structure, and wherein the second billows structure is located laterally of the sole structure At the mid-shoe area.

17) The article of footwear according to item 15), wherein the sole structure further includes an outsole component engaged with a bottom surface of the polymer foam member.

18) The article of footwear according to item 17), wherein the polymeric foam member comprises a foam material having a density of less than 0.25 g/cm ³ .

19) The article of footwear according to item 15), wherein a window element extends through the polymeric foam member at a location between the first outer billows ridge and the second outer billows ridge.

20) The article of footwear according to item 15), wherein said exposed outer edge of said polymeric foam member further comprises a third billows structure having a sixth outer billows ridge, wherein said sixth outer billows Ridges originate in the third void region.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to an article of footwear that includes the various types of sole structures described above engaged with an upper. Additional aspects of the invention relate to methods for manufacturing the various types of sole structures and/or articles of footwear described above (and described in more detail below). More specific aspects of the invention are described in more detail below.

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing general description of the invention, and the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the same or the same throughout the various views in which they appear. similar components.

Figures 1A-1F illustrate a sole structure according to an example of the present invention;

2A-2F illustrate a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

3A and 3B illustrate features of a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a heel region of a portion of a foam component that may be included in a sole structure according to some examples of the present invention;

Fig. 5 shows a basketball shoe according to an example of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a running shoe according to an example of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a training shoe according to an example of the present invention;

8A-8F illustrate a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

Figures 10A and 10B illustrate features of a sole structure according to another example of the present invention;

11A-11C provide various views of an article of footwear according to another example of this invention; and

12A-12C provide various views of an article of footwear according to another example of this invention.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various aspects in which the invention may be practiced. An exemplary structure and environment. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made from that specifically described without departing from the scope of the present invention.

I. General Description of Aspects of the Invention

Aspects of the present invention relate to sole structures and/or shoes comprising relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole components partially covered by at least one more rigid and/or denser cage (protective) component and/or other protective components class items (eg, athletic footwear). More specific features and aspects of the invention are described in more detail below.

A. Features of Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear According to Examples of the Invention

Aspects of this invention relate to sole structures for articles of footwear and articles of footwear (or other foot-receiving devices) having such sole structures, including athletic footwear. Sole structures for articles of footwear according to at least some examples of this invention may include a first polymer foam member for supporting at least a heel region and a midfoot region of a wearer's foot. The exposed outer edge of the first polymeric foam member includes a billows structure extending continuously from the midfoot or forefoot region of the medial side of the first polymeric foam member around the rear heel region to the first polymeric foam member. The midfoot region or the forefoot region on the outer side of the material foam member. The billows structure may comprise from two to eight billows ridges connected by billows interstitial regions between adjacent billows ridges.

Sole structures according to at least some examples of this invention may include an outsole member on the bottom surface (eg, in one of the exposed spaces) of one or more of a foam protective member and/or a foam midsole member. (eg, made of rubber, phylon, phylite, thermoplastic polyurethane or similar). The outsole component may provide, for example, stiffness, strength, wear resistance, and traction (eg, by providing texture, cleats, or other traction-enhancing structures on the bottom surface of the sole structure). In some exemplary structures according to this invention, several separate outsole members will be provided at various discrete locations around the bottom of the sole structure. The outsole component may also be considered a "protective" component for the lightweight midsole component.

According to at least some examples of this invention, lighter and/or less dense foam midsole material components and/or denser protective components (optionally made of heavier weight or denser polymer foam At least some portions of one or more of the outer side edges of one or more of the may include undulations (described in more detail below). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, at least some portions of the foam midsole component may include a corrugated structure, for example, optionally adjacent to a corrugated structure of one or more protective components (if they are corrugated). While any number of individual billows structures on each component is possible without departing from this invention, in some examples a single sole structure may include 2 to 8 billows in the top-to-bottom direction, and in some examples 3-6 waves can be included in it.

Sole structures according to other examples of this invention may include a polymer foam member (optionally, a lightweight, low-density polymer foam such as a Foams with a density of less than 0.25 g/cm ³ ). The exposed outer edge of the polymer foam member may include:

A first billows structure comprising: a first outer billows ridge, a second outer billows ridge, a third outer billows ridge, a first interstitial region between the first outer billows ridge and the second outer billows ridge, and a second outer billows ridge a second interstitial region between the billows ridge and the third outer billows ridge, and

a second wave structure comprising: a fourth outer wave ridge, a fifth outer wave ridge, and a third interstitial region between the fourth outer wave ridge and the fifth outer wave ridge,

Wherein the fourth outer corrugation ridge originates in the first void region and the fifth outer corrugation ridge originates in the second void region. The exposed outer edge of the polymeric foam member may also include another billows structure, for example, wherein the outer billows ridges of the billows structure originate in the third void region. One billows structure may extend around a rear heel region of the sole structure, while another billows structure may be located at a lateral midfoot region of the sole structure. An outsole component may engage the bottom surface of the polymer foam member.

Another exemplary sole structure according to some examples of this invention includes a first polymer foam member for supporting at least the heel region of a wearer's foot, wherein the first polymer foam member constitutes a shell having : (a) the lateral side wall, (b) the medial side wall, (c) the rear heel wall connecting the medial side wall and the lateral side wall, (d) the bottom wall connecting the medial side wall, the lateral side wall and the rear heel wall, and (e) The open end is opposite the rear heel wall, and the first polymer foam member extends around the rear heel region of the sole structure. The second polymer foam member has a heel portion at least partially received in the space defined by the shell of the first polymer foam member, wherein the forefoot end of the second polymer foam member extends beyond the first polymer foam member The open end of the foam member. The second polymeric foam member has a density that is less than that of the first polymeric foam member, and a portion of a bottom surface of the second polymeric foam member is exposed at a bottom forefoot region of the article of footwear. If desired, the protective element may engage the bottom surface of the second polymer foam member in the bottom forefoot region.

Additional sole structures according to some examples of this invention would include: (a) a polymer foam member for supporting the entire plantar surface ^of the wearer's foot, wherein the polymer foam member comprises A foam material having a density of , and (b) a protective member engaged with the polymeric foam member to cover at least 80% of the surface area of the bottom surface of the polymeric foam member, wherein the protective member constitutes a mesh base surface, wherein a plurality The traction elements extend downwardly from the web base surface, wherein a majority of the web base surface is less than 2 mm thick at locations between the plurality of traction elements.

Additional aspects of the present invention relate to footwear comprising any desired design, construction or structure including conventional designs, constructions or structures in engagement with the various types of sole structures described above (and described in more detail below). surface footwear.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to methods of making an article of footwear or individual components thereof. Yet another specific aspect of the present invention relates to methods of making sole structures for articles of footwear of the various types and configurations described above. While individual components and portions of sole structures and articles of footwear according to aspects of the present invention may be manufactured in ways conventionally known and used in the art, examples of the method aspects of the present invention involve combining sole structures and/or footwear portions and bonded together in such a way as to create the various structures described above.

With the general description of features, aspects, structures, and arrangements according to the present invention provided above, more detailed descriptions of specific exemplary sole structures, articles of footwear, and methods according to the present invention follow.

II. Detailed Description of Exemplary Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear According to the Invention

With reference to the drawings and the following discussion, various sole structures, articles of footwear, and features thereof in accordance with the present invention are disclosed. The sole structure and footwear depicted and discussed are athletic shoes, and the concepts disclosed with regard to various aspects of the footwear can be applied to a wide range of athletic footwear styles, including but not limited to: walking shoes, tennis shoes, soccer shoes, football shoes Shoes, basketball shoes, running shoes, cross training shoes, spikes, golf shoes and more. Additionally, at least some concepts and aspects of the present invention may be applied to a wide variety of non-athletic footwear, including work boots, sandals, loafers, and fashion shoes. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the precise embodiments disclosed herein, but rather applies to footwear generally.

1A-1F illustrate various views of an example sole structure 100 for an article of footwear that includes at least some aspects and features of this invention. For purposes of this disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 1A , when the footwear is worn on an appropriately sized foot, portions of the article of footwear (and its individual components) may be based on the location of the portion of the article of footwear. foot area at or near that portion of the article of footwear. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A , an article of footwear and/or a sole structure may be considered to have a "forefoot region" at the front of the foot, a "midfoot region" at the mid or arch region of the foot. ” area and the “heel area” at the rear of the foot. The footwear and/or sole structure also includes a "lateral side" (the "outside" or "little toe side" of the foot) and a "medial side" (the "inside" or "big toe side" of the foot). The forefoot region generally includes the portion of the footwear that corresponds to the toes and the joints that connect the metatarsals to the phalanges. The midfoot region generally includes the portion of the footwear that corresponds to the arch region of the foot. The heel region generally corresponds to the rear portion of the foot including the calcaneus. The lateral and medial sides of the footwear extend through the forefoot, midfoot, and heel regions and generally correspond to opposite sides of the footwear (and may be considered separated by a central longitudinal axis). These regions (although separated by dividing lines in FIG. 1A ) and sides are not intended to delineate precise regions of the footwear. Rather, the terms "forefoot region," "midfoot region," "heel region," "lateral side," and "medial side" are intended to represent general areas of the article of footwear and its various components to aid in the discussion that follows.

1A shows a top view of the sole structure 100, FIG. 1B shows a lateral side view, FIG. 1C shows a medial side view, FIG. 1D shows a bottom view, and FIG. 1E shows a heel view or rear view, And Figure IF shows a toe view or front side view. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1F , the exemplary sole structure 100 includes a single midsole member 102 that extends continuously within the particular structure 100 to support the entire plantar surface of the wearer's foot. , that is, extending from the rear heel area of the sole 100 to the front toe area of the sole 100 and extending from the lateral edge of the sole 100 to the medial edge. While other midsole configurations are possible according to some examples of this invention, midsole component 102 may be constructed of foam materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") foam, polyurethane foam, phylon foam, and the like. )constitute. Top surface 102a of midsole component 102 may be contoured, for example, to comfortably support and/or help position the plantar surface of the wearer's foot.

In some examples of this invention, midsole member 102 will be at least partially composed of a density of less than 0.25 g/cm ³ (and in some examples, less than 0.2 g/cm ³ , between 0.075 g/cm ³ and 0.2 g/cm 3 cm ³ and even densities in the range 0.1 g/cm ³ to 0.18 g/cm ³ ) of foam material. If desired, the foam material of midsole component 102 may include one or more openings defined therein and/or include another impact force attenuating component therein, such as a fluid-filled bladder, a mechanical shock absorbing member, or the like. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the entire midsole member 102 will be constructed of this lightweight foam material (e.g., having the density characteristics described above) and will extend to support the wearer's complete foot (e.g., the complete metatarsal surface). In the exemplary structure 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F , a foam midsole component 102 is shown passing through a seam line 106 (the seam line 106 is provided in the figures as an illustrative aid to emphasize these additional elements). Changes in position between materials 102/104 in the figure) and protective member 104 (for example, one or more of the following: another denser or harder midsole material (for example, polymer foam); outer shoe base material; "cage" or "carrier" member, etc.) In this illustrated example, midsole member 102 is positioned substantially above protective member 104 (and may be at least partially contained by protective member 104 ). Alternatively, midsole component 102 may be made from multiple constituent midsole (eg, foam) portions, and/or sole structure 100 may include multiple protective component portions 104, if desired.

As some even more specific examples, at least some of the midsole components 102 may be made from a foam material such as that described in US Patent No. 7,941,938, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In at least some example sole structures 100 according to this invention, all, substantially all, or at least some portions of midsole component 102 may comprise a foam material comprising from about 10% to about 100% hydrogenated or The reaction product of non-hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer, 0% to about 40% modified hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer and 0% to about 90% alpha olefin copolymer and has at least one additive in the amount of foam material. The foam can have a lightweight, spongy feel. The density of the foam may typically be less than 0.25 g/cm ³ , less than 0.20 g/cm ³ , less than 0.18 g/cm ³ , less than 0.15 g/cm ³ , less than 0.12 g/cm ³ , and in some examples, about 0.10 g/cm 3 /cm ³ . As an exemplary range, the lightweight foam density may fall within the range of, for example, 0.05 g/cm ³ to 0.25 g/cm ³ or within the various ranges indicated above.

Also, according to at least some examples of this invention, the foam material used for midsole component 102 may have a resiliency greater than 40%, greater than 45%, at least 50%, and in an aspect 50%-70%. The compression set can be 60% or less, 50% or less, 45% or less, and in some cases range from 20% to 60%. The durometer (Durometer Asker C) of the foam material used in the exemplary midsole component 102 may be, for example, 25 to 50, 25 to 45, 25 to 35, or 35 to 45, eg, depending on the type of footwear. The tensile strength of the foam material 102 may be at least 15 kg/cm ² , and typically 15 kg/cm ² to 40 kg/cm ² . The elongation % is 150 to 500, usually higher than 250. Tear strength is 6-15 kg/cm, usually higher than 7. In at least some example constructions according to this invention, the foam material of at least some portions of midsole member 102 may have lower energy loss than conventional EVA foam, and may be lighter in weight than conventional EVA foam. The energy loss may be less than 30%, and optionally ranges from about 20% to about 30%. As a further example, if desired, at least some portions of midsole member 102 may be made from a foam material used in the LUNAR family of footwear available from NIKE Corporation of Beaverton, Oregon.

While the above paragraphs describe potential properties and characteristics of the foam material used in the midsole component 102 according to some examples of this invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that the midsole component 102 may have other desirable properties, characteristics and/or or combination of features without departing from the invention. Other lightweight and/or low density foams can also be used. Due to the protective component 104 described in more detail below, the lightweight foam midsole component 102 need not have sufficient stiffness, durability, and/or abrasion resistance (at least at some of the higher impact ground contact locations) in order to use it in direct contact with the ground. don't have to).

Protective component 104 in this example sole structure 100 may be made of any desired material without departing from this invention. For example, protective member 104 may be made from conventional shoe outsole materials, such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or the like. As another example, protective member 104 may be at least partially fabricated from a polymeric foam cage or load-bearing material, such as those described in US Patent No. 7,941,938 identified above. Other conventional polymer foam materials may also be used for the protective component 104 .

Foam midsole component 102 and protective component 104 may be joined together in any desired manner, including in conventional ways as known and used in the art (eg, via glue or adhesives, via mechanical connectors, etc.). , without departing from the invention. In this illustrated example, protective member 104 fits within one or more recesses formed in the bottom and/or side surfaces of polymeric foam member 102 . When present, the recesses may be formed during the molding process (or other shaping process) that forms the lightweight foam component 102 . Alternatively, the recesses may be created after the lightweight foam component 102 is formed, such as by cutting or grinding action. The protective member 104 may include traction elements or other features for engaging the ground or other contacting surface in use, such as chevrons, raised ribs or ridges, recessed grooves, etc., including and conventional traction elements used. As a further example, the bottom surface of the protective component 104 may be shaped to include a receptacle for receiving a removable cleat, and/or may be shaped to include an actual cleat element extending from its bottom surface.

As further shown in FIG. 1D , the bottom surface of protective member 104 need not completely cover the bottom surface of midsole member 102 . Instead, spaces or holes may be provided in the protective member 104 through which the bottom surface of the lightweight foam material 102 is exposed. This feature can provide several potential advantages. For example, eliminating some of protective components 104 may reduce the weight of sole structure 100 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 1D , breaks or gaps in the protective member 104 (e.g., elongated grooves or gaps in the forefoot region, such as in ID), thereby helping to maintain the overall flexibility (and optionally, more natural flexibility) of the overall sole structure 100 . The large opening in protective member 104 at the heel region of this exemplary sole structure 100 provides a relatively large and soft "crash pad" for the heel, for example to protect the heel when the wearer's heel strikes the ground (e.g., when stepping). Provides better comfort and feel when landing or jumping. Those skilled in the art will understand, given the benefit of this disclosure, that the openings in the protective member 104 are optional and, when present, can be provided in any desired size, shape, and/or number, without departing from the invention. Preferably, however, areas of high wear resistance on the bottom surface of sole structure 100 will include some layer of protective member 104 covering lightweight (and slimmer) polymer midsole member 102 to help protect midsole member 102. structural integrity.

As best shown in FIGS. 1C and ID , the example sole structure 100 includes an additional element, namely, a support plate 108 disposed in a central or midfoot region of the sole structure 100 . The support plate 108 provides additional support for the arch area of the sole structure 100 . In FIGS. 1C and ID , support plate 108 is shown separated from midsole member 102 and/or protective member 104 by seam line 110 . This bond line 110 is provided in the figures as an illustrative aid to emphasize the change in position between the support plate 108 and the material 102/104 in these figures. In this illustrated example, support plate 108 may be at least partially sandwiched or laminated between midsole component 102 and protective component 104 in at least the arch region of sole structure 100 . Support plate 108 may be attached to midsole member 102 and/or protective member 104 by adhesive or glue, by mechanical connector, and/or by any other desired means, including conventional means known or used in the art. One or more joints of . Support plate 108 may be made of any desired number of pieces or sections and/or from any desired material, including conventional arch support materials and/or sections as known and used in the art, without departing from this invention. . Some more specific examples of materials include: thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon-based polymer materials (eg, PEBAX), carbon fiber reinforced polymer materials, glass fiber reinforced polymer materials, other composite materials, and the like.

1A-1F illustrate another feature that may be included in a sole structure 100 according to at least some examples of this invention. As shown in these figures, at least some portions of the outer edges or sides of midsole foam member 102 and/or protective member 104 may include “swells” 120 . As used herein, the term "corrugated structure" or "corrugated structure" means that the outer surface shape of the element has undulations (for example, a wave-like structure with a series of crests (outermost portions or ridges) and troughs between the crests ) of the outer surface shape. In sole construction, the "waves" need not expand and compress in the same way as conventional bellows, but rather, the term refers more generally to the shape of the outer surface of the structure. In the example sole structure 100 shown, the lightweight midsole foam component 102 has a series of 4 1/2 billows 122 (e.g., look like four stacked discs around the rear heel area), and Protective component 104 includes 1/2 billows 124 (which connect to bottom 1/2 billows 122 of midsole foam member 102 to complete the bottommost billows in sole structure 100 ). At least some portions of the undulations 120 may be disposed on the sidewalls of the midsole component 102 (and its undulations 120) that protrude upwardly from the top surface 102a of the midsole component 102 such that, for example, the midsole component 102 At least partially wraps around the wearer's foot (eg, at least at the heel area). As some more specific examples, the shell of midsole component 102 (with billows structure 120 formed therein) may include lateral side wall 130, medial side wall 132, rear heel wall 134 connecting medial side wall 132 and lateral side wall 130, and connecting medial Top plantar support surface 102a of face wall 132 , lateral side wall 130 , and rear heel wall 134 . The top plantar support surface 102a may consist of a polymer foam layer (optionally having one or more fluid-filled bladders contained therein) extending downward from the top surface 102a, for example, about 10-20 mm ( in the central heel region) and/or extend approximately 8-16 mm (in the forefoot region (eg, metatarsal head support region)). Walls 130, 132, and 134 may extend upwardly from top surface 102a and may be tapered or have varying heights, for example, from 0-5mm at the forefoot region to 25-50mm at the rear heel region (or even larger). At least some portions of the 4 1/2 billows of billows structure 120 may extend continuously around the outer surfaces of lateral side wall 130 , rear heel wall 134 , and medial side wall 132 .

The size, number, shape, and/or other characteristics of billows-like structures 120 may be selected to control the feel of the article of footwear. In general, deeper waves (ie, larger dimensions from the crest to the base of an adjacent trough) will provide a more responsive feel (eg, return to the original shape sooner). The size, density, and/or stiffness of midsole component 102 and/or protective component 104 may also be controlled in order to achieve control over the feel of sole structure 100 on the wearer's foot. The billows structure 120 of the illustrated example sole structure 100 extends continuously and uninterrupted from the midfoot or forefoot region (see FIG. The mid or forefoot region (see Figure 1C). The particular integral billows structure 120 includes five billows outer ridges connected by four billows interstitial regions between adjacent billows outer ridges of the five billows outer ridges.

The billows structure can take a variety of forms without departing from the invention. For example, FIGS. 1B , 1C, 1E and 1F show that the walls of the individual billows have a stepped configuration and the outermost ridges of each individual billow form relatively sharp corners. These are not necessary conditions. As further examples, the billows sidewalls may be smooth, straight and/or curved, if desired. Additionally, the outermost edges or ridges of each billow may be made to be less angular, smoothly curved, spaced, etc., without departing from the invention. Also, while the billows structures may look similar on opposite interior sides of walls 130, 132, and 134 (e.g., where the billows are "hollowed out"; see, for example, FIG. 9 ), in this illustrated example, wall 130 The inner surfaces of , 132 and 134 are smooth (ie, the waves are solid and not hollowed).

Also, in this illustrated example sole structure 100, at the rear heel region of the midsole component 102, when the sole structure 100 is oriented on a horizontal surface, the highest billows outer ridge (topmost billows ridge) Be vertically separated from the lowest outer ridge (at the bottom) by a vertical distance of at least 1.5 inches. Additionally or alternatively, in this sole structure 100, at the rear heel region of the midsole component 102, when the sole structure 100 is oriented on a horizontal surface, the central billows outer ridge (in this example the third billows ) extend backwards the maximum distance. For example, these features can be best seen in Figures 1B and 1C.

Also, as best shown in FIGS. 1B , 1C and 1F , the exposed outer edge of the protective component 104 of the exemplary sole structure 100 includes a billows structure 140 extending around the front toe region of the sole structure 100 . . The exemplary billows structure 140 includes three billows outer ridges connected by two billows interstitial regions between adjacent billows outer ridges of the three billows outer ridges. As shown, the billows structure 140 of the protective member 104 of the example sole structure 100 is not continuous with the billows structure 120 of the midsole member 102 . Rather, the billows structure 140 of the protective member 104 is separated from the billows structure 120 of the midsole member 102 by transition regions 142, 144 which are provided at the lateral forefoot region and the medial forefoot region of the sole structure 100, respectively. district office. Transition region 142 and/or transition region 144 may be made from midsole component 102 , protective component 104 , and/or another sole component. Moreover, transition region 142 and/or transition region 144 may have any desired configuration, including another billows configuration, one or more raised ribs or other support members, and the like.

The sole structure 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1F has a billows configuration 120 in which at least some of the individual billows 122, 124 surround the midsole member 102 and/or the protective member 104 continuously from its lateral side ends and Extends uninterrupted to its inner side end. This is not a requirement. In contrast, FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate a similar sole structure 200 having similar portions and configuration as sole structure 100 of FIGS. 1A-1F , but with a different billows configuration.

For the sake of brevity, similar parts between those in FIGS. 1A-1F and those in FIGS. 2A-2F will not be described in detail in this specification. Rather, the following discussion will focus on the differences between the structures shown in FIGS. 2A-2F as compared to the structures shown in FIGS. 1A-1F . As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the parts not described in detail below about FIGS. 2A-2F may have the same or similar structures and/or the same or similar features as those similar parts and structures described above about FIGS. 1A-1F and/or select.

1A-1F in which at least some of the individual billows 122, 124 extend continuously and uninterruptedly around the midsole component 102 and/or protective component 104 from its lateral side end to its medial side end. Unlike the wave configuration 120 of FIG. 2A-2F , the wave configuration 220 of FIGS. 2A-2F includes mixed or interwoven waves. As best seen in Figures 2B, 2C, and 2E, the billows configuration 220a at the rear heel region of the sole structure 200 has the same shape as that at the rear heel region of the sole structure 100 of Figures 1A-1F The billows configuration 120 has a similar billows configuration (eg, having five billows outer ridges and four billows void regions). However, as also best seen in FIGS. 2B, 2C, and 2E, the billows configuration 220 in this example sole structure 200 has Different configurations for the forward extension of the region and medial heel region. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B , new billows series 220b originates within void region 250 between three billows disposed on top of rear billows configuration 220a at the heel region. The origin of the new wave of the new wave series 220b is shown at point 252 in void region 250 in FIG. 2B. The three interstitial billows taper from their point of origin 252 to greater width and height to form the outermost billow ridges either side of their outermost point 254 . And, the interstitial billows of new wave series 220b taper to a sufficiently large size to fully catch up with heel billows series 220a (note, for example, that rear heel billows 220a have Origin point 220f) at the position of . In addition, although not a requirement, in the exemplary sole structure 200 shown in FIG. 2B, the outer ridge 254 of the new billows series 220b tapers downward in size, moving forward from its peak region to the end point 256. . Other support structures, including another series of billows configurations as shown in FIG. point 258) and move forward in sole structure 200. Thus, at least on the lateral heel side shown in FIG. 2B, the new billows series 220b may constitute a central billows configuration with a rear billows configuration (from point of origin 220f) extending toward the heel and an anterior billows configuration. The shape extends (from point of origin 258) to the midfoot region.

As shown in Figure 2C, at the medial side of the sole structure 200, another new series of billows 220c originates from the void area 250 at the heel area provided between the top three billows of the rear billows formation 220a Inside. The origin of the new wave of the new wave series 220c is shown at point 260 in void region 250 in Figure 2C. The three void billows taper from their point of origin 260 to a greater width and height in order to fully catch up to the rear heel billows series 220a (note, for example, that the rear heel billows 220a have the same void area as in the new billet series 220c origin point 220f) at a position within .

The exemplary billows configurations of FIGS. 2A-2F show different interstitial billows configurations on the medial side versus the lateral side. This is not a requirement. Rather, if desired, a billows configuration like that of FIG. 2B could be provided on the inner side and/or a billows configuration like that of FIG. 2C could be provided on the outer side without departing from the invention.

FIG. 2D also shows that sole structure 200 has a slightly differently configured bottom surface on protective member 204 compared to the bottom surface of protective member 104 of sole structure 100 (shown in FIG. ID ). This results in a different pattern of exposed midsole material 102 at the bottom surface of sole structure 200 . The junction area between protective component 204 and lightweight midsole material 202 is emphasized by line 206 in FIGS. 2A-2F . Also, the junction area between midfoot support element 208 (eg, like support element 108 of FIGS. 1A-1F ) and lightweight midsole material 202 and/or protective component 204 is emphasized by line 210 in FIGS. 2A-2F . The bottom surface of protective component 204 also includes traction elements and the like, as well as some features described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 10A and 10B .

Another exemplary alternative sole structure 300 according to some examples of the present invention is shown in conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B . As with the other sole structures 100 , 200 described above, the sole structure 300 includes a lightweight foam midsole material 302 joined to a protective component 304 , such as by adhesive or glue. Protective member 304 , which may be made of a denser or more durable polymer foam and/or outsole material, provides at least a portion of the bottom surface of sole structure 300 . The sole structure 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3B may be generally similar in structure and function to the sole structure 200 shown in FIGS. 2A-2F , although other structures and functions are possible without departing from this invention. For the sake of brevity, similar parts between those in FIGS. 2A-2F and those in FIGS. 3A-3B will not be described in detail in this specification. Rather, the following discussion will focus on the differences between the structures shown in FIGS. 3A-3B as compared to the structures shown in FIGS. 2A-2F . As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the parts not described in detail below about FIGS. 3A-3B may have the same or similar structures and/or the same or similar features as those similar parts and structures described above about FIGS. 1A-2F and/or select.

In the example sole structures 100 , 200 described above, the billows structure continues uninterrupted around the entire heel region of the lightweight midsole component 102 , 202 . This is not a requirement. Rather, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the rear heel region of the exemplary lightweight midsole component 302 includes a cutout or cutaway region 310 at its top side. The cutaway region 310 may extend any desired vertical distance in the midsole component 302 without departing from this invention. As shown in FIG. 3B, in this exemplary structure 300, the cut-away region 310 extends down through at least two (and optionally more) of the individual billows structures, although other arrangements are possible. , without departing from the invention. Cutaway region 310 may also extend downwardly 25% to 65% of the overall vertical height (H) of sole structure 300 (and/or midsole component 302 ) immediately adjacent cutaway region 310 . Moreover, although FIGS. 3A and 3B only show the cutaway region 310 in the midsole component 302, the cutaway region 310 may also be provided in the protective component 304, especially for shoes in which the protective member 304 is in the cutaway region 310. Positions have a greater presence of the sole structure in the vertical direction.

Cutaway region 310 of the example sole structure 300 is slightly V-shaped to provide an open V-shaped region at the rear edge of midsole component 302 . Other shapes for the cutaway region 310 are possible without departing from the invention, such as U-shaped, rectangular or square, circular, star-shaped, logo-shaped, and/or any other desired configuration. The exemplary cutaway region 310 helps provide flexibility in the lateral-to-medial direction to the overall sole structure 300 and to the midsole component 302 in particular. This can provide a more natural movement or feel when the user is engaged in walking or other activities such as running, jumping to the ground, or the like. Additional or other alternative cutaway regions of these types may be provided at other locations around sole structure 300 (ie, not limited to the rear heel region). For example, cut-away regions 310 along the lateral and/or medial sides of sole structure 300 (e.g., in the forefoot region) can help provide and establish flex lines for the sole structure (optionally, to reinforce the sole structure). structure 300 to more closely correspond to or support the natural flexing tendency of the foot).

At the cut-away region 310 of the example sole structure 300, the exposed edge of the foam midsole material 302 is covered by an edge element 312 (eg, a molded thermoplastic polyurethane member, another plastic member, etc.). This edge element 312 shaped as a heel clip helps protect the exposed edges of the foam midsole material 302 and helps provide interesting aesthetic or design opportunities. This type of edge element 312 also allows a person to change the shape of the cut-out area 310 if desired. Edge element 312 , when present, may be secured to foam midsole component 302 and/or overall sole structure 300 and/or another portion of the footwear structure in any desired manner without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, these components may be joined together using adhesives or glues, mechanical connectors, or the like. Edge elements 312 may also be used to affect the flex or stiffness properties of sole structure 300 .

As further shown in FIG. 3B , some of the individual billows regions of the foam midsole component 302 of the structure 300 have points of origin 360 located at or near the edges of the cut-away region 310 . While individual billows interrupted by the cut-away region 310 may have their point of origin 360 at the edge of the cut-away region 310, in the exemplary sole structure 300 shown, additional billows located below the cut-away region 310 The region also has its point of origin 360 at the rear heel region. Alternatively, the lower billows region may extend continuously and uninterrupted (although optionally varying in size) around the rear heel region, if desired, without departing from this invention. Other configurations of billows above and/or below the cutaway region 310 may also be used without departing from this invention.

Although described above as a "cut out" or "split" region 310, this region 310 need not be provided in any portion of the sole structure 300 by cutting action. Rather, regions 310 may be disposed in desired components of sole structure 300 in any desired manner, including by utilizing a cutting action, for example, by a laser, knife, blade, die, or other cutting system, without departing from this invention. Alternatively, region 310 may be formed directly into a sole structure component (eg, component 302 and/or component 304 ) during its manufacturing process, such as by direct molding into the structure of foam midsole component 302 and/or protective component 304 middle. Accordingly, the term "cut-away region" as used herein in this context and/or for this type of component or structure should be construed to include an area of this type of structure, regardless of how the area is arranged in the component.

FIGS. 3A and 3B also show that, in this example structure 300 , some of the regions between the billows adjacent the cutaway region 310 at the rear heel region have sides that extend completely through the midsole member 302 . The window 362 of the wall. In the example shown 300, the window 362 extends along the edge of the billows above and below it (as the billows taper to their point of origin 360), although other shapes for the window 362 may be used without departing from the present invention. invention. Window 362 may affect the flexibility of midsole component 302 at the rear heel region of the example sole structure 300 . More or fewer windows 362 may be provided in sole structure 300 without departing from the invention, including more or fewer windows 362 on either side of cut-away region 310 (including on one or both sides). not on windows 362).

Window 362 may be disposed in desired components of sole structure 300 in any desired manner without departing from this invention, including by utilizing a cutting action (e.g., by a laser, knife, blade, die, or other cutting system), by fabricating The window 362 etc. is integrally formed directly in the sole structure component (e.g., component 302 and/or component 304) during a process such as by directly molding the window 362 into the structure of the foam midsole component 302 and/or protective component 304 Wait.

While the sole structures 100, 200, 300 of FIGS. 1A-3B all show billows structures having relatively uniformly shaped three to five individual billows structures over each region, this is not a requirement. As another example, FIG. 4 shows a portion of another example sole component 400 in which billows structure 402 includes three billows oriented in a vertical or top-to-bottom direction. The view of FIG. 4 shows a lateral side view of this exemplary billows structure 402 , but similar structures may be provided on, for example, the medial side of sole component 400 and/or at the rear heel region of sole component 400 . This exemplary billows structure 402 may be provided in a foam midsole component as shown in FIG. Foam protection components and/or components like components 104 , 204 , 304 discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1A-3B . Also, while only the heel region of sole component 400 is shown in FIG. 4, those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, will readily appreciate that provision may be made to support the entire metatarsus of the wearer's foot. surface (or any portion thereof) of the sole component without departing from the invention.

The billows structure 402 of FIG. 4 differs from some of the other billows structures described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-3B in the shape of billows. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the central billows 402b of the exemplary billows structure 402 are concave (or flared) in both the upward and downward directions. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom valley of the void region 404a between the center billows 402b and the top billows 402a is curved in an upwardly concave direction such that the high point of the bend is at the center side heel region. Similarly, the bottom valley of the void region 404b between the center billows 402b and the bottom billows 402c is curved in a downwardly concave direction such that the low point of the bend is at the center side heel region. Due to this configuration, the top billows 402a are shaped to curve in an upward direction, with the upper highest point of the curvature being located in the central region of the top billows 402a in the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 . Similarly, the bottom billows 402c are shaped to curve in a downward direction, with the lower nadir of the bend being in the central region of the bottom billows 402c in the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 . This gives the overall billows structure 402 a slightly more convex shape than at least some of the billows structures shown in FIGS. 1A-3B .

Notably, billows formation 402 has smoother sidewalls (like the billows structures of FIGS. 2A-3B ) compared to the more stepped sidewalls of the billows structures shown in FIGS. 1A-1F . Also, the billows configuration of Figures 2A-4 has the outer ridges of the individual billows shaped as sharp corners. However, other structural options for these sidewalls and/or corners are possible without departing from the invention.

5, 6, and 7 illustrate side views of various different examples of articles of footwear 550, 650, and 750 that include sole structures 500, 600, and 700 according to other examples of this invention. FIG. 5 shows a basketball shoe 650 , FIG. 6 shows a running shoe 650 , and FIG. 7 shows a cross-training shoe 750 . Sole structures 500, 600, and 700 are engaged with uppers 552, 652, and 752, respectively, to provide overall footwear structures 550, 650, and 750. Uppers 552, 652, and 752 may engage their respective sole structures 500, 600, and 700 in any desired manner, including in conventional manners as known and used in the art, without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, uppers 552, 652, and 752 and sole structures 500, 600, and 700 may be joined by adhesives or glues, by mechanical connectors, by stitching or sewing, and/or by other joining techniques. Together.

In further describing footwear structures 500, 600, and 700 of FIGS. 5-7, various features of exemplary uppers (including potential features of uppers 552, 652, and 752) will be described. This description includes examples of features of uppers that may be included in footwear structures according to at least some examples of this invention, including examples of uppers that may be engaged with sole structures 100, 200, 300, and 400 of FIGS. 1A-4. . Since the sole structures 500, 600, and 700 of FIGS. 5-7 have generally similar structures, some differences between these sole structures 500, 600, and 700 will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 5-7. Thereafter, more detailed features of the configuration and portions of the sole structures 500, 600, and 700 of FIGS. 5-7 will be described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 8A-8F.

Uppers 552, 652, and 752 for structural articles of footwear 550, 650, and 750 according to the present invention may be constructed in any desired manner, including in conventional manners known and used in the art of footwear, including by Construction of one or more components joined together using glue or adhesives, by using mechanical connectors, and/or by fusing techniques (eg, melting or fusion bonding of hot melt materials, etc.). Non-limiting examples of some construction techniques are described in more detail below.

Uppers 552, 652, 752 may be made of any desired material and/or combination of materials without departing from this invention. For example, upper 552, 652, 752 may include a multi-layer construction in which individual layers cover all or some portions of the overall upper area. In some more specific examples, upper 552, 652, 752 may include an inner fabric or textile layer (for example, for comfortable contact with the foot) and an outer "skin" layer (for example, made of thermoplastic Polyurethane films made to provide better support in certain areas, to provide abrasion resistance or abrasion resistance in certain areas, to provide desired aesthetics, etc.) overlay and/or sandwich Middle mesh layer. None of the inner fabric or textile layers, mesh layer, and/or skin layer need extend to cover the entire surface of upper 552 , 652 , 752 . Rather, the positions of the various layers can be chosen to control the properties of the upper 552, 652, 752, for example, by omitting skin layers at certain areas to improve breathability, to improve flexibility, to provide a different aesthetic appearance (such as a surface). openings in the cortex to create a "logo" or other design feature from the underlying mesh material), and so on. Also, as is known in the art, the upper 552, 652, 752 can define an ankle opening around which a foam loop or fabric loop for enhanced comfort can be disposed, if desired. The bottom surface of the upper 552, 652, 752 may include an internal strobel member (eg, a strobel member) that connects the medial and lateral sides of the upper material to thereby enclose the upper 552, 652, 752 Can be sewn to both the medial and lateral edges of the upper). The sole structure 500, 600, 700 may be connected to the upper 552, 652 at the bottom edge of the upper 552, 652, 752 and the strobel structure, for example, using glue or adhesives, stitching or sewing, mechanical connectors, etc. , 752 joints.

The multilayer upper construction may be produced in any desired manner, including in conventional manner as known and used in the footwear art, without departing from this invention. For example, if desired, the skin layer can be made of a "seamless" adhesive or hot-melt material that can be adhered to the underlying mesh layer (or other layers) in a conventional manner (e.g., by applying heat and/or pressure). " type material. As a further example, the skin layer may be joined to the underlying mesh layer (or other layers) by glue or adhesive and/or by stitched seams, if desired. As yet another example, if desired, the upper 552, 652, 752 (or portions thereof) may be constructed by joining the various layers of material using fusion techniques, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0088282 and U.S. Patent Application described in Publication No. 2011/0088285, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The upper 552, 652, 752 may include other support elements at desired locations (eg, sandwiched between the outer skin layer and the underlying mesh layer). For example, a heel counter may be provided in the heel area to provide more support to the wearer's heel. When present, a heel counter can be made from a rigid, thin plastic material such as PEBAX, TPU, or other polymer material, and it can include one or more openings (e.g., to control flexibility , breathability, support properties; to reduce weight; etc.). If necessary or desirable, additional supports may be provided in other areas of the shoe 550, 650, 750, such as in the forefoot or toe area (to provide protection and wear resistance, etc.), near the first At the lateral area of the five metatarsal heads, etc.

Other potential materials that may be used in uppers 552, 652, 752 according to at least some examples of this invention include one or more of: synthetic leather, natural leather, textiles, any combination of these materials, and/or these Any combination of a material with any of the other materials described above. As another potential feature, at least some portions of upper 552, 652, 752 may be formed by a knitting process, if desired. Optionally, in at least some examples of this invention, at least a majority (or even all) of upper 552, 652, 752 may be formed using a knitting procedure. Woven textile components may be used to provide a lightweight, breathable and comfortable upper construction.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , additional details of the exemplary footwear structure 550 will be described. The exemplary footwear structure 550 is a basketball shoe. Upper 552 may have a construction like that of any conventional basketball shoe, including constructions made of leather, multiple layers of fused-bond material, or other materials and/or constructions as known and used in the art. The sole structure 500 of this example has a similar general appearance to the sole structure 100 shown in FIGS. A series of five stacked waves extending continuously from the rear heel area to the medial forefoot area. The five billows configuration of the exemplary sole structure 500 is well suited for a basketball shoe because it creates a slightly higher heel structure as is common in today's basketball shoes.

However, while the waves are similar in appearance, the sole structure 500 of FIG. 5 is significantly different in construction from the sole structure 100 of FIGS. 1A-1F . While a detailed description of the construction of this sole structure 500 will be reserved for the following discussion of FIGS. Part of the protective element of the sandwich component 502 . The rear protective member 504 may be made of material like the various protective members 104, 204, 304 described above (eg, including a polymeric foam material having one or more undulations formed on its outer sidewall edges). The front portion 502 of the sole structure 500 in this example constitutes the exposed portion of a lightweight foam midsole material 502 that may be similar to the lightweight midsole components 102, 202, 302 described above (including same or similar material). While midsole member 502 may still extend to support all or substantially all of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot, in this illustrated example structure 500 at least some and optionally Most of the ground is contained in the protection member 504 . In this way, protective member 504 acts as a cage or carrier for lightweight foam member 502 at the rear of footwear structure 550 . As will be described in more detail below, foam midsole member 502 extends from a forward (open) end of protective member 504 .

Turning now to FIG. 6, additional details of this exemplary footwear structure 650 will be described. The exemplary footwear structure 650 is a running shoe. Upper 652 may have a construction like the construction of any conventional running shoe, including constructions made of multiple layers of fused bonded materials, textiles, meshes, woven materials, or other materials and/or as known and used in the art. structure. The sole structure 600 of this example has a similar general appearance to the sole structure 200 shown in FIGS. 610 and a staggered, forward series of billows 612 extending forward from the heel region of sole structure 600 toward the midfoot and forefoot regions. The front wave series 612 originates in the void area between the waves of the heel wave series 610 . The top billows of the front wave series 612 originate above the top billows of the rear heel billet series 610 . Rear heel billows series 610 terminates in a heel-to-midfoot region, eg, in a void region between or along individual billows of forward series of billows 612 . Although FIG. 6 shows only a lateral side view, the medial side view of the shoe structure 650 may have a similar interstitial billows configuration.

The sole structure 600 used in this example running shoe 650 is slightly shorter and more low-profile than the sole structure 200 of FIGS. 2A-2F and the sole structure 500 of FIG. 5 . Notably, sole structure 600 includes three vertically stacked billows 610 at the rear heel region (instead of the five billows shown in FIGS. 2A-2F ) and three vertical billows staggered from heel billows 610. Stacked front waves 612. While this would not be required, this reduced number of billows provides a slightly less vertical height in the heel region of sole structure 600 .

Also, like sole structure 500 of FIG. 5 , exposed rear portion 604 of sole structure 600 constitutes a protective element that at least partially retains and contains a portion of lightweight foam midsole component 602 . The rear protective member 604 may be made of material like the various protective members 104, 204, 304 described above (eg, including a polymeric foam material having one or more undulations formed on its outer sidewall edges). The front portion 602 of the sole structure 600 in this example constitutes the exposed portion of a lightweight foam midsole material 602 that may be similar to the lightweight midsole components 102, 202, 302 described above (including same or similar material). While the midsole component 602 may still extend to support all or substantially all of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot, in this exemplary structure 600 at least some and optionally most of the lightweight midsole component 602 Contained in the protection part 604. In this way, protective member 604 acts as a cage or carrier for lightweight foam midsole member 602 at the rear of footwear structure 650 . As will be described in more detail below, a foam midsole member 602 extends from a front (open) end of a protective member 604 .

With respect to the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 6 (e.g., where shoe 650 is oriented on a horizontal contact surface), the heel region and/or midfoot region include movement from rear heel billows series 610 and front billows series 612. Weaving waves. In other words, as a person moves in a vertical direction in at least some portions of the heel region and/or midfoot region of sole structure 600 (shown, for example, by line 614), they will encounter a series of waves 610 located at the rear heel. The individual billows surface of the front billows series 612 between the individual billows' surfaces. These series of stacked and/or interwoven waves provide increased support in the heel/midfoot region and provide good support for the sole of the running shoe.

FIG. 7 shows a training shoe 750 . Upper 752 may have a construction like that of any conventional training shoe, including constructions made of fused-bonded materials, textiles, mesh, woven materials, or other materials and/or constructions as known and used in the art. The sole structure 700 of this example has a configuration with interstitial billows that will be described in more detail below. Like sole structure 500 of FIG. 5 , exposed rear portion 704 of sole structure 700 constitutes a protective element that at least partially retains and contains a portion of midsole component 702 . The rear protective member 704 may be made of materials like the various protective members 104, 204, 304 described above (eg, including a polymeric foam material having billows formed on its outer sidewall edges). The front portion 702 of the sole structure 700 in this example constitutes the exposed portion of a lightweight foam midsole material 702 that may be similar to the lightweight midsole components 102, 202, 302 described above (including same or similar material). While the midsole component 702 may still extend to support all or substantially all of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot, in this exemplary structure 700 at least some and optionally most of the lightweight midsole component 702 Contained in the protection part 704. In this way, protective member 704 acts as a cage or carrier for lightweight foam midsole member 702 at the rear of footwear structure 750 . As will be described in more detail below, foam midsole member 702 extends from a forward (open) end of protective member 704 .

In this example sole structure 700, both the rear heel region of the protective member 704 and the front toe region of the midsole foam member 702 include vertically stacked three billows structures (where the heel billows are slightly deeper than the forefoot billows). Department of waves). However, in the midfoot to forefoot region, various types of support features are provided along at least the lateral side of shoe 750 (although similar structures could be provided on the medial side, if desired). Moving vertically in FIG. 7 , a first support rib or first support element 710 is provided along the bottom of the lateral side of the sole structure 700 (in this example, in the foam midsole component 702 ). The first support rib or first support element 710 is positioned vertically downward from and proximate to the fifth metatarsal head support area of the sole structure 700 . The second support rib or second support element 712 is disposed slightly rearward and upward from the first support rib or first support element 710 . The second support rib or element 712 bridges the junction between the foam midsole component 702 and the protective component 704 in the example structure 700 and peaks in the midfoot or arch region of the sole structure 700 more. The second support rib or element 712 may have an overall longitudinal dimension from end to end that is longer than the longitudinal dimension of the first support rib or element 710 . The third support rib or element 714 is disposed slightly forward and upward from the second support rib or element 712 . At least a majority (and potentially all) of this third support rib or third support element 714 is formed in the foam midsole component 702 . The third support rib or third support element 714 vertically overlaps the first support rib or first support element 710 and is positioned vertically downward from the fifth metatarsal head support area of the sole structure 700 and close to the bottom of the sole structure 700 Fifth metatarsal head support area. The third support rib or element 714 may have a shorter longitudinal dimension (end to end) than the first support rib or element 710 . The fourth support rib or element 716 is disposed slightly rearward and upward from the third support rib or element 714 . This fourth support rib or fourth support element 716 also bridges the junction between the foam midsole component 702 and the protective component 704 and most of it is located in the midsole component 702 and at the edge of the second support rib or second support element 712 Front section. The fifth support rib or element 718 is disposed slightly forward and upward from the fourth support rib or element 716 . At least a majority (and potentially all) of the fifth support rib or element 718 is formed in the foam midsole component 702 . A fifth support rib or element 718 vertically overlaps the first support rib or element 710 and the third support rib or element 714 and is positioned proximate to the fifth metatarsal head of the sole structure 700 support area. The fifth support rib or element 718 may have a shorter longitudinal dimension than the first support rib or element 710 and/or the third support rib or element 714 .

Thus, a first support rib or element 710, a second support rib or element 712, a third support rib or element 714, a fourth support rib or element 716 and a fifth support rib Or the fifth support element 718 creates a discontinuity of the billows structure between the rear heel guard 704 and the billows structure in the forward foam midsole member 702 . These support ribs or support elements 710, 712, 714, 716, and/or 718 are the midfoot and/or forefoot regions of the lateral side of the sole structure 700 (e.g., near the fifth metatarsal head of the wearer's foot). area) to provide additional support. This provides additional support to the wearer during training activities, such as when pushing off the outside of the foot, for example, when making sharp turns or sharp turns.

While other specific configurations are possible, in this illustrated example the support ribs or elements 710 , 712 , 714 , 716 , 718 are shaped as raised pyramids extending outwardly from the side surfaces of the sole structure 700 . structure. The support ribs or elements 710, 712, 714, 716, 718 may be oriented somewhat like the interwoven undulations shown in various other figures described above. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , support ribs or support elements 712 and 716 originate in the void regions between support ribs or support elements 710 , 714 and 718 . The support ribs or support elements 710, 712, 714, 716, 718 may also originate in the interstitial regions between the billows at the front and/or rear of the support ribs or support elements. Notably, the outwardly extending peaks of the support ribs or elements 712, 716, and 718 are generally aligned in a top-to-front to bottom-to-back direction. Also, the outwardly extending peaks of the support ribs or elements 710, 714, and 718 are generally aligned in a vertical direction from top to bottom.

The support ribs or support elements of FIG. 7 constitute only examples of structures for providing lateral and/or medial support (and/or for varying or controlling the support characteristics of sole 700 ). Other support variations, including different numbers of ribs, different arrangements of ribs, different shapes of ribs, and/or different relative orientations of ribs to each other, may be used without departing from this invention. Also, simple gaps can be provided between the structures of adjacent waves if desired, for example, to vary the support or feel at the gaps. "Gap" may include actual spacing in the foam or smooth foam between the billows.

One exemplary configuration of sole structures 500, 600, and 700 of FIGS. 5-7 is described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 8A-8F . 8A shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary sole structure 800 including a rear protective member 804 and a foam sole extending in front of and away from the free end of the protective member 804 Sandwich component 802 . FIG. 8A shows the protective component 804 and the foam component 802 mated together but prior to being secured to each other, eg, using an adhesive or glue. Figure 8B shows a bottom view of the two parts separated from each other, and Figure 8C shows a top view of the two parts separated from each other. As can be seen from these figures, protective member 804 acts as a cage or carrier that contains the rear portion of foam midsole member 802 . The foam midsole component 802 has an upper support surface 802a for supporting all or substantially all of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot (although the protective component 804 may also provide for direct support of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot if desired). surface of at least some portion of the surface). Except for a free front end extending beyond protective member 804 , foam midsole member 802 is exposed through a heel opening 806 defined in a bottom surface of protective member 804 . Providing this bottom opening 806 may both reduce weight and allow a person to control and vary the flexibility characteristics of the overall sole structure 800 .

In this exemplary structure 800, the foam midsole component 802 may be made of any desired foam material (or combination of foam materials), including those of the type described above in connection with components 102, 202, 302, without departing from the invention. Lightweight foam material. Optionally, foam midsole component 802 may include embedded or included therein one or more fluid-filled bladders, mechanical shock absorbing structures, and/or other structures for providing impact force attenuation, if desired. In this illustrated example, however, foam midsole component 802 is constructed from a single, solid piece of foam material, preferably one of the lightweight and/or less dense foam materials described above.

The protective component 804 of the illustrated example sole structure 800 may also be constructed of polymer foam materials, including conventional polymer foam materials as known and used in the footwear art as midsole materials. As some more specific examples, protective member 804 may be made of polyurethane foam, ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") foam, phylon, or other known midsole foams or materials. In some exemplary constructions according to this invention, the polymeric foam material used for protective member 804 will be a heavier, denser, and/or more durable foam material than the foam material used for foam midsole member 802 (eg, more wear-resistant, more wear-resistant, etc.).

As further shown in FIGS. 8A-8C , the polymeric foam material of protective member 804 may include billows formed around at least one or more portions of its peripheral edge. More specifically, FIGS. 8A-8C show that the protective member 804 can constitute an outer shell including a billows structure (like the billows structure in FIGS. and the rear heel wall 804c of the lateral side wall 804a and the bottom wall 804d connecting the medial side wall 804b, the lateral side wall 804a and the rear heel wall 804c. In at least some examples of this invention, the billows of polymer foam material of protective member 804 will extend continuously around the exterior surfaces of at least a portion of lateral side wall 804a, rear heel wall 804c, and at least a portion of medial side wall 804b. The billows structure of the polymer foam material of protective component 804 may also include interweaving billows; support ribs or elements; vertical ribs; gaps; and/or any of the other billows structures, features, and/or options described above.

FIGS. 8A-8C also show that at least the heel portion of the foam midsole member 802 is received in the space defined between the lateral side wall 804a, the medial side wall 804b, the rear heel wall 804c, and the bottom wall 804d of the protective member 804. . In this example structure 800, the forefoot end of the foam midsole component 802 extends beyond the forward end of the lateral sidewall 804a and the forward end of the medial sidewall 804b. This forefoot end of foam midsole component 802 may be at least partially exposed in finished sole structure 800 .

As described above with respect to at least FIG. 7 , both the outer side edge surface of protective member 804 and the outer side edge surface of foam midsole member 802 may include a billows structure. For example, the billows structure of protective component 804 may extend (continuously or discontinuously (eg, due to interweaving billows, other supports, and/or other features)) around the lateral side of the sole structure to the rear heel to the medial face. Additionally or alternatively, foam midsole component 802 may include a billows structure extending around a forward toe region of sole structure 800 . In this specifically illustrated example, the billows structure of foam midsole component 802 includes three outer ridges of billows connected by two billows void regions.

The billows structure of foam midsole member 802 may or may not extend continuous with the billows structure of protective member 804 when both members 802 and 804 have a billows structure. These billows structures can be interrupted, for example, by support ribs or other elements, by void billows, by gaps in the sole structure, by smooth foam materials, by external plastic supports or composite supports, by transition zones or the like, while without departing from the invention. Such "breaks" of the billows structure can be placed at any desired location, such as at the lateral forefoot region of the sole structure and at the medial forefoot region of the sole structure (e.g., to provide support for more natural movement flexures). curved position), at the lateral forefoot region of the sole structure (e.g., to provide increased support for sharp turns or cornering maneuvers), and/or at other desired locations (e.g., to provide desired support and and/or flexibility, including natural motion flexibility characteristics).

The bottom surface of either or both of foam midsole component 802 and/or protective component 804 may be provided with additional components. For example, for at least some portions of sole structure 800 that will contact the ground in use, an anti-abrasion or wear-resistant material may be applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of these components in order to improve the wear resistance and durability characteristics thereof. FIG. 8D shows an exemplary outsole member 820 that may be applied to the bottom surface of protective member 804, optionally in a receptacle formed (eg, molded or cut) in the heel region of protective member 804. 822 in. FIG. 8E shows an exemplary outsole member 824 that may be applied to the bottom surface of foam midsole member 802, optionally after being shaped (e.g., molded or cut) to the forefoot portion of foam midsole member 802. Zone (area 826) in a housing or other area. Figure 8F shows these parts and how they fit together. These outsole members 820 and 824 may be made of any desired outsole material (or combination of outsole materials) including rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, and the like without departing from this invention. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the outsole members 820, 824 may constitute a cleat structure or a receptacle for receiving a removable cleat structure.

FIG. 9 provides an exploded view of another exemplary sole structure 900 according to some examples of this invention. In this sole structure 900, a lightweight foam midsole component 902 (eg, of the type described above) includes a support surface 902a for supporting all or substantially all of the plantar surface of a wearer's foot. A foam protection member 904 (optionally comprising any desired type of billows structure) extends around at least the sides of the midsole member 902 and acts as a cage or carrier for the portion of the foam midsole member 902 it contains (in which In examples, from the lateral midfoot or forefoot region, around the rear heel region, to the medial midfoot or forefoot region). A plurality of outsole protection members 906a, 906b, 906c, and 906d are provided to protect the bottom of the foam midsole member 902 (and/or the bottom of the protection member 904, which should be exposed at the outer bottom surface of the sole structure 900). various regions. In this illustrated example, outsole member 906a protects one heel side of foam midsole member 902 (and/or protective member 904), and outsole member 906b protects foam midsole member 902 (and/or protective member 904). 904), and outsole member 906c protects the other heel side of foam midsole member 902 (and/or protective member 904). A relatively large outsole protection member 906d at the forefoot region covers most, if not all, of the forefoot region of the bottom of foam midsole member 902 (and/or protection member 904). These various components may be joined to one another in any desired manner, for example, by glue or adhesives, by mechanical connectors, or any other means as known and used in the art. These components may be made of, for example, any of the materials described above for the corresponding parts. Moreover, any of the individual components shown or described above in FIG. 9 may be made from one or more individual parts without departing from the invention.

While FIGS. 5-9 illustrate a lightweight midsole component in which the lightweight midsole component is at least partially covered (and extends out to be exposed at the forefoot region of the sole structure) by a protective component in the heel region and/or midfoot region. sole structure, but other configurations are possible without departing from the invention. For example, if desired, the exposed portions of the lightweight midsole component and protective component could be substantially "flip-flop" ended in the configuration of FIGS. and/or a protective component covering in the midfoot region (and extending out to be exposed at the heel region of the sole structure). Modifications in the size, shape and/or connection area between the lightweight midsole component and the protective component may also vary widely without departing from the invention.

10A and 10B illustrate additional features that may be included in sole structures according to at least some examples of this invention. FIG. 10A shows a bottom surface 1002a of a lightweight midsole component 1002 similar to those described in detail above. Bottom surface 1002a of the example lightweight midsole component 1002 includes a plurality of protruding or “bulged” regions at various locations on midsole component 1002 . A raised area 1004a is provided in the rear heel region of midsole member 1002 and provides additional impact attenuation and/or a comfortable soft feel (eg, for when the wearer lands with strides or jumps). Additional raised areas are provided in the forefoot region of sole structure 1000 . More specifically, for example, bulged region 1004b is disposed on the lateral side of midsole component 1002 below the fifth metatarsal head region. The third bulge 1004c is positioned slightly forward and medially centered relative to the center of the bulge 1004b (e.g., on the lateral side below the first metatarsal head support area of the sole (i.e., in the metatarsal head area of the big toe) below)). The fourth bulged area 1004d is located forward of the third bulged area 1004c (eg, at the lateral side below the big toe and/or adjacent toes).

The raised areas 1004a-1004b in this exemplary structure 1002 are arranged to provide additional impact under the wearer's foot during certain activities such as running (or walking), stepping or jumping landings, jumping, etc. Soft feel with reduced force and/or comfort. During a typical step cycle, the runner lands with a step towards the outside heel side of the foot. A raised area 1004a is provided in the rear heel region of the midsole component 1002 to provide additional impact attenuation and/or a comfortable soft feel at the moment of heel strike. As the stride continues, the foot rolls forward and the lateral edge of the sole touches the ground. A raised area 1004b is provided at the lateral side region of the midsole component 1002 (under the little toe) to provide additional impact attenuation and/or a comfortable soft feel at this point in the gait cycle. As the foot continues to roll forward, it also begins to roll inward toward the medial side, and eventually the runner uses the first metatarsal head and/or the big toe (and possibly the adjacent toe) to push off the ground. Bulges 1004c and 1004d are provided at the medial forefoot side area of the midsole member 1002 (under the ball of the foot and/or the big toe area) to provide additional impact attenuation and / or comfortable soft feel.

10B shows an illustration of a bottom surface 1000a of a sole structure 1000 having included therein a midsole component 1002 of the type described above with respect to FIG. 10A. As shown in this figure, the bottom of sole structure 1000 includes traction traction beneath bulges 1004a-1004d (eg, shaped as part of a thin mesh-type protective member as will be described in more detail below). Force elements and/or other features. The raised nature of sole structure 1000 at various locations and the foam material above those locations help provide good impact force attenuation at raised areas 1004a-1004d. Additionally or alternatively, if the foam material of midsole component 1002 is sufficiently responsive, at least some of these bulges 1004a-1004d may provide return energy to the foot (e.g., when the impact force is reduced (when As the foot is lifted for the next step), a foot lifting force is applied to the wearer's plantar surface) and the foam midsole component 1002 returns to its original shape).

Although four distinct bulging regions are described and spaced apart in the manner described above with respect to FIG. 10A , this is not a requirement. Rather, any desired pattern of raised areas, including more or fewer raised areas, may be provided in the midsole component without departing from this invention. Sole structures according to examples of this invention may include any number of raised areas, including no raised areas; one, two, or more raised areas (arranged in any desired manner). Optionally, depending on the intended use of the shoe, the raised areas may be arranged to provide impact attenuation, a soft feel, and/or energy return at any desired location. These types of bulges are visible at the bottom of the sole structures shown in FIGS. 2B-2F , 3A , 3B and 7 and may be included in any desired sole structure.

11A-11C illustrate another example basketball shoe 1150 that includes a sole structure 1100 according to at least some examples of this invention. 11A is a lateral side view of shoe 1150 , FIG. 11B is a medial side view of shoe 1150 , and FIG. 11C is a rear heel view of shoe 1150 . The shoe 1150 includes an upper 1152 having a multilayer, fused-bonded upper construction, although other constructions may be used without departing from this invention. Upper 1152 is engaged with sole structure 1100 including features in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. Upper 1152 may be engaged with sole structure 1100 in any desired manner, including in conventional manners as known and used in the art, without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, for example, upper 1152 and sole structure 1100 may be joined to each other by glue or adhesives, by mechanical connectors, by stitching or sewing, or the like.

The sole structure 1100 of the illustrated example includes three main component parts. For example, the first portion constitutes the various types of lightweight (and low density) midsole components 1102 described above. The foam midsole component 1102 may extend to support all or substantially all of the plantar surface of the wearer's foot. Portions of midsole component 1102 are exposed at the outer surface of footwear structure 1150 at various locations in this illustrated example, including: (a) along the lateral side edge, at least at the midfoot region (see FIG. 11A ). ); (b) at the front toe region (optionally at least at the lateral side; see FIG. 11A ); (c) along all or substantially all of the medial side edge (see FIG. 11B ); and (d) On the medial side at a portion of the upper rear heel area (see FIG. 11C ). As generally described above with respect to other lightweight foam midsole structures, the foam midsole component 1102 provides a soft and comfortable feel to the wearer's foot.

A second portion of the example sole structure 1100 is a protective member 1104 that at least partially includes a foam midsole member 1102 . The protective component 1104 of this illustrated example constitutes a polymeric foam-type protective component that may have a denser or heavier foam construction than the foam material of the lightweight foam midsole component 1102 . In this illustrated example, a portion of protective member 1104 extends from the midfoot region and/or the heel region on the lateral side of sole structure 1100 , around the rear heel region of sole structure 1100 , and at the heel region on the medial side of sole structure 1100 . Extends above to the heel region of the medial side of sole structure 1100 . As best shown in FIG. 11C , foam midsole member 1102 extends outwardly from the rear face of protective member 1104 and is exposed at the outer surface of shoe 1150 at the rear heel region of sole structure 1100 . Another portion of protective component 1104 is disposed at the forefoot region of the lateral side of shoe 1150, as shown in FIG. 11A. The lateral forefoot portion of protective member 1104 may be integrally formed with protective member portion 1104 at the rear heel region as a unitary, one-piece construction, or it may be a separate part. Another portion of the protective component 1104 of this example is disposed at the very forward toe area of the sole structure 1100, extending from the medial side around the forward toe area to the lateral side. This forward toe lateral forefoot portion of protective member 1104 may be integrally formed (as a unitary one-piece construction) with one or more of the other protective member portions 1104 described above, or it may be a separate part.

A third portion of the exemplary sole structure 1100 is an outsole element 1106 that engages one or more of the underside of the midsole foam component 1102 and/or the polymer foam protective component 1104, which may also serve as a protective component. . Outsole element 1106 of example sole structure 1100 covers a substantial portion of the bottom surface of shoe 1150 . It may include traction elements such as grooves, ridges, knuckles, chevrons, and/or other traction enhancing features. One or more outsole nodules such as nodules 1108 may cover and directly contact raised areas of the bottom surface of foam midsole component 1102 (like the raised areas described above in connection with FIG. Soft touch zone. As also shown in FIG. 11B , the example outsole member 1106 includes an opening defined therethrough at which a bottom surface of the midsole member 1102 is exposed.

Outsole element 1106 may be made of a thin, highly flexible material that may have a base surface thickness of less than 3 mm (i.e., at locations that do not pass through knuckles, raised ribs, traction elements, or the like). The thickness of its substrate sheet or web surface at the surface), and in some examples less than 2mm, less than 1.5mm or in some examples even less than 1mm substrate thickness. The thin, flexible outsole element 1106 may be formed from a synthetic rubber having hardness and other properties similar to those of synthetic rubber compounds conventionally used for footwear outsoles. This thin outsole mesh structure allows outsole element 1106 to flex significantly between adjacent lugs 1108 and/or other structural components. In some sole constructions, portions of outsole element 1106 may be formed from a harder and more durable rubber compound than other portions of outsole element 1106 . For example, a higher durability rubber could be used in the bolster located in the heel area and/or on the bottom of the lug in some other high pressure area that typically wears faster.

As shown in FIG. 11A , protective component 1104 of this example sole structure 1100 has a billows structure (with three outer billows ridges) that appears similar in at least some respects to the billows structure described above in connection with FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 11A , the central billows of the protective element 1104 extending around the heel region terminate between the billows ridges of the dual billows structure disposed in the foam midsole component 1102 at the lateral midfoot region (at termination point 1110 . ). A portion of another forward billows structure for lateral forefoot protection member 1104 originates at point 1112 in the void region between two billows ridges of foam midsole member 1102 . The billows structure of the foam midsole component 1102 originates from the void area between the billows of the protective element 1104 at the front and rear of the billows structure of the foam midsole member 1102 (see point 1114).

As shown in FIG. 11C , the three billows at the lateral side of protective member 1104 are reduced to two billows at the bottom medial heel side of protective member 1104 . When foam midsole component 1102 emerges from below protective component 1104 at the rear heel region, foam midsole component 1102 forms a double billows structure that overlies the double billows structure of protective component 1104 at the medial side of sole structure 1100 . Thus, in this example sole structure 1100, the undulations extending around the heel change from three undulations on one side to four undulations on the other. On the medial side of sole structure 1100 , the billows structure of protective member 1104 terminates at a low, medial heel region of sole structure 1100 as shown in FIG. 11B . The billows of foam midsole component 1102 extends further forward, and the top outer ridge of the billows extends forward in a slightly undulating or curved manner. Separate and shallow billows structures continue along the side edges of protective member 1104 and/or exposed foam midsole member 1102 around the fore toe area, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B .

While several of the exemplary sole structures described above include: (a) a foam midsole component, for example, made of a lightweight foam material, and (b) optionally made of a heavier and denser polymer foam material Another foamed polymer material is made as the protective element, but it is not essential for the sole structure according to the invention to have two different polymer foams. Rather, as described above with respect to, for example, FIGS. There is no need for another polymer foam protective component in the sole structure. 12A-12C illustrate another exemplary sole structure 1200 in which a lightweight and less dense foam midsole member 1202 (eg, of the type described above) utilizes an outsole member 1206 on at least part of its bottom surface. without including another polymer foam protective material at any other location in sole structure 1200 .

12A shows a lateral side view of the exemplary sole structure 1200 and article of footwear 1250 according to an example of this invention, FIG. 12B shows a medial side view, and FIG. 12C shows a bottom view. The exemplary article of footwear 1250 is a running shoe and includes an upper 1252 constructed, for example, from any of the various materials described above. As some more specific examples, upper 1252 may be at least partially made of a textile material, such as a mesh material, a knitted material, or the like. Upper 1252 may be joined to sole structure 1200 in any conventional manner (eg, using an adhesive or glue).

Although not required to have any undulations, the side surfaces 1202a of the lightweight midsole component 1202 of the exemplary structure 1200 do include various undulations, although the overall undulations of the sole 1200 differ in some respects from those described above. other wave structures. As shown in FIG. 12A , the heel region of the example midsole component 1202 includes a three-layer billows structure 1210 extending from the rear heel region of the shoe 1250 to the lateral side. A double-layered billows structure 1212 is provided at the midsole region of the midsole member 1202, and the double-layered billows structure 1212 communicates with the rear shoe through a segment 1214 of smooth polymer foam material (part of the lightweight midsole member 1202). Separated from the three-layer billows structure 1210 to provide clearance in the billows structure on the lateral side of the shoe 1200 . Midfoot series of double-layer billows 1212 terminates at the midfoot/forefoot region of sole structure 1200 . Another smooth segment 1216 of polymer material (part of the lightweight midsole component 1202) in the midshoe double-layered billows series 1212 and a single billows 1218 (or raised ribs) extending around the toe region of the shoe 1250 structures) create gaps between them.

The single forefoot raised rib 1218 of this exemplary structure extends from the lateral side of the shoe 1250 around the front toe region to the medial side, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B . As shown therein, a single billow 1218 terminates at the medial forefoot region. After another short gap 1220 without the billows in which the smooth polymer foam segment 1220 of the midsole component 1202 is disposed, a series of double billows 1222 begins and extends rearwardly through the forefoot region. The lower billows of the double billows series 1222 terminate in the midfoot region where another smooth segment 1224 of the midsole material 1202 is disposed. However, the top billows of double billows series 1222 extend continuously along the upper edge of midsole member 1202 at the junction between midsole member 1202 and upper 1252 . Following smooth segment 1224 , heel billows region 1210 begins on the medial side of sole structure 1200 . Notably, the upper billows of the forefoot series of billows 1222 form the upper billows of the rear heel series of billows 1210 .

Segments of smooth polymer foam of midsole component 1202 (eg, segments 1214, 1216, 1220, and 1224) provide areas that are slightly vertically stiffened compared to areas supported by the various billow structures. In this example structure 1200 , notably, a smooth clearance segment 1214 is provided in the lateral heel region of sole structure 1200 . This segment 1214 provides additional support for the runner's foot when a stride is landed during the running stride cycle. Smooth clearance segment 1216 , also on the lateral side of sole structure 1200 , is positioned at or near the fifth metatarsal head of sole structure 1200 . In this position, the slightly rigidized smooth segment 1216 provides additional support beneath the fifth metatarsal head area as the foot rolls forward for the duration of the gait cycle. Smooth clearance segment 1220 is located at the medial forefoot or toe region of sole structure 1200 and provides additional support for the wearer's big toe region, for example, during the push-off phase of the gait cycle. Smooth clearance segment 1224 is disposed in the arch region of shoe 1250 and provides additional arch support to the wearer.

The heel billows structure 1210 of the example sole structure 1200 is interrupted in the medial heel side region by a series of angularly oriented support ribs 1230 . In this illustrated example, the support ribs 1230 are angled in a top rear to bottom front direction. However, ribs 1230 may be oriented at any desired angle without departing from this invention, including at a vertical angle (90° from horizontal) when sole 1200 rests on a horizontal surface. As a further example, ribs 1230 may be oriented at an angle in the range of 25° to 90° relative to horizontal (when sole 1200 rests on a horizontal surface). When the ribs 1230 are angled rather than vertical, the ribs 1230 may be angled in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 12B (ie, in the rear bottom to front top direction). Not all ribs in a series where there is more than one rib need run at the same angle as another rib (although all ribs may be parallel if desired).

For example, these ribs 1230 provide additional support to the medial side of the foot during the gait cycle to prevent excessive pronation during the gait cycle. In this illustrated example sole structure 1200, the ribs of region 1230 extend from the top billows element to the bottom billows element of rear heel billows series 1210, although other arrangements are possible. In this way, the rib 1230 extends integrally from the top billows ridge and the bottom billows ridge, and the rib 1230 interrupts the central billows of the three-layer billows series 1210 . Also, while three support rib elements 1230 are shown in FIG. 12B, one, two, or more rib elements 1230 of this type may be provided as medial heel supports of this type without departing from this invention.

Also, the series of ribs 1230 on the individual shoe 1250 may have any desired shape, including triangular cross-sectional shapes, rounded cross-sectional shapes, flat or rectangular cross-sectional shapes, and the like without departing from the invention. When more than one rib is present in a series on sole structure 1200, the individual ribs 1230 of the series need not all have the same shape and/or even the same general shape. Rather, even within a single shoe 1250, the shape of rib elements 1230 may vary widely without departing from this invention.

Turning now to FIG. 12C , the outsole structure 1206 (or protective element) of the exemplary article of footwear 1250 will be described in more detail. Outsole element 1206 may be joined to the bottom side of midsole foam member 1202, for example, using glue or adhesives. Outsole element 1206 of example sole structure 1200 covers a substantial portion of the bottom surface of shoe 1250 . While it may comprise any desired type of traction elements and/or traction element configurations, in this illustrated example the traction elements consist primarily of traction elements spaced in a generally matrix pattern around the bottom of sole structure 1200. Raised nodules (or bumps) 1240 . If desired, one or more outsole nodules 1240 may cover and directly contact raised areas of the bottom surface of foam midsole member 1202 (like the raised areas described above in connection with FIG. 10A ) to provide sole structure 1200 Soft touch zone.

The outsole element 1206 is made of a thin, highly flexible material that may have a base surface thickness (i.e., the thickness of its base sheet or mesh surface at locations 1242 between knuckles 1240) of less than 3 mm. thickness), and in some examples less than 2 mm, less than 1.5 mm, or even less than 1 mm the thickness of the surface of the substrate sheet or web. While FIG. 12C illustrates nodules 1240 as being generally square or rectangular and generally arranged in rows or columns (such as a matrix), any desired nodule shape and/or nodule arrangement and/or spacing may be provided on the sole structure. , without departing from the invention. The outsole element 1206 of the exemplary sole structure 1202 may also have a similar thin sole component as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/693,596, filed December 4, 2012 and entitled "Article of Footwear." structure, feature or characteristic, said application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The thin, flexible outsole element 1206 may be formed as a sheet material, for example, from a synthetic rubber having a hardness and other properties similar to those of synthetic rubber compounds conventionally used for footwear outsoles. nature. This thin outsole mesh structure allows outsole element 1206 to be very lightweight and flex significantly between adjacent knuckles 1242 . In some sole constructions, portions of outsole element 1206 may be formed from a harder and more durable rubber compound than other portions of outsole element 1206, or outsole member mesh region 1242 may be manufactured to Slightly thicker than other areas. For example, along the outside edge of the outsole 1206, on the bottom of the raised portion in some other high pressure area that typically wears faster, in the bolster area 1244 in the heel area, etc., higher Durability or thicker rubber. FIG. 12C also shows that the example thin mesh-type outsole structure 1206 is perforated at certain locations (eg, in this example, in the forefoot and midfoot regions). Also, as further illustrated, the size of the nodules (eg, height, cross-sectional size, cross-sectional shape, etc.) may vary with different regions of the outsole structure 1206 .

The thin mesh outsole member 1206 is joined with the polymer foam member to cover at least 60%, and in some examples, at least 80%, at least 90%, of the surface area of the bottom surface of the midsole component 1202. Or even at least 95%. At least the majority of the web base surface (the majority of the surface area between the traction elements) will have a thickness of less than 2 mm thick, and in some examples less than 1.5 mm thick or even less than 1 mm thick. If desired, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of the web base surface (surface area between traction elements) will have the thickness characteristics noted above.

III. Conclusion

The invention has been disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. Features of one exemplary structure may be provided, used and/or interchanged in some of the other structures, even if no specific combination of structures and/or features is described. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made to the above-described structures without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. An article of footwear comprising: uppers; and a sole structure engaged with the upper, wherein the sole structure includes a first polymeric foam member configured to support at least a heel region and a midfoot region of a wearer's foot, wherein the first polymeric foam member The exposed outer edge of the polymeric foam member includes a billows structure extending from a midfoot or forefoot region on the medial side of the first polymeric foam member to a shoe near the lateral side of the first polymeric foam member. The mid or forefoot region extends continuously, and wherein the billows structure includes five billows outer ridges formed from adjacent billows outer ridges of the five billows outer ridges The four wave gaps between them are connected, wherein the five billows ridges extend angularly upward from the front ends of the five billows ridges to the rear ends of the five billows ridges, and Wherein the sole structure further includes a second polymeric foam member, and wherein an exposed outer edge of the second polymeric foam member includes a billows structure extending around a forward toe region of the sole structure. 2. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein, at the rear heel region of the first polymer foam member when the sole structure is oriented on a horizontal surface, the highest billows outer ridge is aligned with The lowest billow ridges are vertically separated by a vertical distance of at least 1.5 inches. 3. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the central billows outer ridge faces rearwardly at the rear heel region of the first polymer foam member when the sole structure is oriented on a horizontal surface Extend the maximum distance. 4. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole structure supports the entire plantar surface of a wearer's foot. 5. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the first polymer foam member constitutes a shell that includes the billows structure, wherein the shell includes: outer wall, inner wall, a rear heel wall connecting the medial side wall and the lateral side wall, and a bottom wall connecting said medial side wall, said lateral side wall and said rear heel wall, Wherein, the billows structure extends continuously around the outer surfaces of the outer side wall, the rear heel wall and the inner side wall. 6. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the second polymeric foam member has a structure received within the lateral sidewall, the medial sidewall, the rear sidewall, and the rear sidewall defined by the first polymeric foam member. a heel portion in the space between the heel wall and the bottom wall, and wherein the forefoot end of the second polymer foam member extends beyond the forward end of the lateral side wall and the medial side wall front end. 7. The article of footwear according to claim 6, wherein the billows structure of the second polymer foam member includes three billows outer ridges formed by Two billows void regions between adjacent ones of the three billows outer ridges of the foam member are connected. 8. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the billows structure of the second polymer foam member is not continuous with the billows structure of the first polymer foam member. 9. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the billows structures of the second polymer foam member are at a lateral forefoot region of the sole structure and at a medial forefoot region of the sole structure The billows structure of the first polymeric foam member is separated at a portion. 10. The article of footwear according to claim 6, wherein a bottom surface of the second polymer foam member is exposed at least at a forefoot portion of the bottom surface of the sole structure. 11. The article of footwear according to claim 10, wherein the sole structure further includes a first outsole member engaged with a bottom surface of the second polymer foam member. 12. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the sole structure further includes a second outsole member engaged with a bottom surface of the first polymer foam member. 13. The article of footwear according to claim 6, wherein the bottom wall of the shell of the first polymer foam member has an opening defined therethrough, and wherein the second The bottom surface of the polymer foam member is exposed through the opening. 14. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole structure further includes an outsole member engaged with a bottom surface of the first polymer foam member. 15. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the billows structure of the first polymeric foam member comprises: a first billows outer ridge, a second billows outer ridge, a third billows outer ridge, a fourth billows outer ridge an outer ridge, a fifth bills outer ridge, a first interstitial region between said first bills outer ridge and said second bills outer ridge, between said second bills outer ridge and said third bills outer ridge and a third interstitial area between said fourth outer ridge of billows and said fifth outer billows ridge, Wherein said fourth corrugated outer ridge originates in said first void region and said fifth corrugated outer ridge originates in said second void region. 16. The article of footwear according to claim 15, wherein the sole structure further includes an outsole member engaged with a bottom surface of the first polymer foam member. 17. The article of footwear according to claim 15, wherein the first polymeric foam member comprises a foam material having a density of less than 0.25 g/ ^cm3 . 18. The article of footwear according to claim 15, wherein a window element extends through the first polymeric foam member at a location between the first billows outer ridge and the second billows outer ridge. 19. The article of footwear according to claim 15, wherein the exposed outer edge of the first polymeric foam member further comprises a sixth billows outer ridge, wherein the sixth billows outer ridge originates from the In the third void area.